From: <Theodoregregg@aol.com>
To:
Subject: Gregg's, part 1

Date: Saturday, September 30, 2000 1:31

EARLY COLONIAL GREGG FAMILIES
It has been determined, after several years of extensive research, that there were six Gregg families, in addition to our own Greggs, which could be considered as early American colonial. It should also be stated that no evidence has been found, that our Greggs/Graggs are direct descendants of any of these colonial Greggs, but undoubtedly they are related. During the process of researching, it was discovered that in many instances, some historians and genealogists have failed at times to present the true, or documented facts, dates, etc., as they actually were, or occurred. In some instances, historians and genealogists in their writings have presented without documentation, facts and dates from books of other authors on similar subjects. Also many variations, as to names, dates, and other information, have been found in the works of some historians and genealogists on the same subject. It should be recognized, however, that much information obtained by some genealogists came from descendants of the families researched; such information having been handed down through several generations. As a result, family tradition and history may become distorted. It may be of interest to some of our branch of the Greggs/Graggs, to have some knowledge of those early colonial Gregg families. Lineage of those families, in some instances, could have been carried down for several additional generations, but it was felt that this would serve no useful purpose.

Following is a listing, and then descriptions of early American colonial Gregg families, found in the process of research:
Thomas Gregg…………….….1648
William Gregg, The Quaker….1682
Capt. James Gregg…………...1718
Andrew Gregg…………………1722
David Gregg……………………1722
John Gregg…………………..C1740
John Gregg…………………….1752
THOMAS GREGG - 1648
The first Gregg of record found in America was Thomas in 1648, in Northumberland County, Virginia. This date was shown as a land record by George Cabill Greer, clerk of the Virginia State Land Office in 1912, in his book, "Early Virginia Immigrants, 1623-1666." Northumberland County was formed in 1648. It is not known if Thomas immigrated to America from Scotland or Ireland. He probably arrived in America immediately prior to, or during the year 1648. Thomas Gregg patented 400 acres of land in Westmoreland County (formed from Northumberland County in 1653) on the branches of the Pasbatacy Creek, March 18, 1662. This land afterwards fell in Stafford County, and later in King George County. Thomas was a Justice of the Peace in Stafford County in 1680. He was appointed to the "Commission of the Peace" by William III, King of England in 1700, and again in 1702. In 1691, Thomas Gregg, Sr., refused to take the oath of allegiance to William and Mary - he evidently adhered to King James II as his rightful sovereign. Thomas married Lucy Heabard, and preceded her in death. No record of his death, or will could be found. Lucy Heabard Gregg's will was dated 9 January 1730. And admitted to court record, 11 March 1730. She (Lucy) named grandson  Edward Humston as Executor. The only other member of the family named in the will was a granddaughter, Sarah Newton.  Children of Thomas and Lucy Gregg:

1. Thomas, Jr., was probably born before 1670, as he appears to be 21 years old in 1690, as indicated by a Stafford County court record of July 19, 1690. He received a land grant January 25, 1694, of 200 acres on the Potomac Creek in Stafford County. Thomas Gregg, Jr., in 1692, was a lieutenant in the Virginia Militia. He married Lucy Grigsby, daughter of Thomas Grigsby. The only known child of this union, was a daughter, name unknown, who married Edward Humston.
2. James Gregg was mentioned as "brother" in a deed of Thomas, Jr., in 1706. The will of James Gregg was recorded in missing Will Book K, (1721-30). An inventory of the estate was filed in the same book, according to the general index. John, brother of James, served as Executor, and the estate was divided May 29, 1734, among the following children:

1. Mathew, married Cathrine --, his will was made in 1749, and probated August 9, 1757. Children:
i. James, b. May 18, 1740
ii. John, b. December 1744
2. John
3. Sarah, m. William Brown
4. Letitia
5. Jeremiah
3. John Gregg was a Justice in 1730. His will dated January 14, 1743,  named his wife Elizabeth; daughters Jean and Mary, and an unborn child. Bond made in connection with the will, was April 25, 1743, with inventory of the estate filed in Stafford County.
4. Elizabeth Gregg, m. Benjamin Newton II.
 
  
WILLIAM GREGG, THE QUAKER - 1682
William Greg, oldest son of John Greg and a Presbyterian landholder were forced to leave his inheritance of Glenarm Barony on the coast of County Antrim, after May 1653. His father, the John Greg from Clan Gregor in Scotland had died, probably about 1644, and his eldest son, William, inherited the barony and the silver-studded, ivory-headed cane.
The eldest son, William, born 1616in Scotland, left by ship after May, 1653, his Glenarm Barony in County Antrim, with three children: Richard, William, born about 1642, and the oldest son, John. Probably there were daughters, but no record on them. With his family, he settled on the southwest shore of Waterford County, Southern Ireland, at Ardmore, where he died about 1672. His son, John, died at the same place in 1724, and son Richard died there in 1741.
The Gregs, deeply imbued with spiritual piety, were most receptable to the teachings of William Penn when he visited Waterford, Ireland, in 1678, and converted many Scottish settlers to the Society of Friends. So, these Gregs became Penn Quakers.
As a devout adherent, William Gregg was a member of a colonial Friends group,  which left Southern Ireland, October 1682, possibly on a ship "Calidonia." He had with him, the silver-studded, ivory-headed cane, inherited from his father, William Greg, who left Glenarm Barony, County Antrim, after May 1653. By this time, the cane had become an heirloom, whose story would be recited many times to children and grandchildren. The ship of Friends landed at Upland, now Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1682. No doubt, married relatives came with William Gregg, besides his wife, and four small children. The William Greggs later made their way down the Delaware  River to settle the part of Christiana Hundred, bordering the Pennsylvania line, and lying between Brandywine and Red Clay Creeks; on the west side of  Brandywine Creek near the present site of Centerville. William Gregg was granted 200 acres of land in 1683, and a warrant for 400 acres, on January 26, 1684. Here he built a log cabin on a location he called Strand Millas. When about 45 years of age, William died, and was buried on his own plantation in July 1687. Children and grandchildren of William Gregg, the Quaker, b. C1642, County Antrim, Ireland, d. 1657, New Castle, Delaware - as follows:

1. John Gregg
1. William Gregg, b. 1695; d. 1747; m. (1) Margery Hinkey, (2) Ann Dixon
2. Amy Gregg, m. Joseph Hadley
3. Thomas Gregg, b. 1701; d. 1748; m. Dinah Harlan
4. Joseph Gregg, b. 1710; d. 1770; m. Hannah Beeson
5. Samuel Gregg, b. 1710; d. 1767; m. Ann Robinson
2. Ann Gregg, b. 1670; d. 1729; m. (1) William Dixon, (2) John Houghton
1. Henry Dixon, b. 1692; d. 1742
2. William Dixon, b. 1693; d. 1760
3. John Dixon, b. 1742
4. George Dixon, b. 1706; 1761
3. George Gregg, b. 1674; d. 1744; m. Sara Hogg.
1. John Gregg, b. 1716; d. 1788; m. Susannah Curle
2. Richard Gregg, b. 1718; d. 1754; m. Anne Hadley
3. George Gregg, b. 1720; d. 1794; m. Elizabeth Hanby
4. Richard Gregg, b. 1676; d. 1716
CAPT. JAMES GREGG - 1718
Capt. James Gregg was one of the first 16 settlers in Londonderry, New Hampshire, in 1719. He was born about 1670, in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was 20 years old when his parents removed to Northern Ireland. The family settled in the County of Antrim, and in the Parish of Mulasky. James had been apprenticed at the age of 14 years to learn the tailor's trade and had just completed his obligation when he moved to Ireland. He immediately commenced business and was actively employed. James married Janette Cargill, born in Illa, Scotland and the daughter of Capt. David Cargill. James Gregg and his wife settled in the Parish of Mausky, where he pursued his business to good advantage and went extensively into the business of bleaching linen cloth. In the year 1718, James Gregg, in company with 15 families from the same parish, sailed for America in a vessel commanded by Captain Crowningshield. They landed late in the season at Casco Bay where they spent the winter. In April 1719, they went to Nutfield, now Londonderry, New Hampshire, where they made a permanent settlement. Parker, in his "History on Londonderry," relates:

"The company which passed the winter 1718-1719 on shipboard in Casco Bay, explored the country to the eastward, and finding nothing satisfactory that had not been claimed, ascended the Merrimac to Haverhill, April 2, 1719. At this point, they were told of a fertile tract of land covered by nut trees lying about 14 miles northwest of the meeting house at Haverhill. Leaving their families there, the men in the party, including James Gregg, mounted horses and rode over to examine the land. They found it satisfactory and named the place Nutfield, on account of the trees growing there. They  remained to build a few temporary huts near a small tributary of Beaver Creek which they called West-Running Brook. They then returned to Haverhill for their wives and children." The settlement had been made at Nutfield, under the impression that the land was in Massachusetts, but in May 1719, the General Court decided that New Hampshire had jurisdiction. The name of the town was later changed to Londonderry. James Gregg subsequently received a captain's commission, and commanded the first company of militia recruited in Londonderry. He built the first grist-mill in Londonderry and was one of the foremost citizens of the town as long as he lived. The town granted him 300 acres of land in appreciation of and compensation for his efforts in behalf of the community. Capt. James Gregg acquired additional acreage's, which can be noted by deed records when the estate was settled among his heirs. He died at Peterborough, New Hampshire, January 1762, at the age of 92. His wife's death is recorded as December 28, 1764. Children and grandchildren are:

1. William Gregg, b. C1700; m. 11 March 1724, to Jennet Rankin, daughter of Hugh Rankin. William Gregg's will was dated 2 May 1753, and Probated 28 November 1753. The will named his wife and sons: James, Hugh, Rogers; daughters: Mary, Jennet, Agnes, Francis and Naomi. Executors named were brother John and James Cochran.
2. John Gregg, b. 1702; m. Agnes Rankin, 1 March 1724l
1. James Gregg, b. 1725, Londonderry, N.H.; m. Mary McCurdy; removed to New York State.
2. Hugh Gregg, b. 1725, Londonderry, N.H.; d. 1746; unmarried.
3. John Gregg, b. 1728; d. 1789; m. (1) 1st cousin, Elizabeth Gregg, (2)
Elizabeth White Sturt; moved to Peterborough, N.H.
4. William Gregg, b. 1730; d. 1815; lived in Londonderry, N.H.; m. (1)
Barbara Aiken, (2) Agnes McClure, (3) -- Holt Abbott.
5. Elizabeth Gregg, b. 1732; m. 1761, John Willson
6. George Gregg, b. C1735; m. Sarah Wason
7. Jennet Gregg, b. C1737; m. William Miltimore
8. Samuel Gregg, b. 1739; d. 1808; m. 1763, Agnes Smiley; Major in American Revolution.
9. Joseph Gregg, b. 1741; m. Susanna Aiken
10. Benjamin Gregg, b. 1743; d. 1816; m. Lettice Aiken.
3. Samuel Gregg, b. C1704, Londonderry, N.H.; m. Mary Moore; was living in Londonderry in 1762 - later moved to New Boston, N.H.
1. James Gregg, b. 1732, in Londonderry, N.H.; m. Mary Gregg, 1st cousin, daughter of brother, William; moved to Bedford and later to Salem, N.H.
2. Elizabeth Gregg, b. C1735; m. John Gregg, 1st cousin, son of brother, John.
3. Margaret Gregg, b. C1737
4. Mary Gregg, b. C1739
5. John Gregg, b. C1741
6. Samuel Gregg, b. C1743; d. 1809; m. Margaret Wallace; lived in Antrim, N.H.
7. Agnes Gregg, b. C1745
8. David Gregg, b. C1747
4. Elizabeth Gregg, b. 1706, in Londonderry, N.H.; m. James Moore. Children: James, John, William, Hugh, Robert, Jennet, Elizabeth, Sarah and Mary.
 
Subject: Gregg's, part 2

5. Thomas Gregg, b. 1708, b. in Londonderry, N.H.; m. Agnes Ferguson; living in Londonderry in 1762, removed to Cohos County and died there. It is reported that this couple had six children. ANDREW GREGG - 1722 Andrew (3), John (2), David (1). There is considerable variance in the description of the descendants of David Gregg (1), between Egle and his "Pennsylvania Genealogies," and the "History of Windham, New Hampshire," by Leonard A. Morrison. David Gregg was born about 1630, in Argyll, Scotland, and in 1655, served as a captain in Cromwell's army in Northern Ireland. David either purchased or was given a deed to 30 acres of land near Londonderry, Ireland, in lieu of payment for services in Cromwell's army. Little is known about the David Gregg family - the only child mentioned was John (2), and history indicates that he (John) was the eldest son, probably born in Ireland about 1660. Although David Gregg was not wealthy, he evidently prospered as a tanner, and  a farmer. It has been related that he had sunk 60 tan-pits. It has also been stated that he was robbed of 300 pounds sterling in gold and was murdered by a group of Catholics in 1689.Egle in his "Pennsylvania Genealogies," used as his description of this family a manuscript written by  Andrew Gregg, son of Andrew (3). Egle states, in addition to the manuscript, he used data from other sources. He (Egle) also states that John, son of David had three sons: John, David, and Andrew, and one daughter, Rachel. That John (3) remained in Ireland; David (3), Andrew (30 and Rachel immigrated to America and landed at Boston. Morris in his "History of Windham, New Hampshire" states that John (2) son of David had four sons? John, Samuel, David, and Andrew - that all four brothers immigrated to America in 1712 and landed at Boston. Morrison mentioned that the greater portion of his information came from a John Gregg, a great-grandson of Andrew Gregg. It will be noted that Egle did not mention Samuel as one of the immigrating brothers and stated that the brother, John, remained in Ireland. Morrison did not mention a sister, Rachel and that brother John accompanied his brothers Samuel, David and Andrew to America. Following are statements from the above mentioned manuscript - an unfinished autobiography, written by Andrew Gregg, Born 10 June 1755, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania and died 30 May 1835. There is no indication as to the date, when the manuscript was written. Andrew Gregg states that his father, Andrew (3), was born within the liberties of Londonderry, Ireland, where his family resided. His father's name was John and there his knowledge of ancestry stops. He states that his grandfather (John) had three sons: John, David, and Andrew, and one daughter  named Rachel and that brother John, remained in Ireland, engaged in the  business of trading and became wealthy. The manuscript further reveals that his father (Andrew), David, and Rachel all married in Ireland and came to America in the same vessel - no date mentioned. They landed at Boston and traveled into New Hampshire where David settled and raised a large family. Andrew (3) and Solomon Walker, husband of Rachel were not pleased with a settlement in New Hampshire, returned to Boston and shipped to Philadelphia but landed at Newcastle, Rhode Island.
Andrew, the writer of the manuscript states "I do not recollect the particular year of their arrival but it was during the administration of Sir William Keith and most probably in the autumn of 1732." Upon checking the administration of William Keith, it was found that he was the British Colonial Governor of Pennsylvania and Delaware, 1714 - 1726. Egle in his "Pennsylvania Genealogies" says the arrival year was 1722. The manuscript states that the following spring, Andrew and his family moved further inland and commenced their settlement at a place called Chestnut Level near the southern bounds of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Andrew sold his claim at Chestnut Level in 1748 and bought 300 acres of land in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania on the north side of the Conedogumet. The manuscript on Andrew Gregg ends abruptly.  William, son of John (3), who remained in Ireland, immigrated to America - date not known - and settled in Paxton Twp., Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. His will, dated 9 July 1744, and proved 23 July 1744, named his uncle, Andrew (3) his father John and his sister, Elizabeth Land, both of the latter two  living in Ireland in 1744. William also stated in his will, "if my aged father should be removed by death before the above mentioned parcels of money, or any of them, or any part of them should come to his hands, then I order said money be equally divided between my two brothers, Andrew and John Gregg of the above named Balley-arnot (Ireland)." Egle, the historian, does not show this William, son of John (3), as having a brother named John. The name of Andrew's first wife is unknown; by her there was issue:

1. John Gregg
2. James Gregg, a soldier of the American Revolution
3. Rachel Gregg
4. Margaret Gregg
5. Jean Gregg
6. Elizabeth Gregg
Andrew's second wife, m. Secondly Jean Scott, b. 1725; d. 1783. She was the daughter of William Scott of Chestnut Level, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They had the following children:

7. Andrew Gregg, b. 1755, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania; m. 1787 to Martha Potter, daughter of General James Potter, of the American Revolution. Andrew d. 1835 at Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He was a member of the U. S. House of Representatives for 16 years and a U. S. Senator for six years.
1. Mary Gregg, b. 1788; d. 1826; m. William McLanahan
2. Jean Gregg, b. 1791; m. Roland Curtin
3. Martha Gregg, b. 1793; d. 1829; m. Dr. Constans Curtin
4. Eliza Gregg, b. 1795; d. 1882; m. David Mitchell
5. Julianna Gregg, b. 1797; m. General James Irvin
6. Andrew Gregg, b. 1799; m. Margaret Irvin
7. James Gregg, b. 1802; d. 1845
8. Matthew Gregg, b. 1804; m. Ellen McMurtrie
9. Sarah Gregg, b. 1807; d. 1836; m. Henry Kinney
10. Margery Gregg, b. 1811; m. Rev. Charles Tucker
DAVID GREGG - 1722
David (3), John (2), David (1)
David's descent, of course, is the same as his brothers, John and Andrew, as named by Egle in his "Pennsylvania Genealogies." As mentioned in the   proceeding outline of Andrew there is a variance in the names of the sons of John (2), by Morrison, author of the "History of Windham, New Hampshire." Morrison states that David and Andrew, had a brother named Samuel. Egle does  not show Samuel as a brother. According to Egle, David (3) came with his family to America in 1722, with brother Andrew, and sister Rachel. David married in 1713, Mary Evans of Londonderry, Ireland. According to Morrison, David was the third son of John (2); also that he (David) was four years old when his father and grandfather were murdered near  Londonderry, Ireland, in 1689. Morrison states that David arrived in America in 1712, lived in Watertown, Massachusetts; removed to Londonderry, New Hampshire, settling in that portion of the town which is now called Windham. Children and grandchildren:

1. William Gregg, b. 17095, near Londonderry, Ireland; m. Elizabeth Kyle
1. David Gregg, b. 1740; d. 1749
2. John Gregg, b. 1742; d. 1758
3. William Gregg, b. 1744; d. 1817; m. --- Dunlap
4. Elizabeth Gregg, b. 1746; m. Richard Sisk
5. Alexander Gregg, b. 1748; d. 1754
6. David Gregg, b. 1750; d. in infancy
7. Thomas Gregg, b. 1752; d. 1779; m. Mary Douglass. Was a Revolutionary soldier.
8. Alexander Gregg, b. 1755; d. 1830; m. Sarah Adams
9. Mary Gregg, b. 1757; m. Hugh McKeen
10. Jane Gregg, b. 1761; m. James McClellan
11. John Gregg, b. 1763; M. Lydia Melvin
2. Jane Gregg
3. John Gregg, m. Isabel Hemphill
4. Mary Gregg
5. Hannah Gregg
6. Thomas Gregg, was in French and Indian War with his father, who was a captain; died in the service at age 19 years.
7. David Gregg, b. 1727; m. 1756, Ann Clyde
1. Ester Gregg, b 1757; m. 1778, Alexander McCauley
2. Jane Gregg, b. 1759; m. 1784, her cousin, David Gregg
3. Mary Gregg, b. 1761; m. (l) Rev. Simon Findley, (2) John Anderson
4. Anne Gregg, b. 1763; m. William Davidson
5. Isabel Gregg, b. 1765/ m. Henry Campbell
6. David Gregg, b. 1767; m. Rachel Wilson
7. Daniel Gregg, b. 1769/ d. 1801; m. Nancy Wilson
8. Nancy Gregg, d. young
JOHN GREGG - C1740
 
