Greene County GaArchives Biographies.....MERRITT ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Ms. Gerry Hill GerryInGa@yahoo.com GREENE COUNTY FOLKS- MERRITT Early Settlers of Greene Co Ga- There were three known Merritt families in Greene- two of them were brothers, and the relationship to the 3rd is not known. Generation #1 William Merritt was born 1755 NC and died bef 22 Nov 1825 Greene Co. Ga. He is the son of Benjamin Merritt born 10 Nov 1731 NC died bef Jan 1779 Nash Co NC and Sara (Clinch?) died aft Jan. 1799. He is the Grandson of Thomas Merritt born abt 1718 Tarboro, Edgecombe, NC died 18 May 1768 Edgecombe Co NC and Mary (Goodson?) died aft Jun 1778 Edgecombe. Thomas is the son of John Merritt 1690 Va-1768 Edgecombe & Mary Howard, Grandson of Charles Merritt & Ellinor Evans of Chowen Co NC Great grandson of William Merritt born 1615. William Merritt married Nancy (Dortch?) before 1783 and she died before 1790. He is not shown with another marriage. Children of this Marriage: Elizabeth b abt 1783 Nash Co NC d aft 1860 Harris Co Ga. She married Ezekiel Brown born 1769 Va died 1863 Chipley,(was Pine Mountain) Harris, Ga. Both buried at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Harris, Ga Ezekiel is the son of William Brown & Sarah Long, the Grandson of Henry Long & Mary Bond (See Brown page) Nancy b 17 Nov 1786 Wilkes Co Ga d 12 May 1823 Grantsville,Greene, Ga She married Lemuel Greene. He is buried at Mercer Univ. Cemeter, Penfield, Greene, Ga He married #2 Eliza Coleman #3 Sarah Clements Lemuel was the son of William & Ruth Hunter, Grandson of Wm. Graves Greene and Mary E Christmas, Jesse Hunter & Ann Hinton Alston (See Greene page) Benjamin Merritt-brother of William, son of Thomas was born a 1755 Edgecombe Co NC. He died 1807 Greene Co Ga. He married first Ann “ Nancy and second Hannah Wade a 1790 Nash Co NC. She was born a 1765 and died aft 1811 Greene Co Ga. child of Henry Wade Children: William 13 Mar 1792 Nash Co NC- 1868 m Edna Jane Vason Elizabeth 31 Jul 1794 Henry Clinton 29 Oct 1796 NC-Aug 1870 Henry Co Ga married Delilah Ann Crawford dtr of Wm. & Delilah Martin (Thomas, Michael,David Jr, Sr, John, Roland) Richard W Evelina 22 Sep 1800-30 Jun 1845 married Wade Hemphill 10 Sep 1792 son of Samuel & Elizabeth of PA & NC Mickleberry 30 Dec 1802 Greene Co Ga-24 Nov 1866 Monroe Co Ga married Jane Brown 12 Oct 1808-6 Apr 1870 Monroe Co Ga dtr of Henry. Nancy 17 Nov 1804 Ga-aft 1880 married William Askew a 1823 Ga-a 1849 Greensboro, Greene, Ga He also married Cynthia Riley dtr of Th. Lynch- See Riley page (There is a conflict on this Nancy-she is also shown dtr of Thomas Merritt and Martha Rowland-below- I do not have proof of which Nancy married William) John Merritt born a 1765 died 1821 Greene Co Ga married Elizabeth. It is not known how he connects to the two brothers above-but from location etc. he does. Children Lovett b 1790 NC married Sarah Gatlin Thomas W born 1795 Nash Co NC died abt 1854 Greene Co married #1 Martha Rowland 1796 Greene Co Ga-1865 Greene Co Ga dtr of Hiram & Rhoda Atkinson of Greene Grandtr. Of Nathan Atkinson & Martha Whitehead of Southampton Co Va & Greene Co Ga. He married #2 Martha Byrd born 1796 Putnam Co Ga died Greene Co Ga who also married William Fleetwood. Female married a Bryant SECOND GENERATION Elizabeth Merritt married 15 Dec 1803 Greene Co. Ga. Ezekiel Brown Children: William Merritt Brown (Creek Indian War/ Marshall of Ga/ Congressman) Born 1805 Greene Co. Ga. died 29 Apr 1870 Americus, Sumter, Ga. (Murdered/Poisioned- a resident of Marion Co. Ga) He married #1 Amanda Gray born 25 Sep 1809 died 6 Sep 1867. She was the child of Archibald Gray & Cynthia Armour- see Gray page He married #2 Ann Elizabeth Henderson 28 Oct 1849-but no divorce is found, though Amanda was buried in a crude grave, by a rich man, with her family in another area. Ezekiel Brown Jr born a 1806 Greene Co Ga died aft 1870 Newton Co Ms Married Emily Greene his first cousin. Adeline Brown born 31 Dec 1813 Greene Co Ga died 2 Jan 1873 Coffee Co. Al Married Richard William Armour (See Armour page) Catherine Mary Emeline Brown born 1816 Greene Co Ga died 21 Jul 1835 Columbus, Muscoogee, Ga married Georgious W E “George” Bedell born 1817 Ga. He married #2 