Joseph Greer, "Kings Mountain Messenger." A Tradition of the Greer Family
One of the many references used to create the book, “House of the Messenger”.
Tennessee Historical Magazine, Published under the Authority of The Tennessee Historical Society, Nashville, Tennessee 1916
Number 1., March, 1916., Maggie H. Stone, Joseph Greer, The King's Mountain Messenger: A Tradition of the Greer Family, p40-42
JOSEPH GREER, "KING'S MOUNTAIN MESSENGER:" A TRADITION OF THE GREER FAMILY
An interesting spot in Middle Tennessee, because of its association with the pioneer history of the state, is the old Greer homestead in Lincoln County near the pretty little town of Petersburg. The house stands in the midst of a fertile farming section, which is a part of the original grant of 2,600 acres received by Joseph Greer for service in the Revolutionary war. Joseph was the son of Andrew and Ruth Kincade Greer, who came to this country from Ireland about the year 1750. Andrew Greer, being so much below the average height, was dubbed "Wee Andy" and "Wee White-Headed Andy," so Joseph, who was of unusual height and strength, must have inherited his splendid physique from some remote ancestor of Scotch or Irish blood. At the time of the Revolution, Joseph Greer was almost a boy in years but was over seven feet tall and splendidly portioned, and after the battle at King's Mountain was chosen to news of the victory to the Continental Congress, carry then in session at Philadelphia. The journey was long and perilous, but the young messenger was stout of heart as well as of body and started cheerfully on his way, armed with his trusty musket and a brass compass to guide his steps. His experience as a surveyor, together with his knowledge of the Indians, enabled Greer to avoid many dangers and mistakes and to reach his journey's end in safety. Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, Greer at once inquired the way to the American headquarters and, past the astonished doorkeeper brushing without a word of explanation, strode into the midst of the assembled Congress and delivered his message. It is related that Greer's unusual size created much comment in Philadelphia, and many were heard to say, "No wonder the Americans can win, if this man is a sample of their soldiers." When the time came for Joseph Greer to take possession of his
government land, he traveled down into Middle Tennessee and staked off a claim in what is now Lincoln County. Here he built his first home in 1814, and the rough cabin with its great stone chimney is still in a good state of preservation and is occupied by negro tenants at the present time. In 1810 Greer built a larger and better house of five rooms, and in this house he and his wife raised their eleven children, good five girls and six boys.
To build a house in those days was no easy task, for all the work was done by hand, and it took the best carpenter in that section one whole year to complete the five-room dwelling. He received a nice little farm in payment. Many queer and interesting relics of the "King's Mountain Messenger"' are preserved at the Greer home, among them his Bible, in which are recorded the births, deaths and family marriages of various members of the family. On the first page of this old record we find a notice of Greer's marriage in the following words
"Joseph Greer and Mary Ann Harman were married on the 17th day of January 1811," and' on the pages reserved for deaths is this brief statement: "Separated this life on the 23rd February 1831, Joseph Greer." Another interesting relic is an account book or ledger which was kept by Greer while operating a store in Philadelphia in 1791.
The items in this book were all written with a goose quill pen and are almost as clear and legible as when it first penned, years ago. Among several old-fashioned garments which have now cared- fully preserved by descendants of Joseph Greer is a suit of homespun, consisting of coat, vest and knee breeches, all re- markable for their unusual size. This suit was made by Mrs. Greer's skillful fingers from cloth which she herself wove after spinning the thread from home-grown flax. With this suit, on festive occasions, Joseph Greer wore silver knee buckles, which are now a treasured possession of a great-granddaughter. A tall stiff hat, an overcoat and a old mirror is also quaint shown to visitors at the Greer home; also an old millstone which was used in the first grist mill ever built in this part of the state. Many descendants of Joseph Greer are now scattered over the section once owned by their distinguished ancestor, but of his immediate family only one son, Thomas Vance Greer, survives.
This son, known to everyone as "Uncle Tom Greer," is in his ninety-second year, and is said to be the oldest living descendant of a revolutionary soldier. Thomas had a twin brother, Joseph, who died about four years ago, and the two were thought to be the oldest twins in the United States. Thomas Greer was only seven years old when his father died but remembers him with much affection. He can recall that his father's business often kept him from home a week at a time, and that on his return his first words were, "Howdy, Mary Ann," and the next, "Where are the boys?" He would then take the twins by the hand and walk over the farm, looking after the crops and directing the laborers in the fields. It is also related that, on entering the family living room, Joseph Greer always hung his hat and coat on nails driven in the rafters overhead, his great height enabling him to reach the ceiling with all ease. Before his death, Joseph Greer set apart a plot of ground for a burial place, and on this spot, a short distance of family from his first rude cabin home, the "messenger of Kings Mountain" found his last resting place. The quaint tomb built entirely of stone bears the following inscription: "Here lyeth the body of Joseph Greer. He was, while living, an example of every virtue, distinguished for his benevolences and humanity. He died on the 23rd day of Feb. 1831, in the 77th year of his age, lamented by all who knew him." Two years ago the Kings Mountain Messenger Chapter, D. A. R., of Fayetteville, Tenn., placed a handsome bronze tablet on this tomb in memory of Greer's distinguished service to his country, and Uncle Tom was the guest of honor at the unveiling ceremony. Thomas Greer is himself quite an interesting character and relates many thrilling experiences of the civil war, during which he served as Forage Master for the 44th Tenn. Regiment.
In spite of many hardships, Uncle Tom was never wounded and never had a serious illness in his life. Although bent with age, he is still able to get about his farm and to ride to church. He enjoys reading the daily papers and is much interested in the war he says, "I can't believe the news, although they kill as many as they say they do." Thomas Greer enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him and is peacefully rounding out the last years of a useful, well-spent life.
One of his cherished possessions which he enjoys showing to visitors is his certificate of membership in the Sons of the American Revolution.
MAGGIE H. STONE., Fayetteville, Tenn.
