The Family Tree Database of Timothy J. Barron

Family Notes

GENEALOGICAL STANDARD OF PROOF: The following standard of proof was used in identifying the family of George Holland: The 1854 death record of John Hollon Sr. indicates that he was born in Grayson County, Virginia, in 1777 and that his father was "William Hollin." During that time frame, only one William Holland (of any spelling variation) is found to be in that area in various records dating from 1782-1800. The 1802 will of George Holland from Grayson County, Virginia (the same county) identifies "William Holland" as his son, as well as the names of five other children. The initial information was provided by Sandra Lassen circa 1998, and has been subsequently supported via the additional records and documentation listed below. (Research Source: Timothy J. Barron, updated May 24, 2006)

GENERAL NOTES ON THE FAMILY OF GEORGE HOLLAND: More than one George Holland lived in Virginia's early days. There are two individuals named George Holland that both had a wife named Mary, and these two are commonly mistaken to be the same person. According to a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) application by Dorothy Virginia Harris Barth, there is a George Holland who married first, Sarah Ford, and married second, Mary Coleman. Based on the names of the children and the dates listed in the application, our George Holland is not the George Holland that married Mary Coleman. Our George Holland is found in the portion of Montgomery County that later became Grayson County, while the other George Holland is found in Goochland and Cumberland Counties. Our George Holland and his son, William Holland, owned land in Elk Creek in Montgomery County, Virginia, which is now in Grayson County. George owned 400 acres of land on both sides of Beaver Dam Fork and Elk Creek (Source: "Early Adventurers on the Western Waters," Volume II, page 64). The book "Grayson County: A History in Word and Pictures," page 276, says the following about Elk Creek: "Elk Creek is the oldest place name on the Grayson County map, for Elk Creek was a district of Montgomery County prior to 1776. It was from this district that men signed the oath of allegiance and volunteered their services in the Revolutionary War. The area was settled by English, Scotch-Irish, and Germans who were called Pennsylvania Dutch for they had come from Pennsylvania via the Great Wilderness Road, through the Valley of Virginia, and thence across Iron Mountain to settle in the Elk Creek Valley. Some of the early names in the Elk Creek community are Cornett (Canute), Delp, Hale (Hail), Hines, Long, Rhudy, Sage, Stone, Sutherland, and Wright." (Research Source: Timothy J. Barron, summary compiled from the research of Sandra Lassen, updated May 24, 2006)

1782 TAX RECORD FOR GEORGE HOLLAND: The 1782 Personal Property Tax List for Montgomery County, Virginia lists George Holland: Name: "George Holland", Tithes: "1", Slaves: "0", Horses: "3", Cattle: "11", Land: "Yes". A Benjamin Holland and a Jacob Holland are also listed in Montgomery County, but is unknown if they are related to George Holland. (Research Source: Sandra Lassen, provided to Timothy J. Barron circa 1989, updated May 24, 2006)

1782 LAND TAX RECORD FOR GEORGE HOLLAND: The 1782 Land Tax List for Montgomery County, Virginia, lists George Holland owning 200 acres, value 20 (Pounds?), and tax 4 (Shillings?). (Research Source: Sandra Lassen, provided to Timothy J. Barron circa 1989, updated May 24, 2006)

1788 TAX RECORD FOR GEORGE HOLLAND: The 1788 Tax List for Montomery County, Virginia lists George Holland, but he is not found on the list for 1789. (Research Source: Sandra Lassen, provided to Timothy J. Barron circa 1989, updated May 24, 2006)

1793-1794 RECORD FOR GEORGE HOLLAND: The 1793-1794 Grayson County, Virginia Order Book, states that George was appointed surveyor of roads in newly formed Grayson County, Virginia. (Research Source: Sandra Lassen, provided to Timothy J. Barron circa 1989, updated May 24, 2006)

