Yale University Library ! ;: ,¦¦ V 39002006165659 '^W-yy'^ ¦y ¦ ¦ __r'V^ YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY S KiE T C EC E 8 OF Western North Carolina, HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL. ILLUSTRATING PRINCIPALLY THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD OF MECKLENBURG, ROWAN, LINCOLN AND ADJOINING COUNTIES, ACCOMPANIEDjwiTH MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION, MUCH OF IT NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED. BY C. L. HUNTER, MEMBER OF THE " HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA.' AND MEMBER OF THE " MECKLENBURG HISTORICAL SOCIETY." RALEIGH THE RALEIGH NEWS STEAM JOB PRINT. 1877. "History maketh a young man to he old without either wrinkles or gray lairs ; privileging him with the experience of age, without either the infirmities or Inconvenience thereof." Fuller'! "Holy War." Entered according to Act of Congress, ty C. L. HUNTER, In the office of Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C, A. D. 1877. DEDICATION TO THE DESCENDANTS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY PATRIOTS OF NORTH CAROLINA, WHETHER NOW ABIDING WITHIN HER BORDERS AND SHARING HER PROSPERITIES AND ADVERSITIES, OR SCATTERED ABROAD IN OTHER STATES OF THE AMERICAN UNION, BUT WHO STILL CHERISH A LASTING VENERATION FOR THE MEMORIES OF THEIR HHROIC .FOREFATHERS; AND , TO THE YOUNG MEN OF THE STATE GENERALLY. WHO WOULD DRAW LESSONS OF WISDOM, PATIOTISM AND EN DURANCE FROM THE EXAMPLES HEREIN DE SCRIBED, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECT FULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR.. / PREFA OE. History has been defined, " Philosophy teaching by ex ample." There is no branch of literature in a republic like ours, that can be cultivated with more advantage to the general reader than history. From the infinite va riety of aspects in which it presents the dealings of Provi dence in the affairs of nations, and from the immense number of characters and incidents which it brings into view, it becomes a source of continuous interest and en joyment. The American Revolution is undoubtedly the most interesting event in the pages of modern history. Changes equally great and convulsions equally violent have often taken place in the Old "World ; and the records of former times inform us of many instances of oppression,which,urged beyond endurance, called forth the spirit of successful resist ance. But in the study of the event before us — the story of^he Revolution— we behold feeble colonies, almost with out an army — without a navy — without an established government — without a good supply of the munitions of war, firmly and unitedly asserting their rights, and, in their defence, stepping forth to meet in hostile array, the veteran troops of a proud and powerful nation. We be hold too, these colonies, amidst want, poverty and mis fortunes, animated with the spirit of liberty and fortified by the rectitude of their cause, sustaining for nearly eight. VI PREFACE. years, the weight of a cruel conflict upon their own soil. At length we behold them victorious ; their enemies sul lenly retiring from their shores, and these feeble colonies enrolled on the page o£ history as a free, sovereign and independent nation. The American struggle for freedom, and its final achievement, was an act in the great drama of the world's history of such vast magnitude, and fraught with such momentous consequences upon the destinies of civil ization throughout the world, that we can scarcely ever tire in contemplating the instrumentalities by which, Hinder Divine guidance, it was effected. It has taught mankind that oppression and misrule, under any govern ment, tends to weaken and ultimately destroy the power of the oppressor ; and that a people united in the cause of freedom and their inalienable rights, are invincible by those who would enslave them., No State in our Union can present a greater display of exalted patriotism, enduring constancy and persistent bravery than North Carolina. And yet, how many of our own people do we find who know but little of the early history of the State, her stern opposition to tyranny under every form, and her illustrious Revolutionary career. On the shores of North Carolina the first settlement of English colonists was made ; within her borders the most formidable opposition to British authority, anterior to the Revolution, was organized ; by her people theirs* declara tion of independence was proclaimed, and some of the PREFACE. Vll most brilliant achievements took place- upon her owrt ;soil. • For several years, at intervals, the author has devoted a portion of his time and attention to the collection of historical facts relating principally to Western North Carolina, and bordering territory of South Carolina, to whom, as a sister State, and having a community of inter ests, North Carolina frequently afforded relief in her hour of greatest need. Such materials, procured at this late day — upon the ar rival of our National Centennial year, are often imperfect ;and fragmentary in character — merely scattered facts and incidents gathered here and there from the traditional .recollections of our oldest inhabitants, or from the musty records of our State and county offices ; and yet, it is be lieved such facts, when truthfully transmitted to us, are worthy of preservation and rescue from the gulf of obli vion, which unfortunately conceals from our view much valuable information. Being the son of a Revolutionary patriot, and accus tomed in his boyhood to listen with enraptured delight to the narration of thrilling battle-scenes, daring adventures, narrow escapes and feats of personal prowess during the Revolution, all tending to make indelible impressions upon the tablet of memory, the author feels a willingness to "contribute his mite" to the store of accumulated ma terials relating to North Carolina, now waiting to be moulded into finished, hostoric shape by some one of her gifted sons. Several of the sketches herein presented are original, Vlii PREFACE. and have never before been published. Others, somewhat condensed, have heen taken from Wheeler's " Historical Sketches," when falling within the scope of this work. To the venerable author of that compilation, the author also acknowledges his indebtedness for valuable informa tion furnished from time to time from the "Pension Bureau" at Washington City, relating to the military services of several of our Revolutionary patriots. The author and compiler of these sketches only aspires to the position of a historian in a limited sense. It can not be denied that the history of our good old State, modest in her pretensions, but filled with grand, patriotic associations, has never been fully written. Acting under this belief, he feels tempted to say, like Ruth following the reapers in the time of Boaz, he has "gleaned in the field until even," and having found a few "handfuls" of neglected grain, and beaten them out, here presents his "ephah of barley" — plain, substantial food it is true, but .yet may be made useful mentally to the present genera tion, as it was physically of old, to the inhabitants of Palestine. In conclusion, the author cherishes the hope that other -sons, and daughters too, of North Carolina — some of them forming with himself, connecting links of the past with the .present — will also become gleaners in the same field of re search, abounding yet with scattered grains of neglected and unwritten history worthy of preservation. If the author's efforts in this direction shall impart ad ditional information, and assist in elucidating "liberty's story" in the Old North State, his highest aspirations will be gratified, and his agreeable labors amply rewarded. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Original Settlements in North Carolina and Char acter OF THE PEOPLE, 1 CHAPTER I. Mecklenburg County, 19 The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, 24 A brief account of the Mecklenburg Centennial, 31 TheGrand Procession, ¦ 33 Exercises at the Fair Grounds, 34 James Belk — A Veteran Invited Guest, 38 Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, 39 Origin of the Alexander Families of Mecklenburg County,.... 59 Jack Family, 01 Captain Charles Polk's "Muster Roll," 89 President James K. Polk, 92 General "William Davidson 95- General George Graham, 98 William Richardson Davie, 99- Battle of the Hanging Rock, 106> General Michael McLeary, 112 Major Thomas Alexander, 113 Captain William Alexander, 115 Elijah Alexander, 116 Captain Charles Alexander, 117 Joseph Kerr—" The Cripple Spy," 120 Robert Kerr, 122 Henry Hunter, 123 James Orr, 125 Skirmish at Charlotte; or, First attack of the " Hornets,".... 126 Surprise at Mclntire's ; or, the " Hornets " at work 136 Judge Samuel Lowrie, 141 X CONTENTS. The Ladies of the Revolutionary Period, 142 Mrs. Eleanor Wilson, 146 Queen's Museum, ' 152 CHAPTER II. -Cabarrus County, 157 The "Black Boys" of Cabarrus, 158 Dr. Charles Harris, 162 Captain Thomas Caldwell, 164 CHAPTER III. Rowan County, 166 Route of the British Army through Mecklenburg and Rowan Counties, 172 General Griffith Rutherford, 176 Locke Family, 178 Hon. Archibald Henderson, 179 Richard Pearson, 180 Mrs Elizabeth Steele, 133 CHAPTER IV. Iredell, County, Igg Col. Alexander Osborn i§(j Captain William t->harpe, 187 Major William Gill, Captain Andrew Carson, and others, 189 Captain Alexander Davidson, _ 194 Captain James Houston, 194 Captain James Houston's Muster Roll, . 190 Rev. James Hall, igg Hon. Hugh Lawson White, oqo CHAPTER Y. Lincoln County, 205 Battle of Ramseur's Mill OQ6 Route of the British Army through Lincoln County, ............. 218 Gen. Joseph Graham, " 22s CONTENTS. XI evard Family, 232 Col. James Johnston, 238 Genealogy of Col. James Johnston, 247 Jacob Forney, Sr., 251 Gen. Peter Forney, .' 258 Major Abram Forney, 264 Remarks 269 Genealogy of the Forney Family, 270 CHAPTER VI. , August 7, August It!, October 7, January 17, March 15, September 8, October 19, January 20, September 3, May, Columbus discovered America. Amadas and Barlow approach the coast of North Carolina. Charter of Charles II, William Drummond. first Governor of North Carolina. John Culpeper's Rebellion. Carolina divided into North and South Carolina. First Church erected in North Carolina. First Newspaper published in the United States. Carey's Rebellion. Charter of Charles II, surrendered. stamp Act pasted. Battle of Alamance. Popular Assembly at Newbern. Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. General Washington commander-in-chief. Battle of Bunker's Hill. Josiah Martin, Royal Governor, retreated. Battl; of Great Bridge, near Norfolk, Va. " of Moore's Creek, N. C. " of Long Island. Constitution of North Carolina formed at Halifax. Battle of Trenton. General Rutherford subdues the Cherokees. Battle of Princeton. of Brandywine. " of Germantown. " of Saratoga. '¦ ofMoumouth Ashe defeated at Brier Creek. Battle of Stono. near Charleston. Surrender of Charleston. Battle of Ramsour's Mill. " of the Hanging Rock. Gates defeated at Camden. Battle of King's Mountain. " or tbe Cowpens. " of Guilford Court House. " ofEutaw. " of Yorktown. Treaty of peace at Versailles. England recognizes the lnddpendence of the United States. Constitution of the United States formed. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. "ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA, AND CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE. North Carolina, in the days of her colonial existence, was the asylum and the refuge of the poor and the op pressed of all nations. In her borders the emigrant, the fugitive, and the exile found a home and safe retreat. Whatever may have been the impelling cause of their emigration — whether political servitude, religious perse- •cntion, or poverty of means, with the hope of improving their condition, the descendants of these enterprising, suffering, yet prospered people, have just reason to bless the kind Providence that guided their fathers, in their •wanderings, to such a place of comparative rest. On the sandy banks of North Carolina the flag of Eng land was first displayed in the United States. Roanoke Island, between Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, afforded the landing place to the first expedition sent out- under the auspices of Sir Walter Raleigh, in 158-1. "The fra grance, as they drew near the land, says Amadas in his .report, was as jf they had been in the midst of some deli cate garden, abounding in all manner of odoriferous flowers." Such, no doubt, it seemed to them during the first summer of their residence in 1584 ; and, notwith standing the disastrous termination of that, and several succeeding expeditions, the same maritime section of North Carolina has presented its peculiar features of at tractiveness to many generations which have since arisen there, and passed away. In the same report, we have the first notice of the celebrated Scuppernong grape, yielding its most abundant crops under the saline atmos- 2 ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS pheric influence, and semi-tropical climate of eastern Carolina. From the glowing description of the country, in its primitive abundance, transmitted to Elizabeth and her court, they gave it the name Virginia, being discovered in the reign of a virgin Queen. But having failed in this and several other attempts of a similar kind, Sir Walter Raleigh surrendered his patent, and nothing more was done in colonizing Virginia during the remainder of that century. In 1607, the first permanent settlement was made by the English at Jamestown, Va., under the charter of the London or Southern Company. This charter contained none of the elements of popular liberty, not one elective franchise, nor one of the rights of self-government; but religion was especially enjoined to be established accord ing to the rites and doctrine of the Church of England. The infant colony suffered greatly for several years from threatened famine, dissensions, and fear of the Indians. but through the energy and firmness of Capt John Smith, was enabled to maintain its ground, and in time, show evident signs of prosperity. The jealousy of arbitrary power, and impatience of liberty among the new settlers, induced Lord Delaware, Governor of Virginia in 1G19, to reinstate them in the full possession of the rights of Eng lishmen ; and he accordingly convoked a Provincial Assembly, theirs* ever held in America. The delibera tions and laws of this infant Legislature were transmitted to England for approval, and so wise and judicious were these, that the company under whose auspicies they were acting, soon after confirmed and ratified the ground work of whfit gradually ripened into (1)0 American rrprc- scntutice njtttiu. Uhe guarantee of political rights led to a rapid colonization. Men were now willing to regard Virginia as their home. •• They fell to building houses and planting roni." Women were induced to leave the OF NORTH CAROLINA. S parent country to become the wives of adventurous* planters ; and during the space of three years thirty-five hundred persons of both sexes, found their way to Vir ginia. By various modifications of their charter, the colonists, in a few years, obtained nearly all the civil' rights and privileges which they could claim as British* subjects ; but the church of England was " coeval with the settlement of Jamestown, and seems to have been considered from the beginning as the established re ligion." At what time settlements were first perma nently made within the present limits of North Car olina, has not been clearly ascertained. In 1622, the Secretary of the colony of Virginia traveled over land to Chowan River, and described, in glowing- terms, the fertility of the soil, the salubrity of the climate, and the kindness of the natives. In 1643, a company obtained permission of the Virginia Legisla ture to prosecute discoveries on the great river South of the Appomatox of which they had heard, under a monopoly of the profits for fourteen years, but with what measure of success has not been recorded. These early exploring parties to the South, bringing back favorable reports of the fertile lands of the Chowan and the Roa noke could not fail to excite in the colony of Jamestown a spirit of emigration, many of whose members were already suffering under the baneful effects of intolerant legislation. In 1643, during the administration of Sir William Berkeley, it was specially "ordered that no min ister should preach or teach, publicly or privately, except in conformity to the constitutions of the church of Eng land, and non-conformists were banished from the- colony."* Tt, is natural lo suppose that individuals as well as families, who were fond of a roaming life, or who disliked the religious persecution to which they were- subjected, would descend the banks of these streams until tt Bnnerofl, I., p. -"A. 4 ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS they found on the soil of Carolina suitable locations for peaceable settlements. In 1653, Roger Green led a company across the wilder ness from Nansemond, in Virginia, to the Chowan River, and settled near Edenton. There they prospered, and others, influenced by similar motives, soon afterward fol lowed. In 1662, George Durant purchased of the Yeopim Indians the neck of land, on the North-side of Albemarle Sound, which still bears his name. It was settled by persons driven off from Virginia through reli gious persecutions. In 1663, King Charles II, granted to the Earl of Clarendon and seven other associates, the whole of the region from the thirty-sixth degree of north latitude to the river San Matheo, (now the St. John's) in Florida; and extending westwardly, like all of that monarch's charters, to the Pacific Ocean. At the date of this charter, (1663,) Sir William Berke ley, Governor of Virginia, visited the infant settlement on the Chowan, and being pleased with its evident signs of prosperity, and increasing importance, appointed Wil liam Drummond ihe first Governor of the Colony of Carolina- Drummond was a Scotch Presbyterian, and, inheriting the national characteristics of that people, was prudent. cautious, and deeply impressed with the love of liberty. Such were the pioneer settlements, and such was the first Governor of North Carolina. The beautiful lake in the centre of the Dismal Swamp, noted for its healthy Mater, and abundantly laid in by sea-going vessels, perpetuates his name. In 1665, it being discovered that the " County of Albe marle," as the settlement on the Chowan was called, was not in the limits of the Carolina charter, but in Virginia, King Charles, on petition, granted an enlargement of that instrument so as to make it extend from twenty- nine degrees to thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes, north latitude. These charters were liberal in the con- OP NORTH CAROLINA. 0 cession of civil rights, and the proprietors were permitted to exercise toleration towards non-conformists, if it should be deemed expedient. Great encouragemeut was held forth to immigrants from abroad, and settlements steadily increased. They were allowed to form a representative government, with certain limitations ; and thus a degree •of popular freedom was conceded, which it seems, was not intended to be permanent, but it could never be recalled; and had an important influence in producing the results which we now enjoy. As the people were chiefly refugees from religious oppression, they had no claims on government, nor did they wish to draw its attention. They regarded the Indians as the true lords of the soil; treated with them in that capacity ; purchased their lands, and obtained their grants. At the death of Governor Drummond in 1667, the colony of Carolina contained about four thousand inhabitants. The first assembly that made laws for Carolina con vened in the Fall of 1669. "Here," says Bancroft, "was a colony of men scattered among forests, hermits with wives and children resting on the bosom of nature, in perfect harmony with the wilderness of their gentle clime. The planters of Albemarle were men led to the choice of their residence from a hatred of restraint. Are there any who doubt man's capacity for self-government? Let them study the history of North Carolina. Its inhabi tants were restless and turbulent in their imperfect sub mission to a government imposed from abroad ; the ad ministration of the colony was firm, humane, and tran quil when they were left to take care of themselves. Any government but one of their own institution was oppres sive. North ( arolina was settled by the freest of the free. The settlers were gentle in their tempers, of serene minds, enemies to violence and bloodshed. Not all the succes sive revolutions had kindled vindictive passions ; free dom, entire freedom was enjoyed without anxiety as G ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS withoutguarantees. The charities of life were scattered at their feet like the flowers of their meadows."* No freer country was ever organized by man. Freedom of con science, exemption from taxation, except by their own consent; gratuities in land to every emigrant, and other wholesome regulations claimed the prompt legislative action of the infant colony." "These simple laws suited n simple people, who were as free as the air of their mountains; and when oppressed, were as rough as the billows of the ocean." f In 1707, a company of Huguenots, as the French Pro testants were called, settled on the Trent. In 1709, the Lords Proprietors granted to Baron de Graffenreidt ten thousand acres of land on the Neuse and Cape Fear rivers for colonizing purposes. In a short, time afterwar-, a great number of Palatines iGermams) and fifteen hun dred Swiss followed the Baron, and settled at the conflu ence of the Trent and the Neuse. The town was called New Berne, after Berne, in Switzerland, the birth-place of Graffenreidt. This was the first important introduc tion into Eastern Carolina of a most excellent class of liberty-loving people, whose descendants wherever their lots were cast, in our country, gave illustrious proof of their valor and patriotism during the Revolutionary war. Jn 1729, the Lords Proprietors (except Lord Granville) surrendered the government of the province, with all the franchises under the charter of Charles II, and their pro perty in the soil, to the crown for a valuable considera tion. The population at that time did not exceed ten thousand inhabitants. George Burrington, Governor of the province under the Lords Proprietors, was re-appoint ed to the same office by the King. In February, 1731, he thus officially writes to the Duke of New Castle' "^he inhabitants of North Carolina are not industrious, but * Bancroft, Vol. II., p. 158. t Wheeler's Sketches, I., p. 30. OF NORTH CAROLINA. t subtle and crafty to admiration ; always behaved in solently to their Governors ; some of them they have imprisoned ; drove others out of the country ; and at other times have set up a governor of their own choice, supported by men under arms. These people are neither to be cajoled nor outwitted. Whenever any governor attempts to effect anything by these means, he will lose his labor, and show his ignorance." Lord Gran vii e's part of the colony of North Carolina (one-eighth) was not laid off to him, adjoining Virginia, until 1743. At that date, a strong tide of emigration was taking place from the Chowan and Roanoke, the pioneer attractive points of the colony, as well as from abroad, to the great inte rior, and Western territory, now becoming dotted with numerous habitations. The Tuscarora Indians, the ter rible scourge of Eastern Carolina, having been subdued, and entered into a treaty of peace and friendship in 1718, no serious obstacle interposed to prevent a Western extension of settlements. Already adventurous individ uals, and even families of hardy pioneers had extended their migrations to the Eastern base of the "Blue Ridge," and selected locations on the head-waters of the Yadkin and Catawba rivers. In 1734, Gabriel Johnston was appointed Governor of North Carolina. He was a Scotchman by birth, a man of letters and of liberal views. He was by profession a physician, and held the appointment of Professor of Oriental Languages in the University of Saint Andrews. His addresses to the Leg islature show that he fully appreciated the lamentable condition of the colony through the imprudence and vicious conduct of his predecessor (Burrington) and his earnest desire to promote the welfare of the people. Under his prudent administration, the province increased in population, wealth and happiness. At the time of its purchase by the crown, its population did not exceed thirteen thousand ; it was now upwards of forty five thousand. 8 ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS In 1754, Arthur Dobbs was appointed Governor by the crown. His administration of ten years presented a con tinued contest between himself and the Legislature ob matters frivolous and unimportant. His high-toned temper" for royal prerogatives was sternly met by the indomita ble resistance of the colonists. The people were also much oppressed by Lord Granville's agents, one of whom (Corbin) was seized and brought to Enfield, where lie- was compelled to give bond and security, produce his books, and disgorge his illegal fees. But notwithstand ing these internal commotions and unjust exactions,,- always met by the active resistance of the people, the colony continued to increase in power, and spread abroad its arms of native inherent protection. During the entire- administrations of Governors Johnston and Dobbs, cojsq>- mencing in 1734 and ending in 1765, a strong tide- ©f~ emigration was setting into North Carolina from two- opposite directions. While one current from Pennsyl vania passed down through Virginia, forming settlements in its course, another current met it from the South, aacl spread itself over the inviting lands and expansive do main of the Carolinas and Georgia. Near the close o*~ Governor Johnston's administration (1750) numerous- settlements had been made on the beautiful plateau of country between the Yadkin and Catawba rivers. At this time, the Cherokee Indians, the most powerful of the Western tribes, still claimed the territory, as rightful "lords of the soil," and were committing numerous depre dations and occasional murders. In 1756, Fert Dobbs. about twenty miles West of Salisbury, was built for the protection of the small neighborhood of farmers and graziers around it. Even the thriving colony of "Albe marle County " on the seaboard now felt its growing im portance-was beginning to call for "more room," an rl seek new possessions in the interior, thus unconsciously fulfilling the truth of the poet's prediction, "Westward the course of empire takes its way." OF NORTH CAROLINA. 9 On the 3d of April, 1765, William Tryon qualified as Commander-in-chief, and Captain-General of the Pro vince of North Carolina. The administration of Gover nor Tryon embraces an important period in the history of the State. He was a soldier by profession, and being trained to arms, looked upon the sword as the true scep ter of government. "He knew when to flatter, and when to threaten. He knew when 'discretion was the better part of valor,' and when to use such force and cruelty aEachieved for him from the Cherokee Indians, the bloody title of the 'Great Wolf of North Carolina.' He could use courtesy ta wards the Assembly when he desired large appropriations for his magnificent palace; and knew howto bring to bear the blandishments of the female society of his family, and all tbe appliances of generous hospitality."* Governor Tryon first met the Assembly in the town of Wilmington on the 3d of May 1765. "In his address, he opposed all religious intolerance, and, although he recommended provision for the clergy out of the public treasury, yet he advised the members of the Church of England of the folly of attempting to es tablish it by legal enactment. Under such recommen dations, a law was passed legalizing the marriages (which before were denounced as illegal) performed by Presbyterian ministers, and authorizing them and other dissenting clergymen to perform that rite."f On the 22nd of March, 1765, the Stamp Act was passed. This act produced great excitement throughout the whole country, and no where was it more violently denounced than in North Carolina. The Legislature was then in session, and so intense and wide-spread- was the opposition to this odious measure, that Governor Tryon, apprehending the passage of denunciatory reso lutions, prorogued that body after a session of fifteen * Wheeler's Sketches, I., p. 49. t Wheeler's Sketches, I., p. 50. 10 ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS - -days. The speaker of the House, John Ashe, informed Governor Tryon that this law " would be resisted to blood and death. Early in the year 1766, the sloop-of-war, Diligence, ar rived in the Cape Fear River, having on board stamp paper for the use of the province. The first appearance and approach of the vessel had been closely watched, and when it anchored before the town of Brunswick, on the Cape Fear, Col. John Ashe, of the county of New Han over, and Col. Hugh Waddell, of the county of Bruns wick, marched at the head of the brave sons of these counties to Brunswick, and notified the capta n of their determination to resist the landing of the stamps. They seized one of the boats of the sloop, hoisted it on a cart, fixed a mast in her, mounted a fhig, and marched in tri umph to Wilmington. The inhabitants all joined in the procession, and at night the town was illuminated. On the next day, Col. Ashe, at the head of a great concourse of people, proceeded to the Governors house and demand ed of him to desist from all attempts to exei-ute the Stamp Act, and to produce to them James Houston, a member of the Council, who had been appointed Stamp Master for the Province The Governor at first refused to com ply with a demand so sternly made. But the haughty representative of kingly power had to yield before the power of an incensed people, who began to make prepa rations to set fire to his house. The Governor then re luctantly produced Houston, who was seized by the people, carried to the market h^use, and there compelled to take a solemn oath never to perform the duties of his office. After this he was released and conducted by a delighted crowd, to the Governor's Palace. The people gave three cheers and quietly dispersed. Here we have recorded an act far more daring in it- performance than that of the famous Tea Party of Boston, which has been celebrated by every writer of our national history, and '•Pealed and chimed on every tongue of fame." OF NORTH CAROLINA. 11 , It is an act of the sons of the " Old North State," not committed on the crew of a vessel, so disguised as to escape identity ; but on royalty itself, occupying a palace, and in open day, by men of well known person and rep utation. Another event of great historic importance occurred •during the administration of Governor Tryon. On the 16th of May, 1771, the battle of Alamance was fought. It is here deemed unnecessary to enter into a detail of the ¦circumstances leading to this unfortunate conflict. .'Suffice it to say the Regulators, as they were called, suf fered greatly by heavy exactions, by way of taxes, from the Governor to the lowest subordinate officer. The}' rose to arms — were beaten, but theirs was the first blood shed for freedom in the American colonies Many true patriots, who did not comprehend the magnitude of their grievances, fought against them. But the principles of right and justice for which they contended could never die. In less than four years, all the Colonies were found battling for the same principles, and borne along in the rushing tide of revolution ! The men on the seaboard of Carolina, with Cols. Ashe and Waddell at their head, had nobly opposed the Stamp Act in 1765, and prevented its execution ; and in their patriotic movements the people of Orange sustained them, and called them the "£ons of Liberty" Col. Ashe, in 1766, had led the excited populace in Wilmington, against the wishes and even the hospitality of the governor. The assembled patriots had thrown the Governor's roasted ox, provided for a barbecue feast, untasted, into the river. Now, these pa triotic leaders are found marching with this very Gov ernor to subdue the disciples of liberty in the west. The eastern men looked for evils from across the waters, and were prepared to resist oppression on their shores before it should reach the soil of their State. The western men were seeking redress for grievances that oppressed them 12 ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS at home, under the misrule of the officers of the province, evils scarcely known in the eastern counties, and misun- , derstoed when reported there. Had Ashe, and Waddell, and- Caswell understood all the circumstances of the case, they would have acted like Thomas Person, of Granville, and favored the distressed, even though they might have felt under obligations to maintain the peace of the province, and due subordination to the laws. Herman Husbands, the head of the Regulators, has been de nounced by a late writer, as a " turbulent and seditious character." If such he was, then John Ashe and Hugh Waddell, for opposing the stamp law, were equally tur bulent and seditious. Time, that unerring test of prin ciples and truth, has proved that the spirit of liberty which animated the Regulators, was the true spirit which subsequently led to our freedom from foreign oppression. On the 24th of May, Tryon, after committing acts of revenge, cruelty and barbarity succeeding the Alamance battle, returned to his palace at Newbern,and on the 30th took shipping for New York, over which State he had been appointed Governor. Josiah Martin was appointed by the crown, Tryon's successor as Governor of North Carolina. He met the Legislature, for the first time, in the town of Newbern, in November, 17/1. Had he lived in less troublesome times, his administration might have been peaceful and prosperous. Governor Martin had the misfortune to differ very soon with the lower House of the Assembly; and during the whole of his administra tion, these difficulties continued and grew in magnitude, helping, at last, to accelerate the downfall of the royal government. In this Assembly we find the names of a host of distinguished patriots, as John Ashe, Cornelius Harnett, "the Samuel Adams of 2\orth Carolina," Samuel Johnson, Willie Jones, Joseph Hews, Abner Na>h, John Harvey, Thomas Person, Griffith Rutherford, Abraham Alexander, Thomas Polk, and many others, OF NORTH CAROLINA. 13 showing that, at that early date, the Whig party had the complete control of the popular House of the Assembly. In accordance with the recommendation of Governor Martin, the veil of oblivion was drawn over the past un happy troubles, and all the animosities and distinctions which they created. The year 1772 passed by without a meeting of the Assembly ; and the only political event of any great importance, which occurred in the Province, was the election of members to the popular House. Such was the triumph of the "Whig party, that in inany of the counties there was no opposition to the election of the old leaders, nor could the Governor be said to have a party sufficiently powerful to effect an election before the people, or the passage of a bill before the Assembly. The Assembly, however, in consequence of two dissolutions by the Governor, did not convene in Newbern until the 25th of January, 1773, and the popular House illustrated its political character by the election of John Harvey to the office of Speaker. To this new Assembly many of the leading members of the House in 1771, were returned. Thomas Polk and Abraham Alexanderwere not members; the former having been employed in the service of the Governor, as surveyor, in running the dividing line be tween North and South Carolina, and the latter not hav ing solicited the suffrages of the people. The county of Mecklenburg was, in the Assembly, represented by Mar tin Pheifer and John Davidson. The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Harvey, laid before that body resolutions of the House of Burgess of Virginia (1773) .of the 12th of March last ; also, letters from the Speakers of the lower houses of several other provinces, requesting that a committee be appointed to inquire into the encroachments of England upon the rights and liberties of America. The House passed a resolution that "such example was worthy of imitation, by which means communication and concert would be 14 ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS established among the colonies ; and that they will at all times be ready to exert their efforts to preserve and de fend their rights." John Harvey, (Speaker) Robert Howe, Cornelius Harnet, William Hooper, Richard Cas well, Edward Vail, John Ashe, Joseph Hewes and Sam uel Johnston were this committee. This is the first record of a legislative character which led to the Revolu tion. During the summer of 1774 the people in all parts of the province manifested their approbation of the pro posed plan of calling a Congress or Assembly, to consult upon common grievances ; and in* nearly all the counties and principal towns meetings were held, and delegates appointed to meet in the town of Newbern on the 25th of August, 1774. On the 13th of August, Governor Martin issued a proc lamation complaining that meetings of the people had been held without legal authority, and that resolutions had been passed derogatory to the authority of the King: and Parliament. He advised the people to forbear at tending any such meetings, and ordered the King's offi cers to oppose them to the utmost of their power. But the delegates of the people attended on the day appointed without any obstruction from the "king's officers." The proclamation of Governor Martin availed nothing. ( Vox etpraetera nil.) Excited at this state of affairs, Governor Martin consulted his council on the steps most proper to be taken in the emergency. They advised him that "nothing further could be done." This first Assembly, or Provincial Congress, independent of royal authority, in Newbern, on the 25th of August, 1774, is an important epoch in our history. It was the first net of that great drama of revolutionizing events which finally achieved our independence. After the adjournment of this Provincial Congress.. Governor Martin visited New York, ostensibly for the OF NORTH CAROLINA. 15 ' "benefit of his health," and, perhaps, for the benefit of his- government. The tumults of the people at Newbern, that raged around him, and which threatened to overthrow his power, were, by his own confession, "beyond Jais con trol"; but he hoped the influence of Governor Tyron, who still governed New York, might assist him in restor ing peace and authority in North Carolina. Vain, delu sive hope, as the sequel proved ! The year 1775 is full of important events, only a few of which can be adverted to in this brief sketch. In Feb ruary, 1775, John Harvey issued a notice to the people to elect delegates to represent them in a second Provincial Congress at Newbern on the 3rd of April, being the same time and place of the meeting of the Colonial Assem bly. This roused the indignation of Governor Mar tin, and caused him to issue, on the 1st of March, 1775r his proclamation denouncing the popular Convention. In his speech to the Assembly, Governor Martin ex pressed "his concern at this extraordinary state of affairs. He reminded the members of their oath of allegiance,. and denounced the meeting of delegatee chosen by the people, as illegal, and one that he should resist by every means in his power." In the dignified reply of the House, the Governor was informed that the right of the people to assemble, and petition the throne for a redress- of their grievances was undoubted, and that this right included that of appointing delegatss for such purpose. The House passed resolutions approving of the proceed ings of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia (4th of Sept. 1774) and declared their determination to use their influence in carrying out the views of that body. Where upon, the < 'ovenior, by advice of his council, dissolved the Assembty, by proclamation, after a session of four days. Thus ceased forever all legislative action and inter course under the Royal government. Indeed, from the 16 ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS organization of the first Provincial Congress or Conven tion, in Newbern (Aug. 25th, 1774) composed of delegates "fresh fr«m the people " the pioneers in our glorious revolution, until Governor Martin's expulsion, North Carolina was enjoying and exercising an almost un limited control of separate governmental independence. After the dissolution, of the Assembly on the 8th of April, 1775, Governor Martin lingered only a few days, first taking refuge in Fort Jonston, and afterwards, on board of the ship of war, the Cruiser, ¦ anchored in the Cape Fear River. Only one more frothy proclamation f8th of Aug., 1775,) appeared from Governor Marti] i, against the patriotic leaders of North Carolina, issued this time, not from "the palace," at Newbern, but from a cruising source and out-look, and on a river, whose very name typified the real origin of his departure, and present retirement. These glimpses of the colonial history of North Caro lina, necessary to a proper understanding of the follow ing sketches, will serve to illustrate, in a limited degree, the character of her people, and their unyielding opposi tion to all unjust exactions, and encroachment of arbi trary power. While these sterring transactions were transpiring in eastern Carolina, the people of Mecklen burg county moved, in their sovereign capacity, the ques tion of independence, and took a much bolder, and more decided stand than the Colonial or Continental Conoress had as yet assumed. Thid early action of that patriotic county, effected after mature deliberation, is one of the ever -memorable transactions of the State of North Caro lina, worthy of being cherished and honored by every lover of patriotism to the end of time. The public mind had been much excited at the attempts of Governor Mar tin to prevent the meeting of the Provincial Congress at Newbern, and his arbitrary conduct in dissolving the Assembly, when only in session four days, leaving tliem unprotected by courts of law, and without the present OF NORTH CAROLINA. 17 •opportunity of finishing many important mailers of leg islation. In tlijs state of affairs, the people began to think that, since the proper, lawful authorities failed to perform their legitimate duty, it was time to provide ¦safe-guards for themselves, and to throw off all allegiance to powers that cease to protect their liberties, or their property. A late author has truly said, "Men will not be fully uble to understand North Carolina until they have ¦opened the treasures of history, and become familiar with the doings of her sons, previous to the revolution ; during ihat painful struggle ; and the succeeding years of pros perity. Then will North Carolina be respected as she is known."* -¦* Footed Sketches of North Carolina, p. 81. 8KETOHE8 OF Western North Carolina CHAPTER I. MECKLENBURG COUNTY. Mecklenburg county was formed in 1762 from Anson eounty, and named in honor of the native place of the new Queen, Princess Charlotte, of Mecklenburg, one of the smaller German States. This county has a peculiar historical interest. It is the birth-place of liberty on American soil- No portion of the State presents a more glowing page ©f unflinching patriotic valor than Mecklenburg, always taking an active part in every political movement, at home or abroad, leading to independence. The temper and character of the people were early shown. In 1766, George A. Selwyn, having obtained, by some means, large grants of lands from the British Crown, proceeded to have them surveyed, through his agent, Henry E. McCullock, and located. On some of these grants, the first settlers had made considerable improve ments by their own stalwart arms, and persevering in dustry. For this reason, and not putting much faith in the validity of Selwyn's elaims, they seized John Frohock, the surveyor, and compelled him to desist from his work, or fare worse. Here was manifested the early buzzing of the " Hornets' Nest," which, in less than ten years, was destined to sting royalty itself in these American colonies. 20 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. The little village of Charlotte, the seat of justice for Mecklenburg county, was in 1775, the theater of one of the most memorable events in the political annals of the United States. Situated on the "beautiful and fertile champaign, between the Yadkin and Catawba Rivers, and on the general route of the Southern travel, and among the earliest settlements in the Carolinas and Georgia, it soon became the centre of an enterprising and prosperous population. The fertility of the soil, the healthfulnessof the climate, and abundance of cheap and unappropriated lands, were powerful inducements in drawing a large influx of emigrants from the Northern colonies, and from the Old World. These natural features of middle and western Carolina, in particular, were strongly attractive, and pointed out, under well-directed energy, the sure road to prospective wealth and prosperity. The face of the country was then overspread with wild " pea vines," and luxuriant herbage ; the water courses bristled with cane brakes ; and the forest abounded with a rich variety and abundance of food -producing game. The original conveyance for the tract of land, upon which the city of Charlotte now stands, contained 360 acres, and was made on the loth day of January. 1767, by Henry E. McCullock, agent for George A. Selwyn, to "Abraham Alexander, Thomas Polk, and John Froheck as Trustees and Directors, of the town of Charlotte, and their successors." The consideration was "ninety pounds, lawful money." Tho conveyance was witnessed by Matthew McLure and Joseph Sample. A few words of explanation, as to one of the Trustees, may be here appropriate, Tho Frohock family resided in Rowan county, and, before the revolution, exerted a considerable influence, holding places of profit and trust. William Frohock was Captain of a military company, and at one time, (1771) Deputy Sheriff under Gen eral Rutherford. Thomas Frohock was Clerk of the Superior Court, in Rowan, and Senator to the State Leo- SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.' 21 islature from the town of Salisbury, in 1785 and 1786 John -Frohock, named- in the conveyance, was; for several years, Clerk of the -County Court, an active 'Surveyor, and resided, during much of his time in Mecklenburg. employed in' the duties of his profession. Soon after the town of Charlotte , was laid out, a log building was erected at the 'intersection of Trade and Tryon streets, and in the centre of the space now known as " Independence Square." This building was placed upon substantial brick pillars, ten or twelve feet high, with a stairway on the outside, leading to the court room" The lower part, in conformity with primitive economy and convenience, was used as a Market House ; and the upper part as a Court House, and frequently for church, and other public meetings. Although the original build ing has long since passed away, yet it has historic associa tions connected with its colonial and revolutionary exis tence, which can never cease to command the admiration of every true patriot. In May, 1775, its walls resounded with the tones of earn est debate and independents, proclaimed from the court house ste;.;-. In September, 17SU, its walls resounded with the tones of the muAcet, by the same people, who "knew tlieir rights, and knowing, dared maintain." At this period, theie was no printing press in the upper country of Carolina, and as no regular post tra versed this region, \ newspaper was seldom seen among the people. Important information was transmitted from one colony to another by express messengers on. horse-back, as was done by Captain Jack in bearing the Mecklenburg Declaration to Philadelphia. The people were accustomed to assemble at stated places to listen to the reading of printed hand-bills from abroad, or to obtain verbal intelligence of passing events. Charlotte early became the central point in Mecklen burg county for these assemblages, and there tbe leading men often met at Queen's Museum or College, to discuss 22^ SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. the exciting topics of the day. These meetings were at first irrggulsir, and without system. It was finally agreed that Thomas Polk,. Colonel of the militia, long a surveyor in the province, frequently a member of the Colonial Assembly, and a man of great excellence of character should be authorized to call a convention of the Repre- rx sentatives of the people whenever circumstances seemed to require it. It was also agreed that such Representa tives should consist of two delegates from each Captain's Company, chosen by the people of the several militia dis tricts, and that their decisions, when thus legally con vened, should be binding upon the whole county. When it became known that Governor Martin had attempted, by his proclamation, issued on the 1st of March, 1775, to pievent the Assembling of a Provincial CongresE- at Newbern, on the 3d of April following ; and when it was recollected that, by his arbitrary authority, he had dissolved the last Provincial Assembly, after a session of only four davs, and before any important business had been transacted, the public excitement became intense, and the people were clamorous for some decisive action. and a redress of their grievances. A large majority of the people were willing to incur the dangers incident to revolution, for the sake of themselves, their posterity, and the sacred cause of liberty. In this State of the public mind, Col. Polk issued his notice to the committee-men, two from each Captain's district, as previously agree ' upon, to assemble in Char lotte on the 19th of May, 1775, to consult for the common good, and inaugurate such measures as would conduce to that desirable end. The notice of the appointed meeting- spread rapidly through the county, and all classes of citi zens, intuitively, as it were, partook of the general enthusiasm, and felt the importance of the approaching convention. On the appointed day, an immense con course of people, consisting of gray-haired sires, and vigorous youths from all parts of the county, assembled ' SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAMtlHA. 2$ in the town of Charlotte, then containing about twenty - five houses, aU anxious to know the result of that ever- rneanorablc occasion. After assembling in the court house, Abraham Alexander, a venerable citizen and mag istrate of the county, and former member of the Legisla ture* was made chairman ; and John McKnitt Alexander, assisted by Dr. Ephraim Brevard, Secretaries, all men of business habits, and of great popularity. A full, free and animated discussion upon the exciting topics of the day then ensued, in -which Dr. Ephraim Brevard, a finished scholar ; Col. William Kennon, an eminent lawyer of Salisbury, and Rev. Hezekiah J. Balch, a distinguished Presbyterian preacher, were the chief speakers. During the session of the convention, an express messenger arrived, bearing the news of the wanton and cruel shed ding of blood at Lexington on the 19th of April, just one month preceeding. This intelligence served to increase the general patrotic ardor, and the assembly, as with one voice, cried out, "Let us be independent. Let us declare our independence, and defend it with our lives and for tunes." The speakers said, his Majesty's proclamation had declared them out of the protection of the British Crown, and they ought, therefore, to declare themselves out of his protection, and be independent of his govern ment. A committee consisting of Dr. Brevard.Col. Kennon } and the Rev. Mr. Balch, was then appointed to prepare resolutions suitable to the occasion. The excitement of the people continued to increase, and the deliberations of the convention, including the framing of by-laws, and regulations by which it should be governed, as a stand ing committee, were not completed until after midnight, showing the great interest which every one felt, and that a solemn crisis had arrived which demanded firm and united action for the common defence. Upon the return of the committee, the chairman proceeded to submit the resolutions of independence to the vote of the convention. All was silence and stillness around (intentique ora tentbant) 24 SKET^fe' olrWESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. The question was then put, "Are you all agreed." The- resp6 rise' <• was oM'tfriiversal "aye," not one dissenting- voice in,4h£#inS®$m%e',&§s'emblage. It was then agree* that tfre'(i)fo(!eedin^s>^K'9u1d be read to the whole multi- tude."*-Acc'drdin|']ys;**aFn'6on, on' the 20th of May, 1775r Colonel Thom-as'-Pbik ascended the steps of the old court houpe, and read,- in clear and distinct tones, the following, patriotic resolutions, constituting, H ;q< ." , THE MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. " Resolved, '• !."