It is said that John McGinnis came to the United States around 1770, was 'trapped' there by the Revolutionary War and served with the US in that war. John settled in Winchester, Virginia where the married Miss Hamilton or Hambelton, and had 4 known sons - Thomas, David, James and Jessee.

John McGinnis' estate was left to his wife Elizabeth. On examination of the accounts and making necessary allowances for services to William Bayles and Elizabeth McGinnis, Adm & Admx of John's estate, there was a balance of $83.31 left. Dated October 21st 1822.

TENNESSEE LAND ENTRIES: Washington County (Part 1)
page 342 #1179B (2nd 1179 Feb 2, 1779 John McGinnis 200 ac in Washington Coon waters of Little Limestone Cr; border: Joseph Willson, Peter MeNemee, & Adam Willson; entered "per" Willam "Richey" who transferred to J. McGinis; warrant issued Nov 29, 1793 by John Carter; 200 ac surveyed Mar 1, 1794 for John McGinnis by F. A. Ramsey DS; (for grant see file #1236 in Washington Co; MARS 12.14.20.1240) John McGinnis stayed on Little Limestone for at least 20 yrs, and probably until his death, as he is listed in deeds with some of the same neighbors, until ca 1799. Listed on tax lists with John McGinnis Senr and believed to be his sons are: John McGinnis Junr, David McGinnis, James McGinnis and Joseph McGinnis

Washington Co., Tn Settlement of Estates 1790-1841 - Report of committee appointed to settle with William Bayles adm and Elizabeth McGinnis, admx of John McGinnis, dec'd, to find that they received and paid out the sum as hereafter stated - Received (people who owed the estate)

John Chester
Jessee Hampton
Samuel Bayles Jr
Samuel G.Chester
John S. Hundley
Jacob Starnes
James Harvey
Edward L. Martin
Thomas Russell
William Felts
Sample Orres
William Bayles

Paid out and allowed- (people the estate owed)

William Bayles
Joseph McGinnis debt
Tax for 1818
Abraham Brown
William Truit
Jacob Brown
James Parker
Samuel Bayles
William Brown
David G. Vance
William Wheler
Turner Smith
Geo. C. Harris for G. Hinkle
Spencer Henry
Nimrod Willet
David Deaderick
John Slyger
Conrod Brown
Ephriam Murrey
A & W McKee
John Kennedy
Henry McCraken
Richard Smith
Benjamin Austin
Robert Moore
John McCraken
Doctor D. Nelson
John Patton, Esqr.
Jacob Million by John
Harris & Guinn
Jacb Howard
Widow's Maintainance
Isaac N. Brown
Judgement Wm. B. Carter
Hen McCray

On examination of the accounts and making necessary allowances for services to William Bayles and Elizabeth McGinnis, Adm & Admx of John McGinnes, dec'd, we find that a balance is now in their hands of eighty-three dollars and thirty-one cents. Given under our hands October 31st 1822. John Patton, Justice of the Peace Thos C. Parron, Justice of the Peace.

John's sons, all left Jonesborough. Thomas married Elizabeth Embree in 1802 and in 1804 moved to Ohio. James married Elizabeth White and in 1826 moved to Ohio. David married Sarah White 1811 and moved to Indianapolis, Ind. Jesse married Ann Reed 1823 and also moved to Indianapolis.

John is listed under the surname of Meginnis.