Sir James Greer of Lag, of Capenoch

"Sir James Greer, Knt., of Capenoch, Dumfriesshire and Rock Hall, Alnwick, Northumberland, 5th son of Sir William Grier. Succeded his brother, John in Capenoch. In a discharge, dated 1630, James signs Grier and brother Alexander signs Grierson. Died 1666. Married Mary, daughter of the Rev. John Browne, M. A., of Glencairn, first minister after the Reformation; and widow of Thomas Grier of Bargarg Tower, Dumfriesshire. John Grierson of Bargarg married Grizel, daughter of of Robert Kirkpatrick of Closeburn by his wife Grizel, daughter of Sir William Baillie of Lannington, M. P., by Grizel his wife, daughter of Sir Claud Hamilton of Elieston, brother of James, 1st Earl of Abercorn, ancestor of the Duke of Abercorn." ("Printed Pedigree Chart of 1888," as seen in Edinburg, Scotland and a copy made from this same chart as obtained from Lois Temple.)

"Sir James Grier, son of Sir William and Nichola (Maxwell) Grierson was designated as of The Rock and Copenoch, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He was born circa 1604; died in 1666. In 1626, he married Mary Browne, daughter of the Reverend John Browne of Glencairn, and was, at the time of this marriage, the widow of Thomas Greer, of Barjang Tower of the same county. From this Sir James Grier, originated the several Greer branches known as of Tullylagen, Grange and Sea Park. Many of these accepted the Quaker faith and removed to Ireland. The known children of Sir James amd Mary (Brown) Grier, three: i. James Greer ... . ii. Henry Greer ... . iii. Ann Greer ... ." (From a lithographed Family Chart prepared by Thomas Greer, of Ireland, in 1855 as given in GREGOR, MacGREGOR, MacGHEE, MAGRUDER, GRIERSON, GRIER, GREER --- A HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN OF THE ABOVE FAMILIES AND MANY OF THEIR DESCENDANTS, 1954, compiled by Robert M. Torrence, A.B., F.G.S.P., F.I.A.G., 110 Edgevale Road Baltimore 10, Maryland, page 41.)

"Sir James Grierson removed to Cumberland and changed his surname to Grier. On 6 August 1630 [Lag Charter #214], James Greirsone (NOT SIR), brother of Sir Robert Greirsone of Lag, witnessed his brother Lancelot Greirsone's sasine to Dalskairth." (William Greer, Illinois.) "Sir James Greer, Knt., of Capenoch, Dumfriesshire and Rock Hall, Alnwic k, Northumberland, 5th son of Sir William Grier. Succeded his brother, Jo hn in Capenoch. In a discharge, dated 1630, James signs Grier and broth er Alexander signs Grierson. Died 1666. Married Mary, daughter of the Re v. John Browne, M. A., of Glencairn, first minister after the Reformatio n; and widow of Thomas Grier of Bargarg Tower, Dumfriesshire. John Griers on of Bargarg married Grizel, daughter of of Robert Kirkpatrick of Closebu rn by his wife Grizel, daughter of Sir William Baillie of Lannington, M. P ., by Grizel his wife, daughter of Sir Claud Hamilton of Elieston, broth er of James, 1st Earl of Abercorn, ancestor of the Duke of Abercorn." ("Pr inted Pedigree Chart of 1888," as seen in Edinburg, Scotland and a copy ma de from this same chart as obtained from Lois Temple.)

"Sir James Grier, son of Sir William and Nichola (Maxwell) Grierson was de signated as of The Rock and Copenoch, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He was bo rn circa 1604; died in 1666. In 1626, he married Mary Browne, daught er of the Reverend John Browne of Glencairn, and was, at the time of th is marriage, the widow of Thomas Greer, of Barjang Tower of the same count y. From this Sir James Grier, originated the several Greer branches kno wn as of Tullylagen, Grange and Sea Park. Many of these accepted the Quak er faith and removed to Ireland. The known children of Sir James amd Ma ry (Brown) Grier, three: i. James Greer ... . ii. Henry Greer ... . iii. A nn Greer ... ." (From a lithographed Family Chart prepared by Thomas Gree r, of Ireland, in 1855 as given in GREGOR, MacGREGOR, MacGHEE, MAGRUDER, G RIERSON, GRIER, GREER --- A HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN OF THE ABOVE FAMILIES A ND MANY OF THEIR DESCENDANTS, 1954, compiled by Robert M. Torrence, A.B ., F.G.S.P., F.I.A.G., 110 Edgevale Road Baltimore 10, Maryland, page 41 .)

