(c) Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) of the Hillabees, & his relations
The Graysons, who claim direct descendancy from Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) of the Hillabees, are a Larbreck Family, of the Estate of Larbreck, near Dumfries, in the Parish of Irongray, Scotland. Thomas Grierson, the father of Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) was born in 1709, at Dalgoner estate.
The children of Thomas Grierson, & his wife, Elizabeth EWART (sometimes called Elizabeth WARD), are (Colonel) James Grierson, Thomas Grierson, William Grierson, Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) and some say, Ann (nee Grierson) Hopkins. The boys came to America, in 1762, I believe with their oldest brother, James, later Col., to seek their fortunes in Charleston, North Carolina, but fate intervened, and costs two them their lives - the colonials of America, were about to begin their fight for the Independence of the Colonies from greedy, oppressive Britain. These colonials fought to forge their own destiny, and for the right to be free from tyranny.
Oppression, tyranny, slavery, & race are all a part of the continued experience and ultimately the expression of the Graysons, who are now thought of, and who now think of themselves exclusively as Muscogee, or Creek Indians.
Both Robert Grierson (aka Grayson), and his younger brother, Thomas Grierson (shot dead in 1777) had Muscogee wives, and each of them had children with these wives. Robert lived till after 1820, and is said to have died in Alabama, near Pickneyville or in that place was buried.
Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) was Scottish (or British) by birth right. He was born into the privileged class and closely associated with the nobles of Scotland, but he died a true American.
To be born into the Estate of Larbreck was to give the Grierson brothers, a position of wealth, influence and power, and opened up most doors to which, without, would never have been possible to him or his brothers, other wise.
All of the children of Thomas Grierson (born at Dalgoner in 1709), wore the uniform of the British Officer ; a position of rank, by birth. Because of this, they were all in the very best position to benefit from the out-set.
This is especially true of Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) who had an Indian wife, owned a Plantation, planted cotton, had a large family, could read and write, with other skills ; had a position of influence in his community. He owned slaves, cattle and horses, with land.
Taken from : "People Mentioned in the Writings of Benjamin Hawkins 1796-1816" we find the following, well worn mentions of Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) & his family, with clarifications from Shanachie-o-Clan Grierson : (David Alan Grierson, Bard-o-clan) :
(1) Grierson, David - a son of [Colonel] James Grierson and heir of Mrs. Anne Hopkins. 1796, [Anne, whose relationship with the Griersons is not firmly established - David was born January 24th, 1773, Augusta, Ga.],
(2) Grierson, George - died in the home of John Milledge. 1796, [son of (Colonel) James Grierson, & his wife, Katherine [nee McBurnie] Grierson. Colonel James Grierson wrote the following about the death of his wife, Katherine: "My dearly Beloved wife Died The 20th August, 1778 about 11 o'clock am aged to the best of my judgement 42 years," [born c1736, Dumfries. George Grierson was born July 2nd, 1777, Augusta, Ga.],
(3) [Colonel] Grierson, James - a brother of Robert [aka Grayson], Thomas [Grierson], William [Grierson] and (George Grierson, was the son of (Colonel) James Grierson, not his brother). "James was a Colonel of the militia in the neighborhood of Augusta. He was killed at the siege of Augusta after his surrender to the American arms." Mrs. Ann Hopkins willed her property to Jane Pettigrew and the children of [Col.] James Grierson: James, Thomas and David. 1796. [sic],
(4) Grierson, James Thomas - a son of James Grierson and heir of Mrs. Anner Hopkins. 1796. [This should read : Grierson, James, & Thomas, not James Thomas. They were both children of (Colonel) James Grierson, of Augusta],
(5) Grierson, Robert - "a native of Scotland, who was intelligent, had lived many years in the nation as a trader, and had an Indian family; that had large possessions, Negroes, cattle and horses." He lived at Hillabees.
"The family of Robert Grierson are his wife, Sinnugee, of the family Spanalgee; their children, Sandy, Sarah, Walter, David, Liza & William.
