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Sgt. William Grant, Sr.

Sgt. William Grant, Sr.'s Geni Profile

Sgt. William Grant, Sr.
Birthdate:	February 17, 1720
Birthplace:	Albemarle County, VA, United States
Death:	January 02, 1795 (74) Bills Creek, Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States
Immediate Family:	Husband of Mary Elizabeth "Polly" Grant Father of Elizabeth Morris; Clementine Musick; Alexander Grant; William Grant, Jr.; Andrew Grant, Jr. and 5 others

Managed by:	Pam Wilson (on hiatus)
Last Updated:	today

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Immediate Family

Mary Elizabeth "Polly" Grant

wife
Elizabeth Morris

daughter
Clementine Musick

daughter
Alexander Grant

son
William Grant, Jr.

son
Andrew Grant, Jr.

son
Source: http://person.ancestry.com/tree/55835039/person/48329974110

Charles Grant

son
John Grant

son
Thomas Grant

son
Archibald Grant

son
John Grant, Sr

son

About Sgt. William Grant, Sr.

It has been claimed that William Grant, here treated, was born in Colonial Virginia in about 1725. Marty and Karla Grant William Grant

Biographical Summary by Caleb Levi Burns in Carolina Genealogy

GSOTC NOV 94 PG 153.

William Grant and Mary of Rutherford Co, NC

A note about sources

Read my commentary on possible origins for William Grant

William Grant was born anywhere from ca 1720 to ca 1735. The first sure record we have for William is his inclusion on a 1771 Tryon Co, NC Jury. Assuming he was at least 21 then, he was born 1750 or before. Since we also know that several of his proven children were born in the 1750's and 1760's, then it seems likely that he was born at least 1735 or earlier. We have no way to know for sure, so ca 1725 is what I'm using just as a reference point. This would make him about 70 when he died in 1795.

William Grant may have been born somewhere in VA. In the 1720's there were a few Grants in several Virginia Counties, including Prince William, King George, Stafford, Fauquier, Norfolk and others.

It is also possible that William Grant came over from Scotland in the 1730's, 1740's or 1750's. During this time many Scots came to America, including many named William Grant.

We have found no records in Virginia that can be conclusively identified as our William Grant. We have tried to backtrack his origins by comparing him to his peers and possible relatives in Rutherford Co, NC. This leads us back to several Virginia Counties, but especially Albemarle, Louisa and Brunswick. Many of the early Rutherford Co, NC leading families came from these counties, and William Grant was associated with all of those people. I have a strong suspicion that William is a brother of Alexander Grant Sr of Goochland, Louisa and Fluvanna Co, VA who was there in the 1740's through early 1780's.

William Grant married Mary "Polly" --- probably in the 1750's, and probably in VA. Her maiden name is unknown, but the three strongest possibilities are Morris, Dalton or Bradley. William Grant was referred to as an Uncle of John Dalton (1758-1838) a son of David Dalton and (unknown) in John's Revolutionary War Pension application (S1755) in which the following statement was made (thanks to Norman Davis for the transcript):

This proves he is referring to the same William Grant being discussed here, since he mentioned the plundering of the Grant home in 1782, which event is also recorded in the North Carolina Legislative Papers (Box # L.P. 45, May 1782) "A list of the kiled and Wounded by the Indians in the County of Rutherford". The list contained several names, among them William Grant and Elisabeth Grant". This confirms that John Dalton was referring to the same William Grant family.

This brings up the obvious question: How was William Grant an Uncle of John Dalton. Here are the possibilities:

1.William Grant's wife Mary was a sister of David Dalton.
2.David Dalton's unknown wife was a sister of William Grant. 3.William Grant's wife Mary, and David Dalton's unknown wife were sisters. 4.William Grant and David Dalton were half-brothers, same mother, different fathers.

Any of the above would make William Grant and Uncle of John Dalton. There is also the possibility that "Uncle" was used in a friendly way, like some people call a family friend "Uncle", even though he isn't related. However, I doubt that is the case here, for in those days kinship, and heirship was a legal matter, and not generally trivialized.

Frank Block theorized that William Grant and David Dalton married Morris sisters. He based this on several things, but mainly on two items:

1.The name "Morris" was used as a first name, or middle name among both the Grant and Dalton descendants. 2.William Grant became guardian for the children of John Morris who died in 1780.

Frank's theory is a good one, and may be the best we will ever find. However, I'd like to pick it a part a little (sorry Frank!), just to play devils advocate.

First of all, the name Morris isn't used in the Grant family or Dalton family until later generations. None of William Grant's or David Dalton's children were named "Morris". William Grant had two children to marry Morris (Elizabeth Grant m James Morris in 1783, Alexander Grant m Susanna Morris in 1782). Alexander named a son Morris Grant (c1800/05), but he was probably named after Susanna. He was the only "Morris" in this generation (grandsons of William and Mary). In the next generation there were more, but there had been other Morris - Grant marriages, and in each case, they account for the naming pattern.

In the Dalton family, one of David's sons (Thomas Dalton) married a Morris (Elizabeth). They named one of their children "Thomas Morris Dalton". William Dalton (son of David) apparently named a son "Morris Dalton". I don't know who this one was named for. The rest were several generations down the line.

Okay, the naming pattern doesn't really prove anything, but is strongly suggestive. It would seem the Morris, Grant and Dalton families were closely associated. John Morris died in 1780 at the Battle of Kings Mountain. He was on the wrong side, serving with the Tories. This normally resulted in confiscation of all of his assets, however, it seems that William Grant took in all of John's children, and was appointed their guardian, and he also was ordered to take control over John's property, real and personal. As far as we can tell, this property was never confiscated. These events lead Frank to his theory that John Morris was somehow related to William Grant. I agree that it looks that way. Exactly how they are related though is another matter. John Morris could be a brother-in-law, or a nephew of William Grant. There is no way to be sure without further records being located.

The above makes a good case for their being some kind of early Morris connection to the Grant family, but I don't think it proves that Mary, wife of William Grant was a Morris. Frank Block never claimed it was proven, just a good possibility, and I agree.

I located a curious record in the Morgan District Superior Court Minutes. Rutherford County was part of Morgan District until the district was abolished. Here is the record:

From "Morgan District, NC Superior Court of Law and Equity Book I, Estates Records 1779-1806" by Weynette Parks Haun.

Book 1 page 66 - March 1787 John Goodbread vs heirs of John Bradley, decd. Alex. McDaniel, William Grant, Anna Hampton (wife of Jonathan Hampton, Esq), Susanna Eves (Wife of William Eves). 10 Mar 1787.

