from: Ralph Terry, editor - Greer International Newsletter (as of 2/20/99)
549. Aquilla Greer was born between 1716 and 1719 in Gunpowder River, Baltimore Co., MD. He died after 8 Apr 1790 in Greene Co., GA. "Aquilla Greer, born about 1716 on Gunpowder River, Baltimore Co., MD, removed to Pittsylvania, Virginia (as will be shown by the following records): (Baltimore Co., MD, 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 Co., 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 Co., VA, 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 Co., VA 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 Co., GA 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 p.s 78 to 82.)

"He (Aquilla Greer) removed to Pittsylvania Co., VA, 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 Co., VA, 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 Co., 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 Co., VA, that his age was 61, on September 13, 1777." (HISTORY OF HENRY Co., VA by J. P. A. Hill and MARYLAND HISTORICAL MAGAZINE, Vol. 9, p.s 138 - 140.)

"Aquilla took the Oath of Allegiance in Henry Co., VA 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 Co., GA, 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, p.s 19 - 20.)

"Aquilla Greer was born ca. 1719 on the Gunpowder River, Baltimore Co., MD. 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, p. 297, Baltimore Co., MD 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 Co., 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 Co., VA, 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 Co., then Pittsylvania County and then Franklin County. According to Sylvester Greer, it was located near the town of RocKentucky 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 Co., VA, Aquilla, John Greer and Stephen English took inventory of the estate of John Anthony.

"In 1771, John, Aquilla and Joseph sold land in Halifax Co., and on the 13 September 1777, Aquilla and son, William, took oath of allegiance in Henry Co., VA. In Vol. 9 of the Virgiia Historical Magazine, p. 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 Co., GA 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 Co., GA 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, p.s 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 Co., VA LAND PATENTS 1746 - 1916; Roger C. Dodson, FOOTPRINTS FROM THE OLD SURVEY BOOKS OF HALIFAX AND PITTSYLVANIA COUNTIES IN VIRGINIA, Pittsylvania Co., VA 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), p. 83 - 87; The will of Aquilla Greer 4/8/1790, recorded 10/30/1790, Greene Co., GA; Ann Chilton, BEDFORD Co., VA 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, p.s 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._____." (Greene Co., GA 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 Co., VA 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, p. 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, Fort Worth, Texas 76135.

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

"Aquilla Greer, Sr., born 1716 in Baltimore Co., MD, took the Oath of Allegiance in Henry Co., VA on September 17, 1777. He was granted 336 acres in Henry Co., GA for his military service. He removed to Greene Co., GA 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 Co., MD. She died after 1790 in Greene Co., GA. (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 Co., VA. He further states that she and Aquilla were married in Baltimore Co., MD. 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.)
______________
A Record of the Inventory & Appraizments of Aquilla Greer's, deceased Estate
L# S D
from: USGENWEB
submitted by: Doris Irons Greer 12-25-2001
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ga/greene/wills/greeraq.txt, January 12, 2005

Missan 60 - -
Susanna 35 - -
Cloe 35 - -
Richard 40 - -
Leonard 40 - -
Peter 75 - -
6 head of horses 60 - -
17 head of Cattle 23 - -
1 Rifle gun #3.10. one smoothe con D. w/- 4 - -
1 Chest 20/- one small trunk 5/- 1 - -
1 Case of bottles 12/- One silver watch #400 4 - -
1 Pair of money scales & weights 15/-Cash #2507 26 2 -
2 Beds & furniture 18 - -
6 Hoes 15/- 6 Axes 31/- 2 6 -
1 X Cut saw 10/- One Bever Trap. 7/6- - 17 6
3 Trowel hoes 20/- One Barrshear 40/- 3 - -
1 Frs. 2/6 One pair wedges 2/6- - - - 5 -
(continued on p. 103)

Inventory & Appraizment of Aquila Greer's Dec'd, Estate
Continued - #L S D
1 Dozen pewter plates - 18 -
3 Dishes 10/6. Eleven spoons 2/6 - 13 -
3 Basons 7/- Two Ds. 5/-One Candlestick 2- - 14 -
1 wagon, four sets of geer, cloth & Lock chain 25 - -
1 Pair of stealyards 11-/- One foot adze 5/- - 19 -
1 Pair of spoon moulds, nippers & ladle - 12 6
3 Augers 7/- One handsaw 2/6 --- - 9 6
1 Round Shave & Padlock -- - 4 6
1 Howell 2/6. One drawing knife l/6 - 4 0
1 Hammer l/8 Taper bit & Chisel 2/6 - 4 2
1 Gauge 1/- Case Knives & forks 7/- - 8 -
2 Mens Saddles 26/ One Womans Do. 15/ 2 1 -
1 Jointer 2/6 One Inkstand 2/6--- - 5 - #461 .. 0 .. 2
1 Spur l/6. One spice mortar 7/- - 8 6
1 Sugar box 10/- One tin Jack 2/6 - 12 6
1 Razor & hone 3/- Sundry Books 10/- - 13 -
Teapot, Cups & saucers 6/ small trunk 2/ - 8 - 2 .. 2 .. 2 -
=============================

