Joseph Greer facts for kids

Joseph Greer (born August 8, 1754 – died February 23, 1831) was an American frontiersman. He was famous for being the Kings Mountain Messenger. This means he carried the important news of America's victory at the Battle of Kings Mountain to the Continental Congress. This happened in 1780, during the American Revolutionary War.

Early Life & Important Mission

A marker in Petersburg, Tennessee honoring Joseph Greer.

Joseph Greer was born in Philadelphia on August 8, 1754. His parents were Andrew and Ruth Greer. When he was young, his family moved to Staunton, Virginia.

By 1780, Joseph Greer was known as a skilled trader. He knew the Appalachian Mountains very well. Because of his knowledge of the wilderness, he was chosen for a very important job. He had to deliver the news of America's victory at the Battle of Kings Mountain. This message went to the Continental Congress, which was like the government of the new American states.

Life After the War

After the American Revolutionary War, Joseph Greer received a special land grant. This was a reward for his service during the war. He used this grant to buy thousands of acres of land. This land was in the Cane Creek Valley, near where the town of Petersburg, Tennessee is today.

In the 1780s, Greer also ran a store in Knoxville, Tennessee. At that time, Knoxville was the capital of Tennessee. He also worked as a clerk for the Court of Equity from 1799 to 1801. He often wrote letters to George Wilson, who published the Knoxville Gazette newspaper. By 1804, Greer sold his business in Knoxville. He then moved to his farm in the Cane Creek Valley.

Later Years and Death

Joseph Greer passed away in 1831. He was 76 years old. He died from pneumonia. He was buried in the Old Unity Graveyard, which was on his family's farm.