John Geer
from: Geer Family by Ethan Geer (lekgeer@comcast.net) online at The Orange Co., North Carolina USGenWeb Project, http://www.thepastwhispers.com/Orange_County_Geer.html

Indenture made 27 September 1749, between Mathias Davis of Brunswick County and John Geer of Bartee Co., North Carolina, 95 pounds, 400a, on the south side of the three creeks, part of a tract granted to John Davis, Welchman by letters patent dated 20 February 1719 and by the said John Davis conveyed to the said Mathias Davis by deed of gift.
Signed Matts. Davis
Court September 27, 1749. Indenture and memorandom acknowledged by Mathias Davis and Rachel, the wife of said mathias personally appeared to relinguish her right of dower.

Source: Deed Book 3, p. 610; Brunswick Co., VA
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Indenture made the 23rd day of June, 1761, between John Geer and Thomas Harrison, for 344 pounds, conveying 400 acres on the South side of the Three creeks and being part of a tract ___on February 25, 1719 and by the said John Davis conveyed to Mathias Davis by deed of gift recorded in Brunswick County and by said mathias Davis conveyed to the said John Geer (his mark). Witnesses were Edward Goodrich, Thomas Bridges, and Pen Hurst. Indenture was acknowledged in court on August 24, 1761 by John Geer and Martha, his wife, personally appeared and relinquished her right of dower.

Source: Deed book 7, p. 4; Brunswick Co., VA
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The Last Will and Testament of John Geer
from: NC Orange County Estate Papers, 1754-1944 (C.R073.508.42)

In the name of God Amen I John Geer of the County of Orange and province of North Carolina being very sick and weak of body, but of sound and perfect memory Blessed by God for the same and knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die. I do make and constitute this my last will and testament. I give my soul to the hands of God that gave it me and hoping at the last he will raise it up again and as for my body I leave to be buried at the discretion of my heirs and as for those worldly goods where with it hath pleased God to bless me with, I dispose of them in manner and form following:
Item - I give to my well beloved wife one Negro woman Named Pink, Six head of cattle and one feather Bed and Furniture.
Item - I give and bequeath to my Sons David and Frederick the plantation whereon I now dwell and two feather beds and furniture to be equally divided between the two to them and their heirs forever.
Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Mimma Twenty Pounds prock to her and her heirs forever.
Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Tabitha Geer Ten Pound prock to her and her heirs forward.
Item - I give to my son in law James Roper Five shellings sterling only and the rest of my negroes and household goods and stock after lawful debts be paid, I leave them to my children William Geer and Mary Burnett, John Geer, Mimma, Suzy (Lucy?), Sarah, and Tabitha to be equally divided or parted between them seven children, to them and their heirs forever, where unto I set my hand and affix my seal in the year of Christ Seventeen Hundred and Sixty Nine August 12th
John (His X) Geer
Signed Sealed and delivered
In the presence of Mark
Jacob Garrard, Jr.
Michael Dent

January 6, 1770, Orange County
The execution of the written will was duly proved in open court by the Oath of Jacob Garrard asubserving witness thereto and ordered to be recorded
Signed _____ Nash

Know all men by these present, That we Frederick Geer, David Geer are held and bound unto James I. Smith, Esquire, the chairman of the county court of Orange for the time being, and his successors in office, in the just and full sum of two thousand dollars for the true payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators jointly, severly and firmly; sealed and dated this first day of September A. D. 1820. The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bounden Frederick Geer and David Geer, Administrators of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits of John Geer, deceased, do make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular goods and chattels, rights and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of the said Frederick Geer and David Geer or into the hands and poession of any other person or persons for him, and the same so made do exhibit or cause to b e exhibited to the county court, where orders for administration, passed within ninety days after the date of these presents and the same goods, chattels and credits, and all other goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased at the time of his death, or which at any time after shall come to the hands or possession of the said Frederick Geer and David Geer or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for him, do well and truly administer according to law. And further do make or cause to be made a true and just account of his said administration, within two years after the date of these presents; and all the rest and residue of the said goods, chattels and credits, which shall be found remaining upon the said Administrator's account, the same being first examined and allowed by the county court, shall deliver and pay to such person or persons respectively as the same shall be due unto pursuant to the true intent and meaning of the acts fo the general assembly in such cases made and Executors therin named do exhibit the same in court, making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly, if the said Frederick Geer and David Geer above named there unto required, do render and deliver the obligation to be void and one effect or else to remain in force and virtue. Signed, sealed and delivered in the pressence of Jos. Atwood, Frederick Geer seal, David Geer seal, Thomas Hurst seal, William Wooten seal

