Generation No. 28

37. AQUILLA²⁸ GREER (JOHN²⁷, JAMES²⁶, JAMES²⁵ GRIER, WILLIAM²⁴ GRIERSON, ROGER²³, JOHN²², ROGER²¹, ROGER²⁰, VEDAST¹⁹, GILBERT¹⁸, GILBERT¹⁷, MALCOM DOMINUS¹⁶ DE MACGREGOR, GREGOR¹⁵ MACGREGOR, WILLIAM¹⁴, MALCOLM¹³, JOHN¹², GREGOR¹¹, JOHN¹⁰, GREGOR⁹ DE BHRATTICH, CONSTANTINE⁸, DONGALLUS⁷, GREGOR⁶ MACALPINE, DUNGAL⁵ THANE, HUGH "THE⁴ POISONOUS" IV, AED³ FINN, HUGH² III, HUGH¹ II) was born Bet. 1716 - 1719 in Gunpowder River, Baltimore County, MD, and died Aft. April 08, 1790 in Green County, GA. He married ELIZABETH LOWE Abt. 1739 in Maryland. She was born June 03, 1721.

Notes for AQUILLA GREER:

"Aquilla Greer, born about 1716 on Gunpowder River, Baltimore County, Maryland, removed to Pittsylvania, Virginia (as will be shown by the following records): (Baltimore County, Maryland, Liber I. S. No. A, Folio 297) "Charles Carroll of Annapolis, Maryland, to Aquilla Greer, of the same, 16 November 1743, lease of land called "Chilmalira," lying in Baltimore County, beginning at an oak, two bunches of cat's tails ... 100 acres for use of three following persons; Aquilla Greer, Elizabeth Greer and Sarah Greer, yielding and paying to Charles Carroll to December 10th the quality of ... good clear merchantable tobacco of fresh and ground leaves to be delivered to a convenient landing on Gunpowder River in convenient casques .. and two capons, should they be asked; not to sell or dispose of timber. The said Aquilla Greer also covenants for himself, his heirs and assigns, the mother, his (her?) heirs or assigns, shall not suffer more hands to work or till the demised premises than himself, his wife and children and one servant and in case his children are incapable of work, then he take in two servants." The lease included house and plantation. At this location, his children were born.

"Aquilla Greer, son of John and Sarah Greer, moved to Lunenburg County, Virginia, where his brothers (Joseph, Benjamin and John) had preceded him and paid poll taxes there in 1752. As the counties (lines) of Lunenburg County changed we found him with a land grant in Halifax County, Virginia in 1757. Later he paid taxes in Bedford and Henry Counties, Virginia. He was listed among the Revolutionary War Patriots of Virginia. He moved to Greene County, Georgia where he died in 1790." (GREER FAMILY HISTORY, by Mrs. Ellen A. Fawcett, North Little Rock Arkansas. This was received by Frances Gosney Hoover, 5815 Gladstone Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri 64123-1517 in 1981, who in turn sent it to Ralph Terry in 1995. It appears to be a part of a collection of families, as it appears on pages 78 to 82.)

"He (Aquilla Greer) removed to Pittsylvania County, Virginia, where he appears as owning 400 acres of land on Bull Run Creek, adjoining John Gilman, surveyed April 16, 1754, granted July 5, 1780. (Book A, Folio 572). Later, he had 580 acres in Bedford County (Virginia) on Stanton River, in 1762. (P. B. #34, folio 1010) In this location, he was later joined by William and James Greer. On September 24, 1789, he was granted 336 acres in Henry County, Virginia, on Bull Run, which had been surveyed for him May 26, 1785. (L.O.T. WT. #18272, Book 21, Folio 376). Aquilla Greer, with John and Joseph Greer, held jointly, 50 acres in Halifax County, granted by King George III, on Grassy Hill, next to David Griffith, December 15, 1757. They sold this tract in 1771. Under Deeds, W. G. A., folio 277, "Aquilla Greer deposed in Henry County, Virginia, that his age was 61, on September 13, 1777." (HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA by J. P. A. Hill and MARYLAND HISTORICAL MAGAZINE, Vol. 9, pages 138 - 140.)

"Aquilla took the Oath of Allegiance in Henry County, Virginia on 13 September 1777, and with him was Henry Haynes who gave his own age as 76. Aquilla Greer, after the Revolutionary War, removed with members of his family and some members of the Haynes family, to Greene County, Georgia, where he left a will dated April 8, 1790; probated October 30, 1790, Appointing his sons, James and William Greer, as his executors. "I lend to my wife, Elizabeth Greer, all of my negroes, stock of horses, hogs and cattle together with all my household goods and furniture during her lifetime, and after her decease, to be sold to the highest bidder ... I give to my grandchildren, heirs of my son, Aquilla, deceased, five pounds apiece when they become of age. The rest of the money to be divided amongst all my children here named." (GREAR - GREER - GREERE - GRIER by Robert M. Torrence, A.B., F.G.S.P., F.I.A.G; 110 Edgevale Road, Baltimore 10, Maryland, pages 19 - 20.)