Mary and moved to Columbus, Muscoogee, Ga then to Russell Co. Al. just across the bridge. John Franklin Brown born 1818 Greene Co Ga died aft 1880 Newton Co. Ms. He married Mary Elizabeth Edwards born 1826 Ga dtr of Etheldred and Julia Ann Ogletree Grandaughter of Thomas Edwards,Littleton Ogletree all of Oglethorpe Co Ga. James Monroe Brown born 24 Jan 1822 Greene Co Ga died 11 Sep 1906 Woodville, Marshall, Ok. He married Rebecca Hodo born 1832 Talbot Co Ga died 1878 Harris Co. Ga. dtr of Marquis de La Fayette Hodo & Eliza H O’Neal. Grandaughter of Peter Hodo Jr & Sarah Carter, John O’Neal III. He married #2 Martha Bluford Brown born Greene Co. Ga. He married Sarah Ann Wall or Hall b a 1830 Meri. Co. Ga. Reuben Brown born 1828 Harris Co. Ga. All of this second generation is proven by the will of William Merritt Second Generation Nancy Ann Merritt Married Lemuel Greene 22 Oct 1806 Greene Co. Ga. Children: Emily Greene born 1809 Ga died aft 1880 Newton Co Ms married her 1st cousin Ezeliel Brown Jr. Caroline Merritt Greene born 1811 Ga died 21 May 1868 Laurens Co. Ga. Married Thomas Jefferson Bedell born 17 Nov 1802 Greene Co. Ga. son of Isaac Absolem Bedell & Susannah Sarah E Ross of Greene (See Bedell page) Hamilton Hunter Greene born 8 Jan 1812 Greensboro, Greene, Ga died 15 Jan 1873 Troup Co. Ga. He married Ellen A. Gibson born 16 Aug 1813 Fairfield Co SC died 25 Jan 1880 Troup Co Ga. She also married Joseph M Griffin. Her parents were Able and Elizabeth Andrews. Augustin Franklin Greene born a 1815 married Amelia Jane Robertson Smith dtr of Henry Burnley Smith & Sarah Ann Ligon Granddtr of Joel Terrell Smith and Elizabeth Bedell (See Bedell page), David Gaddy Ligon & Mary Ann P Nelson Benjamin Franklin Greene born 1816 Ga died 1891. He married Susan Amoretta Greene born 13 Apf 1829 Greene Co Ga His first cousin and Daughter of Augustine B Greene & Phoebe Burke. Mary A B Greene born a 1822 Ga married John W. Sheffield born Ga. All of this second generation-is proven by the will of William Merritt All of this second generation is proven by the will of William Merritt Second Generation Benjamin Merritt married abt 1790 Hannah Wade Children: William Merritt married Edna “Jane” Watson 1 Nov. 1811 Wilkes Co Ga. Children Known: William a 1823- Edward Clinch 24 Nov 1824 Ga-6 Mar 1891 Bibb Co Ga married #1 Nancy Symantha Jones 24 Nov-1824- 6 Mar 1891 Bibb Co Ga had Samuel Benjamin 1860, Annie Lillian Holt 1861, Robert Lee 1866, Mattie Edna 1868,Mary Bass 1871,Oscar, Thomas Edward 1864. Nancy was the dtr. of Thomas Jefferson & Belinda Ann Wilson of Morgan Co Ga.grandaughter of William Jones & Mary Stovall of Va. Elizabeth “Betsy” Henry Clinton Richard W Evelina married 23 Jul 1817 Morgan Co Ga Wade Hemphill #1 Known children: Elizabeth Ann Hemphill 1819-1822 Tellman Hemphill - 1824 She married Robert Woodall 21 Sep 1833 Known child: Evelina married 1840 John W. Langford b 1807 Mickleberry married 5 Jan 1824 Morgan Co Ga Jane Brown Children: Emily F William Bennett Merritt Methodist Minister 1824 Ga-aft 14 Nov 1886 Marion Co Ga married #1 1850 Mary J. Bozeman. Married #2 Fannie A. Williamson 1871. Children George Bozeman 1850, Elizabeth Jane 1853, , Emily Frances 1855,Mary Eliza 1856, Ann Augusta 1859, Katy Ida 1862, William Benjamin 1865, Ellen Worthy 1868,----Mickleberry David 1872, Carrie Brown 1874, Laura Murphy 1876, John Haygood 1878, Charlie Thomas 1880, Henry Tilly 1882 Nancy born married 3 Nov 1835 William Askew-see notes-may be marriage of child of Thomas- had Joshua, Ezekiel, William, Joseph, Martha A, Columbus, Georgia L Some of the many people who shared with me on this line are: Anne Watkins, Sarah Howell Studstill Second Generation Thomas W. Merritt married 28 Feb 1815 Greene Co. Ga. Martha “Patsy” Rowland Children: Nancy Merritt b 1817(See conflict above) Benjamin Merritt married 19 Dec 1850 Greene Co Ga Susan H Heath John C Merritt born 16 Jul 1822 Greensboro, Greene, Ga died 18 Jan 1886 Greene Co Ga married 30 Apr 1849 Greene Co Ga Louisa F. Crawford born 22 Mar 1834 Greene Co Ga. Franklin Merritt born 1822 Greensboro, Greene, Ga died aft 1880 Greene Co Ga. married 30 Aug 1865 Greene Co Ga Cornelia C Stewart Thomas Merritt married #2 22 Aug 1823 Greensboro, Greene, Ga Martha Byrd