John Divers
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John Henry Divers (1739 - 1800)

Lt. John Henry Divers aka Dives
Born in Harford, Province of Marylandmap
Husband of — married 10 Jun 1766 in St. John's Parish, Baltimore, Province of Marylandmap
Descendants descendants
Died at age 61 in Franklin County, Virginia, United Statesmap
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Profile last modified | Created 28 Aug 2011
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Contents

Biography

1776 Project
Lieutenant John Divers served with Bedford County Militia, Virginia Militia during the American Revolution.
SAR insignia
John Divers is an NSSAR Patriot Ancestor.
NSSAR Ancestor #: 148504
Rank: LT
Birth St. John's Parish" Register
"John Dives son of said Christopher and Sarah was born January the seventeenth seven Hundred and thirty seven." [1]
Note: The Registrar has misspelled their name, DIVERS
(this is an exact QUOTE from the ENTRY in the Register.)
Marriage St Johns Parish, Harford, Maryland
"Jno. Dives & Mary Greer marr'd June 10th 1766."[2] image attached for your convenience.
She was born in 1745 in Anne Arundel Co., Md. Several members of the Greer family migrated to Bedford/Franklin Co. at roughly the same time frame as John Divers.

Older compiled genealogies sometimes provide a middle name - Henry, for John Divers. Middle names were uncommon when John was born and not a single original record, located to date, uses that middle name. It has been removed until some evidence is provided. "His Middle name is Henry which is sourced from his grave marker." as well as his military records.

John and family left Maryland and settled in Bedford Co., Virginia. John was recommended as 2nd Lieutenant in the Bedford Co. militia in August 1780, the first record located to date in Bedford Co. By 1781 he was recommended as 1st Lieutenant in the county militia. In 1782, he furnished beef and forage to the county Commissary and he also spent 37 days driving cattle 'for public use'.

John was a farmer, and slave owner, living along Gills Creek by 1782. He acquired his land beginning with 150 and 252 acre surveys in 1782 and 1784 respectfully (surveyed when the land was in Bedford Co.). Both tracts were formally granted in 1787. He is shown on the Franklin County, Virginia Settlement Map, as “John Divers – 1782”, between the Booker T. Washington Monument and Crossroads, along Gills Creek. He apparently lived here until his death. This land would have been part of Bedford County until 1786.

John signed a petition on 8 June 1782 requesting formation of a new county (Franklin), as a landholder living south of the Staunton River (LVA Legislative Petitions, Accession # 36121, Box 23, Folder 31, Bedford Co. Petition #145).

John left a will and died in 1800. John Henry Divers BIRTH 17 Jan 1739 Harford County, Maryland, USA DEATH 22 Feb 1800 (aged 61) Rocky Mount, Franklin County, Virginia, USA BURIAL Divers Cemetery Burnt Chimney, Franklin County, Virginia, USA MEMORIAL ID 176511924 · View Source

My 3rd great-grandfather Lt. John Henry Divers parents Christopher Divers born 6 Jan 1708 in St. David, England & Sarah Arnell abt 1715, was an American Revolutionary Officer married Mary Rebecca Greer born 1746 in Baltimore, Co. MD in 10 Jun 1766 at St. John's Parish, Baltimore, MD. They had eight children.

Wife

Mary Rebecca Greer

My 3rd great-grandmother Birth 1746 in Franklin County, Virginia Death abt 1810 in , Franklin, Virginia, USA

Children

Children of John Divers and Mary Greer were: i. Christopher Divers II, born 1767 in Baltimore Co., MD; died Oct 1846 in Johnson Co., MO; married Lucy Smith.

ii. Aquilla Divers, born Abt. 1769 in Baltimore Co., MD; died 1858 in Franklin Co., VA; married Nancy Bradley 22 Apr 1794 in Franklin Co., VA; born Abt. 1774; died Aft. 1860.

iii. Sarah Divers, born Abt. 1776 in Baltimore Co., MD or Franklin/Bedford Co., VA; died Feb 1839 in Sumner Co., TN; married Joseph Meador 23 Apr 1794 in Franklin Co., VA; born Abt. 1772 in Bedford/Franklin Co., VA; died Bef. Oct 1832 in Franklin Co., VA.