Sarah is married to Stephen Hawkins [a resident trader]."
Robert Grierson had four brothers: James [Grierson], Thomas [Grierson], William [Grierson] and (George [Grierson] was not the brother of Robert Grierson, aka Grayson ; he was the son of (Colonel) James Grierson, who was the older brother of Robert Grierson, aka Grayson).
"James was a colonel of the militia in the neighborhood of Augusta. He was killed at the siege of Augusta after his surrender to the American arms. Thomas was an officer in the militia in the service of the U. States. He died on or about the year 1775 [1777].
He [Thomas Grierson left] left a son, a half-breed, in the Euffaulies. He had 500 acres of land on little river, 8 miles below Writeborough, on Upton Creek, adjoining the land of [Col.] James Grierson and Joshua Saunders.
Mrs. Anne [nee Grierson] Hopkins of Augusta, died in the year 1775 or 6. She gave by will her property to Jane Pettigrew, and the children of [Col.] James Grierson, [i.e.], James[,] Thomas and David.
Jane Pettigrew was sister to three children on the maternal side. She married David Homes, a nephew of George Galphin. Homes died at Pensacola the year 1799.
After the siege of Augusta the (Reverend) James Seymore carried some of the Negroes to Savannah, and from thence to Augustine. He died on his passage from thence to Providence, and Mr. Thomas Forbes, partner of Mr. Panton, took possession of the Negroes.
John Milledge took "Georgee, the youngest of his children to his house where he died" in 1796. [Grierson, George - died in the home of John Milledge. 1796, he was the son of (Colonel) James Grierson, of Augusta, Ga."]
In 1797, Hawkins describes Grierson as "a Scotch trader of Hillabee who had extensive holdings including 40 slaves." 1799.
Grierson, Sandy - 1797. [oldest son of Robert Grierson, aka Grayson],
Grierson, Sarah - daughter of Sinnugee [Muscogee Indian] and her husband, Robert Grierson [aka Grayson]. [Sarah] married to Stephen Hawkins. 1796.
(6) Grierson, Thomas - "Thomas was an officer in the militia in the service of the United States. He died on or about the year 1775 [1777]. He left a son, a half-breed, in the Euffaulies. He had 500 acres of land on little river, 8 miles below Writesborough. On Upton Creek, adjoining the land of [Colonel] James Grierson and Joshua Saunders." Thomas was a brother of Robert [aka Grayson], [Colonel] James [Grierson], William [Grierson, who died at Larbreck in 1826] and George Grierson [George was not the brother of Thomas, he was the son of (Col.) James Grierson]. 1796.
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The Graysons of this branch, are descendants of THOMAS GRIERSON, born at the estate of Dalgoner in the year 1709, according to (Sir) Phillip James Hamilton-Grierson of Dalgoner, which he wrote before his death on 25th April, 1927; buried at the Dean Cemetery, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.
In (Col.) James Grierson's will, he states: "Should it please Almighty God that my aged and honored mother [ELIZABETH EWART died c. 1803, wife of Thomas Grierson of Larbreck, born 1709] ; survive me in this life, I desire my executors may send her a Mourning Ring which I sometimes wear, by the first safe conveyance, they can meet with, on which Mrs. Grierson's name, etc. is engraved."
History records that James Grierson of Dalgoner, died on May 22nd, 1729. He was the son of James Grierson of Larglanglie & his wife, Margaret Corsane.
Know then, that James Grierson of Larglanglie, was born in c.1630, d. March, 1671 and was the younger brother of William Grierson, Laird of Barquhar, born c. 1626, d. after 6th December, 1665 ~ William Grierson, Laird of Barquhar, was the father of (Sir) Robert Grierson, of Lag, "Auld Lagg", born in the year 1657 ; died on the 29th day of December, 1733A.D., and thus we find the direct connection to the 12 Baronets of Lag, and the 24 Chiefs of the Line.