¦ That whoever directly or indirectly- abetted, orin any way, form or manner, countenanced the unchartered and dangerous invasion of our rights, && claimed by Great Britain, is an enemy to this countryr to America, and to* the inherent, and inalienable rights?5 of man. Resolved, 2. That we, the citizens of Mecklenburg- county, do hereby dissolve the political bands which have- connected Us to the mother country, and hereby absolve oursolves from all allegiance to the British Crown and abjure all political connection, contract, or asso ciation with that nation, who have wantonly trampled on our rights and liberties, and inhumanly shed the- blood of American patriots at Lexington. Resolved, 3- That we do hereby declare ourselves a free- and independent people ; are, and of right ought to be a sovereign, and self-governing association, under the control of no power, other than that of our God, and the general government of the congress ; to the maintenance of which independence, we solemnly pledge to each other our mutual co-operation, our lives, our fortunes, and our most sacred 'honor. Resolved, 4. That, as Ave acknowledge the existence and control of no law, or legal officer, civil or militaiy, within this county, we do hereby ordain and adopt, as a rule of life, all, each, and every one of our former laws ; wherein, SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. f25 nevertheless, the crown of Great Britain' never can be considered as holding rights, privileges, iirimunities, or authority therein. ' Resolved, 5. That'' it is also further decreed that; all, each, and every military officer in this county is. hereby retained in his former command and authority, he act ing conformably to these regulations. And that every member present of this delegation shall henceforth be a civil officer, viz : a justice of the peace, in the character of a committeeman, to issue process, hear and determine all matters of controversy, according to said adopted laws ; and to preserve peace, union and harmony in said county ; and to use every exertion to spread the love of country, and fire of freedom throughout America, until "a more general and organized government be established in this province." After the reading of these resolutions, a voice from the crowd calle i out for "three cheers," and soon the welkin rang with corresponding shouts of applause. The reso lutions were read again and again during the day to different parties, desirous of retaining in their memories sentiments of patriotism so congenial to their feelings. A copy of the proceedings of the convention was tnen drawn off, and sent by express to the members of con gress from North Carolina, at that time in session at Philadelphia.. Captain James Jack, a worthy and intel ligent citizen of Charlotte, was chosen as the bearer; and in a few days afterward, set out on horse-back in the performance of his patriotic mission. Of his journeyings, and perilous adventures through a country, much of it in fested with Tories, we know but little. Having faithfully performed the duties of his important trust, by deliver ing the resolutions into the hands of the North Carolina Delegation at Philadelphia (Caswell, Hooper and Hews,) he returned to his home in Charlotte. He leported that our own Delegation, and several members of Congress, •28 SKETCHES OP WESTERN NORTH CAROUSA. ananifested their entire approbation of the earnest zeal .and patriotism of the Mecklenburg citizens, but deemed it premature to lay their resolutions before their body. •as they still entertained some hopes of reconciliation with 5the mother country. e***^ A copy of the foregoing resolutions wwe also transmit ted to the Provincial Congress, at Hillsboro, and laid before that body on the 25th of August, 1775, but for the -same prudential reasons as just stated, they declined taking any immediate action. It has been deemed proper to present this summarized statement of the circumstances leading to the Mecklen burg Convention of the 19th and 20th of May, 1775, as a source of reference for those who have no other history of the transaction before them. For a more extended ac count of its proceedings, the reader is referred to the pamphlet published by State authority in 1831, and to the exhaustive treatise of the late Ex-Governor Graham on the authenticity of the Meclenburg resolutions, with notices of the principal actors and witnesses on that ever- memorable occasion. Since the publication of Governor Graham's pamphlet shortly before the Centennial Celebration in Charlotte another copy of the Mecklenburg resolutions of the 20th ©f May, 1775, has been found in the possession of a grand son of Adam Brevard, now residing in Indiana. This copy has all the outward appearances of age, has been sacredly kept in the family, and is in a good state of pre servation. Adam Brevard was a younger brother of Dr. Ephraim Brevard, the reputed author of these reso lutions, frequently performed his brother's writing during the active discharge of his professional duties, and was himself, a man of cultivated intellect, and chris tian integrity. He kept a copy of these patriotic resolu tions, mainly with the view of preserving a memento of his brother's hand writing, and vigor of composition — uot supposing for a moment, their authenticity would SKETCHES OP WESTERN NORTH CAROMNA. 27 ever be called into question. This venerable patriot, in a manuscript account of a celebration in Iredell county on the 4th of July, 1824, in discoursing on a variety of revohitionary matters, says among other things, he was in Salisbury in June 1775, attending to his pro fessional duties as a lawyer, and that during the sessions of the General Court in that place, the bearer of the Mecklenburg Declaration arrived on his way to Phila delphia. When the object of his mission became known, and the Mecklenburg resolutions of independence were read in open court, at the request of Col. Kennon, sev eral Tories who were present said they were treasonable, and that the framers of them were "rushing headlong into an abyss where Congress had not dared to pass. Their intemperance, however, was suddenly arrested by a gen tleman from the same county, who had entered with all his powers into the impending contest and offered to rest the propriety and justness of the proceedings,both of Meck lenburg and the Delegate, upon a decission by the arm of flesh witli any one inclinable to abide the result. Matters, which threatened a conflict of arms were soon hushed up by this direct argument ad hominem, the Delegate retired to rest for the night, and, on the next morning, resumed his journey to Philadelphia." He also states, in the same manuscript, that in tne autumn of the year 1776, he was one of the number who composed the College of Queen's Museum, and lived with his brother, Dr. Ephraim Brevard, and that in ransack ing a number of his brother's papers thrown aside as useless, he came across the fragments of a Declaration of Independence by the people of Mecklenburg. Upon inquiry, his brother informed him they were the rudi ments out of which a short time before, he had framed the instrument, despatched to Congress. The same au thority states that he was in Philadelphia in the latter part of the year 1778, and until May of the year 1779. During that time, William Sharp. Esq., of Rowan county, 28 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. arrived in Philadelphia, as a Delegate to Congress from, -i North Carolina. Amidst a 'variety of topics introduced for discussion was that of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Hon. John Penn, of North Carolina, said in presence of several members of Congress, that he was "highly pleased with the bold and distinguished spirit with which so enlightened a county of the State he had the honor to represent had exhibited to the world ; and, lurthermore, that the bearer of the instrument to Congress had conducted himself very judiciously on the occasion by previously opening his business to the Dele gates of his own State, who assured him that the other- States would soon act in the same patriotic manner as Mecklenburg had done. This important and additional testimony, here slight ly condenced, but facts not changed, is extracted from a communication in the Southern Home, by Dr. J. M. Davidson, of Florida, a gentleman of great moral worth } and christian integrity, and grandton of Adam Brevard, a brother of Dr. Ephraim Brevard, the reputed author of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. A brief extract from Governor Martin's di.-patch to the British Secretary of State, dated 30th of June, 1775. as found in Wheeler's " Historical Sketches," will now be given, which cannot be viewed in any other light than that of disinterested evidence. The Governor proceeds by saying, "the situation in which I find myself at present is indeed, my Lord, most despicable and" morti fying. * * * * I live, alas! ingloriou.sly, only to deplore it. * * The resolves of the Committee of Mecklenburg, which your Lerdship will find in ihe en closed newspaper, surpass all the horrid and treasonable publications that the inflamatory spirits of the conti nent have yet produced ; and your Lordship may de pend, its authors and abettors will not escape, "when my hands are sufficiently strergthened to attempt the recovery of the lost authority of theGovemment. A copy SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 29 of these resolves was sent off, I am informed, by ex press, to the Congress at Philadelphia, as soon as they were passed in the committee." The reader will mark, in particular, the clcsing sen tence of this extract, as confirmatory of what actually took place on the 20th of May. 1775. Captain James Jack, then of Charlotte, a worthy and patriotic citizen, did set out a few days after the Convention adjourned, on horse back, as the " express" to Congress at Philadel phia, and faithfully executed the object of his mission. (For -further particulars, see sketch of the Jack Family.) - The resolutions passed by the county eommitttee of safety on the 3ist of May following, and which some have erroneously confounded with those of the 20th of May, were a necessary consequence, embrackg simply '' rules and regulations" for the internal government of the ceunty, and hence needed no " express" to Congress. The preceding testimony, conjoined with that of Gen Joseph Graham, Rev. Humphrey Hunter, Captain James Jack, the bearer of the Mecklenburg Declaration to Congress, Rev. Francis Cummins, Mayor John David son, Isaac Alexander and others, previously referred to in the Sta'e pamphlet of 1831, and the exhaustive "Memoir" of the late Ex-Governor Graham — all men of exalted worth and christian integrity, ought to be " sufficient to satisfy incredulity itstlf," as to the genuineness of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and of its pro mulgation to the world on the 20th of May, 1775. And yet, in the face of this strong phalanx of unimpeachable testimony, there are a few who have attempted to rob North Caroliua of this brightest gem in the crown of her early political history, and tarnish, by base and insidious cavilsthe fair name and reputation of a band of Revo lutionary patriots, whose memories and heroic deeds the present generation and posterity will ever delight to honor. Mecklenburg sent as a Delegate to the first Provincial 5)0 SKETCHES OP WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. Congress direct from the: people, which met at Newbern on the 25th of AuguBt, 1774, Benjamin Patton. To the meeting at Hillsboro', on the 21st of August, 1775, Thomas Polk, John Phifer, Waightstill Avery> John McEnitt Alexander, James Houston, and Samuel Martin. To the meeting at Halifax on the 4fch of April, 1776r John Phifer, Robert Irwin and John MeKnitt Alaxan- -der. To the meeting at Halifax, on the 12th of November, 1776 (which formed the first State Constitution) John Phifer, Robert Irwin, Waighstill Avery, Hezekiah Alex ander and Zaccheus Wilson. All of these Delegates were unwavering patriots, and nearly all were signers of, the Mecklenburg Declaration *f Independence. Not only were the patriotic sons of Mecklenburg county active and vigilant in those trying times, but no portion of our State was more constantly the theater of stirring events during the drama of the American Revolution. "Its inhabitants," says Tarleton in his campaigns, "were more hostile to England than any others in America." A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE MECKLENBURG CENTENNIAL. The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, pro claimed to the world on the 20th of May, 1775, was cele brated in Charlotte on the 20th of May, 1875, with alt the honors and ceremonies befitting such an important occasion. A vast assemblage of at kast 25,000 persons were present to enjoy the "welcome" extended to all, and participate in the festivities of this gala day of North Caro lina. For three days preceding the grand holiday,. (17th, 18th and 19th) visitors were continually pourinfg; into the city. Enthusiastic excitement and necessary preparations were everywhere visible. Flags and stream ers greeted the eye in every direction. Many private residences were handsomely decorated. One of the most exalted ideas was a Centennial pole, 115 feet high, erected by Capt. Tlios. Allen, in the centre of Independence Square, from the top of which floated to the breeze a large flag, capped with a huge hornet's nest from Stokes county. To preserve the Centennial feature as far as possible of the Convention of the 19th of May, 1775, called out by Col. Thos. Polk, accordingly, on the 19th of May,1875, a proces sion was formed, and the military companies formed into a hollow sqare around the Cencennial pole, the bands, ice the meantime, rendering sweet music, and the artillery firing minute guns. The Mayor, Col. William Johnston, then addressed the multitude, extending to them a cor dial welcome in behalf of the citizens and authorities of Charlotte; after which Governor Brogden wa<* intro duced, and spoke substantially as follows : He said the <" principles of liberty enunciated by the fathers of the- revolution, one hundred years ago, upon the spot he then occupied would live throughout all time. Here, as free- 32 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. American citizens, they had proclaimed the principles which North Carolina bad ever since upheld, and of which this glorious flag, which waves protection to American citizens on land and sea was the star-gemmed type. Under this old flag we have a duty to perform in peace as well as in war. We have the principles of the fathers of the Mecklenburg Declaration to maintain. All should remember the sacrifices which gave us the right to that standard of our country ; and we should not for get our duty to North Carolina, and her daughter, Ten nessee, to the sister State of South Carolina, and to the whole country. Alluding to the growth of the United States in one hundred years, the Governor said that at the date of the Mecklenburg declaration of Independence, there were not more than six post-offices in North Carolina; now there are nine hundred post-offices ; then here was no steam traveling ; now there are twelve hun dred miles of rail-way in this State alone. He hoped the country would go on to prosper in the fulness of civil liberty until there was no opposition to the principles we cherish. In the name of North Carolina he welcomed all her sons to this festival, and the sons of all other sister Sta tes. May 20th, 1875 — Centennial morning ! Of the large number of illustrious patriots who participated in the exercises of the Mecklenburg Convention of the same date, 1775, not one was present to animate us with their counsel, or speak of the glorious deeds of the Revolution ary period — all having succumbed to the irrevocable fiat of nature, and passed to " that bourne whence no traveler returns." Their example, their precepts, and sacrifices in the cause of freedom, constitute their rich and instruc tive heritage to us. A cloudless sky, a balmy atmos phere, and a glow of patriotic feeling beaming on every countenance, all conspired to add imprcssiveness to the scene, and awaken hallowed remembrances of the past. Agreeably to the published programme, the day was SKETCHES OF WE3TERN NORTH CAROLINA. 33 ; ushered in by the ringing of bells, and a salute of one hundred guns by the Raleigh and Richmond artillery. From six o'clock in the morning until several hours after- ward, the whistles of locomotives every few minutes told of the arrival of trains, packed with visitors, firemen, military and bands of music. The various committees were kept busy in directing the movements and assigning quarters for the organized bodies ; while landlords and keepers of boarding-houses showed an accommodating -spirit, and received visitors until their utmost capacity for -room was more than exhausted — full to overflowing. And . although some, difficulty was observed in procuring bed room, yet an abundance of provisions was everywhere exhibited for the comfort and well-being of the " inner .man." THE GRAND PROCESSION. General Joseph E. Johnston, Chief Marshal, haying been 'prevented from attending on account of severe sickness, General W. R. Cox, of Raleigh, was selected to fill his place. General Bradley T. Johnston, of Richmond, was placed in charge of the Military Department, and John C. Gorman of the Fire Department. The soldiers were nearly all dressed in gray suits, and the firemen in red and black, except the Wilmington company, which also -appeared in gray. While the Chief Marshal and his assistants were endeavoring to bring order out of the .immense mass of humanity in the streets, six splendid bands from Richmond, Newbern, Raleigh, Wilmington, Fayetteville and Salem, besides the Cadet band of the Carolina Military Institute, were exerting their sonorous energies to move the listening million bv " concord of sweet sounds," and thereby prevent them from ever be coming subjects "fit for treason, stratagems and spoils." At half-past ten o'clock the grand pageant was fully .displayed. As far as the eye could reach the brilliant procession filled the streets, presenting a glittering, undu- 84 SKETCHES' OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. lating line of infantry, artillery, firemen, laddermen, axe men, zouaves, cadets, grangers, masons, templars, high- landers, citizens, &c, with gleaming arms, rustling flagsT soul-stirring music, and other manifestations of patriotic enthusiasm. Nearlj7. every window, piazza and house-top was crowded with feminine loveliness, to cheer with their smiles and lend their graceful approbation to the rnovingr exhibitions of the occasion. On the side-walks " miles of spectators" were seen submitting to the stifling effects of clouds of dust, with the laudable desire " to see and be seen." While immense flags were floating to the breeze- across the principal streets, countless numbers of miniature ones, in red, white and blue, fluttered from windows and ] torches. A large number of military and fire companies followed by delegations of the Masonic Order, Good Tem plars, Odd Fellows, Caledonian Clubs, Grangers, invited guests, visitors, &c, all joined in the grand procession to. the fair grounds. EXERCISES AT THE FAIR GROUNDS. Arriving at the Fair Grounds, the immense concourse of people gathered around the large stand, which had beer* erected amidst a clump of trees, for the ladies and invited. guests. The stand was beautifully decorated with ever greens, festoons, flags, hornets' nests, and other emble matic devices. The ladies of the city had been diligently- weaving these evergreen and floral adornments for several days preceding the Centennial. A precious bouquet and wreath, sent by Mrs. L. II. Walker, from the grounds of Washington's tomb at Mt. Vernon, added a "venerated sanctity to the whole. At 11 o'clock, Pev. Dr. A. W. Miller, of the First Pres byterian Church, opened the exercises with an eloquent prayer. The '-Old North State" was then rendered in stirring tones by the Citizens* Band. Hx-Gov. Graham then called the assembly to order, and SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 35 said there was cause to congratulate the vast assemblage of patriotic citizens convened on this centennial occasion, for the bright, auspicious weather that prevailed, and for the general health and prosperity of the country. He felt highly gratified with the patriotic demonstration, and re joiced to see in our midst so many prominent citizens from sister States. The Governor of North Carolina, and several of the Judges of her Courts were present. Tho Governor of the far-off State of Indiana, (Mr. Hendricks,) was here, representing one of the great Western States which sprung from old Virginia. There was a represen tative present (Mr. Bright) from Tennessee, the daughter of North Carolina. The Governor (Mr. Chamberlain) of South Carolina ; the ex-Governor (Mr. Walker) of Vir ginia, and a large delegation from both of these States were all present to participate in the centennial festivities. In the name of North Carolina, he bade all a hearty welcome. After the conclusion of ex-Gov. Graham's remarks, Maj. Seaton Gales, of Raleigh, was introduced to the audi ence, who, previous to the reading of the Mecklenburg Resolves, delivered a. short address expressing his entire confidence in their authenticity. The orator of the day, Judge John Kerr, of the fifth Judicial District, was then introduced amidst loud ap plause. He spoke for half an hour in stirring, eloquent language, worthy of his high reputation as an impressive speaker. Hon. John M. Bright, of Tennessee, was next intro duced. He delivered an address of great power, abound- , ing with many interesting historical facts relating to the early history of North Carolina, and the character of her people. As these speeches will be published, it is deemed unnecessary to present a synopsis of their contents. The speeches being concluded, the invited guests, fire men, military, &c, marched into Floral Hall, and were entertained with toasts, short addresses and music, while 36 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. the cravings of hunger were rapidly dispelled by the sumptuous food, and rich viands set before them. On Thursday night, a stand having been erected around the Centennial Pole in Independence Square, a number of short and stirring addresses were made by ex-Gov. Hen dricks, of Indiana ; ex-Gov. Walker, of Virginia ; Gov. Chamberlain, of South Carolina ; Gov. Brogden, of North Carolina ; ex-Gov. Vance, Gen. W R. Cox, Gen. T. L. Clingman, Judge Davidson and Col. II. M. Polk, the lat ter two of Tennessee. Gov. Hendricks, at the commencement of his address, spoke substantially as follows : "This is one of the greatest ¦celebrations that has ever taken place in this country. Here your fathers, and mine, one hundred years ago, de clared themselves free of the British crown. I need not refer to the events since. In intelligence, wealth and power, we are ahead of the world. Right here I must tell you that the fame of the Mecklenburg Declaration belongs not to the people of Mecklenburg alone, nor to the State of North Carolina, but its fame belongs to Indiana as well--— in fact, to all the States of the Union. I claim it common participation in the glory of this great event. They were not only patriots, these Mecklenburgers of 1775, but they were also wise statesmen. One has but to carefully read this Declaration to discern the truth of this statement. The resolutions looked to a delegation of powers in the Continental Congress for their protection against enemies abroad, and all general purposes of na tionality, but they assert most unequivocally the right of local self-government, and all the reserved powers not plainly granted to the general government. These old patriots showed their wisdom by providing against an interim of anarchy for want of lawful officers to protect life and property ; so they resolved that each military and civil officer under the Provincial government should re tain all their authority. I ask the people of North Caro lina to join with us in the National celebration, to take [•KETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 37 place in Philadelphia in 1876. Shall I see North Carolina represented there ? (Cries of yes! yes!) What a lesson it will be to the whole country ! The troubles of the war can be yet settled by a system of good government." Other speakers indulged in similiar patriotic sentiments. After the speaking was over on Centennial night, the Mayor (Colonel Johnston) ascended the stand, and con gratulated the large audience upon the excellent order and good feeling which had prevailed from the beginning to the eud of the exercises. He thanked those present for their attendance and participation in the honors and fes tivities of the occasion. Then commenced the pyrotechnical display which had been witnessed to some extent during the intervals of the tiddresses. The "rocket's red glare," without the "bumbs bursting in air," gave proof on that night our people were there. The streets, and the houses in the vicinity Avere never before so handsomely illuminated., and a brilliant and appropriate closing scene of "the day we celebrate" conspicuously displayed on a broad waving banner. Hun dreds of the descendants of the patriots of Mecklenburg, and surrounding country, were present, as well as a goodly number of descendants of kindred spirits from the Cape Fear region, whose ancestors proved themselves "rebels" by stamping under foot the steemp paper intended for the use of the Colony — an act 'worthy of all Roman, or Grecian tame." The celebration of the 20th of May, 1875, was a grand success — such a celebration as has never before oc curred, in the history of North Carolina, and will never again be witnessed by the present generation. May the Centennial of the 20th of May, 1975, be still more suc cessful, pass off with the same degree of order and good feeling, and be attended with all the blessings of enlight ened civil and religious liberty ! 38 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. JAMES BELK-— A VETERAN INVITED GUEST. Among the honored invited guests of the Mecklenburg Centennial, on the 20th of May, 1775, was James Belk, of Union county (formerly a part of Mecklenburg), now up wards of one hundred and ten years old ! As recorded in a family Bible, printed in Edinburg in 1720, he was bom on the 4th of February, 1765. He still resides on the same tract of land upon which he was born and raised, his father being one of the original settlers of the country. He is a man of fine intelligence ; acted for many years as one of the magistrates of Mecklenburg county, and is still well preserved in mind and body. He recollects the death of his father, who was mortally wounded in the Revolu tionary war, near the North Carolina line, and knows that his mother, fearing the mournful result, visited the place of conflict, and found him, severely wounded, in the woods near the road-side. She assisted him to their home, but soon afterward had him transferred to the residence of his grandfather for better attention, where he died. He remembers distinctly the great meeting in Charlotte (then upwards of ten years old) on the 20th of May, 177". when a Declaration of Independence was read by Colonel Polk, and heard his father speak of it, in presence of the family, after his return from Charlotte. His mother seemed to be greatly disturbed, supposing it would bring on war. Although then but a youth of tender years, the scene and the declaration made an iudellible impression upon Ids memory. lie says his recollection of events of that period, and a few years subsequently, is more vivid and distinct than those which transpired thirty years ago. He has been twice married, having ten children by the first, and twelve by the last wife. He was accompanied to the centennial meeting by one of his younger sons, a \ad forty-one years of age. His oldest child, a daughter, is still living, aged eighty-eight years! He named oive of his sons Julius Alexander, an intimate friend and junior SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 39 -schoolmate. As he and Alexander grew up, they fre quently heard the two meetings of the 20th and 31st of May, 1775, spoken of as being separate and distinct. Having already attained a longevity seldom allotted to frail humanity, may continued health, prosperity, and, above all, the consolations of the Gospel, attend him in his remaining days upon earth ! P. S. — Thus the author wrote soon after the centennial celebration in Charlotte, on the 20th of May, 1875, but before these sketches go to the press, he is informed of the death of this veteran and worthy citizen ; passing away calmly and peacefully, at his home in Union county, N. C. on the 9th of May, 1S76, at the extreme old ago of one hundred, and, eleven years three months and fire days ! SIGNERS OF THE MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Abraham Alexander, the Chairman of the Mecklenburg ¦Convention of the 19th and 20th of May, 1775, was born in 1718, and was an active and influential magistrate of the county before and after the Revolution, being gene rally tho honored chairman of the Inferior Court. He was a member of the popular branch of the Assembly in 1774-'75, with Thomas Polk as an associate; also one of the fifteen trustees of Queen's Museum, which institution, in 1777, was transformed into "Liberty Hall Academy." After the involuntary retreat of Josiah Martin, the royal Governor, in June, 1775, from tho State, it-s government was vested in — 1. A Provincial Council for the whole province. 2. A District Committee of Safety for each county, of not less than tAventy-onc persons, to be elected . annually by the people of each county. The members of the Provincial Council for the Salisbury district were Samuel Spencer and Waightstill Avery. Tho members of the District Committee of Safety were John Brevard, Griffith Rutherford, Hezekiah Alexander, James Auld, Benjamin Patton, John Crawford, William Hill, John 40 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. Hamilton, Robert Ewart, Charles Galloway, William Dent, Maxwell Chambers. The county committee, elected annually by the people in each county, executed such orders as they received from the Provincial Council, and made such rules and regulations as the internal condition of each county demanded. They met once in three months at the Court-house of their respective counties, to consult on public measures, to Correspond with other committees;,, to disseminate important information, and thus performed1 the duties and requirements of courts. The county com mittees exercised these important functions until justices of the peace were appointed by the Legislature and duly commissioned by the Governor. It was this committee which met in Charlotte on the 31st of May, 1775, and passed a series of rules and regula tions for the internal government of the county — a neces sary sequel, as previously stated, of the more important meeting of the 20th of May preceding. This statement is stvongly corroborated by a communication published last summer in the " Charlotte Observer," by D. A. Caldwell, Esq., one of Mecklenburg's most aged, intelligent and worthy citizens. The portion of the communication most pertinent to our subject reads thus: "I -was born and raised in the house of my maternal grandfather, Major John Davidson, who was one of the signers of the Meck lenburg Declaration. ' I have often heard him speak of the 20th of May, 1775, as the day on which it was signed, and the 31st of the same month as the time of an ad journed meeting. The " 20th of May" was a household word in the family. Moreover, I was present (and am now the only surviving witness of the transaction) Avhen he gave a certificate of the above dates to Dr. Joseph McKnitt Alexander, whose father, John McEnitt Alex ander, was also a signer, and the principal secretary of the- meeting. This certificate was called forth by the cele brated attempt of Thomas Jefferson to throw discredit on the whole affair. A certificate to the same effect was SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 41 given on that occasion by Samuel Wilson, a brother-in-law of Major Davidson, and a man of undoubted integrity. Mr. Wilson, although not a signer, was present at the signing on the 20th of May. I often heard my grand father allude to the date in later years, when he lived with his daughter, Mrs. William Lee Davidson, whose husband was the son of General Davidson, who fell at Cowan's Ford." Under the administration of Abraham Alexander as Chairman of the Committee of Safety, the laws passed by that body of vigilant observers of the common good Avere strictly enforced ; and each citizen, Avhen he left the county, was required to carry with him a certificate of his ¦poUtical standing, officially signed by the chairman. Abraham Alexander Avas a most worthy, exemplary and influential member of society ; was, for many years, a Ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church, and lies buried in the graveyard of Sugar Creek Church. On his grave stone is this brief record : " Abraham Alexander, ''Died on the 22nd of April, 1786, " Aged 68 years. " ' Let rae die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like liis." " Adam Alexander Avas chiefly knoAvn by his military services He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of a bat talion of minute men, Avith Thomas Polk as Colonel, and Charles M'Lean as Major, by the Provincial Council held at Johnston Court-house, on the 18th of December, 1775 ' and Colonel of Mecklenburg county, Avith John Phifer as Lieutenant Colonel, and John Davidson and George A. Alexander as Majors, by the Provincial Congress, held at Halifax on the 4th of April, 1776. He was a brave and energetic officer ; and his name will be found in nearly every expedition which marched from Mecklenburg county to oppose the enemies of his country. He A\ras for many years, before and after the war, an acting 42 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. Justice of the Peace, and tradition speaks of him as bear ing an excellent character. He died in 1798, aged seventy years, and is buried in the old graveyard of Rock Spring, seven miles east of Charlotte. Many of his descendants lie buried in the graveyard at Philadelphia Church, two miles from Rock Spring, at Avhich latter place the con gregation worshipped before the Revolution, mingling Avith their pious devotion many touching and prayerful appeals for the final deliverance of their country from the storms of the approaching conflict of arms in a righteous cause. Hezekiah Alexander was more of a statesman than a soldier. He Avas born in Pennsylvania in 1728. He Avas appointed a member of the Committee of Safety for the Salisbury district by the Provincial Congress which met tit Hillsboro on the 21st of August, 1775, with General Griffith Rutherford, John Brevard, Benjamin Pattou and others — a position of much responsibility and ppAver. He was appointed by the Provincial Congress, in April, 1776. Avith William Sharpe, of RoAvan county, on the Council of Safety. He Avas elected a member of the Provincial Congress from Mecklenburg county, Avhich met at Halifax on November 12th, 1776, and framed the first Constitu tion of the State, Avith Waightstill Avery, Robert Irwin, John Phifer, and Zaccheus Wilson, as colleagues. At the Provincial Congress, Avhich met at Halifax on the 4th of April, 1776, he Avas appointed Paymaster of the Fourth Regiment of North Carolina Continentals — Thomas Polk. Colonel, James Thaekston, Lieut. Colonel, and William Davidson, Major. He was the treasurer of " Liberty Hall Academy" (formerly " Queen's Museum") during its exist ence. He died on the 16th of July, 1801, and lies buried in the graveyard of Sugar Creek Church, of which he had long been an active and Avorthy member. The inscriiitiou on his tombstone reads thus : " In memory of Hezekiah Alexander, "Who departed this life July 16th, 180], " Aged 73 years." SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 43 John McKnitt Alexander, of Scotch-Irish ancestors, Avas born in Pennsylvania, near the Maryland line, in 1733. He served as an apprentice to the trade of tailor, and when his apprenticeship expired, at the age of twenty-one, he emigrated to North Carolina, joining his kinsmen and countrymen in seeking an abode in the beautiful cham paign betAveen the Yadkin and Catawba rivers — the land of the deer and the buffalo ; of " Avild pea- vines" and cane- brakes, and of peaceful prosperity. In 1759 he married Jane Bain, of the same race, from Pennsyh^auia, and set tled in Hopewell congregation. Prospered in his business. he soon became wealthy and an extensive landholder, and rising in the estimation of his felloAV-citizens, was pro moted to the magistracy and the Eldership of the Presby terian Church. Ho was a member ot the Provincial Assembly in 1772, and one ot the Delegates to the Convention Avhich met at Hillsboro, on the 21st of August, 1775. He Avas also a member of the Provincial Congress, Avhich met at Halifax on the 4th of April, 1776, Avith John Phifer and Robert Irwin as colleagues. In 1777, he wits elected the first Senator from Mecklenburg county, under the neAv Constitution. He was an active partici pator in the Convention of the 19th and 20th of May, 1775, and preserved for a long time, the records, as being, its principal secretary, and the proper custodian of its pa pers. He gaATe copies of its important and ever-memorable- proceedings to Gen. William R. Davie, Dr. Hugh Wil liamson, then professing to Avrite a history of North Caro lina, and others. Unfortunately, the original was de stroyed in 1800, when the house of Mr. Alexander Avas burned, but Gen. Davie's copy has been preserved. He was one of the Trustees of the 'College of Queen's Muse um," the name of which was afterward changed to "Lib erty Hall." He Avas for many years, a ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church, and by his Avalk and conversa- tion, its firm supporter. 44 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. By the east wall of the grave-yard at Hopewell Church, is a row of marble slabs, all bearing the name of Alexan der. On one of them, is this short inscription : " John McKnitt Alexander, " Who departed this life July 10th, 1817, " Aged 84." It is a singular fact, that the signers of the Mecklen burg Declaration were all, with perhaps one or two excep tions, members of the Presbyterian Church. One of them, Rev. Hezekiah J. Balch, was a Presbyterian preacher, and nine others Elders of that Church, Avhich may be truly styled, at and before the Revolution, the "nursing mother of freemen." V/ aightstill Avery Avas an eminent laAvyer, born in the town of Groton, Connecticut, in 1747, and graduated at Princeton College in 1766. There were eight brothers of this family, and all true patriots ; some of them Avere massacred at Fort Griswold, and some perished at Wyom ing Valley. Some of the descendants still reside at Gro ton, Conn., and others at Oswego, and Seneca Lake, N. Y. He studied law on the eastern shore of Maryland, Avith Littleton Dennis. In 1769, he emigrated to North Caro lina, obtained license to practice in 1770, and settled in Charlotte. By his assiduity and ability, he soon acquired numerous friends. He Avas an ardent advocate of liberty, but not of licentiousness. In 1778, he married near NeAvbern, Mrs Leah Frank, daughter of William Probart, a Avealthy merchant of Suoav Hill, Md, Avho died on a visit to London He Avas a member of the Provincial Congress which met at Hills boro on the 21st of August, 1775. In 1776, he was a delegate to the Provincial Congress Avhich met at Halifax to form a State Constitution, Avith Hezekiah Alexander, Robert Irwin, John Phifer and Zaecheus Wilson as col leagues. He was appointed to sign proclamation bills by this body. On the 20th of July, 1777, Avith William Sharpe, Joseph Winston and Robert Lanier, as associates. SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 45 he made the treaty of the Long Island of the Holston with the Cherokee Indians. This treaty, made without au oath, is one that has neArer been violated. In 1777, he Avas elected the first Attorney General of North Carolina. In 1780, Avhile Lord Cornwallis Avas encamped in Char lotte, some of the British soldiery, on account of his well- knoAvn advocacy of independence, set fire to his law office, and destroyed it, with all his books and papers. In 1781, he moved to Burke county, Avhich he represented in the Commons in 1783-'84-'85 and '93 ; and in the Senate in 1796. He Avas held iti high esteem by all avIio knew him, and died at an advanced age, in 1821. At the time of his death he was the "Patriarch of the North Carolina Bar ;" an exemplary Christian, a pure patriot, and of sterling in tegrity, lie left a son, the late Colonel Isaac T. Avery, who represented Burke county in the Commons in 1809 and 1810, and three daughters, one of whom married William W. Lenoir ; another, Thomas Lenoir, and the re maining one, Mr. Poor, of Henderson county. • Rev. Hezekiah J. Balch was born at Deer Creek, Harford county, Md., in 1748. He was said to be the brother of Col. James Balch, of Maryland, and the uncle of the late distinguished Rev. Stephen B. Balch, D. D., of Georgetown, D. C. He graduated at Princeton in 1766, when not quite eighteen years old, in the class Avith Waightstill Avery, Luther Martin, of Maryland, Oliver Ellsworth, of Con necticut, and others. He came to North Carolina in 1761), its a missionary, being appointed for this work by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. Although ordained before the Avar, he served four years as Captain of a com pany in Maryland, under General Somerville. Soon after this service, he removed to North Carolina, and settled on "Irish Buffalo Creek," in Cabarrus county, lie was the first Pastor of Rocky River and Poplar Tent Churches, where he continued to faithfully labor in the cause of his Divine Master, until the time of his death. Abundant in every good word and Avork, he took an active part in 4') SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. moulding the popular mind for the great struggle of the approaching Revolution. He combined in his character, great enthusiasm Avith unflinching firmness He looked to the achieA^ement of principles upon Avhich a govern ment of well-regulated laAv and liberty could be safely established, and which should be removed from its strong foundations no more forever. Hence, he Avas a prominent actor in the Convention at Charlotte on the 19th and 20th of May, 1775, which declared independence of the British crown. But in the inscrutable ways of Providence, he did not live long enough to see the Avarmest Avish of his heart gratified — the independence of his country, for which he was ready, if necessary, to yield up his life in its achievement. He died in the spring of 1776, in the midst of his usefulness, and his mortal remains repose in the old grave-yard of Poplar Tent Church. On the occasion of a railroad meeting at Poplar Tent Church in 1847, attention was called to the fact that no monument of any kind marked the grave of this eminent divine and patriot ; Avhereupon, a voluntary subscription - was immediately made, aud the necessary funds promptly raised to build a suitable monument to his memory. Fortunately, Abijah Alexander, then ninety years of age, was still living, a Avorthy citizen, and long a member of Poplar Tent Church, who Avas present at the burial of his beloved pastor, and who could point out the precise spot of sepulture, near the centre of the old graveyard. The following is a copy of the inscription over his grave : "Beneath this marble are the mortal remains of the Rev. Hezikiah J. Balch, first pastor of Poplar Tent con gregation, and one of the original members of Orange Presbytery. He Avas licensed a preacher of the everlast ing gospel, of the Presbytery of Donegal in 1766, and rested from his labors A. D. 1776 ; having been pastor of the united congregations of Poplar Tent and Rocky River, about seven years. He Avas distinguished as one of the Committee of Three Avho pro] tared the Declaration of In SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 47 dependence, and his eloquence, the more effectual from his acknowledged wisdom, purity of motive and dignity of character, contributed much to the unanimous adoption of that instrument on the 20th of May, 1775." Dr. Ephraim Brevard, the reputed author of the Meck lenburg Declaration of Independence, proclaimed on the 20th of May, 1775, Avas born in Maryland in 1744. He came Avith his parents to North Carolina when about four years old. He was the son of John Brevard, one of the earliest settlers of Iredell, then Rowan, county, and of Huguenot descent. At the conclusion of the Indian war in 1761, he and his cousin, Adlai Osborne, were sent to a grammar school in Prince Edward county, Va. About a year later, he returned to North Carolina and attended a school of considerable notoriety in Iredell county, con ducted successively by Joseph Alexander, (a nephew of John McKnitt Alexander) David Caldwell, then quite young, and Joel Benedict, from the New England States. Adlai Osborne, Ephraim Brevard and Thomas Reese (a brother of Da /id Reese, one of the signers), graduated at Princeton College in 1768, and greatly contributed by talents and influence to the spread and maintenance of patriotic principles. Soon after graduation, Ephraim Brevard commenced the study of medicine under the cel ebrated Dr. Alexander Ramsey, of South Carolina, a distin guished patriot and historian of the Revolutionary Avar. In 1776, Dr. Brevard joined the expedition of General Rutherford in his professional capacity, during the Chero kee campaign. Soon after this service he settled in Char lotte, Avhere he married a daughter of Col. Thomas Polk, and rapidly rose to eminence in his profession. He had one child, Martha, Avho married Mr. Dickerson, the father of the late James P. Dickerson, a Lieutenant-Colonel in the South Carolina regiment in the Mexican Avar, and who died from a avouikI received in a battle near the City of Mexico. After the death of his beloved and youthful wife, Dr. Brevard again entered the Southern army, as 48 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. " surgeon's mate," or assistant surgeon, under General Lincoln, in 1780, and was made a prisoner at the surren der of Charleston. While engaged as one of the teachers in the Queen's Museum he raised a company, from the young men of that institution, to assist in putting down the Tories assem bled on Cape Fear River. Of this company he was made captain. They marched immediately in the direction of Cross Creek (Fayetteville), but, on learning of the disper sion of the Tories, they returned home. Inheriting from his family a devotion to liberty and independence, he early became distinguished for his patriotic ardor and decision of character. He Avas a fine scholar, fluent writer, and drew up the resolutions of independence which the Convention of the 20th of Maj-, 1775, adopted, with very slight alteration, acting as one of the secretaries. During his confinement in Charleston, as a jirisoner of war, he suffered so much from impure air and unwhole some diet that his health gave way, and he returned home only to die. He reached the house of his friend and fellow patriot, John McKnitt Alexander, in Mecklen burg county, where he soon after breathed his last. He lies buried in Charlotte, in the lot iioav oAvned bv A. B. liavidson, Esq., near the grave of his beloved Avife, who, ;t short time before, preceded' him to the tomb. Upon this lot Avas located the Queen's Museum College, receiv ing, in 1777, the more patriotic name of "Liberty Hall Academy." Within its walls Avere educated a Spartan band of young men, who afterward performed a noble part in achieving the independence of their country. Richard Barry was born in Pennsylvania, of Scotch- Irish descent, and joining the great southern emigration of that period, he settled in Mecklenburg county, in the bounds of the Hopewell congregation, many years pre vious to the Revolution. In this vicinity he married Ami Price, and raised a numerous family. A. M. Parry, Ksq., who iioav (1876) resides at the old homestead, is the SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 49 ¦only surviving grandson. Mrs. A. A. Harry, Mrs. G. L. "Sample and Mrs. Jane Alexander, are the only surviving grand-daughters. He acted for many years as one of the magistrates of the county, and was a worthy and useful member of society. He was a true patriot and soldier, and was present at the affair of Cowan's Ford, where General Davidson was killed, on the 1st of Februaiy, 1781. After this short conflict he, David Wilson and a few others, secured the body of General Davidson, conveyed it to the house of Samuel Wilson, Sen., where, after being properly dressed, it was moved by these devoted patriots to the graveyard of HopeAvell Church, and there buried by torch-light. John Davidson was born in Pennsylvania in 1736. He performed much civil and military sendee to secure the independence of his country. lie Avas appointed by the Provincial Congress, Avhich met at Halifax on the 4th of April, 1776, a field officer (Major) with Adam Alexander as Colonel, John Phifer as Lieutenant Colonel, and George A. Alexander as second Major. He Avas Avith General Sumpter in August, 1780, at the battle of the Hanging Rock, and was a General in the State militia service. He was enterprising, and successful in business. With Alex ander Brevard, and Joseph Graham, his sons-in-law, he established Vesuvius Furnace and Tirza Forge iron Avorks in Lincoln county. He married Violet, daughter of Samuel Wilson, Sr., and raised a large family. His daughter, Isabella, married Joseph Graham ; Rebecca. married Alexander Brevard ; Violet married William Bain Alexander, son of John McKnitt Alexander; Eliza beth married William Lee Davidson, son of General Davidson, who fell at Cowan's Ford ; Mary married Dr. William McLean; Sallie married Alexander CaklAvell, son of Rev. David CaklAvell, of Guilford county ; Margaret married Major James Harris^ He had only tAvo sons, John (or "Jackey") and Robert ; John married Sallie Bre- 4 50 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. vard, daughter of Adam Brevard ; Robert marrieJ Margaret Osborne, daughter of Adlai Osborne, grand father of the late Judge James W. Osborne, of Charlotte- Major Davidson's residence Avas about one mile east of" Toole's Ford, on the CataAvba river. A large Elm, of hi;? own planting, is now growing in front of the old family- mansion, Avith over-arching limbs, beneath Avhose benefi cent shade the old patriot could quietly sit in summer... (xnb tegmine potato; id.mi) whilst surrounded with some of his children, grand-children, and other blessings to cheer - his earthly pilgrimage to the tomb. Robert Inrin Avas a distinguished officer, and performed important military service during the ReA'olutionary War. In 1776, he and William Alexander each, commanded a- regiment under General Rutherford, in the expedition- from Mecklenburg, RoAvan, Lincoln, and other counties., to subdue fhe Cherokee Indians, Avho were committirur murders and numerous depredations upon the frontiear settlements. After the fall of Charleston many of the unsubdued Whigs sought shelter in North Carolina. Early in July„ 1 780, General Sumter had taken refuge in Mecklenburg - county, and having enlisted a considerable number ot" brave and dashing recruits in that chivalrie region- returned to South Carolina prepared for neAv ami- da ring exploits. Soon thereafter, accompanied by Colonel- • Neal, Irwin, Hill and Lacy, he made a vigorous assault against the post of Rocky Mount, but failed in reducing it for the Avant of artillery. After this assault General Sumter crossed the Catawba, and marched Avith his for**"s in the direction of Hanging Rock. In the engagement which took place there, and, in the main successful, tin- right was composed of General Davie's troops, and som<- volunteers under Major Bryan; the centre consisted »¦*%' Colonel Irwin's Mecklenburg Militia, Avhich made- tlu- first attack; and the left included Colonel Hill's. SotttL- SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 51 Carolina Regulars.* In 1781 Colonel Irwin commanded a regiment under General Rutherford, in the Wilmington campaign. He was a delegate to the Provincial Congress, which met at Halifax, on the 4th of April, 1776, Avith John McKnitt Alexander and John Phifer as colleagues. He was again a delegate to the Provincial Congress which met at Halifax, on the 12th of November, 1776, Avhich body formed our first Constitution. His last civil ser vices Avere as Senator from Mecklenburg county, in 1797,- '98-'99 and 1800. For many years he Avas a worthy and influential Elder of the Presbyterian Church at Steele Creek. He died on the 23rd of December, 1800, aged sixty-two years. WiUiam Kennon Avas an early and devoted friend of liberty. He Avas an eminent laAvyer, resided in Salisbury, and had a large practice in the surrounding counties. Jh- wsis one of the prominent advocates for absolute indepen dence at the Convention in Charlotte, on the 19th and 20th of May, 1775. He, Avith Mr. Willis, a brother-in-law, Adlai Osborne, and Samuel Spencer (afterward Judge Spencer), took an active part in arresting two obnoxious hnvyers, John Dunn and Benjamin Booth Boote, preced- ing the ReA'olution, in giving utterance to language ini mical to the cause of American independence. They were conveyed to Charlotte for trial, and being found guilty of conduct inimical to the American cause, they were transported to Camden, S. C, and finally to Charleston, beyond the reach of their injurious influence. Colonel Kennon Avas a member of the first Congress which met at NeAATbern on the 25th of August, 1774, in opposition to royalty, and "fresh from the people," Avith Moses Winslow and Samuel Young as colleagues. He 11 General Moultrie, in sneaking of this engagement in his "Memoirs of tlie American Revolution," says : " AVhen General Sumter began tins attack lie had not more than ten rounds of ball to a man ; but before the action was over, he was amply supplied with arms and ammunition from the British and Tories that fell in the beginning." 