[Note: In 1769, John's estate was taxed in Granville Co., NC. At the time, Granville adjoined Orange Co. and in 1771 Wake Co. was created, adjourning both Granville and Orange Counties.]
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Rutherford Co., North Carolina was created in 1779 from the larger Burke & the old Tryon County. It consisted of all the area west of the old Mecklenburg Co. and "west" to the present state boundary.
In 1778, Lincoln was created from the old Tryon County
In 1779, part of Rutherford was created from Rowan & Tryon was discon't.
In 1791, part of Buncombe was created from, Burke & Rutherford
In 1841, Cleveland was created from part of Lincoln & Rutherford
In 1842, McDowell was created from part of Burke & Rutherford.
In 1855, Polk was created from part of Henderson & Rutherford.

from: 1790 FIRST FEDERAL CENSUS INDEX
contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Paul R. Sarrett, Jr. (prsjr@aol.com), Mar. 18, 1997, @http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/nc/rutherford/census/ruth1790.txt?o_xid=9872&o_lid=9872&o_xt=19159610, November 15, 2004
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Email from Sean
Subj: Geer Family
Date: 12/23/2003 10:35:10 PM Central Standard Time
From: Sharley73@msn.com
To: geergenealogy@aol.com

Hi Samuel,
i saw your posting on the genforum site, I am also descended from John Geer through his daughter Mimma Geer- Colbert. I had gotten info from a distant cousin a while back that said John Geer married Elizabeth Morris and that Mimma married William Colbert in 1765 Albemarle Co. VA. Unfortunately I lost contact with the cousin and do not know where she got that info from. I did check out a book on the History of Albemarle Co. VA by Rev. Edgar woods originally published in 1901. It states a John Greer living in Ivy Creek Albemarle Co. March 29, 1747. It also had a list of emigrants from Albemarle to other states stating that a John Geer moved to Johnson Co., NC
_________
Research of Ethan Geer
Subj: Re: Theory on Father of John Geer
lekgeer@comcast.net, January 1, 2005

Hi Sam, Mom always believed that he came from virginia, she ran across a will that stated an isaac or isiah watson disinherited a john geers for runnig of to the carolinias 1730s/40s but at that time she found it irrelivant and has since forgotten where she saw it but believes it was in a quarterly like william and marys. We were in Raliegh this past year at the NC archives but only had a few days to do research. We did find where john lived but most likely covered by a lake now just north of durham at the end of geer street. After we came home I found a list of family cemetaries that were moved to the north side of the lake where john is probably buried. Unfortunatly it says many graves are unmarked. Aside from that have you ever been to White co. tn to see Ransom's final resting place in geer cove. Mom has some interesting info on him that came down thru my side of the family. Also if you can explain the whole father of Ransom thing is he davids son or fredricks thru fredricks daughter as the userys say.
I believe david was probably buried in the cantown cemetary the only area site for the time of his death but have not been able to get access because of it being on private property samuel vance geer and two other geers are buried close by in solitary sites close by but are on the same property my gg grandfather went there to cover them with concrete when his father died {samuel vance geer}. Would love to hear from you soon and thankyou again Ethan.