"Aquilla Greer was born ca. 1719 on the Gunpowder River, Baltimore County, Maryland. He is first recorded in Baltimore County when he and his brother, Moses Greer, helped to survey some land on Broad Creek at the direction of their father, John Greer. Mr. Snowden, the surveyor paid them 10 shillings for the work.

"On November 16, 1743, Charles Carroll of Annapolis, Maryland leased Aquilla Greer 100 acres of land in Baltimore County for which he paid 100 pounds of tobacco per year. This lease was to run during the life of Aquilla, his wife, Elizabeth, and his daughter, Sarah. This is from Liber I. S. No. A, folio, page 297, Baltimore County, Maryland and reads as follows: "Charles Carroll of Annapolis, Maryland to Aquilla Greer of the same, 16 November 1743, lease of land called, Chilmalira, (Robert Barnes in BALTIMORE COUNTY FAMILIES, 1659 - 1759, spells this Clynmalia and states Charles Carroll, Esq. in 1750 owned 2500 acres named Clynmalia.) lying in Baltimore County, beginning at an oak, two bunches of Cat's tails ... 100 acres for use of three following persons: Aquilla Greer, Elizabeth Greer and Sarah Greer, yielding and paying to Charles Carroll to December 10th the quality ... of good clear merchantable tobacco of fresh and ground leaves to be delivered to a convenient land on Gunpowder River in convenient casues ... and two capons, should they be asked; not to sell or dispose of timber. The said Aquilla Greer also convenants for himself, his heirs and assigns, the mother, his heirs of assigns, shall not suffer more hand to work or till the demised premises than himself, his wife and children and one servant and in case his children are incapable of work, then take in two servants." The lease included house and plantation.

"One source states that this is the place that probably all his children were born except Sarah. About 1753 he removed to Virginia along with some of his brothers and families. In Halifax County, Virginia, it is recorded that Aquilla, John and Company were granted a survey which was recorded in 1757. Another source says that the land was 50 acres granted by King George III on Grassy Hill, next to David Griffith and was first in Lunenberg County and later fell into Halifax County, then Pittsylvania County and then Franklin County. According to Sylvester Greer, it was located near the town of Rocky Mount in that County. He is also quoted as owning 400 acres of land on Bull Run Creek, adjoining John Gilman surveyed April 16, 1754, granted July 5, 1780. Brother John also was granted 100 acres on branches of Maggoty Creek in 1751, and John and Joseph were granted 400 acres on Lick Branch in 1753 while brother Benjamin was granted land on 10 May 1760. In Lunenburg County deeds, it show that Aquilla Grier was granted 110 acres on the south side of Staunton River on August 20, 1760. On March 12, 1761, in Bedford County, Virginia, Aquilla, John Greer and Stephen English took inventory of the estate of John Anthony.

"In 1771, John, Aquilla and Joseph sold land in Halifax County, and on the 13 September 1777, Aquilla and son, William, took oath of allegiance in Henry County, Virginia. In Vol. 9 of the Virgiia Historical Magazine, page 140, his age is given as 58 and Wm. Greer as 29. It is recorded in the Virginia Magazine of History that his age was 62 years; public claims made by him are that he furnished food, and beef for soldiers on the 2 of August 1781. Henry Haynes, who also took the oath with his sons, age is given as 78, William Haynes as 50 while George Haynes is 40.

"On November 23, 1782 the following Greers were named in petition of Bedford County Freeholders and others residing on the south side of Staunton to divide Bedford and Henry Counties further in Franklin County: Moses Greer, Sr., Moses Greer, Jr., William Greer, Thomas Greer, Aquilla Greer, James Greer, Greenberry Greer and Vinson Greer. Also listed were John Haynes, Samuel Smith, Thomas Smith and William Smith mentioned because the wife of Henry Haynes was Mary Smith, the daughter of Guy Smith. Four of the children of Aquilla Greer married children of Henry Haynes and Mary Smith Haynes.

"On November 20, 1783, Aquilla Greer and wife, Elizabeth with John Haynes and wife Sarah sold 660 acres on the E. side of the Staunton River. Sometime after this, they left Virginia and are found in Wilkes County, Georgia where James and Vinson, sons of Aquilla bought land from George Lumpkin in 1786 on Buffalo Creek. Aquilla Greer is on teh 1789 Tax Digest of Greene County, Georgia where he made his will dated 8 April 1790 and proved 30 October 1790. In his will, he named wife, Elizabeht and the following children: Sarah, James, Aquilla, William, Elizabeth, Vinson, Delia and Azel." (MY GREER LINEAGE, 1992, by Mary Lee Barnes, pages 16 - 19, as per Robert Torrence, "The Grear - Greer Greere Grier Families," Unpublished manuscript from Maryland Historical Society; Sylvester Greer, Unpublished paper from Duke Wright Greer, Potts Camp, Mississippi; T. L. C. Genealogy, Miami Beach, Florida, LUNENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA LAND PATENTS 1746 - 1916; Roger C. Dodson, FOOTPRINTS FROM THE OLD SURVEY BOOKS OF HALIFAX AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTIES IN VIRGINIA, Pittsylvania County, Virginia Historical Society, 1989; Mrs. Dorothy C. Watts, THE VIRGINIA GENEALOGIST, "Petitions of Residents of Bedford and Henry Counties, Virginia In Favor of and Opposed to a New County (Franklin), page 83 - 87; The will of Aquilla Greer 4/8/1790, recorded 10/30/1790, Green County, Georgia; Ann Chilton, BEDFORD COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK A-1, 1754 - 1762, Mountain Press, P. O. Box 400, Signal Mountain, Tennessee; The records of Addie McCoy Alton, descendant of Aquilla I, Lt. James Greer's daughter who married Neely McCoy, DAR No. 490761; VIRGINIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY, Vol. 9, pages 138 - 140.)