Children: James Merritt born 1 Oct. 1823 Greene Co Ga died 20 May 1904 Greene Co Ga Crease born 1827 Elizabeth Merritt born 1829 Greensboro, Greene, Ga married 21 Jan 1847 Jonathan Wheat born 1811 Thomas J Merritt Jr born 20 Dec 1830 Greene Co Ga died 17 Jun 1869 Greene Co Ga. Married 22 Aug 1854 Greene Co Ga Mary J. Burke born 1841 Ga. married Caroline A. Heath 26 Apr 1855 Greene Co Ga (Note this may be two different Thomas Merritt’s-shared info-check out) Franklin is shown born 1822 and 1833 Albert Merritt born 1835 Greensboro, Greene, Ga married 5 Mar 1873 Greene Mary B Sherling Henry b a 1836 married Mary born 1842 Greene Co Ga Mary & Martha born 1852-1853 are doubtful children to me-because of Birth dates. This material was shared with me by Carol B. Finch, Jim Andrews, Robin 1776-1872, In the name of God, Amen, I BENJAMEN MERRITT of Nash County in North Carolina being sick and weak of body yet of perfect sense and memory thanks be to God and on consideration that life and sense is uncertain do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament viz: I give and recommend my soul into that of God that gave it an my body. I recommend to the earth at the discretion of my executors as to my worldly estate. I give, devise, bequeath and dispose of the same in the following manner viz: Item: I give and bequeath to my son WILLIAM MERRITT, one hundred and forty acres of land lying on the south side of swift creek beginning at a tall point on the creek, then up the new road at the corner of the fence then direct course to the road crosses Garles Branch then up Garles Branch to the head line then down my line to the creek. Item: I give to my son HENRY MERRITT a tract beginning two hundred yards below the corner pinon William Merritt line then direct course to the out line also hundred and ten acres lying in the fork of Beach Run and the Redy Fork. Item: I give to my son BENJAMIN MERRITT the remainder of my land and plantation which I have not already willed away. Item: I lend the use of my son BENJAMIN MERRITT Plantation to my wife during her life also I give to my wife the lady mares and colt and one bed and furniture and four cows and calfs and ten head of hogs and the crop of corn and the pets and peeler and all the wheats and cards and loom. I leave the remainder of my estate to be sold and to be equally divided between my two daughters. Lastly I appoint my wife SARAH MERRITT executor and my son WILLIAM and RICHARD MANNEN executors of my last will and testament. Signed, sealed and delivered as my last will and testament LEWIS DORCH ISAAC NEWSOME SARAH CAMMEL January Court 1777-May Nash DB 1-68-Benjamin deed 1777-Nash Co., NC was created in 1777 with the division of Edgecombe Co. In the North Carolina State Archives are the North Carolina Legislative Papers: there are more than 1500 boxes of these loose papers which pertain to all forms of business transacted by the North Carolina Legislature from 1729 until 1935. One of these loose papers is the original petition for the division of Edgecombe Co. into separate counties. The petition was dated 17 Nov. 1777 and followed by 254 signatures; among them were the signatures of : Benjamin Whitehead, William Dortch, Isaac Newsam, Lewis Dortch, Nathan Whitehead and William Whitehead. (from Steve Martin on GenForum) 1779 Benjamin Merritt , Father of William, died NC 1779- Item #2, Page 2 Nash County, North Carolina Record of Wills, Book I 1779 The above will was in open court duly proved by the oaths of LEWIS DORCH, and ISAAC NEWSOME, subscribing witnesses and the executor therein named qualified according to law. Attest Wm. Hall, C.C. "Roster of Revolutionary Soldiers - North Carolina, Page 256, 84 months of Service and 640 Acres." plus "No. 702 State of North Carolina, July 7, 1781, S280.13 as auditors for the said state, this is to certify that Benjamin Merritt established his claim to us, and was paid the sum two hundred and eighty Pounds, thirteen shillings. John Taylor" 1783-Jan Nash Co NC DB 1-217 Benjamin deed 1783-5 Land Grant Wilks Pg 637 1788-Aug. 20 page 18-Merril or Merrit-Benjamin and wife Ann (Signed Nancy) to Benj. Goss, 250 acres on ns of Cedar Creek beginning on the bank where Jesse Willingham's line crosses the creek, then down