This seems to say that William Grant was an heir of John Bradley. I didn't follow up on this to find other Bradley related records, but this is very confusing. John Bradley (Sr) died in 1778 leaving a Will naming numerous children. His wife was Mary (Ledbetter) Bradley. She later married John Goodbread in 1779. John Bradley's will mentioned THREE sons named John Bradley, one by his first wife, one by his second wife, and another named "John W. Bradley". I'm not sure why anyone would name three sons John, but anyway, it is possible that this court record is referring to the eldest of those sons, who may have died prior to 1787. More research is needed to figure out the significance of this case. At a glance it would seem that John Bradley who died before 1787 (whichever John this is) had heirs named: Alexander McDaniel, William Grant, Anna and Jonathan Hampton, Susanna and William Eaves. Are Anna and Susanna daughters of this John Bradley? If so, why weren't William Grant and Alexander McDaniel's spouses named? Anyone having an opinion or theory on this please let me know.

To add to the above, David Dalton named his oldest (or 2nd oldest) son "Bradley Dalton". Bradley was born ca 1755 in Albemarle Co, VA, so that shows an early connection between the Dalton and Bradley families as well.

So we don't know what Mary's maiden name was. It was either Morris, Dalton or Bradley or perhaps something else that we haven't even considered yet. It is also possible that Mary was a 2nd wife of William, and that the connection to the Dalton, Bradley and Morris families was via William's first wife. This is speculative, of course.

There was a William Grant listed in early Mecklenburg Co, NC records in the 1760's. At this time, the area now known as Rutherford County was part of Mecklenburg, so it is possible that this is the same William Grant, but I don't believe it is.

On 3 and 4 June 1763 a William Grant witnessed a deed between John Armstrong and wife Mary to William Morrison for land on Kuykendall's creek. The other witness was Robert Walter. (Mecklenburg Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 716).

On 28 Sep 1764 William Grant witnessed a deed between Andrew Cathey and wife Martha to Thomas Yates for land "south side of Cataba River". Other witnesses were Richard Barry and William Campbell. (Mecklenburg Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 567).

On 25 Oct 1764 William Grant witnessed a deed between John Wilkins and wife Rachel to Joanna Humphries for land on the south side of Catawba River. Other witnesses were George Walker and William Haggerty. (Mecklenburg Co, NC Deed Book 2 page 560).

I personally don't think the above records are our William Grant. First of all, the land being sold was not in the Rutherford County area, although Mecklenburg included Rutherford at that time (Tryon County was formed in 1768 from Mecklenburg, and in 1779 Rutherford was created from Tryon). At that time (early 1760's) Mecklenburg County was huge and included a large part of upper South Carolina as well.

Another factor for me not thinking that was our William, is that Thomas Grant, one of William's youngest children, was born ca 1772 in Virginia (per the 1850 and 1860 census), and William's granddaughter Franky Pearson was born ca 1777 in VA (per the 1860 census, 1850 census lists "NC"). Other records show William in Tryon County by 1771, so that makes it seem real likely that he came to NC without his family and they joined him later (a common practice in those days, especially in a dangerous frontier area). The Dalton family also remained partly in VA and finally came to Rutherford in the 1780's.

I could be wrong, and the William Grant in Mecklenburg is ours, but I'd need more proof to change my mind.

The first sure record we have is William Grant's inclusion on a January 1771 Jury list in Tryon Co, NC. He was listed several times in the 1770's in Tryon Co, NC court records.

William Grant was listed on an undated Tryon County Tax List (ca 1776 - 1780) as William Grant, with 2 males age 16 to 60, 4 males under 16, 3 females age 16-60, and 2 females under 16. No blacks. Without knowing the precise year this list was made, it is hard to properly analyse. Assuming it is dated 1776, we come up with this:

1776 Tryon Co, NC William Grant 2-4-3-2-0 Analysis: 2 Male(s) 16 to 60 (c1716-c1760) William GRANT (c1720) Alexander Grant (c1755/65) son 4 Male(s) under 16 (c1760-c1776) William Grant son Andrew Grant (c1755/65) son Charles Grant son Thomas Grant (c1773) son 3 Female(s) 16 to 60 (c1716-c1760) Mary (---) Grant wife Elizabeth Grant (bef 1755) daughter? Clementine Grant (c1755/60) daughter 2 Female(s) under 16 (c1760-c1776) Elizabeth Grant (grand-daughter?) Francis "Franky" Grant Pearson (c1776/77) gr-dau

Most of the eligible Grant men, as well as the Daltons, Morris, and others, served in the American Revolution.

William Grant, and his sons William Jr, and Alexander, enlisted in Captain Robert Porter's Tryon County company on 21 Oct 1777. All three were listed on the roster dated 30 Oct 1777. William Grant Sr was a Sergeant, William Jr and Alexander were privates. They served for 71 days in this company. It isn't known if they served additional time in other companies.

During the Revolutionary war, neighbors turned on neighbors. Those with loyalty to England and the King were called Tories or Loyalists. In some cases it really did become "brother against brother", just like later in the American Civil War. North Carolina passed laws stating that any proven Tories would have their property confiscated. Sometimes an accusation was enough. As in all wars, terrible things took place, from thievery to murder. The records show that John Morris died 1780 and was accused of being a Tory. Thomas Morris was appointed administrator of his estate, but for some reason he resigned, or was removed, and William Grant became administrator. He also became guardian to John Morris' children.

In Court minutes in the early 1780's, William Grant was often listed as a Justice. In Jan 1781 he was elected a ranger for the county (responsible for stray animals).

Besides the normal problems of a war, including the divided loyalties of the populace, those on the frontier had another problem: The Indians. The British recruited the Indians, including the Cherokee, with promises of stopping the westward expansion of the white settlers. The Indians caused quite a few problems in the frontier regions during the Revolution. One or several, such incidents resulted in many injuries and deaths in Rutherford Co, NC. I already mentioned two sources showing that an Indian attack in 1782 resulted in the deaths of two of William Grant's family members, namely William Grant (Jr) and Elisabeth Grant. They are mentioned by John Dalton in his Pension application, and their names are listed in the NC Legislative papers. It seems clear that the "William Grant" named was William Grant Jr, son of William Sr. However, the identity of Elizabeth has been of some debate. At a glance, I assumed she was another child of William Grant Sr. However, Frank Block suggested that she could also have been the wife of William Grant Jr. This could easily be true as well. Another possibility is that she was a granddaughter of William Grant. If so, she could be a child of Clementine Grant, who had several children already by that time.