1796 LAND GRANT FOR GEORGE HOLLAND: George Holland was granted 346 acres of land on Beaver Dam Fork of Elk Creek in Grayson County, Virginia on October 26, 1796. Published Source: Grants 37, 1796-1798, page 39. The following is a transcription of the record: "Robert Brooke Esquire Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Know that by virtue of a certificate in right of settlement give by the Commissioners for adjusting the Tithes to unpatented Lands in the district of Washington and Montgomery and in consideration of the Ancient composition of one pounds fifteen shillings sterling paid into the Treasury of this Commonwealth, Thre is Granted by the said Commonwealth unto George Holland, a certain tract or parcel of Land Containing three hundred and forty six Acres by survey bearing the date the fifth day of December one thousand seven hundred and eighty two, lying and being in the County of Grayson, on beaver Dam fork of Elk Creek, and bounded as followeth to Wit Beginning at a large white oak thence south forty eight degrees East one hundred and sixty six poles to a white oak sapling, sought forty six degrees West thirty two poles to white Oak, south eighteen degrees East fifty two poles crossing the Creek to a white oak, south sixty seven degrees West thirty eight poles crossing the Creek to a white Oak, south twenty two degrees East ninety two poles to a white oak sought fifty degrees East forty poles is a white oak, south sixty six degrees West twenty two poles to a pine, South eighty degrees West twelve poles to a white oak sapling, south seventy nine degrees West fifty poles along Walkers old line to a white oak north fifty two degrees West one hundred and four poles along the said line to a pine, North seventy seven degrees West thirty poles to a pine stump in a field south seventy three degrees West twenty poles to a white oak in a field, North twenty eight degrees West one hundred and twenty eight poles to a Maple on the bank of the Creek, North sixty seven degrees East fifty poles down the Creek to the mouth of a small branch, due North eighty poles to a white oak [unreadable] North fifty five degrees ninety seven poles to the beginning with its appertenances to have and to hold the said Tract or parcel of Land with its Appertenances to the said George Holland and his Heirs forever In Witness whereof the said Robert Brook Esquire Governer of the Commonwealth of Virginia hath hereunto set his hand and caused the [unreadable] seal of the said Commonwealth to be Affixed at Richmond on the Twenty sixth day of October, In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six of the Commonwealth the Twenty first [signed] Robert Brooke" (Research Source: Timothy J. Barron, updated May 24, 2006)

1797 LAND SALE BY GEORGE HOLLAND: George Holland sold 23 acres of land on Beaver Dam fork of Elk Creek, Grayson County, Virginia to Peter Snider on May 23, 1797. Published Source: Grayson County Deed Book 1, page 78. (Research Source: Sandra Lassen, provided to Timothy J. Barron circa 1998, updated March 24, 2006)

1797 LAND SALE BY GEORGE HOLLAND: George Holland sold 220 acres of land on Beaver Dam Creek, Grayson County, Virginia to Peter Delph on July 27, 1797. Published Source: Grayson County Deed Book 1, page 105. (Research Source: Sandra Lassen, provided to Timothy J. Barron circa 1998, updated March 24, 2006)

1797 LAND GRANT FOR GEORGE HOLLAND: George Holland was granted 164 acres on Chesnut Creek in Montgomery County, Virginia on September 12, 1797. Published Source: Grants 35, page 553. The following is a transcription of the record: "James Wood Esquire of the Commonwealth of Virginia, To all to Whom these Presents shall come Greeting. Knowye, that by virtue of a said Office Treasury Warrant, Number Eighteen Thousand five hundred and seventy two issued the ninth day of August one thousand Seven hundred and eighty three, there is granted the said Commonwealth unto George Holland Assignee of James [Newell?] a certain Tract or parcel of Land containing One hundred and Sixty four Acres by survey bearing date the twenty eighth day of April One thousand seven hundred and ninety, lying and being in the County of Montgomery, On the Waters of Chesnut Creek, and is bounded as followith To Wit, Beginning at a white oak Sapling corner to John Fannins Survey, on the East Bank of Chestnut Creek and with aline of said Survey South forty eight-degrees East one hundred and sixteen poles to aforked white oak on ahigh hill near Bells Forge North thirty two degrees East one hundred and eighty poles along said Fannings line to alarge white oak Corner to William Halls and William Allens Survey, [unreadable word] North sixty degrees West - one hundred and ninety eight poles with Halls line to two Pines trees, and South four degrees West one hundred and eighty poles to the Beginning. With it apertenances; To have and To hold the said Tract or parcel of land with its appertenances, to the said George Holland and his Heirs forever, the [Witness?] where of the said James Wood Esquire Governer of the Commonwealth of Virginia hath hereunto set his Hand & Caused the [hefser?] Seal of the said Commonwealth to be affused at Richmond, on the twelfth day of September, in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and ninety seven and the of the Commonwealth the twenty second. [signed] James Wood" (Research Source: Timothy J. Barron, updated May 24, 2006)

