Sgt. William Grant Sr.

Note: He had ONE wife named Mary "Polly"Who survived him and died after 1800. I explained more in the original memorial for her.

He was born in Virginia and resided there before going to Tryon County, NC. [Some sent that he was born in Scotland but this looks like the wrong William {our William was NOT The son of David Grant according to the Grant DNA project and he was not the son of William Grant (1690 Scotland and Margaret Glenening White—the census data conflicts for this last couple as is explained below-ML].

Birthdate is approximate and is from his DAR file (Abt. 1723). Death date is when Will was dated. He was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary War in Capt. Porter's NC Company, a Patriot (See his military information below). Many men in this time period did not have a middle name. On his military records, his name is simply William Grant; due to several sending me Archibald for a middle name, I have added it but I would like to see proof of that middle name.

Note, this is a page in progress. More info is being added. If you would like to contribute or if you see an error, please let me know by using the edit feature. I am happy to cooperate as I want all descendants to be happy with our ancestor's memorial and most of all, the goal is to be accurate!

Note about location of grave and headstone: Find a Grave Volunteer reported this to me, ML, in looking for a picture: "The map location for the church/cemetery on Find a Grave is WAY off. The church is in Lake Lure on Bill's Creek Rd. Many unmarked stones, names worn off, grave could not be located by stone...could not be recognized." The stone photo there is from an older one originally on the memorial; someone took it down but some had saved it; that is where that photo came from but the original person submitter's name is no longer is available to give credit. -ML

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William Grant, Sr. was born in Virginia, USA in about 1725. (Date variations could be CA 1725-1730).

He married Mary "Polly" In about 1752-1755 in Virginia. —(Her last name unknown but one possibility was said to be Morris, —meaning the daughter of Thomas Morris and Sarah Wales Morris, in Virginia in abt 1755. Further down, she is mentioned in again in notes to be Mary Polly Morris, sister of John Morris.

Marty Grant's research states Mary Polly Grant's maiden name may have been Morris, Bradley, or Dalton. [He believes the strongest case was for Dalton; He was referenced as "Uncle William Grant" by John Dalton 1758-1838 in John's military records; some say Bradley —he was listed as owing a debt on John Bradley's Estate in Morgan District in NC but Marty notes this isn't naming him as a heir but among individuals owing a debt].

Apparently to escape the building tensions from the coming Revolutionary War, the family moved to Tyron County, North Carolina about 1772 from Virginia, most likely Louisa or Goochland County, VA. Note: There are several William Grants in VA around this time. William may have gone to NC alone then was joined by his family. The war did reach into the Western part of NC though. The Grant family lived in Tryon County, NC (named for the Tory/Loyalist Governor of NC, Governor Tryon) which no longer exists (it was divided to make two counties, Rutherford Co and Polk Co); they lived in the part which is in present day Rutherford County.

William and Mary Were in North Carolina before the Revolutionary War; this is not Sgt. William Grant of the 1st Virginia Regiment. That is a different man.

This Sgt William Grant was listed as a Sergeant under Capt Robert Porter's Company in Tyron County, NC.; see bottom for info on this from his DAR Ancestor file.

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Wiliam was listed among the 58 residents of Old Tryon County (which existed from 1768-1779) in 1770:

MORRIS John (possibly William Grant's wife's brother)

GRANT William

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He enlisted for service in the Revolutionary War on 21 OCT 1777 and discharged on 30 DEC 1777 and served 71 days along with his sons, Alexander and William Jr. For his service he received 14 lbs 4 shillings / pay voucher card # 37119951.

His rank was Sgt (Sargeant RS) serving in Captain Robert Porter's Tryon County, NC Company (Rangers); Brig. General Rutherford's Batillion. His sons (William Grant Jr and Alexander Grant) did not have a rank listed so it is assumed they were privates.

For his service he received several land grants in Tryon County (now Rutherford Co) NC. He did not apply for a pension so his records are not clear which battles he fought in. Even though his commander may have been at some battles, it does not mean he himself was in a particular battle.