52 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. was also a delegate to the same place in April, 1775, with Griffith Rutherford and William Sharpe as colleagues ; and to the Provincial Congress at Hillsboro, in August, 1775, associated with William Sharpe, Samuel Young and James Smith. In 1776, he was appointed commissary of the first regiment of State troops. He Avas ever active and faithful in the discharge of his duties. Soon after the Revolutionary war he moved to Georgia, where he died at a good old age. Benjamin Patton Avas one of the earliest settlers in the eastern part of Mecklenburg county (iioav Cabarrus). He was a man of iron firmness and of indomitable courage. Descended from the blood of the CoArenanters, he inherited their tenacity of purpose, sagacity of action and purity of character. He was an early and devoted friend of liberty. He Avas a delegate to the Provincial Congress Avhich met at NeAvbern on the 25th of August, 1774. This Avas the first meeting of representatives direct from the people. The royal Governor, Josiah Martin, issued his proclama tion against its assembling, as being Avithout legal author ity. It constitutes an illustrious epoch in our colonial history, transpiring nearly two years before Congress would dare to pass a national declaration Although it was not a battle, or conflict of arms, yet it Avas the first and leading act in a great drama, in Avhich battles and blood were the direct and inevitable consequence*. Had Governor Martin the power at that time, he would have seized eA-ery member of this " rebellious " body and tried them for treason: In this dilemua, he summoned his ever obsequi ous Council for consultation, Avho, becoming alarmed at the "signs of the times," declared "nothing could be done.," Tradition informs us that Mr. Pattow, not being able to procure a horse, or any conveyance, Avalked all the Avay from Charlotte to Newbern, about three hundred miles rather than not be present, to vote Avith those determined on liberty or den lit. Although then advanced in years, he SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 53 showed all the enthusiasm of youth. At the Provincial Congress which met at Hillsboro on the 21st of August, 1775, he was appointed Major of the second Continental regiment, Avith Robert HoAAre as Colonel, and Alexander Martin as Lieutenant Colonel. Of his military record, in such high position, little is known, but we find him acting tis a member of the Committee of Safety for Mecklenburg county, with very full powers, associated with John Paul Barringer and Martin Phifer. They were a "terror unto evil doers." He Avas a man of considerable learning, of ardent. temperament, and of Christian integrity. He died near Concord, in Cabarrus county, at a good old age, and is buried on the banks of Irish Buffalo Creek. No monu ment marks his grave : "T.iey carved not a line, they raised not a stone. Hut left him alone in his glory." John Phifer was born in Cabarrus county (when a part of Bladen) in 1745. He Avas the son of Martin Phifer, a native of Switzerland, and of Margaret Blaekwelder. He raised a numerous family, who inherited the patriotic spirit of their ancestors. The original spelling of the name was Pfeifer. He resided on "Dutch Buffalo" Creek, at the Red Hill, known to this day as "Phifer's Hill." He was the father of General Taul Phifer, grandfather of General John N. Phifer of Mississipi, and great grandfather of General Charles II. Phifer, a distinguished officer in the battle of "Shiloh," in the late AvarbetAveen the States. At the Provincial Council, held at Johnston Court House in December, 177", he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the first battalion of "Minute Men," in the Salisbury Dis trict ; General Griffith Rutherford, Colonel, and John Paisley, Major, lie Avas a member of the Provincial ( 'ongress which met at Hillsboro on the 21st of August, 1775, associated with Thomas Polk, Waightstill Avery, James Houston, Samuel Martin and John McKnitt Alex- SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. ¦ander ; and also of the Congress which met at Halifax on the 4th of April, 1776, with Robert Irwin and John Mc- Knitt Alexander. By this latter body, he was appointed Lieutenant Col onel of the regiment commanded by Colonel Adam Alex ander. He was also a member of the Provincial Congress which met at Halifax in No\Tember, 1776, A\diich formed our first Constitution, associated with Plezekiah Alexan der, Waightstill Avery, Robert Irwin and Zaccheus Wil son, as colleagues. He married Catharine Barringer, which latter name was originally spelled Behringer. It was on the plantation of John Phifer, three mile < west of Concord, that the gallant band of "Black Boys. " headed by Captain "Black Bill Alexander" of Sugar Creek, aided by the Whites and others from the neighbor ing congregation of Rocky RiA-er, effected their memor able achievement in 1771, of destroying the king's powder, Avhich was on its way from Charleston to Hillsboro. to be used by a tyrannical Governor. The reader should bear in mind this blackening of faces, to prevent detectiou, Avas in the spring of 1771, Avhen the patriotic sentiment of this country had not ripened into that state of almost entire unanimity which characterized it, and the State generally. four years later. John Phifer filled an early grave, and lies buried at the "Red Hill," on the Salisbury road, where a decaying headstone, scarcely legible, marks the last resting-place of this true patriot. Thomas Polk is a name of historic distinction in North Carolina, as Avell as in our nation. He Avas the early, con stant, and enduring friend of liberty, and the unfaltering opponent of arbitrary power and oppression. He Avas a member of the Colonial Assembly in 1771 and 1775, as sociated with Abraham Alexander from Mecklenburg. In 1775, he Avas appointed Colonel of the second battalion of "Minute Men," with Adam Alexander as Colonel, and Charles McLean as Major. As Colonel of the Mecklenburg militia, he issued orders SKETCHES OE AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 55 to the Captains of the several beats, or districts, to send tAvo delegates each to the Convention in Charlotte on the 19th of May, 1775. This act alone, proceeding from patriotic motives, entitles him to our gratitude. In ac cordance Avith orders, and the anticipated discussion of political measures affecting the welfare of the country', a vast concourse of delegates, and of the citizens generally, from all parts of the country, as Avell as from the adjoin ing counties of Anson, Rowan and Tryon (afterward Lin coln) assembled on the appointed day — such a gathering sis had never before met in Charlotte, preceding, or dur ing the Revolution. It was not a small assemblage, like SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. the rebel army," and he himself had been an actiA^e pro moter of American independence. The loss to Patrick Jack of his dwelling-house and much furniture, accumulated through many years of patient toil and industry, was a severe one. The excite ment of the burning scene, consequent exposure, and great nervous shock to a system already debilitated Avith disease, a feAv months aftenvard brought to the graATe this veteran patriot. His aged partner survived him a feAAr years. Both Avere Avorthy and consistent members of the Pres byterian Church, and their mortal remains iioav repese in. the old graveyard in Charlotte. By the last will and testament of Patrick Jack, made on the 19th of May, 1780, he devised the Avhole of his personal estate >and the "undivided benefit of his house and lots to his beloved Avife during her life-time." After her death they were directed to be sold, and the proceeds divided among his five married daughters, viz.: Charity Dysart, Jane Barnctt, Mary Alexander, Margaret Wilson and Lillie Nicholson. James Jack and Joseph Nicholson were appointed executors. It is related of Dr. Thomas Henderson, a former venerable citizen of Charlotte, that, on his death-bed, he requested to be buried by the side of Patrick Jack, 'one of the best men he had ever knoAvn.' At the Convention of Delegates in Charlotte on the 19th and 20th of May, 1775, Capt. James Jack Avas one of the deeply interested spectators, and shared in the pa triotic feelings of that ever memorable occasion. He Avas then about forty-three years of age — brave, energetic and ready to engage in any duty having for its object the Avel- faro and independence of his country. After the passage of the patriotic resolutions, elsewhere given in this volume, constituting the Mecklenburg Declaration of Indepen dence, Capt. Jack, for his well-known energy, bravery and determination of character, Avas selected to he the bearer of them to Congress, then in session in Philadelphia. Accordingly, as soon as the necessary preparations for SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 67 traveling could be made, he set out from Charlotte on that long, lonesome and perilous journey, on horseback. There were then nowhoro in -the American colonies, stages or hacks to facilitate and expedite the Aveary traveler. Express messengers Avere alone employed for the rapid transmission of all important intelligence. On the eA'en- ing of the first day he reached Salisbury, forty miles from Charlotte, before the General Court, then in session, had adjourned. Upon his arrival, Colonel Kennon, an influen tial member of the Court, avIio knew the object of Captain Jack's mission, procured from him the copy of the Meck lenburg resolutions of independence he had in charge, and read them aloud in open court. All was silence, and all apparent approval (iutcntiquc ora (cnebant) as these earliest key-notes of freedom resounded through the hall of the old court house in Salisbury. There sat around, in sym pathizing composure, those sterling patriots, Moses Wins low, Waightstill AA-ery, Johu Brevard, William Sharpe, Griffith Rutherford, Matthew Locke, Samuel Young, Adlai Osborne, James Brandon, and many others, either members of the court, or of the county "Committee of Safety." The only marked opposition proceeded from two laAvyers, John Dunn and Benjamin Booth Bootc, Avho prouounced the resolutions treasonable, and said Captain .Jack ought to be detained. These individuals had pre viously expressed sentiments "inimical to tho American cause." As soon as knowledge of their avowed sentiments and proposed detention of Captain Jack reached Charlotte, the patriotic vigilance of tthe friends of liberty Avas actively aroused, and a party of ten or twelve armed horsemen promptly volunteered to proceed to Salisbury, arrest said Dunn and Boote, and bring them before the < 'ommittee of Safety of Mecklenburg for trial. This AAras accordingly done (George Graham, living near Charlotte, being one of the number), and both being found guilty of conduct inimical to the cause of American freedom, Avere transported, first to Camden, and afterward, to Charles- 08 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. ton, S. C. They never returned to North Carolina, but after the Avar, it is reported, settled in Florida, aud died there, it is hoped not only repentant of their sins, as all should be, but with chastened notions of the reality and benefits of American independence. On the next morning, Captain Jack resumed his journey from Salisbury, occasionally passing through neighbor hoods, in and beyond the limits of North Carolina, infested with enraged Tories, but, intent on his appointed mission, he faced all dangers, and finally reached Philadelphia in safety. Upon his arrival he immediately obtained an interview Avith the North Carolina delegates (CasAvell, Hooper and Hewes), and, aftera little conversation on the state of the country, then agitating all minds, Captain Jack drew from his pocket the Mecklenburg resolutions of the 20th of May, 1775, with the remark : "Here, gentlemen, is a paper that I haA7e been instructed to deliver to you, with the re quest that you should lay the same before Congress " After the North Carolina delegates had carefully read the Mecklenburg resolutions, and approved of their patri otic sentiments so forcibly expressed, they informed Cap tain Jack they Avould keep the paper, and show it to several of their friends, remarking, at the same time, they did not think Congress Avas then prepared to act upon so important a measure as absolute independence. On the next day, Captain Jack had another intervieAv Avith the North Carolina delegates. They informed him that they had consulted Avith several members of Cou- gress, (including Hancock, Jay and Jefferson,) and that all agreed, while they approved of tho patriotic spirit of the Mecklenburg resolutions, it would be premature to lay them officially before the House, as they still enter tained some hopes of reconciliation Avith England. It was clearly perceived by tho North Carolina delegates and other members whom they consulted, that the citizens of Mecklenburg county were in advance of the general senti- SKETCHES OF AVESTERN* NORTH CAROLINA. 69 ment of Congress on the subject of independence ; the phan tasy of "reconciliation" still held forth its seductive allure ments in 1775, and even during a portion of 1776 ; and hence, no record was made, or vote taken on the patriotic resolutions of Mecklenburg, and they became concealed from view in the blaze of the National Declaration burst ing forth on the 4th of July, 1776, Avhich only re-echoed and reaffirmed the truth and potency of sentiments pro claimed in Charlotte on the 20th of May, 1775. Captain Jack finding the darling object of his long and toilsome journey could not be then accomplished, and that Congress Avas not prepared to vote on so bold a measure as absolute independence, just before leaving Philadelphia for home, someAvhat excited, addressed the North Caro lina delegates, and several other members of Congress, in the following patriotic words : " Gentlemen, you may de bate here about 'reconciliation,' and memorialize your king, but, bear it in mind, Mecklenburg owes no allegiance to, and is separated from the crown of Great Britain forever " On the breaking out of hostilities Avith the mother country, no portion of the Confederacy was more forward in fulfilling the pledge of "life, fortune and sacred honor," in the achievement of liberty, previously made, than Meck lenburg and several adjacent counties. Upon the first call for troops, Captain Jack entered the seiwice in command of a company, and acted in that capacity, with distin guished bravery, throughout the Avar, under Colonels Polk, Alexander, and other officers. He uniformly declined promotion Avhen tendered, there being a strong reciprocal attachment between himself and his command, Avhich he highly appreciated, and did not wish to sunder. At the commencement of the war he was in " easy" and rather affluent circumstances — at its close, comparatiA'ely a poor man. Prompted by patriotic feelings for the final pros perity of his county, still struggling for indepeudence, he loaned to the State' of North Carolina, in her great pecun iary need, $4,000, for Avhich, unfortunatelp, he has never 70 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. received a cent in return. As a partial compensation for his services the State paid him a land warrant, which he placed in the hands of a Mr. Martin, a particular friend, to be laid at his discretion. Martin moved to Tennessee, and died there, but no account of tho warrant could be afterward obtained. Soon after the Avar he sold his house and lots in Char lotte, and moved with his family to Wilkes county, Ga. Here he is represented, by those Avho knew him, as being a " model farmer," Avith barns well filled, and surrounded with all the evidences of great industry, order and abun dance. Here, too, he was blest in en j 03' ing for many A'ears the ministerial instructions of the Rev. Francis Cummins, a distinguished Presbyterian clergyman avIio, at the youth ful age of eighteen, joined his command in Mecklenburg count 3', and had folloAved him to his new home in Georgia — formerly a gallant soldier for his country's rights, but now transformed into a "soldier of the cross " on Christian duty in his HeavonX Master's service The latter years of Captain Jack's life were spent under the care of his second son, William IT. Jack, long a suc cessful and most Avorthy merchant of Augusta, Ga. In 1813 or 1814, Captain Jack moved from Wilkes to Elbert county, of the same State. There being no Presbyterian church in reach, of Avhich he had been for many Aears a devout and consistent member, he joined the Methodist church, Avith Avhich his children had previously united. He Avas extremely fond of meeting with old friends, and of narrating incidents of the Revolution in Avhich he had actively participated, and for its success freeX contributed of his substance. In the serenity of a good old age, pro tracted beyond the usual boundaries of life, he cared but little for things of this Avorld, and took great delight in reading his Bible, and deriving from its sacred pages those Christian consolations Avhich alone can yield true comfort and happiness, and cheer the pathway of our earthly pil grimage to the tomb. He met his approaching end Avith SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 71 calm resignation, and died on the 18th of December, 1822, in the ninety-first 3'ear of his age. His Avife, the partner •of his joys and his sorrows through along and eventful life, survived him about two 3' ears, and then passed awa3- in peace. Cynthia Jack, eldest child and onl3r daughter of Capt. James Jack, married A. S. Coslty, and settled in Missis sippi. After his death the widow, and family settled in Louisiana, about 1814. Their descendants were : 1. Mar garet. 2. (tynthia. 3. James ; and 4. Dr. Charles Cosby. Patrick Jack, eldest son of Captain James Jack, Avas Colonel of the 8th Regiment U. S. Infant ly, in the war of 1812, stationed at Savannah. He sustained an elevated position in society, frequently represented Elbert county in the State Senate, and died in 1820. His children Avere : 1 . Patrick. 2. William II. ; and 3. James W. Jack. Patrick Jack, the eldest son, married Miss Spencer, and. in turn, had two daughters, Harriet and Margaret, and six sons : 1. James. 2. William II. 3- Patrick C. 4. Spencer II. 5. Abner; and 0. Churchill Jack. Abner died scA'eral years ago in Mississippi — a planter by occu pation, and a man of wealth. James Jack, eldest son of Col. Patrick Jack, married, in 1822, Ann Scott Gray, Avho died in 1838. In 1847, he married Mary Jane Witherspoon, having bythe first wife ten, and 1>A' the second, eleven children, of Avhom at pres- ant (1876) twelve are living. In 1823, he moved to Jeff erson count 3", Ala., and one year aftenvard to Hale county, in the same State, Avhere he ended his days. During tbe fall of the last year (1875) the author received from hint two interesting letters respecting the histotw of his ever- memorable grandfather, Capt. James Jack, after his re moval from North Carolina to Georgia. But alas ! the uncertainty' of human life ! Before the 3-ear closed this venerable, intelligent, and truty christian man Avas numbered with the dead ! He was a successful farmer, the prudent counsellor of his neighborhood, good to the 72 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. poor, dispensing his charities with a liberal hand, and vyas universally beloved by all who knew him. On the 27th of November he had a severe stroke of paralysis, from Avhich he never recovered. On the 27th of December, 1875, like a sheaf, ripe in its season, he Avas cut down, and gathered to his fathers, quietly passing away in the seven ty-sixth year of his age, Avith the fond hope of a blissful immortality beyond the grave. Churchill Jack, youngest son of Col. Patrick Jack, is a farmer in Arkansas, and the only one of this family noAv (1876) living. William H., Patrick C. and Spencer H. Jack, all young and adventurous spirits, emigrated from Alabama to Texas in 1831, and cast their lots with the little American colony which was then just beginning to establish itself. They were all three laAvyers by profes sion, and took an active interest and part in the difficul ties Avith Mexico, which Avere sure to result in open hostilities and the independence of Texas. Spencer H. Jack died young, and without issue. Patrick C. Jack played a prominent part in one of the earliest acts " rebellion " against the Mexican authorities. He, Travis and Edward, at Anahuac, smarting under the tyranny of the Mexican General, Bradburn, then com manding the post, denounced and rebelled against his usurpations and oppression. For this the3* Avere seized and imprisoned by Bradburn, and held as captive traitors, until released by a company of armed Texans, who demanded their immediate surrender or a fight. Bradburn, not having a particular fondness for leaden arguments, and Avell knoAV- ing the message meant business, reluctantly yielded to the stern demand. But this chrvalric rescue, as might be expected, Avas regarded by Mexico as treason, and Avar soon v afterward followed. After the close of the Mexican war Patrick C. Jack returned to his profession, which he pursued successfully. 7Vt the time of his death, in 1844, though still a young man, he Avas one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. . 73 the Republic of Texas. His brother, William II. Jack, also participated prominently in council, and in the field in the Revolution of Texas, and ferved as a private in the battle of San Jacinto, which sealed the independence of the " Lone Star" Republic. He achieved distinction in his profession as a lawyer and advocate, and served re peatedly as Representative and Senator in the Congress- of the 3'oung Republic. Under President Burnet's ad ministration he became Secretary of State. He, too, died in 1844, not having attained his fortieth year. He left a Avidow and three children, tAvo of the latter being daugh ters. His elder daughter is the Avife of Hon. W. P. Ballinger, of the city of Galveston, lately appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court of Texas, which position he declined. His second daughter (now deceased) married the Hon. Grey M. Bryan, of Galveston, Avho represented his district in Congress before the war, and was Speaker of the Plouse of Representatives of Texas in 1875. Colonel Thomas M. Jack, only son of William H. Jack* and great-grandson of Captain James Jack, of Mecklen burg memory, is an eminent lawyer and advocate, also of Galveston (of the firm of Ballinger, Jack and Mott), to Avhom the author acknoAvledges his indebtedness for many particulars respecting the Texan members of the Jack famity. William Houston Jack, second son of Captain James Jack, was one of the first settlers, and successful mer chants of Augusta, Ga. After his Avithdrawal from the mercantile business, he settled in Wilkes county, taking care of his aged father and mother until their death. He married Frances Cummins, a daughter of the Rev. Francis Cummins, one of the witnesses of the Mecklenburg Decla ration of Independence. He was universally beloved by all Avho knew him, and sustained through life a character of unsullied integrity. He left one son, William Cummins Jack, a teacher by profession, a fine classical scholar, and a gentleman of culture and great moral worth. He is uoay 74 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. (1876) residing with his second son, William H. Jack, a distinguished lawyer (of the firm of "Jack and Pierson") of Natchitoches, La. His eldest son, Dr. Samuel Jack, is an eminent physician, of extensive practice, residing in Columbia county, Arkansas. Two other sons are indus trious farmers, aiid all are pursuing successfully their sev eral vocations of life. For the patriotic services, civil and military, performed by different members of the Jack family, Texas, in her formation stage, honored one of her counties Avith their name. James W. Jack, third son of Captain James Jack, mar ried Annie Barnett, a daughter of John Barnett and Ann Spratt. He Avas a farmer by profession, of unblemished character, and extensive influence, residing and ending his days in Wilkes county, Ga. He had the following chil dren : 1. Samuel T; 2. Jane ; 3. James, (killed at the massacre of the Alamo, under Col. Fannin) 4. Lillis ; 5. Patrick, and (>. Cynthia Jack. Samuel T. Jack married Martha Webster, of Mississippi ; Jane Jack married Dr. James Jarratt ; Lillis Jack married Osborne Edwards, Esq., and Patrick Jack married Emily Hanson, of Texas. John Jack, second son of Patrick Jack, of Charlotte, preceding and during the Revolutionary War, liAed on MeAlpine's Creek, in Mecklenburg county. He performed a soldier's duty during the Avar, and soon after its termi nation, moA-ed to Wilkes county, Ga. Of his further his tory and descendants, little is iioav known. Samuel Jack, third son of Patrick Jack, of Charlotte. was also a soldier of the Revolution, and commanded an artillery company. He lived in the Sugar Creek neighbor hood, and married, 1st. Miss Knight, of Mecklenburg county, by Avhom he had two children, 1. Eliza D. Jack, Avho married the Rev. Mr. Hodge, a Presbyterian minis ter, and settled in Athens, Ga,, and 2. James Jack, Avho died when a young man. A few years after her death, he married Margaret SteAvart, of Philadelphia, Pa., by whom lie had five children : 1. Samuel Stewart. ; 2. John McCor- SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. V O mick ; 3. William D.; 4. Mary E-, and S. Amanda M. Jack. Samuel S. Jack married Elizabeth Meredith, of Walton county, Ga., in 1831. None of the other children ever married. He had five children : 1. William Howard* 2. Amanda E.; 3. James Mortimer; 4. Joseph Henry, and 5. Sarah M. Jack. Of these, William Howard Jack, in 1860, married Maiy Lunsdale, by whom he had five chil dren. He Avas a printer and editor, and highly respected by all Avho knew him. He died in April, 1876, in Rome, Ga., aged forty-two 3'ears. His son, James Mortimer Jack, was killed in the late Avar. Amanda E. Jack._a worthy lady, is now (1876) living in the country Avith her brother, Joseph Henry Jack Robert. Jack, the fourth and youngest son of Patrick Jack, of Charlotte, remained in Chambersburg, Pa., Avhere his father had resided many years previous to his remoA'al to North Carolina. He had the following children: 1. James ; 2. John ; 3. Cynthia, and 4. Margaret Jack. John Jack Avas the only one of this family avIio married. He was born in Chambersburg, on the 29th of December, 17( !.'->. At the age of sixteen, he wrent to Baltimore, en gaged as a clerk in a mercantile house, and there acquired those correct business habits and educational training which qualified him for future usefulness. Near the close of the last century, when quite a young man, he settled in Ronnie}', Hampshire county, Va. He there became a successful merchant, and sustained, through a long and busy life, an unblemished reputation for honesty, integrity and general uprightness of character. He married Rebecca Singleton, an estimable lady who surviA-cd him a few years. In 1823, he Avas appointed Cashier of the Ronnie}' Branch of the Valley Bank of Virginia, Avhich position he held until his death, with distinguished ability. The former intelligent Mayor of Romney, (A. P. White, Esq.,) in Avriting to the author, says : "John Jack, when young, was of a gay and festive disposition. After he joined the 76 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. church, he sobered down to great calmness and evenness. He Avas always exceedingly neat in his person, courteous in his manners, and. kind and charitable to the poor. He l5ore through life, the character of an earnest, honest, aud upright man of business, Avas an Elder of the Presbyterian Church, and a good Christian." He died on the 28th of September, 1 837, in the seA^enty-fourth year of his age. He had the following children : 1. Robert Y.; 2. Carlton T ; 3. James R.; 4. John ; 5. Margaret ; 6. Juliette M.; 7. John G., and 8. Edward W. Jack. The last named son is now (1876) the only one of the famity living. Robert Y. Jack settled in Winchester, Va., and engaged in mer chandising. In the war of 1812, he raised a company Avhich Avas stationed at Craney Island, and participated in the battle at that place. Robert Y. Jack died near Charleston, Jefferson county, A7a., in 1834, leaving an only child, Frances Rebecca, who married Thomas J. Manning, of the U. S. NaA-y. They both died previous to the late Confederate war, leaving three sons : 1. Charles J.; 2. George Upfhur,and 3. Frank Jack Maiming. Each one of these brave youths joined the Confederate aimy, all under the age of eighteen }-ears- George Upshur was killed in the cavalry charge under General SteAvart at Brandy Station. Frank Jack was shot through the body, but recovered of his severe wound and continued in the army. They all three served under General (StoneAvall) Jackson, through his campaigns, and after his death, under General Early. John G. Jack settled in Louisville, Ky., and died there, leaving three daughters and one soil, Robert Bruce Jack. Edward W. Jack, youngest son of John Jack, of Rom- ney, uoav lives near Salem, Roanoke county, Va., in the quiet fruition of all that pertains to an honorable bachelor's life. All the members ot this family have sustained ex emplary characters, and now occupy fair and eminent positions in society. Charity Jack, eldest daughter of Patrick Jack, of Char- SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 77 lotte, married Dr. Cornelius Dysart, a distinguished phy sician and surgeon of the Revolutionary army. The Dysart family, at that time, resided in Mecklenburg county. Dr. Dysart is said to have built the first house on the "Irwin corner," assisted by his brother-in-law, Captain Jack, who owned the lot until his remoATal to Georgia, shortly after the war. Dr. Dysart died comparatively young, leaving a widow and two children, James and Robert Dysart, who settled in Georgia. Of their subsequent history little is known. Jane (or '' Jean,") Jack, second daughter of Patrick Jack, married William Barnett, son of John Bar nett and Ann Spratt, of Scotch-Irish descent. The name Spratt is generally spelled " Sprot," or " Sproat," in the old records. Thomas Spratt is said to have been the first person Avho crossed the Yadkin river, with wheels; and his daughter Ann the first child born in the beautiful cham paign country between the Yadkin and Catawba riA'ers. He first intended to settle on Rocky -River (now in Cabarrus county), but Indian disturbances occurring there near the time of his arrival, induced him to select a home in the vicinity of the place Avhich afterward became the " town of Charlotte." At his humble dAvelling, one mile and a half south of Charlotte, Avas- held the first Court of Mecklenburg county. Abraham Alexander, the Chair man of the Mecklenburg Convention of the 20th of May, 1775, and Colonel Thomas Polk, its " herald of freedom" on the same occasion, Avere then prominent and influen tial members of this primitive body of county magistrates. Near the residence of Thomas Spratt is one of the oldest private burial grounds in the county, in which his mortal remains repose. Here are found the grave-stones of several members of the Spratt, Barnett and Jack families, who intermarried ; also those of the Binghams, McKnights, and a feAV others. On the head-stone of Mary Barnett, wife of William Barnett, it is recorded, she died on the 4th of October, 1764, aged forty-five years. A hickoiy tree, ten or twelve inches in diameter, is now growing on 78 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. this grave, casting around its beneficent shade. The primi tive forest growth, once partially cut doAvn, is here fast assuming its original SAvay, and peacefully overshadowing- the mortal remains of these early sleepers in this ancient graveyard. The descendants of William Barnett and Jane Jack Avere : 1. Annie Barnett, married James Jack, third son of Captain James Jack, of Mecklenburg memory, Avhose genealog3T has been previousty given. 2. Samuel Barnett, married, 1st, Eliza Joyner ; descendants: 1. Jane, Bar nett, married A. S. Wingfield. 2. Sarah J. Barnett, mar ried Alexander Pope, Sen Descendanta of Samuel Barnett (second marriage) and Elizabeth Worsham were: 1. Samuel Barnett (Washington, Ga.), married Elizabeth A.Stone. Descendants: 1. Annie Barnett, married Rev. William S. Bean. 2. Frank W 3. Samuel (Davidson College.) 4. Osborne S. 5. Edward A. 6. Hattie A. ; and 7. Susan Barnett. The descendants of John Jack and Marv Barnett Avere: 1. Ann Jack, married Moses Wrikyy. 2. Mary A. Jack, married John J. Barnett. 3. Dr. Thomas Jack. 4. John Jack. 5. Samuel Jack, married Annie Leslie. 6. Susan Jack, married Alexander BoAvie, formerly Chancellor of Alabama. The descendants of Moses Wiley and Ann Jack AA'ere: 1. Leroy M. Wiley. 2. Mary Wiley, married Thomas Baxter. 3. Thomas Wiley. 4. Eliza Wiley, married Mr. Carnes. 5. Sarah Ann, married John R. Hays. 6. Laird Wiley ; and 7. Jack Wiley. The descendants of Susan Barnett and George W. Smart Avere five children, .of whom only two arrived at the yeai's of maturity, Albert W. and Thomas B. Smart. George W. Smart represented Mecklenburg county in the House of Commons in 1805, and again in 1808. He died in May, 1810. Mrs. Smart survived her husband many years, and Avas one of the remarkable women of her age. She Avas long knoAvn and highly esteemed in Meek- SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 79 -lenburg.ancl surrounding country for her general intelli gence, ardent piety, and retentive memories of Revolu tionary events. At the great gathering of delegates and people in Charlotte, on the 20th of May, 1775, she Avas present (then thirteen 3^ears old), and still retained a distinct recollection of some of the thrilling scenes of that memorable occasion, not the least of Avhich Avas " the throAving up of hats," in the universal outburst of ap plause, when the resolutions of independence Avere read by Colonel Thomas Polk, from the Court-house steps. She died on the 28th of November, 1851, aged ninety years, and is buried, Avith other members of the family, in a private eemete^ on her oavii farm, nine miles- from Charlotte, on the Camden road. It should be stated,. the grandfather of L. M. Wile3T and others, (John Jack) was a cousin.&nd not a brother, as some have supposed, of Capt. James Jack, of Charlotte. Our prescribed limits forbid a more extended geneal ogical, notice of the Barnett family and their collateral connections, many of whom performed a conspicuous part in the Revolutionaiy War. Capt. William Barnett was -a bold, energetic officer, and Avas frequentty engaged, Avith his brothers, and other ardent spirits of Mecklenburg, in- that species of partisan Avarfare which struck terror into the Tory ranks, checked their atrocities, and gave celebrity to the dashing exploits of Col. Sumpter and his brave associates. Mary Jack, third daughter of Patrick Jack, of Char lotte, married Captain Robert Alexander, of Lincoln county, Avho emigrated from PennsyiA-ania to North Caro lina about 1760. He commanded a company during the ReArolution, in the Cherokee expedition, under General Rutherford; acted for several years as Commissary, and performed other minor, but important trusts for the county. He Avas one of the earty band of patriots Avho met at Newbern on the 25th of August, 1774, and again attended the Convention at Hillsboro, on the 21st of Au- -80 SKETCHES OF AVE8TERN NORTH CAROLINA. gust, 1775. After the war, he settled on his farm, one mile northAvest of Tuckasege Ford, on the Catawba River. His residence was long a general stopping-place for travel ers, and painted red — hence, it Avas widely known as the "Red House Place." He was elected to the State Legislature consecutively from 1781 to 1787 ; aud acted, for many years, as one of the magistrates of the county, showing the general ac ceptance with which his services were held. He died in 1813, aged about seventy years, and is buried in Goshen graveyard, Gaston county, N. C. His descendants by the first wife, Mary Jack, Avere : 1. Margaret, married Judge Samuel Lowrie ; 2. Lillis, married Capt. James Martin ; -">. Robert W., married Louisa Moore ; 4. Mary, married, 1st. James J. Scott, and 2nd. General John Moore ; 5. Annie, married John Sumter, (nephew of Gen. Sumter.) His descendants by the second Avife, Margaret Reily, were : 1- Eliza 2. Evaline ; 3. Amanda, married Dr. J. C. Rudi- sill, of Lincolnton. Descendants of Judge Lowrie and Margaret Alexander were: 1. Mary, married Dr. David R. Dunlap, of Char lotte ; 2. Eliza, died unmarried ; 3. Margaret, do.; 4. Lillis. married B. Oates ; 5. Robert B., married Ann Sloan ; 6. Samuel, married Mary Johnson. Margaret Jack, fourth daughter of Patrick Jack, mar ried Samuel Wilson, of Mecklenburg. (For his descen dants, see "Genealogy of Samuel "Wilson, SrX) Lillis Jack, the filth and youngest daughter of Patrick Jack, married Joseph Nicholson. He left the State, aud is reported as having a family of six children, but of their subsequent history little is known. Colonel Patrick Jack, a brave and meritorious officer ander the Colonial Government, and during the Revolu tionary war, was the son of Charles Jack, avIio lived on the Conococheague river, near Chambersburg, Pa., and was probably the brother of Patrick Jack, of Charlotte, N. C , Avhose family history has just been given. SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 81 Colonel Jack lived an active and adventurous life, and was born about 1730. He was much engaged, Avhen a young man, in assisting to subdue the Indians in Pennsyl vania, and commanded a company of Rangers, under Gen erals Braddock and Washington, in the Indian and French Avar of 1755. He also commanded a regiment, and participated actively in the Revolutionary War He Avas in the Cherokee country many 3Tears anterior to the Revolution. lie was at the massacre of the garrison iu Fort London, ou the Tennessee River in 1760, and Avas one of three per sons who survived, his life having been saved through the influence of the Indian chief, Atta-kulla-kulla, tho "Little Carpenter." He had three children ; Mary, Jane, and John Finley Jack. John was educated at Dickinson Col lege, Carlisle, Pa. He studied laAV, and emigrated to Knoxville, then the capital of Tennessee, Avhere he soon acquired eminence, and a lucrative practice in his profes sion. He afterward removed to Rutledge, in Grainger county, East Tennessee, Avhere he associated himself in the same profession with his brother-in-law, the late Gen eral John Cocke, a son of General William Cocke, one of the distinguished characters in the early history of Ten nessee. He took a prominent part in the politics of the country, filled the offices of Circuit Clerk, State's Attor ney, served several times in both branches of the Legis lature, and Avas finally elected Circuit Judge, Avhich posi tion he held for many years. When the infirmities of old age impeded his activity and usefulness, he retired from public life to his plantation near Bean's Station, East Ten nessee, where he ended his daj's. He Avas a profound laAvyer, a Judge of great purity of character, of remarkable discrimination and integrity of purpose, evinced through a long, useful, and honorable life. He Avas a hard student, possessed fine colloquial powers, and was a man of eminent learning and research , Judge John F. Jack married Elizabeth, next to the (i 82 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. youngest daughter of General William Cocke, previously mentioned, who was a Captain in the Revolutionary War, n companion of Daniel Boon from Avesteru North Carolina across •^S^Alleghaiiy mountains to the "wilderness of Keutne«r,Y'" a prominent actor in the establishment of the ¦"^a/jKland Government," one of the first Senators to $ ongress from the neAv State of Tennessee, and afterward, one of the Circuit Judges of that State. He served in the Legislatures of Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Mississippi. At the advanced age oi sixty-five years, lie volunteered in the war of 1812, and distinguished himself for his personal courage. He died on the 8th of August. 1828, in the eighty-seventh year of his age, universally lamented, and is buried in Columbus, Mississippi. It has been previousty stated that Col. Patrick Jack, the father of Judge John F. Jack, led an active and ad venturous life. One of these adventures Avill be now narrated. In Dr. Ramsey's "Annals of Tennessee," page 68, avc have this record : " A grant, signed Arthur Dobbs, Gov ernor of North Carolina ; William Beamer, Sen., Superin tendent and Deputy Adjutant in and for the Cherokee Nation ; and William Beamer, Jim., Interpreter ; and the "Little Carpenter," half king of the Cherokee Nation of the over-hill toAvns ; and MatthoAv Toole, Interpreter, made' to Captain Patrick Jack, of the province of Penn sylvania, is recorded in the Register's office of Knox county, Tennessee. It purports to have been made at a council held at Tennessee River, on the 1st of March, 1757. The ¦consideration is four hundred dollars, and conveys to Capt. Jack fifteen miles square south of the Tennessee river. The grant itself, confirmatory of the purchase by Jack, is dated at a general council, met at tho CataAA'ba River, on the 7th of May, 1762, and is Avitnessed by Nathaniel Alexander." Upon this speculative transaction it is proper to make si few explanatory remarks. About 1750, East Tennessee SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 83 -was "beginning to be settled I33- adventurous individuals, principally from western North,O.Srolir>a, soutlt-welsterii Virginia, and occasionally from more northern colonies. The Indians Avere still regarded as the rightful OAvncrs auid proper " lords of the soil." At the date of the coun cil held at the Tennessee River in 1757, only that portion of the country north of that stream had become sparsely .settled, but soon thereafter purchases of land were some times made directly from the Indian chiefs themselves, .as in the above instance, and settlements of whites speed ilv- followed. Matthew Toole, one of the parties named, had lived among the Cherokee Indians, and taken to " bed mid board," as a Avife, one of the SAvartliA' damsels of that tribe — hence his qualification as interpreter. He lived on the eastern bank of the CataAvba river, in Mecklenburg eoiinty, giving origin to the name of the ford Avhich still bears his name. Nathaniel Alexander, the subscribing Avitness, Avas then .an acting magistrate of the county, and ..a man of extensive influence. Colonel Patrick lack, the father of Judge John F. Jack, died in Chambersburg, Pa., on the 25th of January, 1821, aged ninety-one years. His daughter, Jane Stewart, died 'in 1853, also aged ninety-one \ears. His daughter Mary (never married) died on the 20th of May, 1862, aged *:ighty-five \'ears. The family of Judge John F. Jack consisted of eight •children, of Avhom, at the present time (1876) onl\- four are living, viz.: Martha Mariah (Mrs. Dr. Rhoton), of Morris town, East Tennessee; William Pinkitcy Jack, of Russel - villc, Ala. ; John F. Jack, of West Point, Mississippi, both worth \- and eminent lawyers in their respective locations ; and Sarah Anne (Mrs. Dr. Carriger), of MorristoAvn,Tenu. Few persons, in tho early histoiy of East Tennessee, Avere held in as great estimation, and filled with universal acceptance its main' important positions of public trust as Judge John F. Jack. The county seat of justice of Camp bell cou-..itv, Jaeksboro, Avas named in his honor, and his 84 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. d^k^mdartts .should hold in cherished remembrance his- purity of life anSjuwtiHLsil- integrity of character. (1ENEAL0GY OF SAMUEL AVILSON, SEN. Samuel Wilson, Sr., Avas one of the earliest settlers of" Mecklenburg county, and the patriarchal ancestor of numerous descendants, Avho performed important civil and military services in the Revolutionary Avar. He emigrated from Penns/1 vania about 1745, and purchased a large- body of valuable lands in the bounds of Hopewell church,. in Mecklenburg county. He was of Scotch-Irish descent,. and inherited the peculiar traits of that liberty-loving- people. He Avas married three times, and was the father- of thirteen children. His first Avife Avas Mary Winslow.. it, sister of Moses Winslow, one of the earty and leading, patriots of RoAvan county, Avho died on the 1st of October,. 1813, in the eighty-third 3rear of his age, and is buried iiu the graveyard of Center Church. Samuel Wilson, Sr., died on the 13th of March, 1778., in the sixty-eighth year of his age. His children, by the- first Avife, were : 1, Mary ; 2, Violet ; 3, Samuel ; 4, John :: 5, Benjamin Wilson. Maiy, the eldest daughter, married Ezekiel Polk, the father of Samuel Polk, and grandfather of James K. Polk, President of the United States in 1845.- Ezekiel Polk Avas a man of Avealth and influence in Meck lenburg county preceding the Revolution, and owned a large body of the valuable lands in and around the present flourishing village of Pineville. Samuel Polk inherited a portion of this land, tying in the " horse shoe bend" of Little Sugar Creek, and immediately on the Camden road. over Avhich Cornwallis marched Avith his army on his cele brated visit (the first and the last) to the "Hornet's Nest" of America. 2. Violet Wilson married Major John Davidson, one of the signers of the Mecklenburg 'Declaration of Indepen dence. SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 85 3. Samuel Wilson, a soldier of the Revolution, married Hannah Knox, a daughter of Captain Patrick Knox, killed at the battle of Ramsour's Mill. He raised a large family,, all of Avhom have passed away, falling mostly as victims of consumption. His daughter Maiy (or "Polly") married her cousin Benjamin Wilson, (son of David Wil son) who was killed by Nixon Curry, because he Avas to ap pear in court as a Avitness against him. 4. Major David. Wilson, an ardent patriot, and one of the heroes under Colonel Locke at Ramsour's Mill, married Sallie McConnell, a sister of Mrs. General James White, the father of the Hon. Hugh LaAvson White. (See sketch of his life, under " Iredell County.") Mrs. Adaline MeCo3r, of Lincolnton, is a daughter, and ¦worthy descendant of Moses WinsloAv Wilson, a son of Major David Wilson. John and Benjamin Wilson, the •remaining sons of Samuel Wilson, Sr., by the first wife, soever married. After General Davidson Avas killed at CoAvan's Ford, on the morning of the 1st of Febrnaiy, 1781, Major David Wilson, and Richard Barry f Esq, both of whom partici pated in the skirmish at that place, secured the body of their beloved commander, and carried it to tho residence ¦of Samuel Wilson, Sr., to receive the usual preparatory at tentions for burial. Mrs. Davidson, Avho resided about ten miles distant, in the vicinity of Center Church, Avas immediately sent for ; she came as hastily as possible in the afternoon, under the charge of George Templeton, one of her neighbors, and received, on that solemn occasion, the heart-felt condolence and sympathy of numerous sor rowing friends and relatiA'es. In consequence of this necessary delay, those true patriots and friends of the de ceased (Wilson and Barry) moved Avith the body late in the evening of the same da3T, and committed it to the silent tomb, by torchlight, in Hopewell graveyard. 7. Rebecca Wilson, the youngest daughter by the first wife, married John Henderson. After the birth of two 86 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. children, they set out from Mecklenburg, Avith the inten tion of moving to Tennessee, accompanied by a brother and sister of Henderson. On the way, while they were- stopping for dinner, they Avere suddenly attacked by In dians. Henderson and his Avife Avere killed. The brother aud sister each seized a child and made their escape. The children were brought back to Mecklenburg county, ant? properly cared for by their relatives ; but, after they grevr up, and Indian outrages having subsided, they returned to> Tennessee. The second Avife of Samuel Wilson, Sr., was a widow Potts. Having a feeble constitution, she lived but a short time, leaving a daughter, named Margaret, who married John Davidson, au uncle of the late William DaATidson~ Esq., of Charlotte. After she Avas left a Avidow, she moved with her three children, Samuel Wilson, John (or "Jackev'X and Mary Davidson, to Alabama, where a large number of her descendants may be now found in Bibb and adjoin ing counties of that State. The children of Major John Davidson and Violet Wil son- Avere : 1. Isabella Davidson married Gen. Joseph Graham, of Lincoln county, the father of the late Hon. William A. Graham and others. 2. Rebecca Davidson married Capt. Alexander Bre vard,, a brother of Dr. Ephraim Brevard, the reputed au thor of the Mecklenburg Declaration of the 20th of May, 1775, and one of the "seven brothers in the rebel army,""' at one time. 3. Violet Davidson married William Bain Alexander. a son of John McKnitt Alexander, one of the secretaries of the Mecklenburg Convention. 4. Elizabeth Davidson .married William Lee Davidson. a son of General Davidson, who fell at CoAvan's Ford. 5. Mary Davidson married Dr. William McLean, at distinguished physician during and after the Revolution. SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 87 1 (1 Sarah Davidson married Alexander Caldwell, a son of Dr. David Caldwell, an eminent Presbyterian minister of Guilford county. 7. Margaret Davidson married Major James Harris, of Cabarrus count}-. IS. John ( or "Jackey "j Davidson, married Sallie Brevard, a daughter of Adam Brevard, a brother of Dr. Ephraim Brevard. !). Robert Davidson married Margaret Osborne, a daughter of Adlai Osborne, the grandfather of the late Jas. W. Osborne, of Charlotte. 10. Benjamin Wilson Davidson married Elizabeth Latta, a daughter of James Latta, Esq. The third Avife of Samuel Wilson, Sr., Avas Margaret Jack, a sister of Captain Jack, the bearer of the Mecklen burg Declaration to Congress. By this marriage theiv Avere five children : 1. Sarah^ Wilson, married Ben McConnell, avIio had three children, Charity, Latta and Wilson McConnell. Charity McConnell married Reese Davidson, a nephew of General Ephraim Davidson. This family, and also that of Wilson McConnell, moved to Tennessee. 2. Charity Wilson, died at the age of sixteen years. '.). Robert Wilson, married Margaret Alexander, a daugh ter of Major Thomas Alexander, and grand-daughter of Neil Morrison, one of the Mecklenburg signers. He left five daughters, and one^son, avIio lost his life in the Con federate cause. 4. Lillis Wilson, t frequently Avritten "Lillie,") married James Connor, avIio emigrated from Ireland when about twenty-one years of ago ; volunteered his services at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, and fought. through the struggle to its close. He died in April, 1835., ao-ed eighty-four years, and is buried in Baker's grave yard. He left two children, Henry "Workman and Mar garet Jack Conner. II. Workman Conner Avas a Avortly and influential citizen of Charleston, S G, where he spent 88 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. sibo&t fifty 3'ears of his life, and died in Januaiy, 1861. -Margaret J. Connor married J. Franklin Brevard, a son ¦of Capt. Alexander BreArard, of Lincoln county'. She was an estimable Christian lad3', survived her husband many years, Avas beloved by all who knew her, and died with peaceful resignation, on the 25th of October, 1866, in the sixty-eighth year of her age. Her only child, Rebecca, married Robert I. McDowell, Esq., of Mecklenburg count}-. 5. William Jack Wilson, 3-oungest child of Samuel Wil son, Sr., b3' the third wife, married Rocinda Winslow, the youngest daughter of Moses WinsloAv. The house in Avhich this old patriot then resided, has long since disap peared. It stood on the public road, about three miles southwest of Center Church. A large Honey Locust tree iioav (1876j nearly points out its original location. William J. Wilson left four children: 1. Dovey A.. (Mrs. Dougherty) ; 2. Robert ; 3. LaFayette, and 4. James C. Wilson. The house in which Samuel Wilson, St., resided, and to which the body ol General Davidson Avas borne by David Wilson and Richard Barry, before sepulture, Avas a two- story frame building. No portion of it now remains, and the plow runs smoothly over its site. Robert and William J. Wilson built on the old homestead property. These two brothers Avere closely united in filial affection during their lives, and now lie, side by side, in Hopewell grave yard. Mrs. Margaret Jack Wilson, third wife of Samuel Wil son, Sr., is described b}' all who knew her, as a Avoman of uncommon energy, of an amiable disposition, charitable to the poor, and a truly humble Christian. She died at the age of fifty-eight years, AA'as neA'er sick during her life, until a few da}Ts before her death, and is buried in Baker's graveyard. AVhen drawing near to the close of her earthly existence, she was asked if she had a desire to live longer ; she replied, "No ; she Avas like a ship long tossed at sea and about to land at a port of rest." SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 89 In this same spot of ground, (Baker's graveyard,) five miles northeast of Beattie's Foard, on the Catawba, con secrated as the last resting-place of some of the earliest settlers of Mecklenburg county, repose the mortal remains of the ReA-. John Thompson, one of the first Presbyterian missionaries in this section of the State, and who died in September, 1753. No monumental slab or head-stone is placed at his grave. Tradition says he built a cabin (or study -house) in the northwestern angle of the graveyard, and Avas buried beneath its floor, being the first subject of interment. John Baker, avIio lived in the immediate vicinity, married his daughter, and dying a few years later, gave the permanent name to the burial-ground. Here also repose the remains of Hugh Dawson, the grand father of the Hon. Hugh Lawson White, a native of Iredell county. The only tablet to the memory of this early setler, is a rough slate rock, about one foot high and nine inches broad, on Avhich are rudely chiseled the initial letters of his name, thus combined, PL. In subsequent. years, after the erection of Hopewell Church, the most of the Wilson family and relatives Avere buried in the grave yard at that place. CAPTAIN CHARLES POLK's "MUSTER ROLL." Among the interesting Revolutionary records of Meck lenburg county, which have been preserved, is the "Muster Roll" of Captain Charles Polk's Company of " Light Horse," Avith the time of service and pay of each member thereof, as follows : " Dr. The Public of North Carolina, To Captain Charles Polk, for services done by him and his Company of Light Horse, Avho entered the 12th of March, 1776. !»:) SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. Robert Galbraith. John McCandlis. Nicholas Siler. Samuel Linton. Thomas Shelby. James Alexander. Robert Harris, Jun. John Foard. Jonathan Buckaloe. Charles Alexander, Sen. Henry Powell. William Rea. Samuel Hughes. Charles Alexander, Jun. William Shields. Charles Polk, Jun. John Purser. William Lemmond, 'Clerk to the said company, and Shurgeon to ve same.' " Captain, Charles Polk. 1st Lieut , William Ramsey. 