"Will of Aquilla Greer. In the name of God Amen. I Aquila Greer of Green County being of sound sense and memory thanks to be God, for the same, but calling to mind the uncertinty of this sublenary world and that all flesh must yield when it pleaseth God of his mercy to call do therefore make and constitute this my last will and testament, and desire it may be received as such. First, I resign my soul to God from whence it came and my body to the earth to be buried at the discretion of wife and others executors hereafter named: and as touching my worldly estate, I dispose of it as followeth. First my will and desire is that all my just debts be paid.

"Item: I lend to my wife Elizabeth Greer all my negroes and all my stock of horses, hogs and cattle together with all my household goods and furniture, during her life, and after her decease to be sold at the highest bidder.

"Item: I give to my grandchildren, heirs of my son Aquila Greer, deceased, five pounds apiece and the rest of my money divided equally amongst all my children here named: Sary Haynes, James Greer, William Greer, Elizabeth Starkey, Vinson Greer, Delia Haynes, Asel Greer; and my will and desire is that my two sons James and William Greer by my executors of this my last will and testament. In witness hereof I hereunto do set my hand and seal this eighth day of April one thousand seven hundred and ninety. Aquila Greer. Signed, sealed in presence of us. John Aikens, Thomas Cave, Will. Greer.

"The above is a true copy of the original which was proven and approved the 30th day Octr. 1790 in the presence of the legatees who acknowledged the same leter and a warrant of appraisment directed unto Messrs. P. Hunter, Jas. Thomson, Jas. Jackson. Recorded the 6th Novemr. 1790 by Will. Phillips R. Pro._____." (Green County, Georgia Will records.)

(NOTE FROM RALPH TERRY: Some researchers have read into the lease of 1743, "Aquilla, his wife and his daughter, Sarah." I, and other researchers, feel this lease is speaking of Aquilla, his wife, and his mother, Sarah, not his daughter, Sarah. In fact, there is no question in my mind that the Sarah mentioned is Aquilla's mother, as it states, "the mother." It appears the phrase following her name "his heirs..." has been mis-transcribed and should read "her heirs..." If this is not what it says, then the writer has written an incorrect statement. There is no reason why Aquilla's wife would be mentioned in a lease of this type during this time period. Also, as the mother is set out as an individual, it appears the convenant was also with her, therefore she probably put some money into the lease herself. The mention of Sarah as a principle in this lease also further proves a separation or divorce between Sarah and her husband, John Greer.)

(Mary Lee Barnes of Athens, Texas feels that the Aquilla who was granted land in Henry County, Virginia in 1789, was not this Aquilla, as he was probably in Georgia by this time as he is shown on the 1789 Tax Digest of 1789 in Greene County. However, I feel that it could be this Aquilla, as the land was surveyed in 1785, but not granted until 1789. It is difficult to know, as this Aquilla Greer had a nephew, Aquilla, who lived in the same area of Virginia at this time.)

Data about Aquilla Greer has been recorded in GREER KINSMEN by J. B. Bell, page 38, who gives his sources as: 1) The papers of Rev. James W. Dupree, 100 East Park Avenue, Valdosta, Georgia 31602; the Research Notes of Mr. L. L. McNees (deceased), Ebenezer, Mississippi; and Mrs. James H. White, 6724 Azle Avenue, Ft. Worth, Texas 76135.

According to Julian Greer in GREERS THAT GOT TO GEORGIA, Aquilla Greer died in Wilkes County, Georgia, but this appears to be incorrect.

"Aquilla Greer, Sr., born 1716 in Baltimore County, Maryland, took the Oath of Allegiance in Henry County, Virginia on September 17, 1777. He was granted 336 acres in Henry County, Georgia for his military service. He removed to Greene County, Georgia where he left a will dated April 8, 1790. He married in 1743, Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of John Smith." (NOTE FROM RALPH TERRY: There appears to be some controversy and probable mix-up amoung the wives of this Aquilla Greer, his son, Aquilla and his grandson, Aquilla. Some say this Aquilla married Elizabeth Smith, other say Elizabeth Bandy Haynes Lowe. I have often wondered if last two name could have been married names. The son, Aquilla, is said to have married Elizabeth Bandy. Could this wive have been mixed up with his mother's name? The grandson, Aquilla, is said to have married Elizabeth Smith. However, if Elizabeth Smith did marry an Aquilla Greer, on this line, in 1743, she would have had to marry this Aquilla, as the others would have been too young. Futher indications that there could have been a mix-up in wives names is shown by this Aquilla Greer's son, James Greer. His wife was Nancy Ann Haynes, who first married a Lowe. These names could have been added to James Greer's mother's name. In ROYAL HERITAGE OF THE GREERS, Carolyn Beal states that Aquilla married a second time to Betsy Massey in 1764 in South Carolina. Aquilla's nephew, Aquilla, son of William, married Betsy Massey in 1804 in South Carolina, but I see no evidence that this Aquilla married a second time. I feel this is just another mix-up of Elizabeth's real maiden name.)

