Abner Joseph Grigsby

b. 10 November 1821, d. 28 June 1851
  • Abner Joseph Grigsby was born on 10 November 1821 in Virginia.
  • He was known as Joseph.
  • Abner Joseph Grigsby appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in Montgomery County, Texas, living in the same household as saddler M. H. Davis, age 27.
  • He was a physician, according to the 1850 census.
  • On Saturday, 13 July 1850, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Paid Doctor Grigsby $2 for the Southern Paper."
  • Abner Joseph Grigsby died on 28 June 1851 at age 29 probably in Centerville, Texas.
  • The following appeared in the 1888 catalog of alumni of Washington & Lee University: (1841-1842) 1136. *Abner Joseph Grigsby, Rockbridge Co; (Brother of 955); Physician; Danville, Tex; Died June 28, 1851.
  • Abner Joseph Grigsby and Preston Hampden Spiller were classmates at Washington & Lee University.
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    Dr. Abner Joseph Grigsby was born 10 November 1821 in Virginia, the son of Reuben Grigsby and Verlinda Alexander Porter. He migrated to Texas in 1846 and settled in Montgomery County by 1847. He wrote a letter to his father in which he recalled "the fond embrace--the parting glance" of his family as he rode off for Texas. Joseph, as he was called, rendered one Negro, one horse, and "sundries" as his taxable property in 1848. On 8 April 1848, he bought a lot in Danville from Danville founder Daniel Robinson, lot number 4 in block 2: ". . . upon which the medical office of said Grigsby now stands." He was appointed postmaster of Danville in July of that year, doubtless combining the post office with his medical office and a store. In a Danville letter written home to Virginia in 1849, George Spiller stated that Dr. Grigsby was living within three miles of Dr. Fielding Spiller. He also wrote that Dr. Grigsby and his brother, Hugh Grigsby, and John Johnson had opened a little store at Danville. In 1850, Dr. Grigsby was living with another bachelor, and his occupation was given as physician, and his personal estate was valued at $500. However, that year he only rendered one hundred dollars worth of taxable personal wealth and no polls. He was assigned by the county court to work on the road between Lone Oak and the Walker County Line. In August 1850, he was replaced as postmaster. We know from family records that Dr. Grigsby died in 1851, one report stating that he died in Centerville, Texas.
         Biographical sketch prepared by Karen McCann Hett as part of "Danville Doctors" for a future edition of the MCG&HS History of Montgomery County, Texas.
  • Last Edited: 24 May 2014