the creek to Samuel Nelson's line, with all buildings. Chas.Godd, Wm. Key, Christopher Clark, Thos. B Scott, test. 1781-about- William Merritt of Nash Co NC appoints William Daniel and Jacob Cain of Wilkes and Greene o Ga as his attorneys Jacob-proberly the one on GenCircles.com married Elizabeth Coates dtr of Leslie d 1808 Wilkes Co Ga & Drusilla 1783 William & Benjamin rec. land Grants Wilks Co Ga. Benjamin sold his Nov 20 1798. Page 635 Land Grant-William 1783-1785 Page 637 Land Grant-Benjamin 1783-1785 1784-Apr. 28-William sold 110 acres parcel on Beach Run originally willed to brother Henry- To Reuben Taylor of same- Nash for 100 pds a tract of 110 acres on NS of Beach Run adj. Joseph Exum. Wt. WM Whitehead and Joseph J. Clinch 1784- Nash Co. NC 23 July 1784 - Lewis Dortch and wife, Ann Dortch, of Nash Co. to Isaac Newsom of same, for 300 pounds a tract of 200 acres on the north side of Swift Creed adjoining William Dortch, James Nelson, and Thomas Hart. Wit.: William Merritt, John Jones, and Absolom Sauls. (parts from Steve Martin) 1785-1809 Passports issued by Gov of Ga. to Ezekiel Brown and William Merritt and Blount Cato thru Creek Nation..(Mississippi Terr) 1787 William's property bounded by William Evans & Tabitha who had moved to Wilks on Beaverdam of Richmond Creek. 1787 Feb 20 William Daniel to Thomas for $50 230 acres bought for taxes. 1789 Cain John GA Greene 3 Tax Index 1789 Richard GA Greene WHITE 37 GA TX List 1789- STILL IN NASH CO NC Last Will and Testament of Anna "Anney" Dortch; Dated 11 May 1789. Probated Feb. 1790 in Nash Co., NC (From a xerox of original) 1792-Merrit to Webb Folio 156 Vol 3 Deed Book A-Elbert Co Ga. (Elbert was formed in 1790 from Wilkes Co between the 1788 and 1792 deeds) land on Cedar Creek In the Name of God Amen Anney Dortch in Nash County Being Very sick and weak in Body but of perfect mind and memory Thanks be given unto God therefore and knowing that it is appointed for all women once to die I do make and ordain this my last will and Testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and as touching such worldly Estate where with it hath pleased God to Bless me with I give devise dispose of the same in the following Manner and form Item I give to my Daughter Molley Newsum the value of Five Shilling Item I give to my Daughter Bettey Long the value of five Shilling I likewise Constitute ordain and make my son Lewis Dortch My only and soul Executor of this my last will and testament and Remaining part of my hold Estate I do leave to my son Dortch and I do hereby disallow Revoke and disannul all and Every other former Testament wills Signed Requests and Executed by me in any ways before this time named Willied and bequeathed Ratifyed and Confirming this no other to be my last Will and testament In Witness where of I have here unto set my hand and seal this 11th Day of May 1789 Anney Dortch (Seal) Benjamin Merit William Whitehead Thomas Manning Millican Jelks John ?Screws 1789-99 Tax Digest-William---- Greene Cwh 1789-no others found. 1790-SOURCE: ibid., p. 147. (Nash Co., NC. Deed Bk. 4, # 80) 27 Dec. 1790 - William Merritt and wife, Nancy Merritt, Nash Co. to Isaac Dortch of Northampton Co. for 210 pds. Virginia money a tract of 280 acres on the south side of Swift Creek adjoining Jelks, William Merritt, Benjamin Merritt, and the road. Wit.: James Hilliard and Isaac Newsom. (from Steve Martin) 1790 Feb 2 TREES OF WILSON publication of Wilson Co NC Gen. Soc. Nov. 1997 page 8 Power of Attorney Sec. of State papers SS 832 Folder 1 State of NC Know all men by these present that I William Merritt of the County of Nash and State aforesaid..appoint my trusty friends William Daniel and Jacob Cain of the County of Wilkes and Green in the State of Georgia my true and lawful attorneys..to obtain from the state of Georgia aforesaid a patent or grant for a tract of land lying and being in Franklin Co. in said State situate on the waters of the Oconie River containing two hundred and eighty seven and 1/2 acres which land was allowed by the state aforesaid to John Boyd for his services during the last was.. signed Wm. Meritt,witnessed by P. Collier and R. Shepard. 1794 Apr. 19 Pg. 80 Greene Co. Ga Deed Bk. B 1793-1802 Recorded May 8, 1795 Thomas P. Wagnon of Oglethorpe Co. to William Merit of Warren Co. for 6400 sterling. 