"Sir James Grierson removed to Cumberland and changed his surname to Grie r. On 6 August 1630 [Lag Charter #214], James Greirsone (NOT SIR), broth er of Sir Robert Greirsone of Lag, witnessed his brother Lancelot Greirson e's sasine to Dalskairth." (William Greer, Illinois.)

More About James Greer and Mary Brown: Marriage: Abt. 1626

Children of James Greer and Mary Brown are:

	264	i.	 	Henry Grier, born Abt. 1625 in Rock, Alnwick, Northumberland, England; died 1675 in Tyrone, Bedford, Ireland; married Mary Turner 05 Feb 1648/49 in St John, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle, Northumberland, England.

		ii.	 	James Grier, born Abt. 1627 in Dumfrieshire, Scotland; died in Maryland; married Ann Taylor; born 1662 in Baltimore County, Maryland; died 13 May 1716 in Baltimore County, Maryland.

	Notes for James Grier: "GREAR, James. Arrived Maryland Nov., 1674, on Batchelor, ex Bristol. Indentured. (Early Settlers Book 18, folio 152) - 2112 ... (A second listing is also shown:) GREER, James. Born probably Dumfriesshire. Son of James Greer and Mary Browne. Settled Joppa, Baltimore County, Maryland, 1675. Married Ann, daughter of Arthur Taylor and Wife Margaret, with issue: (1) John, born 1688; (2) James. (D. C., 22 Apr., 1961) - 2117." (These two entries are from A DICTIONARY OF SCOTTISH EMIGRANTS TO THE USA by Donald Whyte, 1972.) 

(NOTE FROM RALPH TERRY: I have found no proof that this James Greer was the same James Greer who married Ann Taylor. There is no marriage record of which I am aware, but it has been placed in some records that they married June 6, 1687. This was the date of the first proven connection of our immigrant ancestor, as Arthur Taylor mentions "James Grear, and Ann, his wife" in his will and gave him land that was later passed on down to John Greer, the only recorded son of James Greer and Ann Taylor. This will does not show that Ann, wife of James Grear, to be his daughter. But, from a deposition made by the son, John Greer in 1738, that he (John) was born about 1688 and that his mother, Ann Grear was a daughter of Arthur Taylor. This would place the marriage of James Greer and Ann Taylor in 1887 or before, as also proved by Arthur Taylor's will. If the James who married Ann Taylor, is the same James who was transported in 1674, and as John seemed to have been their only child, then they probably would not have married many years before he was born. Therefore, James Greer would have been about 55 to 60 years old when he married. It was been said that James was killed, but I see no proof of this. If this James was over 60 years old in 1688, then there is a good chance that he died of old age. Other researchers feel the James Greer who arrived in America in 1674 was born about 1656, but this appears to be based on the thinking that all men who came over were young men, so he would have been about 18 years of age.)

"June 6, 1687. To all Christian people, to whom these presents shall come ... I, Arthur Taylor, of Gunpowder River, in Baltimore County, Maryland, Planter, for and in consideration of natural love and affection which I have and do bear unto James Grear and Ann, his wife, as also for divers and other good reasons and considerations and hereunto especially moving and do by these presents, give, grant, alein, enfoff their heirs and assigns, unto James Grear and Ann, his wife, their heirs and assigns forever, 75 acres of land, being part of a greater tract of 300 acres belonging to the said Arthur, and called, "Arthur's Choice", lying and being situated in Baltimore County, and on the south side of a branch of the Gunpowder River, called Bird Run, beginning at a red oak standing on the said river and running from said oak bounding with the ... run ... east-north-east 53 perches by a line into the woods for length 300 ... thence by a line down west-south-west from the end south-south-east ... east to line 53 perches ... Witness: Samuel Sickelman, Amos Thompson - Signed Arthur Taylor (his X mark)." (Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland, R. M. # H. S., Vol. 1, page 261.) This same land was held in trust for the "orphan of James Greer named John" until he reached age. Neither James Greer or his wife Ann left a will that has been located.

........................... "James Greer. His name is mentioned in Playfair (BRITISH ANTIQUITY, by Sir William Playfair, Volume 7, pages 506-513, published in London, England, 1811) and is included in the Family Chart, nothing more. It may be assumed, as in many similar cases, that he left the country. He was born circa 1627 and it is asked if he may be the James Greer who was transported into Maryland in 1675, by Samuel Gibbon, who was granted 4500 acres of land for transporting 90 person into Maryland (see above)."