Date: 7/13/2005 8:44:45 P.M. Central Daylight Time
From: lekgeer@comcast.net
Subject: John Geer Theories
Dear Sam, I would like to share some of my research with you on John Geer and get your opinion. I have several things where a John Geer shows up in Virginia for the correct time. I was also wondering on his wife mom always thought his wife was Martha. If you look at John's will he gives his wife one female slave (Pink) I think is her name. Then when you look at the appraisal of Martha Geer's estate in 1791 she has one negro wench. Their terms not mine. Mom has always been of the opinion that John died early as Frederick and David were not married at the time. So using her logic Martha could have lived another 20 years. When you see what I have you will understand why I think Martha could have been John's wife. But anyway I'd like your opinion. Yours Truly, Ethan Geer
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from: Virginia Will Books, Vol. 1, (Wills Books 2 and 3) 1739-1769; 1783-1785, abstracted by Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., Brunswick Co., (Lawrenceville, VA: Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., 1997):

p. 69, 413-(25) Account 1749 for estate of Hubbard Farrell dec'd. Named: John Geer

p. 77, 456-(94) Account 1749 & 1753 for the estate of Richard Ransom. Named John Geer

p. 122, 683-(390) Account for the estates of the Rev thos Metcalf dec'd by John Maclin. Named: John Gear

p. 126, 702-(435) Account 1759 - 1765 for the estate of Robert Hancock dec'd by William Doby admr. Named: John Gear

p. 136, 747-(501) Account 1752 for the estate of John Tooke by Wm Ezell Jr admr with the will annexed. Named: John Geer
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from: Brunswick Co., VA Deeds 1745-49, (Miami Beach, FL: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1991), p. 67: Page 610. Sep 27, 1749 from Matthias Davis of B, to John Gear of Bartee [Bertie] Co., North Carolina, for 95 £, one certain tract of land of about 400 acres in B on the south side of the three Creeks, and is part of a tract of land patented to John Davis, welchman, on Feb 20, 1719, and by said John Davis conveyed to the said Matthias Davis by a B signed - Matts Davis. Wit - none. Rachel, the wife of the said Matthias, appeared in Court, and being first privately examined, voluntarily relinquished her right of dower to the land conveyed. Recorded Sep 27, 1749.
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from: Brunswick Co., VA Deed Books, Vol. 5 (Will Books 10 and 11) 1770-1775, Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., (Lawrenceville, VA: Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., 1998), p. 46: 360-(543) William (W) Harrison of Prince George Co to William Harrison Jr of Brunswick Co. 4 Jan 1773. £100 VA. 200 acres on the south side of Three Creeks which was part of a patent to John Davis (Welchman) 20 Feb 1719 who conveyed it as a deed of gift to Matthew Davis who conveyed it to John Gear who conveyed it to Thomas Harrison & from him to his heir at law, joining a spring branch, William Allen. Wit: Richd Ruff, Nathal.Gadberry, John Maclin Jr, Ishmael Harwell. Proved 25 Jan 1773. P. Pelham Jr CC

from: Brunswick Co., VA Deed Books, Vol. 6, (Deed Books 12, 13 & 14) 1776-1787, Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr. (Lawrenceville, VA: Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., 1999), p. 39: 323-(129) William Harrison & his wife Sarah of Northampton Co North Carolina to Peter Wyche of Brunswick Co. 25 May 1778. £160 VA. 200 acres which was part of a patent to John Davis Welchman [or: John Davis, Welchman] 20 Feb 1719 which sd John Davis conveyed to Matthew Davis by a deed of gift who conveyed it to John Giar who conveyed it to Thomas Harrison & from him to William Harrison as his heir & from him to William Harrison Jr. on the south side of Three Creeks, joining William Allin. (witnesses omitted) Proved 25 May 1778. Peter Pelham Jr CC

