Notes for Judith Crosby GRIER

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Notes for Judith Crosby GRIER

JUDITH CROSBY GRIER

Judith Crosby Grier was the daughter of Thomas Rothmahler Grier (aka:
"Squire Grier") and Margaret (Johnson) Grier, who was the daughter of
Captain William Johnson, Jr. from whom Johnsonville derived its name.
She was described as intelligent, headstrong, and very pretty. Judith's
first real teacher was Lieutenant William Melvin Haselden, who also
became her brother-in-law when he married her sister, Sarah E. Grier.
Judith attended a total of thirty-three months in school, less than four
of our school years. Her school days ended at the age of fourteen, when
her teacher urged that she be sent away to boarding school. These plans
were never implemented as a result of a chance meeting with Zachary
Taylor Eaddy.

"One Sunday in February before she was to be sixteen in May, Judith and
her two sisters went to Johnson's Ferry to see their brother "Jim"
(William J. Grier), who was very ill. While they were there, two young
men on horseback came across the ferry and after tying their horses, came
in to warm their hands ... It was love at first sight, so both always
said." (All in a Lifetime, pp 47-48).

A courtship ensued; but, with some problems. The Squire objected,
insisting that Judith was too young and would soon be leaving for
boarding school. He imposed severe restrictions on Judith; but, these
measures did not succeed as expected. Intrigue followed in which Henry,
a former slave and house boy in the Grier family, conspired with her to
deliver messages to Zachary Taylor Eaddy.

While the family was making preparations for Judith to go away to school,
she and Zachary Taylor Eaddy eloped one night and were married. Henry
and her sister Julia A. Grier assisted in her departure. She packed a
suitcase early in the afternoon and had Henry leave it in the garden.
While her parents were busy on the front porch discussing "the problem",
she met Zachary Taylor Eaddy at the back gate and left home. They were
married at the home of Taylor Eaddy by Reverend Martin Eaddy, an uncle of
the groom. They had supper and music; but, no dancing because of the
religious convictions of Taylor Eaddy, father of the groom.

The Squire made no effort to nullify the marriage. He forbade his family
to speak to her; would not permit them to send her any clothes, and did
not speak to her again as long as he lived. Judith would visit with her
sisters at church. He did not interfere; but would never ask them a
question about her.

Zachary Taylor Eaddy was twenty-four and Judith Crosby Grier was sixteen
when they were married. They first lived in the home of Taylor Eaddy and
his second wife, Emily (Timmons) Eaddy. She had brought with her to the
Eaddy home six children, three boys and three girls, from her marriage to
William F. Stone. Still residing in the home of Taylor Eaddy were
eleven of his sons from his previous marriage to Margaret Rebecca Stone.
A twelfth son, Henry Bishop Marvin Eaddy, was born of the marriage
between Taylor Eaddy and Emily Timmons. This was a large and busy
household.

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