He was married to Elizabeth Lowe (daughter of William Lowe Jr. and Temperance Pickett) about 1739 in Maryland. Elizabeth Lowe was born on 3 Jun 1721 in Gunpowder River, Baltimore County, Maryland. She died after 1790 in Greene County, Georgia. (NOTE FROM RALH TERRY: Some researchers feel that Elizabeth's maiden name was MASSEY rather that LOWE. However, Bandy could have been her maiden name and she could have been married to a Haynes and then a Lowe, as these families intermarried with the Greers a great deal. Julian Greer in GREERS THAT GOT TO GEORGIA, says that Elizabeth was born in 1719 and she was from Henry County, Virginia. He further states that she and Aquilla were married in Baltimore County, Maryland. A listing in the LDS Ancestral File shows Elizabeth to be the daughter of Henry Haynes, Sr, as is shown in the papers of Rev. James W. Dupree. However, if Elizabeth was born in 1719, I don't think Henry would have been old enough for her to have been his daughter. Some researchers have said that Elizabeth's maiden name was SMITH, and SMITH was Henry Haynes' wife's maiden name, so there may be some connection to Henry Haynes.)

Children of AQUILLA GREER and ELIZABETH LOWE are:

38. i. AQUILLA JR.²⁹ GREER, b. Abt. 1744, Chilmalira, Baltimore County, MD; d. Abt. 1783, Bedford County, VA.

ii. MARY SARAH GREER.

iii. LT. JAMES GREER.

iv. ELIZABETH GREER.

v. WILLIAM GREER.

vi. VINSON SR. GREER.

vii. DELIA GREER.

viii. ASA GREER.

38. AQUILLA JR.²⁹ GREER (AQUILLA²⁸, JOHN²⁷, JAMES²⁶, JAMES²⁵ GRIER, WILLIAM²⁴ GRIERSON, ROGER²³, JOHN²², ROGER²¹, ROGER²⁰, VEDAST¹⁹, GILBERT¹⁸, GILBERT¹⁷, MALCOM DOMINUS¹⁶ DE MACGREGOR, GREGOR¹⁵ MACGREGOR, WILLIAM¹⁴, MALCOLM¹³, JOHN¹², GREGOR¹¹, JOHN¹⁰, GREGOR⁹ DE BHRATTICH, CONSTANTINE⁸, DONGALLUS⁷, GREGOR⁶ MACALPINE, DUNGAL⁵ THANE, HUGH "THE⁴ POISONOUS" IV, AED³ FINN, HUGH² III, HUGH¹ II) was born Abt. 1744 in Chilmalira, Baltimore County, MD, and died Abt. 1783 in Bedford County, VA. He married ELIZABETH BANDY Abt. 1767 in Bedford County, VA.

Notes for AQUILLA JR. GREER:

"Aquilla Greer, Jr. born 1744; was deceased before his father who left money to his children, but does not name them. One source has named a number of children for him, but there is no proof." (MY GREER LINEAGE, 1992, by Mary Lee Barnes, Athens, Texas, page 17.) (NOTE FROM RALPH TERRY: One source that has named eight children for Aquilla Greer, Jr. is GREER KINSMEN, 1986, by J. B. Bell, page 60. However, the first child named is John Greer, born 1775 in Georgia, who married Sarah Hunt. It has been very well accepted that this John is John David (or Dunlap) Greer, the son of Thomas Greer. The ancestry of this Thomas Greer has yet to proved.) "Aquilla Greer, Jr. was born 1744, so stated Aquilla Greer, Sr., in the pension papers according to William M. Torrence in his typescript, THE GREER FAMILY. He furnished no documentation. I have searched and found no pension papers for Aquilla, Jr. either in the Revoluntary War nor any of the Virginia Militia groups in the wars and skirmishes prior to that war.

"He married Elizabeth Bandy, daughter of Richard Bandy (1720-1795) who immigrated from Liverpool or Chester, England to Cumberland County, Virginia by 1755. Later Richard BANDY purchased land in Bedford and Botetourt Counties, Virginia. He was tried for treason in 1780, but was pardoned. He was married two or three times; the last to Lucy Justice. There is a marriage license in Botetourt County, Virginia for Richard Bandy and Lucy Justice dated May 23, 1794. His will was filed and probated in Botetourt County, Va. by September 1795, in which his wife Lucy Bandy and an infant daughter named Katy are named in the will as is his daughter "Eliza Greer, relick of Equillar." (Will Book A, page 406, Botetourt County, Virginia).

"There is a Survey (Surveyors Book 1, Page 325, Henry County, Virgina, where 336 acres of land on the North side of Little Bull River and bounded by William Greer's land and Greer's (Aquilla) old line. No doubt this is William, brother to Aquilla Greer, Jr. This record is dated 11th day of August 1783, signed by (H.?) Griffith Dickerson and John Dickerson.