The 1782 Rutherford Co, NC tax list shows William Grant with 300 acres of land. Alexander Grant is also listed, with no land.

In the Court minutes for July 1782, Susanna Morris, and John Morris, both being of proper age, chose William Grant as their guardian. I think "proper age" means over age 14. They were listed as orphans of John Morris, decd. In the same court session William Grant was ordered to take into his possession Thomas Morris, Jean Morris, William Morris, James Morris, Francis Morris, George Morris, and Elizabeth Morris, also orphans of John Morris, decd. And in the same session William Grant was ordered to take in all the real and personal estate of John Morris, decd (presumably on behalf of the children, since this land was subject to confiscation).

On 20 Mar 1783 Andrew Hampton deeded to 350 acres to William Grant, apparently as guardian of John Morris children. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book A/D page 189).

On 11 Oct 1783 William Grant received three land grants from the State of North Carolina, one for 150 acres, another for 50 acres, both on Grants Creek of Cove Creek and another 100 acres "on his own line". (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book A/D page 263, 264).

Throughout the 1780's, William Grant was listed in the Court minutes of Rutherford County as a Justice, and in other ways.

On 31 Dec1788 William Grant, Jeremiah Smith, Charles Grant and David Macky witnessed the Will of Edward Hagon. Hagon was also listed on that 1782 report of killed and wounded, as having been wounded in the Indian attack. (Rutherford Co, NC Wills and Miscellaneous Records Book A page 34).

In the 1790 census, William Grant was listed in the 1st Company, next to his son Andrew Grant on one side, and David Miller on the other. I'm quite sure all of these folks lived in Rutherfordton at this time. The neighbors all listed nearby were all part of the early Rutherford County "Court House gang" as some call them. Members of the various committees, juries, officers of the court and so forth.

1790 census analysis (based on available evidence):

1790 Rutherford Co, NC pg 116 William Grant 3-1-4-0-0 Analysis: 3 Male(s) 16 and Up (before 1774) William GRANT (c1720) Charles GRANT (bef 1774) son Thomas GRANT (1772/73) son 1 Male(s) under 16 (1774/1790) Archibald GRANT (1784/90) son 4 Female(s) any age (before 1790) Mary MORRIS Grant (bef 1755) wife Clementine GRANT (1755/60) daughter Franky PEARSON (1776/77) gr-dau (d/o Clementine) Susan GRANT (1779/80) gr-dau (d/o Clementine)

On 9 Mar 1790 William Grant, Esquire sold 200 acres to John Crawford. I don't have a detailed description of the land to determine where it was, or when it was obtained. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 22/23 page 298).

On 28 Apr 1791 James Kilpatrick sold land to William Grant. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 7 page 146).

On 14 Oct 1791 William Grant sold 100 acres on Grants creek to James Morris. This deed was signed by both William Grant and Mary (X) Grant. The witnesses were Samuel Lusk, and Jonas Bedford Jr. James Morris and his wife Elizabeth sold this land in 1798. I'm fairly sure this is the James Morris who married Elizabeth Grant in 1783. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 6 page 306).

On 9 Oct 1792 a William Grant "Jr" witnessed the will of Thomas Donaldson in Rutherford Co, NC. It could be a misread "Sr" instead. The only other William in Rutherford County at this time was about 3 years old. So if this isn't our William, then I don't know who he is. I haven't seen this Will. It isn't listed in the Wills and Miscellaneous Records, so it must be a loose Will at the archives. This reference was sent to me by someone many years ago, and I don't remember who sent it.

On 9 Oct 1794 William Grant made his own Will. For some reason it wasn't filed in the Wills and Miscellaneous records, but the original is on file at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh:

In the name of God Amen, This ninth day of October one thousand seven hundred and ninty (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, recomending (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 touching 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 [faded] in her life, and the rents arising from my lot and houses in Rutherfordton to be for my wife's and my afflicted son Archible Grant suport (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 [torn and faded in fold of paper] to be raised out of the [faded]. My wish is that my lotts (sic) at the upper end of [torn and faded] 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 Rutherfordton 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 Gilkey, proved by his oath

Sarah Hamilton, proved by her oath.

Written on the back of Will:

William Grant

Last Will and Testament

Proved in open court, January Term 1795

& Copy given to Executors.

William Grant did not name Elizabeth Grant Morris as a daughter. This could mean that either she was dead, or that she wasn't his daughter, or that he left her out because he had already given her something. He did deed some land to James Morris in 1791, however, it wasn't a deed of gift.

William Grant also left out his son William Grant (Jr) whom we know was already dead (d 1782). Since he wasn't named, we can assume he left no heirs (though that may not be the case).

Showing that the wheels of government moved slow in those days also, William Grant received a State Land Grant on 14 Jul 1796 for 150 acres on Mountain Creek. It wasn't unusual for a deceased person to receive a State Grant, as he probably entered the land (applied for it) several years before he died. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book M/Q page 323).

The 1800 census shows that William's wife Mary was still living and in Rutherford County. She was listed as head of household with a large family (mostly grandchildren, I believe). Unfortunately, the 1800 census was alphabetized, so we can't determine who Mary's neighbors were at that time.

1800 census analysis (based on available evidence):

1800 Rutherford Co, NC pg 112 Mary Grant 11110-21111-0-0 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 26-44 (1755-1774) Thomas GRANT (1772/73) son 1 Male(s) 16-25 (1774-1784) Archibald GRANT (1774/84) son 1 Male(s) 10-15 (1784-1790) Unknown Son or grandson? (1784/90) 1 Male(s) 0-9 (1790-1800) James W. GRANT (1790/1800) grandson (s/o Clemy) 1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1755) Mary (MORRIS?) Grant (bef 1755) wd/o William 1 Female(s) 26-44 (1755-1774) Clementine GRANT (1755/60) daughter 1 Female(s) 16-25 (1774-1784) Francis PEARSON (1776/77) gr-dau (d/o Clemy) 1 Female(s) 10-15 (1784-1790) Susan GRANT (1779/80) gr-dau (d/o Clemy) 2 Female(s) 0-9 (1790-1800) Mary GRANT (1789/90) gr-dau (d/o Clemy) Unknown Granddaughter? (1790/1800)

Mary died sometime after 1800, but probably before 8 Dec 1817, for on that date Richard Lewis, surviving Executor of William Grant, deceased, sold William Grant's remaining land on Mountain Creek to Isaac Craton. Since Mary was to have all the land until her death, then at her death all of it except that which went to Thomas was to be sold and divided up among their children. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 29/31 page 393).