2nd Lieut, John Lemmond. IstSergt , John Montgomery 2nd Sergt., William Gal braith (erased). Drummer, Hugh Lindsay. John Smith. John Polk, Sen. (erased). John Wylie. John Findley. John Galbraith. James Hall. John Stansill. William (illegible). John Miller. Humphrey Hunter. Henry Carter. James Maxwell. John MaxAvell. Remarks. — The Avhole expense of Captain Polk's com pany in this campaign for sixty-five days, including the hire of three Avagons at IGs. each per day, aud two thousand and five rations, at 8d. each, amounted to £683 Os. 8d. The account Avas proven, according to law, before Colonel Adam Alexander, one of the magistrates of the county. and audited and countersigned by Ephraim Alexander, George Mitchell and James Jack, the bearer of the Meck lenburg Declaration to Congress. The pay of a Captain Avas then 10s. per day ;,of a 1st and 2nd Lieutenant, 7s. each; of a first Sergeant, 6s. 6d. : of a 2nd Sergeant, 5s. 6d.: of the Clerk and " Shurgeon," 6s. 6d. : and of each pri vate, 5s. James Hall, one of the privates in this expedition, afterward became a distinguished Presbyterian minister of the gospel, and was elected on two occasions b3' his own congregation, in pressing emergencies, to the cap taincy of a company, and acted as chaplain of the forces with which- he Avas associated. The late Rev. John Robinson, of Poplar Tent Church, in Cabarrus county, in SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 91 speaking of him, said, " when a boy at school in Charlotte (Queen's Museum), I saAV James Hall pass through the town, Avith his three-cornered hat, the captain of a com pany and chaplain of the regiment." In Captain Polk's manuscript journal of his march, under Gen. Rutherford, through the mountains of North Carolina, then the tin- conquered haunts of Avild beasts and savage Indians, ho says : " On September 15th, 1776, Mr. Hall preached a sermon," prompted, as it appears, by the death of one of Captain Irwin's men on the day before. This A\Tas probably the first sermon ever heard in these secluded mountainous valleys, iioav busy Avith the hum of civilized life. (See sketch of his services under "Iredell County.") Humphrey Hunter, first a private and afterward lieu tenant in Captain Robert Mebane's company in this expe dition, also became an eminent minister of the gospel, and presided at the semi-centennial celebration of the Mecklen burg Declaration of Independence, on the 20th of May, 1825. (See sketch of his services under Gaston comity.) William Shields AA'as the gallant soldier of General Sumter's command, who discovered a bag of gold in the camp of the routed enemy after the battle of Hanging- Rock. Not less generous than brave, steady on the march, and true on the field, he voluntarity carried the gold to his commanding general, and requested him to use it in the purchase of clothing and shoes for his ragged and suf fering felloAV-soldiers. It is needless to say that this brave and meritorious officer faithfully applied it according to the request of the honest and generous soldier. Thomas Shelly, a relative of Colonel Isaac Shelby, of King's Mountain fame, James Alexander, Charles Polk, Jun., Robert Harris, William Ramsey, John Foard (one of the Mecklenburg signers), John Lemmond, John Montgomery, William Rca, and others on the list, Avill aAvakon in the minds of their descendants emotions of veneration for their patriotic ancestors, who, one hundred 92 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. years ago — at the Arery daAvn of the Revolution, and before a hesitating Congress, proclaimed our National de claration, pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor in the cause of American freedom. PRESIDENT JAMES K. T0LK. James Knox Polk, son of Samuel Polk, and grandson of Ezekiel Polk, Avas born on the 2nd of November, 1795 •about eleven miles south of Charlotte, on the Camden road, on a plantation Avhich, at his father's removal to Tennessee in 1806, became the property of Nathan Orr. and finally that of the late James Hennigan, Esq. The house in Avhich James K. Polk Avas born, stood about tAvo hundred yards south of the present crossing place of Little Sugar Creek, and about one hundred 3'ards to the right of the public road in passing from Charlotte. The lingering signs of the old family mansion are still A'isiblc ; and the plow, in this centennial year, runs smoothly over its site, presenting a more A'igorous groAvth of the great Southern staple, cotton, than the adjoining lands. The plantation Avas a part of the Araluable lands oAvned by Ezekiel Polk in the " Providence " settlement, and near the present flourishing village of " Pineville." The family mansion, around which " Jimmy Polk" sported-with his younger brothers and sisters, and wended their Avay in frolicsome mood to a neighboring school, Avas an humble building, made by joining two hewn log houses together, Avith a passage between, in the common style of the first settlers. In 1851 Mr. Hennigan, the hist oAvner of the property. moved one half of the building, apparently the better por tion; but Avith a badly decayed roof, to his barnyard, and near his handsome residence on the rising ground south east of its original location, and re-covered it, Avhere it may be seen at the present, time. Samuel Polk, the father of James K. Polk, married Jane, a daughter of James Knox, a soldier of the Re vol u- SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 93 tion, AA'ho lived at a place about midAvay between the residences of the late Rev. John Williamson and Benjamin Wilson Davidson, Esq., youngest son of Major John Davidson. He nad ten children, of whom James K. was the eldest, and Avho early displayed quick, intuitive powers. He received the principal part of his education in North Carolina, and graduated in 1818 at the State University, Avith the highest honors of his class. While at college, he laid the foundations of his future fame and usefulness. It is said ho never missed a single recitation, or avoided a single duty during the Avhole course of his collegiate term. After graduating, he returned to Tennessee, his father's adopted state, commenced the study of laAV in the oflice of the Hon. Felix Grundy, and was admitted to the bar in 1820. In 1823, he entered the stormy sea of poli tics, in Avhich he was destined to achieve a brilliant career. In 1825, he Avas elected to Congress, and in 1835, Avas made Speaker of the House of Representatives, which honorable position he held for five sessions. After serv ing fourteen years, with distinguished ability and impar tiality, ho declined a re-election. During this long and laborious service, he Avas never knoAvn to be absent, for a single day, from the House. In 1839, after an animated contest, he Avas elected Governor of Tennessee. In May, 1844, he Avas nominated as a candidate for the Presidency of the United States. His majority in the Electoral Col lege over Henry Clay for this high oflice Avas sixty-five votes. The great labor he performed at a period of unex ampled danger to the republic, and of difficulties with foreign nations, operated seriously upon his debilitated system, and hastened his end. In Mav, 1844, in accepting the nomination, he declared in advance, that, if elected, he Avould only servo one term. And in a letter addressed to the Convention, through Dr. J. G. M. Ramsey, of Knoxville, he re-iterated his determi nation, and voluntarily declined, Avhen many of his friends deemed his name the only available means of success. If IS 94 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. precarious and constantly declining state of health, forcibly admonished him of his early departure from the scenes of earth. He calmly met his approaching end, and died at Nashville, on the 15th of June, 1849, in the forty-fourth year of his age. When the mists of party and prejudice shall have sub sided, and the dispassionate verdict of posterity be given, the services of James K. Polk will be acknowledged as unsurpassed in the annals of our nation ; and his noble and disinterested example of only serving one term, will be re garded by all pure-minded occupants of the Presidential Chair, as worthy of imitation. Mecklenburg count}' is proud of her son ! In the old "Polk Graveyard," nine miles from Char lotte, is the tombstone of Mrs. Maria Polk, a grand-aunt of President Polk, containing a lengthy eulogy, in poetry and prose, of this good woman. The first sentence. " Virtus non exemptio a morte,"* is neatty executed on a semi circle, extending OA'er the prostrate figure of a departed female saint, sculptured Avith considerable skill on the soapstone slab, but iioav scarcely A'isiblc on account of the over-spreading moss and lichen. Immediately beneath the sainted figure is the expression, Forniosa etsi mortua.-f From the lengthy eulogy, the following extracts are taken : " Here, unalarmed at death's last stroke. Lies in this tomb, Maria Polk ; A tender mother, virtuous wife, Resigned in every scone of lite. * :i: * * * To heavenly courts she did repair ; May those she loved all meet her there. " '- Supported liy the hope of a happy death, aud a glorious resurrection t<> oternal life, she bor.} a tedious and painful illness with a truly christian for titude, The last ex-rcise of tier feeble mind was employed in singing the t!3rd of the second booli of Or. Watt's Hymns, in which, anticipating the blessed society above, she exchanged the earthly for the heavenly melody." She died on the 29th of November, 1791, in the forty- fifth year of her age. a" Virtue affords no exemption from death." t" Beautiful, although dead. " SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 9o GENERAL WILLIAM DAVIDSON. General William Davidson was the youngest son of George Davidson, and born in 1716. His father moved from Lancaster county, in Pennsylvania, in 1750, to North Carolina, and settled in the Avestern part of Rowan county (iioav Iredell.) Here General Davidson received his earliest mental training, and subsetpiently his principal and final education at Queen's Museum College in Charlotte, where many of the patriots of Mecklenburg and surrounding counties were educated. At the Provincial Congress which met at Halifax, on on the 4th of April, 1776, four additional regiments to the two already in service, were ordered to be raised, over one of Avhich (the 4th) Thomas Polk Avas appointed Colonel, James Thackston Lieutenant Colonel, and William David son Major. With this regiment, under General Francis Nash, he marched to join the army of the North, under General Washington, where he served until November i 1779, when the North Carolina line was ordered south to reinforce General Lincoln, at Charleston. Previous to this time he had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the line. As the troops passed through North Carolina, Colonel Davidson obtained a furlough for a few- days to visit his family, Avhom he had not seen for throe years. This saved him from the fate Avhich befell Gen. Lincoln and his army at Charleston ; for, Avhen he ap proached that city, he found it so closely invested by the British Army that he Avas prevented from joining his regiment. When Lincoln surrendered, Davidson returned to Mecklenburg, and rendered important services in sub duing the Tories, who, encouraged by the success of the British arms, became numerous, daring and oppressive. A strong force of Tories having assembled at Coulson's Mill, General Davidson raised a troop of volunteers and marched against them. A fierce skirmish took place, in which he Avas severely wounded by a ball passing through 96 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. his body near the kidneys. This wound nearly proved fatal, and detained him from the service about two months. After his recovery, he again took the field, having been promoted for his bravery to the rank of Brigadier-General' in the place of General Rutherford, made a prisoner at the battle of Camden. He Avas active, with General Sumner aiid Colonel Davie, in checking the advance of the British, and throughout this darkest period of the BeA^olution gave ample evidence of his untiring zeal in the cause of his country. After the battle of the Cowpens, on the 17th of January, 1781, in Avhich General Morgan, with an inferior force, chastised the temerity and insolence of Tarleton, General Davidson was actively engaged in assembling the militia of his district to aid General Greene in impeding the ad vance of the Britism army in pursuit of General Morgan, encumbered Avith more than five hundred prisoners, on his Avay to Virginia. General Greene, accompanied by two or three attendants, left his camp near the CheraAvs, rode rapidly through the country, and met (General Mor gan at Sherrill's Ford, on the eastern bank of the CataAvba river, and directed his future movements. General DaAddson had placed guards at Tuekasege, Toole's, CoAAran's and Beattie's Fords. When Cornwallis approached the Catawba, on the evening of tho 28th of January, he found it considerably swollen and impassable for his infantry. This Providential obstacle caused him to fall back five miles from the river to Jacob Forney's plantation, a thrif ty farmer of that neighborhood. General Davidson had assembled a force of about three hundred and fifty men at Cowan's Ford. At half past tAvo o'clock on the morning of the 1st of February, 1781, Cornwallis broke up his en campment at Forney's and reached CoAvan's Ford at day break. It Avas a dark morning, accompanied Avith slight drizzling rain. The light infantry, under Colonel Hall, entered first, followed by the grenadiers and the battalions SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 97 The piequet of the Americans challenged the enemy ; re ceiving no reply, the guard fired at the advancing enemy. This immediately called into action that portion of David - .son's forces placed near the river, avIio kept np a galling lire from the bank. According to Stedman, the English historian, Avho accompanied Cornwallis, the Tory guide, becoming alarmed at the firing", Avhen the British army reached tho middle of the river, turned about and ltft them. This caused Colonel Hall to lead them directly .across to an unexpected landing-place. Colonel Hall was killed as he ascended the bank ; the horse of Lord Corn wallis was shot in the river, and fell dead as he reached the bank ; three privates Ave re killed and thirty-six wounded. The diversion of the British army from the proper landing caused the Americans to fire angularly and not directly upon their enemy, and hence Avas less effec tive in its results. General Davidson, avIio Avas about half a mile in the rear Avith the larger portion of his forces. arrived at the scene of action just as the Americans were fleeing before the fire of the Avcll-orgsmized and greatly superior Britisl forces. In attempting to rally the Americans, and venturing too near the British army, he received a fatal shot in his breast, and fell dead almost instantly from his horse. The loss of tbe Americans in privates was only two killed and -about twenty wounded. The British infantry waded the river- in platoons, and reserved their fire until they ascended the eastern bank, and thus effected their passage. Cornwallis remained -only about three hours after the skirmish, for the purpose of burying his dead, and then proceeded in the direction of Salisbury. iSoon after his departure David Wilson and Richard Barry, both of Avhom Avere in the skirmish, secured the body of their beloved commander, conveyed it to the house of Samuel AVilson, Sen , anil buried it that .night by torch-light in the graveyard of Hopewell Church. Thus fell in tho prime of life, and at a moment of great 98 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. usefulness to his country, this noble and patriotic soldier- Right Avorthily is his name bestowed upon one of the- most fertile counties of our State, and upon a seat of" learning, located near the scene of his death, Avhich will perpetuate his fame as long as liberty has a votaiy through out all succeeding time. GENERAL GEORGE GRAHA.AJ. General George Graham Avas born in Pennsylvania iir 1758, and came with his widowed mother and four others- to North Carolina, Avhen about six years old. He Avas chiefly educated at " Queen's Museum," in Charlotte, and was distinguished for his assiduity, manly behaviour and kindliness of disposition. He was early devoted to the- cause of liberty, and was ever its untiring defender.. There Avas no duty too perilous, no service too dangerous,. that he Avas not ready to undertake for the Avelfare ami independence of his country. In 1775, when it Avas reported in Charlotte that t-Avo-- Tory lawyers, Dunn and Boothe, had proposed the deten tion of Capt. Jack on his Avay to Philadelphia, and had pronounced the patriotic resolutions Avith Avhich he was entrusted, as " treasonable," George Graham was one of tho gallant spirits avIio rode all night to Salisbury,, seized said offending laAvyers, and brought them them to Meck lenburg for trial. Here, after being found guilty of eon- duet "inimical to the cause of American freedom," they were transported to Camden, S. C, and afterward to Charleston, and imprisoned. Such Avere the open manifestations of liberty and inde pendence in different portions of North Carolina in 177~> '_ When ConiAvallis lay at Charlotte in 1780, Graham took an active part in attacking his foraging; parties, making it J- •¦ ' O O J. o extremely difficult and hazardous for them to procure their necessary supplies. He Avas one of the thirteen brave spirits, under Capt. James Thompson, avIio dared to attacks SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 99 foragingparty of fourhundred British troops at Mclntire's Branch, seven miles northwest of Charlotte, on the Beattie's Ford road, compelling them to retreat, Avith a considerable loss of men and a small amount of forage, fearing, as they stiid, an ambuscade Avas prepared for their capture. After the war, he Avas elected Major General of the North Carolina militia. For many years, he was clerk of the court of Mecklenburg county, and frequently a mem ber of the State Legislature. He was the people's friend, not their flatterer, and uniformly enjoyed the confidence and high esteem of his fellow-citizens. He lived more than half a century on his farm, two miles from Charlotte. He died on the 29th of March, 1826, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, and is buried in the grave-yard of the Presbyterian Church at Charlotte. WILLIAM RICHARDSON DAVIE. General William R. Davie Avas born in Egremont, near White Haven, in England, on the 20th of June, 1756. When he Avas onty five years of age, he emigrated, with his father, Archibald Davie, to America, and Avas adopted by his maternal uncle, Rev. William Richardson, AA'ho re sided on the CataAA'ba river, in South Carolina. After due preparation at "Queen's Museum" in Charlotte, he entered Princeton College, Avhere, by his close application, he soon acquired the reputation of an excellent student. But tho din of arms disturbed his collegiate studies, so auspiciously commenced, and ho fortliAvith exchanged the gOAvn for the sword. The studies of the College Avere closed, and Davie volunteered his services in the army of the north in 1776. The campaign being ended, be returned to College, and graduated in the Fall of that year Avith the first honors of the Institution. He returned .to North Carolina, and commenced the study of the law in Salisbury, but the struggle for life and liberty then going on, did not allow his chivalrie spirit to 100 SKETCHES OF A\'ESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. repose in quietude Avhile his country was in danger. Actu ated by urgent patriotic motives, he induced William Barnett, of Mecklenburg county, to raise, Avith as little v delay as possible, a troop of horsemen. Over this com pany, William Barnett Avas elected Captain, and Davie, Lieutenant. The commission of the latter is signed by Governor Caswell, and is dated the 5th of April, 177!*. This company joined the southern army, and became at tached to Pulaski's Legion. Davie's gallantly and activity were so conspicuous, that he soon rose to the rank <>f Major. At the battle of Stouo, near Charleston, he experienced bis first serious conflict in arms, and was severely wounded in tbe thigh, which laid him up for some time in the hos pital in that city. In this engagement, Major DaA'ie also received a Avound from a heavy cavalry charge of the enemy, Avhich caused him to fall from his horse. He still held the bridle, but Avas so severely Avounded that, after repeated efforts, he could not remount. The enemy Avas now close upon him, and in a moment more he Avould have been made a prisoner. Just at this time, a private, whose horse had been killed, and who Avas retreating, saAV the imminent danger of bis gallant officer, and returned at the risk of his life to save him. "With great composure he raised Major Davie on his horse, and safely led him from the bloody field. "An action of courage worthy of Rome in her palmiest days." In the har-te and confusion of the retreat, this brave soldier disappeared. Major Davie niade frequent inquiries for his preserver, to evince bis gratitude to him and his family, for his timety and heroic aid ; but in vain. At the siege of Ninety-Six, when Ihtvie Avas acting its Commissary-* ieneral of the Southern arm}', on the morning of the attack, a soldier came to his tent, and made himself knoAvn as the man avIio bad assisted him in mounting his horse at Stouo. 'fhe soldier promised to call again, but, alas! he fell soon after in battle. Avhieb deprived Major SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 101 Davie of the pleasure of bestOAving upon him substantial tokens of his lasting gratitude. After his recovery, Major Davie returned to Salisbury, and resumed the study of laAv. In 1780, he obtained his license to practice, and soon became distinguished in his profession. But the camp rather than the Court-house, still demanded his services. In the winter of 1780, he obtained authority from the General Assembly of North Ciirolina to raise a troop of cavalry, and tAvo companies of mounted infantry. But the authority only Avas granted. The State being too poor to provide the means, Major Davie, with a patriotism worthy of perpetual remem brance, disposed of the estate acquired from his uncle, and thus raised funds to equip the troops. With this force, be proceeded to the southwestern portion of the State and protected it from the predatory incursions of the British and Tories. Charleston haA'ing surrendered on the 12th of May, 1780, and Tarleton's butchery of Colonel Buford's regiment, in the Waxhaws, on the 29th, induced General Rutherford to order out the militia in mass, to oppose the advance of the conquerors. On the 3rd of June, nine hundred men assembled at Charlotte, read}- to defend their eountiy. The militia were reviewed by General Rutherford, aud, after being addressed in strong, patriotic language ly Dr. Whorter, President of the College in Charlottee, Ave re dismissed, with directions to hold them selves in readiness at a moment's Avarning. Lord RaAvdon having advanced Avith the British army to VXtxhaw Creek, General Rutherford issued, on the 10th of June, his orders for the militia to rendezvous at Mc.Ivee's plantation, eighteen miles north-east of Char lotte. The orders were obeyed, and on the 12th eight hundred men were in arms on the ground. On the 14th tho troops Avere organized. The cavalry, under Major Davie, AATas formed into tAvo troops under Captains J.em- monds and Martin; a battalion of three hundred light infantry was placed under Colonel AVilliam Davidson, a 102 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. regular officer, and the remainder under the immediate command of General Rutherford. On the 15 th of June General Rutherford marched within Iavo miles of Charlotte. Here he learned that Lord Raw- don had retrograded from the WaxhaAvs to Camden. He then resolved to advance on the Tories, Avho, it Avas Avell knoAvn, had assembled in strong force at Ramsour's Mill, near the present toAvn of Lincolnton. Having issued orders on the 14th to Colonel Francis Locke, Captains Falls and Brandon, of RoAvan, and to Major David Wilson, of Mecklenburg, and to other officers, to raise men and attack this body of Tories, he marched on the 18th eleven miles, to Tuekasege Ford, on the Catawba River. He sent an express on tbe same day to Colonel Locke to meet him with bis forces three miles north-Avest of the river, at Colonel Dickson's plantation. The express, for some unknoAvn reason, never reached Colonel Locke. This officer, failing to secure tbe co-operative aid of General Rutherford, marched from Mountain Creek late on the vAening of the 19th of June, and early on the morning of the 20th attacked and routed the Tories before the arrival of General Rutherford's forces. (For further particulars, see the " Battle of Ramsour's Mill," under the head of Lincoln County.) After the battle of Ramsour's Mill, General Rutherford marehed against the Tories assembled under Colonel Bryan in the forks of Yadkin River, Avhile Major Davie was ordered to move with his mounted force aud take position near the South Carolina line, to protect this ex posed frontier from the incursions of the British and the Tories. He accordingly took position on the north side of Waxhaw Crock, Avhere he Avas joined ly Major Craw ford, Avith a few South Ciirolina troops and thirty-fiVc Indian warriors of the Catawba tribe, under their chief. New River, and the Mecklenburg militia under Colonel Hagins. On the 20th of July Major Davie surprised and captured SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 108 a,t Flat Rock, a convoy of provisions, spirits and clothing, guarded by some dragoons and volunteers, ou their way to the post at Hanging Rock, about four and a half miles distant. The capture was effected without loss ; the spirits, provisions and wagons were, destroyed, and the prisoners, mounted on the captured horses and guarded by dragoons under Captain William Polk, at dark commenced their retreat. On Beaver Creek, about midnight, they were attacked ly the enemy in ambuscade, concealed maker the fence in a field of standing corn. The rear guard had entered the lane when Captain Petit, the officer in advance, hailed the British in their place of conceal ment. A second challenge A\ras answered by a volley of musketry Irom the enemy, which commenced on the right, si nd passed by a running fire to the rear of the detach ment. Major Davie rode rapidly forward and ordered the men to push through the lane ; but, under surprise, his troops turned back, and upon tbe loaded arms of the •enemy. He was thus compelled to repass the ambuscade under a heavy fire, and overtook his men retreating by the same road they had advanced. The detachment Avas finally rallied and halted upon a hill, but so discomfited rat this unexpected attack that no effort could induce them to charge upon the enemy. A judicious retreat was the only course left to avoid a similar disaster, which Avas effected ; and Major Davie, -having passed the enemy's patrols, regained his camp early on the next day without further accident. In this jittaek, the fire of the enemy fell chiefly upon those in the lane, avIio were prisoners (confined two on a horse with the guard). These were nearly all Killed, or severely wounded. Of the Whigs, Lieutenant Elliott was killed. ¦and Captain Petit, Avho had been sent in advance by Ma jor Davie to examine the lane, the ford of the creek anil the houses, and failing to do so, as carefully as was prop er, paid the penalty of neglect of duty by being Avounded with two of his men. Major Davie, who Avas noted for 104 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. his vigilance, anticipated some attempt by the British and Tories to recover the prisoners, and had taken, as he believed, all necessary precautions to prevent a surprise or ambuscade. Major Davie, in a manuscript account of this affair, now on file in the archives of the Historical Society at Chapel Hill, leaves this judicious advice : " It furnishes a lesson to officers of partisan corps, that every officer of a detach ment may, at some time, have its safety and reputation committed to him, and that the slightest neglect of duty },-- generally severely punished by an enemy.'" Rocky Mount is on the west bank of the "Wateree River (sis the Catawba is called after its junction with Wateree Creek), thirty miles from Camden, and A\*as garrisoned by- Colonel Turnbull with one hundred and fifty New York volunteers and some militia. Its defences consisted of tAvo log-houses, a loop-holed building and an abattisA On the 30th of July, 1780, General Sumter and Colonel Neal, from South Carolina, and Colonel Irwin, Avith three hundred Mecklenburg militia, joined Major DaA-ie. A couueil AATasheld, and it was determined that simultaneous attacks should be made upon the British posts at Roc.. Rebecca; ('!. Frederick William. 112 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. GENERAL MICHAEL MCLEARY. General Michael MeLeary was born in 1762. He first ¦entered the service as a private in Captain "William Alex ander's company, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Robert Irwin, William Hagins, Lieutenant Colonel, and James Harris, Major. The regiment Avas encamped on Coddle Creek, near which time Colonel William David son, a Continental officer, was appointed to the command of a battalion. In a short time afterward, his command marched to Ramsour's Mill, to disperse a large bod}' of Tories, under Colonel John Moore, but failed to reach that place before they had been subdued and routed by Colonel Locke and his brave associates. General MeLeary Avas in the fight against a considera ble body of Tories assembled at Coulson's Mill, at which place General DaA'idson AA'as severely Avounded. After this seiwice he again volunteered in Captain Wil liam Alexander's company, Colonel Irwin's regiment, Avatching the movements of the enemy. About two miles south of Charlotte, Lieutenant James Taggart captured two Avagons loaded with valuable supplies from Camden for the British army, then encamped near the former place. In this dashing exploit, tAvo of the British guard were killed, and the remainder made prisoners, who Ave re afterward turned over to Colonel Davidson. At the same time, an express Avas captured from Lord Cornwallis to Colonel Turnbull, in command of the forces at Camden. Here, as elseAvhero in the surrounding country, it Avill be seen the vigilant "hornets" of Mecklenburg Avere engaged in their accustomed Avork. Captain Alexander's command continued to hang on the enemy's roar for the purpose of making rapid captures and picking up stragglers, aud folloAved thorn to the Old Nation Ford, on the Catawba. Colonel Davidson having lieen promoted in the meantime to the rank of Brigadier General, marched (Ioavh and encamped near Six Mile SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 113 Creek, where he was joined by Generals Morgan and Xmallwood, in November, 1780. Near this time General Morgan Avas ordered to move with a detachment to the jelief of the upper districts of South Carolina. He set off immediately, and remained there until after the battle ¦of the CoAvpens, on the 17th of January, 1781. General MeLeary again volunteered in Captain John Brownfield's company, in General Davidson's brigade, watching the movements of Lord ConiAvallis in his pur suit of General Morgan, encumbered Avith five hundred prisoners on his Avay to a place of safety in Virginia. General Davidson, anticipating the movements of Corn wallis, had placed guards at four or five crossing-places on the Catawba river, making his headquarters near the Tuckasege Ford, on the eastern bank of the ri\'er. On Hie 31st of January, he left his headquarters to inspect the position of his guard at Cowan's Ford. Here the British army crossed at dawn of day, on the 1st of Feb ruary, 1781. At the close of the skirmish which ensued. General Davidson was killed. General MeLeary con tinued in service until after the battle of Guilford, avIicu he returned home, and Avas soon afterward discharged. He was highly respected., represented bis county several times in the State Legislature, and died at a good old age. MAJOR THOMAS ALEXANDEIi. Major Thomas Alexander, born in 1753, Avas one of the earliest and most unwavering patriots of Mecklenburg oounty. He first entered the service in 1775, as u private, in Captain John Springs' company, and marched to the head of the Catawba river, to assist in protecting the frontier settlements, then greatly suffering from the mur derous and depredating incursions of the Cherokee In dians. In 1775 he also volunteered in Captain Ezekiel Polk's conqtany, and marched against the Tories assemb ?vt the post of .Ninety, iu South Carolina. M tiled 114 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. Iii 1776 he volunteered in Captain William Alexander's- company, under Colonels Adam Alexander and Robert Irwin, General Rutherford commanding, and marched to- the Quaker MeacloAvs, at the head of the Catawba, and thence across the Blue Ridge to the Cherokee country. Having severely chastised the Indians and compelled thenu to sue for peace, the expedition returned. In 1779, he volunteered under Captain William Polkr and marched to South Carolina, to subdue the Tories ore Wateree River. Soon after this service he was ajipointed. captain of a company to guard the magazine in Charlotte. which, on the approach of Corirwallis, in September, 1780r Avas reniOAred to a place of safety on the evening before- his Lordship's arrival. After Cornwallis kft Charlotte, Captain Alexander- raised a company of mounted men to guard the Tucka sege Ford. He occupied this position until it AA-as knowm Cornwallis had crossed the Catawba RiA'er, at Cowan V Ford. After the death of General Davidson he placed himself under Colonel Lee, of the Continental line, Gen. Pickens- commanding, and marched to Hillsboro, near Avhich place- they defeated Colonel Pyles, a Tory leader, on HaAv River- After this service he volunteered under Colonel Davie, and was with him at the battle of Hanging Rock. After Gates' defeat he Avas appointed Quarter-master, with orders to attend the hospital in Charlotte. Major Alexander married Jane, daughter of Neil Mor rison, one of the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration. of Independence, and died in 1844, at the age of ninety- t.A\ro years. In the "-Charlotte Journal," of January 17th, 1845, an obituary notice of this veteran patriot Avas published, in which it is stated, "he was allied by blood to the two* most distinguished families of the period — the Polks and Alexanders, and in his oavh person blended many of the qualities peculiar to each. He Avas remarkable for tho- SKETCHES OF WESTERN1 NORTH CAROLINA. 115 highest courage and the greatest modesty ; for marked dignity of personal deportment, and a disposition the most. cheerful, and a heart overfloAving with kindness. He croAvned all his virtues by a simple, unostentatious and humble piety, and concluded a life, protracted to a period far beyond that allotted to mankind, Avithout a blot, and Avithout reproach, and with the respect, the affection and veneration of all Avho kneAV him." CAPTAIN AVtLLIAM ALEXANDER. Captain William Alexander was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1749. He Avas long and Avel! known in Mecklenburg county, N. C, among numerous other persons bearing the same name, as " Capt. Black Bill Alexander," from being the reputed leader of a small band of ardent patriots who, in 1771, blackened their faces, aud destroyed the king's powder, on its way to Hillsboro, to obey the behests of a cruel and tyrannical gOA'ernor. (For further particulars, see sketch of " Black BoyX of Cabarrus County. ) He first entered the service of the United States its captain of a company, in 1776, under Colonel Adam Alex ander, and marched to the head of the CataAvba RiA^er. The object of this expedition was to protect the A^alley of tho Catawba from the incursions and depredations of the Cherokee Indians during the time the inhabitants Avere gathering in their harvest. He again eutered the service ;is captain, under Colonel Adam Alexander, General .Rutherford commanding, and marched to the head of th<- Catawba River, and across the Blue Ridge Mountains, against the Cherokee Indians, who Ave.re completely routed and their Ioaviis destroyed, compelling them to sue for peace In 1780 he commanded a company under Col. Francis Locke, and marched from Charlotte for the relief of" Charleston, but finding the city closely in\'ested by the- IK) SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. British army, the regiment fell back to Camden, and re mained there until their three months' service had ex pired. fie again served a four months' tour as captain, under Generai Sumter, and Avas in the battles of Rocky Mount, Untiring Rock, and in the skirmish at Wahab's (iioav Avritten Walkup's.) He also served six Aveeks as captain under Colonel Thomas Polk, in the Avinter of 1775-6, knoAvn as the "Snow Campaign," against the Tory leader, Cunningham, in South Carolina. He again served a three months' tour its captain in the Wilmington expedition, General Rutherford commanding. immediately preceding the battle of Guilford, but aviis not in that action, on account of an attack of small-pox. He again marched Avith General Rutherford's forces against the Tories assembled at Ramsour's Mill, in Lin coln county, but the action having taken, place shortly before their arrival, they assisted in taking care of the wounded and in burying the dead. He again entered the service as captain, for ten months, under General Sumter, in Colonel "Wade Hampton's regi ment in South Carolina, and Avas the first captain avIio arrived Avith his men at the place of rendezvous. He was also in the fight at the Quarter House, Monk's Corner, capture of Orangeburg, battle of EutaAv, and in numerous other minor but important services to his country. Captain William Alexander resided on the public road leading to Concord, six miles east of Charlotte, where he - died on the 19th of December, 1836, aged about eighty- seven years. ELIJAH ALEXANDER. Elijah Alexander, son of William Alexander, black smith, AVits born in Mecklenburg county, N. C, in 1760. SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 117 Tn 1819, he moved to Maury county, Tenn., where he died at a good old age. In March, 1780, Colonel Thomas Polk called out detachments from the nearest companies of militia to serve as a guard OArer the public powder placed in the magazine in Charlotte. He then volunteered for three months under Captain Thomas Alexander. After Cornwallis crossed the Catawba RiA'er at Cowan's Ford, on the 1st of February, 1781, at Avhich place Gen eral Davidson was killed, a call was made for more men to harass the progress of the British army. For this pur pose, a rendezvous was made at the " Big Roek," in Cabarrus county, under Colonel William Polk, Major James Harris and Captain BroAvnfield. At this time, the small-pox broke out in camp, from the effects of which Moses Alexander, a brother of Governor Nathaniel Alex ander, died. After the battle of Guilford, on the 15th of March, 1781, General Greene returned to South Carolina to recover full possession of the State. He then joined his army under Captain Jitmes Jack (the bearer of the Mecklenburg Declaration to Congress in 1775). and in Colonel Thomas Polk's regiment. The command marched, from Charlotte, along the " Linvyer's Road," to Matthew Stewart's, on Goose Creek, and thence toAvards ( amdeu, to fall in with General Greene's army. They halted at the noted " Flat Rojk," and eat beef butchered on that wide-spread natural table. The command then inarched to Huge-ley's Mill, where it remained a Aveek or more. After this service he returned home and avus honorably discharged. CAPTAIN CHARLES ALEXANDER. Captain Charles Alexander was born in Mecklenburg county, N. G, January 4th, 1755. He first entered the service of the United States as a piWate in July, 1775, in the company of Captain William Alexander, and Colonel Adam Alexander's regiment, General Rutherford com- 1 .IS SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. manding, and marched across the Blue Ridge Mountains against the Cherokee Indians. The expedition was com pletely successful ; the Indians Avere routed, and their toAvns destroyed. He next served as a private for two months, commenc ing in January, 1776, known as the "Siioav Campaign," in Captain William Alexander's company, and Colonel Thomas Polk's regiment, and marched to Rayburn's creek, where the Tories Ave re dispersed. In one of the skirm ishes, William Polk was Avounded in the shoulder. In October, 177G, he again served under the same Cap tain, and in Colonel Caldwell's regiment, but tbe com mand of the regiment during this tour of duty, Avas under Major Thomas Harris, Avho marched to Camden, S. C, and remained there about three months. In 1776, he served in the cavalry company of Captain Charles Polk, avIio marched to Fort Johnson, near the mouth of Cape Fear river, Colonel Thomas Polk com manding. He again served as a private in 1778, in the company of Captain William Gardner and Lieutenant Stephen Alexander, General Rutherford commanding, who marched to Pnrysburg, S. G, and there joined the regulars under General Lincoln, at a camp called the '¦ Black SAvamp." In 1780, shortly after Gates' defeat, he joined Captain William Alexander's company, and Colonel '[ hoinas Tolk's regiment, under General Davie, marched to the WaxhaAvs, and Avas in the engagement fought there against the Tories. He again served under Captain William Alexander, as one of the guard over Avagons sent to Fayetteville to pro cure salt for the amy. In September, 1781, he Avas elected Captain of a cavalry company, under Major Thomas Harris, and marched against the Tories at Baft SAvamp. Besides the tours herein specified, Captain Alxander performed other important services, of shorter duration, in scouring the surrounding country, and protecting it against the troublesome Tories. SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 119 In 1814, Captain Alexander moved to Giles, now Lin coln county, Tenn., and in 1833, to Maury county, where he died at an extreme old age. The Alexanders, Avho performed a soldier's duty in the Revolutionary War, residing principally in Mecklenburg county, were very numerous, seA^eral of Avhom can here ¦receive only a passing notice. John Alexander, son of James Alexander, Avas in active service for upwards of five years. He Avas the husband of Mrs. Susanna Alexander, long Icuoavii and highly esteemed in Mecklenburg county as the ministering angel, Avho Avas •eminently instrumental in saving the life of Captain Joseph Graham, after he was cut down by the British cavalry, near Sugar Creek Church, and left by them, sup posed to be dead. She found him by the road- side, con- '¦ducted him to her house, dressed his wounds, made by ball and sabre, and tenderly cared for him during the night. On the next day, his symptoms becoming more tavorable, she conve37ed him to his mother's, about four miles distant, on her own pony. Her husband died in 1805. In 1816, Avlien'eighty-six years of age, and in needy circumstances, she was granted a pension by the General Government, in behalf of her husband's military services, and lived to be nearly one hundred years old, enjoying the kind regard -and veneration of all avIio kneAv her. Dan Alexander, who moved to Hardeman county, Tenn., was born in Mecklenburg county, in March, 1757. He first entered the service in 1778, for three months, in Captain William Alexander's company, (commonly ¦called "Black Bill Alexander,") and Colonel Twin's regi ment. In 1780, he served under Captain Thomas Alexander to assist in guarding the public magazine in Charlotte. In this same year he served in the expedition to Ram sour's Mill, under General Rutherford, and afterward, against Tories assembled in the forks of the Yadkin river: captured several and conveyed them to Salisbury jail. 120 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA Soon afterward, he joined the command of Colonel Davie, and marched in the direction of Camden, S. C. Near the South Carolina line, they met Gates' retreating army. He represented Gates as " wearing a pale blue coat, wit It epaulettes, velvet breeches, and riding a bay horse." Colonel Davie's command returned, and encamped ten miles north of the Court House. > His last important service Avas in forming one of the ] tarty dispatched by Colonel McCall to surprise a guard of eighteen British grenadiers, stationed at Hart's Mill, near Hillsboro. The movement Avas successful ; several were killed, six made prisoners, and one escaped in the creek. William Alexander, of RoAvan county, entered the service in 1776, and marched under General Rutherford's com mand against the Cherokee Indians, and in that expedi tion (Sept. 8th,) was wounded in the foot at the '-Seven Mile Mountain." In 1781, he Avas elected the Captain of a company of spies, and Avas in the ten month's service under Colonel Wade Hampton aifd General Sumter, in South Carolina. acting efficiently in this capacity, until the close oT the RcA'olution. JOSEPH KERR "THE CRIPPLE SPY." Joseph Kerr avus born in Chester county, Pa., Nov. 3rd, 1750. At an early age moA'ed Avith his parents to North Carolina, and settled in Mecklenburg county. He Ava-s it cripple from infancy, but becoming indignant at the ravages of the British and Tories, and actuated Avith a true, pa triotic spirit, he repaired to the camp of Gen. McDowell and offered his services as a spy. In this capacity Gen. McDowell accepted him, and immediately sent him to> Blackstoek's Ford, on Tiger River, S. G, Avhere the- British and Tories Avere encamped, about fifteen hundred strong. After secreting his horse he proceeded as a poor cripple, and beggar-like, made a full examination of the SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 121 enemy's camp. Furnished with this information, hc- quietly withdrew, returned quickly as possible to General McDowell, and apprised him and Captain Steen of hi* discoveries. He was Avell mounted, and traveled day and night — a distance of ninety miles. General McDowell's forces, upon this intelligence, marched in great haste, at tacked the enemy near Blackstock's Ford, and routed them. In this engagement four of Captain Steen's men Avore killed and seven wounded. He took no prisoner* and gave no quarters. Kerr then returned to Mecklen burg county, and soon after joined Colonel Williams' com mand as a spy. Captain Steen informed Colonel Williams- that he might safely rely upon Kerr in this kind of ser vice. They then marched to join the over-mountain boysT under Sevier, Shelby and other officers. Upon the junc tion of their forces, a council of Avar was immediately held, at which Kerr was present. They learned that Fer guson was about twenty miles from them, at Peter Quinn's old place, six miles from King's Mountain. The result of the council of Avar was that he (Kerr) should go and re- connoiter Ferguson's camp. He did so Avithout delay T and found the British and Tories encamped — arms stacked, and about twelve hundred strong. As a poor, innocent cripple, they informed him thc}r were- ready and Avilling to give " protection" to all avIio avouIJ join them. He soon afterwards Avithdrew, mounted his fleet charger, and in a brief space of time reported to Colonels Shelby, Sevier and other officers the enemy's strength and situation. Acting upon his report, these officers marched that night a distance of tAventy-seven miles, and reached the mountain on the next day, about three o'clock. After a brief consultation as to the plan of the engagement, Ferguson was vigorously attacked on his boasted eminence of security, and, after a fierce con flict of about one hour, was completely conquered. Fer guson and two hundred and twenty-five of his men were killed ; one hundred and eighty wounded, and upwards of 122 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. six hundred made prisoners. The loss of the Whigs was twenty-eight killed and a great many wounded. Colonel Williams was severely wounded in the groin, from the effects of Avhich he died a few hours after the battle. In ;i few days after this victory, Kerr returned to Mecklen burg county, to the house of his uncle, Joseph Kerr. The brave Captain Steen Avas afterwards killed by the Tories. He was from Union county, S. C, and not far from :' Thicketty Mountain," in the district known as Ninety- six. At the instance of Captain Barnett, in command of some refugees Avho returned Avith him to Mecklenburg, Kerr Avas sent to York county, S. C, to gain information of the enemy's force and position. His crippled condi tion readily gained him access to the camp of Colonel Floyd and Major Hook— the latter in charge of the dra goons. He was recognized by some of the Tories, and came very near losing liis life. He managed, hoAvever, to escape, and traveled all night in order to inform Captain Barnett of the enemy's strength. Captain Barnett imme diately set out with thirty-one men, and uniting Avith Captains Bratton and McLure, completely surprised and routed the enemy, killing ninety-seven, among the num ber Major Hook and Colonel Ferguson, of the Tory militia. This Avas Kerr's last service as a spy. After the Avar he moved to Tennessee, and died in White county, at u good old age. ROBERT KERR. Robert Kerr, a soldier of the Revolution, Avas born in December, 1750, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and vamo to North Carolina Avith his parents when only three years old. He first entered the service in 1776, in Captain John MeKnitt Alexander's company, in the expedition. General Rutherford commanding, against the Cherokee Indians, then severely molesting the frontier settlements. SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 123 In 1778, he was drafted into Captain John Brownfield's company, Colonel Francis Locke's regiment, and marched by way of Camden, to the defence of" Charleston. After his return, he served under the same officers in the battle of Ramsour's Mill, in Lincoln county. When Cornwallis was in Charlotte in 1780, he served under ( aptain James Thompson, the gallant leader of the Spartan band against the foraging party at Mclntire's farm, seven miles from Charlotte, on the Beattie's Ford road. In December, 1780, be joined the company of Captain .John Sharpe, at Avhich time, General DaA'idson, Avith his accustomed vigilance and activity, announced that all avIio would then promptly volunteer for sixAveeks, such service should stand for a three months tour. On this Occasion he volunteered, and served under Captain William Henry. After the death of General Davidson at CoAvan's Ford, he Avas placed in Colonel Locke's regiment, General Pick ens commanding, AA-hich forces Avere ordered to harass and impede the march of Cornwallis to Guilford Court House. This Avas his last important military service. HENRY HUNTER. Henry Hunter was born in the county of Deny, Ireland, on the 11th of August, 1751. About the time he became of age, he married Martha Sloan, and, after remaining it little upwards of one year longer in Ireland, he emigrated to America, and landed at Charleston, S. C, after a long and boisterous voyage of thirteen Aveeks. After reaching the shores of the Ncav World, to which his fond anticipa tions of superior civil and religious privileges had anxi ously turued, on surveying his situation, grim poverty stared him in the face ; for, bis stock of cash on hand Avas just " one silver half dollar." Yet, being raised to habits of industry, he did not despair, feeling assured that, ' Avhere J 21 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. there is a will there is a way" to act in earnest, and battle against the adverse fortunes of life. Finding in Charleston a wagon from North Carolina) he made suitable arrangements Avith its owner, and ac- eompanie I it on its return to Mecklenburg county, Avhither his mother and four brothers had emigrated several years before, and settled in the neighborhood of Poplar Tent Church. Here, by strict economy, and per severing industry, he was prospered as a farmer ; blest in his "basket and his store," and soon enabled to purchase ii comfortable homestead for himself and his rising family. When the Avar of the Revolution broke out, being deeply imbued from ohildhoxl with the principles of liberty, and the justness of the American cause, he did not hesitate to assist in the great struggle for freedom. He first entered the service of the United States as a volunteer in Captain William Alexander's company, Col onel George Alexander's regiment, and marched to sup press ii large body of Tories assembled under Colonel John Moore at Ramsour's Mill, near the present town of Lin- colnton, but filled to reach that place before the battle had been fought aud the Tories signally routed by Col onel-Locke and his brave associates. He next entered tho service under Captain Thomas Alexander, and was ordered to Charlotte for the purpose of guarding the public magazine in that place, (aptain Alexander succeeded in having it removed to a place of safety on the evening before the entrance of the British army into Charlotte on tbe 26th of September, 1780. He again enteredthe service a short time afterward, in Captain William Alexander's eomyany, and Colonel George Alexander's regiment. The rendezvous of the regiment was about four miles south of Charlotte. After this service, on account, of severe local injury, he was honorably discharged ly Colonel Alexander. Henry Hunter had twelve children, ten sons and two daughters. He was signally blest to see them all attain SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. l'J5 the age of maturity, and settle on' comfortable homes around him. His wife, Martha, the worthy partner of his joys and sorrows, and AA'hose earthly pilgrimage Avas pro tracted beyond the usual bounds of life, died on the 30th of September, 1832, in the eightieth year of her age. He was long a. consistent member aud ruling Elder of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Like a sheaf fully ripe in its season, he met his approaching end with peaceful resignation. On his tombstone, in a private cemetery, on the old homestead property, is the following inscription: " In Memory of II E N R Y Ii U N T E R , Whn departed this lire on on the l-8th of May, 1-Slfi, in the eighty-sixth year of his age, leaving a posterity ol eleven children, and one hundred grand chil dren, with thirty gre,U-g-r.i,nd children to mourn his loss." JAMES ORR. James Orr Avas born in Pennsylvania in 1750. He early espoused the cause of freedom, and first entered the ser vice in a company of riflemen, commanded by Captain Robert Mobane ; marched to Cross Creek (iioav Fayette- ville), and thence to Wilmington, to the assistance ol' Generals Ashe and Moore. In 1776, he volunteered under Captain Thomas Polk, in Colonel Charles' corps of cavalry, General Rutherford commanding, and marched against a body of Tories assembled at Cross Creek, but they were dispersed before the expedition reached that place. Ao-ain, in 1776, he volunteered under Captain Mebane, and inarched from Charlotte to the Quaker Meadows, at the head of the CataAvba River, against the Cherokee Indians, committing murders and depredations on the frontier settlements. In 1777 he served under Captain Elaby, Colonel Hicks' regiment, in South Carolina. 