409 acres on s fork of 1.150 acres acres originally granted to Benjamin Few and conveyed by said Few to P. Wagnon from Wagnon to said Thomas P. Wagnon s/Thomas Wagnon. Wit. John Powers, Edmd. Daniell JP Later?? (Aft Apr. 1794) William was summoned to court in Greene as a guarnisher...against Thomas and William Daniele. He said he had no property of William Daniele's at this time. He said that this ...is not indebted to the same Wm. Daniele in any manner whatever. Thomas had his lawyer Peter Early and said that Wm. Merritt had in his hands property of Wm. Daniele. 1799- Jan. In will of his Father- Item: I give and bequeath to my son WILLIAM MERRITT, one hundred and forty acres of land lying on the south side of swift creek beginning at a tall point on the creek, then up the new road at the corner of the fence then direct course to the road crosses Garles Branch then up Garles Branch to the head line then down my line to the creek. 1799 Jan 15 Thomas Daniel to son Charles 293 acres Richmond Creek granted William Ramsey and Thomas Daniel adj. McAlpins. 1800 Feb 12 Edmon Daniel land surveyed in Franklin Co Granted Greene Joseph Kee, Erwin Ramsey, his lands go to Charles after death. Thomas Daniel and wife Sara. From Genealogical Abstracts From the Georgia Journal Milledgeville Newspaper 1800 William Merritt received a land grant Greene Co Ga. He got 710 acres Apalachee River pg. 41 HISTORY OF GREENE CO Rice & Williams 1800 Tax List William Meriott 1801-026. 1805- Greene Co Ga Benjamin and wife Hannar sell $200 land in Nash Co. NC to Wilson Taylor Recorded Feb. 1805 1815-Issue of Ga Journal May 31, 1815 page 405 Whereas Wm. Merritt adm. of estate of Benj dec hath applied for letters of dismission of said estate. Given under my hand the 1st day of May 1815. Signed Ebenezer Torrence C C O. From Rice 7 williams HISTORY OF GREENE CO 1815-July 5, 1815 issue page 421..Ga. Journal Vol 1 Take notice..all persons indebted to the estate of Benjamin Meritt of Greene Co will make immediate payment to Ex. as they intend settling with Nathan Hackney immediately, who will act as Guardian for the children. Signed Richard Asbury, Wm. Meritt ex. 1806-7-Will dated 10-20-1806 probated 6 Jul 1807 Inferior Court Records Greensburg, Greene,Ga. Will book E 1806-1816 Pg 27-28 BENJAMIN MERRITT'S WILL STATE OF GEORGIA, GREENE COUNTY IN THE NAME OF GOD - AMEN I, Benjamin Merritt, being sick but in perfect sense and soundness of memory do make, ordain and constitute this my last will and testament. ITEM: I lend to my wife Hannah all my land and plantation during her life or through widowhood: also I lend to my wife Hannah all my plantation tools and utensils together with all my household kitchen furniture; also I lend to my wife Hannah all my stock of horses except my stud horse and my youngest cold; also a sufficient quanity of pork and hogs and corn for her support and family, together with all my stock of cattle and sheep and geese, together with all my negroes, namely Isaac, Bob, Arch, Jinny, Soapy, Dyner, Nelson and Cherry until my oldest son come of age at which time he is to receive his equal respective portion according to my will and so on in proportion as all my six children and wife come of age or marry, consideration of the above loan my wife is to raise and support all my children well until they draw their portion. ITEM: I do give my son William my youngest colt to him and his heirs forever, also my will and desIre is that my other horse be sold on a reasonable credit and the money in connection with my other property to be equally divided amongst my wife and children; also my will and desire is that my present crop of cotton together vith what pork is over and above my family use, together with the monies that I have owing to me go to the discharging of all my just debts and all monies left over and above discharging all my just debts be equally divided as above. I give and bequeath all my land, negroes, and other property as above mentioned in an equal division emongst my wife and six children .to them, their heirs and assigns forever. My will and desire is that my children have reasonable education given them out of my estate. Furthermore, I