BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
HOPEWELL SECTION.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF THE
EARLY SETTLERS
OF THE
Hopewell Section
AND
Reminiscencks oe the Pioneers and their Descendants bv
Families, with some Historicai. Facts and Incidents
OF THE Times in Which They Lived.
The only way to Preserve History ts to Reduce it to Writing
While the Chiee Actors are I^iving, and have Taught
TO their Posterity without Embelishments.
Written at the request of Revolutionary Descendants by
J. H. ALKXANDKR, M. D.
CIIAHI.OTTK, N. C.
Oliirrvrr I'rIiiiliiK and I'ulillihliiK Ilnutr,
l«»7,
TO MY WIFE
Annie Lowrie Alexander, who had an aptitude for
genological pursuits, and was fond of tracing family
relations. And had she been permitted to have joined in
the preparation of this work, it would have been more at-
tractive to the general reader, and more accurate in detail.
Trusting this offering may stimulate the descendants of
licr friends to further prosecute the work of gathering up
nil the facts pertaining to the first patriots of America,
this little book is dedicated to her memory.
CHAPTER I.
EARLY SETTLERS IN HOPEWELL CONGREGATION.
1 here is no more historic place in America than Meck-
lenburg county, and in the county no spot so conspicuous
for n'jen of daring and chivalric deeds in Revolutionary
times as the Hopewell settlement. This section was
settled by that sturdy Scotch-Irish element who appear to
have been born in the Presbyterian faith, strongly imbued
with a love of liberty, religious freedom, and fair play. The
majority of the pioneers came from Maryland and Penn-
s}l\ania. The section of which we write is bounded on the
west by the Catawba river, taking its name from the tribe
of Indians who roamed over this portion of North Caro-
lina long after the white people established homes on its
borders; bounded on the east by a high ridge without a
single water course running across it for twenty miles.
The rain falling on the west side flows into the Catawba,
and all on the east side to Rocky River. In the early days
of the settlement the southern and northern boundaries
extended respectively for a few miles north of Charlotte
to Beattie's Ford, twelve miles northwest of Hopewell
church. The lands were well watered, somewhat rolling,
much of it prairie in fine grass and wild pea-vines, very fer-
tile, and all capable of easy cultivation, except a small area
covered with "nigger-head rock." It was once believed
tiiat only a wild and rugged climate and scant soil could
produce the highest type of manhood, l)ut the heroes of
the Revolution, and their descendants in the last great
struggle between the States, prove that it is more in the
race than in the locality. It would have been a surprise to
us if tliose pioneers who braved the wilds of the unknown
wilderness and the blood-thirsty savages, had not made
thcnsclvcs a name for posterity to be proud of when they
550513
4 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
settled in this locality, on the extreme limits of western
civilization — Mecklenburg having no western limit.
Hopewell church was organized in 1765, cotemporary
with Rocky River and Sugar Creek. It was here that the
spirit of civil and religious liberty first became manifest,
taking deep root in the hearts of the people, and culmi-
nated in the world-renowned Declaration of Independence
in the town of Charlotte on the 20th of May, 1775.
Most of the signers of the Declaration, absolving their
country from the crown of England, were members of the
Presbyterian church, nine were ruling elders, and one a
minister of the gospel. They lived to a ripe old age, and
transmitted to their posterity a full account of the trans-
actions of the ever-memorable 20th of May as the most
important act in the wonderful drama that gave birth to
American liberty. So that if no other proof but tradition
of such a character, it should be sufficiet to establish its
validity in the minds of all unprejudiced persons.
Hopewell church being a central point of this interest-
ing locality, and having suffered the irreparable loss by
fire of all the church records for seventy-five years of her
existence, it is now impossible to replace them, and as
anvthing- pertaining to the church's early history will be
of interest, I take pleasure in appending a manuscript writ-
ten by John McKnitt Alexander, an elder of Hopewell.
]\lr. Alexander having held many positions of honor and
trust, adds interest to all subjects with which his name is
connected. Without apology or further explanation his
paper is subjoined.