Know also that James Grierson of Larglanglie is recorded in Burkes Peerage & Knighthood, and in other standard publications ; including www.thePeerage.com, for further study.
James Grierson of Dalgoner married Agnes McBurnie on the 14th day of September, 1697, at Dumfries, Dumfries-shire, Scotland.
James Grierson of Dalgoner & his wife, Agnes McBurnie had at least, issue eight, viz.:
(1) Gilbert Grierson, died after 13th November, 1728,
(2) Margaret Grierson,
(3) Katherine Grierson,
(4) Helen Grierson,
(5) Jean Grierson
(6) James Grierson of Dalgoner, born c. 1699; died 9th June, 1768,
(7) John Grierson, born c. 1704; died after March, 1730,
(8) THOMAS GRIERSON of Larbreck estate, near Dumfries, in the Parish of Irongray, Scotland, born at Dalonger in 1709; died on the 8th day of May, 1774, and was buried in St. Michaels’ Cemetery, in Dumfries, Scotland, that ancient burial ground where the immoratal poet was laid to rest, Robert Burns.
If memory serves me correctly, Thomas Grierson came upon the estate of Larbeck in c. 1740, and all of his children were born there.
The Graysons are therefore, "a Dalgoner family", with direct connections to Lag, and the 24 Chiefs of the line. The line of estate ownership goes like this :
From Robert Grierson (aka Grayson)'s Plantation, he connects directly to the estate of LARBRECK (Thomas). He, his brothers, and family then connect directly to the estate of DALGONER (James) ; then to LARGLANGLIE (James), & finally to LAG.
The connection to LAG, is that James Grierson of Larglanglie, born c. 1630 was the son of : (Sir) Robert Grierson of Lag was born before 1598 at Lag, Dumfries-shire, Scotland.
(Sir) Robert Grierson (born before 1598) was the son of (Sir) William Grierson, 9th Feudal Lord of Lag & his wife, Nicola Maxwell.
(Sir) Robert Grierson (born before 1598) married Margaret Murray, dau. of (Sir) James Murray of Cockpool, in May 1622. He died c.1654.
(Sir) Robert Grierson of Lag held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Dumfries-shire [Scotland] between the years 1628 & 1648.
We then continue with Thomas Grierson of Larbreck married Elizabeth EWART, daughter of William EWART of PearTree, and had the following children, that we know of five, viz.:
(1) (Colonel) James Grierson, of Augusta, Georgia, born January 6th, 1741 ; "James Grierson, Esquire, Colonel of Saint Pauls' Parish in the province of Georgia was cruelly murdered by the Rebels in Augusta on the 7th day June, 1781, two days after he surrendered in consequence of a Capitulation, [aged 40 years, 5 months, 1 day]." [taken from his bible, given by Hamilton-Grierson, in the estate of Pitlundie, 2006].
(Colonel) James Grierson, & his wife, Katherine McBurnie had at least, issue two, viz.:
(1) Thomas Grierson was born on 14 November 1770 at Augusta, Georgia, U.S.A. Thomas married Louisa Fraser on 7th January, 1792 at New Abbey, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. He died on 14th May, 1798 at age 27 at New Abbey, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. He was buried at St. Michael's Cemetery, Dumfries, Dumfries-shire, Scotland. His will was probated on 12th November, 1798. Thomas Grierson was with the Honourable East India Company Service.
Thomas Grierson & his wife, Louisa Fraser, had issue one, viz.:
....(A) Louisa Grierson, born 6th June, 1794 ; died
....29th February, 1864.
(Colonel) James Grierson, & his wife, Katherine McBurnie had at least, issue two, viz.:
(2) David Grierson, born January 24th, 1773, [Augusta, Georgia]; his father, (Colonel) James Grierson provided for him in his Will: "I do hereby give & devise unto my son, DAVID [GRIERSON, who died in Kirkcudbright, New Abbey, Scotland aged 17 years], 300 acres of swamp-land adjoining the tracts already bequeathed to him on Rocky Creek which was surveyed by WILLIAM SIMMS in the fall of the year 1770 but for which no grant has yet been got out."