• Married: ABT 1735 ¹⁵

1. Tabitha GEER b: ABT 1737 in North Carolina
2. Lucy GEER b: ABT 1739 in North Carolina
3. William GEER b: ABT 1741 in North Carolina
4. John GEER b: ABT 1743 in North Carolina
5. David GEER b: ABT 1745 in North Carolina
6. Miriam GEER b: ABT 1748 in North Carloina
7. Daughter GEER b: ABT 1750 in North Carloina
8. Mary GEER b: ABT 1752 in North Carloina
9. Frederick GEER b: BEF 1755 in North Carolina

1. Title: Brunswick Co., VA Will Books, Vol. 1, (Will Books 2 and 3) 1739-1769; 1783-1785
   Author: Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr.
   Publication: Lawrenceville, VA: Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., 1997
   Note: Will books 2 and 3, 1739-1769; 1783-1785
   Repository:
   Note: Researched by Samuel Taylor Geer
   Media: Book
   Page: pp. 69, 77,122,126 & 136
2. Title: Brunswick Co., VA Court Order Books, 1739-1749 - An Every-Name Index
   Publication: Miami Beach, FL: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1992
   Repository:
   Note: Researched by Samuel Taylor Geer
   Media: Book
   Page: Geer, John, 3-536: September 1749 Court
   Text: (note 536 must actually be 526, since no 536 is listed in the corresponding court volumes on p. III, STG)
3. Title: Brunswick Co., VA Deed Book 3
   Repository:
   Note: Researched by Samuel Taylor Geer
   Media: Official Document
   Page: p. 610, Setember 27, 1749
4. Title: Brunswick Co., VA Deeds 1745-49
   Publication: Miami Beach, FL: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1991
   Repository:
   Note: Researched by Samuel Taylor Geer
   Media: Book
   Page: p. 67
5. Title: Brunswick Co., VA Deed Books, Vol. 5, (Deed Books 10 and 11) 1770-1775
   Author: Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr.
   Publication: Lawrenceville, VA: Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., 1998
   Repository:
   Note: Researched by Samuel Taylor Geer
   Media: Book
   Page: p. 46, 360-(543)
6. Title: Brunswick Co., VA Deed Books, Vol. 6, (Deed Books 12, 13 & 14) 1776-1787
   Author: Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr.
   Publication: Lawrenceville, VA: Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., 1999
   Repository:
   Note: Researched by Samuel Taylor Geer
   Media: Book
   Page: p. 39, 323-(129)
7. Title: North Carolina Census, 1790-1890
   Author: Ron V. Jackson, Accelerated Indexing Systems, compiler
   Publication: Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1999
   Note: Original data: Compiled and digitized by Mr. Jackson and AIS from microfilmed schedules of the U.S. Federal Decennial Census, territorial/state censuses, and/or census substitutes.
   Description: This database contains indexes to the North Carolina (U.S.A.) portions of the 1790-1870 U.S. Federal Censuses as well as indexes to 1812-1814 Muster Rolls, the 1840 Pensioners Lists, the 1890 Veterans Schedules, and other early censuses. Information contained in these indexes can include name, state, county, township, year of record, and name of record set.
   Repository:
   Media: Book
   Text: Name: John Geer - State: NC, County: Granville County, Township: No Township Listed, Year: 1769, Database: NC Early Census Index
8. Title: FamilySearch Ancestral File
   Author: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
   Publication: Salt Lake City, UT: Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 2002
   Repository:
   Note: http://www.familysearch.org [researched by Samuel Taylor Geer]
   Media: Electronic
   Page: Individual Record for John GEER (AFN: 1KMJ-Q40)
   Text: Gives birthdate of 1729 ,North Groton, New London, Connecticut; Christening 12 Oct. 1729 (baptized) and parents Isaac GEER (AFN: 36SS-GP) and Martha LEE (AFN: C3ZN-B2), but I am not convinced that this is the same John that is later found in North Carolina.
