Ogilvie Origins

I have been fascinated with the Ogilvie Family since I have learned that my ancestor John William Manire and his wife Patty Ogilvie Manire were not buried in the same cemetery. In reading information about the Ogilvie Family, I have learned that John William and Patty came to Middle Tennessee with her parents, William and Mary Harris Ogilvie. John William and Patty bought land to the Southwest of the Ogilvie property.

Patty was the daughter of William Ogilvie Jr. who was born Feb. 6, 1729 probably in Bertie Co., NC, but some think he may have been born in Ireland. While living in Granville Co. William either bought or was given land by Robert Harris, his father-in-law. He was married to Mary Harris, the daughter of Robert and Leminder Harris. She died July 20, 1807 in Williamson County, TN. She and William Ogilvie Jr. are buried in the family cemetery near College Grove, TN.

William Ogilvie Jr. was the son of William Ogilvie Sr. and his wife Bette. I do not know anything more about Bette.

When William and Mary arrived in TN, William Ogilvie built a typical log cabin. As the family grew, several additions were made to the cabin. According to an article that I have read, the floors were white ash, and the mantels outlining the fireplaces were hand made. There is still a long front porch with large columns. In the years since the house was built many changes were made, including screening in the front porch. A few years ago the house was falling into ruins, and either needed extensive renovation, or a bulldozer to mow it down.

The present owners, descendants of William and Mary, decided the only thing to do was to bring it back to its former splendor. They have renovated the old section and added a brand new section to the back. In the renovation process, they have used all the materials possible in both the new and old sections. You can now view the original logs for the walls, along with the bricks made by slaves, used on the hearths, and in the courtyard. The old stones are used along with wood trim, all from the old structure. The front of the house with its two staircases retain the original look, as well as the front porch with its columns. Near the courtyard, one can see an Indian grave.

Many researchers believe that Patty died while she and John William Manire were living in this area of Williamson Co. and was buried in the Ogilvie Family Cemetery near the house. Her parents are buried there along with other fmaily members. There are many unmarked graves and graves with fieldstones. Near the back of the cemetery are the graves of the slaves. Patty died sometime between 1812 when she was mentioned in her fathers will and the 1844 date of the will of John William Manire. John William Manire is buried on the land, near Chapel Hill TN, that he purchased in 1834 from James Williams. I would assume that Patty may have died before 1834.

Other Interesting Ogilvie Websites

Thomas Ogilvie b. abt.1794

Brian Ogilvie: Saxaphonist

Another excellent source of information is KITH AND KIN a newsletter for and about Ogilvie descendants. To subscribe write or phone:

Craig Ogilvie 1850 Case Street Batesville, AR 72501 Telephone 501-793-6489

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Ogilvie Origins

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Other Interesting Ogilvie Websites