''The people of Hopewell having in the autumn of the
year 1791 obtained part of the. ministerial labors of the
Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell, the majority of them felt them-
selves happy in him as their teacher, and viewed them-
selves as being highly favored of their Creator in sending
them such an earnest and zealous well-wisher of souls, to
break the bread of life unto them. But there was a certain
few, whom, though they appeared to be very willing to have
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 5
the doctrines of the Gospel explained to them, yet to have
the necessity of inward, practical and experimental religion
pressed upon them, and to be warned of the fatal conse-
quences of a neglect thereof, in so warm and pathetic a
manner as was customary for the Rev. S. C. Cald-
well to do; this to them was very disagreeable; however, it
was borne with some degree of quiet until May, 1802, when
the late and glorious revival made its first public appear-
ance in Hopewell. The loud cries of penitents, who were
convinced of their guilt and danger, pleading for mercy,
roused ail their slumbering prejudices into wakeful activ-
ity. Little else but murmurs and reproaches could now be
heard from them. Those loud cries continuing occasion-
ally to be heard, and frequently taking place under warm
addresses, their worthy pastor bore equal, if not superior
blame, consequently their murmur against both the preach-
er and the penitents became incessant, accompanied with
insidious and bitter opposition. Yet this ill treatment,
the reverend and worthy Samuel C. Caldwell bore with
much patience for several years; but at length, being griev-
ed at heart with their continued and increasing murmurs,
at tlie close of the year 1806. he withdrew from those sons
of strife, left them to enjoy their silent Sabbaths, and lie-
took himself to a more peaceful habitation. This gave rise
to the following lines:"
January, 1807.
1. "Seventeen hundred ninety-one
Fair Hopewell Church quite vacant lay,
A stated Teacher she had none
To guide her in the Heavenly way.
2. To God then did she raise her crv
Our gracious God her prayer heard.
Nor did her humble suit deny.
Put sent the Teacher she desired.
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
3. Yea also blessed his labors so,
While day and night he did us warn
To fly from everlasting woe,
That numbers to the Lord did turn.
4. For several years we thus were blest
While he and we shared mutual joy;
We hoped our bliss thro' Hfe would last
Without cessation or alloy.
5. But soon (base wretches) we abused
The goodness of our gracious God,
The bliss despised, His grace refused.
Spurned at the favors He bestowed.
6. And now behold deserved woe.
Abused bliss must be withdrawn,
Satan, our most malicious foe
The seeds of discord soon has sown.
7. Base pride and envy rose in haste
To urge the fatal crisis on.
Our beauteous house agam lies waste,
While a kind Teacher we have none.
8. In nature's wilds we now may stray
Like silly sheep when left alone,
And Satan make an easy prey.
Our faithful monitor is gone.
9. In vain we ask in silent walls
For council how to 'scape the snare;
In vain for aid the feeble calls.
There's no kind friend or Shepherd there.
TO. No more we hear his pleasant voice
Proclaim those messages of grace.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Which makes the mourning- soul rejoice,
And tills the comfortless with peace.
11. Adieu, adieu, thou pleasant place,
Where we w-ere wont to seek our God,
To hear His word, to pray and praise.
And feed on bounties bought with blood.
12. A long adieu, thou silent dome,
In thee no more we find our food.
For Bread of Life we now may roam
And on thy gates write 'Ichabod.'
13. Lord it is just we humbly own.
That we should feel Thy chastening rod,
Under our heavy guilt we groan,
Nor can we bear the heavy load.
14. O, thou our condescending God
To wiiom or where can we apply,
Thou art Thyself that living bread
Without which we must faint and die.
15. Cast us not off we humbly pray
But keep us near Thy sacred side.
And that we never from Thee stray.
Let Thy good spirit be our guide.
16. Tho' for Thy favors most divine,
Basely unthankful we have been;
Yet Thou art God, mercy is thine,
For Thy name-sake forgive our sin.
17. In Thee alone is all our hope
For present good, and good to come
To 11iee we daily would look up
And hope in Thee to find our home.
8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1 8. Ye humble souls who mourn your loss,
Tho' you are deprived of wanted food,
He that for sinners bore the Cross
Can make it work your future good.
19. Trust ye in Him for all you need,
He will your every want supply,
Who gave Himself your souls to feed.
What real good will He deny.
20. And you whose blinded zeal and pride
Despised the plainest Gospel fare,
And did those humble souls deride
Wliose cries for mercy filled the air.
21. Go boast the victory you have won,
Silence profound you have obtained.
Proclaim the wonders you have done,
And glory in your mighty gain.
2.2.. And when your sons no Sabbath keep
But spend that day in pleasures vain.
Then say, these are the fruits we reap
Of the deep silence we did gain.
23. But when upon a dying bed
With dread eternity in sight,
Dare you trust Him to be your aid
Whose service now is your delight?