9. Title: Abstracts of Wills Recorded 1752 through 1800 (Will Books A, B, and C Plus 20 Pages In Book D and 202 Early Marriages in Orange Co., NC
   Author: Ruth Herndon Shields, Chairman Genealogical Records Committee
   Publication: Chapel Hill, NC: Davie Poplar Chapter, NSDAR, April 1966
   Note: Full Title: Abstracts of Wills Recorded 1752 Through 1800 in Orange Co., North Carolina will books A B and C Plus 20 Pages in Book D and 202 Early Marriages Not Shown in the Orange County Marriage Bonds
   Repository:
   Note: GA Dept. of Archives and History, Atlanta, GA
   Media: Book
   Page: p. 22, A-105
   Text: Will of JOHN GEER. Dated 12 Aug 1769, proved Jan 1770. beloved wife, name not stated; sons: David, Frederick, William, John; daus: Mimma, Tabitha, Mary Burnett, Siny (?), Sarah; son-in-law: James Roper; Witnesses: Jacob Garrard, Jr., Michael Dent
10. Title: Kinfolks of Granville Co., North Carolina 1765-1826
    Author: Zae Hargett Gwynn
    Publication: Rocky Mount, NC: Joseph W. Watson, 1974
    Repository:
    Note: Dallas Pulblic Library, Dallas, TX; Researched by Samuel Taylor Geer
    Media: Book
    Page: p. 274
    Text: John Geer's estate is listed on the Granville County Tax List for 1769.
11. Title: An Abstract of North Carolina Wills From about 1760 to about 1800
    Author: Fred A. Olds
    Publication: Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1983
    Repository:
    Media: Book
    Page: p. 219
    Text: 1770 - Geer, John, wife, David, Fred, Tabitha, John, Lucy, Sarah, William
12. Title: North Carolina Taxpayer's 1701-1786
    Author: Clarence E. Ratcliff
    Publication: Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1989
    Repository:
    Note: North Carolina State Archives, microfilm roll 155.108; Researched by Samuel Taylor Geer
    Media: Book
    Page: p. 75
    Text: "Geer, John's Estate, Granville, 1769, North Carolina Microfilm Roll 155.108
13. Title: Orange Co., North Carolina Records, Vol. XIII - Inventories & Accounts of Sales 1758-1785
    Author: William Doub Bennett
    Publication: Raleigh, NC: W. D. Bennett, 1994
    Repository:
    Note: Researched by Samuel Taylor Geer
    Media: Book
    Page: p. 100
    Text: (Inventory of Goods from the Estate of John Geer returned Orange Co. court April 1770 by John Alston)
14. Title: Abstracts of Wills Recorded 1752 through 1800 (Will Books A, B, and C Plus 20 Pages In Book D and 202 Early Marriages in Orange Co., NC
    Author: Ruth Herndon Shields, Chairman Genealogical Records Committee
    Publication: Chapel Hill, NC: Davie Poplar Chapter, NSDAR, April 1966
    Note: Full Title: Abstracts of Wills Recorded 1752 Through 1800 in Orange Co., North Carolina will books A B and C Plus 20 Pages in Book D and 202 Early Marriages Not Shown in the Orange County Marriage Bonds
    Repository:
    Note: GA Dept. of Archives and History, Atlanta, GA
    Media: Book
    Page: p. 22; original Will Book A, p. 105
15. Title: FamilySearch Ancestral File
    Author: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Publication: Salt Lake City, UT: Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 2002
    Repository:
    Note: http://www.familysearch.org [researched by Samuel Taylor Geer]
    Media: Electronic
    Page: Family Group Record for John [Gear], AFN: 1V5N-J79
    Text: gives b. Abt 1715 Georgia d. 1769 Orange, North Carolina married 1735 Elizabeth (AFN: 1V5N-J8H) married 1735 Georgia. Submission: AF97-107991 by RALPH M. ARRINGTON 4039 E. PUEBLO AVE MESA AZ USA 85206. (Note: While this entry gives John's wife as Elizabeth, doucments in Wake Co., North Carolina suggest that John's wife was Martha and I am not conviced that this entry in the LDS can be documented in official records.)