Merry McGuire (abt. 1751 - aft. 1796)

Born about 1751 in Cumberland County, Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Rebecca Jane (Smith) McGuire — married about 1785 in Union District, South Carolina

Descendants

Died after 1796 after about age 45 in Union District, South Carolina, United States

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Biography

Adjutant Merry McGuire served with 3rd South Carolina Regiment, Continental Army during the American Revolution.

Merry McGuire is an NSSAR Patriot Ancestor.
NSSAR Ancestor #: 339711
Rank: Lieutenant

Merry McGuire was born about 1751, most likely in Cumberland County, Virginia. His birth date is estimated based on a military service record indicating he was 23 in 1775. He was a son of John McGuire. His mother may have been Rebecca Carter, but some doubt has arisen about that (see profile for John McGuire).

Although he has an unusual first name, the same name was used by his brother Elijah and also in the family line of his uncle, Francis McGuire. The origin, or namesake, remains unknown. A small amount of confusion enters with some early records which use the name "Mary" instead of "Merry".

Merry's father left Cumberland Co. some time before 1767, when we find both father and son in the 1767 Pittsylvania County, Virginia tax lists. It's likely they were living with Francis McGuire along the Pigg River near today's Rocky Mount, Virginia.

By 1769, Merry and his father had moved on to the Tryon/Rutherford County, North Carolina area. A few years later they begin appearing in records for Union County, South Carolina.

Merry was a Revolutionary War veteran. He was already a sergeant by June 1775, at the age of 23. By 1779 he had been promoted to Lieutenant and was captured by the British at Haddrell's Point near Charleston in 1780, apparently while in the hospital there.

On 28 November 1853, Merry's grandson, Andrew J. McGuire (son of Abner McGuire), filed a petition from Oktibbeha County, Mississippi for "Letters Testamentary" on behalf of the estate of Merry McGuire, based on Merry's Revolutionary War service (R22752). Apparently this was an attempt to obtain back pay owed to Merry, who had died almost 60 years earlier. The petition was rejected because Merry's children were no longer minors. However, Andrew's petition, and a deposition by a lawyer in 1872, offer some family information:
Merry married Jane Smith in Union District, SC and died in 1796
Merry had a son, Abner, and Abner had a son, Andrew J. McGuire
Merry married Rebecca Smith in Union District, SC about 1785
Merry had several children, all of whom died "in infancy" except Abner and Daniel
Rebecca died in 1819
Abner McGuire married Isabella Webb in Abbeville District, SC in 1811
Abner McGuire had 8 children (all named)
Daniel McGuire married Rosanna Hall in Jackson Co., GA and had 6 children (all named)

However, some aspects of the depositions in the pension file may not be correct. It is likely that Merry's son, "Daniel", was actually supposed to refer to "Samuel". Records are available to confirm Samuel survived to adulthood but no records are known for a "Daniel". The remaining details from the file are supported by other evidence and appear to be accurate.

Merry married Rebecca Jane Smith (or Jane Rebecca) most likely after he finished his war service, c. 1785. Nothing is known about her background but the 1800 census suggests she may have been born c. 1756-1774. At least five sons are known: Abner, John, Merry, Jr., Samuel and Elijah. We know that "Jane" had remarried by 1816 to Bird Prewit but little is known of him.

Merry left many records of his land transactions. It seems that most of the land was along Fannings and Hughes Creek of the Pacolate River in Union County, South Carolina. This would be about 7 miles northeast of today's town of Union, SC. There are also several land records dated after Merry's death involving his widow or children, or simply mentioning Merry as a former grantee or adjacent landowner. Most of these records have been omitted from this profile. In addition to his role as a "planter", he also may have operated a tavern.

The deposition of S. N. Hollinshead in 1872 (compiled in 1854) regarding Andrew J. McGuire's petition related to Merry's Revolutionary War pension tells us that Merry died in 1796.