Thomas Grierson of Larbreck married Elizabeth EWART, daughter of William EWART of PearTree, and had the following children, that we know of four, viz.:
(2) Thomas Grierson, an officer who was shot dead in the American Revolution in 1777, without warning, by American Rebels. "Thomas Grierson, of Larbreck Estate & Augusta, Staint Pauls' Parish, Georgia, born August 13th, 1743; died October 30th, 1777 at about 7 o'clock am was an officer with the British Army;" [taken from (Col.) James Grierson's bible, given by Hamilton-Grierson, in the estate of Pitlundie, 2006]. He is said to have married a Muscogee (Creek Indian), to had at least one son, according to (Colonel) James Grierson, his older brother, who named him in his will.
....(A) JOHN GRIERSON, born in America, was referred to as a "half-breed", mother was (Muscogee - Creek Indian). He was son of Thomas Grierson who was shot dead by Rebels and died on October 30th, 1777, 7 o'clock am. His uncle (Colonel) James Grierson of Augusta left provisions for John in his Will: "I give, bequeath and devise unto JOHN [GRIERSON], son of my LATE dear brother, THOMAS GRIERSON, the sum of one-hundred [£100.00] sterling lawful money of Georgia, aforesaid to be paid to him when he shall attain to the age of 21 and I likewise leave him to the tuition of the guardianship of those gentlemen who are appointed guardians and tutors of my own children and desire that he may be properly educated and bound out to such merchants (business as he may be best calculated, to acquire a due knowledge, etc., and pursue so soon as they may judge proper, the said bequest to be considered as a donation from me and the apparent responsibility of bringing him up."
Thomas Grierson of Larbreck married Elizabeth EWART, daughter of William EWART of PearTree, and had the following children, that we know of four, viz.:
(3) William Grierson, who died at the esate of Larbreck, near Dumfries, in the Parish of Irongray, Scotland and who was the "longest liver" of that generation, and portioner with Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) of the Hillabees. "William Grierson, of Larbreck Estate & soldier in the American Revolution on the side of the British Army was born in 1746 ; died in Larbreck on June 4th, 1826" [taken from (Col.) James Grierson's bibie, given by Hamilton-Grierson, in the estate of Pitlundie, 2006]. It is not presently known, if William married, or ever had any children, but that he died at home, in Larbreck.
(4) ANN (nee GRIERSON) HOPKINS, d. c. 1775. I have yet to find any legal evidence that Ann was the sister of Robert Grierson (aka Grayson), but it has been asserted that she was a sister, and that she died c. 1775, & was married. Ann (nee Grierson) Hopkins b. c1746, d. c1782-83, by some.
(5) Robert Grierson (aka Grayson), of the Hillabees, married Sin-nu-gee (variouly spelled), a creek-indian-maiden of the Muscogee Indians, lower creeks and of Hillabee Town.
We continue with number four, a (British Officer) Robert Grierson, of the HILLABEES, who married Sin-nu-gee, of Spanalgee, Muscogee Tribe. Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) (Trader), was born at Larbreck Estate in January, 1748; died after November 20th, 1820, in Alabama. He was a portioner of Larbreck Estate with his brother, William Grierson of Larbreck Estate, near Dumfries, Parish of Kirkpatrick-Irongrey, Scotland. There is no evidence of the assumption being put forward by his Grayson descendants that Robert Grierson of the Hillabees held the rank of Colonel.
Note: Be it known that the Graysons in the early days were almost always, Grierson, or Greirson, but Grayson was also used.
Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) & his wife, Sin-nu-gee, had the following issue known, viz.: [be it known that the info. on the children of Robert, was given by Willabelle Schultz, of Washington] :
(1) Alexander Grierson (1st son) (aka Sandy). He was a big help to his father in handling the livestock and handling the horses. He is mentioned by [Colonel] Benjamin Hawkins (Indian Agent) as carrying dispatches to Cusseta, in 1796. However, as an adult, he and his father had a "falling-out" over property. He went to the "new territories" upon removal. I know of one of his descendants in Oklahoma. She is a famous Creek/Cherokee Indian artist,
(2) Sarah Grierson, this dau. married a Stephan Hawkins, who was a "half-breed" Muskoghean Creek. Records say that they had issue two, viz.:
(A) Samuel Hawkins,
(B) Benjamin Hawkins.
When they were adults in the Old Creek Nation, Samuel Hawkins married Jane McIntosh, a dau. of (Chief) William McIntosh, & Benjamin married Rebecca McIntosh, another daughter of the Chief.
Samuel Hawkins & Benjamin Hawkins were both with (Chief) McIntosh at his home the night he was killed. (This by order of the Creek Council of Chiefs.) Samuel was not quite dead, and was taken to another town and hung the next day. Benjamin fled for his life, escaping the Red Stick Warriors. They searched for him for several days. Years later he received amnesty. During (Removal Years), Sarah (Grierson) Hawkins moved to the "new nation" & remarried to a wealthy plantation owner.
(3) William Grierson, this son grew up in the Old Nation, married & had many children by his father's negro slave, Judah. William could read & write, English.
William & his family moved to the New Territories & settled in the Poteau River Valley Area in 1833. Many of the Grayson Family shunned him & his family in the new nation ; they had issue two, viz.:
(A) John &
(B) Annie.
(4) Willie states: "I know nothing about this son. I've seen his name once in a book by Grant Foreman. David was in the New Territories, talking to Ethan Allan Hitchcock, an agent."
(5) Eliza, aka Lizzie or Luzzey Grierson, was born in & grew up in the Old Creek Nation, this dau. married William McIntosh. He was a half-breed Creek-Scots as she was. Eliza's life was very stormy ; she did in 1860, & was buried in Chilli's Prairie, Indian Territory.
Eliza Grierson & her husband, (Chief) William McIntosh had issue known, two, viz.:
(1) Jane McIntosh, &
(2) Chillicothe (Chilli) McIntosh.
Her husband being rich & prosperous & Chief of the Lower Creeks, he took two more wives. When her husband signed the Removal Treaty of Indian Springs, he signed his own death warrant. The National Council of Creeks condemned him to death.
Eliza's son, Chilli McIntosh, almost 21 years old, was with his father, but with women and children was given safe passage from the house. The executioners set fire to the house & shot McIntosh as he tried to escape.
In the next two days, Muskogees killed Samuel Hawkins, her nephew, & tried to kill Benjamin his brother. Eliza left for the new territories with her son, Chilli McIntosh, and his uncle, Roley McIntosh. She took with her many slaves, cattle, horses and money. She had inherited much wealth from her father, Robert Grierson's Estate.
She lived in the new land near her son in what is now McIntosh County, Oklahoma. Her litigations over money & slaves went on for years and years. She also could read and write English.
(6) Thomas Grierson, this son also grew up in the Old Nation, & married there. He was busy handling his father's livestock & slaves. He is mentioned in several documents concerning the Creeks. He emigrated to the New Territory with his five children, i.e.,
(A) Sampson Grierson,
(B) Milly Grierson,
(C) Levi Grierson,
(D) Lizzie Grierson &
(E) David Grierson.
He made claims for transportation & subsistence for them. No mention of a wife. Thomas settled in western Arkansas just south of Ft. Smith.
(7) Katherine (Katy Grayson) Grierson, this daughter grew up a lovely maiden, a favorite of her father. She married a Redstick-Warrior, Johnie Benson, a town warrior (Tulwa-Tus-tunug-gee). His Creek name was Tsah-nu-tsee (Little John). This warrior's father was a fullblood Creek, called In-tak-fahp-ky, who was also a conjurer, or magician.