126 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. In 1780 he served under Captain William Alexander, in Colonel William Davidson's battalion, General Ruther ford commanding, and marched against the Tories assem bled at Ramsour's Mill, in Lincoln county ; but the battle had been fought, and the Tories subdued and routed, before the expedition reached that place. This Avas his last important service. SKIRMISH AT CHARLOTTE; OR, FIRST ATTACK OF THE After the battle of Camden, Cormvallis, believing that he would soon bring the rebels of North Carolina into speedy submission to the British CroAvn, left the scene of his conquest Avith as little delay as possible, and desig nated Charlotte as the most suitable place for his head quarters. This town had been previously the rallying point, on many occasions, for the American forces, and from Avhich they marched by companies, battalions and regiments, to the front, Avhenever their services were needed. Cornwallis entered Charlotte on the 26th of September, 1780. His approach to the town Avas from the south, on Trade street, and, after taking possession of the place, his army lay encamped eighteen days in the old field, or commons, nearly opposite the residence of the late M. P. Wriston, Avith the exception of one regiment, Avhich pitched their tents about midway between Charlotte and Colonel Polk's mill (late Bissell's). The head-quarters of his Lordship Avas in the second house in the rear of the present Springs building, Avith a front yard facing on Trade street. Many years after the Avar this building, in which Cornwallis slept unquiet!;/ (per noc/em plurima volvens), was moved round on Tryon street, and constitutes a part of the house now (1870) occupied by Mr. ^Taylor, gun smith, but so changed and remodeled that little of the SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. All original structure can be identified to remind us of the past. The skirmish at Charlotte has been pronounced one of" the most " brilliant affairs" of the Revolution; and the correct account of it Avill be here given in General Davie's own Avords, taken from his auto-biographical sketches in -manuscript, and now on file in the archives of the His torical Society of the State University at Chapel Hill. He says : " Charlotte, situated on a rising ground, con tains about twenty houses, built on two streets, Avhich cross each other at right angles, at the intersection of which stands the court-house. The left of the town, a.- the enemy advanced, was an open common on the Avoods, Avhich reached up to the gardens of the village. With this small force, viz., one hundred and fifty cavalry and mounted infantry, and fourteen volunteers, under Major Graham, Davie determined to give his Lordship a fore taste of what he might expect in North Carolina. For this purpose he dismounted one company, and posted it. under the court-house, Avhere the men were covered breast high by a stone Avail. Two other companies were ad vanced about eighty yards, and posted behind some houses, and in gardens on each side of the street. While this disposition was making, the Legion (Tarleton's) was forming at the distance of three hundred yards, Avith a front to fill the street, and the light infantry on their flanks. On sounding the charge, the cavalry advanced at full gallop within sixty yards of the court-house, where they received the American fire, and retreated with great precipitation. As the infantry continued to adA^ance, notwithstanding the fire of our advanced companies, who Avere too few to keep them in check, it became necessary to withdraw them from the cross street, and form them in line with the troops under the court-house. The flanks were still engaged Avith the infantry, but the centre Avas directed 128 SKETCHES Of WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. to reserve their fire for the cavalry, avIio rallied on their Ibrmer ground, and returned to the charge. They Avere again well received by the militia, and gal loped off in great confusion, in presence of the whole British army. As the British infantry were iioav begin ning to turn Colonel Davie's right flank, these companies were draAA'n off in good order, successively covering each other, and formed at the end of the street, about one hun dred yards from the court-house, under a galling fire from the British light infantry, avIio had adAranced under coA'er of tho houses and gardens. The British cavalry again appeared, charging in column by the court-house, but upon receiving a fire, Avhich had been reserved for them, they again scampered off. Lord Cornwallis, in his vexa tion at the repeated miscarriage of his cavalry, openly abused their cowardice. The Legion, reinforced by the infantry, pressed forward on our flanks, and the ground was no longer tenable by this handful of brave men. A retreat Avas then ordered on the Salisbury road, and the enemy followed, Avith great caution and respect, for •some miles, when they A-entured to charge tbe rearguards. The guards were of course put to flight, but, on receiving the fire- of a single company, they retreated. Our loss consisted of Lieutenant Locke, and four privates killed, and Major Graham and five privates wounded. Tbe British stated their loss at tAvelve non-commissioned officers and privates killed, and Major Hanger, Captains Campbell and McDonald, and thirty privates AA'otmded." This action, although it subjects Colonel Davie to the charge of temerity, only to be excused by the event, and n zeal which Ave are ahvays ready to applaud, furnishes a striking instance of the braver}' and importance of the American militia. Fcav instances can lie sIioavii Avhe.ro iiny troops, avIio in one action, changed their position twice in good order, although pressed by superior force, ;niid charged three times 1>A' cavalrv, thrice their oavh SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 129 4iumber, unsupported, in presence of an enemy's whole .-army, and finally retreating in perfect order. The graphic account of the skirmish at, and near Char lotte, from Colonel Davie's manuscript sketches, corrects a mistake into which several historians have unintention ally fallen in stating that Colonel Francis Locke was killed in the retreat near Sugar Creek Church, when, on the con trary, it was one of his younger brothers, Lieutenant George Locke, a brave and meritorious officer. This state ment is confirmed by the notice of the family of "Hon. Matthew Locke," in Wheeler's "Historical Sketches," by the sworn declaration of William Rankin, of Gaston -county, who received his discharge from Colonel Locke in Salisbury, near the time of the battle of Guilford, in March, 1781, and by the declaration of Michael MeLeary, of Mecklenburg, Avho served under Colonel Locke after Oornwallis crossed the Catawba in February, 1781, as Avill he found published in this work. The reader may be curious to knoAv the estimate the British officers placed upon this affair — the hornets- like -.reception his Lordship experienced on his entrance into (Charlotte. Tarleton, in his "History of the Southern Campaign in 1780, and 1781," page 159, says, "Earl Cornwallis moved forward as soon as the Legion under Major Hanger joined him. A party of militia fired at the advanced dragoons and light infantry as they entered the town, and a more ¦considerable body appeared drawn up near the court house. The conduct of the Americans created suspicion in the British ; an ambuscade was apprehended by the light troops, who moved forward, for some time, AA'ith great circumspection; a charge of cavalry, under Major Hanger, dissipated this ill-grounded jealousy, and totally dispersed the militia. The pursuit lasted sometime, and about thirty of the enemy were killed and taken. The Sing's troops did not come out of this skirmish unhurt ; Major Hanger, and Captains Campbell and McDonald 9 1 30 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. Avere wrounded, and twelve non-commissioned officers ancE men killed or wounded." Stedman, the English historian who accompanied Corn- Avallis in his southern campaign, says in his " American War," Vol. II, p. 216, "Charlotte Avas taken possession of,. after a slight resistance from the militia, towards the end of September. At this period, Major Hanger commanded,, Colonel Tarleton being ill. In the centre of Charlotte „ intersecting the two principal streets, stood a large brick; building, the upper part being the court-house, and the* under part, the market house. Behind the shambles, a few Americans on horse-back had placed themselves. The Legion was ordered to drive them off; but, upon receiv ing a fire from behind the stalls, this corps fell back. Lore! Cornwallis rode up in person, and made use of theses Avords : ' Legion, remember you have eA-erything to lose,, but nothing to gain,' alluding, as was supposed, to the former reputation of this corps. Webster's brigade movedi on, and drove the Americans from behind the court-house z, the legion then pursued them, but the Avhole British army AA-as actually kept at bay, for some minutes, by a few- mounted Americans, not exceeding twenty in number." Stedman, AA'ho is generally accurate and impartial inlnX narratives, is mistaken in calling the old court-house it "brick building." It was, as previously stated, a woodem building, placed on brick pillars ten or twelve feet high„ and hence the mistake. Some alloAvance should also be- made for Stedman's mistake, as, very near that time, the fierce and buzzing attacks of the "Hornets" greatly ob scured the accuracy of his vision. Upon the Avhole, the- account Ave have of this skirmish, even under British coloring, and evasion of the tvhole truth, exemplifies the* spirit and bravery of the "handful" of men Avho aetually kept the whole British arm}' in check for some time, and then retreated in good order. Kendal, in his "Life of Jackson," chapter 4, in speak ing of the military school in A\'hich the " hero of New SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 131 Orleans " was educated, says : " In the chieftains by Avhich he was surrounded, the virtues of patriotism, disintered- ness, caution, enterprise and courage exhibited themselves in the highest perfection. As military leaders, Marion Avas particularly distinguished for enterprise, vigilance and courage ; Sumter Avas his equal in enterprise and courage, but had less circumspection ; Davie, who was generally the leader of the Waxliaw settlers, appears to have united the virtues of the two. Perhaps in no instance, where the chief command Avas in him, did he fail to ac complish the object he undertook. His intelligence was- accurate ; his plans judicious, and kept profoundly secret ; his movements rapid ; his bloAvs sudden as the lightning, and his disappearance almost as quick. To pursue him was useless, aud it was seldom or never attempted. He frequently dared, with a handful of men, to face an army ¦„ and we have seen, by his encounter Avith the British van at Charlotte, that he knew how to strike terror into an enemy he was not strong enough to conquer." The situation of Cornwallis in Charlotte was far from being agreeable. The sentinels placed around his en campment were frequently shot clown, compelling him to have pits sunk, five or six feet deep, for their protection. He possessed, it is true, a feAv timid friends and sup porters in the adjacent country, but these could rot render him any material aid. The panic which had overspread South Carolina, after the British successes in that State, had extended itself, though in a less degree, into North Carolina, and had driven many of the wealthier class to " take protection," and thus save their property. But notwithstanding the terror of arms Avhich preceded his arrival, Cornwallis soon became convinced that bis situa tion Avas surrounded Avith humiliating realities Avhich he could not easily remove. The reasons assigned by Tarle- ton are truthfully set forth, Avhen he says, " Charlotte town afforded some conveniences, blended with great dis advantages. The mills in its neighborhood were sup- 132 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. posed of sufficient consequence to render it for the present an eligible position, and in future a necessary post, when the enemy advanced. But the aptness of its intermediate situation between Camden and Salisbury ; and the quan tity of mills did not counterbalance these defects.'' And again be says, "It was evident, and had been frequently mentioned to the King's officers, that the counties of Mecklenburg and Rohan (Rowan) were more hostile to England than any others in America. The vigilance and animosity of these surrounding districts checked the exer tions of the well-affected, and totally destroyed all com munication between the King's troops and loyalists in other parts of the province. No British commander could obtain any information in that position Avhich Avould facilitate his designs, or guide his future conduct." No higher encomium of the principles and patriotism of the people of North Carolina could have been well given. It is the testimony of an eye-witness, and he a cruel enemy, with the best means of information before him. Tarleton goes on to say, "The toAvn and its environs abounded Avith inveterate enemies. The plantations in the neighborhood were small and uncultivated ; the roads narroAv and crossed in every direction ; and the whole face of the country covered Avith close and thick woods. In addition to these disadvantages, no estimation could be made of the sentiments of half the inhabitants of North Carolina Avhilst the royal arm}' remained in Char lotte.'' And, again, Tarleton informs us, " The foraging parties were eA'eiy day harassed ly the inhabitants, Avho did not remain at home to receive payment for the product of their plantations, but generally fired from coArert places to annoy the British detachments. Ineffectual attempts were made upon convoys coming from Camden, and the intermediate post at Blair's Mill, but individuals Avith expresses Avere frequently murdered. Au attack Avas -directed against the picket at Polk's Mill, two miles from SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 133 the town. The Americans were gallantly received by Lieutenant Guyon, of the 23d Regiment ; and the fire of his party, from a loop-holed building adjoining the mill, repulsed the assailants. Notwithstanding the different checks and losses sustained by the militia of the district, they continued their hostilities Avith umvearied persever ance ; and the British troops were so effectually blockaded in their present position, that very few, out of a great many messengers, could reach Charlotte in the beginning of October, to give intelligence of Ferguson's situation. The repulse at Mclntyre's, elsewhere noticed in these sketches, is a good illustration of what Tarl ton says in these quotations. Truly, the " Hornets" were enraged about that time — more vigilant and out-flying than ever before ; but it should be borne in mind they were then fighting the invaders of their own soil, and in defence of the undisturbed enjoyments of " home, sweet home." Stedman describes, in much the same terms as Tarle ton has done, the difficulties encountered by the British in procuring supplies for their army. He says : " In Col. Polk's mill were found 28,000 lbs. of flour and a quantity of wheat. There were se\Teral large cultivated farms in the neighborhood of Charlotte. An abundance of cattle, feAV sheep ; the cattle mostly milch cows, or coavs with calf, which, at that season of the year, Avas the best beef. When the army was in Charlotte we killed, upon an average, one hundred head per day. The leanness of the cattle will account for the number kiih d each day. At this perit d the royal army was supported by Lord Uiiav- don's moving Avith one half of the army one day, and Colonel Webster with the other half the next day, as a covering party to protect the foraging parties and cattle drivers." Tbe English people had then, as iioav, the reputation of being great beef-eaters ; nor should we blame them, as the florid complexion the Englishman generally Avears is mainly OAving to the free use of this non-febrile and healthy 134 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. food, Avashed down with a few potations of good old Lon don ale. The surprise at Mclntyre's compelled the British to move with greater forces in their foraging expeditions. It is seldom, in the historic annals of any people, that we find it required " one half" of a large army, in a sparsely settled country, to " protect the foraging parties and cattle drivers." It indicated a spirit of determined resistance bythe patriots of Mecklenburg and of tne State generally, which can only be construed as a faithful maintenance of the principles of freedom proclaimed on the 20th of May, 1775 After the victory of the Whigs at King's Mountain, and the loss of Ferguson, one of his bravest officers, and his entire command, Cornwallis concluded to leave the rebel lious post he then occupied. William McCafferty, a resident Scotchman, and a man of considerable Avealth, was employed as the guide to lead the British army by the nearest road to AVimicboro', S. C. Tradition says, that after so beAvildering the army in the swamps that much of their baggage Avas lost, he contrived to escape, and left them to find their Avay out, as best they could, by the returning light of day. As the British arm}- progressed, passing through the Steele Creek neigh borhood, they encamped about three days on Spratt 's plantation, Avaiting to cross the SAvollen CataAvba, and for the collection of additional supplies. A guard Avas placed around the encampment, and one of the number assigned to a position bet-Aveen the Charlotte road and a neighbor ing cane-brake. On the second or third day the sharp crack of a rifle Avas heard up the Charlotte road, aud a isma-11 detachment of the British army Avas immediately •dispatched to investigate its meaning. When the de tachment arrived at the position of the sentinel, ho was found dead, at the foot of a black oak, against which it is supposed he was leaning at the time. Captain William Alexander (hotter known as "Black Bill,") one of the SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 135 ™i terrible Mecklenburg Whigs," fired the fatal shot from the adjoining cane-brake. Many others of the Sugar Creek rebels were with Captain Alexander on this occa sion, but he alone ventured within killing distance. Long before Tarleton and his dragoons could reach the scene of taction, Alexander and his party were entering the brushy woods of Steele Creek, on their way back to the Whig -settlements of Upper Sugar Creek. The associates of Alexander were the Taylors, Barnetts, Walkers, Polks, and other kindred spirits, who shot many of the sentries around the British encampment at Charlotte, and seriously annoyed or cut off the enemy's foraging parties. The last one of the Barnetts, belonging to this " terrible party," •died in 1829, at a good old age, within two miles of Cook's anills, on Big Sugar Creek. A singular incident, occurring at this period, is here deemed worthy of narration. A relative of the Spratts, named Elliott, was living on the plantation at the time the British army arrived there from Charlotte. Believing that they Avould capture him, if in their poAver, he broke and ran for the cane-brake, about a half or three-quarters •of a mile beloAV the spot where the sentinel Avas shot. As i-soon as the alarm was given of his departure, Tarleton's lerrible dragoons pursued him, but he succeeded in making .good his escape into the densest part of the cane-brake thicket. While he was listening to the terrible denunciations of Tarleton's dragoons on their arrival at the swampy and im perious thicket, and what tb.ey Avould do if they could only see a bush or a cane move, he felt perfectly safe as long as he could remain motionless in his muddy retreat. But when his fears had somewhat subsided in his place of con cealment, still more alarming apprehensions of danger presented themselves, on his espying a venomous moccasin Mecklenburg about 1760, having moved from the colony of Pennsylvania. These brothers Avere Scotch Presbyte rians, and arrayed by early religious education against. tyranny in every form. At the Convention in Charlotte on the 20th of May, 1775, Zaccheus Wilson, representing: all his kinsmen, signed that declaration, pledging himself,. and his cxtensiA'e connections, to its support and main- SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 147 tenance. At this crisis of our history there were a consid erable number of timid persons, who shook their heads and characterized the actors in this opening scene of the bloody drama of the Revolution, as -madmen, rebels and traitors. From the first to the last, Mrs. Wilson espoused the cause of liberty, and exulted in every patriotic success. Animated by her enthusiasm, her husband and sons en tered warmly into the contest. At the surrender of Charleston, her sons, Robert and Joseph, Avere made prisoners, but having given their parols, were allowed to return home. But they had scarcely reached their home in Mecklenburg when the British general issued his proc lamation declaring the country subdued, and requiring every able-bodied militiaman to join the royal standard. Refusing to fight against their country, and being no longer bound as they believed, by their parols, they immediate ly repaired to the standard of General Sumter, and were Avith him in several battles. In the battle of the Hanging Rock, Captain David Reid, one of their kinsmen, was mortally wounded, and being in great agony, called for Avater, when Robert Wilson brought him some in his hat. In the same action, Joseph, a little in advance, was assaulted by a Tory, a powerful man, Avhom he kneAv ; after a severe struggle, he killed him, and bore off his sword, now in possession of his son, David AVilson, of Maine county, Tennessee. The elder Robert Wilson and his son John, having col lected a supply of provisions and forage for General Sum ter's corps, from the neighborhood of Steele Creek, were hastening to meet them at Fishing Creek, and reached that vicinity a short time after the surprise. While en gaged in this employment, the two Wilsons and the sup plies were captured. The prisoners were hurried to the rear, after having been brutally threatened with hanging on the nearest tree, and by a forced march reached Camden next day, where they were added to a crowd of honorable 148 SKETCHES OF WESTEEN NORTH CAROLINA. ¦captives, such as Andre av Jackson, Colonel Isaacs, General Rutherford and others. In the meantime, Cornwallis, leaving Rawdon at Cam den, marched with the larger portion of his army to "re- hellious" < 'harlotte, to forage upon its farms, and to punish its inhabitants for their well-known resistance to royal authority. He reached Charlotte on the 26th of Septem ber, 1780, and during his stay of eighteen days, many scenes of rapine, house burnings and pbinderings took place in and around that place. But the bold Whigs of Mecklenburg — the "hornets" of that section — although unable to keep the open field, were vigilant and at work, constantly popping the sentinels, and insolent dragoons of Tarleton, sent out as scouts and on foraging excursions Becoming uneasy by these bold attacks of the rebels, fre quently driving his foraging parties within sight of his camp, Cornwallis, when he heard of the defeat of Fergu son at King's Mountain, concentrated his army, and, on the 14th of October, commenced his retrograde march towards Winnsboro, S C. During this march, the British army halted for the night at Wilson's plantation, near Steele Creek. Cornwallis and Tarleton occupied the house of Mrs. Wilson, requiring her to prepare a meal for them as though they had been her friends. Cornwallis, in the meantime, finding out that her husband and one of her sons were his prisoners in the Camden jail, artfully at tempted to enlist her in the King's cause. •jladam, said he, your husband and son, are my pris oners ; the fortune of Avar may soon place others of your sons — perhaps all your kinsmen, in my poAver. Your sons are young, aspiring, and brave. In a good cause, fighting for a generous and poAverful king, such as George III., they might hope for rank, honor and Avealth. If you could hut induce your husband and sons to leave the rebels, and take up arms for their laAvful sovereign, I would almost pledge myself that they shall have rank and consideration in the British army. If you, madam, will pledge your- SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 149 self to induce them to do so, I will immediately order their discharge." To this artful appeal, Mrs. Wilson replied that "her hus band and children were indeed dear to her, and that she was willing to do anything she thought right to promote their real and permanent welfare ; but, in this instance, they had embarked in the holy cause of liberty ; had fought and struggled for it during five years, never falter ing for a momeut, while others had fled from the contest, and yielded up their hopes at the first obstacle. I have," she continued, "seven sons who are now, or have been, bearing arms — indeed, my seventh son, Zaccheus, who is only fifteen years old, I yesterday assisted to get ready to go and join his brothers in Sumter's army. Noaat, sooner than see one of my family turn back from the glorious enterprise, I would take these boys (pointing to three or four small sons) and would myself enlist under Sumter's standard, and show my husband and sons how to fight, and, if necessary, to die for their country." "Ah General," interrupted the cold-hearted Tarleton, "I think you've got into a hornet's nest! Never mind, Avhen we get to Camden, I'll take good care that old Robin Wilson never comes back." On the next day's march, a party of scouts captured Zaccheus, who was found on the flank of the British army with his gun, endeavoring to diminish the number of His Majesty's forces. He was immediately conducted to Cornwallis, who, finding out his name, took him along as a guide to the best ford on the Catawba. Arriving at the river, the head of the army eutered at the point designated by the lad, but the soldiers soon found them selves in deep water, and drawn by a rapid current down the stream. Cornwallis, believing that the boy had pur posely led him into deep water in order to embarras his march, drew his sword, and swore he would cut off his head for his treachery. Zaccheus replied that he had the power to do so, as he had no arms, and was his prisoner ; 150 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. "but, sir," said this resolute boy, "don't you think it would he a cowardly act for you to strike an unarmed boy with your sword. If I had but the half of your weapon, it would not be so cowardly, but then you know, it would not be so safe." Cornwallis, struck by the boy's cool courage, calmed down, told him he was a fine fellow, and that he would not hurt a hair of his head. Having discovered that the ford was shallow enough by bearing up the stream, the British army crossed over it safely, and proceeded to Winnsboro. On this march, Cornwallis dismissed Zaccheus, telling him to go home and take care of his mother, and to tell her to keep her boys at home. After he reached Winns boro, he dispatched an order to Rawdon, at Camden, to send Robin Wilson and his son John, with several others, to Charleston, carefully guarded. Accordingly, about the 20th of November, Wilson, his son, and ten others, set off under the escort of an officer and fifteen or twenty men. Wilson formed several plans of making his escape, but owing to the presence of large parties of the enemy, they could not be executed. At length, being near Fort Wat son, they encamped before night, the prisoners being placed in the yard, and the guard in the house and in the portico. In a short time the arms of the guard were ordered to be stacked in the portico, a sentinel placed over them, and all others were soon busily engaged in prepar ing their evening meal. The prisoners, in the meantime, having bribed a soldier to buy some whiskey, as it was a rainy day, pretended to drink freely of it themselves, and one of them seemingly more intoxicated than the rest, in sisted upon treating the sentinel. Wilson followed him, as if to prevent him from treating the sentinel, it being a breach of military order. Watching a favorable oppor tunity, he seized the sentinel's musket, and the drunken man suddenly becoming sober, seized the sentinel. At this signal, the prisoners — like vigilant hornets, rushed to SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 151 the stacked arms in the portico, wrhen the guard, taking the alarm, rushed out of the house. But it was too late ; "the prisoners secured the arms, drove the soldiers into the house at the point of the bayonet, and the whole guard surrendered at discretion. Unable to take off their pris oners, Wilson made them all hold up their right hands and swear never again to bear arms against the "cause of liberty, and the Continental Congress," and then told -them they might go to Charleston on parole ; but if he ever found "a single mother's son of them in arms again, he would hang him up to a tree like a dog." Wilson had scarcely disposed of his prisoners before a party of British dragoons came in sight. As the only means of escape, they separated into several small com panies, and took to the woods. Some of them reached Marion's camp at Snow Island, and Wilson, with two or three others, arrived safely in Mecklenburg, over two hun dred miles distant, and through a country overrun with British troops. Mrs. Wilson was the mother of eleven sons. She and her husband lived to a good old age, were worthy and -consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, died near the same time, in 1810, and are buried in Steele Creek grave-yard. About 1792, all the sons moved to Tennessee, where at the present time, and in other portions of the West, their ^-descendants may be counted by the hundreds. Robert Wilson, who was said to be the first man that crossed the 'Cumberland mountains with a Avagon, married Jane, a daughter of William and Ellen McDowell, of York coun ty, S. C. Both Jane and her mother went to King's Mountain after the battle, and remained several days in ministering to the wants of the wounded soldiers. It Avas mainly on the account of Robert Wilson's distinguished bravery at King's Mountain that William McDowellgave him his daughter Jane in marriage — a worthy gift, and worthily bestowed on a gallant soldier. 152 sketches of western north carolina. queen's museum. One of the most useful institutions of the Revolutionary- period, and around which cluster many patriotic associa tions, was the College in Charlotte, known as Queen's Museum. As the early fount of educational training in Mecklenburg, and the nursery of freemen, as well as of scholars, it should ever claim our warmest regard and veneration. A brief notice of its origin, progress and termination may be acceptable to the general reader. The counties of Mecklenburg, Rowan and other por tions of the State, lying in the track of the southern tide of emigration from more northern colonies, were princi pally settled by the Scotch-Irish, who, inheriting an inde pendence of character and free thought from their earliest training, soon became the controlling element of society, . and directed its leading religious and political move ments. They were not only the friends of a liberal edu cation, but the early and unflinching advocates of civil and religious liberty. The " school-master was abroad in the land," and as duly encouraged as in our OAvn day.. Wherever a preacher was established among them, to- proclaim the gospel of salvation, there, with rare excep tions, soon sprang up into liA-ely existence a good school, both of a common and classical order. Prominently among these seminaries of learning may be named Sugar Creek, Poplar Tent, Center, Bethany, Thyatira, Rocky River, and Providence, all located in Mecklenburg and Rowan counties. Of all these, Sugar Creek was probably the oldest. The time of its commencement is not certainly- knoAvn. After the death of the Rev. Alexander Craighead, im 1766, the first settled pastor of Sugar Creek, the Rev- Joseph Alexander (a nepheAv of John McKnitt Alexander)* became his successor for a short time, previous to his re moval to Bullock's Creek, S. C, where he ended his days. Mr. Alexander was a fine scholar, having graduated at SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 15S Princeton College, and through his influence, confirmed hy that of the Alexanders and Polks, Waightstill Avery, Dr. Ephraim Brevard and others, residing in or near Charlotte, vigorous efforts were made to elevate the Sugar Creek school to the rank and usefulness of a college ; nor Avere their efforts in vain. The Colonial Legislature which met at Newbern, in December, 1770, passed an Act entitled " An Act for founding, establishing and endowing of Queen's College, in the town of Charlotte." This charter, not suiting the intolerant notions of royalty, was set aside by the King and council ; afterward amended j a second time granted by the Colonial Legislature, in. 1771, and a second time repealed by royal proclamation. " And," enquires a writer in the " University Magazine," of North Carolina, "why was this?" An easy answer. is- found in the third section of the act for incorporating the school at Newbern, and afterward engrafted upon the act incorporating the Edenton Academy (which were the only two. schools incorporated before Queen's College), com pared with the character of the leading men of Mecklen burg, and the fact that several of the Trustees of the new : College were Presbyterian ministers. No compliments to his queen could render Whigs in politics, and Presbyterians in religion, acceptable to George III. A College, under such auspices, was too well calculated to insure the growth of the " numerous democracy." The section referred to in the charter of the Newbern school, is in these words : " Provided always, that no per son shall be permitted, to be master of said school, but who is of the Established Church of England, and who, at the recommendation of the trustees or directors, or a majority of them, shall be duly licensed by the Governor! or Commander-in-Chief for the time being." " The Presbyterians," says Lossing, " who were very numerous, resolved to have a seminary of their own, and applied for an unrestricted charter for a college. It was granted ; but notwithstanding it was callfcd Queen's Col- 15 4 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. lege, in compliment to the consort of the King, and was located in a town called by her name, and in a county of the same name as her birth-place, the charter was repealed in 1771 by royal decree. The triple compliment was of no avail."* But Queen's Museum, or College, flourished without a charter for several years, in spite of the intolerance of the King and Council. Its hall became the general meeting- place of literary societies and political clubs preceding the Revolution. The King's fears that the College would prove to be a fountain of Republicanism, and calculated to ensure the growth of the "numerous Democracy," were happily, for the cause of freedom, realized in the charac ters of its instructors and pupils. The debates, preceding the adoption of the Mecklenburg Declaration, Avere held in its hall, and every reader can judge of the patriotic sentiments which pervade that famous document. After the Revolution commenced, the Legislature of North Carolina granted a charter, in 1777, to this iusritution, under the name of " Liberty Hall Academy." The fol lowing persons were named as trustees, viz.: Isaac Alex ander, M. D., president ; Thomas Polk, Abraham Alexan der, Thomas Neal, Waightstill Avery, Ephraim Brevard, John Simpson, John McKnitt Alexander, Adlai Osborn, and the Rev. Messrs. David Caldwell, James Edmonds, Thomas Reese, Samuel E. McCorkle, Thomas H. McCaule and James Hall. The Academy received no funds or endowment from the State, and no further patronage than this charter. At the time the charter was obtained the institution was under the care of Dr. Isaac V. Alexander, who continued to preside until some time in the year 1778. From a manuscript in the University of North Carolina, drawn up « Lossing's "Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution," vol. II , p. ! SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 1 55 by Adlai Osborne, one of the trustees, it appears, the first meeting of the board of trustees was held in Charlotte, on the 3rd day of January, 1778. At this meeting Isaac Alexander, M. D., Ephraim Brevard, M. D., and the Rev. Thomas n. McCaule, were appointed a committee to frame a system of laws for the government of the Academy. They were also empowered to purchase the lots and im provements belonging to Colonel Thomas Polk, for which they were to pay him £920. The salary of the president was fixed at £195, to be occasionally increased, according to the prices of provisions, then greatly fluctuating in consequence of the war. In the month of April, 1778, the system of laws, drawn up by the committee, \vas adopted without any material alteration. The course of studies marked out was similar to that prescribed for the University of North Carolina, though more limited. Shortly before these transactions, overtures were made to the Rev. Alexander McWhorter, of New Jersey, so favorably known to the churches by his missionary visit in 1764 and 1765, with the Rev. Elihu Spencer ; and also by a more recent visit to the Southern country, to encourage the inhabitants in the cause of independence, soliciting him to succeed Dr. Alex ander in the presidency of the Academy. Dr. McWhorter having declined accepting the presi dency on account of the deranged state of his affairs at that time, Mr. Robert Brownfield, a good scholar, and belonging to a patriotic family of Mecklenburg, agreed to assume the duties of the office for one year. During the next year, the invitation to Dr. McWhorter was renewed, and a committee consisting of the Rev. Samuel E. Mc- Corkle, and Dr. Ephraim Brevard was sent to New Jersey to wait upon him ; and in the event of his still declining, to consult Dr. Witherspoon and Professor Houston, of Princeton College (the latter, a distinguished son of old Mecklenburg,) respecting some other fit person to whom the presidency should be offered. In compliance with 156 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. this second invitation, Dr. McWhorter removed to Char lotte and immediately entered upon the duties of his office with flattering evidences of success. Many youths from Mecklenburg and adjoining counties, yet too young to en gage in the battles of their country, and others of older years, whose services were not imperiously needed on the tented field, flocked to an institution where a useful and thorough education could be imparted. But, owing to the invasion of the Carolinas by Corn wallis in the fall of 1780, the operations of the Academy were suspended and not resumed during the remainder of the Avar. After a short service in the Presidency of the Academy, Dr. McWhorter, to the great regret of the pa trons of learning in the South, returned to New Jersey. During the occupation of Gharlotte by the British army under Lord Cornwallis, Liberty Hall Academy, Avhich stood upon the lot now owned by A. B. Davidson, Esq., was used as a hospital, and greatly defaced and injured. The numerous graves in the rear of the Academy, visible upon the departure of the British army, after a stay of eighteen days, bore ample evidence of their great loss in this "rebellious county" — the "Hornet's Nest" of America. After the close of the war, Dr. Thomas Henderson, who had been educated at the Academy, -. and who frequently represented Mecklenburg in the Legislature, near the beginning of the present century, set up a High School, and carried it on with great reputation for a number of years. Classical schools of a high order Avere numerous after the Revolutionary war, principally under the direc tion of Presbyterian clergymen. These early efforts in the cause of a sound and liberal education, constantly mingled Avith patriotic teachings* made a telling impress upon the Revolutionary period, and greatly assisted in achieving our independence. . SKETCHES'dF'WfeSTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 157 CHAPTER II. CABARRUS COUNTY. Cabarrus county was formed in 1792, from Mecklenburg county, and was named in honor of Stephen Cabarrus, a native of France, a man of active mind, liberal sentiments, and high standing in society. He entered public life in 1784, and was frequently elected a member from Chowan county, and, on several occasions, Speaker of the House of Commons. The Colonial and Revolutionary history of Cabarrus is closely connected with that of Mecklenburg county. No portion of the State was more fixed and forward in the cause of liberty than this immediate section. In the Con vention at Charlotte, on the 20th of May, 1775, this part of Mecklenburg was strongly represented, and her dele gates joined heartily in pledging '-their lives, their for tunes and most sacred honor" to maintain and defend their liberty and independence. The proceedings of that celebrated Convention, its prin cipal actors, and attendant circumstances, will be found properly noticed under the head of Mecklenburg County. But there is one bold transaction connected with the early history of Cabarrus, showing that the germs of liberty, at and before the battle of Alamance, in 1771, were ready to burst forth, at any moment, under the Avarmth of patriotic excitement, is here deemed Avorthy of conspicuous record. 158 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. THE " BLACK BOYS" OF CABARRUS. Previous to the battle of Alamance, on the 16th of May, 1771, the first blood shed in the American Revolution, there were many discreet persons, the advocates of law and order, throughout the province, who sympathized with the justness of the principles which actuated the ' Regulators," and their stern opposition to official cor ruption and extortion, but did not approve of their hasty conduct and occasional \riolent proceedings. Accordingly, a short time preceding that unfortunate conflict, which only smothered for a time the embers of freedom, diffi culties arose between Governor Tryon and the Regulators, when that royal official, in order to coerce them into his measures of submission, procured from Charleston, S. C, three wagon loads of the munitions of war, consisting of powder, flints, blankets, &c. These articles were brought to Charlotte, but from some suspicions arising in the minds of the Whigs as to their true destination and use, wagons could not be hired in the neighborhood for their transportation. At length, Colonel Moses Alexander, a magistrate under the Colonial Government, succeeded in getting wagons by impressment, to convey the munitions to Hillsboro, to obey the behests of a tyrannical governor. The vigilance of the jealous Whigs was ever on the look out for the suppression of all such infringements upon the growing spirit of freedom, then quietly but surely plant ing itself in the hearts of the people. The following individuals, viz. : James, William and John White, brothers, and William White, a cousin, all born and raised on Rocky River, and one mile from Rocky River Church, Robert Caruthers, Robert Davis, Benjamin Cockrane, James and Joshua Hadley, bound themselves by a most solemn oath not to divulge the secret object of their contemplated mission, and, in order more effertually to prevent detection, blackened their faces preparatory to their intended work of destruction. SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 159" They were joined and led in this and other expeditions by William Alexander, of Sugar Creek congregation, a brave soldier, and afterward known and distinguished from others bearing the same name as " Captain Black Bill Alexander," and whose sword now hangs in the Library Hall of Davidson College, presented in behalf of his descendants by the late worthy, intelligent and Chris tian citizen, W. Shakespeare Harris, Esq. These determined spirits set out in the evening, while the father of the Whites was absent from home with two horses, each carrying a bag of grain. The White boys were on foot, and wishing to move rapidly with their com rades, all mounted, in pursuit of the wagons loaded with the munitions of war, fortunately, for their feet, met their father returning home with his burdens, and immediately demanded the use of his horses. The old gentleman, not knowing who they were (as black as Satan himself) pleaded heartily for the horses until he could carry home his bags of meal ; but his petitions Avere in vain. The boys (his sons) ordered him to dismount, removed the bags from the horses, and placed them by the side of the road. They then immediately mounted the disburdened horses, joined their comrades, and in a short space of time came up with the wagons encamped on "Phifer's Hill," three miles west of the present town of Concord, on the road leading from Charlotte to Salisbury. They immediately unloaded the wagons, stove in the heads of the kegs, threw the poAvder into a pile, tore the blankets into strips, made a train of powder a considerable distance from the pile, and then Major James White fired a pistol into the train, which produced a tremendous explosion. A stave from the pile struck White on the forehead, and cut him severely. As soon as this bold exploit became known to Colonel Moses- Alexander, he put his whole ingenuity to work to find out the perpetrators of so foul a deed against his Majesty. The transaction remained a mystery for some time. Great threats were made, and, in order to induce some one to 160 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. turn traitor, a pardon was offered to any one who would turn King's evidence against the rest. Ashmore and Hadley, being half brothers, and composed of the same rotten materials, set out unknown to each other, to avaiF themselves of the offered pardon, and accidently met each other on the treshold of Moses Alexander's house. When they made knoAvn their business, Alexander remarked, "that, by virtue of the Governor's proclamation, they were pardoned, but they were the first that ought to be hanged." The rest of the "Black Boys" had to flee from their country. They fled to the State of Geogia, where they remained for some time. The Governor, finding he could not get them into his grasp, held out insinuations that if they would return and confess their fault, they should be pardoned. In a short time, the boys returned from Georgia to their homes. As soon as it became knoAvn to Moses Alexander, he raised a guard, consisting of himself, his two brothers, John and Jake, and a few others, and surrounded the house of the old man White, the father of the boys. Oaruthers, the son-in-law of White, happened to be at his (White's) house at the same time. To make the capture doubly sure, Alexander placed a guard at each door. One of the guard, wishing to favor the escape of Caruthers, struck up a quarrel with Moses Alexander at one door, while his brother, Daniel Alexander, Avhispered to Mrs. White, if there were any of them within, they might pass out and he AArould not notice it; in the meantime, outgoes Caruthers, and in a few jumps Avas in the river, Avhich opportunely flowed near the besieged mansion. The alarm VAas immediately given, but pursuit Avas fruitless. At another time, the royalists heard of some of the boys being in a harvest field and set out to take them ; but always having some one in their company to favor their escape, as they rode up in sight of the reapers, one of them, duly instructed, waved his hand, which the boys understood as a signal to make their departure. On that SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 161 occasion they pursued Robert Dairs so closely that it is said he jumped his horse thirty feet down a bank into the "river, and dared them to follow him. And thus the "Black Boys" fled from covert to covert to save their necks from the blood-thirsty loyalists, who were constantly hunting them like wild beasts. They would lie concealed for weeks at a time, and the neigh bors would carry them food until they fairly wearied out their pursuers. The oath by which they bound them selves was an imprecation- of the strongest kind, and the greater part of the imprecation was literally fulfilled in the sad ends of Hadley and Ashmor'e. The latter fled from his country, but he lived a miserable life, and died as wretchedly as he had lived. Hadley still remained in the country, and was known for many years to the people of Rocky River. He was very intemperate, and in his fits of intoxication was very harsh to his family in driving them from his house in the dead hours of the night. His neighbors, in order to chastise him for the abuse of his family, (among whom AAreresome of the "Black Boys"), dressed themselves in female attire, went to his house by night, pulled him from his bed, drew his shirt over his head and gave him a severe whipping. Tbe castigation, it is said, greatly improved the future treatment of his family. He continued, however, through life, the same miserable wretch, and died without any friendly hand to sustain him or eye to pity his deplorable end. Frequently, Avhen the royalists ranged the country in pursuit of the "Black Boys,'' the Whigs would collect in bodies consisting of tAventy-five or thirty men, ready to pounce upon the pursuers, if they had captured any of the boys. From the allurements held out to the Boys to give themselves up, they went, at one time, nearly to Hillsboro to beg the pardon of the Governor, (Tryon), but finding out it was his intention, if he could get them into his hands, to have hanged every one of them, they re- 12 162 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. turned, and kept themselves concealed until patriotic seo-- timent grew so rapidly from that time (1771) to tbe Mecklenburg Declaration, (20th of May, 1775), that con- cealment was no longer necessary. When the drama of tbe Revolution opened, these same "Black Boys" stoodl up manfully for the cause of American freedom,, and nobly assisted, in achieving, on many a hard-fought bat>- tle-field, the independence of our country. DR. CHARLES HARRIS. Dr. Charles Harris was born in the eastern part of Mecklenburg county, (iioav Cabarrus), on the 23d of No vember, 1762. He Avas distinguished as a patriot, a soldier^ and a physician. While pursuing his studies in Charlotte,. the invasion of the toAvn by the British army, under Lord Cornwallis, caused him to exchange the gown for the' sword. Accordingly, when a call was made for troops to? resist and hold in check the invaders of his country, he- joined the corps of cavalry under Col. William R. Davie, and was with that brave and chivalric officer in much of his daring career. After the Avar was ended he resumed his studies at- Clio Academy, in Iredell county, (then a part of Rowan)\, under the control of the Rev. James Hall. Soon after this classical preparation he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Isaac Alexander, at Camden, S. C.,. and graduated at Philadelphia. On his return home, he settled in Salisbury, and practiced there for some length of time with encouraging success. He then removed to* Favoni, his family seat in Cabarrus county, Avhere he ended his days. Devoted to his profession he soon became unrivaled a?' a physician and surgeon. In a short time his reputation) was Avidely extended over the surrounding country, and! his skill and success justified this celebrity. He kept wp SHETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 163 for many years, a medical school, and instructed ninety- three young men in the healing art. In his clay and gen eration, good physicians and surgeons (especially the latter) were remarkably scarce — something like angels' visits, "few and far between." He was frequently called upon to perform surgical operations from fifty to one hun dred miles from home. He possessed a cheerful temper, and suavity of manner Avhich gained for him a ready admittance into the confi dence and .cordial friendship of all classes of society. But, before he had reached his " three-score years and ten," the infirmities of old age Avere rapidly stealing upon him, and admonishing him of his early departure from the scenes of earth. He died on the 21st of September,. 