However, we can probably narrow down her date of death a little more. We can be positive she died between 1800 and 1817, but she may have died between 1800 and 1810. Mary wasn't listed as a head of household in 1810, meaning she was dead, or living with someone else. Since it was most likely she would be living with a child (if she was still living), then she should be with one of her sons or daughters. Alexander was dead, but his widow Susanna was listed as head of household. However she had no extra women with her. Andrew and Thomas both were heads of household in 1810, neither had an extra older woman with them. Clementine was not listed on the 1810 census, but I think that she was one of the 4 women listed with Elijah Dalton in 1810. He married Clementine's daughter Mary Grant in 1809. His 1810 household contained 4 women age 45 and up (born before 1765), however, there were no women listed in Mary's age group, and we know she was alive then, so we can assume that not all 4 of those women were really over 45. However, this could easily be: Mary Morris Grant (bef 1755), Clementine Grant (c1755/60), Mary Grant Dalton (1790) and one other older woman. This is speculative, so I'm not committed to the idea that these are all the Grant's living with Elijah Dalton, though I do think it is quite likely. In any event we can be sure that Mary died between 1800 and 1817.

All but two of William Grant and Mary's children are proven by his Will of 1794.

Elizabeth Grant born before 1755 probably in VA. She married James Morris on or about 8 Jan 1783. The marriage bond was in Rutherford Co, NC and the bondsman was John Henson. See her own page for additional information.

Alexander Grant was born ca 1755/65, probably in VA. He married Susanna Morris around 1783. He is a proven child of William and Mary, as he was named in William's Will (1794). See his own page for additional information.

William Grant (Jr) left us very few records. He was probably just coming of age when he was killed during an Indian attack in 1782. He enlisted in Captain Robert Porter's Tryon County company in 1777 with his brother Alexander and their father William Sr. He served as a Private for 71 days. It isn't known if he served additional time after that. His name was listed on the May 1782 list of killed and wounded (discussed above) along with an Elizabeth Grant, who some think was his wife, though it is quite possible he wasn't married. His Revolutionary War service (1777), and his death (1782) are the only records we have for him.

Clementine Grant was born ca 1755/60, probably in VA. She is a proven child of William and Mary, as she was named in William's Will (1794). See her own page for additional information.

Andrew Grant was born ca 1755/65, probably in VA. He married Martha Mackey in 1788. He is a proven child of William and Mary, as he was named in William's Will (1794). See his own page for additional information.

Charles Grant was born before 1774, probably in VA. He married Sarah Wyatte ca 1795/98. He is a proven child of William and Mary, as he was named in William's Will (1794). See his own page for additional information.

Thomas Grant was born ca 1773/74 in VA. He married Amy Coxey in 1801. He is a proven child of William and Mary, as he was named in William's Will (1794). See his own page for additional information.

Archibald Grant probably never married. The only record we find on him is in his father William Grant's Will (1794) in which he mentioned "my afflicted son Archible Grant". Since "afflicted" could mean several things, we have to speculate on what happened to him. He could have been physically or mentally disabled, or perhaps he was just very sick, and died soon after this. No records were found on him other than being named in his father's will.

Residence: Captain Robert Porter's Tryon County company - Oct 21 1777 - North Carolina, United States
Residence: 1790 - Not Stated, Rutherford, North Carolina
- Reference: FamilySearch Family Tree - SmartCopy: Dec 19 2016, 2:31:24 UTC

Biographical Summary

Birth 17 Feb 1725, Freuchie, Perth, Scotland
Death 1795, North Carolina, Rutherford Co Age: 69 Anst File# 1 Father David Grant, M (1693-) Mother Janet Lamb, F (~1693-) Marriage 1747, Rutherford Co, North Carolina

During the Revolutionary War he served in Captain Robert Porter's Tryon County Company in 1777 along with his sons William Jr. and Alexander. William Grant made a land entry on 1 May 1773 for 150 acres of land in Tryon County, NC described as being on Grants Creek of Cove Creek. This is present day Rutherford County near the McDowell County line. This is recorded in the Land Entry records as Entry # 477. Two more land grants including Bills Creek.

On 1 May 1779 an order was issued for James Logan, Surveyor, to survey the tract for William Grant. The delay between Entry and survey of 4 years was primarily due to the Revolutionary War. Anyway, a survey was made on 19 Oct 1779 by J. Gullick, surveyor. The land was finally granted on 13 Oct 1783 over 10 years after the original entry. Chain Bearers for the Surveyor were Alexander Grant and William Grant Jr.

Before February 24, 1772, William and Mary "Polly" Morris Grant had moved to Tryon County, NC. William received a land grant for 100 acres on the North side of Mountain Creek there for his service in the Revolutionary War. William was a Miller and a Farmer. He was one of the founding citizens of Rutherford County and worked as a ranger and in other official positions. He was a guardian for his brother-in-law's (John Morris's) children; John fought on the Loyalist side and was said to have died in the battle of King's Mountain.

One report said they moved to NC to escape the coming war in Virginia region as tensions were building up. The war did reach into Western NC though.

William Grant was referred to as an Uncle of John Dalton (1758-1838) a son of David Dalton and (unknown) in John's Revolutionary War Pension application (S1755) in which the following statement was made (thanks to Norman Davis for the transcript):

He states that he was born in Albemarle County State of Virginia on the 3rd day of October 1758 -- That he has no record of his age -- but has the account given by his parents & believe it true -- He has seen a record of his age kept by his Uncle William Grant, but which he understands was destroyed or carried off by the Indians who killed two of Grant's family & plundered his home in North Carolina about the year 1782. The plundering of the Grant home in 1782 is recorded in the North Carolina Legislative Papers (Box # L.P. 45, May 1782) "A list of the killed and Wounded by the Indians in the County of Rutherford". The list contained several names, among them William Grant and Elisabeth Grant".

William Grant became guardian for the children of John Morris who died in 1780.

Tryon County no longer exists as it was divided to make Rutherford County and Polk County, in NC. However there is a city in NC called Tryron in Polk Co., NC. The part the Grants lived in is in present day Rutherford County.