iv. Elizabeth Divers, born 25 Mar 1777 in Baltimore Co., MD or Franklin Co., VA?; died 23 May 1852 in Franklin Co., VA; married Benjamin Booth 16 Dec 1795 in Franklin Co., VA.

v. Mary Divers, born 1780 in Bedford Co., VA; died Aft. 1854 in Franklin Co., VA; married James Meador 13 Sep 1797 in Franklin Co., VA.

vi. Eleanor/Ellender Divers, born Abt. 1781 in Bedford Co., VA; died Abt. 1839 in Smith Co., TN; married Anthony Epperson 17 Jan 1800 in Franklin Co., VA; born 1771 in Bedford Co. or present-day Franklin Co., VA?; died 04 Mar 1839 in Smith Co., TN.

vii. Francis Divers, born Abt. 1782 in Bedford Co., VA?; died 05 Aug 1839 in Franklin Co., VA; married Elizabeth Harris 18 Oct 1810 in Franklin Co., VA; born Abt. 1788 in Franklin Co., VA; died Abt. 1846 in Pettis Co., MO.

viii. Annanias Divers, born 1784 in Bedford Co., VA; died Abt. 1846 in Johnson Co., MO; married Mary Holland 24 Nov 1807; born 27 Jan 1793.

Special Note

The will of John Divers included provision for "William Robertson". William was the son of Sarah Robertson, who was unmarried at the time of William's birth c. 1784. He was apparently named for Sarah's father, William Robertson, who was close neighbor of the Divers'. William used the surname "Divers" for the rest of his life. Sarah married Elijah McGuire in 1791 and William Robertson Divers (Divers-144) is found in several later records with McGuire's. William's father is presumed to have been John, Christopher or Aquilla Divers. Sarah would have been about 17 when William was born, the same age as Christopher Divers. Aquilla would have been 15, John 45. Even if we may never know who William's father was, John's will is at least some evidence that responsibility was acknowledged.