Sources

• Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 24, 1916, by Mrs. N. E. Clement of Chatham, Va.; 1767 Pittsylvania County Personal Property Tax List; A List of Land and Tithes Taken by Hugh Innes for Pittsylvania County Anno. Dom. 1767: List includes: Francis McGuier, John McGuier, John McGuier, Jr., Merry McGuier. All recorded with 1 tithe and no land.

• Tryon County, North Carolina Index to Land Surveys by Miles S. Philbeck, 1987;
  

File #130, Survey for James Daugherty, 1769, 2nd chainbearer: Merry McGuire; Maples Creek and Mountain Creek
File #274, Survey for James Daugherty, 1770, 2nd chainbearer: Merry McGuire; Mountain Creek
File # 957, Survey for Merry McGuire, 1775, Grassy Br. of First Broad River

• Tryon Co, NC Minutes of Court of Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1769-1779 by Brent H. Holcomb. Pub 1994; p101: July Term 1772, Merry McGuire on jury.; p133: July Term 1774, Ordered by the court that Merry McGuire and James Taylor be appointed Constables...

• Tryon County, NC Land Warrants, 1768-1774, by Miles S. Philbeck, Copyright 1987; Warrant #1111, Murry McGuire, 150 acres. On both sides of little Mountain Creek Joining John McGuire, John McLeans Land and running down said creek for Complement. 19 January 1773. Granted 2 March 1775.

• Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln and Rutherford Counties, 1769 – 1786, Tryon County Wills and Estates, abstracted by Brent Holcomb, Southern Historical Press, pp. 125–126: 3 Sep 1774, James Byers and wf. Margaret of Rowan Co., to Michael McElwrath of Tryon Co., land on Mill Creek, an East branch of Mountain Creek adj. Davis Byars, granted to James Byers 18 Apr 1771. Wit: David Byars, Mary (Merry) McGuire.

• South Carolina Provincial Troops, by Alexander S. Sadley, Genealogical Publishing Co., 1977; p. 115, which reads in part as follows: "A General Return of Colo. Thomson's Regiment of Rangers": Merry McGuire recorded 25 June 1775 as a sergeant, age 23 years, born in Virginia, 5'5" tall, paid 71.13.4 by this date.

• South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Vol. 3,
  

p. 11: Capt. Robert Goodwyn’s Pay Bills, Aug 1 – Sept 20 1775 lists: Searjts. Merry McGwyer for 45 days
p. 12: Second Company of Rangers commanded by Col. William Thomson for Sept 20 – Oct 20 1775 lists: Searjts. Merry McGwyer for 45 days

• South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Vol. 3, January 1902, No. 1,
  

Page 10-11, First Council of Safety of the revolutionary Party; A Return to the Paymaster of the Officers, Non-Commissioned officers & privates of the Second Company of Rangers Commanded by Colo. William Thomson from 1 day of August to the 20th of September 1775; List includes Searjts Merry McGwyer, 51 days at 45, £41-13-4
Page 12, A Return to the paymaster, of the Officers Non-commissioned officers And privates of the Second Company of Rangers Commanded by Colo. William Thomson from the twentieth of September to the Twentieth of October 1775; List includes Searjt Merry McGwyer, 30 days at 45 per day, £025-0-0

• South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Vol. 5
  

p. 152: Pay Roll of Capt. Oliver Towle’s Company, for August, September and October 1779, list includes Lieut. Merry McGuire
p. 158: Merry McGuire listed as Adjutant
p. 159: Merry McGuire listed as Lieutenant and Adjutant

• South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Vol. 6, January 1905, No. 1
  

Page 60, “A Return of the Officers of the 3rd. Regt.”, dated 2 June 1780, signed Felix Warley Capt. Com., 3rd Regt.; List of Lieutenants includes: ‘M. MGuire’ and ‘Elijh. MGuire’
Page 99, “A Return of the officers, non-commissioned Officers & Privates of the Company of Captain Goodwyn, now in Camp at the Mineral Springs near the Congrees [sic: Congaree River?]”; List includes Sergeant Merry McGuire, signed 7 August 1775 by Capt. Robert Goodwyn
Page 113, “Return of the officers & Servants of 3rd So. Crl. Regt. 10 October 1780”, List includes Lt. Merry MGwire, with no servant. Signed Merry MGwire Adj. 3rd Rgt.
Page 165, “Return of the Officers & Servants of the 3rd So. Cr. Regt. Now Prisoners of War at Hadrills Point 29 October 1780”; list includes Lt. MGwire and is signed Merry MGwire Adgt 3rd Regt.