JOHN GREGG - 1752
Morrison, in his "History of Windham, New Hampshire," states that the four brothers, grandsons of David (1), with their families, emigrated to America in 1712. That David (3) settled in Watertown, Massachusetts; Andrew (3) finally settled near Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Samuel (3) settled in Groton, Massachusetts and John (3) took ship for South Carolina where he settled. As previously mentioned, Egle in his "Pennsylvania Genealogies," states that brothers Andrew and David came to America in 1722 and that brother John remained in Ireland and died there. The writer questions the statement by Morrison that the John Gregg of this family settled in South Carolina. After considerable research, it was found that the name Gregg first appeared in South Carolina, in Williamsburg District, in 1752. Most of the following information came from "History of the Old Cheraws" written by Rev. Gregg, a descendant of the John Gregg of this article. On July 3, 1752, John Gregg petitioned Council, stating that he was desirous of settling himself and family in this Province (South Carolina) - that his family consisted of himself and wife, one Dutch servant and five negroes, for whom no grant had been obtained and that he was desirous of getting two plots of 500 acres each, which had been surveyed for Mr. John Atkins about 1735-1736, and were still lying in the Surveyor-General's office. He obtained grants for 1350 acres. At the same time, Dr. John Gregg petitioned for land lower down in the fork of the Black and Pee Dee Rivers. Dr. John Gregg was probably a near relative of John and Joseph, but of his subsequent history, nothing is known. With John Gregg, the subject of this article, came a brother, Joseph. They were known, as were many others who came to the Province about the same time, Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. Such was the Colony of  Williamsburg. From these brothers, John and Joseph descended the large connection of the name, most numerously represented in Marion County. Branches of the family settled in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia. John Gregg was born about 1730; died in 1775, and married Eleanor --.
Children:

1. James Gregg, b. 1752; m. Mary Wilson of the Presbyterian Colony of Williamsburg. James lived on the west side of the Pee Dee River, on Poke Swamp. He was a captain in the Revolution under Major Thornby, when Charleston fell and suffered much from the Tory neighbors. Following are two excepts from the "History of the Old Cheraws" by Dr. Alexander Gregg, D.D.:
"Whenever a few defenseless Whigs could be found or superior numbers seemed to promise the foe an easy victory, there, the Tories hovered around. From the lower settlements on Lyncha's Creek, up to the North Carolina line, depredations were committed." 
Another except: 
"On one of his expeditions, General Fanning made not a few of the scattered Whigs along his route, feel the effects of his vengeance. Robert Gregg, a brother of Captain James Gregg, was one of the sufferers. Upon Fanning's approach to his house, Robert attempted to shoot him, but his gun snapped. He then endeavored to make his escape to the swamp, which was near by, but was fired upon, and severely wounded in the hip. He fell and being covered by blood, played his part so well as the Tories came up that they supposed him to be dead, and left without further molestation. Robert Gregg continued a cripple for life." Children of James Gregg:

1. Jennet, m. James Hudson.
2. Mary, m. Adam Marshall
3. Sarah, m. -- Jones
4. Margaret, m. Samuel Hall.
5. John, m. cousin, Jennet Gregg
6. David, m. Athalinda Brocky
7. James, m. Cornelia Maxcy
8. Elizabeth, m. W. Davidson Hall
9. Elias, not married
2. John Gregg
3. Margaret Gregg