*I will add these land grants in gradually * Note, one person sent me a good summary (see at the bottom of this memorial).

He was a farmer and miller, he had at least 3 mills; one was on the Mountain Creek in Tryon County, NC where on 24 FEB 1772, he recived a land grant on the north side of Mountain Creek of 100 acres of land.

Another mill was located on Grant's Creek where he received a land grant of 150 acres on 1 May 1773 (Grant's Creek on Cove's Creek in Tryon Co., NC).

John Morris, possibly his brother-in-law, died fighting on the Tory side during the Battle of King's Mountain. In July 1782, the court in Rutherford County, "Or'd that William GRANT do take unto his possession Thomas MORRIS, Jean MORRIS, William MORRIS, James MORRIS, Francis MORRIS, George MORRIS, and Elizabeth MORRIS, infants, children of John MORRIS, decd until they come of the proper age to choose guardians."

*more will be added...

He married Mary"Polly" (maiden name not certain, see notes/discussion in this memorial). Father of Elizabeth, Alexander, Clementine, Andrew, Charles, William Jr, (died along with Elizabeth Grant —believed to be wife of Wm Jr—perished when the Cherokees burned Wm Sr.'s house down 1782 near the end of the Rev. War), Thomas and Archibald Grant.

Wife Mary "Polly" (maiden name unknown) Grant

9 Children:

Elizabeth (m. James Morris)

*William Grant Jr (wife: Elizabeth)—died in house fire abt. 1782

Alexander (m. Susannah Morris)

Clementine (Clemmy)- (1m. William Musick; 2m. James Love)

Andrew (m. Martha Mackey)

Charles (m Sarah Wyatte /Wyatt)

Thomas (m. Amy Coxey)

John (m. Tabitha Martin)

Archibald (never married)

*Note about his son William Grant Jr: William Jr, (died along with Elizabeth Grant —believed to be wife of Wm Jr—perished when the Cherokees burned Wm Sr.'s house down 1782 near the end of the Rev. War),

BIO: Mountain Links

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NOTE: Some researchers are WRONGLY claiming this is William Grant Jr, son of William Grant (1690 Scotland to 1734 King George Co, Va) and Margaret Glenening White (1686 Henrico Co, VA to 5 January, 1744.). This is NOT the William Grant Jr., son of that couple! That William Grant Jr died in King George Co.,VA where his will was probated 4 May 1733. See the following from FAG 84619904 contributor 47428292 (Kelly& Connie Byrd) which backs this up:

"WILL: King George Co, Virginia, 24 Jan 1727, Will Book 1. He names three sons, John (to have the plantation bought of Cornelius Edmonds), William, and Daniel (to have all my Troopers material). He leaves his wife (unnamed) 1 shilling, "she being eloped from me and her basely abusing of me." However, about Christmas, 1732, his second son William, was mortally wounded. On the 1 January, 1733, William Grant, Sr., added a codicil "Whereas my son William may not survive me I therefore make over my bequest to him to his two children (unnamed)." William Grant, Jr, survived his father, but not for long. The latter's will was proved 5 February, 1733. William Grant, Jr's., will is undated but was proved 4 May, 1733." [This is NOT our William Grant!]

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From the notes of Frank Block, 32 Pointe Terrace NW, Atlanta, GA:

William Grant Sr. (Griffin, Clarence W., "The History of Old Tryon and Rutherford Counties", Reprint Company,Spartanburg, SC (1982); Ratcliff, Clarence E., "North Carolina Taxpayers, 1701-1786.", GPC, Baltimore, 1986, page 80: "Pension Application of John Dalton (S1755).", isuue 24 May, 1833; Dalton,General Lee, "G.L.Dalton Notebooks, No. 5, Thomas Dalton."; McBride, Ransom,Editor, "North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal.", NC Gen Socpp 2104-5). Born in VA died, circa 1795, in Rutherford County, NC (Will dated 4 Oct 1794 proved Jan 1795 in Rutherford County). Occupation: Farmer, Miller.

