Biographical Sketch of Alexander Greer, Johnson County, Missouri Simpson Township >From "The History of Johnson County, Missouri," Kansas City Historical Co. 1881 ALEXANDER GREER, deceased, was among the old settlers of Johnson county, and resided in Simpson township, where he was long known as one of the most successful farmers and stock feeders of the county. He was born in Berkley county, Virginia, August 25, 1810, and departed this life, as will be noticed under the head of "Pioneers of Simpson Township," in the winter of 1881. He was partially educated in Frederick county, Virginia. His father, Johnson Greer, died when Alexander was only four years of age. His father was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America and settled in Virginia in a very early day, and was counted among the F.F.V.'s in the "Old Dominion." Alexander's education was somewhat limited on account of his mother being a widow. He was brought up on the farm and always loved to stick to the farm. In 1837 he married Miss Louisa Clary, daughter of Gerard Clary, who at that time kept a tannery at foot of the Alleghany mountains, in Alleghaney county, Maryland, now the city of Cumberland. Soon after his marriage Mr. Greer emigrated to Missouri, in 1838, and settled at what is now known as Kirkpatrick's Mill, on Black Water, where he and his brother, Jerome B. Greer, established a country store, which they kept about three years. When he left the store he entered about 200 acres of government land, and began to improve a farm, which is now known as the Fitz Patrick farm. In 1842 he disposed of this place and purchased the present excellent farm, which is the old homestead. At his death his landed estate numbered 3,200 acres of land. Soon after he settled the old homestead he commenced to engage largely in farming, raising stock and dealing extensively in shipping stock to St. Louis. Prior to the railroad facilities he drove stock to the St. Louis market. During the late war (1861-5) he lost heavily, estimated about $30,000. He has always been an enterprising farmer of indomitable courage and energy. Commencing with nothing but a willingness to work, he rose step by step to his enviable prominence. Mrs. Greer has always been a true wife and most dutiful mother. Her wise plans and vigilant care over her children will never be forgotten by them. Fourteen children have been brought up, all liberally educated to business. During the trying times and struggles for a good share of this world's goods, Mr. Greer never neglected the paternal care of his family. Having a healthful wife and children, not one has been lost, and the family has formed but little acquaintance with physicians. The children are as follows: Mary R., now Mrs. James D. Dyer; Laura A., now Mrs. George W. Colbern; Rovilla M., now Mrs. R.M. Morrison; Sarah J. now Mrs. E.T. Smarr; Robert L., who married Miss Majors; Josephine V., now Mrs. George W. Collins; Jerome B., who married Miss Virginia L. Thornton; Ella L., now Mrs. Grove Youngs, of Lafayette county; Lillie L., now Mrs. George Youngs. The following are yet single: Wm. A., James A., John P., Minnie A. and Mattie J. The girls, Minnie and Mattie, are now students at the Central Methodist Female College, of Lexington, Missouri. A brief sketch of Wm. A. appears elsewhere. In politics Mr. Greer was an unswerving democrat, yet a prudent and wise thinker all his life. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Bill Pennington ====================================================================