Children of Mary Morris and Sgt. William Grant

Elizabeth Grant b. b 1755, d. a 1800
Clementine Grant b. bt 1755 - 1760, d. b 1825
Alexander Grant b. bt 1755 - 1761, d. bt Apr 1805 - Jul 1806
Andrew Grant b. bt 1755 - 1765, d. bt 1825 - 1830
Charles Grant b. bt 1760 - 1767, d. a 1798
William Grant b. b 1762, d. 1782
Thomas Grant b. c 1773, d. bt 1860 - 1870
Archibald Grant b. bt 1774 - 1784, d. a 1800

Biographical Summary

William Grant:
http://www.martygrant.com/genealogy/familydata/grpf3234.html

Notes from Marty Grant:

: !NOTES:Marty Grant's 6th Great Grand Parent.;

!BIRTH:Before 1755 from census, taxlists, Taxlist 1776 (bef 1755), Taxlist 1780 (1720/64), Taxlist 1782 (bef 1761), Census 1790 over 16 (bef 1774);

!BIRTHPLACE:Virginia assumed as youngest son Thomas was born there 1772/73, Scotland is also a possibility;

!FATHER:Unknown;

!MOTHER:Unknown;

!WITNESS: 3 & 4 Jun 1763 Mecklenburg Co, NC Deed 1-716 John ARMSTRONG and wife Mary of Mecklenburg to William MORRISON, Kuykendalls Creek. Wit: Robert WALTER, William GRANT. * NOTE: May not be same William GRANT;

!WITNESS:28 Sep 1764 Mecklenburg Co, NC Deed 1-567 Andrew CATHEY and wife Martha of Mecklenburg to Thomas YATES of same, 250a, south side Cataba River. Wit: Richard BARRY, William CAMPBELL, William GRANT.;

!WITNESS:25 Oct 1764 Mecklenburg Co, NC Deed 2-560 John WILKINS and wife Rachel of Mecklenburg to Joannah HUMPHRIES, south side Cataba, part of 250a tract. Wit: George (W) WALKER, William GRANT, William (H) HAGGERTY.;

!COURT:-- Jan 1771 Tryon Co, NC Jury ... William GRANT ...;

!GRANT:24 Feb 1772 Tryon Co, NC;

!NAMED:19 May 1772 Tryon Co, NC Land Entry Book, John Kirkconnells # 93. Isack LOLLAR, # 687, 200a Both sides Mountain Creek joining William GANT's (GRANT?) Land and LOLLAR's land;

!GRANT: 1 May 1773 Tryon Co, NC;

!TAXLIST:1776-1780 Tryon Co, NC William GRANT age 16-60 (1715/64) 2 Males 16-60, 4 Males under 16, 3 Females 16-60, 2 Females under 16, 0 Blacks;

!REVOLUTION:21 Oct 1777 - 30 Dec 1777 Capt Robert Porter's Co, Sgt William Grant;

!ROSTER:30 Oct 1777 Captain Robert Porter's Tryon County Company ... William GRANT Sergt ...";

!PAY VOUCHER:"Porter's Company NC Wilm Grant. Appears with the rank of Sergt on a List of the names of Capt. Robert Porter's Co., Tryon County, North Carolina, by order of Brigadier General Rutherford, (Revolutionary War), dated Oct 30, 1777. Time of entering Oct 21, 17--. When discharged Dec 30, 17--. Number of days 71. Wages per day 4. Total Sum. L14. S4. Remarks --- (Card Number 37119951);

!COURT:Apr 1778 Tryon Co, NC Ord that William GRANT ... John MORRIS ... David GEORGE ... be a jury to dispute claim to lands between Phillip GOODBREAD & James MILLER;

!COURT:1779 Rutherford Co, NC Jury;

!COURT:1780 Rutherford Co, NC Jury;

!COURT:Jul 1780 Rutherford Co, NC William GRANT, JP;

!COURT:Oct 1780 Rutherford Co, NC William GRANT, JP;

!NAMED:--- 1781 Rutherford Co, NC. NC Secretary of State Papers. Probates. Gideon RUCKER; William GILBERT (Ad); Will GRANT, William NEVIL, Sec;

!COURT:Jan 1781 Rutherford Co, NC William GRANT, JP;

!COURT:-- Jan 1781 Rutherford Co, NC The Court Elected William GRANT, Esq, Ranger for this county agreable to law;

!COURT:-- Jan 1781 Rutherford Co, NC Or'd by the Court that Willm GRANT, Esq do take a list of the Taxable property in Cap LEDBETTERS Company;

!COURT:-- Jan 1781 Rutherford Co, NC William GILBERT letters of administration for Gedion RUCKER dec'd -- Wm GRANT & Wm NEVIIL Security L1000;

!TAXLIST:1782 Rutherford Co, NC William GRANT, 300a;

!WITNESS:17 Jun 1782 Rutherford Co, NC Deed AD-74 George BALL to John ELMS;

!COURT:-- Jul 1782 Rutherford Co, NC Susanna MORRIS, being of proper age came into Court & Choose William GRANT to be her Guardian. John MORRIS being of proper age came into Court & choose William GRANT as his Guardian. The children of John MORRIS De'd --- & give bond with Security on L200 Specie;

!COURT:-- Jul 1782 Rutherford Co, NC Or'd that William GRANT do take unto his posession Thomas MORRIS, Jean MORRIS, William MORRIS, James MORRIS, Francis MORRIS, George MORRIS, and Elizabeth MORRIS, infants, children of John MORRIS, decd until the come of proper age to choose guardians;

!COURT:-- Jul 1782 Rutherford Co, NC Or'd by the Court that William GRANT take into his posession all the Real and Personal Estate of John MORRIS, decd;

!COURT:-- Jan 1783 Rutherford Co, NC William GRANT, Esq VS John MORRIS. petition the last jury was impaneld & sworn do find for the plaintiff twenty pounds six shillings & five pense specie & costs;

!DEED:20 Mar 1783 Rutherford Co, NC A/D-189 Andrew HAMPTON of Rutherford to William GRANT, Esq, of Rutherford on 7 Jan 1783 at Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Rutherford County by a writ of Fiere facias against John MORRIS, Planter, late of Rutherford County, 350a on North side Main Broad River. S: Andrew Hampton. Wit: ---;

!COURT:18 Jul 1783 Rutherford Co, NC Jury for Morgan Superior Court for September Term ... William GILBERT, William GRANT ...;

!COURT:18 Jul 1783 Rutherford Co, NC The Court appointed the following Assessors for the Year 1783 .. In Cap McDaniel's Company William GRANT;

!COURT:-- Oct 1783 Rutherford Co, NC William GRANT proved a Deed from William TWITTY to Samuel WALKER for 200a ord to be registered;