do constitute and appoint my beloved wife Hanneh and my brother William Merritt and Richard Asberry Executors of this my last will and testament hereby making void all others until this present date ratifying this and no other whereof I have set my hand this the twentieth day of October 1806. Signed Benjamin Mereitt (SEAL) Test James Roach Rich'd Asberry William Merritt ############################################################################################################# PROBATION OF WILL GRAND COURT OF ORDINARY -- JULY TERM 1807 , The within last will and testament of Benjamin Merritt dec'd was duly proven in open Court by the oath of James Roach, Rich'd Asberry and William Herritt who declare that they saw him sign and acknowledge the same as his last will and testament and that they conceived him to be in his proper senses at the time of signing same . Sworn to in open Court the 6th of July 1807. Henry Carleton, Jr. for Thomas Carleton, CCO Recorded 6th day of July 1807 Henry Carleton, Jr. for Thomas Carleton, CCO -- 1802 William sold 710 acres granted in Land Grant 3 Mar 1800 for $10 to Thomas Daniel-who is in other transcations with him..a small sum, even then. First mention of Thomas found 1789 Mar 24..land transaction involving Samuel Thornton and Elizabeth of Wilks, William Shelby of Greene..and Robert Curry.28 acres on Richmond creek granted to William Baldwin 8 Feb 1785. 1809-"Passports Issued by Governors of Ga, 1785-1809", by Mary G. Bryan, reprinted from Nat. Gen. Soc. Qrt., 1959, 1962, page 26, Major Ezekiel Brown and Wm. Merritt of Greene Co. wish to travel to the Miss Terr. and need a passport, granted 26 Sept 1809, signed Starling Cato, Recommendation for Ezekiel Brown, William Merritt, and Blount Catoe page 55, ordered that a passport through the Creek nation be prepared for Maj. Ezekiel Brown and William Merritt and Blount Cato, page 494, Saturday 30 Sept 1809 "Passports Issued by Governors of Ga, 1785-1809", by Mary G. Bryan, reprinted from Nat. Gen. Soc. Qrt., 1959, 1962, page 26, Major Ezekiel Brown and Wm. Merritt of Greene Co. wish to travel to the Miss Terr. and need a passport, granted 26 Sept 1809, signed Starling Cato, Recommendation for Ezekiel Brown, William Merritt, and Blount Catoe page 55, ordered that a passport through the Creek nation be prepared for Maj. Ezekiel Brown and William Merritt and Blount Cato, page 494, Saturday 30 Sept 1809 1823-31 Aug. Will of William Merritt- Greene Co. Ga.-from original In the name of God amen. I William Merritt of the County, State aforesaid being in a low State of health but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will Testament Item 1st I will that the tract of land on which I now live in Greene County be sold on a credit of one two three years payments to be made in three annual instalments and the tract of land I own in Wilkinson be sold on the credit of one yaar. Item 2nd I will that my negroes Lemon Joe Lewis Amos Seaborn Rachel Nan Mime Loree Soppha Judy their child Henny the young boy child of Henny not named bes Vining Edy and young boy child of Bush not named together with all the residue of my property both real personal exept my old negro man _affy be sold on a credit of twelve months. Item 3rd I will that the proceeds of the sales of my property be divided and appropiated? in the fllowing manner as to the children of my daughter Elizabeth Brown being nine in number named as follows: William M. Brown Ezekiel Brown Reuben Brown Adeline Brown, Emeline Brown Franklin Brown James M Brown Bluford Brown The children of my deceased daughter Nancy Greene being six in numbber named Emily Green Carolyn Green Hamilton Green Benjamin Green Augustin Green Mary one equal distributive each to be paid to my said Grandchldren as the boys may arrive at the age of twenty one. As the girls arrive at the age of twenty one or marry. But should any of the said grand children die before they arrive at twenty one years or before they marry then the distributive share of such deceased legatee shall go to be divided amony my surviving grand children. Or should my daughter ELizabeth Brown have any further issue male or female such issue shall come in and be allowed an equal distributive with my grand children