1825, leaving several children. One of his sons, the late William Shakspeare Harris, Esq., widely knoAvn as a Avorthy and intelligent citizen, represented Cabarrus coun ty in the House of Commons in 1836. Another son, Charles' J. Harris, Esq., resides at present about one mile from Poplar Tent Church, and is a gentleman of great moral Avorth and christian integrity. On the tombstone of Dr. Harris is the following inscrip tion : "This monument is erected to perpetuate the memory of Charles Harris, M. D., born 23d of November, 1762; died 21st of September, 182", aged sixty-three years. Dr. Harris was engaged in the pmctice of medi cine and surgery for forty years; eminent in the former,. in the latter pre-eminent. He Avas a man of extensive reading, of an acute, inquisitive mind, friendly to all, and beloved by all. His heart entered deeply into the suffer ings of his patients, mingling the medicine be adminis tered with the feelings of a friend. He lived usefully, and died resignedly ; and we humbly trust, through the sovereign virtue of the all-healing medicine of the Great Physician, he Avas prepared to rest in this tomb, ' where 1 61 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.' " Dr. Charles Harris Avas one of five brothers who emi grated from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, viz : Rob ert, James, Richard, Thomas, and Charles, the subject of this sketch His father married the widow Baker, a daughter of the Rev. John Thompson, who is buried in Baker's Grave-yard, five Miles east of Beattie'* Ford, in Iredell county. CAPT. THOMAS CALDWELL. Capt. Thomas Caldwell, of Irish parentage, was born in the eastern part of Mecklenburg county, (now Cabar rus), in 1753. He early espoused the cause of liberty, and entered the service in 1775, in Capt. John Springs' com pany as a private, and marched to the protection of the frontier settlements from the murderous and plundering incursions of the Cherokee Indians. He again joined the service in Capt. Ezekiel Polk's company and marched against the Tories in South Car olina, near the post of Ninety-Six. In 1776, he volun teered under Captain William Alexander, Colonels Adam Alexander and Robert Irwin, General Rutherford com manding; marched to the Quaker Meadows, at the head of the Catawba River, and thence to the Cherokee coun try, beyond the mountains. After severely ehastis.ng the Indians, killing a few, and laying waste their country causing them to sue for peace, the expedition returned. In 1870, he was appointed Captain by General Thomas Polk to assist in opposing the advance of Lord Cornwal lis. After Cornwallis left Charlotte, in October, 1780, he raised a company, placed himself under Colonel "Wil liams, of South Carolina, and fought under him and Colonel Lee, at Pyles' defeat, on Haw River. He also SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 165 acted for .jome time as Quartermaster, at the Hospital, in Charlotte. In 1781 he volunteered under Giionel Davie, and was with hint at the battle of Hanging Rock. This was Captain Caldwell's last important service. Tho distinguished physician, Dr. Charles Caldwell, also of Irish parentage, and nearly related to Captain Thomas Caldwell, was born in the immediate vicinity of Poplar Tent Church, in Cabarrus county, on laud now owned by Colonel Thomas H. Robinson, a worthy son of Dr. John Robinson, D.D., who so long and faithfully proclaimed the gospel of salvation to this congregation. No vestige of the family mansion now remains, but its site is easily recognized at the present time by a large fig bush, groAV- ing at or near where tbe chimney formerly stood, as a lingering memento of the past, and producing annually its delicious fruit. Although this eminent physician, in his ardent pursuit of material Philosophy, wandered for many years "after strange gods," until much learning made him mad ; yet, it is pleasing to know, in his maturer age, and under calm reflection, the early gospel precepts so impiesringly instilled into his youthful mind by his pious parents, yielded at length their happiest results and that he died at the Medical College of Louisville, in Kentucky, in 1853, full of years and of honors, and in the failh of his» fathers, many of whom sleep in the grave-yard of Poplar Tent Church. CHAPTER III. ROWAN COUNTY. Rowan county was formed in 1753 from Anson county. In 1770 Surry, and in 1777 Burke counties were severally taken off, previous to which separations Anson county com prehended most of the western portion of North Carolina and Tennessee. Like a venerable mother, RoAvan beholds Avith parental complacency and delight her prosperous chil dren comfortably settled around her. Salisbury, her cap ital, derives its name from a handsome town in England, situated on the banks of the classic Avon, and near the noted Salisbury Plain, a dry, chalky surface, which accounts for the origin of its Saxon name, Avhich means a dry toion. Rowan Avas first settled by Protestants, about 1720-25, from Moravia, fleeing from the persecutions of Ferdinand, tbe Second, by the Scotch, after the unsuccessful attempts of Charles Edward (commonly called the ''Pretender") to ascend the English throne, and by the Irish, after the re bellion of the Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnell, who were offered their pardon on condition of their emigrating to America and in assisting to colonize the English posses sions there. The staid prudence of the German, the keen- sagacity of the Scotch, and fiery ardor of the Irish com mingled on American soil, and were fit materials to form the elemental foundations of an industrious, progressive and independent nation. The early history of RoAvau, and of her distinguished sons, affords of itself ample materials to fill an instructive SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 167 volume. Within her borders resided such venerable pa triots as Matthew Locke, Moses Winslow, Griffith Ruther ford, John Brevard, William Sharpe, Samuel Young, Wil ham Kenuon, Adlai Osborne, Francis McCorkle, James 33randon, James McCay, and many others, all true and .constant friends of liberty ; but alas ! how little of their em inent services has been preserved. "Even yet, it is believed, ¦some one of her gifted sons might do much in collecting jStrom traditional sources, and from her musty records a rich store of historical facts, hitherto unwritten, illustrative of 4he fair name and fame of her Revolutionary career. In the struggles of the Regulators against the extortions of Governor Tryon and the croAvn officers, the spirit of the people of Rowan was plainly manifested. In March, 1770, Maurice Moore, one of the Colonial Judges, attended Salisbury to hold the Superior Court. He reported to Gov ernor Tryon at Newbern that " from the opposition of the -people to the taxes, no process of the law could be executed .among them." Upon this information Governor Tryon repaired in per son to Salisbury. In his original journal, procured from the archives of the State Paper office in London by the Honorable George Bancroft, late our envoy at that Court, we can see his actions, and admire the spirit of a Captain Knox, who refused to join him with his troops. Violent as were the acts of the Regulators, the subsequent oppressive measures of the croAvn officers justified their conduct. The Clerk of Rowan county (Thomas Frohock) was allowed to charge fifteen dollars for a marriage license. The effect of this official extortion was such as to constrain some of the inhabitants on the head-waters of the Yadkin river to 'Hake a short cut," as it was termed in uniting their conjugal ties for " better or for worse," as man and wife. The indignation of the people of Rowan, Guilford, Or ange, and other counties, Avas aroused against such official .misconduct. On the 7th of March, 1771, a public meeting 168 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. was held in Salisbury, when a large and influential com mittee was appointed, who, armed Avith the authority of the people, met the clerk, sheriff, and other officers of the crown, and compelled them to disgorge their unlawful ex tortions. By a Avriting signed by these officers, they agreed to settle and pay back all moneys received over and above their lawful fees. This was indemnity for the past. The security for the future was, that when any doubt should arise as to fees,. they should not be paid to the officers themselves, but to , such other persons as were appointed by the people. Matthew Locke and Herman Husbands were among those selected to receive these lawful fees. An instance. says Wheeler, of more determined resistance, or ot purer democracy, is not to be found in the annals of any peo ple." Most of the histories of the day have done the Regula tors great injustice,«and denounced this whole body of men as composed of a factious and turbulent mob, Avho, without proper cause, disturbed the public tranquility. Nothing could be more untrue or unjust. Their assemblages were orderly, and some evidence of the temper and characters of the principal actors may be gathered from the fact that from these meetings, by a laAv of their own, they vigor ously excluded all intoxicating drinks. But they had been oppressed and exasperated by the impositions of corrupt officers until forbearance, with them, had ceased to be a- a virtue. On their side was the spirit of liberty, animating the discordant multitude, but, unfortunately, without trained leaders, or a sufficiency of arms, going forth to make its first essay at battle on American soil. Redress of grievan ces Avas sought at first by the Regulators in a quiet way, by resorting to the courts of law. The officers were in dicted and found guilty, but the punishment Avas the mere nominal one of " a penny and costs." Iu short, all resorts to the tribunals of justice ended iu a perfect mockery, and SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 169 hastened the "War of the Regulation" in North Caro lina. The public press of that day was used by the Regulators iu a peaceable way to set forth their grieA-ances. Their productions, circulated in manuscript, or in print, display no proofs of high scholarship, or of polished writing, but there is a truthful earnestness in some of them, and cogency of reasoning more effective than the skill of the mere rhetori cian. Sometimes they appeared in ballad form, and some times as simple narrative. The rough poet of the period (the American Revolution can boast of many) was Rednap Howell, who taught the very children to sing, in doggerel verse, the infamy of the proud officials who were trampling On their rights. A short selection from the many similar ones will be here presented for the amusement of the reader ¦ "Says Frohock to Fanning-, to tell the plain truth, When I came to this country, I was but a youth ; My father sent for me ; I wasn't worth a cross, And then my first study was stealing a horse , I quickly got credit, and then ran away, And havn't paid for him To this very clay. Says Panning to Frohock, 'tis folly to lie, I rode an old mare that was Wind of one eye ; Five shillings in money I had in my purse, My coat was all patched, l)ut not much the worse ; But noiv we've got rich, and its very well known, That we'll do very well, i/tliey'll lei us alone." The truthful sentiment conveyed in the last line will find many fit illustrations in our own times. The power of the Royal government Avas called into re quisition to put doAvn this " Regulation " movement. The military spirit of Tryon resolved to appeal to the sword. On the 24th of April, 1771, he left Newbern at the head of three hundred men, a small train of artillery, and Avith a considerable number of his adherents. General Waddell was sent forward to Salisbury to raise troops, munitions of war having been previously ordered from Charleston. 170 SKETCKES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. While he was in Salisbury Avaiting for the arrival of this supply of Avarlike munitions, the " Black Boys " of what is now Cabarrus county, under the lead of " Black Bill Alex ander," seized the convoy of wagons, and completely de stroyed the " King's powder," well knowing it was intended to obey the behest of a tyrannical Governor. When Wad dell advanced his troops from Salisbury to join Tryon, the hold sons of Rowan rose in arms and ordered him back. On the 10th of May, 1771, at Potts' Creek, he held a coun cil of his officers, and they, believing " prudence to be the better part of valor," fell back, and recrossed the Yadkin. Waddell soon found that many of his OAvn men sympathised with the cause of the Regulators. He promptly sent a message to Tryon, then encamped on Eno, informing him of his critical situation. Tryon hastened on with his forces, crossed Haw river on the 13th of May, and, on the next evening, pitched his camp on the bank of the Ala mance. On the 16th of May, 1771, the unfortunate bat tle of Alamance Avas fought in which was shed the first ¦blood of the American Revolution. After that disastrous event, in which, for want»of skilful leaders, and concert among their men, the Regulators were subdued, the bloody " Wolf of North Carolina," as Tryon was called by the Cherokee Indians, advanced in all "the pomp and circumstance " of official station, and joined Waddell on the 4th of June, near Salisbury, about eight miles east of the Yadkin river. He then marched by a circuitous route to Hillsboro, Avhere he had court held to try the Regulators, by his pliant tool, Judge Howard. On the 20th he left Hillsboro, and reached NeAvbern on the 24th ; and on the 30th left North Carolina for the colony of New York, over which he had just been appointed Gov ernor. Thus was our State rid of one who had acted the part of an oppressive ruler and a blood-thirsty tyrant. The efforts of Tryon had been too successful in enlist ing under his banners, before the designs of the British SKETCHES OF WFSTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 171 government were openly discovered, many of the bravest and best officers of his day. Caswell, Ashe, Waddell, Rutherford, and other distinguished persons who gave in their adhesion to Governor Tryon in 1771, only three years later, at the first Provincial Congress, directly from the people, held at Newbern on the 25th of August, 1774, were found to be true patriots, when it became apparent the entire subjugation of the country was the object of the British croAvn. To the first assemblage of patriots, .adverse to the oppressions of the British government, held at Newbern in August, 1774, the delegates from Rowan were William Kennon, Moses Winslow and Sam uel Young. To the same place, in April, 1775, the delegates were ¦Griffith Rutherford, William Sharpe and William Ken non. To Hillsboro, on the 21st of August, 1775, the dele gates were Matthew Locke, William Sharpe, Moses Wins low, William Kennon, Samuel Young and James Smith, This Provincial Congress appointed as Field Officeis and Minute Men, for Salisbury District, Thomas Wade, of Anson, Colonel ; Adlai Osborne, of Rowan, Lieutenant 'Colonel; Joseph Ilarben, Major. To Halifax, on the 22d of April, 1776, Rowan sent Rutherford Griffith and Matthew Locke as delegates. At this assembly Griffith Rutherford was appointed Brigadier General of the Salisbury District; -Francis Locke, Colonel of Rowan ; Alexander Dobbins, Lieuten ant Colonel ; James Brandon, 1st Major ; James Smith, 2d Major. To the Congress at Halifax, November 12th, 1776, Avhich formed the first Constitution, the delegates were Griffith Rutherford, Matthew Locke, William Sharpe, James Smith and John Brevard. In 1775 the Royal government ceased in North Caro lina by the retreat of Governor Martin. 172 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. The Civil Government, vested in : 1. A Provincial Council for the whole State, composed of two members from each Judicial District, and one for the State at large, who was chairman and de facto Governor. 2. Gam in ittees of Safety for the towns; and 3. County Committees of Safety, a part of whose duty it was to arrest suspicious persons, and take especial care that the public interest suffered no detriment. The journal of the Committee of Safety for Rowan county, from the 8th of August, 1774, to the 17th of May. 1776, has been preserved, and throws much light on the patriotic transactions of that exciting period in our Rev olutionary history. The journal in full may be seen in Wheeler's "Historical Sketches." ROUTE OF THE BRITISH ARMY THROUGH MECKLENBURG AND R0AVAN COUNTIES. After Cornwallis effected his passage over the CataAvba river, at CoAvan's Ford, oh the 1st of February, 1781, he only remained about three hours in attendiug to the burial of his dead. Tarleton was dispatched in advance to pursue the Whigs retreating in the direction of Torrence's Tavern. Early in the morning of the same day a simultaneous move ment Avas made by Colonel Webster, with his own brigade, the artillery, and a small supporting detachment to Beat- tie's Ford, six miles above Cowan's Ford, where a small guard had been placed on the eastern bank. Colonel Webster, with a view of dispersing the guard, fired sev eral shots (six pounders) across the river, which had its intended effect, and thus enabled him to pass over Avith out meeting with serious opposition. This Avas a mere feint, intended to create the impression that the whole British army would cross there. The two British forces pressing forward with as little delay as possible, united at Torrence's, ten miles from • SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 173 Cowan's Ford, where a considerable body of the Whig militia had hastily assembled; but having no one to assume command, and greatly discouraged by tbe death of General Davidson on the approach of Tarleton's cav alry, poured in one effective fire, killed seven of the Brit ish horsemen, Avounded others, and then dispersed in all directions with a small loss. This skirmish, occurring soon after Tarleton's defeat at tbe Cowpens, led him to boast of it in his journal as a brilliant victory ! Lord Cornwallis, in his general orders on the 2d of February, returns his " thanks to the Brigade of Guards for their cool and determined bravery in the passage of the Catawba, Avhile rushing through that long and diffi cult ford under a galling fire." Another order, issued from his camp on the evening of the preceding day, does credit to his head as well as his heart, and shows that be was sometimes governed by the noble principles of moral rectitude. The order is in the following Avords : "Headquarters, Cross Roads to Salisbury, 1 February 1st, 1781. / Lord CornAvallis is highly displeased that several houses were set on fire during the march this day — a dis grace to the army. He will punish, Avith the utmost severity, any person or persons who shall be found guilty of committing so disgraceful an outrage. His Lordship requests the commanding officers of corps to find out the persons who set fire to the houses this day." It is presumable his Lordship never received the de sired information. The order, no doubt, has reference to the burning of the bouses of John Brevard, who had " seven sons at one time in the rebel army," and of Adam Torrence, a staunch Whig, where the skirmish hadtak*n place. General Greene, having been apprised of the battle of the Cowpens, and the result, on the same day when Corn- 174 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. • wallis commenced his pursuit of General Morgan, order ed General Stevens to march Avith his Virginia militia (whose term of service was almost expired) by way of Charlotte, N. C, to take charge of Morgan's prisoners,. and conduct them to Charlottesville, in Virginia. General Greene being anxious to confer with Morgan r personally, left his camp on the Pee Dee, under the com mand of General Huger and Colonel 0. H. Williams,, and started with one aid, and tAvo or three mounted mil itia, for the CataAvba. On the route, he was informed of CornAvallis' pursuit. General Morgan had previously crossed the CataAvba at the Island Ford. On the 31st of January, General Greene reached Sherrill's Ford, a feAV miles beloAv the Island Ford, where he had an intervieAv with Morgan, and directed his future movements. The British army reached Salisbury on that night, and' on the next morning started in pursuit of Green and Morgan. These officers did not aAvait the dawn, but crossed the Yadkin river at the Trading Ford, six miles beyond Salisbury, while his Lordship was quietly slum bering, and dreaming, perhaps, of future conquest and glory ! When ( ornwallis awoke on the morning of the- 'third, he hastened to strike a fatal bloAv on the banks of tbe Yadkin, but the Americans were beyond his reach, and Providence ha 1 again placed an impassable barrier of wa ter between them. Copious rains in the mountains had swollen the Yadkin to a mighty river. The horses of Morgan had forded the stream at midnight, and the in fantry passed over in boats at daAvn. These vessels were fastened on the eastern shore of the Yadkin, and Corn wallis was obliged to wait for the waters to subside before he could attempt to cross. Again he had the Americans almost within, his grasp. A corps of riflemen were yet on tbe Western side when O'Hara, Avith the vanguard of the British army, approached, but these escaped across the river, after ' a slight skirmish. Nothing was lost but a SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 175 few wagons belonging to Whig families, who, with their effects, were fleeing with the American army. Lord CornAvallis, after an ineffectual cannonade over the river, returned to Salisbury, and, on the 7th, marched up the Avestern bank of the Yadkin, and crossed at the Shallow Ford, near the village of Huntsville. Dr. Read, the surgeon of the American army, has left this record of the cannonading scene: "At a little dis tance from the river was a small cabin, in which General Greene had taken up his quarters. At this building the enemy directed their fire, and the balls rebounded from the rocks in the rear of it. But little of the roof was vis ible to the enemy. The General was preparing his or ders for the army, and his dispatches to the Congress.. In a short time the balls began to strike the roof, and clap-boards Avere flying in all directions. But the Gen eral's pen never stopped, only when a new visitor ar rived, or some officer for orders ; and then the answer was; given with calmness and precision, and Greene resumed his pen." It is related as a truthful tradition that, after the Brit ish army reached Salisbury, Lord Cornwallis, Tarleton,, and other royal officers, were hospitably entertained by Dr. Anthony Newman, although he was a true Whig. There, in presence of Tarleton, and other spectators, Dr- Newman's two little sons were engaged in playing the game of the "battle of the Cowpens," Avith grains of corn 'r red grains representing the British officers, and white grains tbe Americans. Washington and Tarleton were particularly repre sented, and as one pursued the other, as in a real battle,, the little fellows shouted, "Hurrah for Washington, Tarleton runs ! Hurrah for Washington." Colonel Wil liam A. Wasnington, it will be recollected, commanded the American cavalry. Tarleton looked on for a while, 176 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. but soon becoming irritated at clie playful but truthful scene, he exclaimed: " See these cursed little rebels!" The pursuit of Morgan by Cornwallis was the most ex citing and prolonged military chase of the American Revolution. Under various tangible interpositions of Providence, the retreat, as we have seen, proved finally successful, and Morgan's forces saved for the future ser vice of his country. GENERAL GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD. General Griffith Rutherford was an Irishman by birth, brave and patriotic, but uncultivated in mind and man ners. He resided west of Salisbury, in the Locke settle ment, and actively participated in the internal govern ment of the county, associated with such early and distinguished patriots as Moses Winslow, Alexander Os- born, Samuel Young, John Brevard, James Brandon, William Sharpe, Francis McCorkle, and others. He represented Rowan county in the Provincial Congress Avhich met at Halifax on the 4th of April, 1776, aud during this session he received the appointment of Brig adier General of the " Salisbury District." Near the close of the summer of 1776, he raised and commanded an army of two thousand four hundred men against the Cherokee Indians. After being reinforced by the Guil ford Regiment, under Colonel James Martin, and by the Surry Regiment under Colonel Martin Armstrong, at Fort MeGahey, General Rutherford crossed the " Blue Ridge," or Alleghany mountains, at SAArannanoaGap, near the Avestern base of which the beautiful Swannanoa river ("nymph of beauty") takes its rise. After reaching the French Broad he passed down and over that stream at a crossing-place which to this day bears the name of the " War Ford." He then passed up the valley of " Homi ny Creek," leaving Pisgah Mountain on the left, and SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 477 crossed Pigeon River a little below the mouth of East Fork. He then passed through the mountains to Rich land Creek, above the present toAvn of Waynesville; as cended the creek and crossed the Tuckaseegee River at an Indian toAvn. Pursuing his course, he crossed the CoAA'ee Mountain, where he had a small engagement with the enemy, in which one of his men was wounded. As the Indians carried off their dead and wounded, their losVcould not be ascertained. Thence he marched to the " Middle Towns," on the Tennessee river, where, on the 14th of September, he met General Williamson with troops from South Carolina on the same mission of sub duing the Indians. In skirmishes at Valley Town, Ellajay, and near Frank lin, General Rutherford lost three men, but he completely subdued the Indians. He then returned home by the same route, since known as " Rutherford's Trace." The Rev. James Hall, of Iredell county, accompanied this ex pedition as chaplain. The uniforms of the officers and men Avas a hunting- shirt of domestic, trimmed with cotton : their arms were rifles, and none knew better how to use them. Many of the hardy sons of the west there experienced their first essay in arms, and their bravery Avas nobly maintained after- Avards at King's Mountain, the Cowpens, and elsewhere in the South. General Rutherford commanded a brigade in the bat tle of Camden, (16th of August, 1780), and Avas there made a prisoner. After he was exchanged he again took the field, and commanded the expedition which marched by Avay of Cross Creek (nowFayetteville) to Wilmington, when that place, on his approach, Avas evacuated by the British, near the close of the war. lie frequently represented Plowan county in the Senate during and subsequent to the Avar, showing the high ap preciation in Avhich his services were held by the people- 13 178 ' SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. Shortly after his last service in 1786, he joined the strong tide of emigration to Tennessee, Avhere his well-earned fame and experience in governmental matters had pre- eeded him. The Knoxville Gazette of the 6th of Septem ber, 1794, contains the following announcement: "On Monday last the General Assembly of this terr.- tory commenced their session in this town. General Rutherford, long distinguished for his services in the Legislature of North Carolina, is appointed President cf the Legislative Council.'' General Rutherford died in Tennessee near the begin ning of the present century, at a good old age, and it is to be regretted more has not been preserved of his life and services. LOCKE FAMILY. Matthew Locke, one of the first settlers of RoAvan county, and the patriarchal head of a large family, Avas born in 1730. He was an early and devoted friend of liberty and the rights of (he people. His stability of character and maturity of judgment caused him to be held in high esteem in all controversial matters among bis felloAv-citi- zens. In 1771, during the "Regulation" troubles, he was selected by the people, with Herman Husbands, to receive tbe lawful fees of the sheriffs, anl other crown officers, whose exotbitant exactions and oppressive con duct were then everywhere disturbing tbe peace and wel- fare of society. In 1775, be was a member of the Colonial Assembly, and in 1776 member of the Provincial Con gress, which met on the 12th of November of that year, and formed the first Constitution. From 1703 to 1799 he was a member of Congress, and was succeeded by the Hon. Archibald Henderson. He married a daughter of Richard Brandon, an early patriot of the same county. He died in 1801, asjed seventy-one years. SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 179 Matthew Locke had at one time four sons in the Revo lutionary war. Francis Locke, his eldest son, was appointed by the Provincial Congress which met at Hal ifax on the 4th of April, 1776, Colonel of the 1st Rowan Regiment, with Alexander Dobbins as Lieutenant Colo nel ; James Brandon, 1st Major, and James Smith, 2d Major. He was attached to General Lincoln's army when General Ashe was defeated at Brier Creek, and com posed one of the members of the court-martial to inquire into that unfortunate affair. Colonel Locke commanded ihe forces which attacked and signally defeated a large body of Tories assembled at Ramsour's Mill, under Col. John Moore. (For particulars, see " Lincoln county "). Another son, Lieutenant George Locke, a brave young officer, was killed by the British in the skirmish near Charlotte, in September, 1780. Hon. Francis Locke, son of Francis Locke, the " hero «of Ramsour's Mill," was born on the 31st of October, 1766. He was elected Judge of the Superior Court in 1803, and resigned in 1814, at which time he was elected a. Senator in Congress in 1814-15. He never married, :and died in January, 1823, in the forty-fourth year of his age. His mortal remains, with those of his father, Colo nel Francis Locke, repose in the grave-yard of Thyatira Church, Rowan county, N. C. HON. ARCHIBALD HENDERSON. (Condensed trom Wheeler's "Historical Sketches.") Hon. Archibald Henderson was born in Granville county, N. C, on the 7th of August, 1768; studied law with Judge Williams, his relative, and was pronounced by the late Judge Murphy, who knew him long and well, to be " the most perfect model of a lawyer that our bar has produced." * * * No man could look upon him without pronouncing him one of the great men of the 180 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. age. The impress of greatness was upon his countenance J not that greatness which is the offspring of any single talent or moral quality, but a greatness which is made up by blending the faculties of a fine intellect with exalted moral feelings. Although he was at all times accessible and entirely free from austerity, he seemed to live and! move in an atmosphere of dignity. He exacted nothing by his manner, yet all approached him Avith reverence and left him Avith respect. His was the region of high sentiment ; and here he occupied a standing that was pre-eminent in North Carolina. He contributed more than any man, since the time of General Davie and Al fred Moore, to give character to the bar of the State, His5 career at the bar has become identified with the history of North Carolina: and his life and his- example furnish) themes for instruction to gentlemen of the bench and tc^ his brethren of the bar. May they study his life and" profit by bis example! He represented his district in Congress from 17991 tc 1803, and the town of Salisbury frequently in the State Leg islature. He married Sarah, daughter of William Alexan der, and sister of William Alexander and NathanieR Alexander, afterward Governor of the State. He left two children, the late Archibald Henderson, Esq., of Salis bury, and Airs. Boyden, wife of the late- Hon, Nathaniel Boyden. He died on the 21st of October, 1S22, in the fifty-fourtU year of his age. RICHMOND PEARSON. (Condensed from Wheeler's "Historical Sketches.";' Richmond Pearson, late of Davie county when a part of Rowan, was born in Dinwiddie county, X&., in 1770,and at tbe age of nineteen years came to North Carolina a&dl .settled in the forks of the Yadkin river. SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 181 When the Avar of the Revolution broke out he Avas a Jjieutenant in Captain Bryan's company (afterward the and closed tbe end openings with strong stockades. Port holes were provided to be used for observation, or other wise, as occasion might demand. Tbe buildings are yjt standing, in a good state of preservation. This was head quarters for the Whigs for many miles around. It was the point for receiving and distributing information, as well as for concerting measures for the aid of the cause of freedom, and for depositing supplies for friends in the field. The Brushy Mountains were but a few miles dis tant, and were infested with 'Tories, who made predatory incursions into this part of Iredell, carrying off stock, de vastating farms, and ambuscading and shooting Whigs,. who Avere especially obnoxious to them. Mr. Young's fortifications presented a rallying point for defence against such invasions, as Fort Dobbs did fouy miles north of Statesville. He Avas himself a member of an association of (iXit. neighbors, Avho were engaged in manufacturing powder- in a rude way for the use of their home department. Against this association the Tories were extremely bitter, and conspired to kill them. They succeeded in murder ing seven of them, and detailed one of their number to> way-lay and shoot Mr. Young. The man assigned to this duty Avas named Aldrieh, Avho concealed himself iu the woods near the dwelling of his intended victim, and watched for an opportunity to perpetrate the murderous deed. The habitual circumspection of Mr. Young foiled him in his purpose until he was discovered by a member SKETCHES OF WFSTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 193 •of the family, and became so frightened as to induce him to abandon the effort. After peace had been proclaimed, Captain Andrew Caldwell, who resided on Rocky Creek, and was the father of Judge David F. and Hon. Joseph P. Caldwell, and other sons well known in the public offices of Iredell, was appointed the Commissioner to administer the oath of allegiance in that part of the county. Aldrich pre sented himself among them, but the recollection of his seven murders, still fresh in the memory of all, so aroused the indignation of Captain Caldwell and Captain Andrew Carson, who was present, that instead of making him a loyal citizen of the United States, they Avent to work and forthwith hung him on one of the joists of the barn, in which they were transacting their laAvful business. In many places, Whigs who were past the age for ser vice in the field, organized themselves into vigilance asso ciations for the Avelfare of the country and their own pro tection. The duties devolving upon them rendered them familiar with events as they really transpired, and often caused them to pass through thrilling and adventurous scenes. They learned to know and how to trust each other. Attachments thus formed by heads of families were strengthened, and more strongly united in lies of friendship after the restoration of peace. The descend ants of these associated friends were educated to revere the memories of the fathers, and to cultivate tbe society find friendship of their children. The traditions of the -' dark days " of the Avar Avere ahvays topics of family and fireside conversation with the "old folks," and they always found attentive listeners in their posterity, upon whose youthful minds impressions then made Avere as enduring as time. 11 194 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, CAPTAIN ALEXANDER DAVIDSON. Captain Alexander Davidson was one of the earliest •settlers of the Avestern part of Rowan county (iioav Iredell,) He took an active part in the Revolutionary struggle fw independence. When Cornwallis was moving from Charles ton tOAvard North Carolina, and General Gates was ordered] to meet him, Governor Caswell, of North Carolina, ordered a draft of men to strengthen Gates' army. In response to» this order the people in that part of Iredell county border ing on tho Catawba river below the Island Ford, assembled at a central point, afterward known as Brown's Muster Ground, when a company Avas formed under the draft audi Alexander Davidson Avas elected its captain. Soon after ward Captain Davidson marched his company to Gates^ rendezvous, Avhen that officer moAred his army to- the un fortunate and sanguinary field of Camden, S. G In that disastrous engagement Captain Davidson's com pany took an actiA-e part, and the greater portion of them Avas cut to pieces. Captain John Davidson, a grand sou of Captain Alexander Davidson, iioav (1S76) resides near Statesville, in Iredell county. He Avell remembers that the commission of bis grand father, as captain ol this com pany, and a diary of his services during the Avar of the- Revolution, Avere iu the possession of his father's family until 1851 Avhen they were taken to Washington City bv the late Hon. J. P. Caldwell and were not returned. Captain John Davidson is one of tbe most prominent and public-spirited citizens of Iredell county, and implicit reliance may be placed iu bis statements. CAPTAIN JAMES HOUSTON. Captain James Houston Avas bom in 1747, and was an?) . David Byers, Robert Byers, Nat. Ewing, Alexander Work, William Creswell, William Erwin, John Hovis, John Thompson, John Beard, John Poston, Robert Poston, Paul Cunningham, John M. Con- nell, Moses White, Angus McCauley, Robert BreA'ard, Adam Torrence, Sr., Adam Torrence, Jr., Charles Quig- ley, James Gulick, Benjamin Brevard, Thomas Temple- ton, John Caldwell, Joseph McCawn, James Y'oung James Gray, Philip Logan (Irish), William Vint, Daniel Bryson, John Singleton. Many of these have descendants in Iredell at the pres ent time, and they can refer with veneration to the names of their patriotic ancestors. Captain James Houston died on tbe 2d of August, 1819, in the 73d year of his age, and is buried in Center Church graveyard. REV. JAMES HALL, D. 1). Rev. James Hall, a distinguished soldier of the Revo lution — the Captain of a company and Chaplain of a Regiment at the same time — was born at Carlisle, Penn sylvania, on the 22d of August, 1744. When he Avas about eight years old his parents, who were Scotch-Irish, removed to North Carolina and settled in the upper part of Rowan county, (now Iredell), in the bounds of the SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 197 congregation to which be afterward gave thirty-eight years of his ministerial life. Secluded in the forests of RoAvan, and removed to a great extent from the follies of the great Avorld, James Hall grew up under the watchful care of pious parentsr receiving such early instruction as the country schools then afforded. In his twenty-sixth year he commenced the study of the classics, and made rapid progress, as his mind was matured and his application close and unremitting. When duly prepared he entered Princeton College, un- ,der the direction of President Witherspoon, one of the signers of the National Declaration of Independence. He graduated in 1774, in bis thirty-first year. The Theo logical reading of Mr. Hall was pursued under the direction of Dr. Witherspoon, that eminent minister and patriot, whose views in religion and politics were thor oughly imbibed by his student. In the spring of 1776 he was licensed by the Presbytery of Orange to preach the Gospel of everlasting Peace. During the exciting scenes of the Revolution, in which he had been licensed and ordained, Mr. Hall held the office of pastor over the three congregations of Fourth Creek, Concord and Beth any, which extended from the South Yadkin river to the Catawba. After the Revolution he served these three congregations until 1790, when, wishing to devote more time to the cause of domestic missions, be was released from bis connection with Fourth Creek and Concord His connection Avith Bethany continued until his death, in July, 1826. A full account of Mr. Hall's patriotic services during the Revolution Avould far transcend the prescribed limits of this sketch. The principles of civil and religious freedom Avhich he received in his parental, as well as in his collegiate training, aa'ouM not allow him to remain neuter or indifferent, when a cruel, invading foe Avas 198 SKETCKES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. trampling on the just and dearest rights of his country. Accordingly, in response to the warm, patriotic im pulses of his nature, when General Rutherford called out an army of over two thousand men from the surround ing counties to subdue the Cherokee Indians, avIio were committing numerous murders and depredations on the frontier settlements, Mr. Hall promptly volunteered his services, and was gladly accepted by the commanding officers as their Chaplain. In the brief, diary notes of Captain Charles Polk, (now before the author), who commanded a company in this expedition, he says: "On Thursday, the 12th of Septem ber, we marched down the river three milts, to Cowee Town, and encamped. On this day there was a party of men sent doAvn this river (Nuckessey) ten miles, to cut down the corn ; the Indians fired on them as they were cutting the corn and killed Hancock Polk, of ( -olonel Beekman's Regiment." On Friday, the 13th, they re mained encamped in CoAvee ToAvn. On Saturday, the 14th, " we marched to Nuckessey Town, six miles higher up the river, and encamped. On Sunday, the loth, one of Captain Irwin's men Avas buried in Nuckessey Town. On Monday, the 16th, we marched five miles — this day with a detachment of twelve hundred men — for the Val ley Towns, and encamped on the Avaters of Tennessee river. Mr. Hall preached a sermon last Sunday ; in time of sermon the express we sent to the South army returned home. On Tuesday, the 17th, we marched six miles> and arrived at a town called Nowre, about 12 o'clock ; three guns Avere fired at Robert Harris, of Mecklenburg by tbe Indians, said Harris being in the rear of tbe army. We marched one mile from Notvee and encamped on the side of a steep mountain, Avithout any fire." These extracts show that Mr. Hall was then at his post of duty, and ready to deliver religious instruction to the American army. The sermon was directly prompted by SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA^ 199 the death of a fellow soldier. Who can tell Iioav many hearts were touched and benefitted by the gospel truths proclaimed by the youthful preacher on that solemn occasion? The counsels of Etermty can alone answer the question. In 1779, when South Carolina was overrun by the British and Tories, Mr. Hall's spirit was stirred Avithin him on receiving intelligence of the massacres and plun- derings experienced by the inhabitants of the upper part of that State. Under this state of feeling he assembled his congregation and addressed them in strong, patriotic language on what he believed to be their present duty, He pictured to their view, in a most thrilling manner, the wrongs and sufferings of their afflicted countrymen. The appeal to their patriotism was not made in vain. With as little delay as possible a company of cavalry, composed of choice young men from his congregation, was promptly raised. On its organization, Mr. Hall was unanimously chosen for their Captain ; all his excuses were overruled, and, in order to encourage his country men to act rather than to talk, he accepted the command. "'Heart within, and God o'erhead." During this tour of service two of his men were taken prisoners. As he •could not recover them by force of arms, their case was made the subject of prayer, both in his private devotions and in public Avith his company. In a few days after ward the prisoners made their escape and rejoined their fellow soldiers. They stated that, as their captors lay encamped one night on Broad River, in South Carolina, the sentinel placed at the door of the guard-house was observed to be ¦drowsy; they remaining quiet,^be soon fell asleep. When the prisoners discovered he was truly reposing in " balmy sleep," they quietly stepped over him as he lay with his gun folded in his bosom, and quickly ran for the river. The noise of their plunge into the water, aroused the 200 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. attention of another more wakeful sentry ; the alarm Avas given, and boats Avere manned for the pursuit, but the active swimmers reached the opposite bank in safety and thus effected their escape, to the great joy of the praying Captain and his faithful company. In the winter of 1781, when Lord Cornwallis was ap proaching the Catawba river vrith his army, General Davidson, who was in command of the Whigs on the opposite or Mecklenburg side of that stream, concentrated his forces, stationed at different points on the river, to resist him at CoAvan's Ford. In order to strengthen him self as much as possible, he sent couriers to the adjoining counties, calling on the Whigs to rally to his assistance. One of these couriers, sent to Fourth Creek Church, (now Statesville), in Iredell county, arrived on the babbath, while the pastor, the Rev. James Hall, was preaching. The urgency of his business did not permit bim to delay in making known the nature of his mission, and, as the best course of doing so, he walked up to the pulpit and handed Davidson's call to the pastor, the Rev. James- Hall, whose patriotic record was well knoAvn. Mr. Hall glanced over the document, and understanding its pur port, broughl his discourse to a speedy clos°, descended from the pulpit, and read it to his congregation. After reading it he made a patriotic appeal to his au dience to respond to this call of their country. Where upon, a member of the congregation moved that they organize by calling Mr. Hall, the pastor, to preside, and- proceed to take such action as the circumstances de manded. The pastor accepted the position of President of tbe meeting, renewed his appeal to the patriotism of his people, and demonstrated his sincerity in calling for volunteers by placing his own name at the head of the list. His example was quickly followed by a sufficient number of his congregation to form a company. It was- then decided to adjourn, and meet again at the church SHETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 201 at 10 o'clock next morning, mounted, with arms and sup plied Avith ammunition, and five days rations, at which time they would elect officers and proceed to the scene of conflict. Accordingly, on the following morning the pastor and the greater part of the male members of his congregation responded to roll call under the noble oaks, where then,. and now, stands Fourth Creek Presbyterian Church, in the corporate limits of the town of Statesville, the county seat of Iredell. The assemblage proceeded immediately to the election of officers, when the Rev. James Hall, their pastor, was unanimously chosen Captain. In accordance with the choice of his beloved congre gation, so cordially given, Mr. Hall instantly assumed command, put his men in rapid motion, and, in due time, reported to General Davidson and took his position in line, to resist the invaders of his country. This was the sort of patriotism that burned in the bo soms of the Scotch-Trish Presbyterians between the Yad kin and Catawba rivers ; which Avas enkindled by the pastors of the seven churches of Mecklenburg, and burst forth into a flame upon the classic site of Charlotte, on the 20th of May, 1775. When the war of the revolution had ended, Mr. Hall devoted himself, with undivided energies, to his beloved work, the gospel ministry. The effects of the long and harassing Avar upon the churches in Carolina Avere de plorable ; the regular ordinances of the gospel had been broken up, and the preached word had become less val ued. His efforts in promoting vital godliness met with the Divine approbation, were attended Avith His blessing,. and resulted in a revival of religion. One sphere of usefulness in which Mr: Hall excelled,. was the education of young men. Near the commence ment of the Avar he conducted for a time a classical '202 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. school, called Clio's Nursery, on Snow Creek, in Iredell county. This he superintended with care, and through its agency brought out many distinguished men that might not otherwise have obtained an education. This eminent minister of the gospel died on the 25th ¦of July, 1826, in the eighty-second year of his age, and is buried in the graveyard of Bethany Church, in Iredell ¦county. HUGH LAWSON AVHITE. Hugh LaAvson White was born in Iredell county in 1773, on the plantation now owned by Thomas Caldwell, Esq., about two miles west of Center Church, and fhre miles east of Beattie's Ford, on the Catawba river. The -old family mansion has long since disappeared, and the plow noAV runs smoothly over its site. His grandfather, Moses White, emigrated to America from Ireland about 1742, and married a daughter of Hugh Lawson, one of the patriarchal settlers of the country. He had six sons, .James, Moses, John, William, David and Andrew; many of whose descendants noAV reside in Iredell county. James White, the father of Hugh, was a soldier of the Revolution. About 1786 he moved to Knox county, East Tennessee, and was one of the original founders of the present flourishing city of Knoxville. When the •Creek (Indian) war broke out he entered the army, Avas soon made a Brigadier General, and Avas distinguished for his bravery, energy and talents. Hugh L. White's education Avas conducted under the ¦care of Rev. Samuel Carrick, Judge Roane, and Dr. Pat terson, of Philadelphia. After completing his studies he returned home and commenced the practice of his pro fession. By close attention to business he soon acquired eminence, numerous friends, and a handsome compe tency. At the early age of twenty-eight he was elected SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 203 one of the Judges of the Superior Court. In 1807 he re signed his Judgship and retired to his farm. There appears, says a writer on biography, always to be a congeniality between the pursuits of agriculture and all great and good minds. We do not pretend to analyze the rationale of this, or why it is that patriotism exists with more elevation and fervency in the retirement of a farm than in the busy mart of crowded cities. The his tory of man proA'es this fact, that the noblest instances of self-sacrificing patriotism which have adorned the drama •of human life, liRve been presented by those who are de voted to agricultural pursuits. It is the only pursuit that man followed in his state of primal innocence, and •surviving his fall, alloAvs the mind " To look through nature, up to nature's God." But his Avell-known abilities Avere too highly appreciated by his fellow-citizens to grant him a long retirement. Soon after his resignation of the judicial robes he was elected a Senator to the State Legislature. In 1809, when Tennessee remodeled her judiciary de partment, and created the Supreme Court, Judge White was unanimously chosen to preside over this important tribunal of justice. He could not Avith propriety refuse to accept a position so cordially tendered, and highly honora" ble in its character. For six years he presided over its de liberations Avith such fidelity and strict integrity as to win universal esteem and unfading honors for his repu tation. At the same time he was elected President of the State Bank. Under his able management its character acquired stability and public confidence. The State of Tennessee was then severely suffering from the hostile incursions and savage depredations of the Creek Indians. At the darkest period of the cam paign, when General Jackson was in the midst of a wild territory, and surrounded, not only by cruel savages, but enduring famine, disaffection and complaints, Judge 204 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. White left the Supreme Court Bench, and Avith a single companion, sought and found, after days and nights of peril, the camp of the veteran Jackson. He immediately volunteered their services, and they were gladly ac cepted. While Judge White was absent on this cam paign be lost several terms of his court; and as the Judges were only paid for services actually rendered, the Legislature resolved that there should be no deduction in his annual salary as Judge. This continuance of salary, so gratefully offered, he declined to receive- In 1822 he Avas appointed, with Governor TazeAvell of Virginia, and Governor King, of Alabama, a commis sioner under the convention with Spain, which position he accepted and held until its term expired in 1824. In 1825, (leneral Jackson having resigned his seat as a Senator in Congress, Judge White was unanimously elected to fill out his term. In 1827 he Avas unanimously elected for a full term ; and in 1832 Avas chosen President of the Senate. In 1836 he vvas voted for as President of the United States. He died, with the consciousness of a well spent life, at his adopted home in Tennessee, on the 10th of April, 1840, aged sixty-seven years. CHAPTER V. LINCOLN COUNTY. Lincoln county was formed in 176 their camp. The cavalry pursued, and turning to the right ont of tbe road, they rode up within. thirty steps of the line and tired at the Tories. This bold movement of thecaAtahrcr SHETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 211 threw them into confusion, but seeing only a few men assailing them they quickly recoA'-ered from their panic and poured in such a destructive fire upon the horsemen as to compel them to retreat. Soon the infantry hurried up to their assistance, the cavalry rallied, and the fight became general on both