"The key name in connection with this "Greer Family, Originating in Maryland," is James Grear whose earliest record in Maryland is in the Hall of Records, Annapolis, "Early Settlers Book 18, Folio 152": "James ....FINISH..... ...................TORRENCE, began page 141............ (GREGOR, MacGREGOR, MacGHEE, MAGRUDER, GRIERSON, GRIER, GREER --- A HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN OF THE ABOVE FAMILIES AND MANY OF THEIR DESCENDANTS, 1954, compiled by Robert M. Torrence, A.B., F.G.S.P., F.I.A.G., 110 Edgevale Road Baltimore 10, Maryland, pages 41, .)

He was married to Ann "Anna" Taylor (daughter of Arthur Taylor and Margaret Hill) about 1680 in Baltimore County, Maryland. Ann "Anna" Taylor was born about 1662 in Baltimore County, Maryland. She died on 13 May 1716 in Baltimore County, Maryland. "Ann (Taylor) Greer was living June 6, 1687 when she and James Greer received the 75 acres from his father. She was the wife of Lawrence Richardson at the time he held trust in the 75 acres of land for "John, ye orphan son of James Greer." She was the wife of Oliver Harriott at the time he was custodian for these same acres for John Grear, March 14, 1714, when Ann released her dower rights in this land when John and Sarah sold it to Mark Guisard. James Greer and Ann "Anna" Taylor had the following children:

"GREAR, James. Arrived Maryland Nov., 1674, on Batchelor, ex Bristol. Inde ntured. (Early Settlers Book 18, folio 152) - 2112 ... (A second listi ng is also shown:) GREER, James. Born probably Dumfriesshire. Son of Jam es Greer and Mary Browne. Settled Joppa, Baltimore County, Maryland, 167 5. Married Ann, daughter of Arthur Taylor and Wife Margaret, with issue: ( 1) John, born 1688; (2) James. (D. C., 22 Apr., 1961) - 2117." (These t wo entries are from A DICTIONARY OF SCOTTISH EMIGRANTS TO THE USA by Dona ld Whyte, 1972.)

(NOTE FROM RALPH TERRY: I have found no proof that this James Greer was t he same James Greer who married Ann Taylor. There is no marriage reco rd of which I am aware, but it has been placed in some records that they m arried June 6, 1687. This was the date of the first proven connection of o ur immigrant ancestor, as Arthur Taylor mentions "James Grear, and Ann, h is wife" in his will and gave him land that was later passed on down to Jo hn Greer, the only recorded son of James Greer and Ann Taylor. This will d oes not show that Ann, wife of James Grear, to be his daughter. But, fr om a deposition made by the son, John Greer in 1738, that he (John) was bo rn about 1688 and that his mother, Ann Grear was a daughter of Arthur Tayl or. This would place the marriage of James Greer and Ann Taylor in 18 87 or before, as also proved by Arthur Taylor's will. If the James who mar ried Ann Taylor, is the same James who was transported in 1674, and as Jo hn seemed to have been their only child, then they probably would not ha ve married many years before he was born. Therefore, James Greer would ha ve been about 55 to 60 years old when he married. It was been said that Ja mes was killed, but I see no proof of this. If this James was over 60 yea rs old in 1688, then there is a good chance that he died of old age. Oth er researchers feel the James Greer who arrived in America in 1674 was bo rn about 1656, but this appears to be based on the thinking that all men w ho came over were young men, so he would have been about 18 years of age .)

"June 6, 1687. To all Christian people, to whom these presents shall co me ... I, Arthur Taylor, of Gunpowder River, in Baltimore County, Marylan d, Planter, for and in consideration of natural love and affection whi ch I have and do bear unto James Grear and Ann, his wife, as also for dive rs and other good reasons and considerations and hereunto especially movi ng and do by these presents, give, grant, alein, enfoff their heirs and as signs, unto James Grear and Ann, his wife, their heirs and assigns foreve r, 75 acres of land, being part of a greater tract of 300 acres belongi ng to the said Arthur, and called, "Arthur's Choice", lying and being situ ated in Baltimore County, and on the south side of a branch of the Gunpowd er River, called Bird Run, beginning at a red oak standing on the said riv er and running from said oak bounding with the ... run ... east-north-ea st 53 perches by a line into the woods for length 300 ... thence by a li ne down west-south-west from the end south-south-east ... east to li ne 53 perches ... Witness: Samuel Sickelman, Amos Thompson - Signed Arth ur Taylor (his X mark)." (Hall of Records, Annapolis, Marylan d, R. M. # H. S., Vol. 1, page 261.) This same land was held in trust f or the "orphan of James Greer named John" until he reached age. Neither Ja mes Greer or his wife Ann left a will that has been located.