• South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Vol.7, January 1906, No. 1
  

p. 23, “Return of the 3rd So. Car. Regt. Prisoners of War at Hadls. Point [Haddrell’s Point] 24 November 1780”; List shows Lt. Merry MGuire as ‘sick in town’. List signed ‘Merry MGuire Agt 3rd Regt.’
p. 25, “Weekly return of the 3rd So. Car. Regt. At Haddrell’s Point 22 December 1780”; List shows Lt. Merry MGuire as an officer and list is signed ‘Merry MGuire for 3rd Regt.’

• South Carolina Land Grants, Book A, p. 24, [includes plat]; August 1784, Survey for Merry Mcguire, 319 acres in 96 District on Broad River, Bounding SWly on land laid out to Richd Hughs SW on vacant land SW on land laid out to Esqr. Brown NW on land laid out to Joshua Palmer NE on land laid out to Joseph Polson NE on land laid out to Samuel Forbert and hath such shape and Marks as the annexed Plat represents.

• Abstracts of South Carolina Plats, Books 14, 15 & 16, 1784-1787 and Georgia Grants in South Carolina, by Dr. A. B. Pruitt, 2006, p. 31; 8563. Sept. 30, 1785 Merry McGuire 160 ac in Ninety-six Dist on waters of Hughs Cr; plat shows land on both sides of Hughs Cr & 2 branches and joins Merry McGuire, vacant land on 2 sides, Benja Savage, and James McCracken. DS; book 14, p. 269.

• Abstracts of South Carolina Plats, Books 17, 18 & 19 (1784-1787) and Oversized Plats, by Dr. A. B. Pruitt, 2008; p. 127; 11310. Sept. 29, 1785 “Merry” McGuire 530 ac in Ninety-six Dist on waters of Hughs Cr & “Fanings” Cr; plat shows land on both sides of Hughs Cr, Fannings Cr, 6 branches, & Mayfield’s Path and joins vacant land on 4 sides, Jas. McCracon, & land laid out to John McDonnal. DS: book 18, p. 14.

• Abstracts of South Carolina Plats, Books 17, 18 & 19 (1784-1787) and Oversized Plats, by Dr. A. B. Pruitt, 2008; p. 127; 11312. Aug. 8, 1786 Mary McGuire 400 ac in Ninety-six Dist on waters of Pacolet R and “Fanings” Cr; plat shows land on both sides of 3 branches waters of Fanings Cr, a spring branch, another branch, & road from Scull Shoals to Charleston and joins vacant land on 4 sides & land laid out to James McCracken. DS: book 18, p. 15.

• South Carolina Land Grant Book B, p. 286 [includes plat]; Union County, 30 September 1785, Pursuant to a warrant from John Thomas Commissioner of Locations in 96 District No. Saluda, I have admeasured and laid out unto Merry Mcguire a tract as a Continental officer a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land situate in 96 District on Hughes Creek, Bounded N on land laid out to Mery Mcguire on James McCrakins land Steven King Savages land all other sides on vacant land and hath such shape and Marks as the above Plat represents.