sides. It Avas in this first attack of the cavalry that the brave Captain Gilbraith Falls was mortally Avounded in the breast, rode about one hundred and fifty yards east of the battle ground, and fell dead from bis horse. The Tories, seeing the effect of their fire, came a short distance down the hill, and thus brought themselves in fair vieAv of the Whig infantry. Here the action was reneAved and the contest fiercely maintained for a consid erable length of time. " In about an hour the Tories began to fall back to their original position on the ridge, and a little beyond its summit, to shield a part of their bodies from the destructive and unceasing fire of the Whigs. From this strong and elevated position the Tories, during the action, Avere enabled at one time to drive the Whigs nearly back to the glade. At this moment Captain Hardin led a small force of Whigs into the field, and, under cover of tbe fence, kept up a galling fire on the right flank of the Tories. This movement gave their lines the proper extension, and the contest being well maintained in tbe center, the Tories began to letreat up the ridge. Before they reached its summit they found a part of their former position in pos session of the Whigs. In this quarter the actjon became close, and the opposing parties in tAvo instances mixed together, and having no bayonets they struck at each other Avith the butts of their guns. In this strange con test several of the Tories Avere made prisoners, and others, divesting themselves of their mark of distinction, (a twig of green pine-top stuck in their hats), intermixed with the Whigs, and all being in their common dress, escaped without beintr detected. ¦212 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. The Tories finding the left of their position in posses sion of the Whigs, and their center closely pressed, re treated down the ridge toward the pond, still exposed to tbe incessant fire of the Whig forces. The Whigs pur sued their advantages until they got entire possession of the ridge, when they discovered, to their astonishment, that the Tories had collected in strong force on the other side of the creek, beyond the mill. They expected the fight would be renewed, and attempted to form a line, but only eighty-six men could be paraded. Some were scattered during the action, others were attending to their wounded friends, and, after repeated efforts, not more than one hundred and ten men could be collected. In this situation of affairs, it was resolved by Colonel Locke and other officers, that Major David Wilson of Mecklenburg, and Captain William Alexander of Rowan, should hasten to General Rutherford, and urge him to press forward to their assistance. General Rutherford had marched early in the morning from Colonel Dick son's plantation, and about six or seven miles from Ram sour's, was met by Wilson and Alexander. Major Davie's cavalry was started off at full gallop, and Colonel Davidson's battalion of infantry were ordered to hasten on with all possible speed. After progressing about tAvo miles they were met by others from the battle, who informed them the Tories had retreated. The march VA'as continued, and the troops arrived at the battle ground two hours after the action bad closed. The dead and most of the Avounded were still lying where thev fell. In this action tbe Tories fought and maintained their ground for a considerable length of time Avith persistent bravery. Very near the present brick structure on the battle-ground, containing within its Avails the mortal re mains of six gallant Whig captains, the severest fighting- took place. They here sealed with their life's blood their SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 213 devotion to their country's struggle for independence. In addition to those from their own neighborhoods, the Tories were reinforced two days before the battle by two hundred well-armed men from Lower Creek, in Burke county, under Captains Whiston &nd Murray. Colonel John Moore, son of Moses Moore, who resided six or seven miles west of Lineolnton, took an active part in arousing and increasing the Tory element throughout the county. He had joined the enemy the preceding Avinter in South Carolina, and having recently returned, dressed in a tattered suit of British uniform and with at sword dangling at his side, announced himself as Lieu tenant Colonel in tbe regiment of North Carolina loyal- alists, commanded by Colonel John Hamilton, of Halifax. Soon thereafter, Nicholas Welch, of the same vicinity, who had been in the British service for eighteen months, and bore a Major's commission in tbe same regiment, also returned, in a splendid uniform, and Avith a purse of gold, which Avas ostensibly displayed to bis admiring as sociates, accompanied with artful speeches in aid of the cause he had embraced. Under these leaders there was collected in a few weeks a force of thirteen hundred men, who encamped on theelevated position east of Ramsour's Mill, previously described. Tbe Tories, believing that they were completely beaten, formed a stratagem to secure their retreat. About the time that Wilson and Alexander were dispatched to Gen eral Rutherford, they sent a flag under the pretense of pro posing a suspension of hostilities for the purpose of bury ing the* dead, and taking c.re of the Avounded. To pre vent the flag officer from seeing their small number, Major James Rutherford and another officer were ordered to meet him a short distance from the line. The propo sition being made, Major Rutherford demanded that the Tories should surrender in ten minutes, and then the ar rangements as requested could be' effected. In the mean- 214 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. time Moore and Welch gave orders that such of their own men as were on foot, or had inferior horses, should mov off singly as fast as they could ; so ihat, Avhen the flag returned, not more than fifty men remained. These very brave officers, before the battle, and who misled so many of their countrymen, were among the first to take their departure from tbe scene of conflict, and seek else- Avhere, by rapid flight, more healthy cjuartcrs. Col. Moore, with thirty of his followers, succeeded in reaching the British army at Camden, where he was threatened with .a trial by court-martial for disobedience of orders in at tempting to embody tbe Loyalists before tbe time ap pointed by Lord Cornwallis. As there vvas no perfect organization by either party, nor regular returns made after the action, the loss could not be accurately ascertained. Fifty-six men lay dead on the side of the ridge, and near the present brick enclo sure, where the hottest part of the fight occurred. Many ¦of the dead were found on the flanks and over the ridge toward the Mill. It is believed that about seventy were killed altogether, and that tbe loss on either side was nearly equal. About one hundred were Avounded, and fifty tories made prisoners. The men had no uni form, and it could not be told to which party many of the dead ' belonged. Most of the Whigs wore a white piece of paper on their hats in front, which served as a mark at which the Tories frequently aimed, and conse quently, several of the Whigs, after the battle, were found to be shot in the head. In this battle, neighbors, near relatives and personal friends were engaged in hostile array against each other. After tbe action commenced, scarcely any orders were given by the commanding offi cers. They all fought like common soldiers, and ani mated each other by their example, as in the battle of King's Mountain, a little over three months after. In no battle of the Revolution, where a band of patriots, less SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 215 than four hundred in number, engaged against an en- ¦the relief of Wilmington, Avhen he again volunteered and commanded a company of dragoons, associated with Cap tains White and Lemmonds. In this expedition Charles Polk Avas appointed Major of dragoons, Gen. Rutherford in chief command, and marched through the disaffected country around Cross creek, (now FayetteAnlle,) and on to 262 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA the immediate vicinity of Wilmington. Here Gen Ruth erford created a belief before his arrival that his forces Avere much larger than they really were. In consequence of this belief Major Craig, in command of the post, deem ing his situation then insecure, immediately evacuated Wilmington and fled to Charleston. This was the only post in North Carolina held by the British, and with the flight of Craig all military operations ceased Avithin her borders- This campaign closed the Revolutionary services of a gallant soldier and faithful patriot in the cause of American freedom. In 1783 Gen. Forney married Nancy, daughter ot David Abernathy, a lady of great moral worth and christian benevolence. The natural goodness of her heart made her the " cheerful giver." Her numerous acts of charity were free of- all ostentation, and floAved silently forth like gentle streams from a pure fountain, imparting: neAv vigor and refreshing everything in their course. After the close of the Avar, full of youthful enterprise, and anxious to engage in some useful business, he fortunately became the OAvner of the " Big Iron Ore Bank," seven miles east of Lincolnton. This is one of the best and most extensive deposits of iron ore, of the variety known as " magnetic," in the State. Aware of the inexhaustible supply of ore, Gen. Forney disposed of interests to other parties (Brevard and Graham) and they immediately proceeded to erect a furnace (called Vesuvius) on An derson's creek, now owned by the heirs of the late J. M. Smith, Esq. After a few years the copartnership Avas dissolved, separate sites were purchased by Forney and Brevard, on Beeper's creek, additional furnaces were erected and thus the manufacture of cast metal, under its- various forms, was vigorously and successfully carried into operation. Gen. Forney commenced building his ironworks in 1787, associated for several years with his brother Abram, laid in a supply of the necessary stock, (ore and SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 263 coal,) as recorded in a small account book, produced ham mered iron in his forge on the 26th of August, 1788. This is believed to be the first manufacture of iron in the- western part of the State. Here Gen. Forney permanently settled for life, and prospered in his useful calling. His. residence received the name of " Mount Welcome," an appellation appropriately bestowed, as his future history manifestly proved. The poor and needy of his own neighborhood Avere frequently the beneficiaries of his bounty ; and the weary traveler was at all times made " welcome," and entertained beneath his hospitable roof " Avithout money, and without price." Gen. Forney was elected as a member to the House of Commons from 1794 to 1796 inclusively, and to the State Senate in 1801 and 1802. He was again called out from the shades of private life and elected as a Representative to Congress from 1813 to 1 815. He also served as Elector in the Presidential campaigns of Jefferson, Madison, Mon roe and Jackson. With these repeated evidences of popular favor his public services ended. Frequent solici tations Avere tendered to him afterwards, all of Avhich he declined. The infirmities of old age were now rapidly stealing upon him, and rendering him unfit for the proper discharge of public duties. For several years preAdous to his decease his mental vigor and corporeal strength greatly failed. After a short illness, Avithout visible pain or suf fering, he quietly breathed his last on February 1st, 1834, in the seArenty-eighth year of his age. Generosity, candor, integrity and freedom from pride or vain show Avere prom inent traits in his character. Let his name and his deeds and his sterling virtues be duly appreciated and faithfully imitated by the rising generation. ¦264 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. MAJOR ABRAM FORNEY. Major Abram Forney, youngest son of Jacob Forney, Sr., was born in Tryon county, (iioav Lincoln) in October, 1758. His father was a Huguenot, and his mother Swiss. His origin is thus connected with a noble race of people Avho were driven into exile rather than renounce their re ligious belief under the persecutions Avhich disgraced the reign of Louis XIV, of France. Major Forney first entered the service about the 25th of June, 1776, as one of the drafted militia in Capt. James Johnston's company, and Col. William Graham's regiment. His company was then ordered to reinforce the troops at Fort McFadden, near the present town of Rutherfordton, and remained there until about tbe 1st of August, when he returned home to prepare for the expedition against the Cherokee Indians. The militia of Mecklenburg, Rowan Lincoln and other counties were called out by orders from Gen. Rutherford, who marched to Pleasant Gardens, Avhere he AAras joined by other forces. From that place Major For ney marched into the Nation Avith a detachment under Col. William Sharpe as far as the Hiwassee river, Avhere they met Avith a portion of Gen. Williamson's army from South Carolina. The expedition Avas completely success ful ; the Indians were routed, their towns destroyed, a few prisoners taken, and they were compelled to sue for peace. The prisoners and property taken by Gen. Rutherford's forces were turned over to Gen. Williamson, as falling within his military jurisdiction. The expedition then left the Nation, and he reached home on the 13th of Oc tober, 1776. In February, 1777, Major Forney again volunteered as a private in Capt. James Reid's company for the purpose of quelling some Tories who had, or Ave re about to embody themselves near tbe South Carolina line. The detach ment was commanded by Col. Charles McLean. The SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 265 Tories were commanded by a certain John Moore, whom Col. McLean pursued into South Carolina until he ascer tained Gen. Pickens Avas engaged in the same pursuit, and too far ahead to be overtaken. The detachment then re turned to North Carolina, and having taken several pris oners on the way, suspected of being inimical to the American cause, Major Forney was ordered to take them fo Salisbury. After this service he was dismissed and returned home in April, 1777. At different times subsequently Major Forney volun teered in several short expeditions as far as the South Carolina line, for the purpose of intimidating and keeping down the rising spirit of the Tories, wh© were numerous in this section of country, and required a strict vigilance to hold them in a state of subjection. Early in June, 1780, when a call was made upon the militia, he volunteered in Capt. John Baldridge's company, marched to a temporary rendezvous at Ramsour's, and thence to Espey's, where they joined other troops under the command of Col. Wil liam Graham and Lieut. Col. Hambright. The united forces then proceeded to Lincoln "old Court House," near Moses Moore's, the father of Col. John Moore, the Tory leader, and marched and countermarched through that section of country. At this time, hearing that Ferguson was coming on Avith a strong force, it Avas deemed advisa ble to retreat and cross the Catawba at Tuckaseege Ford- Col. Graham then marched with his forces to that place, and there met some other troops from South Carolina, under Col. Williams, retreating before Cornwallis, whose army had just reached Charlotte. The two forces then united under Col. Williams and marched up the west side of the Catawba river, and thence across the country in a circuitous direction towards South Carolina in the rear of Ferguson, and thus were enabled to fall in with the "over mountain" troops under Campbell, Shelby, Cleaveland, Sevier, and others, at the CoAvpens, aftenvards rendered 266 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. famous by the battle fought there. The officers having agreed upon the plan of operations, a select portion of the combined forces marched rapidly in pursuit of Ferguson, and found him encamped on King's Mountain on the 7th of October, 1780. The action immediately commenced, and resulted in one of the most decisiA'e victories gained during the Revolutionary struggle, and constitutes the turning point of final triumph in the cause ofx American freedom. Soon after the battle, Major Forney and Capt. James Johnston Avere appointed to number the dead on the British side. They soon found Ferguson at the foot of the hill, dead, and covered Avith blood. His horse hav ing been shot from under him, he continued to advance, sword in hand, cheering on his men by Avord and example, until five or six balls pierced his body and sealed his fate. Major Forney often stated he picked up Ferguson's SAvord, intending t@ keep it as a trophy, but some subordinate officer getting hold of it, made off with it, and thus de prived him of his prize. Au ineident connected Avith the closing scenes of this memorable battle is here worthy of being recorded : As Major Forney Avas surveying the prisoners, through the guard surrounding them, he spied one of his neigh bors, Avho only a short time before the battle had been acting with the Whigs, but had been persuaded by some of his Tory acquaintances to join the king's troops. Upon seeing him Major Forney exclaimed, "is that you, Simon ?" The reply quickly came back, "Yes, it is, Abram, and I beg you to get me out of this bidl pen ; if you do, I will , promise never to be caught in such a scrape again." Ac cordingly, when it Avas made to appear on the day of trial that he had been unfortunately Avrought upon by some Tory neighbors, such a mitigation of his disloyalty was presented as to induce the officers holding the court- martial to overlook his offence and set him at liberty. Soon afterward, true to his promise, he joined his former SKETCHES OF WFSTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 26T Whig comrades, marched to the battle of Guilford and made a good soldier to the end of the war. Near the close of the year 1780, hearing that Col. Mor gan was preparing to go upon an expedition into South Carolina, Major Forney attached himself to the command of Capt. James Little, with the intention of joining his forces, but did not come up with them until after the battle of the Cowpens. He then returned home, and re mained there until the 27th of January, 1781, when all the Whigs in his section of the country had to fly before Cornwallis in pursuit of Morgan with his large number of prisoners on their way to Virginia. Major Forney then crossed the Catawba, and joined a detachment of troops on its eastern bank under Capt. Henderson, placed as a guard by Gen. Davidson at Cowan's Ford, where it was expected the British might attempt to cross. Having stood guard for some time at this point, and being re lieved, he went a short distance to a house to procure re freshments of which he was much in need, and was not present when the guard AA'as repulsed, and Gen. Davidson killed. He then fled with the other troops to Adam Torrence's, about ten miles distant, where a considerable- body of militia had assembled, but were greatly disheart ened on account of the death of Gen. Davidson. The day was damp and unfavorable to the use of firearms. The militia, without much order, fired once at the British, killing seven, and then dispersed in all directions. He then retreated until he reached Gen. Greene's army, in Guilford county. From this place he was advised to re turn home, and in doing so was furnished with a ticket to procure provisions on the way. On the 25th of March, 1781, the militia being again called out, Major Forney attached himself to the com mand of Capt. Samuel Espey, acting as a Sergeant. The company then joined a detachment of militia under Gen. Thomas Polk, marched into South Carolina, and came up "268 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. with Gen. Greene's army at Rugeley's Mill. The army was then placed under the command of Col. Dudley, and remained under him until Gen. Greene commenced his march to the post of Ninety Six. At this time, Capt. Espey being compelled to leave the service in consequence of a Avound received at the battle of King's Mountain, went home Avith a part of his company, and then Major Forney joined the command of Capt. Jack, still acting as Sergeant. Soon afterward the expedition returned to Charlotte, when he Avas dismissed by Capt. Jack, about the 1st of July, 1781. Iu a short time afterward, Major Forney attached him self to the company of Capt. John Weir, under orders to proceed to Wilmington. His company crossed the Ca tawba at Tuckaseege Ford on the 1st day of November, 1781, and encamped three or four miles beyond the river on the road leading to Charlotte. On the next day the company marched through Charlotte and encamped at Col. Alexander's, Avho had been ordered to take command -of the detachment. Whilst there intelligence was received ¦of the return of Gen Rutherford's forces. Major Forney was then sent to that officer for orders ; receiving these, the company recrossed the CataAvba. Capt. Loftin then took command in place of Capt. Weir, Avho had resigned and returned home. The company proceeded to form several stations in the county, and arrested some suspected persons. Capt. Thomas McGee having assumed commaud in place of Loftin, resigning, marched with the prisoners to Salisbury, and delivered them up to the proper authori ties on the 31st of December, 17S1. Again, when a call Avas made upon the. militia in 1782, to march against the Cherokee Indians, Major Forney was placed in command of a company, and ordered to rendez vous at Ramsour's Mill. He remained there from about the 1st of June until the 1st of August, when he marched -to the head of the CataAvba and joined the troops of SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 2691 Burke and Wilkes. He then attached his company to Col. Joseph McDowell's regiment, marched across the Blue Ridge and met Avith the Rutherford troops on the Swannanoa river, under the command of Col. Miller. After the junction of the Rutherford troops, the expedition, under Gen. Charles McDowell, marched into the Nation, nearly on the trail of Gen. Rutherford in 1776, but pro ceeded some farther than where his army halted. Tho expedition Avas entirely successful ; took a few prisoners, returned home and. were dismissed in October, 1782. This was the last service of a brave soldier, who fought long, and fought well, for the freedom of his country. Major Abram Forney died on the 22nd day of July, 1849r in the ninety-first year of his age. His only surviving son, Capt. Abram Earhardt Forney 7 at the present time, (1876,) is still living at the old home stead, has already passed his "three score years and ten ;" is an industrious farmer, and worthy citizen of Lincoln county. REMARKS. Among the curious revolutionary mementoes that Capt. A. E. Forney, son of Major Abram Forney, has in his possession is a small leather memorandum pocket-book, filled originally with twenty-four blank leaves ; also a powder horn, made by his father preparatory to an expedition to the mountains. The front, or open ing sides, is handsomely ornamented with numerous.small stars, arranged diagonally across the surface and around the borders. The back side has the patriot's initials, A. F. distinctly impressed, and immediately beneath, the year 1775, the whole displaying considerable artistic skill ; nu merous entries ajipear on its pages, made at different times, and without reference to strict chronological order; brief no tices of military and agricultural matters and occassion. ally a birth, death or marriage are harmoniously blended. On page 5 is this entry : "The first siioav in the year 1775, was on December the 23rd day, and it was very deep." 270 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. On the same page it is recorded : " April the 28th day, Old John Seagle departed this Avorld, 1780." On page 11 this entry appears: " May the 3rd day I sowed flax seed in the year 1779, and other entries relating to the same agricultural avocation are interspersed through the little book. The culture of flax was then an indispensible em ployment. Our soldiers then wore hunting shirts, made of flax, to the battle fields. Cotton was not generally cul tivated until twenty years later. On page 24 it is recorded: " May the 1st day there wras a frost in the year 1779."" On page 22 is this entry: " Be it remembered the battle between the Whigs and Tories (at Ramsour's) was fought on the 20th day of June 1780." (Signed) Abram Forney. Had any doubt arisen as to the precise date of this impor tant battle it could have been ascertained from this mem orandum pocket-book of this distinguished patriotic soldier. On page 13 is an entry which, on its realization, sent a thrill of joy throughout the land: " April the 17th day, great talk of peace in the year 1783." The definite treaty was not signed until the 30th of September folloAv- ing, and a new Republic sprung into existence. GENEALOGY OF THE FORNEY FAMILY. Jacob Forney, Sr., (sketch of his life previously given) married Mariah Bergner, a native of Switzerland. Their descendants were three sons, Jacob, Peter and Abram and four daughters. Catherine married Abram Earhardt, Elizabeth married John Young, Christina married David Abernathy and Susan married John D. Abernathy. Of the descendants of the daughters, Avho left the State soon after marriage, little is known. Jacob Forney, the eldest son, married Mary Corpenino-, of Burke county, N. C. Soon after the Revolutionary war he purchased a valuable track of laud on Upper creek, five miles northwest of Morganton, on which he settled SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 271 and raised a large family. He lived a long, quiet and useful life. His tombstone, in a private cemetery on the •old homestead property, bears this inscription: "Sacred to the memory of Jacob Forney, born Nov. 6th, 1754, ¦died Nov. 7th, 1840, aged eighty-six years and one day." He had eleven children : 1. Elizabeth E. Forney, (died young.) 2. Thomas J. Forney married S. C. Harris, of Mont gomery county. 3. Isaac Newton Forney, married M. L. Corpening, of Burke county. 4. Marcus L. Forney married S. Connelly, of Burke county. 5. Albert G. Forney married Eglantine Logan, of Rutherford county. 6 Fatima E. Forney married II. Alexander Tate, of Burke county. 7. Peter Bergner Forney married M. S. Connelly, of CaldAvell county. 8. James Harvey Forney married Emily Logan, of Rutherford county. 9. Daniel J. Forney married S. C. Ramsour, of Lincoln county. 10. Mary L. Forney married W. P. Reinhardt, of Ca tawba county. 11. Catharine S. Forney married A. T. Bost, of Cata\Arba county. 2. General Peter Forney, (sketch of his life previously given) married Nancy, daughter of David Abernathy, of Lincoln county. He had twelve children : 1. Daniel M. Forney married Harriet Brevard, of Lin coln county. 2. Mary Forney married Christian Reinhardt, of Lin coln county. 3. Moses Forney, (died in Alabama uumarried.) SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 272 4. Jacob Forney married Sarah Hoke, of Lincoln county, 5. Joseph Forney (died comparatively young.) 6. Eliza Forney married 1st, Henry T. Webb, Esq., of North Carolina, and 2nd, Dr. John Meek, of Alabama. 7. Susan Forney married Bartlett Shipp, Esq., of Lin coln county. 8. Lavinia Forney married John Fulenwider, of Lin coln county. 9- Nancy Forney married Dr. Willian Johnston, of Lin coln county. 10. Caroline Forney married Ransom O. Hunley, of South Carolina. 11. Sophia G. Forney married Dr. C. L. Hunter, of Lin coln county. 12. J. Monroe Forney married Sarah Fulenwider, of CleaA^eland county. 3. Major Abram Forney, (sketch of his life previously given,) married Rachel Gabriel, of Lincoln comity. He only had two children: 1. Abram Earbardt Forney, a worthy citizen of the same county, and iioav (1876) con siderably past his "three score years and ten," and 2., John W. Forney, who died comparatively young. Daniel M. Forney, eldest sou of Gen. Peter Forney, re ceived the appointment of Major in the Avar of 1S12, and proceeded to the scene of conflict in Canada. He served as a Representative to Congress from 1815 to 1818. and as a Senator from Lincoln county to the State Legislature from 1823 to 1826. In PS34, he moved to LoAvndes county, Ala., where he died in October, 1847, in the sixty- fourth year of his age. He had seven children : 1. Eloise Forney married Gen. Jones Withers, of Mo bile, Ala. 2. Mariah Forney married Judge Moore, of Alabama. 3. Alexander B. Forney, (died comparatively young.) 4. Harriet Forney, (died young.) SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 273 o. Macon Forney, (died young.) 6. Susan Forney, married Dr. B. C. Jones, of Alabama. 7. Emma Forney married Col. M. Smith, of Alabama. 2. -Mary Forney, who married Christian Reinhardt, had five sons and four daughters. One of the sons, Franklin M. Reinhardt, who remained in the State, was a worthy member of society, highly esteemed by all who knew him, and remarkable for his benevolent disposition and liber ality to the poor. He married Sarah, daughter of the late David Smith, of Lincoln county. Pie died on the 12th of June, 1869, in the sixty-second year of his age. 3. Jacob Forney, who married Sarah Hoke, daughter of the late Daniel Hoke, formerly of Lincoln county, N. C, was an enterprising, useful and highly respected member of society, possessed many noble traits of character, and raised a large and interesting family. He moved in 1835, from Lincoln county to Alabama, and settled in Jackson ville, where he died on the 24th of April, 1856, in the sixty-ninth, year of his age. He had nine children : 1. Daniel P. Forney, of Jacksonville, Alabama. 2. Joseph B. Forney married Mary Whitaker, of Ala bama. 3. William II. Forney married Eliza Woodward, of Alabama. 4. Barbara Ann Forney married P. Rowan, Esq., of Alabama. 5. Gen. John H. Forney married Septima Rutledge, grand-daughter of Edward Rutledge, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 6. Emma E. Forney married 1st, Col. Rice, 2nd, Rev. Thomas A. Morris. 7. Col. George H. Forney, (killed at Spotsylvania Court House, Va.) 8. Catharine Amelia Forney, married J. M. Wylie, Esq., of Alabama. 18 274 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 9. Mariah Louisa Forney, ("Ida") married R. D. Wil liams, Esq., of Alabama. The sons of Jacob Forney won military distinction and renown in the late Confederate war. Our prescribed limits forbid a more extended notice of their gallant services. Their chivalric courage and "deeds of noble daring" -will justly claim the careful study of some future historian. 4. Eliza Forney married 1st, Henry Y. Webb, Esq., of : Granville county, N. C. He was educated at the Univer sity of North Carolina, Avas a member of the Legislature in 1817 ; appointed by President Monroe, Territorial Judge of Alabama ; elected to the same position by the State Convention of 1819, and died in September, 1823. Eliza Forney, by first marrage Avith Henry Y. Webb7 Esq., had five children. 1. Frances Ann Webb married Col. John R. Hampton, formerly of Charlotte, N. C, iioav a worthy and highly re spected citizen of Bradley county, Ark. His wife Frances, died in 1842, leaving three children, of whom only one, (Susan) widow of Dr. Greene NeAvton, at present survives, 2. William P. AVebb, Esq, married Martha Bell, of Alabama. His children are : 1. James E. Webb, of Hale county, Alabama, married Zemma Creswell. 2. Frances E. Webb married Robert CraAA'ford, of St, Louis, Mo. 3. Judge William H. Webb married " Donna Louise Abrigo," of Monterey, Mexico. 4. Rev. Frank Bell Webb, pastor of the Presbyterian church, at Union Springs, Ala. 5. Wert Webb, commission merchant of St. Louis, Mo., and two daughters, iioav in their minority. 3. Col. James D. Webb, of the 51st Alabama Regi ment, married Jessie Walton. He Avas frequently a mem ber of the Legislature of Alabama, and Avas highly es teemed for his purity of character. He died of wounds SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 275 received in battle, July 3rd, 1863, near Winchester, Tenn., where he is buried. He left a widow and six children. 4. Susan E. Webb died in 1832, at the age of twelve years. 5. Dr. Henry Y. Webb, married Elizabeth S. Alexan der, a great-grand draughter of Abraham Alexander, Chairman of the Mecklenburg Convention of the 20th of May, 1775. Most of the Alexanders in the United States have descended from seven brothers who fled from Scot land to the North of Ireland on account of civil and re ligious persecutions. From 1725 to 1740, many of their descendants emigrated to America, one of Avhom was William Alexander, Avho inherited an estate and earldom in Scotland, and became Lord Stirling, a distinguished General in the Revolutionary war. After a short sojourn in Pennsylvania, many of the Alexander families and their descendants emigrated south, and formed numerous settlements in Mecklenburg and adjoining counties. Descendants of Eliza Forney (2nd marriage) and Dr. John Meek were : 1. Samuel T. Meek, married Miss Cabeen, of South Carolina. 2. John A. Meek, of Franklin, Ky., married Miss New ton, of Arkansas. 3. Lavinia Meek married, 1st, Col. Harry Williams, of Louisiana and 2nd, E. B. Cryer, of Trenton, Louisiana. 4. Nancy, and 5, Sarah Meek. Bartlett Shipp, who married Susan Forney, served in the State Legislature from 1824 to 1830, and was one of the delegates from Lincoln county in 1835, to amend the constitution. He was an able laAvyer, had a large practice for many years, and died in Lincolnton, on the 26th of May, 1869, in the eighty fourth year of his age.. His descendants were : 1. Eliza Shipp married William Preston Bynum, Esq., at present one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. 276 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 2. William M. Shipp, Esq., married 1st, Catharine Cam eron, of Hillsboro, and 2d, Margaret Iredell, of Raleigh. 3. Susan Shipp married V. Q. Johnson, Esq., of Vir ginia. Descendants of John Fulenwider and Lavinia Forney were : 1. JohD M. Fulenwider married Frances Hudson, of Alabama. 2. Eliza Fulenwider married L. M. Rudisill, Esq., of Catawba county, N. C. 3. Robert Fulenwider married Mary Sellers of Ala bama. 4. Daniel Fulenwider married Mary Ann Leslie of Ala bama. 5. Jane Fulhnwider married Joshua Kirby, of Alabama. 6. Fannie Fulenwider, married James Gore, of Alabama. 7. Louisa Fulenwider married Robert Loyd, of Ala bama. 8. Mary Fulenwider, (unmarried.) For descendants of Dr. William Johnston and Nancy Forney see " Genealogy of Colonel James Johnston." Descendants of Ransom G. Hunley and Carolina Forney, were : 1. Richard R. Hunley married Martha S. Johnston, of Lincoln county. 2. Col. Peter F. Hunley married Margaret Johnston, of Lincoln county. 3. Mary Hunley married Gen. E. W. Martin, of Ala bama. 4. Annie Hunley married Alfred Agee, Esq., of Ala bama. 5. Ransom Hunley, (died young.) Descndants of Dr. C. L. Hunter and Sophia G. Forney, were : 1. Nancy Jane Hunter, (died young.) 2. Caroline Elmina Hunter, (died young.) SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 277 Henry Stanhope Huntor (severely wounded in the late war.) 4. Capt. George William Hunter, mortally wounded in the battle at Chancellorsville, Va. 5. Sophia F. Hunter married John H. Sharp, Esq., of Norfolk, Va. CHAPTEE VI. GASTON COUNTY. Gaston county Avas formed in 1846, from Lincoln coun ty, and derives its name from William Gaston, one of the most distinguished men of North Carolina, and late one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. In the language of one who kneAv him well (the late Chief Justice Ruffin) " he was a great Judge, and a good man." Its capital, Dallas, is named in honor of the Hon. George M. Dallas, Vice-President of the United States in 1844,. The' territory embraced in this county, contained many true and gallant Whigs during the Revolutionary Avar. Sketches of some of these will appear in the present chap ter. REV. HUMPHREY HUNTER. [Condensed from Wheeler's "Historical Sketches." ! Rev. Humphrey Hunter Avas bony in Ireland, near Londonderry, on the 14th of May, 1775. His paternal grandfather Avas from Glasgow, in Scotland. His mater nal grandfather was from Brest, in France. His descent is thus traced to the Scotch-Trish, and Huguenots of France, forming a race of people who greatly contributed to the spread of civil and religious liberty Avherever their lots were cast. In America, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations, many of their descendants occupy proud positions on the page of history, and acted a magnani mous part in the achievment of our independence. At the early age of four years, Humphrey Hunter was SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 279 deprived by death of his father. In a short time after ward, his mother joined the great tide of emigration to the new world, and in May 1759, embarked on the ship Helena, bound for Charleston, S. C. After a long and boisterous voyage, the vessel at length reached its desti nation in safety. His mother then procured a cheap con veyance and proceeded to the eastern part of Mecklen burg county, (now in Cabarrus) where she purchased a ¦small tract of land, and spent the remainder of her days. In the manuscript journal of the Rev. Humphrey Hunter, we are furnished with some interesting facts re specting his life and services. He informs us he grew up in the neighborhood of Poplar Tent, inhaling the salu brious air of a free clime, and imbibing the principles of genuine liberty. At this stage of his early training, he pays a beautiful tribute to the patriotism of the mothers of the Revolution. He says : " Neither were our mother's silent at the commencement of the Revolution." -'Go son, said his mother, and join yourself to the men of our country. We ventured our lives on the waves of the ocean in quest of the freedom promised us here. Go, and fight for it, and rather let me hear of your death than of your cowardice." In a short time afterward this patriotic advice of his '.mother was called into action, " Orders were presently issued," continues his journal, "by Colonel Thomas Polk to the several militia companies of tbe county for two men, •selected from each beat or district to meet at the Court House in Charlotte, on the 19th day of May, 1775, in -order to consult upon such measures as might be thought best to be pursued. Accordingly, on said day,' a far greater number than two out of each company were present." DraAvn by the great excitement of the occasion, surpassing that of any other preceding it, he attended the Convention on the appointed day. He was then a feAv .days over twenty years of his age, and mingled with the 280 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. numerous crowd of interested spectators. He then had the pleasure of listening to the reading of the first Declar ation of Independence in the United States, and joined in the shout of opproval which burst forth from the assembled multitude. In a short time after the Convention in Charlotte, Col. Thomas Polk raised a regiment of infantry and cavalry, and marched in the direction of Cross creek (now Fayetteville) to disperse a body of Tories. In this- service, he joined a corps of cavalry under Captain Chas. Polk. Soon after the return of this expedition, he com menced his classical studies at Clio Academy, in the wes tern part of Rowan county, (now Iredell) under the in struction of the Rev. James Hall. About this time the Cherokee Indians were commit ting numerous depredations and occasional murders near the head sources of the Catawba river. Upon this in formation, Gen. Rutherford called out a brigade of mili tia from Guilford, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Lincoln and other western counties, composed of infantry and three corps of cavalry. In one of the companies commanded by Captain, afterwards Col. Robert Mebane, he acted as Lieutenant. Tavo skirmishes took place during this cam paign, in which several Indians Avere killed and a con siderable number made prisoners, among the latter, Hicks and Scott, two white traders, who had married Indians and espoused their cause. After his return from the Cherokee expedition, he resumed his classical education at Queen's Museum, in Charlotte, under the control of Dr. Alexander McWhorter, an eminent Presbyterian- clergyman from New Jersey. In the summer of 1780,. this institution, having assumed in 1777, the more patri otic name of "Liberty Hall Academy," was broken up by the approach of the British army under Lord Cornwallis. The school, then in a flourishing state, was dismissed ; the young men were urged by Dr. McWhorter with patriotic appeals, to take up arms in defence of their SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 281 country ; and upon all he invoked the blessings of Heaven, At this time Gen. Gates was on his way to the Southern States. Under orders from Gen. Rutherford, a brigade was promptly raised to rendezvous at Salisbury. In this brigade Hunter acted for a short time as Commissary, and afterward as Lieutenant in the company of Capt. Givens. This force first marched from Salisbury down the northeast side of the Yadkin, scouring the Tory set tlements of the Uwharrie and Deep rivers, previous to its junction with Gen. Gates at Cheraw. From this place Gen. Gates moved forward to Clermont, where he arrived on the 12th of August. On the 15th he marched towards- Camden, progressing as far as the Gum Swamp, where sharp skirmishing took place in the night between ad vanced parties of the Americans and the British. On the 16th of August, 1780, the unfortunate battle of Camden was fought. A contagious panic seized most of the mili tia early in the action, and a precipitate retreat was the natural consequence. The regulars of Maryland and Delaware, with a small portion of the North Carolina militia, firmly stood their ground until surrounded with overwhelming numbers. The subject of this sketch was there made a prisoner and stripped of most of his clothes- Soon after his surrender he witnessed the painful inci dents of battle, resulting in the death of Baron DeKalb, He informs us he saw the Baron without suite or aid, and without manifesting the designs of his movements, gal loping down the line. He was soon descried by the enemy, who, clapping their hands on their shoulders in reference to his epaulettes, exclaimed "a General, a rebel General." Immediately a man on horseback (not Tarle ton) met him and demanded his sword. The Baron re- luctlantly presented the handle towards him, inquiring in French, " Are you an officer, sir." His antagonist not understanding the language, with an oath, more sternly demanded his sword. The Baron then rode on with all 282 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. possible speed, disdaining to surrender to any one but an officer. Soon the cry, "a rebel General," sounded along the line. The musketeers immediately, by platoons, fired upon him. He proceeded about twenty-five rods, when he fell from his horse, mortally wounded. Presently he was raised to his feet, stripped of his hat, coat and neck cloth, and placed with his hands resting on a wagon. His body was found, upon examination, to have been pierced by seven musket balls. Whilst standing in this position, and the blood streaming through his shirt, ¦Cornwallis, with his suite, rode up. Being informed that the wounded man was Baron De Kalb, he addressed him by saying : "I am sorry, sir, to see you ; not sorry that you are vanquished, but sorry to see you so badly wounded." Having given orders to an officer to admin ister to the wants of the Baron, Cornwallis rode on to secure the fruits of his victory. In a short ifee the brave and generous De Kalb, who had served in the armies of France and embarked in the American cause, breathed his last. He is buried in Camden, where a neat monu ment has been erected to his memory. After being confined seven days in a prison-yard in Camden, Hunter was taken, with many other prisoners, including about fifty officers, to Orangeburg, where he remained until the 13th of November following, uithoid hat or coat. On that day, without any intention of trans gressing, he set out to visit a friendly lady in tbe suburbs who had promised to give him a homespun coat. Before he reached her residence, he was stopped by a horseman, armed with sword and pistols, who styled himself a Lieu tenant of the station at the Court House, under Col. Fisher. The horseman blustered and threatened, and sternly commanded him to march before him to the sta tion to be tried for having broken his parole. No excuse, apology or confession Avould be received in extenuation of his transgression. "To the station," said the horse- SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 283 man, "you shall go — take the road." The Tory loyalist was evidently exercising his brief authority over a real Whig. Up the road his prisoner had to go, sour and sulky, with much reluctance, being hurried in his march by the point of the Tory's sword. Hunter pursued his course, but constantly on the look-out for some means of self-defence. - Fortunately, after they progressed a short distance, they approached a large fallen pine tree, around which lay a quantity of pine-knots, hardened and black ened by the recent action of fire. Hunter, in an instant, saw "his opportunity," immediately jumped to the further side of said tree, and, armed with a good pine-knot, pre pared for combat. The Tory instantly fired one of his pistols at him, but Avithout effect. He then leaped his horse over the tree. Hunter, with equal promptness, ex changed sides, being fired at a second time by his would- be conqueror, but again without effect. Much skilful manceuvoring took place, whilst the Tory was thus kept at bay. Hunter then commenced a vigorous warfare with the pine-knots so opportunely placed at his com mand, and dealt them out with profuse liberality. The accurate aim of t\vo or three pine-knots against the horse man's head soon disabled him and brought him to the ground. He Avas then disarmed of his sword, and capitu lated on the following terms : That Hunter should never make known the conquest he had gained over him, and give back the captured sword; and that he, (the Tory loyalist) would never report to headquarters that any of the prisoners had ever crossed the boundary line, or of fended in any other manner. But secrecy could not be preserved, for during the combat the horse, without his rider, galloped off to the station and created considerable anxiety respecting the horseman's fate. All serious ap prehensions, however, Avere soon removed as the dis mounted horseman presently made his appearance, with several visible bruises on his head, bearing striking proof 284 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. of the effective precision of the pine-knots. A close ex amination was soon instituted at the station, and numer ous searching questions propounded to the wounded horseman, when the history of the contest had to be given, and all concealment no longer attempted. The ren counter took place on a Friday evening. On the Sabbath following, orders were issued by Col. Fisher to all the prisoners to appear at the Court House on Monday by twelve o'clock. On the evening of tht.t Sabbath, Hunter, expecting close confinement, or, perhaps, the loss of his life, made his escape with five or six others from Meck lenburg, and commenced their Avay to North Carolina, They concealed themselves by day to avoid tbe British scouts sent in pursuit, and traveled during the night, supporting themselves principally on the raw corn found by the way-side. On the ninth night after they set out from Orangeburg, they crossed the Catawba and arrived safely in Mecklenburg county. After remaining a few days at his mother's residence, he again entered the service, and joined a cavalry com pany, acting as lieutenat under Colonel Henry Lee. In a short time, the battle of the Eutaw Springs, the last im portant one in the extreme South, took place. In this engagement, Avhere so much personal bravery Avas dis played, he performed a gallant part, and Avas slightly wounded. With this campaign, his military services ended. Among the variety of incidents which occurred during this year he was gratified in revisiting his old prison-bounds, and in witnessing tbe reduction of the station at Orangeburg. But greater still Avas the gratifi cation he experienced in again beholding the identical sword he had taken from his Tory antagonist, as previ ously stated. Soon after the close of the Avar he resumed his classical studies under the instruction of the Rev. Robert Archi bald, near Poplar Tent Church. During the summer of SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 285 1785, he entered the Junior Class at Mount Zion College, in Winnsboro, S. G, and graduated in July, 1787. In a short time aftenvard he commenced the study of Thelogy under the care of the Presbytery of South Carolina, and was licensed to preach in October, 1789. In 1796 he re moved from South Carolina to the south-eastern part of Lincoln county (now Gaston) where he purchased a home for his rising family. His ministeral labors extended through a period of nearly thirty-eight years, principally at Goshen and Unity churches in Lincoln county (under its old boundaries) and Steele Creek church, in Mecklen burg county. In 1789 he married Jane, daughter of Dr. George Ross, of Laurens District, S. C. — an estimable lady, noted for her amiable disposition, numerous acts of charity, and fervent piety. In his preaching Mr. Hunter was earnest, persuasive and often eloquent. He possessed, in a remarkable de gree, a talent for refined Sarcasm, and knew how to use most effectively its piercing shafts against the idle ob jections, or disingenuous cavils of all triflers with tbe great truths of religion. In his advanced years the in firmities of old age greatly contracted the extent of his useful labors without impairing the vigor of his mental powers or the fervency and faithfulness of bis preaching. He died, with christian resignation, on the 21st of August, 1827, in the 73rd year of his age. The Rev. Humphrey Hunter had ten chrilden, of Avhom, at the present time (1876) only one, the author and compiler of these sketches, survives. DR. WILLIAM M'LEAN. Dr. William McLean Avas born in Rowan county, N. G, on the 2nd day of April, 1757- His father, Alexander McLean, was a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America, landing at Philadelphia, between the years If 25 286 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. and 1730. Some time after his arrival in Pennsylvania ' he married Elizabeth Ratchford, whose father emigrated from England shortly after McLean left Ireland. Three of his daughters, Jane, Margaret and Agnes, were born in that State. He then joined tbe great tide of emigration to the more enticing fields and genial climate of the southern colonies, and settled in the Dobbin neighbor hood, eight miles from Salisbury, Rowan county, N. C. Here he remained for a few years, during which time his eldest son John, and William, the immediate subject of this sketch, Avere born. He then moved to a tract of land he purchased near the junction of the South Fork with the main Catawba rh7er, in Tryon, (now Gaston county,) Avhere three more sons were born, Alexander, George and Thomas. This place he made his permanent abode during the remainder of his life, surrounded with the greater portion of his rising family. He attained a good old age, his wife surviving him a feAv years; both were consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and are buried at the old " Smith graveyard," near the place of his last settlement. Soon after the Revolutionary Avar, Alexander McLean, Jr., moved to Missouri, and George McLean to Tennessee Thomas McLean, the vour.gesfc son, retained the old homestead, Avhere, at an advanced age, be ended his earthly existence. Although only thirteen years old at the time of the battle of King's; Mountain, he could give a glowing account of the heroic bravery Avhich characterized that brilliant victory in which many of his neighbors, under the brave Lieut. Col. Hambright and Maj. Chronicle, actively partieipated- John McLean, the eldest son, performed a soldier's duty on several occasions during the war. Upon the call of troops from North Carolina for tho defence of Charleston, he attached himself to Col. Graham's regiment, under Gen. Rutherford, and Avas there captured. Immediately after being exchanged, he returned to North Carolina SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 287 and joined the command of Capt. Adlai Osborne, and about three month's afterward was killed in a skirmish at Buford's Bridge, S. C. After the removal of Alexander McLean to his final settlement on the south fork of the Catawba, as pre viously stated, William assisted him on the farm, and when a favorable opportunity offered, went to school in the neighborhood, acquiring as good an education as the facilities of the country then afforded. His instructor for the last three months in this early training was a Mr. Blythe, who, noticing his rapid advancement in learn ing, and capacity for more extended usefulness, advised him to go to Queen's Museum, in Charlotte. This insti tution was then in high repute under the able manage ment of Dr. Alexander and Rev. Alexander McWhorter, a distinguished Presbyterian clergyman from New Jersey. Dr. McLean complied with the advice of his instruc tor, and became a pupil of Queen's Museum. In this venerated institution, shedding abroad its enlightening influence on Western North Carolina, many of the lead ing patriots of the Revolution acquired their principal educational training. Its president, Dr. McWhorter, was not only an eminent preacher of the gospel, but was also an ardent patriot, and never failed, on suitable occasions, to discuss the politics of the day, and instil into the minds of his youthful pupils the essential principles of civil and religious liberty. His sentiments in this respect were so generally knoAAn, that it is said Cornwallis previous to his entrance into Charlotte in 1780, was extremely anxious to enfold him in his embraces. Dr. McLean re mained in this institution of learning about two years and then returned home. Plaving made up. his mind to become a physician during his collegiate course, he gath ered all the medical books he could procure at that pe riod, and diligently devoted his time to their study. In this stage of his early preparation for future usefulness, 288 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. Dr. Joseph Blythe, a distinguished surgeon in the Conti nental Army, wrote to him in terms of warmest friend ship, and offered him the position of "surgeon's mate." This offer he accepted, repaired to Charlottte, and they both marched with the army to James Island , near Charles ton. In this immediate vicinity at Stono (the narrow river or inlet, which separates John's Island from the main land) a severe but indecisive battle had been fought be tween a detachment of General Lincoln's army and the British, under General Prevost, in June, 1779. At the time of Dr. McLean's arrival at James Island, many sol diers were sick with the pestilental "camp fever" of that sultry climate, or were suffering from the wounds of bat tle at the army hospital. Some of these sufferers were from Lincoln and Mecklenburg counties, with whom he was personally acquainted. Under judicious medical treatment he was pleased to see most of them, in a short time, restored to health and ready for the future service of their country. In the summer and fall of 1780 Dr. McLean was con stantly with the Southern army watching the movements of Ferguson in the upper Tory settlements of South Car olina, previous to his defeat and death at King's Moun tain. After that battle he went to Charlotte to wait on the sick and the wounded at that place. In 1781 he was with General Greene's army, near Camden, and at other military encampments requiring his services. In all of these responsible positions he con tinued to faithfully discharge the duties of "Surgeon's Mate," or Assistant Surgeon, until the close of the Rev olution. Having completed his preparatory studies Dr. McLean went to tlie medical University of Pennsylvania at Phil adelphia, and received from that venerable institution his diploma in 1787. In a short time after his arrival at home he purchased a farm in the " South Point " neighborhood, soon engaged in an extensive practice SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 289 frequently charitable) and became eminent in his pro fession. On the 19th of June, 1792, Dr. McLean married Mary, daughter of Major John Davidson, one of the signers of ihe Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. In 1814 he was elected to the Senate from Lincoln county. In 1815 he delivered an address at King's Mountain, com memorative of the battle at that place, and caused to be erected, at his own expense, a plain headstone of dark slate rock, with appropriate inscriptions on both sides. The inscription on the east side reads thus : Sacred to the memory of Major William Chronicle, Capt, John Mattocks, William Robb and John Boyd, avIio were killed here on the 7th of October, 1780, fighting in de fence of America." The inscription on the Avest side reads thus : " Colonel Ferguson, an officer belonging to his Brittanic Majesty, was here defeated and killed." Dr. McLean, after a life of protracted usefulness, died with peaceful resignation on the 25th of October, 1828, in the seventy-second year of his age. His wife survived him many years, being nearly ninety-seven years old at the time of her death. They were both long, AA-orthy and ¦eonsistant members of the Presbyterian church, dignified their liA'es with their professions, and are buried in Bethel Graveyard, York county, S. C. MAJOR AVILLIAM CHRONICLE. Major William Cronicle, the soldier and martyr to the ¦cause of liberty at King's Mountain, was born in the south eastern part of Lincoln county (now Gaston) about 1755. His mother was first married to a Mr. McKee in Pennsylvania, who afterwards removed to North Caro lina and settled in Mecklenburg county. By this mar riage she had one son, James McKee, a soldier of the rev olution, and ancestor of the several families of that name 19 290 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.