The land was granted to Aquilla Greer "by virture and considerat ion of part of a Land Office Treasury Warrant Number eighteen thousa nd two hundred and seventy two", issued the fourth day of August 17 83 and signed by Beverly Randolph, Esquire, Governor of the Common- wealth Of Virginia.

"There is a deed in Franklin County, Virginia, Book 3, Page 627, dated November 1798, between "William Greer, son of Aquilla Greer of Oglethrope County, Georgia, and Samuel Arrington of Franklin County, Virginia" ...(land description)..."330 acres, it being the land that Aquilla Greer Jun. owned and left to his heirs at his decease". No date is given for Aquilla's death; and thus far no record has been found.

"According to the research of Rev. James William Dupree, Methodist Minister of Columbus, Georgia, there are records showing that Aquilla was listed as a tax-payer in Bedford Co, Va for the year 1782. Elizabeth was listed in Bedford Co., Va in 1783 as a widow. She also is listed in Bedford Co. as a widow in 1783-84-85; then in Franklin Co, Va. (due to boundary changes from Bedford to Franklin Co.); in 1787 by herself. In 1788 and 1789. she is listed with 2 white males over 16. On July 17, 1790, son Asa or Asel is listed as white male over 16 next to Elizabeth, widow. On July 16, 1791, Richard and Asel are listed next to Elizabeth, widow. In 1792, Richard and Elizabeth are listed next to each other; and "Lige" (probably son Elijah ) is listed next to Asel in 1793 and 1794. In 1796 and 1797 As a and Elizabeth are back. I do have a copy of the 1787 tax list published as THE 1787 CENSUS OF VIRGINIA FRANKLIN COUNTY which shows Elizabeth Greer, widow.

"Richard Bandy's will is probated in Sep 1795; copy in my possession. I have tried to obtain copies of these above listed tax records, but they are no longer extant. According to Sam Eanes, a very reliable genealogist, engaged to do some research for me in the Piedmont area of Virginia, the Clerk of Court in Franklin County told him that the tax plus other miscellaneous records were boxed up and picked up to be placed in the Viirginia State Library and Archives approximately 10 or more years ago. When I contated the Archives, was advised that they did not have the records but could be in the cellar unopened and would need to be indexed before they would be available. One day in the near future they may be available once more to researchers.

"From the information listed above, it appeas that Aquilla GREER, Jr., son of Aquilla Greer and Elizabeth Lowe Greer, died between 1782 a nd 1783. Although Elizabeth is not named in the deed between son William Greer and Samuel Arrington, we find her living on the land in Franklin County, Virginia at time of the "1787 CENSUS OF VIRGINIA, FRANKLIN COUNTY" taken from the Franklin County Tax List A - District of Moses Greer, Gentleman and Commissioner: Elizabeth Greer was visited 4/2/1787, page 639. On page 625 of same Tax List A, Elizabeth is taxed for self, 4 horses, mules, etc. and 7 cattle; but noted "widow (not tithable)."

"A marriage record dated December 20, 1800, between Elizabeth Greer and Samuel Arrington is found in Franklin County with John Coleman as surety and officiating minister, Horatis Burns.

There is no will for Samuel Arrington or no deed where the land was sold; however there are inventory records which state he was deceased on February 11, 1802; the final administration of his estate was administered by Daniel Arrington and filed in the Franklin County Court on April 1, 1803. Elizabeth Bandy Greer is not named in any of the estate records. John Coleman who was surety for the marriage record was reimbursed for a debt owed him; and I wonder if it were for the surety money posted for the marriage. If Samuel Arrington and Elizabeth Greer did marry, they had about 13 months together before his death. I have been unable to find any record in Franklin County, Virginia on her after December 1800.

"There is a Survey record (Surveyors Book 1, Page 325) in Henry County, Virginia, where 336 acres of land on the North side of Little Bull Run and bounded by William Greer's land and Greer's (Aquilla) old line. This is William, brother of Aquilla, Jr. This record is dated 11th day of August 1783, signed by (H.?) Griffith Dickerson and John Dickerson. The land was actually granted to Aquilla GREER by virture and consideration of part of a Land Office Treasury Warrant Number eighteen thousand two hundred and seventy two issued the fourth day of August 1783 and signed by Beverly Randolph Esquire, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.This same tract of land was deeded to Samuel Arrington on the 7th day of November 1795, by William GREER;" it being the land that Aquilla Greer, Jr. owned and left to his heirs at his decease". (Franklin County Deed Bo ok 3, No. 627). We know that Aquilla, Jr. was dead before his father's will filed in Green County, Georgia in October 1790. Aquilla, Sr. remembers his grandchildren, heirs of his son Aquilla, deceased. He does not name them nor does he state the number of grandchildren.