• Union County South Carolina Minutes of the County Court, 1785-1799, by Brent Holcomb, 1979;
  

p. 5, MB p. 6, Sept 1785, Merry Maguire is hereby appointed Surveyor or Overseer of the Highway from Fannings Creek to Hughe’s near Love’s Ford on Broad River, and Ordered that he keep the same Road in good Repair.
p. 24, MB p. 27, 28 December 1785, Thomas Brandon & Co., Plaintiffs vs. Merry Maguire, Defendant. Debt. Decree against the Defendant 4.17.4 and Costs of suit.
p. 25, MB p. 29, 28 December 1785, Merry Maguire Motion to the Court for a License to keep a Tavern or Public House which is granted to him on Giving Bond and Security to the Clerk.

• Some South Carolina County Records, Vol. 2, by Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr., Southern Historical Press, 1989,
  

p. 509, Union Co. DB A, Page 436: 27 April 1787, Elijah Maguire, planter, of Union Co. to Robert Smith, tailor, 200 acres on a branch of Hughes Creek, waters of Broad River, bound by James McCreaking, Robert Smith, and vacant lands. Granted to Elijah Maguire on 12-4-1786. Wit: William Hughes, James McCreken, Merry (or Mary) McGuire.
p. 511, Union Co. DB A, p. 469-471: 1 September 1787, Merry McGuire, planter of Union Co., to Drury Gowing of Chester Co, SC, 319 acres granted to said Merry McGuire on 6-5-1786 by Wm. Moultrie, Esq., Gov. of SC. Located on south side of Broad River and bound by Hughes’ land, Esquire Brown, Samuel Talbot, Joseph Polson, and vacant lands. Wit: James Savage , Joshua Palmore, William (X) Sharp.
p. 532, Union Co. DB B, p. 210-211: 31 Mar. 1788, Mery McQuire of Union Co. to John McQuire, Sr., 100 acres, part of a tract of 530 acres granted to sd Mery McQuire 5 Mar. 1787, SC grant, the orig. grant bound by James McCracen, Robert Greer, John Weedingman, Chas. Sims, Robert Smith. The 100 acs. sold by John “to be taken from the ridge path called Mayfield’s path down Mudy Branch” to an agreed on point on Cudd’s line. Wit: Wm. Bowman, Richard Hughes. Mery signed his name as “Merry McGuire”.
p. 536, Union Co. DB B, p. 241-242: 2 Aug. 1789, Mery (Merry) McQuire of Union Co., to Charles Brooks, 150 acres part of a SC grant of 200 acre tract to Joseph Williams on 4 Dec 1786. Conveyed to Merry McGuire by Robert Williams, heir at law to the real estate of sd Joseph Williams. Located on SW side of Broad River next below the mouth of Fannens (Fannings) Creek running to the mouth of Wilcatt (Wildcat) Creek, bounded by William Bowman, Wildcat Creek and Broad River. Merry signed his name. Wit: William Bowman, John Reed, James (His mark) More.
p. 536-537, Union Co. DB B, p. 250-251: 27 Sept. 1789, Deed of Gift. Robert Greer, planter, to Rebecca Greer, widow, both of Union Co., 150 acres on Hughes Creek, bound by James McCrachen, Benjamin Savage and vacant land. Tract was conveyed to Merry McGuire by SC grant on 2 Oct 1786 and conveyed by him on 25 Oct. 1786.
p. 542, Union Co. DB B, p. 307-308: 2 Aug. 1789. Merry McGuire and Jane his wife, to William Bowman, all of Union Co., 154 acres part of a tract granted to Robert Smith on 4 June 1787, conveyed by Smith to Merry McGuire. On the waters of Fanning’s Creek and the sedar (sic) Shoal tract, Mark Trent’s, (Ghent?) line, and sd Robt. Smith. Merry signed his name and his wife signed by mark Jean (X) McGuire. Wit: John Reed, Chas. Brack, James (X) Moore, and Jas. Lindsey.

