John Grayson (abt. 1728 - 1802)

Born about 1728 in Spotsylvania, Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Barbara (Unknown) Grayson — married 2 Oct 1750 in Culpeper County,Virginia

Descendants

Died Aug 1802 at about age 74 in Montgomery, Virginia, United States

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Biography

John was born about 1729. He was the son of Ambrose Grayson and Anonymous Sharpe. He passed away about 1802.

Culpeper, Virginia, British Colonial America Deed Book E, pages 474, 475 & 476 November 24, 1767 John Grayson and Barbara his wife, along with Robert Stewart and Mary his wife sell 262 Acres to John Gordon (Grayson's son-in-law) for 10 pounds

In 1775, there was a general exodus from Kentucky Co., VA due to Indian attacks. The remaining Kentuckians moved to Ft. Harrod and it is there that John Grayson was found in 1775 along with 55 others, occupying the cabibs which were built by the first explorers of Kentucky.

History records the misadventures of these Kentucky Indian battles which were preludes to the American Revolution. John Grayson took the Oath of Allegiance to the State of Virginia 10 November 1777 with Stephen Trigg and was sworn into Captain McCorkles' Company of Fincastle Militia. Grayson's and their kin were immediately "in the thick of it". In late August, 1776, American Colonel John Bowman arrived at Boonesboro with 100 militia from Botecourt and Montgomery Co., VA. John Grayson was probably among them, since his son Ambrose was killed there 22 August 1777.

A band of savages surrounded Logan's fort and began a second seige; several men ventured out to get a supply of corn. Six of Colonel Bowman's Militiamen, well in advance of the larger body were approaching the fort. The retiring Indians fired on the advance party and three casualities were sustained; Ambrose Grayson, John's son, and Jonas Menefee and Samuel Ingram were wounded.

ON THE BODY OF GRAYSON, THE SAVAGES HAD LEFT SEVERAL COPIES OF THE BRITISH PROCLAMATION SIGNED COLONEL HAMILTON, WHO IN 1777 HAD RECEIVED INTRUCTIONS FROM THE KING TO EMPLOY INDIANS AGAINST THE COLONISTS. THE REVOLUTION HAD BEGUN ON THE FRONTIER.

During the period 1777-1780 it can be imagined how neighbors had to decide against or for neighbors to determine who would remain loyal to the King (Tory) and who would become a rebel(Patriot). The Graysons had been in good standing with the British authorities in America and had held office and worked with them, so it can be expected that they would be hesitant to cast their lot with the "rebels" who were trying to overthrow the King. Even though the Graysons and their neighbors did not refuse to fight the Indians, they at first refused to join the "rebels". By 1780, the Graysons and many of their friends and neighbors who had remained loyal to the King, were tried as "loyalists" and labeled "Tories". In August, 1780 they were tried by the Justices of Botecourt and Montgomery Counties.^[1] There is no proof of outcome of their trial, but it is proven that at that time, they all enlisted in the Army of the Revolution of General George Washington. John Grayson was in Captain Stephen Trigg's Virginia Militia.

John Grayson made his will 2 January 1800, Montgomery Co., VA, Will Book 1, pg. 156.^[2]Rough transcription: First, I wish to be decently buried near where my late deceased wife is interned and I will that my funeral expenses not exceed ten pounds. Worldly goods that I may possess with at the time of my decease I give and bequeath in manner and form following. First my funeral and other just debts if any to be paid. Next I noticed of my two eldest daughters Betty and Sucey that they have already had and rec'd all and everything I ever designed or intended to give them therefore bequeath nothing further. I give to my youngest son John Grayson all and singular my whole estate as it shall or may be found at the time of my death for the full space and time of Three years and no longer, to occupy and make use of as his own Entire property Otherwise than to sell or otherwise dispose of any of the slave at my decease being. And at the expiration of the said term of three years the whole of said Estate to be divided and Disposed of in the following manner, that is, I give to my son John Grayson two certain tracts of land lying and being in said County of Montgomery, the first known by the name Cathole Survey, the other in partnership with William Hall.....also one Negro Girl Slave named Judah to him and his legal representatives forever, and then lastly all and every my remaining estate to be equally divided among my four children hereunder named to wit. My afore named son John, William, Mary and Nancy. And I do hereby constitute my two afore named sons William and John Executors of this my Last Will and Testament this second day of January in the year of Lord One thousand Eight hundred. The will of John Grayson deceased was proved at Montgomery Court October 1802.

John Grayson performed Patriotic Service in Virginia in the American Revolution.

John Grayson is a DAR Patriot Ancestor, A047825.

Patriotic Service: 1777 Virginia Militia in Revolution.

DAR Ancestor #: A047825 for Service Description: 1) Road Overseer, February 1781.^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ The Preston And Virginia Papers Of The Draper Collection Of Manuscripts V One Page 135 John Grayson Page 142 in this record Trial[1]
2. ↑ John Greyson Montgomery County Va Will Book 1 1786-1809 page 156-158[2]
3. ↑ Montgomery VA County Court Order Book 2 Page 304 John Grayson Oversee Road Feb 7th 1781[3]