........................... "James Greer. His name is mentioned in Playfa ir (BRITISH ANTIQUITY, by Sir William Playfair, Volume 7, pages 506-513, p ublished in London, England, 1811) and is included in the Family Chart, no thing more. It may be assumed, as in many similar cases, that he left t he country. He was born circa 1627 and it is asked if he may be the Jam es Greer who was transported into Maryland in 1675, by Samuel Gibbon, w ho was granted 4500 acres of land for transporting 90 person into Maryla nd (see above)."

"The key name in connection with this "Greer Family, Originating in Maryla nd," is James Grear whose earliest record in Maryland is in the Hall of Re cords, Annapolis, "Early Settlers Book 18, Folio 152": "James ....FINISH.. ... ...................TORRENCE, began page 141............ (GREGOR, MacGR EGOR, MacGHEE, MAGRUDER, GRIERSON, GRIER, GREER --- A HISTORY OF THE ORIG IN OF THE ABOVE FAMILIES AND MANY OF THEIR DESCENDANTS, 1954, compil ed by Robert M. Torrence, A.B., F.G.S.P., F.I.A.G., 110 Edgevale Road Balt imore 10, Maryland, pages 41, .)

He was married to Ann "Anna" Taylor (daughter of Arthur Taylor and Margar et Hill) about 1680 in Baltimore County, Maryland. Ann "Anna" Taylor was b orn about 1662 in Baltimore County, Maryland. She died on 13 May 1716 in B altimore County, Maryland. "Ann (Taylor) Greer was living June 6, 1687 wh en she and James Greer received the 75 acres from his father. She was t he wife of Lawrence Richardson at the time he held trust in the 75 acr es of land for "John, ye orphan son of James Greer." She was the wife of O liver Harriott at the time he was custodian for these same acres for Jo hn Grear, March 14, 1714, when Ann released her dower rights in this la nd when John and Sarah sold it to Mark Guisard. James Greer and Ann "Ann a" Taylor had the following children:

		iii.	 	John Grier, born Abt. 1626; died in ; married Marion Brown 1659; born Abt. 1620; died in .

	Notes for John Grier: "John Grier of Capenoch, married Marian, his cousin, daughter of Rev. William Browne of Glencairn (son of Rev. John Browne of Glencairn) by his wife Marian, daughter of Stephen Laurie of Maxweltoun. Issue, 10 sons and 9 daughters." (Printed Pedigree Chart of 1888.)  "John Grier of Capenoch, married Marian, his cousin, daughter of Rev. Will iam Browne of Glencairn (son of Rev. John Browne of Glencairn) by his wi fe Marian, daughter of Stephen Laurie of Maxweltoun. Issue, 10 sons a nd 9 daughters." (Printed Pedigree Chart of 1888.) 

More About John Grier and Marion Brown: Marriage: 1659
iv. Nichola Grier, born Abt. 1630; died in ; married Unknown Cunningham; born in Kirkshaw.

	Notes for Nichola Grier: "Nicola Grier married _____ Cunningham of Kirkshaw." (Printed Pedigree Chart of 1888.)  "Nicola Grier married _____ Cunningham of Kirkshaw." (Printed Pedigree Cha rt of 1888.) 

v. Anne Grier, born Abt. 1629; died in ; married Thomas Turner 1652; born Abt. 1625; died in .

	Notes for Anne Grier: "Anne Grier married February 1652 Thomas Turner, son of Robert and Deborah Turner of Turnerstead, Northumberland. Removed to Ireland in 1654." (Printed Pedigree Chart of 1888.)  "Anne Grier married February 1652 Thomas Turner, son of Robert and Debor ah Turner of Turnerstead, Northumberland. Removed to Ireland in 1654." (Pr inted Pedigree Chart of 1888.) 

More About Thomas Turner and Anne Grier: Marriage: 1652

James Greer. Born: 1604 in Capenoch, Dumfrieshire, Scotland. Died: 1666 at Dumfrieshire, Scotland.

Father: William Grierson. Mother: Nichola Maxwell.

Spouse: Mary Browne. Married: 1626 in Lag, Scotland.

Family links:

Parents:

 William Grierson (1550 - 1629)

 Nichola Maxwell Grierson (1578 - 1605)

Spouse:

 Mary Browne Greer (1604 - 1661)*

Children:

 Henry Greer (1625 - 1675)*

 James Greer (1627 - 1688)*

*Calculated relationship

Burial: Unknown

Created by: Delbert Bauer Record added: Oct 23, 2010 Find A Grave Memorial# 60531064