- in the neighboehood of Armstrong's Ford, on the South Fork of the Catawba. After McKee's death, his widow married Mr. Chronicle, by whom she had an only sonr William, who aftenvard performed a magnanimous part in defence of his country's rights. The site of the old family mansion is still pointed out by the oldest inhabi tants with feel ings of lingering veneration. " There," they will tell you, 'is the spot where old Mr. Chronicle lived and his brave son, William, Avas brought up. " The uni versal testimony of all who kneAV Major Chronicle repre sented him as the c6nstant,never-tiring advocate of liberty, and as exertmg a poAverful influence in spreading the princi ples of freedom throughout the Avhole lower portion of old Lincoln county. HisJQvial turn of mind and Avinning man ners, by gaining the good will of all, greatly assisted iu making successful his appeals to their patriotism- and promoting the cause of liberty in Avhich he had so zeal ously embarked. Major Chronicle's first service Avas performed as Cap tain of a company atPurysburg in South Carolina, Early in the fall of 1780, a regiment Avas raised in Lincoln coun ty, over which Col. William Graham Avas appointed Col onel ; Frederick Ham]? rite, Lieut. Colonel, and Wrilliam> Chronicle, Major. It is well known that Col. Graham, on account of severe sickness in his family, Avas not present at the battle of King's Mountain. The immediate command of the regiment, assisted by Col. Dickson of the county, Avas then gallantly assumed by these officers, and nobly did they sustain themselves by word and example, ia that ever-memorable conflict. Major Chronicle was brave, perhaps to a fault, energetic in his movements, self pos sessed in danger, and deeply imbued with the spirit of liberty. His last Avords of encouragement in leading a spirited charge against the enemy, were " Come on my boys, never let it be said a Fork boy run, " alluding to South Fork, near Avhich stream most of them resided. SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 291 This patriotic appeal was not given in vain. It nerved evey man for the contest. Onward his brave boys steadi ly moved forward, Major Chronicle in the advance, and approached within gun-shot of the British forces. Just at this time, a few sharp shooters of the enemy discharged their pieces, and retreated. The brave Chronicle fell mortally wounded, receiving a fatal ball in the breast. Almost at the same time, Capt. John Mattocks and Lieu tenants William Rabb and John Boyd, also fell. Major Chronicle Avas only about twenty-five years old at the time of his death. The late Capt. Samuel CaldAvell and his brother William, were both in this battle. William Cald well brought home Major Chronicle's horse ; his sword and spurs passed into the hands of his half brother, James McKee, and the venerated memorials are still in posses sion of one of his sons, AA'ho moved many years ago to Tennessee. CAPTAIN SAMUEL MARTIN. Captain Samuel Martin was a native of Ireland, and born in the year 1 732. When a young mau, he emigrated to America, and first settled in Pennsylvania. After re maining a short time in that State, he joined the great tide of emigration to the southern colonies. He first en tered the service as a private in Captain Robert Alexan der's company, in June 1776, Colonel Graham's Remiment, aud marched to Fort McGaughey, in Rutherford county,, and thence across the Blue Ridge Mountains against the Cherokee Indians, who were committing murders and depredations upon the frontier settlements. In January 1777, he attached himself to the command of Captain William Chronicle, and marched to the relief of the post of Ninety Six, in Abbeville county, S. C, and after this service he returned to North Carolina. About the 1st of November, 1779, his company Avas 292 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. ordered to Charlotte, at that time a place of rendezvous ¦of soldiers for the surrounding counties, and while there he received a special commission of captain, conferred on him by General Rutherford. With his special command he marched with other forces from Charlotte by way of -Camden, to the relief of Charleston, and fell in Avith Col. Hampton, at the Governor's gate, near that city. Find ing that place completely invested by the British army, he remained but a short time, and returned to North Carolina with Colonel Graham's regiment, about the 1st ¦of June, 1780. Being informed on the night of his arrival at home that the Tories were embodied in strong force at Ramsour's Mill, near the present town of Lincolnton, he immediately raised a small company and joined General Davidson's battalion, General Rutherford commanding, encamped at Colonel Dickson's plantation, three miles northwest of Tuckaseege ford. General Rutherford broke -up his en campment at that place, early on the morning of the 20th of June, 1780, then sixteen miles from Ramsour's Mill, and marched Avith his forces, expecting to uuite with Colonel Locke in making a joint attack upon the Tories, but failed to reach the scene of conflict until tAvo hours after the battle. The Tories had been signally defeated and routed by Colonel Locke and his brave associates, and about fifty made prisoners, among the number a brother of Colonel Moore, the commander of the Tory forces. Immediately after this battle he received orders from Colonels Johnston and Dickson to proceed Avith his com pany to Colonel Moore's residence, six or seven miles Avest of the present town of Lincolnton, and arrest that Tory- leader, but he had fled with about thirty of his fol lower's to Camden, S. C, where Cornwall's was then en camped. Soon after this service Captain Martain was or dered to proceed with his company to Rugeley's Mill, iu SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 293 KershaAv county, S, C. Here Colonel Rugeley, the Tory- commander, had assembled a considerable force, and for tified his log barn and dwelling house. Colonel Wash ington, by order of General Morgan, had pursued him-. with his cavalry, but having no artillery, he resorted to> an ingenious stratagem to capture the post without sacri ficing his own men. Accordingly he mounted a pine log, fashioned as a cannon, elevated on its own limbs, and placed it in position to command the houses in which the- Tories were lodged. Colonel Washington then made a formal demand for immediate surrender. Colonel Rugeley fearing the destructive consequences of the formidable camion bearing upon his command in the log barn and dwelling house, after a stipulation as to terms, promptly surrendered his whole force, consisting of one hundred and twelve men, without a gun being fired on either side. It was upon the reception of the news of this surrender that Cornwallis wrote to Tarleton, "Rugeley will not be made a Brigadier." After this successful stratagem, seldom equaled during the war, Captain Martin was ordered to march with his company in pursuit of Colonel Cunningham, (com monly called " bloody Bill Cunningham") a Tory leader, encamped on Fishing creek, but he fled so rapidly he could not overtake him. During the latterpart of August and the Avhole of September, Captain Martin Avas rarely at home, and then not remaining for more than two days at a time. About the last week of September he marched with his company by a circuitous route, under Colonel Graham, to the Cowpens. There he united with Colonels Campbell, Shelby, Sevier, Cleaveland and other officers and marched with them to King's Mountain. In this battle Captain Martin acted a conspicuous part, was in the thickest of the fight, and lost six of his company. After this battle he continued in active scouting duties wher ever his services were needed. 294 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. When Cornwallis marched through Lincoln county in pursuit of General Morgan, encumbered Avith upAA'ards of five hundred prisoners, captured at the CoAvpens, he was ordered to harass his advance as much as possible. A short time after Cornwallis crossed the CataAvba at Cowan's Ford, he marched as far as Salisbury, when he was ordered by Colonel Dickson to convey some prisoners to Charlotte. Having performed this service, he proceeded to Guilford Court house, but did not reach that place until after the battle. He then returned home, and was soon after discharged. In October 1833, Captain Martin, Avhen one hundred, and one years old, was granted a pension by the general gov- ernment. He was a Avorthy and consistent member of the Associate Reformed Church, and died on the 26th of November, 1836, aged one hundred and four years! He married in Ireland, Margaret McCurdy, Avho also at tained an extreme old age, and both are buried iu Goshen grave yard, in Gaston county. CAPTAIN SAMUEL CALDAVELL. Samuel Caldwell was born in Orange County, N. C, on the 10th of February, 1759, and moved to Tryon county, afterward Lincoln, in 1772. He first entered tbe service in Captain Gowen's company in 1776, and marched against the Cherokee Indians beyond the mountains. In 1779, he volunteered in Captain William Chronicle's company) in tbe "nine months service," and joined Gen eral Lincoln's army at Purysburg, S. C. In March, 1780, he joined Captain Isaac White's company, and marched to King's Mountain. In the battle which immediately followed, he and his brother, William actively partici pated. Shortly after this celebrated victory, he attached himself to Captain Montgomery's company and was in the battle of the Cowpens, fought on the 17th of January, 1781. Soon afterward he marched to Guilford, and Avas SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 295 in the battle fought there on the 15th of March, i781. In the following fall, he substituted for Clement Nance, in -Captain Lemmonds cavalry company in the regiment com manded by Col. Robert Smith aud Major Joseph Graham. At the Raft Swamp, they attacked and signally de feated a large body of Tories ; and in two days afterward defeated a band of Tories on Alfred Moore's plantation op posite Wilmington. On the next day, the same troops made a vigorous attack on the garrison, near the same place. After this service, he returned home and was frequently engaged in other minor but important military .duties until the close of the war. After the war, Captain Caldwell settled on a farm three miles soutb-Avest of Tuckaseege Ford where he raised a large family. He Avas a kind and obliging neighbor, at tained a good old age, and is buried in the graveyard of Goshen church, Gaston county N. C. CAPTAIN JOHN MATTOCKS. Captain John Mattocks was one of the brave soldiers who fell at King's Mountain. He belonged to a family who resided a feAV miles below Armstrong'sjFord, on the south fork of the CataAvba river,at what is noAV knoAvn as the " Alison old place." There were three brothers and two sisters, Sallie and Barbara. The whole family, men and women, had the reputation of being " uncommonly stout. '> John and Charles Mattocks were staunch Whigs, ever ready to engage in any enterprise in defence of the free dom of their country, but Edward Mattocks (commonly called Ned Mattocks) was a Tory. All of the brothers were at the battle of King's M ountain, in which Captain Charles Mattocks was killed early in the action AA-hen pressing forward with undaunted courage against the enemy. Among the severely wounded, was Ned Mat tocks, the Tory brother. After the battle and signal -victory, Charles Mattocks, fearing his brother might be 296 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. hung Avith some others who suffered this penalty on the next day, kindly interceded in his behalf, took him home 'and nursed him carfully until he recovered of his wound. It is said, this extraction of blood so effectually performed by someone of the gallant Whigs on that occasion, com pletely cured Ned Mattocks of Toryism and caused him never afterward to unite with the enemies of his country . The whole surviving family a few years after the war moved to Georgia, Avhere they have descendants at the present time. Major Chronicle, Captain Mattocks, William Rabb and John Boyd, all from the same South Fork neighborhood, are buried in a common grave at the foot of the mountain, A plain head-stone of dark slate rock, commemorates the hallowed spot Avith the following inscription : " Sacred to the memory of MAJOR WILLIAM CHRONICLE, CAPTAIN JOHN MATTOCKS, WILLIAM RABB, JOHN BOYD, Who were killed here fighting in defence of America, On the 7th of October, 1780. Many fragmentary but interesting incidents connected with the battle of King's Mountain have come doAArnto our own time and unfortunately, many others have been buried in oblivion., The folloAving incident was related to the author by a grandson of a brave soldier in that battle. Moses and James Henry both actively participated iu that hotly contested engagement. A few days after the battle, as James Henry Avas pass ing through the woods near the scene of conflict, he found a very fine horse, handsomely equipped Avith an elegant saddle, the reins of the bridle being broken. The horse SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 297 and equipments Avere, as he supposed, the property of an officer. He took the horse home with him, considerably elated with his good luck ; but his mother met him at the gate, and immediately inquired whose horse it was he had in charge, he replied, he supposed it belonged to some British officer. "James," said the mother, " turn it loose and drive it off from the place, for I will not have the hands of my household stained with British plunder." The incident illustrates the noble Christian spirit Avhich actuated our good mothers of the Revolutionary period. The other brother, Moses Henry, evinced great bravery in the same engagement, and was mortally wounded. He was taken to the hospital in Charlotte, and was atten tively Avaited upon by Dr. William McLean until he died. His widow, Avith several others under similar bereavement, Avas granted a liberal allowance by the county court of Lincoln. Moses Henry is the grandfather of Col. Moses Henry Hand, a worthy citizen of Gaston county, N. C. AVILLIAM RANKIN. William Rankin was borii in Pennsylvania, on the 10th of January, 1761, and at an early age joined the tide of emigration to the Southern States, and settled in " Tryon," afterward Lincoln county, N- C. He first entered the service as a private in Captain Robert Alexander's company, Colonel William Graham's regiment, and marched to Montfort's Cove against the Cherokee Indians. In 1779 he volunteered under the same officer, and marched by way of Charlotte and Cam den to the relief of Charleston, but finding the city com pletely invested by the British army, the regiment re turned to North Carolina. In 1780, he again volunteered under Major Dickson, and marched against Col. Floyd, a Tory leader of upper South Carolina. After this service 298 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CA.ROLINA. he returned home, and soon afterward marched under the same officer, General Rutherford commanding, to Ram. sour's Mill, where a large body of Tories had assembled under Colonel John Moore. The forces under General Rutherford Avere encamped on Colonel Dickson's planta- tation, three miles north-west of Tuckaseege Ford, and about sixteen miles from Ramsour's. Early on the morn ing of the 20th of June, 1780, they broke up camp and moved forward, but did not reach the battle-field until two hours after the action had taken place, and the Tories defeated by Colonel Locke aud his brave associates; with a force greatly inferior to that of the enemy. Imme diately after this battle, he substituted for Henry E. Locke, in Captain William Armstrong's company, marched to Park's Mill, near Charlotte, aud thence to General Rutherford's army, encamped at Phifer's planta tion. The Tories having assembled a considerable force at Coulson's Mill, General Davidson with a detachment of troops vigorously attacked them, in which skirmish he (Davidson) was severely wounded, detaining him from the service about two months. Soon after Avard he marched with General Rutherford's command to Camden and participa ted in the unfortunate battle at that place on the 16th of August, 1780. While the British army were in Charlotte he served under Captain Forney and Major Dickson, watching the movements of the enemy. Shortly after ward he volunteered under Captain James Little, inarched to Rocky Mount, and thence to the EutaAv Springs. In this battle, one of the most severely contested during the Revolution, his company Avas placed under the command of Colonel Malmedy, a Frenchman. Soon after his return home he was placed in charge of a considerable number of prisoners, and in obedience to orders, conveyed them to Salisbury. Here he remained until his time of service expired, and then received his discharge from Colonel Locke. SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 299 William Rankin attained the good ©Id age of nearly ninety-three, and Avas at the time of his death the last surviving soldier of the Bevolution in Gaston county. He married Mary Moore, a sister of General John Moore, also a soldier of the Revolution. His wife preceded him several years to the tomb. His son, Colonel Richard Rankin, is now (1876) living at the old homestead, having passed " his three score years and ten." He served several times in the State Legislature, is an industrious farmer and worthy citizen of Gaston county. GEN. JOHN MOORE. General John Moore Avas born in Lincoln county, Avhen -a part of Anson, in 1759. His father, William Moore, of Scotch-Irish descent, Avas one of the first settlers of the county and a prominent member of society. He had four sons, James, William, John and Alexander, who, inherit ing the liberty-loving principles of that period, were all true patriots in the Revolutionary Avar. John Moore performed a soldier's duty on several oc casions and was one of the guards stationed atTuckaseege Ford, watching the movements of Lord Coruwallis after his entrance into Lincoln county. He also acted for a considerable length of time as Commissary to the army. General Moore married a sister of General John Adair, of Kentucky, by Avhom he had many children. Several years after her death, he married Mary Scott, widow of James Scott, and daughter of Captain Robert Alexander, by Avhom he had tAvo children, Lee Alexander and Eliza beth Moore. He was a member of the House of Com mons as early as 1788, and served for many years subse quently Avith great fidelity and to the general acceptance of his constituents. To remove a false impression, sometimes entertained by 300 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. persons little conversant with our Revolutionary history,, it should be here stated that General John Moore was in no way related to the Colonel John Moore, (son of Moses Moore), who lived about seven miles Avest of Lincolton, and commanded the Tory forces in the battle of Ram sour's Mill. General Moore, after a life of protracted usefulness,. died in 1836, with Christian resignation, aged about sev enty-seven years, and lies buried near several of his kin dred in Goshen graveyard, Gaston county, N. C. ELISHA AVITHERS. Elisha Withers was born in Stafford county, Va., on the 10th of August, 1762. His first service in the Revo lutionary war was in 1780, acting for twelve months as Commissary in furnishing provisions for the soldiers stationed at Captain Robert Alexander's, near the Tuck- aseege Ford on the Catawba river, their place of rendez vous. After this service, he was drafted and served a tour of three months under Captain Thomas Loftin and Lieut Robert Shannon, and marched from Lincoln county to Guilford Court-house under Colonels Locke and Hunt. His time having expired shortly before the battle, he re turned home. He again served another tour, commencing in August^ 1781, as a substitute for James Withers, under Captain James Little, at the Eutaw Springs, Avhere he Avas de tailed with a feAV others, to guard the baggage Avagons during the battle. Ho again volunteered under Captain Thomas Loftin and Lieut. Thomas McGee and was active ly engaged in the "horse service," in several scouting ex peditions until the close of the Avar. After the war, he was for a long time knoAvn as "old Constable Withers," AA-as highly respected, and died at a good old age. CHAPTER VII. CLEAVELAND COUNTY. Cleaveland county AAras formed in 1841,' from Lincoln and Rutherford counties and derives its name from Col. Benjamin Cleaveland, of Wilkes county, who, with a de tachment of men from that county and Surry, under the commands of himself, and Major Joseph Winston, per formed a magnanimous part in the battle of King's Mountain. Shelby, the capital of this comity, derives its name from from Col. Isaac Shelby, a sketch of whose ser vices Avith those of Colonels Campbell, Graham, Ham bright and Williams will appear in the present chapter. ¦ BATTLE OF KINfl's MOUNTAIN. "O'er the proud heads of free men, our star banner waves ; Men firm as their mountains, and still as their graves, To-morrow shall pour out their life-blood like rain ; We come back in triumph, or come not again." After the defeat of General Gates at Camden, on the 16th of August, 1780, and the surprise and defeat of Gen. Sumter, two days after at Fishing Creek, by Col. Tarleton, the South was almost entirely abandoned to the enemy. Itwas one pf the darkest periods of our Revolutionary history. While Cornwallis remained at Camden, he was busily employed in sending off his prisoners to Charles ton and Orangeburg ; in ascertaining the condition of his distant posts at ninety-six and Augusta, and in estab lishing civil government in South Carolina. Yet his suc cess did not impair his vigilance in concerting measures 302 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. for its continuance. West of the Catawba river, Avere bands of active Whigs, and parties of those Avho were de feated at Camden, were harrassing their enemies and de fending on every available occasion, the suffering inhabi tants of the upper country. CornAArallis, becoming ap prised of this rebellious spirit of upper Carolina, detached Col. Patrick Ferguson, one of his most favorite officers, with one hundred and ten regulars and about the same number of Tories, under captain Depeyster, a loyalist. Avith an ample supply of arms and other military stores. He Avas ordered to embody the loyalists beyond the Ca taAvba (or Wateree as the same river is called opposite Camden) and the Broad rivers ; intercept the "mountain men", who were retreating from Camden, and also, the Americans under Col. Clarke, of Georgia, falling back from an unsuccessful attack upon Augusta. Ferguson's special orders were to crush the spirit of rebellion still too rife and menacing ; and after scouring the upper part of South Carolina, tOAvard the mountains of North Caro lina, to join his Lordship at Charlotte. He at first made rapid marches to overtake the mountain men — the "Hornets," from the "SAvitzerland of America," and cut off Col. Clarke's forces. Failing in this, he afterward moved more slowly and frequently halted to collect all the Tories he could pursuade to join him. He crossed Broad river, ravaging the country through which he marched. About the last of September he encamped at Gilberttown, near the present toAvn of Rutherfordton. In his march to this point, his force increased to upAA'ards of one thousand men. All of his Tory recruits Avere fur nished Avith arms, most of them Avith rifles, and a smaller portion Avith muskets, to the muzzles of which they fixed the large knives they usually carried Avith them to be used as bayonets, if occasion should require. Although Ferguson failed to overtake the detachment of " mountain men," previously alluded to, he took tAvo of SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 303 ,them prisoners Avho had become separated from their command. These he paroled and sent off, enjoining them to tell the officers on the western waters that if they did not desist from their opposition to the British arms, and take protection under the royal standard, he would march his army over the mountains and lay waste their country with fire and sword. This wras no idle threat, and its ex ecution would have been attempted had not a brief stay in GilberttoAvn satisfied him from the reports of his spies that a storm of patriotic indignatipn was breAving among and beyond the mountains that was destined soon to de scend in all its fury upon his own army. He knew that most of the inhabitants were of Scotch-Irish and Huguenot descent, mingled with many Germans, whose long resi dence in the wilds of America had greatly tended to in crease their love of liberty. As soon as General McDowell heard that Gates was defeated, he broke up his camp at Smith's Ford on Broad River, and passed beyond the mountains, accompanied by a feAV of his unyielding patriots. While there in consul tation with Colonels Sevier and Shelby as to the best means for raising troops and repelling the inA^aders, the two paroled men arrived and delivered the message from Ferguson- It produced no terrific effects on the minds of these Avell-tried officers, but on the contrary tended to stimulate and quicken their patriotic exertions. It Avas soon decided that each one should use his best efforts to raise all the men that could be enlisted, and that these forces should assemble at the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga river, on the 25th of September. The plans for raising a sufficient number of men to accomplish their purpose Avere speedily devised and carried into execution. To Col. SeArier was assigned the duty of communicating with Col. McDowell and other officers in voluntary exile beyond the mnuntains. To Col. Shelby was assigned a similar duty of writing to Col. Compbell of the adjoining 304 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. county of Washington, in Virginia. Among the refugees beyond the mountains was Col. Clarke, of Georgia, with about one hundred of his overpowered but not subdued men. Their story of the sufferings endured by the Whig inhabitants of upper South Carolina and Georgia served to arouse and intensify the state of patriotic feeling among the hardy sons of Western North Carolina. The enlisted troops assembled at the Sycamore Shoals, marched from that place on the 26th of September. They were all mounted, and "unencumbered with baggage ex pecting to support themselves partly by their trusty rifles from the game of the forest, as they progressed and part ly by compelling the Tories to minister to their wants. The assembled forces placed under marching orders, were as follows : From Washington county, Va., under Col. William Campbell, four hundred men. From Sullivan county, N. C. (now in Tennessee) under Col. Isaac Shelby, two hundred and forty men. From Washington county, N. C. (now in Tennessee) under Col John Sevier, tAvo hun dred and forty men. From Burke and Rutherford coun ties, N. G, under Col. Charles McDowell, one hundred and sixty men. On the second day's march, two of their men deserted, and Avent ahead to the enemy. It is proba ble their report of the Whig strength accelerated Fergu son's retreating movements. On the 30th of September, they crossed the mountains and Avere joined at the head ofthe Catawba river by Col. Benjamin Cleaveland and Ma jor Joseph Winston, Avith three hundred and fifty men from Wilkes and Surry counties. Upon the junction of these forces, the officers held a council and as they were all of equal grade, it Avas agreed that a messenger be dispatched immediately to head-quarters, supposed to be between Charlotte and Salisbury to get General Sumner or Gen. Davidson to assume the chief command. They Avere now in Col Charles McDowell's military district, and being the senior officer, the chief command properly de- SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 305 volved upon him, unless his right, for the present, should be waived, and by agreement, turned over to another. Col. Shelby proposed, mainly through courtesy, that Col. William Campbell, who had met them with the largest j-igimcnt from a sister State, should assume the chief command until the arrtyal of some superior officer. This proposition Avas readily assented to, and Col. Charles McDowell volunteered his services to proceed to head quarters, and requested his brother, Major Joseph Mc Dowell, to take command of his regiment until his return. On the 4th of October the riflemen — the " mountain boys," — advanced to Gilberttown, unwilling- that Fergu son should be at the trouble to " cross the mountains and hang their leaders," as boastfully promulgated only a few days before. Ferguson's abrupt departure and retrograde move ment from Gilberttown, like that of ConiAvallis from Charlotte tAvo Aveeks later, clearly betrayed his apprehem sions of formidable opposition by the enraged " hornets" of the mountains. Pursuit was immediately determined upon, and the Whig forces reached the celebrated Cow pens on the 6th of October, Avhere they were joined by Col. James D. Williams, of South Carolina, with nearly four hundred men, and about sixty men from Lincoln county, under Lieut. Colonel Hambright. (Col. William- Graham, of the same regiment, on account of severe sickness in his family, was n6t in the battle fought on the next day.) It is also known a company was raised under' Capt. Shannon, from the same county, but failed to reach the battle-ground in time for the engagement. On the evening of the 6th of October the Colonels in council unanimously resolved that they would select all the men and horses fit for service, aud immediately pursue Ferguson until they should overtake him, leaving > the remaining troops to follow after them as fast as pos sible. Accordingly, nine hundred aud ten 111311 a 20 ¦306 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. mounted infantry, were selected, who set out about eight -o'clock on the same evening and marched all night, ta king Fergusons trail toward Deer's Ferry, on Broad river- Night coming on, and it being very dark, they got out of the right way, and for some time Avere lost, but before daylight they nearly reached the ferry. The officers thinking it probable that the enemy might be in posses sion of the eastern bank of the river, directed the pilot to lead them to the Cherokee ford, about one mile and a half below. It was on the morning of the 7th of October, before sunrise, when they crossed the river and marched about two miles to the place where Ferguson had en camped on the night of the 5th. There they halted a short time and took such breakfast as their Avalhts and saddlebags would afford. Every hour the trail of the enemy became more clearly visible, Avhich served to quicken their movements and exhilarate their patriotic spirits. About the time they marched from the Cowpens they were informed a party of four or five hundred Tories were assembled at Major Gibbs, about four miles to the right; these they did not turn aside to attack. The rifle men from the mountains had turned out to catch Ferguson. This was their rallying cry from the day they left the Sycamore Shoals, on the Watauga, to the present oppor tune moment for accomplishing their patriotic purpose. For the last thirty six hours they had alighted from their horses but once at the Cowpens for one hour's rest and refreshment. As soon as their humble repast AA-as finished on the morning of the 7th, at Ferguson's encampment, on the 5th just alluded to, the riflemen resumed their eager march. The day Avas showery, Avhich compelled " them to use their blankets and overcoats to prevent their arms from getting wet. After marching about ten miles, the riflemen met a young man named John Fonderin, riding in great haste from Ferguson's camp, then scarcely three miles distant SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 307 Col. Hambright being acquainted with him and knoAving that he had relatives in the enemy's camp, caused him to be arrested. Upon searching his person, he was found to have a fresh dispatch from Furguson to Cornwallis, then at Charlotte, in which he manifested great anxiety as to his situation and earnestly solicited aid. The con tents of the dispatch was read to the privates, without stating Ferguson's superior strenght to discourage them. Col. Hambright then interrogated the young man as to Ferguson's uniform. He replied by saying, "Ferguson was the best uniformed man on the hill, but they would not see his uniform as he wore a checked shirt (duster) over it." Col. Hambright immediately called the atten tion of his men to this distinguishing feature of Furgu- sons dress. " Well poys, says he, in broken German, when you see that man mit a pig shirt on over his clothes you may know who him is." Accordingly after the battle, his body was found among the dead, wearing the checked shirt, now crimsoned with blood and pierced with nu merous balls. After a brief consultation of the chief of ficers upon horseback, the plan of attack was quickly ar ranged. Several persons present were well acquainted with the ground upon which the enemy Avas encamped. Orders were promptly given and as promptly obeyed. The Whig forces moved fonvard over King's Creek, and up a ravine, and betAveen two rocky knobs, Avhen soon the enemy's camp A\ras seen about one hundred poles in front. Furguson, aware that he was hotly pursued by a band of patriots of determined bravery, had chosen this mountain elevation as one from which he boastingly proclaimed he could not be driven. It was about 3 o'clock in the afternoon Avhen the Whig forces reached the battle ground. The rain had ceased, the clouds had nearly passed aAvay, the sun now shone brightly, and nature seemed to smile propitiously upon the sanguinary conflict soon to take place. On the 308 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. march, tbe folloAving disposition was made of the Whig forces. The central column was commanded by Colonels- Campbell and Shelby ; the right, by Colonel Sevier and Major McDowell; and the left by Colonels Cleaveland and Williams. In this order the Whig forces advanced and came within a quarter of a mile of the enemy before they were discovered. Colonels Campbell's aud Shelby's regiments commenced the attack, and kept up a galling fire on the enemy, while the right and left wings were advancing forward to surround them, which Avas done in about five minutes. The fire soon became general all around and maintained with the greatest bravery. The engagement lasted a little over an hour, during which time, a heavy and incessant fire Avas kept up on both sides. The Whigs, in some parts Avhere the British regulars; fought, were forced to give way two or three times for a short distance, before the bayonet charges of the enemy. but soon rallied and returned with additional arder and animation to the attack. The troops of the right having gained the summit of the mountain, compelled the ene my to give Avay and retreat along the top of tbe ridge, where Col. Cleaveland commanded and Avere soon stop ped by his brave men. Some of the regiments suffered severely under the galling fire of the enemy, before they Avere in a proper position to engage in the action. The men led by Col. Shelby and Major McDowell Avere soon closely engaged and the contest throughout was very severe, and hotly contested. As Ferguson AA-ould advance toAvards Campbell, Sevier., Hambright and Winston, he was quickly pursued by Shelby, Cleaveland, McDoAvell and Williams. Thus Ferguson continued to struggle on, making charges with the bayonet and thea retreating to make a vigorous at tack at some other point ; but, his men were rapidly fall- SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 309 ing before the fatal aim and persistent bravery of the Whigs. Even after Ferguson Avas severely Avounded and had three horses shot from under him, he continued to fight on, and animate his men by his example and unyield ing courage — "extricate himself, he could not, and sur render, he would not," although requested to do so, near the close of the action by Captain De Peyster, his second in command. At length he received a fatal shot in the breast, Avhich closed his earthly career forever. Captain De Peyster then took command, and imme diately ordered a white flag to be raised in token of sur render. The firing however did not e ntirely cease until Cols. Shelby and Sevier AA-ent inside the lines and ordered the men to desist. The Whigs Avere still greatly exas perated when they called to remembrance Tarleton's cruelty at Buford's defeat, where no quarter Avas given. The victory was complete, and reanimated the Whigs throughout the whole country. The Tory element of western Carolina, before strong and menacing, was bro ken up and greatly humbled, and Cornwallis himself when he received intelligence of the battle and its result became so seriously alarmed at his perilous situation in a land of assailing hornets, that he suddenly decamped from Charlotte to safer quarters at Winnsboro, South Carolina. According to the official statemant furnished to Gen Gates, encamped at Hillsboro, and signed by Colonels Campbell, Shelby and Cleaveland, the enemy sustained the following loss : "Of the regulars, one major, one cap tain, two Lieutenants and fifteen privates killed, thirty- five privates wounded and left on the ground not able to march ; two captains, four lieutenats, three ensigns, one surgeon, five sergeants, three corporals, one drummer and fifty-nine privates taken prisoners. Loss of the Tories, two colonels, three captains and 310 SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. two hundred privates killed; one major, and one hundred?. and twenty-seven privates wounded and left on the ground not able to march ; one colonel, twelve captains, eleven lieutenants, two ensigns, one quarter-master, one adjutant, two commissaries, eighteen sergeants and six hundred pri vates taken prisoners. Total loss of the enemy eleven hundred and five men at King's Mountain." The loss on the Whig side was, one colonel, one major, one captain, two lieutenants, four ensigns, and nineteen privates killed, one major, three captains, three lieuten ants, and fifty-three privates wounded. Total Whig cas ualties, twenty-eight killed and sixty wounded. Of the latter, upwards of twenty died of their wounds, making the entire Whig loss about fifty men. The victory of King's Mountain was the " turning point of the fortunes of America," and foreshadowed more clearly than ever before, fined success. As soon as the battle was over, a guard was placed around the prisoners and all remained on the mountain that night. On the next day, after the dead were buried and the wounded properly cared for, the cumbrous spoils of victory were drawn into a pile and burned. Colonels Campbell, Shelby and Cleaveland then . repaired, Avith as- little delay as possible, to the headquarters of General Gates, at Hillsboro, and made out to that officer on the 1st of November, an official statement of their brilliant victory. Col. jSevier, Major McDowell and other officers- returned to the mountains and to their oavu neighbor hoods, ready at all times, to obey any future calls of their country. The prisoners were turned over to the "moun tain men" for safe keeping. Having no conveyances, they compelled the prisoners to carry the captured arms (about fifteen hundred in number) two guns each being assigned to most of the men. About sunset the Whigs who had fought the battle, being extremely hungry, had SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 311 the pleasure of meeting the footmen, who had been left behind at Green river on their march to King's Mountain,, pressing forward with a good supply of provisions. Having appeased the cravings of hnnger, they all marched to Bickerstaff's old field, in Rutherford county,. where the principal officers held a court-martial over the: "most audacious and murderous Tories." Thirty-two were condemned to be hung ; after nine were thus disposed of, three at a time, the remainder, through mitigating circumstances and the entreaties of their Whig acquian- tances, were respited. Several of the Tories, thus lenient ly dealt with, afterward joined the Whig ranks, and made good soldiers to the end of the war. In 1815, through the instrumentality of Dr. William M'Lean, of Lincoln county, a head -stone of dark slate rock, Avas erected at King's Mountain, near the spot where Ferguson fell. It bears this incription : On the east: "Sacred to the memory of Maj. Wm. Chronicle, Capt. John Mattocks, William Robb and John Boyd, who Avere killed at this place on the '7th of October, 1780, fighting in de fence of America. " On the west side : — "Col. Ferguson, an officer of his Brittanic Majesty, Avas defeated and killed at this place on the 7th of October, 1780." Incidents : — Among the captured Tories were Captain W — G — and his lieutenant J — L — , both of whom were sentenced jto be hung next morning at sunrise. They Avere first tied separately, with leather strings, and then closely together. During the night they managed to crawl to the waters edge, near their place of confinement, and wet their strings ; this soon caused them to stretch so greatly as to enable the leather-bound prisoners to make their escape, and thereby deprive the "Mountain Boys" of Inwing some contemplated fun. Like the Irishman's pig, in the morning "they came up missing." As a foraging party of Tories, belonging to Ferguson's 312 SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. army, was passing up King's Creek, they took old Arthur Patterson and his son Thomas prisoners ; who, being rec ognized as noted Whigs, were carried to Ferguson's camp, threatened with hanging, and a guard placed over them. As the battle waxed warm and the issue of the contest seemed to be turning in favor of the American arms a •call was made upon the guard to fall into line and assist -frieir comrades in averting, if possible, their approaching defeat. During the commotion the old man Patterson moved gently to the back ground and thus made his es cape. Thomas Patterson, not liking tho back movement, watched his opportunity, between fires and change of tbe enimies position, dashed oft' boldly to the Whig lines, about one hundred yards distant, and reached them safely. He immediately called for a gun, which being furnished he fought bravely to the close of the engagement. For several particulars connected Avith the battle of Kings Mountain, hitherto unknown, the author acknowl edges his indebtedness to Abraham Hardin, Esq., a native of Lincoln County, N. C, and relative of Col. Hambright, now (1876) a worthy, intelligent, and christian citizen of York County, S. C, aged eighty-seven years. COLONEL AVILLIAM CAMPBELL. Colonel William Campbell was a native of Augusta County, Va. He Avas of Scottish decent (his grandfather coming from Inverajf}') and possessed all the fire and sa gacity of his ancestors. He assisted in raising the first regular troops in Virginia in 1775, and was honored with a Captain's commission. In 1776 he Avas made Lieutenant Colonel of the militia of Washington County, Va., and on the resignation of Evan Shelby, the father of Governor Shelby, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, that rank he retained until after the battles of King's Moun tain and Guilford Court-House, in both of which he dis- SKETCHES OF AVESTERN NORT <$. CAROLINA. 313 tinguished himself, when he was promoted by the Vir ginia Legislature, for gallantry aud general high merit, to the rank of Brigadier General in the Continental ser vice. LaFayette, perceiving his fine military talents, gaA^e him the command of a brigade of riflemen and light infantry, and he was ordered to join that officer below Richmond, Avho was coA^ering Washington's approach to YorktOAvn in September 1781, previous to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown on the 19th of October folloAAT- ing. Colonel Campbell, suffering from the severe wound re ceived in the battle of Guilford, was taken ill and soon after died at La Fayette's head-quarters, about twenty- five miles above Williamsburg, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. His military career was short, but brilliant ; and on all occasions, bravery, unsullied patriotism and manly rectitude of conduct marked his movements. La Fayette's general order, on the occasion of his decease is most high ly complimentary to his efficient services and exalted worth. He *» buried at Rocky Mills, in Hanover county, Va. About forty years afterward, his remains were re moved to Washington county, to repose with those of his family. Col. Campbell married a sister of Patrick Henry and left but one child, the mother of the late Hon. William C. Preston and Col. John S. "Preston, both of Columbia! S. C. He was a man of high culture, a good classi- ca 1 scholar, but was chiefly given to the accurate sciences and practically to land surveying for himself and his kindred Avho were large land-holders in Virginia, east Tennessee and Kentucky. When under thirty years of age, he commanded a company in the Point Pleasant ex pedition on the KenhaAva river, in which occurred one of the most snnguinary battles in the history of Indian war fare and there acquired that early experience in arms 314 SKETCHES OF AVES.TERN NORTH CAROLINA. which qualified him to perform a conspicuous part in the Revolutionary War When the emergency arose for expelling the boasting Furguson from the soil of the Carolinas, Col. Sevier sought the assistance and co-operation of Col. Campbell, of Virginia, Avhose bravery and gallantry had become widely known. On the first application, Col. Campbell deemed it imprudent to withdraAv his forces from their place of rendezvous, for fear of an attack from the neigh boring Indians, but on a second urgent application, his assent yielded to the appeals of patriotism and he prompt ly marched Avith his regiment to co-operate with Colonels Levier, Shelby and other officers to gain an undying fame, and glorious victory at King's Mountain. The preceding statement of facts, corrects an error into Avhich several historians have unintentionally fallen by- confounding Lieut. Col. Campbell, a brave officer of a South Carolina regiment, who was mortally Avounded at the battle of the Eutaw Springs, with Col. Wm. Camp bell, of Virginia, one of the heroes of King's Mountain, who died a natural death in his native State a few weeks before the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. The tAvo officers were of no close family relationship, but re sembled each other in unflinching bravery and genuine exhibitions of true patriotism. COLONEL ISAAC SHELBY. Col. Isaac Shelby Avas born in .Maryland, near the North mountaiu, a feAv miles from Hagerstown, on the 11th of December, 1750. He Avas the son of General EA'an Shelby, a native of Wales, who came to America when a mere youth. General Shelby was distinguished for his indomitable courage, iron constitution, and clear intellect. He served as a Captain of Rangers under Gen. Braddock, and acted bravely in the attack under General Forbes in 'SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 3*15 1758, in which he led the advance, and took from the French Fort Du Quesne. In 1772, he removed to the Avest and in 1 774, commanded a company under Colonel LeAvis and Governor Dunmore against the Indians, on the Scioto river. He was in the sanguinary battle of Kenhawa, October 10th 1774, when Colonels Lewis, Fleming and Field were killed and he was left the com. manding officer. In 1779, he led a strong force against the Chickamauga Indians, on the Tennessee river ; and for his services and gallantry, was appointed a Brigadier General by the State of Virginia ; the first officer ever vested Avith that grade on the western waters. Thomas Shelby, a brother of Gen. Evan Shelby, joined the great tide of southern emigration and settled on Caldwell's Creek, in the eastern part of Mecklenburg county (now Cabarrus) about 1760. He died near the beginning of the Revolutionary war, leaving four sons, William, John, Evan and Thomas. One of these sons (Thomas) served as a private in Captain Charles Polk's company in the spring of 1776, in the Wilmington cam paign. Col. Isaac Shelby, the immediate subject of this sketch was born to the use of arms, blessed Avith a strong con stitution and capable of enduring great exposure and fatigue. His whole educational training was such as fitted him for the stiring scenes in Avhich he was destined by Providence to become so prominent an actor. His first essay in arms was as a Lieutenant in a com pany commanded by his father, in the celebrated battle, previously mentioned, at the mouth of the Kenhawa, the most sanguinary conflict ever maintained against the northwestern Indians, the action lasting from sunrise to sunset, Avith varying success. Night closed the conflict and under its cover, the cele brated chief Cornstalk, who commanded the Indians, S1Q SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. ¦ abandoned the ground. In July, 1776, he was appointed Captain of a company of minute men by the Virgina com mittee of safety. In 1777, he was appointed by Governor Henry, a commissary of supplies for an extensive body of troops to guard the frontiers and one of the commissioners appointed to form a treaty with the Cherokees at the Long Island of the Holston river. In 1778, he was elected a member of the Virginia Legislature from Washington county, and was appointed by Thomas Jefferson, then Governor of that State, a Major in the escort of guards for the commissioners, engaged in running the line be- tAveen Virginia and North Carolina. On the completion of that line, his residence was found to be in North Car olina, which circumstance induced Richard CasAvell, then Governor of the State, to appoint him Colonel of the mil itia of SulliA^an county: In the summer of 1780, he was engaged in Kentucky in surveying, locating and securing the lands Avhich five years previously, he had marked