"In OVER THE MOUNTAIN MEN by Anne Lowry Worrell, page 6, there is an Elizabeth Greer who married Samuel Arrington on 20 December 1800, in Franklin County, Virginia. Bond was paid by John Coleman; who incidentally was paid 2 pounds, 3 shillings from the estate settlement dated July 1, 1803, at a Court held in the Franklin County Courthouse. I wonder if this is repayment for the surety he posted for Samuel. Samuel Arrington was evidently deceased by February 11, 1802, when Daniel Arrington was Administrator of Samuel's estate. No will was found for him. His estate was valued at over 126 pounds. The inventory revealed a man of substantial means for that day. NOTE: I do not believe that Samuel Arrington and Elizabeth Bandy Greer were ever married. There is no Minister's return; however there were no laws of that day to warrant the marriage returns. Elizabeth Bandy Greer is not mentioned in the settlement of the Samuel Arrington estate. All the lands were sold, the furniture, livestock, hogs and personal effects. All bills were paid off and moneys going to three Arrington's to settle the estate. No mention of Elizabeth BANDY GREER ARRINGTON was made. Either the marriage never took place or she died shortly afterwards." (Bea O'Quin, 1997.)

He was married to Elizabeth "Eliza" Bandy (daughter of Richard Bandy and Mahala Jane Cummings) about 1767 in Bedford County, Virginia. Elizabeth "Eliza" Bandy was born about 1747 in Virginia. She died after 1802 in probably Virginia. "Elizabeth Bandy was probably born circa 1750 and married Aquilla Greer about 1767.

"She and Aquilla lived in Franklin County, Virginia, where probably all the children were born. Through the tax records of Bedford and Franklin Counties, Virginia, we can pinpoint the early death of Aquilla between 1782 and 1783. Her son William, the eldest child was approximately 14 years of age. The youngest, a daughter Elizabeth was approximately 6.

"There is a marriage intention record dated 27 Dec 1800, between Elizabeth Greer and Samuel Arrington in Franklin County, Virginia with John Coleman as surety and officating minister, Horatis Burns. It is doubful that they the marriage vows were performed due to the death of Samuel Arrington.

"By 5 Apr 1802 inventory records were filed on Samuel Arrington in Franklin County. Administration of his estate was settled 1 Jul 1803 with Daniel Arrington, Administrator. Charles and Thomas Arrington received monies from his estate. Elizabeth Bandy Greer Arrington is not mentioned in any of the estate papers. Noteworthy is a payment to John Coleman for 2 30 in English money. I wonder if this was the bond money for the marriage of Samuel and Elizabeth Greer. (Will Book 1, Page 195, 228 and 229, Franklin Co. Va ).

"If they did indeed marry, it was for a brief time. All the children of Aquilla, Jr. and Elizabeth Bandy Greer were married when Elizabeth married Samuel Arrington. Since daughter Elizabeth was about 6 years of age when Aquilla died; she had to marry very young, approximately 15. Much research has resulted in no record of Elizabeth Bandy Greer from 1800, when she was married to Samuel Arrington. Since all the sons were in Greene County, Georgia and adjoining counties, it would appear likely that she also went to Georgia and probably remarried there either as Elizabeth Greer or Elizabeth Arrington." (Bea O'Quin, 1997.)

"1. Aquilla Greer, Jr. was born in 1744, Baltimore County, Maryland, according to Robert Barnes, Baltimore County Families. He was a son of Aquilla Greer and Elizabeth (Lowe) Greer. Most researchers believe Elizabeth to be a Lowe, mainly due to circumstantial evidence and rule of elimination of all thoses other Elizabeth's: Elizabeth Massey, Elizabeth Bandy, Elizabeth Smith and Elizabeth Haynes. Please remove all these listed Elizabeths as wives of Aquilla Greer, Sr. All above did marry an Aquilla Greer except Elizabeth Haynes. But not our Aquilla Greer, son of John and Sarah Day Greer. Aquilla Greer, Jr. was born at Chilmalira (also spelled Clynmalia by Robert Barnes). This land was leased on November 16, 1743 for three life-times form Charles Carroll, Esq. of Annapolis, Maryland.

"2. Elizabeth Bandy was the daughter of Richard Bandy and Mahala Jane Cummins. Family lore has Richard Bandy born in Liverpool, England and married to an Irish lass, Mahala Jane Cummins of Dublin, Ireland. (Bandy Gallimaufry by Jane Bandy and Samuel Burton Eubanks.)

"3. There is a deed record dated July 14, 1801, Botetourt County, Virginia, which names Jane as Richard Bandy's wife.

"4. Richard Bandy left his will dated July 21, 1795, in Botetourt County, Virginia. He named his wife of short duration, "Eliza Greer, widow and relect of Equilla Greer." (Botetourt County, Virginia Will Book A, page 405.)

"5. There is a deed in Franklin County, Virginia, Book 3, page 627, dated (?) November 1798, between "William Greer, son of Aquilla Greer of Oglethorpe County, Georgia and Samuel Arrington of Franklin County, Virginia." ... (land description) ... "330 acres, it being the land that Aquilla Greer, Jr. owned and left to his heirs at his decease."

"6. Althought Elizabeth is not named in the above deed between William Greer and Samuel Arrington, the following is proof that she was a widow living in Franklin County, Virginia on the alnd at the time of the "1787 Census of Virginia, Franklin County" taken from the Frankling County Tax List A - District of Moses Greer, Gentleman and Commissioner.