Sources

  1. familysearch.org St. John's Parish Register page 114 image 385
  2. familysearch.org St Johns Parish, Harford, Maryland page 229 image 443
  • Bedford County, Virginia Court Order Book 6, p. 292, 28 August 1780, John Smith Capt., Richard Haile 1st Lieut., John Divas 2nd Lieut. & John Starkey Ensign Recd as proper persons for Militia Officers.
  • Bedford County, Virginia Court Order Book 6, p. 293, 28 August 1780, John Smith Capt., John Dives 2nd Lieut. & John Starkey Ensign Qufd [qualified] Accdg to Law.
  • Bedford County, Virginia Court Order Book 6, p. 319, 28 May 1781, William Terry recd to his Excellancy the Governor ___ Proper Persons for a Ma [militia] Capt. Henry Jeter, for a 1st Lieut. Jacobus Early, 1st Lieut. Saml Gilbert, 1st Lieut. Isaac Rentfro, William Henderson Ensign, John Divers 1st Lieut.
  • Bedford County, Virginia Surveyor’s Book #2, p. 349, 13 April 1782, Survey for John Divers 150 acres on north side of Gills Creek adj. Starkey, Talbot and Diver’s old line.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Settlement Map; “John Divers – 1782” is shown on the map between the Booker T. Washington Monument and Crossroads, along Gills Creek.
  • Bedford County, Virginia Court Order Book 6, p. 353, 27 May 1782, John Divers prd that he furnished ye sd Comr. [Commissary] 240 lbs Beef for which he is ald 16/8 & 6, 35 Diets of forage 34/4.
  • Library of Virginia, Legislative Petitions of the General Assembly, 1776-1865, Accession No. 36121, Box 23, Folder 31; Bedford County Petition #145; 8 June 1782, John Divers signed a petition asking for division of the county of Bedford, as a landowner living south of Staunton River.
  • Bedford County, Virginia Court Order Book 6, p. 365, August 1782, John Divers prd that he was employed by the sd. Comr. [Commissary]Twenty five days in driving Cattle for Public use. May 15, 1781. ___ in part of his services. John Divers prd that he was employed by the sd. Comr. [Commissary] Twelve days in driving Cattle for Public use alld 3/9 for himself and ____.
  • Bedford County, Virginia Surveyor’s Book #2, p. 478, 3 April 1784, Survey for John Divers 252 acres adj. Pickleheimer, his own corner.
  • Bedford County, Virginia Court Order Book 8, p. 100-101, 28 February 1785, Ordered that John Divers, Jesse Dillon, Daniel Stewart & John Stewart or any three be appointed to view a way from a Wagon Road above Peter Holland’s where John Divers Road lead off the nearest & best way to Dillon’s Mill on Blackwater & make report.
  • Bedford County, Virginia Court Order Book 8, p. 192, 22 August 1785, A Report of a Road from a Waggon Road above Peter Holland’s where John Divers’ Road leads off the Nearest & best way to Dillon’s Mill on Blackwater, found agreeable to the within Order we have viewed the way for the said Road & find it to be a very good way for Waggons to pass as well as convenient for the neighbours crossing Gills Creek above the Widow Greer’s. Established ____ to Rept. John Divers appointed Surveyor of the Road from Blackwater Road to Gills Creek & Thomas Parker Surveyor of the Road from Gills Creek to Blackwater River & all the Hands within two miles on each of sd Road to attend the said Surveyors to Open the same.
  • Franklin County, Virginia 1786 - 1986, A Bicentennial History, by John S. Salmon and Emily J. Salmon, 1993, p. 67, At the first Court of Franklin County 2 January 1786, John Divers was one of six road surveyors appointed by the Court; p. 183, 6 November 1788, John Divers, Peter Holland, John Smith and Daniel Ward were ordered by the Court to select the dower portion from the estate of Elisha Lyon.
  • Bedford County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1805, Binns Genealogy, 2009;

1782 - John Diver, 1 white male >21, 4 slaves, 5 horses, 19 cattle
1783 – April 10-20, John Devers, 1 white male >21, 4 slaves, 5 horses, 22 cattle
1784 - John Divers, 1 white male >21, 4 slaves, 7 horses, 23 cattle
1785 - John Divers, 1 white male >21, 6 slaves, 6 horses, 20 cattle