• Abstracts of South Carolina Plats, Books 20, 21 & 22 (1784-1788), by Dr. A. B. Pruitt, 2008; p. 46; 12815. Sep. 22, 1787 Mary McGuire 620 ac in Ninety-six Dist on waters of Fannings Cr & on Reedy Cr of Pacolet R; plat shows land on both sides of 4 branches and joins vacant land on 3 sides, land surveyed for Rt Chapman, land surveyed for Mary McGuire, unknown land & land surveyed for John “Wadingham”. DS: book 20, p. 312.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book A, p. 436; 27 April 1787, Elijah Maguire of Union County to Robert Smith, Taylor, by grant dated 4 Dec. 1786, 200 acres on waters of Broad River on a branch of Hughes Creek adj. land of James McCreaking, Robert Smith, now for £50 SC money conveyed to Robert Smith. Elijah McGuire (Seal), Wit: William Hughes, James McCreken, Merry McGuire.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book C, p. 1; 1 December 1789, Merry McGuire to Charles Brock, both of Union County, tract on west side of Broad River below Wildcat Creek, 50 acres, part of a grant to Joseph Williams 4 Dec 1786. Wit: Richard Brock, James McCraken, Robert Smith.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book C, p. 2-3; 1 December 1789, Merry McGuire to Richard Brock, planter, both of Union County, 150 acres, part of a grant of 530 acres to Merry McGuire 5 March 1787. Wit: Charles Brock, George Bailey, Evans Brock.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book C, p. 295-296; 1 August 1788, Merry McGuire of Union County to Obadiah Kendrick of same, tract of land in Union County on waters of Pacolate River adj. land of John Cunningham, Turner Kendrick, part of a tract granted to Merry McGuire 5 March 1787. Wit: Abner Chastain, Ann Chastain, Izabella Cannon.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book D, p. 327; 26 May 1795, Merry McGuire to John Brown, tract on Fannings Creek above the fork, part of tract of 530 acres granted to Merry McGuire in 1785, adj. John McGuire’s land, 150 acres. Wit: Zach Cudd (X), John Brown.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book D, p. 328-329; 5 September 1795, John Brown, planter, of Union County, to Alexander Brice of same, weaver, part of grant in 1785 to Merry McGuire for 530 acres, on Fannings Creek above the fork, adj. John McGuire’s land, 150 acres, conveyed by Merry McGuire to John Brown. Wit: Jos Hughs, Jane Gregory (X).

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book D, p. 406-407: 5 April 1796, William Bowman of Union County, SC, to John Reed of same, part of a tract granted to Robert Smith 4 June 1787 and conveyed from said Robert Smith to Merry McGuire and from Merry McGuire to William Bowman on a branch of Wildcat, waters of Broad River, adj. Charles Brock, on the Cedar Shoal tract, on a branch of Fannings Creek, Robert Smith’s line, 154 acres. Wit: John Reed Jun’r, John Turner, Elijah Going.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book D, p. 185; 17 January 1795, Mason Walker to Joshua Palmore, both of Union County, 150 acres to be taken from a grant of 230 acres granted to Merry McGuire 1 March 1787, on waters of Hughes Creek adj. Capt. Sims, Zachariah Cud. Wit: Thomas Woods, Robert Smith, Robert Bankhead.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book E, p. 151-152; 3 January 1798, John McAnulty of Carter County, Tennessee, to William Sharp of Union County, tract of 100 acres on both sides Gum Branch on west side Hughes Creek, part of 530 acres granted to Merry McGuire. Wit: Nathl Folsom, Benjn Savage.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Book F, p.113-115; 22 December 1797, George Baily of Union County to William Filpeck of same, tract on waters of Fannins Creek, waters of Broad River, adj. Merry McGuire, M. Haney, said George Bailey, said land granted to George Baily 5 Nov 1792. Wit: Wm. Smith, George Filpeck.

• Union County, South Carolina Deed Abstracts, Vol. IV: Deed Books Q-S, 1820-1828, by Brent Holcomb, 2004, Page 48, [Deed Book] Q, 354-355: 25 July 1799, Zachariah Cudd to Charles Dicks, 100 acres in Union County on waters of Fannels Creek and Hughes Creek, land laid off by Capt. Sims from two surveys one granted to Robt Smith the other to Mary McGuire. Zach’r Cudd (X), Eliz’b Cudd (X), Jane McGuire (X), Wit: Robt Smith, James Savage, Jane McGuire (X).