Johnie's mother was Mary BENSON, a white woman who as a small girl was captured by a war party of Creeks. She grew up with them, being an adopted member of the tribe, marrying In-tak-fahp-ky.
Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) of the Hillabees continued
Katherine Grierson (aka Katy Grayson) & Johnie Benson had issue seven (7) known, viz.:
(1) E-mah-thla-hut-ky (Hog Meat) ~ who saved the life of his brother Johnie Benson during the Red-Stick Rebellion; (2) Nannie Benson,
(3) Nancy Benson,
(4) Johnie (Tsah nu tsee) Benson & was given name of Tulwa-Tustunnugee when he became town warrior of Coweta;
(5) Somully Benson,
(6) Dick Benson,
(7) Jack Benson (Note about no. 6 Dick Benson, & no. 7 Jack Benson) -- Mary's brother, upon finding out where she was, came to visit her & her children -- she did not care to leave, but allowed him to take Dick & Jack back to Savannah, Georgia with him.
They were educated there, & made trips back & forth, visiting. When "removal" came, they went with their Creek Family to the western nation.) Johnie Benson was with the Hostile Red-Sticks when Tecumseh & his brother, the Prophet came to Creek Territory to try & get all the warriors to ban together to fight the whites who were encroaching on all Indian Lands.
He took up arms against United States Forces, (General) Andrew Jackson, & some Creeks with William McIntosh's factions who were fighting their own people.
At the famous Battle of Horseshoe-Bend 1812, where the Red-Sticks really took a stand, he was shot nine times. (In old age, they caused him a lot of pain because the Indian doctors who treated him never extracted the bullets).
He would have been left on the field, but his brother E-mah-thla took him on his back through a swamp to a place of safety where medicine men doctored him for weeks and he regained his health. Since a Creek child was always a member of his mother's clan, Tulwa was sort of clan-less because his mother, Mary was a white woman. For his children to identify & have the last name of their mother, Katy Grayson (Katherine Grierson), it was in keeping with the matrilineal tradition of the Creeks.
In later years, he too used the last name of Grayson. They married after the Red-Stick War, had ten children. They went to the new territory in 1827 with the McIntosh faction, settling in the Poteau River Valley, south of the South Canadian River, lived to be quite old, wealthy in slaves, property, children and extended family network. Tulwa died during the Civil War and was buried at Red River, on the Texas Border.
I often wondered how they all got along, since Tulwa was one of the 100 warriors whom Men-a-wah sent to execute (Chief) William McIntosh. The Creeks all knew who among them had turned against their own people, & it rankled & caused a division in the new land. Katy Grayson (Katherine Grierson) wanted her children to be educated & established residence near North Fork Town to see that her children & others of the Grayson Family could occupy it as a temporary home and go to school there.
She had cabins built in the woods which served as a residence; & she kept one of her negro slaves to keep house and do the cooking for them. I do not know where Katy Grayson was buried, or when. I know she was alive in 1860. Many of her children & relatives were buried in the area which is now underwater in Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma.
Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) of the Hillabees, & his son, Walter "Watt" Grayson:
(8) Walter "Watt" (Watta) Grierson, this son was the youngest, was born in the Old Nation, went with the Grayson's to new lands. He married, & became very wealthy.
"Walter had a son, Edmund Grierson.
I think he was in business with George Washington Grayson & his brother, Samuel Grayson, in a mercantile store...." Much about his relationship with his [Walter's] nephews, Samuel & Washington Grayson. They loved him dearly.
More Replies:
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Re: (c) Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) of the Hillabees, & his relations
Julie Hall 8/17/11
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Re: (c) Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) of the Hillabees, & his relations
David LYON 8/18/11
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Re: (c) Robert Grierson (aka Grayson) of the Hillabees, & his relations