  • Bedford County, Virginia Surveyor’s Book 2, p. 478; 3 April 1784, Surveyed for John Divers 252 acres in Bedford Co. adj. Pickleheimer. Note: Includes plat. Land granted 1787, see below.
  • An Old Virginia Court (first Court of Franklin, 1786-1789), by Marshall Wingfield, p. 13-14; CO Book, no page given, At a Court for Franklin County the Nineth day of March [1786?] at the house of Col. James Calloway; Present: Robert Hairston, Thos. Arthur, Jno. Rentfro, Spencer Clack & Hugh Innes – Ordered that John Divers be Appt’d Surveyor of the Road from Gills Creek to the Waggon Road near Peter Holland Old Place with the usual hands.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 1, p. 160-161, 6 September 1786, Thomas Poteet to John Divers, 100 acres excepting a small part laid off to Alexander Ferguson, on waters of Gills Creek adj. low grounds, the old patent line. Wit: Thomas Parker, Aex. Ferguson Jr., Alex. Ferguson.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 1, p. 208-209; 4 January 1787, Benjamin Poteet to John Divers, 200 acres on waters of Gills Creek “the Pattern whereof was granted to Matthew Talbud (Talbot) 5 June 1782”, Adj. Hawkins, Poteet, excepting a certain part formerly laid off to Alexander Ferguson. Wit: Thomas Parker, Alex. Ferguson.
  • An Old Virginia Court (first Court of Franklin, 1786-1789), by Marshall Wingfield, p. 51-52; CO Book p. 96-97, At a Court held for Franklin Co. on Monday the 5th day of February 1787; Present: Peter Saunders, Tho. Arthur, Jonathan Richardson, Moses Greer & John Smith, Gent. – William Rentfro Qualif’d as a Capt of the Militia for this County. David Barton, Luke Standefer & John Divers Qual’d as Lieuts. Israel Standifer, Jno. Taylor & Peter Holland as Ensigns.
  • An Old Virginia Court (first Court of Franklin, 1786-1789), by Marshall Wingfield, p. 63; CO Book p. 120, April Court 1787, At a Court held for Franklin Co. on Monday the 2nd day of April 1787; Present: Hugh Innes, Peter Saunders, Spencer Clack, John Smith , George Turnbull, Gent. – Also Thomas Poteet to John Divers Prov’d and OR’d.
  • An Old Virginia Court (first Court of Franklin, 1786-1789), by Marshall Wingfield, p. 73-74; CO Book p. 138, June Court 1787, At a Court held for Franklin Co. on Monday the 4th day of June 1787; Present: Hugh Innes, Thos. Arthur, Jonathan Richeson [Richardson], Spence Clack, Hugh Martin, Moses Greer & Geo. Turnbull, Gent – A deed from Benja. Poteet to Jno. Divers Prov’d by 3 witnesses & OR’d.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1787 - June 3, John Divers, 1 while >21, 2 white <21, 4 slaves, 8 horses, 17 cattle
  • Library of Virginia, Land Office Grants No. 10, 1787, pp. 452-453 (Reel 76); 3 August 1787, John Divers, land grant for 150 acres on north side of Gills Creek adj. Greer, Hackey and Talbot.
  • Library of Virginia, Land Office Grants No. 12, 1787, pp. 343-344 (Reel 78), 3 August 1787, John Divers land grant for 252 acres in Bedford Co. surveyed in 1784, adj. Pickleheimer.
  • Library of Virginia, Land Office Grants No. 10, 1787, pp. 700-701 (Reel 76); 15 August 1787, Franklin County, John Hook granted 532 acres on a north branch of Gills Creek adjoining John Divers. Land was surveyed 13 September 1786. Land adjoined John Divers’ line, Hawkins’ line, Holland’s line, Thomas Hall, Altick’s line, Alexander Ferguson.
  • An Old Virginia Court (first Court of Franklin, 1786-1789), by Marshall Wingfield, p. 100; CO Book p. 186, Dec. 1787, At a Court held for Franklin Co. on Monday the 3rd day of December 1787; Present: Jonathan Richeson [Richardson], John Smith, John Dickenson, & Geo Turnbull, Gent. – On the motion of John Divers leave is granted him to build a water grist mill on Gills Creek he being the Proprietor of the land on both sides.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1788 – March 19, District of Moses Greer, 2 whites >16, 4 slaves, 8 Horses.
  • An Old Virginia Court (first Court of Franklin, 1786-1789), by Marshall Wingfield, p. 139; CO Book p. 259, At a Court held of Quarterly Sessions held for Franklin Co. on Monday the 4th day of August 1788; Present: Jonathan Richardson, John Smith, Moses Greer & Geo. Turnbull, Gent. – John Hook vs. Poteet (on attachment) Judgt. for £4.16 & order Condennation in the hands of John Divers & Costs.
  • An Old Virginia Court (first Court of Franklin, 1786-1789), by Marshall Wingfield, p. 158; CO Book p. 295, Court of Quarterly Sessions Wednesday 5th November 1788; Present: Robt. Hairston, Thos. Arthur, Jonathan Richardson, Moses Greer, John Rentfro, Jno. Dickerson & Hugh Martin, Esqrs. – Jonathan Richardson came into Court and administered the Estate of Elisha Lyon De’d who qualif’d accord’g to Law & with Skelton Taylor his Sec’y entered into Bond & ack. Same. John Divers, Dan’l Ward, John Smith, Gwin Dudley or any three of them are Appointed to appraise the said Estate and make returns thereof.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1789 – District of Moses Greer (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

