JAMES GRIER was born January 8, 1820, at his present home in North Strabane township, this county. He is a grandson of Thomas Grier, a native of Scotland, whence he removed with a brother (whose name is unknown) to Belfast, Ireland. Thomas proceeded to America, followed by the brother some time later, and failing to find each other, both supposed Indians had killed the other. Thomas Grier located in Chester county, Penn., thence removing to Cumberland, Penn., where he married, and reared a family of twelve children. James Grier, a son of the pioneer Thomas, was a native of Cumberland county, Penn., and in early life was married to Miss Espy, who died soon after their union. James Grier then made choice of a second wife in the person of Mary Stuart, who bore him the following children: Samuel S. (born in Carlisle, Penn.), and Thomas , James, Guion, Janie and David (all born in Washington county), all now deceased excepting James. In 180 the father paid $10 per acre for 160 acres of land in North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., where he died in 1833, followed by his widow in 1859, when in her eightieth year. James Grier, son of James and Mary (Staurt) Grier, remained with his parents during early youth, and inherited the old place where his parents died. On February 18, 1858, he was united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of William and Mary (Bracken) Van Eman, and the following children have been born to their union: Mary V. (deceased), Jennie, Sarah Ann, William James, Rebecca, Frances and Thomas S. All of this family are devout members of the Central Presbyterian Church, of Canonsburg. Mr. Grier votes the Republican Party.

Text taken from page 545 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed May 1997 by LuShelle Fletcher of Grand Island, NE as part of the Beers Project. Published May 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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