William Grant witnessed deeds in Mecklenburg County, NC as early as 4 June 1763. He was probably in Tryon County, NC, at least a year before 24 Feb 1772 when he acquired a Land grant for 100 acres on the North side of Mountain Creek in present day Rutherford County. On 1 May 1773 he acquired a 150 acre Land grant on Grants Creek of Cove Creek. He received another 150 acre grant on Grants Creek in two grants on 11 Oct and 13 Oct 1783.

He had mills on Grant's Mill Creek of Cove Creek, on Mill Creek of Cleghorn Creek, and, probably, at Fox Haven. He acquired from the estate of John Morris (Mary Morris Grant's brother), 350 acres on Broad River, the original tract of Foxhaven plantation, but the purpose was to preserve it from the Commissioners of Confiscated Property for his wards, the children of John Morris. (Foxhaven later came into the hands of John's son James Morris).

As a Justice of the Court, William shared the duty to oversee estate administrations and guardianships. It was an obvious conflict of interest for a Justice to act as an administrator of an estate or as a guardian, since he would be, with the other Justices, overseeing himself. Yet, William held both positions. John Morris died, reputedly in the Battle of King's Mountian, fighting for the Loyalist's side. Thomas Morris, John's brother, was appointed administrator but later removed, apparently for failing to turn over to the Commissioners of Confiscated Property the assets of John's estate. William was then appointed successor administrator and also guardian of John Morris's children.

He was one of the original developers of Rutherfordton in 1783. He is shown on a map dated 28 Dec 1793 as having acquired three adjoining lots facing the soon to be built Court House and many additional lots further away. In 1783, he built on Lot #1 a "two story frame house & other buildings," which he financed with a mortgage of 98 pounds, 15 shilling and 10 pence from the firm of Alexander McBeth and Company, merchants of Spartanburg, SC. He obtained a license to operate a tavern there, but it is doubtful that it was very profitable (seven years later there were only ten houses in Rutherfordton).

He was Justice of the Peace from 1780 more or less until 1794. He was also appointed Ranger in Oct 1779, a position which he held until his death in 1795. (A Ranger received or rounded up stray animals and cared for them until claimed by their rightful owners). His involvement in the community was continuous but varied, and included such other activities as tax assessor, juryman to Morgan district Court, witness to the Spartanburg Court, Constable, etc.

His service to the Revolution appears to have been limited to 71 days active duty as a sergeant in Captian Robert Porter's Company with his sons Alexander and William, Jr.

Here are the tax list and census entries for William and Mary:

Tryon Co, NC 1776 Taxlist:

William Grant

Rutherford Co, NC 1780 Taxlist:

William Grant, 2 males 16-60, 4 males under 16, 3 females 16-60, 2 females under 16

Rutherford Co, NC 1782 Taxlist:

William Grant, 300 acres

Rutherford Co, NC 1790 Census:

pg 116 William GRANT, 3 males 16 and up, 1 male under 16, 4 females, 0 others, 0 slaves.

Rutherford Co, NC 1800 Census:

pg 112 Mary GRANT, 1 male under 10, 1 male 10 and up but under 16, 1 male 16 and up but under 26, 1 male 26 and up but under 45. 2 females under 10, 1 female 10 and up but under 16, 1 female 16 and up but under 26, 1 female 26 and up but under 45, 1 female 45 and up.

More About WILLIAM GRANT:

Fact 1: 1783, Moved family from VA to NC

Fact 2: Magistrate in Rutherford Co, NC

Fact 3: Buried at Bill's Creek, NC

Fact 4: Occupation:Farmer/Miller

Fact 5: Served in Revolutionary War

Will of William Grant taken from the Web Page of Marty Grant..