April 13, John Divers, 3,3,1,6
April 13, Christopher Divers, 1,0,0,1

  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, 39-40, 1 June 1789, William Martin, Sr. of Franklin County sold to John Harris of Franklin Co. for 40 pounds, 150 acres more or less on both sides of Gills Creek, it being part of a larger tract marked and laid off by agreement of the said parties and joining the lines of John Wilks, John Divers, Joshua Starkey and Francis Wilks.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1790 – District of Moses Greer (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

April 8, Christopher Divers, 1,0,0,1
July 17, John Divers, 1,4,0,5
July 17, Aquilia Divers, 1,0,0,1

  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 240; 25 May 1791, Thomas Parker and Rhoda his wife and John Divers and Mary his wife of Franklin County to Robert Ellis…230 acres South Branch Gills Creek…adj. Talbot’s line, Pickleheimer, Aquilla Greer’s corner; along his line.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1791 – District of Moses Greer (white >16/black >16/black < 16/Horses)

July 17, Christopher Devers, 1,0,0,1
July 17, Aquila Devers, 1,0,0,1
July 17, John Devers, 1,4,0,5

  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1792 – District of Moses Greer (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

March 24, Christopher Divers, 1,0,0,1
May 21, Aquilla Divers, 1,0,0,1
May 21, John Divers, 1,3,0,5

  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1793 – District of Moses Greer (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

April 27, Christopher Divers, 1,0,0,1
May 2, John Divers, 1,3,0,5

  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 3, p. 103, November 4, 1793 – BOND for Sheriff, John Smith, Jonathan Richeson, Skelton Taylor, John Booth, John Divers, Jeremiah Shrewsberry and William Turnbull to Swinfield Hill, Thomas Hale, David Barton and Josiah Woods, Justices., £5000. John Smith appointed sheriff. Signed: John Smith, Jonathan Richeson, John Divers, John Booth, Jeremiah Shrewsberry, William Turnbull.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 3, page 208-209, 15 November 1794, James Greer (Oglethorpe Co., GA) to Flayl Pain for £150, 536 acres m/l in Franklin and Pittsylvania Co. on waters of Little Bull Run. PCG. Adj: John Gilmore’s line, Aquilla Greer and William Greer’s lines, Richard Besley’s line. Wit: John Smith, John Divers, James Greer. Recorded January 1795
  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1794 – District of Moses Greer (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

March 22, Aquila Divers, 1,0,0,1
March 22, Christopher Divers, 1,0,0,1
March 22, John Divers, 1,3,0,5

  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1795 – District of Moses Greer (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

March 11, Christopher Divers, 1,0,0,2
April 6, Aquilla Divers, 1,0,0,3
April 6, John Divers, 1,3,0,4

  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1796 – District of George Turnbull (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

September 16, Christopher Divers, 1,0,1,3
September 16, Acquila Divers, 1,0,0,4
August 29, John Divers, 1,3,0,5

  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1797 – District of George Turnbull (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

April 1, Christopher Divers, 1,1,0,4
April 3, John Divers, 1,3,0,6
April 3, Acquila Divers, 1,0,0,4

  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1798 – District of George Turnbull (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

May 19, Christopher Divers, 1,0,0,4
October 5, John Divers, 1,3,0,6
October 5, Acquila Divers, 1,0,0,2

  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 3, p. 627, November 28, 1798; William Greer son of Aquilla Greer (Oglethorpe Co., GA) to Samuel Arrington (Fr. Co.), £150 cmv. 330 acres m/l it being the land that Aquilla Greer, Jr. owned and left to his heirs at his decease. PCG. Adj. at the cross line formerly Henry Haynes but now John Divers; ….to the upper end of the original line; Talbot’s line; on Gills Creek; his old line. Signed: William (his mark) Greer. Wit: Alexander Ferguson, Charles Arrington, Caleb Kitchen.
  • Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1786-1803, Binns Genealogy, 2009; 1799 – District of William Turnbull (white >16/black >16/black <16/Horses)