• 1800 Federal Census, Union District, Union Co., South Carolina; Jane McGuire, 33000/0001 [widow of Merry McGuire]; 3 males < 10, 3 males 10-15, 1 female 26-44 (Jane McGuire).

• Union Co. South Carolina Deed Abstracts, Vol. III, Deed Books L-P, 1811-1820, by Brent Holcomb, 2001, page 19, [Deed Book] L, 138-139: John McGuire of Union District for $50 to William H. Hendley of same, 100 acres, being my proportionable part of 500 acres belonging to the widow and heirs of Merry McGuire deceased on waters of Fannens Creek adj. McKissick, Frank Foster, Robert Cook, Vincent Davis, 14 Aug 1811. John McGuire (LS), Wit: D. B. Rice, Lucy Smith, Mary Hendley.

• Union Co. South Carolina Deed Abstracts, Vol. III, Deed Books L-P, 1811-1820, by Brent Holcomb, 2001, Page 163, [Deed Book] N, p. 406: 25 April 1817, Bird Prewit and wife Jane formerly Jane McGuire and widow of Merry McGuire deceased for $200 to Abner McGuire of Abbeville District, all our right and claim of a tract in Union District on waters of Fannings Creek adj. Wm. Cole, Adam Davis, Isaac Goin, Robert Smith, and estate of Edward Tilman, being a tract formerly belonging to Merry McGuire deceased, one third part, 500 acres, Bird Prewit (X) (LS), Jane Prewet (X) (LS), Wit: Ed’m Ware, Albert N. Ware.

• Union Co. South Carolina Deed Abstracts, Vol. III, Deed Books L-P, 1811-1820, by Brent Holcomb, 2001, Page 163, [Deed Book] N, p. 407-408: Jane Prewit & Bird Prewit, & Elijah McGuire & John McGuire of Abbeville District appoint Abner McGuire of Abbeville District our lawful attorney to dispose of a tract in Union District of 625 acres adj. John Cole, Obadiah Kendrick, estate of James Foster, on a branch of Fannings Creek, 28 Nov 1816. Jane Prewit (X) (Seal), Bird Prewit (X) (Seal), Elijah McGuire (X) (Seal), John McGuire (X) (Seal), Wit: Andrew Richey, Samuel McGuire (mark), Elizabeth Wallis (mark).

• Southern Campaigns American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters; Pension application of Merry McGuire R22752; Transcribed by Will Graves 3/21/09: rev'd 11/ 18/16; April 1872, Panola County, Mississippi; S. B. Hollinshead deposes that in 1854 he was engaged in processing testimony to establish a claim in behalf of the heirs of Lieut. Merry McGuire, a reputed soldier in the Revolutionary War, and in possession of a certificate of Isaac Goings dated 14 July 1854 stating Goings was personally acquainted with Merry McGuire. Goings also said he knew Abner McGuire of Union District South Carolina to be a son of Merry McGuire and that Merry McGuire married Jane Smith of Union District South Carolina and died in 1796. Mrs. Rebecca Goins of Pickens County, Alabama produced a certificate stating she knew Merry McGuire and wife and also knew Abner McGuire to be a son of Merry McGuire and that A. J. McGuire was a son of Abner. Hollinshead had inspected the records of Revolutionary War in 1854 and found that the United States were in arrears with Merry McGuire in a large amount of money, specific amount could not be remembered. Hollinshead and his partner filed a claim in Washington, DC which was rejected because the heirs of Merry McGuire were not minor heirs. Application includes 28 November 1853 petition of Andrew J. McGuire with additional family history details.

• Search Revolutionary War Soldiers for NC and SC, Data provided by the website Carolana. (accessed 18 Aug 2022)