!COURT:-- Oct 1783 Rutherford Co, NC On Pettetion it is ordered by the Court that a road be laid oru and marked the nighest and best way form Rutherford Court House to Potts Fork in the Cove and that ... William GRANT ... Thomas MORRIS ... Jury. ... Alexander GRANT ... James MORRIS, William GRANT be & is hereby exempt from working on the road that leads from the Court House to Ledbetters' Mills & are ordered to work on the last mentioned to Potts Fork;

!DEED:11 Oct 1783 Rutherford Co, NC A/D-263 State of North Carolina Grant # 270 to William GRANT for $50 for 150a. on Grant's Creek of Cove Creek, known as Neelys timber tract. S: Alexander Martin, Governor;

!DEED:11 Oct 1783 Rutherford Co, NC A/D-263 State of North Carolina Grant # 271 to William GRANT for $50 for 50a on Grant's Creek. S: Alexander Martin, Governor;

!DEED:11 Oct 1783 Rutherford Co, NC A/D-264 State of North Carolina Grant # 272 to William GRANT for $50 for 100a adjoining his own line. S: Alexander Martin, Governor;

!WITNESS:13 Oct 1783 Rutherford Co, NC Deed AD-185 William TWITTY to Samuel WALKER;

!COURT:Oct 1783 Rutherford Co, NC Proved deed of William TWITTY to Samuel WALKER;

!COURT:Oct 1783 Rutherford Co, NC Lay out road;

!COURT:Jan 1784 Rutherford Co, NC Appointed assesor;

!COURT:Apr 1784 Rutherford Co, NC Lay out road;

!COURT:Apr 1787 Rutherford Co, NC Charges for attendance as a witness in the suit of John GOODBREAD vs. Thomas REYBURN on behalf of the defendant.

!COURT:18 April 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Court met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT, George MOORE, Esquires.;

!COURT:19 April 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Court met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, James WITHROW, William GRANT and George LEDBETTER, Esquires.;

!COURT:14 Jul 1788 Rutherford Co, NC State of North Carolina, A County Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions began & Held for the County of Rutherford at the Court House on the Second Monday of July Anno Domini 1788 Being the fourteenth Day of Said Month & in the Thirteenth year of the American Independence before Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT, & Robert IRVINE, Esquires.;

!COURT:15 Jul 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Tuesday the 15th Court Met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT & James WITHROW, Esquires.;

!COURT:15 Jul 1788 Rutherford Co, NC The court apponted Stephen WILLIS, Alex GRANT, James LOGAN, William GRAHAM, John EARLE, Jonathan HAMPTON, Richard LEWIS, William GRANT, Felix WALKER & John LEWIS Esquires, to serve as a Venery Men at Morgan Superior Court of law & Equity September Term 1788;

!COURT:16 Jul 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Wednesday the 16th Court Met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT & Robert IRVINE Esquires.;

!COURT:16 Jul 1788 Rutherford Co, NC John CALIHAM & Joseph THOMAS, Exctr vs William GRANT. Gen issue w/leave. Jesse MELTON, John ELLEMS, Henry KELLY, John TABOR, John WHITESIDE, James UPTON, Stephen WILLIS, Frances BROWN, John JONES, David REAVIS, Thomas JUSTICE & William BAKER a jury impaneled and sworn &c. The jury withdrawn.;

!COURT:17 Jul 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Thurdsay the 17th Court Met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT & John EARLE Esquires.;

!COURT:18 Jul 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Friday the 18th Court Met according to adjournment. Present William GRAHAM, Stephen WILLIS, & William GRANT Esquires Justices.;

!COURT:19 Jul 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Saturday the 19th Court Met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT & James WITHROW Esquires Justices.;

!COURT:13 Oct 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Present Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT, James WHITESIDE & William GRAHAM, Esquires Justices.;

!COURT:14 Oct 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Tuesday the 14th Court Met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT & George MOORE Esquires.;

!COURT:15 Oct 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Court Met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, George MOORE & William GRANT Esquires.;

!COURT:15 Oct 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Court adjourned for Half Hour, Court Met according to adjournment. Present William GRANT, George MOORE & Timothy RIGGS, Esquires.;

!COURT:16 Oct 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Court Met according to adjournment. Present William GRANT, George MOORE, Timothy RIGGS & John EARLE Esquires.;

!COURT:17 Oct 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Court Met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT, Jonathan HAMPTON & George MOORE Esquires;

!COURT:18 Oct 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Court Met according to adjournment. Present Stephen WILLIS, William GRANT, & Elias ALEXANDER Esquires;

!COURT:18 Oct 1788 Rutherford Co, NC The Court appointed William GRANT, Timothy RIGGS, James LOGAN, Rober IRVINE, James WHITSIDE & John EARLE Esquires, a commmittee to settle with the public officers to meet at James ADAIRS on the 12th Nov & they or any two of them to compose a committee.;

!WITNESS:31 Dec 1788 Rutherford Co, NC Deed (Wills & Misc records) pg 34 Edward HAGON to his wife Christian HAGON, during her life, then to son Richard HAGON. Witness: William GRANT, Jeremiah SMITH, Charles GRANT, David MACKY;

!CENSUS:1790 Rutherford Co, NC pg 116 William GRANT age 16+ (bef 1774) "3-1-4-0-0"

!DEED: 9 Mar 1790 Rutherford Co, NC 22/23-298 William GRANT, Esq of Rutherford County to John CRAWFORD for 120, 200a. Witness: R. Lewis, Stephen Willis S: William Grant;

!DEED:28 Apr 1791 Rutherford Co, NC 7-146 James KILPATRICK of Rutherford Co, NC to William GRANT of Rutherford Co, NC for 50L, -- a joining Anthony DICKEY Witness: Stephen WILLIS, Charles GRANT;

!DEED:14 Oct 1791 Rutherford Co, NC 6-306 William GRANT of Rutherford Co, NC, planter to James MORRIS for 50, 100a on Grants Creek, granted to William GRANT 26 Nov 1789. Witness: Samuel LUSK, Jonas BEDFORD Jr S: William Grant, Mary (x) Grant;

!WITNESS: 9 Oct 1792 Rutherford Co, NC Will of Thomas DONALDSON, listed as William GRANT Jr;

!WILL: 9 Oct 1794 Rutherford Co, NC (Original Only, no copy on file with County). William Grant. Wife Mary, "afflicted son Archible", son Thomas GRANT, daughter Clemy GRANT, son Charles GRANT, ... Alexander GRANT, Andrew GRANT, Thomas GRANT, Archible GRANT and Clemy GRANT. Executors: Stephen WILLIS, Richard LEWIS and Alexander GRANT. Witness: Anthony DICKEY, Sarah HAMILTON. S: William Grant. Will Proven Jan 1795;