1802 WILL AND DEATH OF GEORGE HOLLAND: George Holland died between June 22 and July 1802 in Grayson County, Virginia, as his will was dated June 22, 1802, proved in July 1802, and inventoried in August 1802. The will was was found by Sandra Lake Lassen in June 1992 in the Grayson County Virginia Will Book One (1796-1838), pages 16-17. The following is a transcription of the will, with original spelling and punctuation preserved: "In the name of God amen I George Holland weak in body but of sound mind, do make and ordain this my last Will and testament. First I desire that my body may be buried in a plain and decent manner [word obscured]. I leave unto my beloved wife Mary Holland the plantation and Tract of land whereon I now live so long as she lives my widow. I also give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Holland all my stock to wit, Four Cows, One Bull, one yearling and two Calves, one horse two sows five barrows one male [two words obscured] piggs to her the said Mary Holland forever and to dispose of at or before her decease as she may think proper and Right. I also give unto my beloved wife Mary Holland the Crops of every kind that is now growing on my plantation on which I live. Also the fruits of all kinds which are now growing unto her the said Mary forever and to dispose of as she may think right. Also I give unto my beloved wife Mary Holland all my household furniture forever except my bed which I leave unto my Daughter Agathy Brewer or Russell Also I leave unto my wife Mary Holland my book accounts against M. Jones for plank 500 feet of [two words obscured] half bushels of Grain the which is full amount. Also 1000 feet plank to be paid by Joseph Jackson and after my decease. I direct my Debts to be collected from all those indebted and all Just Debts to be paid from said monies and twenty Pounds of said money if it be collected I give unto my Daughter Elizabeth Basham and case it cannot be collected she is still to receive the sum from monies that shall afterwards be collected. I also direct my negroe Woman Jin, my Bull run Tract of Land to be sold and twelve months Credit to be given and the money to be equally divd amongst all my Legatees hereafter named. Also the Tract of land whereon I now live to be sold in same manner as my other land and the money to be divided in the same manner as my other monies. This last Tract of land to be sold after the decease of my Wife or her marriage together. All monies that shall be found after the payment of all my Just Debts and the Twenty pounds to Elizabeth Basham to be equally div. amongst William Holland, Agathy Brewer or Russell, Fanny Hatfield, Sarah Cope, Judah Vaughn and Elizabeth Basham. And lastly I do appoint Mary Holland, William Hall & John Hall my Executors to this my last Will and testament. Witness my hand & seal this 22nd day of June 1802. In presence of Minetree Jones, Mary Sullivan, Owen Sullivan. George Holland (his X mark) & seal." (Research Source: Sandra Lassen, provided to Timothy J. Barron circa 1998, updated May 24, 2006)