April 12, Christopher Divers, 1,0,0,2
April 12, Aquilla Divers, 1,1,0,3

  • Franklin County, Virginia Deed Book 3, pp. 678-679; 16 Mar 1799, John Hook (Fr. Co.) to Henry Swinney (Fr. Co.) £72 current money of Virginia 109 acres more or less on the branches of Merrymans Run the same being part of John Hooks patent of 300 acres assignee of Thomas Hunt. CG. Adj: on a branch, Bradlys line, Bradshaws line; Hooks new line, in Divers line, Peter Booths line. Wit: William Smith, Bowker Preston, John Chambers, James Philips, Josiah Williams, John Meador, Samuel Helm, Caleb Heplingstall.
  • Franklin Co. Will Book 1, page 179; Will of John Divers, 22 February 1800, “I, John Divers of F, am weak and low in body, but of sound mind and perfect memory. I desire my burial be without pomp. I want my just debts paid. To my wife, during her natural life or widowhood – this house wherein I now dwell, with al the furniture, and the lands and tenements that lie about it, also the stock of horses, cattle and hogs, after giving the 2 small boys a horse apiece, and cattle to make them equal with the rest. I also give her 3 grown Negroes, Jubeter, Suck and Peg, during her widowhood, and Suck during her life, then to be equally divided among my 4 daughters. The stock and household furniture to be equally divided among all my children, boys and girls. The land, after her death, to fall to my son, Anninias, and the 1st Negro child which shall be born of Suck or Peg. To my son Christopher Divers – the parcel of land he now lives on, bounded by Ferguson’s Old Cross Line, the north side of Gills Creek below the old ford, thence to Hawkins, Hook. To my son Aquilla Divers – the land he now lives on, bounded by Hawkins, Dillion, Ferguson, Bernard’s cabin. To Aquilla Divers and Christopher Divers – a parcel of land on Big Branch and on both sides of Gills Creek bounded by Dillion, Arrington, Ellis, Ferguson, to be divided between them, in proportion to what either of them gains or loses in the division of the other tract. To my daughter Sally Meador – Negro girl Slyly. To my daughter Elizabeth Booth – Negro boy Ned. To my daughter Mary Meador – Negro girl Milley. To my son Francis Divers – one Negro girl, and the tract of land on the Round Hill, bounded by the turn of the Big Branch on Arrington’s cross line, thence to the mouth of the Hay Stack Branch. To my daughter Ellender Epperson – Negro girl Jenney, and 2 cows or calves, 1 feather bed and furniture, and 15.5 pounds of pewter. I desire that if William Robertson serve his time out for which he is bound, he shall then have a horse and saddle and a suit of clothes. Executors: my wife and my two sons, Christopher and Aquilla Divers. Wit. – Amos Ellison, John Forbes, Richard Booth. At a court for F on 7 July 1800, this will of John Divers deceased, was produced in court by Mary Divers, the executrix, and Aquilla Divers & Christopher Divers, the executors, proved by oath of the 3 witnesses, and OR. And at 1 December 1800 court, on the motion of the executrix and executors, together with Alexander Ferguson and Thomas Fowler, their securities, executed bond in the penalty of 2000 [pounds], certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate.”
  • Find A Grave: Memorial #176511924 Divers Cemetery, Burnt Chimney, Virginia-- created by Omer Divers on 19 Feb 2017

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Mike Petry for creating WikiTree profile Divers-16 through the import of Sarah's Family Tree_2013-08-31.ged on Aug 31, 2013. Click to the Changes page for the details of edits by Mike and


Note: To Investigate: John H. Divers and Mary Greer: Another good source is " Pioneers of Pettis and adjoining Missouri Counties" Volume 1. I got it from the West Central Missouri Genealogical Society and Library, Inc., Warrensburg, MO. It is a soft cover (118) pages and has a lot of information on Divers and Greer. I don't have the address.





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Information posted on Elizabeth Divers Booth, Find a grave page. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102821467/elizabeth-booth

Generation No. 2

2. Lt. John Divers, born 17 Jan 1739 in St. John's Parish, Baltimore/Harford Co., MD; died 1800 in Franklin Co., VA. He was the son of 4. Christopher Divers and 5. Sarah Arnell. He married 3. Mary Greer 10 Jun 1766 in St. John's Parish, Baltimore Co., MD. 3. Mary Greer, born Abt. 1745 in Baltimore/Harford Co., MD; died Abt. 1818 in Franklin Co., VA. She was the daughter of 6. Moses Greer and 7. Mary Bailey.