!DEED:14 Jul 1796 Rutherford Co, NC M/Q-323 State of North Carolina Grant # 1700 to William GRANT for 150a on Mountain Creek. S: Richard Dobbs Spaight, Governor;

!DEED: 8 Dec 1817 Rutherford Co, NC 29/31-393 Richard LEWIS, surviving executor of William GRANT, deceased, for $143 to Isaac CRATON and James Overton LEWIS of Rutherford, land on Mountain Creek. Witness: Jacob Michael. S: Richard Lewis;

Biographical Summary

William Grant Sr

FamilySearch Family Tree Birth: 1725 - Freuchie, Fife, Scotland Death: Jan 2 1795 - Bills Creek, Rutherford, North Carolina, United States Parents: David Grant, Janet Grant (born Lamb) Wife: Mary Polly Grant (born Morris) Children: Charles Grant, Alexander Grant, Thomas Grant, Archibald Grant, Elizabeth Morris (born Grant), William Grant, Andrew Grant, and name of one more daughter Brother: Patrick Grant

Kit 31534 traces back seven generations to a William Grant who was born either in Scotland or Virginia in the period between 1710 and 1720. All records of his birth were list either in the Revolution or Civil Wars unless there is some as yet unknown source. He married a Mary Morris but that is about all we know about her except that apparently she was born in that same 10 year period. William moved to North Carolina and died their in 1794. Mary died in 1800. The remaining members of my family, up to father, all lived in North Carolina. My family then includes Andrew, 1755-1825, a son of William and Mary. Andrew married a Martha MacKeyor MacKay, no birth/death info about her. Then Charles B. Grant, 1790-1867, a son of Andrew and Martha. He married Mary "Polly" Morris, 1799-1880. Then their youngest son, Henry Burnett Grant, 1836-1882, is my great grandfather. He married Elizabeth C. Morrison, 1835-1924. Elizabeth was apparently born in Virginia and moved with her parents to North Carolina when she was a girl. Henry and Elizabeth had a large family and my grandfather, Vance Monroe Grant, 1865-1899, was one of the younger ones. Vance and his older brother Randall Vaney Grant, moved to Madison County, Arkansas, in the 1880s. Vance married Effie Mashburnin Madison County and they had four children, 3 boys and a girl. My father was the middle boy. Vance died of severe pneumonia in the late winter of 1899 while Effie carried their youngest boy. My father, Hobart McKinley Grant, 1896-1960, moved with his mother and her second husband, and the other two boys, to Kansas about 1912. My father was born on election day, Nov. 4, 1896, and was given the names of the new vice-president and president. Dad was a Methodist minister and went to college at Kansas Wesleyan University, then to Boston University School of Theology, where he met my mother, a Canadian registered nurse, Allie Elizabeth Cameron, 1903-1991. We have the Cameron linage back at least four generations in Scotland. Bottom line, we need the DNA results to prove, one way or another, that we are Scottish Grants rather than English.

William Grant, Sr. was born in Virginia, USA in about 1725. (Date variations could be CA 1725-1730). He married Mary "Polly" Morris, the daughter of Thomas Morris and Sarah Wales Morris, in Virginia in 1755. The family is listed on the Virginia Census for 1769 in King George County, VA. Apparently to escape the building tensions from the coming Revolutionary War, the family moved to Western North Carolina before 1772. The war did reach into WNC though. They moved to Tryon County, NC 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. 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; Brig. General Rutherford's Batillion. His sons 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 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). Family links: Spouse: Mary "Polly" Morris Grant (1725 - 1800)

Children: Andrew Grant (1760 - 1825)*

Note: He married Mary Morris. Father of Elizabeth, Alexander, Clementine, Andrew, Charle, William Jr, Thomas and Archibald Grant

Burial: Bills Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Bills Creek Rutherford County North Carolina, USA Plot: I was told his grave is marked but the slab has been erased.

Edit Virtual Cemetery info [?]

Maintained by: Mountain Links Originally Created by: Jim "US" & Kathleen "Ka... Record added: Nov 14, 2010 Find A Grave Memorial# 61619268 William Grant was born,Feb.1720, Lethen, Nairnshire, Scotland. He was married to Mary Morris. William's parent's were David Grant,and Janet (Lamb)Grant. David was born on Jan.29,1693,Scotland. Janet was born in 1693, Scotland.I//William Grant made a land entry on 1 May 1773 for 150 acres of land in Tryon County, NC described as being on Grants Creek of Cove Creek. This is present day Rutherford County near the McDowell County line. This is recorded in the Land Entry records as Entry # 477. On 1 May 1779 an order was issued for James Logan, Surveyor, to survey the tract for William Grant. The delay between Entry and survey of 4 years was primarily due to the Revolutionary War. Anyway, a survey was made on 19 Oct 1779 by J. Gullick, surveyor. The land was finally granted on 13 Oct 1783 over 10 years after the original entry. (The delay due to the Revolutionary War, I suppose). Chain Bearers for the Surveyor were Alexander Grant and William Grant Jr. If you are familiar with the old process, a surveyor was a professional, but the chain bearers were usually close relatives of the person who was getting the land. They did the manual labor and ensured that their father or whomever was not getting cheated by the surveyor. The Chain Bearers were almost always sons or nephews of the grantee or younger brothers. William Grant Sr, Sgt Birth 17 Feb 1725, Freuchie, Perth, Scotland Death 1795, North Carolina, Rutherford Co Age: 69 Anst File# 1 Father David Grant, M (1693-) Mother Janet Lamb, F (~1693-) Marriage 1747, Rutherford Co, North Carolina Children: Elizabeth, F (1755-) Alexander, M (1757-1806) William, M (1762-1782) Clementine "Clemy", F (1764-1825) Andrew, M (1765-1825) Thomas, M (1773-1870) Charles, M (1775-) Archibald, M (1784-1800)usband: William Grant Born: about 1725 in VA Married: before 1755 in VA Died: JAN 1795 in Rutherford Co, NC Wife: Mary Born: about 1735 in VA Died: 1800/1810 in Rutherford Co, NCSgt. William Grant was born circa 1725 in Colony of Virginia. He may have been born in Scotland.1,2 He married Mary Morris before 1755 This is an estimated date.1,2 Sgt. William Grant died in January 1795 in Rutherford County, North Carolina.1,2 Military service included He enilsted in Captain Robert Porter's Tryon Couonty company with his sons Alexander and William. They served in this comany for 71 days. It is unknown if they served further in other companies. on 21 October 1777.2 He left a will on 9 October 1794 in Rutherford County, North Carolina.2 Children of Sgt. William Grant and Mary Morris