"a) Elizabeth Greer, visited 4/2/1787, page 639. On page 625 of same Tax List A, Elizabeth is taxed for self, 4 horses, mules, etc. and 7 cattle but noted "widow." (not tithable)

"b) James Greer is visited also 4/2/1787, page 639, living next door to Elizabeth Greer. James Greer is taxed for self, 1 Black male under 16, 5 horses, mules, etc. and 10 cattle, page 625. I believe this James Greer to be a son of Aquilla Greer, Jr. and Elizabeth Bandy Greer. I am continuing research on James presently.

"Other Greers noted on Tax List A and Tax List B of the 1787 Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax are: James living next door to William, visited 4/28/1787, Benjamin, Joseph, Martin, Moses, Moses Sr., Nathan, Quilla, Thomas, Uriah.

"Richard Bandy is also listed on Tax List A, charged with tax for self, 2 Blacks above 16, 5 Blacks under 16, 3 horses, mules, etc. and 6 cattle. He was visited July 5, 1787.

"7. There is a marriage record dated December 27, 1800, between Elizabeth Greer and Samuel Arrington in Franklin County, Virginia with John Coleman as surety and officiating minister, Horatis Burns. NOTE: There are 3 marriage records listed for Samuel Arrington: 1) Elizabeth Greer, 12/27/1800; 2) Nancy Griffith, 11/4/1824; 3) Evelina Phelps, 9/24/1828. There is a possibly that Samuel Arrington had a son named Samuel. Also Elizabeth Bandy Greer Arrington had a son named Samuel. Also Elizabeth Bandy Greer Arrington could have died between 1800 and 1824 or 1828. I calculate that Elizabeth was approximately 50 years of age or older when she married Samuel Arrington.

"8. There is no will for Samuel Arrington or no deed where he sold the land; however there is an inventory. I have requested a copy of this inventory record, hoping to get an approximate date of death for Samuel Arrington.

"9. Patsy Greer married Braxton Drake in Franklin County, Virginia on May 5, 1795 with Asel Greer as surety and officiating Minister Jesse Fears. Elizabeth Greer, mother of Patsy gave her consent. Asel or Asa was the brother of Patsy Greer Drake.

"10. Elizabeth Greer married Asa Dillon (sometimes spelled Dillion) in Franklin County, Virginia on August 13, 1798 with Aquillar Greer, surety. Elizabeth August 13, 1798 with Aquillar Greer, surety. Elizabeth Greer, mother of Elizabeth Greer, gave her consent. Aquillar Greer was the brother of Elizabeth Greer Dillon.

"11. In Pioneer Families of Franklin County, Virginia by Marshall Wingfield, pages 50 - 51, under heading: "The Dillon Family," Asa Dillon is the son of Jesse Dillon and Mary Elizabeth Blankenship; was born in 1762, married Elizabeth Greer on August 13, 1798, and died in November 1860. Elizabeth also died in November 1860. They lived in Lindside, Monroe County, West Virginia and raised 9 children, among them a daughter named Betty Bxa Bandy and a son named Greer.

"12. Asa Greer, who was surety for his sister, Patsy Greer, married Rebeccah Neighbors in Franklin County, Virginia on July 22, 1791, with Thomas Wilson as surety. Asa died in White County, Illinois between 1830 - 1840.

"13. Aquillar Greer, who was surety for his sister Elizabeth, married Elizabeth Smith, with Asa Dillon surety on August 15, 1798. John Wyatt was minister.

"I believe this is enough proof that William, Asa, Aquillar, Martha Patsy and Elizabeth are children of Aquilla Greer, Jr. and Elizabeth Bandy Greer." (Bea O'Quin, 2555 Holiday Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70131, 1996.)

(NOTE FROM RALPH TERRY: In GREERS THAT GOT TO GEORGIA, Julian Greer states that Elizabeth Bandy, who married an Aquilla Greer, possibly died as late as 1812, and her father was William Bandy from South Carolina. However, Julian had the many Aquilla Greers crossed up, and had Elizabeth Bandy married to Aquilla Greer, son of William Greer, and first cousin to this Elizabeth Bandy's husband. His information seems to be incorrect in this case, as he as many known errors in his work.) "Elizabeth Bandy was the daughter of Richard Bandy and Mahalia or Avy Jane Cummins. Richard was born in Liverpool, England according to family lore. Jane was born in Dublin, Ireland. Richard had 9 children: Thomas, Richard, Jr., George, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ann, Nancy believed to be by Jane; Katie by Lucy Justice, less than a year old when Richard Bandy died and left his will in Botetourt County, Virginia in 1795. Aquilla Greer Jr. and Elizabeth "Eliza"

Children of AQUILLA GREER and ELIZABETH BANDY are:

39. i. ELIZABETH³⁰ GREER, b. Abt. 1780, Franklin, VA; d. November 1860, Monroe County, WV.

ii. WILLIAM GREER.

iii. ASA GREER.

iv. RICHARD GREER.

v. MARTHA (PATSY) GREER.

vi. ELIJAH GREER.

vii. AQUILLA III GREER.