Subject: Gregg's, part 3

4. Robert Gregg
5. Mary Gregg
6. William Gregg
7. Jennet Gregg
Children of Joseph Gregg, brother of John:
1. Alexander Gregg
2. Robert Gregg
3. Joseph Gregg
4. Jennet Gregg
5. Mary Gregg
6. Margaret Gregg
7. Sarah Gregg
The General Assembly of the South Carolina Colony, on 25 July 1761, passed the "Bounty Act" which offered 100 to 350 acres of land to Protestant refugees from Europe as an encouragement to settle in the colony. Among those refugees applying were:
Thomas Gregg, July 1761 - 100 acres
John Gregg, June 1764 - 100 acres
Joseph Gregg, December 1765 - 100 acres
Hugh Gregg, May 1769 - 100 acres
John Gregg, January 1771 - 100 acres
William Gregg, January 1771 - 100 acres
In payment of a debt to Sir William Penn, King Charles II of England granted a charter in 1681, for Pennsylvania (named by the king) to William Penn, the English Quaker, the son of Sir William. This was for the establishment of a colony where religion and political freedom could flourish. A devout Quaker, William Penn viewed his colony as a "holy experiment," designed as an asylum for the persecuted under new conditions of equals and freedom. Very little settlement took place before William Penn secured propriety rights in 1681, to almost all of the area of what is now Pennsylvania. Penn extended an invitation to Europe's religiously persecuted, to come to Pennsylvania where he had established a haven of religious freedom and liberty.
The Scotch-Irish migration began in 1719 - 68 years before Pennsylvania   became the second state in the Union - but long after the English, Scots, Irish, and Welch migration of Quakers, which had begun in 1682.
AUGUSTA COUNTY
Robert Gragg lived in Augusta County, Virginia, approximately 38 years and all of his known children were born there. As nearly as can be determined, he moved into the county with his father's family, about the year 1750. According to historians, the country now embraced in Augusta County was not entered by white men until the year 1716. The area was originally inhabited by Shawnee Indians. The first permanent settlement by white people in this section of Virginia was in 1726, on the Shenandoah River, a few miles below the present town of Port Republic. Although some were of German and English decent, the early settlers were almost exclusively of the Scotch-Irish race, natives of the north of Ireland, but of Scottish ancestry. Many had first settled in the south-central part of Pennsylvania, then migrated farther to the south and west to the Shenandoah Valley. Most of those early immigrants were dissenters from the Church of England - they were Presbyterian faith and victims of religious persecution in their native land. They were generally a profoundly religious people, bringing the Bible with them and as soon as possible erected log meeting houses in which to assemble for the worship of God. The Church of England was established by law throughout the colony but while a spirit of intolerance and inseparation from such a system prevailed in other parts of Virginia, the dissenters of the Valley had very little to complain about. The first Presbyterian minister in the Valley was the Rev. John Craig, born 1709, in County Antrim, Ireland. He was educated at Edinburg, was licensed to preach in 1737, and came to Augusta County in 1740. Augusta County was formed from Orange County in 1738. The new county consisted of all that portion of the Colony of Virginia, which lay west of the Blue Ridge Mountains; bounded on the north by the boundaries of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the Rappahannock River on the west its territory embraced all of the land claimed by the British, without limit or extent and on the south by the Carolina line.
Augusta County was named in honor of Princess Augusta, wife of Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, the father of George III. After about 35 years of pioneering and living in Augusta County, Robert sold his land and buildings and moved to Holston Country (Tennessee). Augusta County court records show, "22 October 1788, Robert Gragg about to move to the frontier of North Carolina." The records also reveal that Robert sold his 513 acres of land to Frederick Michel of Rockingham County, Virginia. 
JOHN GRAGG - C1690 - 1758
The earliest known progenitor of our Gragg family, with certainty, is Robert Gragg of Augusta County, Virginia, and later of Greene County, Tennessee. Robert is assumed to be the son of John Gragg. Much of the history of his ancestors is buried in obscurity. According to family tradition, John Gragg was the father of Thomas, John, Robert, William and Margaret.
There is no proof or disproof of this tradition. After several years of exhaustiv3e research, it is most disappointing not to completely document dates and facts pertaining to this John Gragg. As previously stated, there is substantial evidence that after coming to America, he lived in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, for a period of years; that he and his family removed to Augusta County, Virginia, in the early 1750's; that he was born in Northern Ireland, probably County Antrim. Through estimated dates of birth of some of his children, John was born about 1690. The writer had considerable correspondence with Hazel M. Kendall, a Gregg descendant, and author of "Gregg Foundations," an extremely well documented treatise of the lineage of William Gregg, the Quaker. In compiling dates and information for her book, which was published in 1944, Miss Kendall researched all possible sources in regard to the Greggs of America, and in the process, sorted out those which led to a complete presentation of history, dates and marriages of the lineage of William Gregg, the Quaker. Miss Kendall stated that our branch of the Greggs, came from Northern Ireland to Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; that this John Gregg married Nancy Ann Wood, daughter of William Wood; removed to Augusta County, Virginia, in 1750 and died in Augusta County in 1758.
As stated, definite proof in all instances has not been established, but much evidence shows John Gregg had four known sons and one known daughter described as follows: 

1. Thomas Gragg was probably born about 1715, in Northern Ireland. According to Morton in his "History of Pendleton County, West Virginia," Thomas Gragg came from Ireland with his sons, Henry and William and was of Scotch ancestry.
Thomas Gragg's will, cated April 1773, Augusta County, Virginia, named his wife, Elizabeth and children: Ann, Mary and Elizabeth - sons Henry and William were not mentioned in the will. Thomas married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Sample. Thomas apparently died soon after the making of his will, as appraisers for the estate were appointed 17 August 1773. Mary, daughter of Thomas, was bound out to her brother, William in 1775. Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas, was bound out to her brother William in 1780. The first mention of Thomas in Augusta County, Virginia, court records, was 16 August 1758 - "Thomas Gregg's bond with Samuel Sample as administrator of William Woods estate." On 16 February 1764, Thomas bought 140 acres of land from Samuel Sample, on Dry Branch of Linville Creek. The area, in which the Thomas Gragg family lived, is about three miles north and west of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Thomas Gragg children and grandchildren:

1. William Gragg, Sr., was born in 1737, established by Augusta County, Virginia, court records. According to Morton's "History of Pendleton County, West Virginia," William came to America with his family from Northern Ireland.
This family of Graggs intermarried with the Henchel family of Pendleton County and according to a Henchel Genealogy, William had a son William, Jr., and a daughter, Hannah, by his first wife Mary Dunkle. William, Sr., secondly married Margaret John, widow of Arthur Johnson, in 1760. Only7 one child of this union is known who in 1785, married Ann Black, daughter of Walter Black.
William Gragg, Sr., died 24 January 1795; appraisal of estate, 26 January 1795, in Pendleton County, West Virginia. Pendleton County was formed from Augusta County in 1787. In 1768, William Gragg, Sr., "entered 400 acres in Augusta County on Roaring Springs on Seneca and North Fork of South Branch of Potomac." In 1773, William Gragg, Sr., was appointed vice constable of Augusta County. On 15 March 1774, he was appointed constable or High Sheriff of the county. As previously related, two daughters of William, Sr., were killed by marauding Indians in 1782. An interesting item about this event was found in "Calendar of Virginia State Papers" - Vol. 3 - Letter from Benjamin Harrison, Company Lieutenant to Governor Harrison, dated 6 May 1782, Rockingham County, Virginia, as follows:
"Giving account of the oppres'd situation that ye Fronteers are in by the Ravages of the Indians - Two of Mr. William Gragg's family killed by them in April last and his houses burned and signs of Indians on Sinicer a water of the Potomac discovered by look-outs he had ordered to reconnoiter the Alegania Mountain - Large bodies of Indians have been seen on the dividing waters of Green Bryer and Monongaly - from the knowledge of that County be some of the members of the Council, it will be seen how exposed are the Fronteers of Rockingham and Augusta, as also the valley and West Fork - He  has thought proper to order out a full Company of men and officers to guard the North Fork of Potomac and should like to have authority to have a sufficient guard kept up in Monongaly County, by which the inhabitants in the interior might enjoy some degree of safety and use their industry." 1. William Gragg, Jr. The 1790 Virginia Tax List, shows William Gragg, Jr., son of William Gragg and Mary Dunkle: "six persons and one dwelling." William, Jr., on 4 March 1793, purchased 120 acres of land on Seneca Creek, in Pendleton County, hear his father. Virginia Militia vouchers of 1755 show William Gragg, Sr., and his two sons, William and Samuel, providing a total of 11 horses to Capt. Harrison's Company. William Gragg, Jr., was a Captain in the Virginia State Militia in 1794.
2. Henry Gragg, Son of Thomas. Augusta County court records - List of Delinquents, 1783, show "Henry Gragg gone to Kentucky." Henry died 1819, in Nickolas County, Kentucky. A document concerning the settlement of his estate names a guardian for Thomas, a son of Henry. As has been mentioned, Thomas Gragg, the father, died in 1773. The settlement of the estate, recorded and approved by the Augusta County Court, 17 July 1798, showed payments of money in the period of years 1790-1795, to James Reece, for legatee and Elizabeth Gregg, a legatee. It may be a  reasonable assumption, that James Reece might have been the husband of Mary, daughter of Thomas, who was bound out to her brother, William, in 1775. Elizabeth, the other legatee mentioned was the daughter of Thomas, bound out to her brother, William, in 1780.
The names Gregg, Gragg and Greig were used interchangeably in documents and records concerning the Thomas Gragg family. John Gragg. Little information has been found about John, son of John. He was probably born about 1735, in Northern Ireland. Miss Hazel Kendall stated that John married Jane F. McCullock of Augusta County Virginia, however, this has not been documented. Miss Kendall also named the following children and grandchildren of this couple:

1. John Gragg
1. John F. Gragg
2. Permelia Gragg
3. Hiram Gragg
4. Elisha Gragg
5. Washington R. Gragg
6. William B. Gragg
2. Samuel Gragg
3. Robert Gragg
Augusta County court records show - "John Gragg removed, 17 November 1756." It is believed that John, with his family, moved to Pulaski County, Kentucky, in 1756.
3. Robert Gragg. See book written by George Robert Gragg -- "Gragg Descent."
4. William Gragg, son of John, must have been born about 1735, in Northern Ireland; married Elizabeth Martin. The eldest son, William, Jr., was born 15 April 1752, therefore, the birth date of his father was basic on this authentic information. A quote from the "Virginia Historical Magazine," Vol. 1, "Acreage to William Gragg, what is now Greenbrier County, West
Virginia, 25 October 1751, 300 acres." Greenbrier County was formed in 1778, from the area which was originally Augusta County, Virginia. Most counties in this region had scattered settlers many years before the counties were organized.
Augusta County court records reveal, 9 August 1757, - "William Gragg removing part of his estate cut of the county." The name William Gragg of Albemarle County was found in the Augusta County Fee Books in the years 1769 and 1777.
William, Sr., died in Albemarle County, Virginia, in 1789. His will was cated 14 January 1789, and proved in Albemarle County, October 1769; named his wife Elizabeth and the following children:
 