Elizabeth Grant2 b. b 1755, d. a 1800
Clementine Grant2 b. bt 1755 - 1760, d. b 1825
Alexander Grant+1 b. bt 1755 - 1761, d. bt Apr 1805 - Jul 1806
Andrew Grant2 b. bt 1755 - 1765, d. bt 1825 - 1830
Charles Grant2 b. bt 1760 - 1767, d. a 1798
Willliam Grant2 b. b 1762, d. 1782
Thomas Grant2 b. c 1773, d. bt 1860 - 1870
Archibald Grant2 b. bt 1774 - 1784, d. a 1800

Citations

1. [S516] John Elder Robison, "Cubbie's Ancestors - Robison/Murrah/Elder/Hendereson/Richter/Rushin/Ledford", Mar. 23, 2003, unverified. 2. [S579] Marty Grant's Data, online www.martygrant.com.

Last Edited=18 Mar 2012 http://www.martygrant.com/genealogy/grant/grant-william.htm probably born ca 1720 to ca 1735. The first sure record we have for William is his inclusion on a 1771 Tryon Co, NC Jury. Assuming he was at least 21 then, he was born 1750 or before. Since we also know that several of his proven children were born in the 1750's and 1760's, then it seems likely that he was born at least 1735 or earlier. We have no way to know for sure, so ca 1725 is what I'm using just as a reference point. This would make him about 70 when he died in 1795.

William Grant may have been born somewhere in VA. In the 1720's there were a few Grants in several Virginia Counties, including Prince William, King George, Stafford, Fauquier, Norfolk and others.

It is also possible that William Grant came over from Scotland in the 1730's, 1740's or 1750's. During this time many Scots came to America, including many named William Grant. Read my commentary on possible origins for William Grant Notes for William Grant Sr, Sgt During the Revolutionary War he served in Captain Robert Porter's Tryon County Company in 1777 along with his sons William Jr. and Alexander.

Thre is an entry for Rutherford Co Deed abstracts that says: Grant, Mary & William / Morris, James / Deed/4-6/154/1797 Could this be my William & Mary, and could James Morris be her father? William and Mary were in N.C. by 1784 as Archibald was born there. Research Message: 1 Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 19:58:14 -0400 From: "Marty Grant" Subject: William Grant Land grant 1773 Tryon Co, NC

William Grant (our earliest known ancestor) made a land entry on 1 May 1773 for 150 acres of land in Tryon County, NC described as being on Grants Creek of Cove Creek. This is present day Rutherford County near the McDowell County line. This is recorded in the Land Entry records as Entry # 477.

On 1 May 1779 an order was issued for James Logan, Surveyor, to survey the tract for William Grant. The delay between Entry and survey of 4 years was primarily due to the Revolutionary War. Anyway, a survey was made on 19 Oct 1779 by J. Gullick, surveyor. The land was finally granted on 13 Oct 1783 over 10 years after the original entry. (The delay due to the Revolutionary War, I suppose).

The interesting thing is that the Chain Bearers for the Surveyor were Alexander Grant and William Grant Jr. If you are familiar with the old process, a surveyor was a professional, but the chain bearers were usually close relatives of the person who was getting the land. They did the manual labor and ensured that their father or whomever was not getting cheated by the surveyor. The Chain Bearers were almost always sons or nephews of the grantee or younger brothers. There were always exceptions, but it is a "general" rule of course.

The good thing about this is that this record proves that William Grant Jr was somehow related to William Grant Sr. We all had assumed he was William Sr's son, but we had no direct proof they were even related. This record shows that they were related somehow though it does not necessarily prove that Jr is Sr's son, but I think it is a safe assumption.

Before seeing this we only had two records for William Jr. One was his Revolutionary War service (1777) and his death in 1782. Neither of those records proved he was connected to the other Rutherford County Grants, though we all assumed he was. This survey proves he was related in some fashion.

I just thought someone might enjoy knowing about this. It is assumed that William Jr died without leaving any children so he has no progeny, but nonetheless, I'm glad to know a little more about "uncle" William. David Grant (1693 - ) William Morris Janet Lamb (~1693 - ) Sarah Wales

m. 1747, Rutherford Co, North Carolina William Grant Sr, Sgt Mary Morris bd. 17 Feb 1725, Freuchie, Perth, Scotland dd. 1795, North Carolina, Rutherford Co brd. a#. 1 bd. abt 1727, Virginia dd. 1800/1810, North Carolina, Rutherford Co brd. a#.

Children: Elizabeth Grant Alexander Grant Pvt William Grant Jr, Pvt Clementine "Clemy" Grant Andrew Grant Sr. Thomas Grant Charles Grant Archibald Grant Husband: William Grant Born: about 1725 in VA Married: before 1755 in VA Died: JAN 1795 in Rutherford Co, NC Father: Mother: Spouses: Wife: Mary Born: about 1735 in VA Died: 1800/1810 in Rutherford Co, NC Father: ? Mother: >>> Spouses: Children 01 (F): Elizabeth Grant Born: before 1755 in VA Died: after 1800 in Rutherford Co, NC Spouses: James Morris 02 (M): Alexander Grant Born: 1755/1761 in VA Died: 1805/06 in Rutherford Co, NC Spouses: Susanna Morris 03 (M): William Grant Born: before 1761 in VA Died: MAY 1782 in Rutherford Co, NC Spouses: Elizabeth 04 (F): Clementine Grant Born: 1755/1760 in VA Died: before JUL 1825 in Rutherford Co, NC Spouses: >>>; William Musick 05 (M): Andrew Grant Born: 1755/1765 in VA Died: 1825/1830 in Rutherford Co, NC Spouses: Martha Mackey 06 (M): Charles Grant Born: before 1770 in VA Died: 1801 in Christian Co, KY Spouses: ? 07 (M): Thomas Grant Born: 1772/03 in VA Died: 1860/1870 in Buncombe Co, NC Spouses: Amy Coxey 08 (M): Archibald Grant Born: 1774/1784 in Rutherford Co, NC Died: after 1800 in Rutherford Co, NC Spouses: Additional Information William Grant:

Notes: !NOTES:Marty Grant's 6th Great Grand Parent.;