Notes for Lt. John Divers: The following is quoted from an article contributed by Marcella Divers Patterson of Bellevue, WA and her son Robert Patterson of Thousand Oaks, CA, for the book "Franklin County, Va.--Heritage 2000":

The John Divers Family

John Divers and wife Mary Greer came to what is now Franklin County in the 1770s. By his death in 1800 John had acquired 700 acres along Gills Creek. He was appointed a Virginia militia 2nd Lieutenant in 1780 and 1st Lt. in 1781. He furnished provisions and drove cattle in support of the Revolution. He was promoted to Captain in 1789, at which time he took the oath to support the Constitution.

The Divers family was part of a gradual Greer Family migration from Baltimore County, Maryland. Beginning in the 1750s Mary's uncles--John, Aquilla, Joseph, and Benjamin--purchased properties on the Staunton River, Blackwater River, Maggoty Creek, Gills Creek and at Grassy Hill near Rocky Mount.

Mary's parents--William and Ann (Fitch) Greer--and brothers--William, Jr., James, and Moses--migrated in the 1770s. Moses was later a Franklin County representative to the Virginia Legislature and served as presiding judge. Moses Jr. was a Justice of the Peace. Mary's uncle Moses, with son James, and aunt Ann (Greer) Starkey, with husband John, also arrived in the 1770s.

John, son of Christopher and Sarah (Arnell) Divers, was born in Saint John's Parish, Baltimore County, Maryland in 1739. His brother Ananias and half brother Francis stayed in Maryland.

Divers Children--Christopher (1767-1844) married Lucy Smith, daughter of John. They lived on Gills Creek until moving to Johnson County, Missouri, in 1836.

Aquilla (1769-1858) married Nancy Bradley, daughter of William. He remained in Franklin County on land along Gills Creek--nine acres of which is now part of the Booker T. Washington National Monument.

Sarah (1776-1858) married Joseph Meador, son of Joel. After Joseph died in 1832, Sarah and children moved to Sumner and Smith counties, Tennessee.

Elizabeth (1777-1852) married Benjamin Booth, son of John. Their son John was a county merchant.

Mary (1780-1870) married James Meador, son of Joel. Their sons--Joseph, John, Joel, and James--all farmed in Franklin County.

Ellender (1775-1830) married Anthony Epperson, son of Anthony and Susannah (Holland) Eppperson. They moved to Smith County, Tennessee, after marrying in 1809.

Ananias (1781-1846) married Mary Holland, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Gilbert) Holland. He stayed on the Divers home place on Gills Creek, which he inherited from his mother after 1810 and traded to brother Francis in 1814. He moved to Johnson County, Missouri, in 1838. His grandson, Peyton Dewitt Divers, later became the Franklin County Treasurer.

Francis (1782-1839) married Elizabeth Harris, daughter of John and Sarah (Martin) Harris. He inherited land on Round Hill along Big Branch which he traded to brother Ananias. Most of his children moved to Pettis or Johnson Counties, Missouri.

William Robertson Divers (1785-1885) married Mary Weaver. He served in the War of 1812 and lived many years on Gills Creek.

More About Lt. John Divers: Military: Aft. 1780, Revolutionary War--2nd Lieutenant and 1st Lieutenant in the Virginia Militia. Became Captain in 1789 after the war. Furnished provisions and drove cattle in support of the patriotic cause during the Revolution. Property: Bef. 1800, Acquired 700 acres along Gills Creek in Franklin Co., VA. Residence: Harford Co., MD; Franklin Co., VA

posted by Leslie (Oyler) Shapiro
edited by Leslie (Oyler) Shapiro
Divers-131 and Divers-11 appear to represent the same person because: Same dates, locations and family names.
posted by [Living Durham]