David’s family
John Marshall HOLLADAY "Rev.War"
Rev.War
23 Dec 1745 - 14 Sep 1817 · 4th Great GrandfatherJohn Marshall Holladay, also recorded as John Holladay Sr., was a South Carolina Revolutionary War soldier associated with the 4th Regiment. He was the husband of Susannah and the father of James, Susannah, Agness, William, Hariot, John Holladay Jr., and possibly Mary Spears as named in his 1812 will. He died in 1817, after making his will on 12 September 1812 and before or near its recording on 14 November 1817.
During the American Revolution, John Holladay served as a soldier for South Carolina. His service is listed in the 4th Regiment, and he is recognized as a Patriot of the American Revolution for South Carolina under DAR Ancestor Number A056551. He was associated with the Camden District of South Carolina.
John married Susannah, whose surname is not given in the supplied material. On 12 September 1812, he made his will in Sumter District, South Carolina, describing himself as “John Holladay Senr.” He named Susannah as his beloved wife and left her, for her lifetime, the enslaved people Sam and Janey, along with household furniture, plantation tools, and his land. After her death, these were to go to their son James. John asked James to care for his mother during her life and to settle a bond or debt in Charleston.
The will also provided for several children. Daughter Susannah received the enslaved person Prince; daughter Agness received Bob; son William received Abram; and daughter Hariot received Phoeby and Mary. John directed that Bob, left to Agness, should go to her daughter Elizabeth Chester when Elizabeth married. Mary Spears and John Holladay Jr. were each to receive a share of three dollars. James Holladay was appointed sole executor.
John Holladay’s will was witnessed by J. Ridgill, J.P., L. B. Gibson, and Richard Ridgill. It was recorded in Sumter District on 14 November 1817. His reported death date is 14 September 1817; a Revolutionary War ancestor record gives his death as before 30 December 1817 in Sumter District, South Carolina.
Historical context
John Holladay’s will documents the household, land, tools, debts, and enslaved people that formed part of his estate in Sumter District in 1812. The will’s provisions show that enslaved people were treated as property in the distribution of his estate, while also naming family members who were to receive or inherit that property.
Sources & research
DAR Ancestor Database, Ancestor Number A056551, John Holliday/Holladay; service listed as South Carolina soldier, 4th Regiment.
National Archives and Records Administration, M881, Compiled Military Service Records, Roll 884.
Will of John Holladay Sr., dated 12 September 1812, Sumter District, South Carolina; witnessed by J. Ridgill, J.P., L. B. Gibson, and Richd. Ridgill; recorded 14 November 1817, Will Book AA, page 84, William Potts, Ord-S-D; Bundle 46, Package 1.
Family Tree Maker notes, including residence entry for Camden District, South Carolina, created 27 March 2002 and updated 14 October 2012.