above named. Item 4th If at my decease a crop should be planted I wish the whole of my estate to remain together until the crop is finished. Then the crop to be sold with the balance of my property except cotton which may be sold at the usual market when my executors so choose. Item 5th I give to my daughter Elizabeth Brown my negro man named Jaffy. I command her to show him that indulgence I treat him with that humanity I care to which his faithful services untio ___ so long as he lives. Item 6th I wish all the sales of my property to be made at my plantation the real as well as personal estate except my land in Wilkinson which myay be sold at such place as my executors may think will most advance the interest of my estate. The proceeds of all my sales to remain in the ___ until the division___ This will is authorized to receive their shares respectivly. Item 7 last page "I do hereby constiture and appoint Douglas Watson, Ebenezer Torrence..Ex. of this my last will and testiment hearby revoking all other wills by me heretofore made." Signed in the presence of Henry Rogers, Charles A. Redd, Henry Sanford, recorded 5 Feb 1825. Douglas Watson also ex of will of William Greene. 1825-Nov 14th- Georgia Greene County Court of Ordinary November term 1825 Personally appeared on open Court Honn Rogers T Harris before two of the subscribing witnesses to within will ___duly swrn say that they saw the within named WIlliam Merritt ___s___ _hear him acknowledge the within instrument to be his last will testament That they each believe him to be of perfect sound mind and memory at the time of his so doing And that they each together with Charles J Redd subscribed this name as writ nes? thereto in the presence of the testator Sworn to in open COurt Henry Rogers H sanford Recorded 3rd Feb. 1826 1816-From Abstracts from the Ga Journal Vol 1 page 544 Issue of May 15 1816 Ga Greene Co. Court of Ordinary March Term 1816..Present ..list of names..Upon the petition of Richard Asbury, William Merritt and Nathan Hackney, ex. of Benj. Merritt, deceased, praying to be dismissed from said estate. And Desc. from him somehow- pg 408 Jno Merritt, Henry C Merritt 408 Muster Roll of 17th Reb Ga. ilitia 1861-65 pg 406 Stephens Light Guards Co 1 8th Ga Reb 1861065 B F Merritt private wounded 1st Manassas died 15 Dec 1861 F Merritt wounded 1st Manassas discharged Aug 10 1861 Pvt. Pg. 276 The Merritt house was build by W G Johnson 1854 same block as E A Copelan home build 1880. Surrounded by large trees and beautiful gardens still in use even though progress has pushed out the large gargens and lawns. Owned by the Merritts for over 100 years. pg. 412 When the Green Co Boys marched War 1861..John Merritt, Henry C Merritt, John C Merritt, W T Merritt. pg. 438 1954 Militia Dist 142 Lavett Merritt 27 slaves. 440 1854 Militia Dist 163 Gen Thomas Merritt 44 slaves 1824 Dec 7 Gen. Abstracts Frm Ga Journal (Milledgeville Newspaper 1809-1840) Jacob one of grand jury (Lemuel Green also)-Superior Court 19 Nov 1824 Greene Co Ga. presented Robert Wilkinson at house of Rhoda Parrish for abusive language to her and dtr. Polly. witness Thomas & Lovett Merritt-one more.1850 Census Nov. 9, 1824 Thomas & Lovett were witness to presentment of Robert Wilkinson for profane swearing at house of Rose Parris in front of her and dtr. Polly. 1825- 1809-1840 Vol 3 1824-1828...by Hartz..1994. 9 (Issue Nov. 22 1924) And Whereas Lemuel Greene and Ezekiel Brown apply for letters of administration with the will annexed on the estate of Wm. Merritt, late of said county, deceased 1825- Nov 14 William's will probated. He named his two dtr. and their children and their husbands. William Merritt, next number is #69s William Wadle (Wade?) 1825-Nov 22 issue page 367--same time as Reuben Brown's.. And whereas Lemuel Greene and Ezekiel Brown apply for letters of administration with the will annexed on the estate of William Merritt late of said county deceased. 