#463 .. 2 .. 2 -
1 Pair chards 5/. sheep. shears 2/- - 7 -
1 Pair sheers & Looking glass 2/- - 2 -
2 Chares 5/- Pan & Skillet 4/- - 9 -
1 Pair tongs 3/- Six Bells 20/- 1 3 -
2 Potts, 1 oven 42/- Smith's tools 10/ 2 12 -
-Leather 10/- 40 head of Hoggs 120/- 6 10 -
1 Pair Saddle bags 8/- - 8 -
1 Bond of Twelve wt. Tobacco #6..0.. 6 - - # 17.. 11 .. 0
====================================

Amts. #480.. 13.. 2
A just & True Appraizment of the Estate of Aquilla Greer, decea'sed
Phillip. Hunter )
James Thomson ) Sworn Appraisers
James Jackson )

A true copy of the Original, Recorded within the limits of the time
prescribed by law.
By - Wm. Phillips R. Pro.
____________
AQUILLA GREER was born Bet. 1716 - 1719 in Gunpowder River, Baltimore Co., MD, and died Bet. April 8 - October 30, 1790 in Greene Co., GA. He married ELIZABETH LOWE 1739 in Baltimore Co., MD, daughter of WILLIAM LOWE and TEMPERANCE PICKETT. She was born June 3, 1721 in Gunpowder River, Baltimore Co., MD, and died Aft. 1790 in Greene Co., GA.

More About AQUILLA GREER:
Military service: September 13, 1777, Revolutionary War Patriot/Henry Co. Virginia/Wilkes Co. NC
Will: dated April 8, 1790, proven & approved October 30, 1790, recorded November 2, 1790 - Greene Co., GA Will Book pp. 102-103

Children of AQUILLA GREER and ELIZABETH LOWE are:

i. MARY SARAH2 GREER, b. Abt. 1740, Baltimore Co., MD; d. Abt. 1830, Greene Co., GA; m. (1) ADAM BEATTY, Bef. 1756; m. (2) HENRY HAYNES, 1757, Virginia; b. Abt. 1735, Caroline Co., VA; d. August 14, 1810, Greene Co., GA.

ii. JAMES GREER, b. January 15, 1741/42, "Chilmalira", Baltimore Co., MD; d. June 13, 1825, Athens, Clarke Co., GA; m. ANN NANCY HAYNES, April 28, 1767, Bedford Co., VA; b. May 2, 1744, Bedford Co., VA; d. April 10, 1832, Lowndes Co., MS; Burial: Greer Family Cemetery, Watkinsville, Oconee Co., GA

iii. AQUILLA GREER, b. Abt. 1744, "Chilmalira", Baltimore Co., MD; d. Abt. 1783, Bedford Co., VA; m. ELIZABETH BANDY, Abt. 1767, Bedford Co., VA; b. 1747, Virginia; d. Abt. 1802.

iv. ELIZABETH GREER, b. Abt. 1747, Henry Co., VA; d. Aft. 1818; m. JOHN "WILLIAM" STARKEY III; b. February 12, 1740/41, Baltimore Co., MD; d. Abt. 1818, Oglethorpe Co., GA.

v. WILLIAM GREER, b. January 29, 1747/48, Henry Co., VA; d. September 24, 1812, Oglethorpe Co., GA; m. JANE "JEAN" HAYNES, Bet. 1771 - 1774, Virginia; b. September 30, 1753, Bedford Co., VA; d. September 26, 1812, Oglethorpe Co., GA.

vi. VINCENT "VINSON" GREER, b. Bet. 1750 - 1754, Henry Co., VA; d. Bef. October 19, 1805, Greene Co., GA; m. poss. Wilkes Co., NC.

vii. DELIA "DELILA" GREER, b. October 31, 1756, Halifax Co., VA; d. Abt. 1838; m. PARMENAS HAYNES, December 2, 1781, Bedford Co., VA; b. July 1, 1742, Orange Co., VA; d. March 4, 1833, Oglethorpe Co., GA.

viii. ASEL (ASABEL/ASA) GREER, b. Bet. 1756 - 1760, Halifax Co., VA; d. Abt. 1828, Clarke Co., GA; m. MARY ANN LOWE, Abt. 1783; b. Abt. 1763, Virginia.
∼He was my 7th Great Uncle

He is the son of John G. Greer, Sr and Sarah Day

Married Elizabeth Haynes, 1739 in Baltimore County, MD

To this union were born 8 children:
Sarah (1740-1830)
James (1742-1825)
Aquilla, Jr (1744-1836)
Elizabeth (1748-1820)
William (1748-1812)
Vinson (1750-1800)
Asa (1756-1838)
Delila (1758-1838)