 

39. ELIZABETH³⁰ GREER (AQUILLA JR.²⁹, AQUILLA²⁸, JOHN²⁷, JAMES²⁶, JAMES²⁵ GRIER, WILLIAM²⁴ GRIERSON, ROGER²³, JOHN²², ROGER²¹, ROGER²⁰, VEDAST¹⁹, GILBERT¹⁸, GILBERT¹⁷, MALCOM DOMINUS¹⁶ DE MACGREGOR, GREGOR¹⁵ MACGREGOR, WILLIAM¹⁴, MALCOLM¹³, JOHN¹², GREGOR¹¹, JOHN¹⁰, GREGOR⁹ DE BHRATTICH, CONSTANTINE⁸, DONGALLUS⁷, GREGOR⁶ MACALPINE, DUNGAL⁵ THANE, HUGH "THE⁴ POISONOUS" IV, AED³ FINN, HUGH² III, HUGH¹ II) was born Abt. 1780 in Franklin, VA, and died November 1860 in Monroe County, WV. She married ASA SR. DILLON August 13, 1798 in Franklin, VA, son of JESSE DILLON and MARY BLANKENSHIP. He was born Abt. 1782 in Bedford County, VA, and died November 1860 in Monroe County, WV.

Notes for ELIZABETH GREER:

She was buried in Lively Cemetery, near Lindside, Monroe County, West Virginia. "Elizabeth Greer was born in 1764. Asa Dillon and his wife settled near Lindside, in Monroe County, West Virginia, about 1830. There are no tombstones at the gravesites of Asa or Elizabeth Dillon." (DILLON ANCESTORS by Dr. Chares Raymond Dillon, page 199, as sent to Ralph Terry for inclusion in this genealogy by Jerry Offholter P. O. Box 370108, Montara, California 94037-0108; email: <[email protected]> in August 1996.) (NOTE FROM RALPH TERRY: As Elizabeth and Asa married in 1798, she would have been 17 years old, if born in 1781; or 34, if born in 1764. As their son, Quincy Perry Dillon, was born in 1827, it seems improbable that she would have still been having children at age 63. Therefore, for this record we are using the birth year of 1781, as given from other sources.)

"Elizabeth Greer married Asa Dillon, son of Jesse Dillon and Mary Elizabeth Blankenship. Both are buried in the Lively Cemetery, near Lindside, West Virginia. There are no tombstones at their graves. Asa and his wife Elizabeth Greer settled near Lindside, in Monroe County, West Virginia, about 1830." (PIONEER FAMILIES of FRANKLIN COUNTY VIRGINIA by Marshall Wingfield, Reprinted for Clearfield Company, Inc by Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, Maryland, 1996, as per Bea O'Quin, 1997.)

She was married to Asa Dillon (son of Jesse Dillon and Mary Elizabeth Blankenship) on 13 Aug 1798 in Franklin County, Virginia. Asa Dillon was born between 1778 and 1782 in Bedford County, Virginia. He died in Nov 1860 in Monroe County, West Virginia. He was buried in Lively Cemetery, near Lindside, Monroe County, West Virginia. Information about the family and parents of of Asa Dillon from DILLON ANCESTORS by Dr. Charles Raymond Dillon, page 199, as sent to Ralph Terry for inclusion in this genealogy by Jerry Offholter P. O. Box 370108, Montara, California 94037-0108; email: <[email protected]> in August 1996. He shows Asa Dillon was born about 1762. (NOTE FROM RALPH TERRY: I don't see that Asa could have been born about 1762. Probably 1778 to 1782 would be closer to the true birthdate.)

"Asa Dillon was the son of Jesse Dillon and Mary Elizabeth Blankenship. His father was born in Cumberland or Goochland County, Virginia (Note: Cumberland County was formed from Goochalnd County in 1749.) Jesse Dillon was born in 1749, and died 12 Jun 1833 near Haleford, Virginia. He was married in 1776, to Mary Elizabeth Blankship, born in 1759, Chesterfield, Virginia. She died 8 May 1842 in Haleford, Virginia. Both are buried near the home of Thomas Holland and Dee Dillon near Cross Roads. Jesse owned 1100 acres of land in the vicinity of Haleford and Cross Roads. At the time of his death, he owned 18 slaves. His land was willed equally to his five sons: Henry (Hal), Asa, Arthur, Jesse, Jr and William." (Bea O'Quin, 1997.)

Notes for ASA SR. DILLON:

Also sp. Dillion

Children of ELIZABETH GREER and ASA DILLON are:

40. i. HENDERSON³¹ DILLON, b. January 03, 1813, Franklin, VA; d. October 07, 1882, Ballard, WV.

ii. AQUILLA GREER DILLON, b. Abt. 1799.

iii. JEFFERSON DILLON, b. Abt. 1800, Franklin, VA.

iv. MARTHA DILLON, b. Abt. 1807, Franklin, VA.

v. TEMPERANCE DILLON, b. Abt. 1810, Franklin, VA.

vi. ASA JR. DILLON, b. 1822, Franklin, VA.

vii. QUINCY PERRY DILLON, b. January 06, 1824, Franklin, VA.

viii. SNELLING E DILLON, b. Abt. 1802, Franklin, VA.

ix. ELIZABETH BANDY DILLON, b. Abt. 1827, Franklin, VA.

x. CATHERINE DILLON, b. Abt. 1826.

 

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