1825-1829 Vol 4 from Abstracts of Ga. Journal Ga. Greene Co: Lemuel Greene and Ezekiel Brown file their petition for letters of dismission from the estate of Wm. Merritt, late of said county, deceased. (Signed) Thomas W. Grimes C.C.O. 1826- GA WILLS 1733-1860 Ted Brooke Will of William Merritt Will Book F 109 1826- From Issue Nov 7, 1826 Notice...That on Thursday the 4th of Jan next, will be sold at the late residence of Wm Merritt, late of Greene Co , that valuable and well known tract of land containing 561 acres..situated on Sheneis Creek, adjoining Isaac Beddell..there is about 200 acres cleared Sold afreeable to the last will and testament of said decased..signed Ezekiel Brown,Lemuel Greene adm. with the will annexed. pg 555 1828 Mar 12 Taliaferro Co Ga pg 118 Deed Book A Adminstrs. of Wm. Merritt dec'd. to Thomas Asbury by Lemuel Green and Ezekiel Brown Test. Wm. W. D Weaver; Thomas Grant: P H Green JP 3-12-1828. (found by Merrill Brown Oct. 1994) 1828,1829 Returns..Isaac Bedel, Lemuel Green, W.W. Weaver, Joel E. Mercer, Camak Ragland, Ezekiel Brown Jr., Wm. M. Brown, Jack? E Mercer, Th. W. Grimes...got money. 1833 Jan. 10th, May 1833, Dec. 9 1833 William's estate was probated by Samuel Turner and Ezekiel Brown adm. Ezekiel Brown Jr. got balance of legacy as per will his own and Emily Greene now Emily Brown. Paid Thomas J. Bedell in part for Caroline M. Greene now Caroline M. Bedell. Legacy under the will. To be paid Thomas J. Bedell in full ... 1833 GA Greene Cain, Thomas L. married Swann, Mary R. on 04 Sep (moved to Falls Co, TX) CENSUS YR: 1850 STATE or TERRITORY: GA COUNTY: Greene PAGE NO: 89 (249) 6 249 249 MERRITT THOMAS 55 M NC 7 249 249 MERRITT MARTHA 32 F GA (54 shown by Otto) 8 249 249 MERRITT THOMAS 19 M GA (Jr or J ") 9 249 249 MERRITT FRANKLIN 17 M GA 10 249 249 MERRITT ALBERT 15 M GA student 11 249 249 MERRITT HENRY 13 M 1860 Cain Manoh GA Greene Long Shoals PO 542 1910 The heris of Wm. Merritt Pt 640 acres 84 months Service July 15, 85 Pri. inf. & Cav. Rec 76.65 NC Countl. line Mar 4 1831 71 years old Pension Commencement 976. Wm. Merritt Privt NC Rev Pensioners Act. 1818-1832 as rept. Sep. of St. to Cong. 1835 (Wm Brown #33 Privt. Calv. Mine ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mrs. Jere M. Pound owner of Mickleberry Merritt Bible- He died 64 yrs. Marriages Mickleberry Merritt and Jane Brown Jan 1 1824 ( He was born 12-30-1802 Greene Co Ga died 24 Nov 1866 Monroe Co Ga GH) (She was born 10-12-1808 died 6 Apr 1870 Monroe GH) Wiliam R Murphey and Lucy Ann Floyd Dec. 21 1837 (Wm Reid born 11-17-1819 Lucy born 13 Dec 1818 GH) Erastus J Murphey and Laura Ida Merritt 4-15-1866 (Erastus born 10 Aug 1842 Laura born Apr. 15 1866) Births William B Merritt 11-27-1824 Mary E 4-5-1827 H Wade 8-31-1829 Eliza Ann 7-24-1831 Elizabeth Janie 12-20-1833 M Thomas 1-28-1836 John R 4-16-1838 James R 7-28-1840 Angus C 1-11-1843 Sarah R -7-845 Laura Ida 8-3-1847 Warren A 11-12-1849 (Murphey Children also on the original-but not copied by this author More on all children ) _______________________________________________________________________________ Personal Research has been done by the author for over 20 years on this family. Further information can be found in: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES OF CHARLES MERRITT by Dr. King Merritt ROSTER OF SOLDIERS FROM NC IN AMERICAN REV.William Merritt 272,461,581 Colonial Soldiers of the South NC, Militia Muster Roll of Edgecombe NC. Co NC..1732-1774.. THE MERRITT FAMILIES OF VIRGINIA & ALLIED/ASSOCIATED FAMILIES Vol 1 1635-1800 Lynn Slater Turner 1871 Condie Drive Salt Lake City Utah 84119 THE MERRITT FAMILIES OF NORTH CAROLINE ALSO (South Carolina, Georgia and Tenn) Vol II 1700-1850 by Lynn Turner Wade Hemphill Bible Title Page STEREOTYPED by E WHite NY Pub and sold by Daniel D Smith 190 Greenwich St NY 1820.. EARLY GEORGIA MARRIAGES, BookOne- Four Joseph T. Maddox GREENE COUNTY HISTORY- Rice & Williams GREENE COUNTY CEMETERIES-E. H. Armor GENEALOGICAL ABSTRACTS FROM THE GEORGIA JOURNAL (Milledgeville) NEWSPAPER 1809-1840 by Hartz Morgan County, Georgia, Inferior Court for Ordinary Purposes, 1808-1834 Will Books A&B, 1808-1830 1880 District 163, Greene Co GA Fed Census; NA Film # T9-0149; Page 262C (Please note-that my book of this title is far from finished, and all additions and subtractions are appreciated as I add to it. I simply wanted to share it with you-one page at a time, as I write it, to be sure that I live to share what I already have!! Ms. Gerry Hill-Albany Ga) Ms. Gerry Hill- Albany Ga gerryinga@yahoo.com