Rutherford County formed 1779 from Tryon

Will of William Grant, Rutherford County, North Carolina 9 Oct 1794 (from NC State Archives, this Will was not recorded in the Rutherford County Will Books)

In the name of God Amen, This ninth day of October one thousand seven hundred and ninety (sic) four, I William GRANT of the County of Rutherford and State of North Carolina being in great afflictions but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to Almighty God for the same, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die Do make and ordain this my last will and Testament. First, recommending (sic) my soul to God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried at the discretion of my Executors and as [ ] such worldly Estate which it hath pleased Got to bless me with I give and dispose of in the manner and form following that is to say Item I give to my beloved wife Mary all of my estate both real and personal as she may think she stands in need of after my lawful debts are paid [ ] in her life, and the rents arising from my [ ] and houses in Rutherford County to be for my wife's and my afflicted son Archible Grant support (sic) during her life. Item It is my desire that the land whereon I now live after my wife's death be the property of my son Thomas Grant and his heirs forever and my desire is that my daughter Clemy Grant should have a right to live on the said land with my wife and son if they can't agree to build her a house for herself. Item I give unto my son Charles Grant [illegible] My wish is that my lotts (sic) at the upper end of [ ] and house lott (sic) my tract of land on the waters of Mountain Creek near James BOYLS with the rest of my Estate that my wife dont (sic) want be sold by my executors and the money arising therefrom to pay my lawful debts and after the death of my wife all the Estate with my house and lotts in Rutherford County to be sold and the money arising therefrom to be equally divided between Alexander GRANT, Andrew GRANT, Thomas GRANT, Archible GRANT, and Clemy GRANT to them and their heirs forever. And I do appoint Stephen WILLIS, Richard LEWIS, Alexander GRANT my Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made rattifieing (sic) and confirming this to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above writen (sic). Signed Seald (sic) and acknowledged by me.

William Grant {Seal}

Anthony DICKEY, proved by his oath

Sarah HAMILTON, proved by her oath.

Proved in open court, January Term 1795.

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Annette Grant 48895336 has sent the following—-she believes William Grant Sr was the son of David Grant, Find a Grave #213302526 and that he was born 17 February 1720 in Scotland and died 2 Jan 1795. She also believes Bradley was the maiden name of Mary "Polly" Grant. I will add in other information she sent to me which may be pertaining to our William Grant. I would like to see more documentation before adding the place of birth as Scotland and the maiden name for Mary and the father as David Grant. It doesn't mean it won't be added, I just like to be certain with documentation. I will add the rest here soon. Thank you.

Geoff Grant, FIND A GRAVE ID 51603208 for sending this clarification:

Hey, the David was supposedly a Clan Chief descendant, and William is not, so that connection would be genetically false. Adoption or non-parental event is still possible of course, but I wanted to give this info for the sake of any further research on that connection. I am one of the Grant DNA Project admins so I've seen the data).

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DAR Ancestor #: A134158

Information from his DAR file:

GRANT, WILLIAM 

Ancestor #: A134158 

Service: NORTH CAROLINA   Rank(s): CIVIL SERVICE, SERGEANT

Birth: CIRCA 1723   

Death: ANTE 1- -1795    RUTHERFORD CO NORTH CAROLINA 

Service Source: 

NARA, M881, COMP MIL SERV RECS, ROLL #785; GRIFFIN, ESSAYS ON NC HIST, PP 132-133; GRIFFIN, HIST OF OLD TRYON & RUTHERFORD COUNTIES, NC, PP 54, 82-83, 85, 88

Service Description: 

1) CAPT ROBERT PORTER, TRYON CO, 1777; COUNTY RANGER, RUTHERFORD CO, 1779-1783;

2) JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, RUTHERFORD CO, 1780-1783 

RESIDENCE

 1) County: TRYON - State: NORTH CAROLINA 

 2) County: RUTHERFORD CO - State: NORTH CAROLINA 

SPOUSE

Name 1) MARY X 

Source: www.services.dar.org

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Link from Cherokee Researchers about Moytoy line (for those suggesting his wife is of Cherokee descent, please pay attention to this): https://www.indianreservations.net/2017/10/moytoy-of-tellico-emperor-of-cherokee_22.html

*Mountain Links*

Note: Don't copy public trees, check records well to prove or disprove relationships.

Also, if you copy records from Find a Grave, please give credit to the researcher who managed the memorial. This one was copied to ancestry as a source. Be respectful.