1802 WILL PROVING AND INVENTORY OF GEORGE HOLLAND: The following is a transcription of the proving of the will and inventory of George Holland, found the Grayson County Virginia Will Book One (1796-1838), pages 16-17. It was found by Sandra Lake Lassen in June 1992. His will was proved in July 1802, and an inventory was done in August 1802: "Grayson July Court 1802 This last Will and Testament of George Holland dec'd was produced in Court and proven by Owen Sullivan and Mary Sullivan subscribing witnesses and ordered to be Recorded. Test. Martin Dickenson D.C. An Inventory of the Estate of George Holland dec'd" [note: the numbers in parenthesis refer to pounds/shillings/pence], Pewter (2, 1), Tin Cups (2, 6, 9), Cotten Cards (2, 7, 6), Crocks (2, 4, 3), Funnels (2, 2, 3), Cups & Saucers (2, 3, 6), Coffee Pott (2, 2, 6), Knives & Forks (2, 12, 6), Churn & Dough trough (2, 6, 6), Cotton & Flac Wheels (1, 1, 6), 2 Boxes (1, 5, 6), Bedcords (2, 2, 6), 2 Beds & Furniture (6, 12, 6), 1 Bed (1, 10, 6), Stands & Barrels (1, 10, 6), Potts & [Ovens?] (1, 15, 6), Hoes Axes & Ploughs (1, 5, 6), 1 Plough (1, 10, 6), Keg & Chains (1, 4, 6), Flat Iron & Wedge (1, 6, 6), 1 pair of lines (1, 6, 9), Cotton Wool [Oflas?] (1, 16, 6), [? & ?] (1, 5, 6), 15 Hogs (4, 6, 6), 1 Cow, 2 calves, 1 yearling (5, 8, 6), 1 Horse (3, 12, 6), [Totals] (33, 12, 9), Given under our hands this 21 day of August 1802. Lewis Brewer [who is the son-in-law of George, the husband of Agathy], George Keith, Stephen Bourn, D. Keith, Robert Hill. Grayson Court August 1802. This inventory and Appertenance of the personal Estate of George Holland dec'd was returned to Court Recorded. Test. M. Dickenson, D.C." (Research Source: Sandra Lassen, provided to Timothy J. Barron circa 1998, updated May 24, 2006)

1985 BOOK ARTICLE ON GEORGE HOLLAND: The following is a transcription of the article "George and Mary Holland," written by Sandra Lake Lassen, which appeared in the book "Bicentennial Heritage Grayson County, Virginia," dated 1995, on page 245: "More than one George Holland lived and died in Virginia's early days, and the parentage of Grayson County's George Holland, my 6th great grandfather, has been debated by many of his descendants. However, it is certain that he appears as early as 1782 in the portion of Montgomery County that became Grayson, where he is taxed as owning 3 horses and 11 cattle. His land is described as '400 acres, both sides of Beaver Creek Dam, fork of Elk Creek.' In 1793-1794, George was appointed surveyor of roads in newly formed Grayson County. From 1797 to 1802, he appears several times in Grayson County land records, both buying and selling land in the Elk Creek, Chesnut Creek and Bull Run areas. George died in late June or early July 1802. His will and inventory are both on file at the Grayson County Courthouse. He names his wife Mary and their children William Holland, Agatha (Mrs. Lewis Brewer), Fanny (Mrs. Jeremiah Hatfield), Sarah (Mrs. Cope), Judah (Mrs. Vaughn), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Basham). George's wife Mary's maiden name is unknown. In his will, he left her his plantation and household furniture, with the exception of his bed (a very valuable item on the early frontier) which he left to his daughter, 'Agathy.' The 1802 inventory of George's estate shows a family quite affluent for those hard times, when one considers that everything they brought with them to Grayson County had to be carried over the mountains. Items include pewter, tin cups, crockery cups and saucers, a "coffee pott," a flat iron, knives and forks, 3 beds, 15 hogs, 1 cow, 2 calves, 1 yearling, and a horse, as well as numerous farm implements. Soon after George's death, his son, William, and his grandson, John, left the Grayson County area. Descendants of George and Mary Holland, through their grandson John Holland, number in the thousands and hold an annual reunion each year in various locations in Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Kentucky, depending on who is hosting that particular year. Sources: Montgomery Co. tax lists; Grayson County Order Book, 1793-4; Grayson Co. Deeds and Wills." (Research Source: Sandra Lassen, provided to Timothy J. Barron circa 1998, updated May 24, 2006)