Subject: Gregg's, part 4

1. William Gragg, Jr. - Married Elizabeth Pulliam and Nancy Coffey
2. Sarah Gragg - Married John Shope
3. Elizabeth Gragg - Married Phillip Shope
4. Susanna Gragg
5. Beniah Gragg - Married Jane Early Kyle (McDonnah)
6. Robert Gragg
7. Nancy Gragg - Married Briant?
8. Mary Gragg - Married Arch Campbell
1. William Gragg, Jr., son of William Gragg. The following are excerpts from a newspaper article written by Dr. J. E. Hodges, Maiden, North Carolina. Dr. Hodges was a maternal descendant of this Gragg family. "About all that is known of the Gragg family in western North Carolina until recently was that all of them, without exception, descended from William Gragg, who came into North Carolina, following the Revolution, bringing a wife and child and settled in the Globe region of Caldwell County." "There he reared a large family of six sons and three daughters and from the six sons descended all the Graggs that have since lived and died in this part of North Carolina. The greater part of these descendants have remained in their native heath, few of them wondering very far from the ancestral hearthstone."
William Gragg, Jr., was born in Augusta County, Virginia, 15 April 1758. He married Elizabeth Pulliam and settled in Albemarle County, Virginia, where he lived until after the close of the Revolutionary War. He served with the Virginia troops throughout the entire period of the war. All of his services was in the State of Virginia, except a brief tour in the dismal swamp region of North Carolina. He was present at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered and was mustered out soon after that important event. After the death of his first wife, Elizabeth Pulliam, William married Nancy Coffey, daughter of Archelous Coffey, 4 July 1837 - left Johns River and settled on Wilson' Creek near where Mortimer was later built. He later moved to a place near Montazuma, where he died, 20 October 1847, in the 89th year of his age. He is buried in the cemetery at Montazuma, North Carolina. In the northwestern part of North Carolina, in Caldwell County, and a few
miles south of the resort town of Blowing Rock, until the year 1966, one could have found a very small dot on the map, named the town of "Gragg." Since 1966, the town of Gragg, does not appear on maps, gut there are many Graggs living in the general area - all descendants of "Revolutionary Bill" as Willi9am Gragg, Jr., was called. To the northwest about ten miles is Grandfather Mountain, one of the highest mountains (5964') in North Carolina. Immediately adjacent to the west, is the Daniel Boone Wildlife Management Area.
This rugged but beautiful country in the foothills of Grandfather Mountain was visited by the writer and his wife, in 1968. To the south and in the foothills of Grandfather Mountain, there is a Gragg Creek and in the wilderness a small but well kept Gragg cemetery containing some 50 to 60 graves. A Gragg apple was developed many years ago. It is very popular in that section and may be found in season at fruit stands along the highways. As previously mentioned, William Gragg, Jr., is buried at Montazuma. The cemetery was visited and the inscription on the grave headstone reads:
William Gragg
Pvt., Sharp's Co.
Va. Troops
Rev. War
October 20, 1847
It was found that William Gragg, Jr., had seven sons and three daughters. The first eight were by his first wife Elizabeth Pulliam, daughter of Gideon Pulliam. The last two children were by his second wife Nancy Coffey, daughter of Archelous Coffey. The children of William Gragg, Jr.:

1. John Gragg, b. Albemarle County, Virginia/ m. (1) --- Majors, (2) Virginia Barrier.
2. William (Buck) Gragg, b. Caldwell County, North Carolina/ m. Celia Boone,  daughter of Jesse Boone.
3. Benjamin Gragg, b. Caldwell County, North Carolina; m. --- Dyer, daughter of Samuel Dyer.
4. Obediah Gragg, b. Caldwell County, North Carolina; m. --- Webb, daughter of Benjamin Webb.
5. James Gragg, b. Caldwell County, North Carolina; m. --- Humphrey.
6. Robert Gragg, b. Caldwell County, North Carolina, m. --- Humphrey.
7. Gragg, b. Caldwell County, North Carolina; m. Alfred Pritchard.
8. Susan Gragg, b. Caldwell County, North Carolina; m. Isaac Greene.
9. Indiana Gragg, b. Caldwell County, North Carolina; m. Edmond Gragg.
10. Taylor Gragg, b. Caldwell County, North Carolina; m. Elizabeth Pendly and Betty Turnmire.

5. Margaret Gragg, daughter of John Gragg, was probably born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, date not known; married Benjamin McKinzey of  Augusta County, Virginia. Augusta County court records show Benjamin McKinzey as a juror in 1762, and again in 1768. Apparently the family removed to Buncombe County, North Carolina. In a letter dated 9 November 1944, from Herbert B. Kinzey, Pvt., Camp Blanding, Florida, to Hazel M. Kendall, he stated, "The widow and children of Benjamin McKinzey, R., except William and Benjamin, Jr., who remained in Buncombe County, moved westward into Tennessee, after the death of Benjamin, Sr., in 1807. The family settled on Duck River, where the widow remarried. Known children:

1. Benjamin McKinzey, Jr.
2. William McKinzey
3. Thomas McKinzey
4. Franklin McKinzey
5. Hannah McKinzey

JOHN GRAGG 7-9-1781 or 9-7-1781 John Gragg and Elizabeth Majors Children:
Tilmon married Hilda Layell and Jane McNeely John married Melinda Morris Tipton married Rachel Greene
Major married Celia Wilson, Mary Polly Ollis and Nancy --- Elisha married Selina Percy 
Nelson married Violet Greene Hamilton Married --- Cobb, --- House, and Martha Strickland
Nicie married James Calloway 
John Gragg then married Susanna Barrier
Children:

Empsey married Susan Barrier and Serena Ford 
Alexander married Caroline Mundy
William Waitsell married Martha McGhinnis and a lady from Washington
Irene Jrisia married Samuel Barrier
Elviria married Wiley Holtsclaw
Susan Adeline married Weslay Wayne Pressnell
Nancy Caroline married Madison (Matt) Gragg
Margaret Delight married Archibald Quales
Eliza Jane was unmarried
William (Buck) Gragg
William (Buck) Gragg married Celia Boone
Children:
Allen married Polly
John married Adeline Coffey
Isom married Elizabeth Harris
Enoch married Rebecca
Jesse married Melinda Mast
America married Lewis Harris
Eliza married Judson Moore
Indiana Gragg
Indiana Gragg married Edmond Gragg
Children:
Larkin Henderson married Lee Ella Gragg
Albert Lander married Sarah Church
Luther Burgess married Mary Crump
Margaret L. married Burgess Coffey
Tilmon married Lily Fortner
Finley E. married Mary Thompson Lacky
Joe died young, unmarried.