24. Yea at the final trumpet sound,
Dare you defend His gloomy cause?
Should you victorious then be found
All Hell would sound your loud applause.
25. But sure of this you must despair.
Then flee that ancient rebel's cause,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
And to His standard qnick repair,
Who rules all nature by His laws.
26. Our own rebellion and submit,
Bow to His sceptre, plead His grace,
His grace can all your sins remit.
And fiill you souls with joy and peace."
10 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER 11.
Among the early settlers of this particular part of Meck-
lenberg county, no name is more prominent, or descend-
ants more numerous than the Alexanders. James Alexan-
der was of Scotch- Irish parentage, and lived in Maryland.
Kis first wife was Margaret McKnitt. Their children
were, Theophilus, born November lo, 171 6; Edith,
born January 10, 1718; Keziah, born May 9, 1720; Heze-
kiah, born January 13, 1722; Ezekiel, born June 17, 1724;
Jemima, born January 9th, 1726; Amos, born January 13,
1728; John McKnitt, born June 6, 1733; Margaret, born
June 6, 1736.
Tlie children of James and Abigail Alexander (second
v/ife) were, Elizabeth, born November 17, 1746; Abigail,
born May 4, 1748; Margaret, born April 30, 1750; Josiah
born August 3, 1752; Ezekial, born October 21, 1754.
Of this large and interesting family, all of whom no
doubt, were patriots, but one lived in the boundary of
which we write — viz: John McKnitt Alexander. His
name is so conspicuous in the history of his country, that
it is necessary to speak more at length of him and his
family than many others of equal virtue, but who did not
appear at the front so prominently in the stirring times of
the la:,t quarter of the Eighteenth Century. John Mc-
Knitt Alexander was born and reared in Pennsylvania, dat-
ing his birth in 1733, he was 21 years old when he came to
Mecklenburg in 1754. He had learned the tailor's trade
while a minor, and followed this avocation for a number of
years, taking cattle and hides in exchange for work, which
he would carry to Philadelphia to find a market. There
he would purchase broadcloth and other fine material to
make into suits for the more wealthy class of his customers.
He was also a surveyor, and it is more than probable that
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. H
he surveyed the greater part of ah the lands taken up by
the early settlers. The writer remembers an old road, or
rather tne signs of it left by washing rains, surveyed from
Alexandriana (the postofhce and name of his residence) to
Mill Grove in Cabarrus county. The roads were made as
straight as the nature of the ground would admit. During
one of his trips to Pennsylvania, in 1759, he married Jane
Bain. He had built a home on what was afterwards
known as the Statesville road, nine miles northwest of
Charlotte. His house was the general rendezvous for the
intelligent and patriotic for many miles in all directions. It
was here the patriots were accustomed to meet and consid-
er the condition of the country for months before the polit-
ical climax was reached. After much deliberate thought
these patriotic pioneers agreed to meet in Charlotte as the
most central point and give expression to their delibera-
tions, where, on the 20th of May, 1775, the just cele-
brated Declaration of Independence was promulgated
amid the shouts and huzzas of a populace fully prepared -
to indorse it with their lives, their fortunes and their
sacred honor. Mr. Alexander being the Secretary of the
Convention, was the custodian of all the documents and
papers, including the ever memorable original draft of the
Mecklenburg declaration, which was destroyed by the,
burning of his house in the year 1800. He was one of the
most pronounced and active patriots in the State; not
only a member of the Colonial Congress, having in charge
the wellfare of the public, but as a local officer, looking
after the interest of the county — he must have been a very
inisy man. Notwithstanding so much of his time was
occupied with public affairs, he did not fail to exercise a
healthful influence in organizing Hopewell church, of
which he was a Ruling Elder, and for many years was a
pillar in the church. After having faithfully served his
country for many years, and attaining a ripe old
age, he passed away to receive his reward in the
year 181 7. He was buried in Hopewell graveyard
12 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
by the side of his wife who had preceded him several
years. They raised five children. William Bain, Joseph
McKnight' Abigail Bain, Jane Bain and Margaret, all of
whom raised families.
William Bain Alexander married Violet, a daugh-
ter of Major John Davidson. They lived at the
old homestead, where they were very prosperous,
lie owned 6,000 acres of land, had large herds of cat-
tle, horses, sheep and hogs. The pasturage of this time
was almost limitless, where the finest of beef and pork was
raised almost without cost. Wool was a prime article of
produce, occupying a similar place then to what cotton at-
tained after Whitney's invention of the cotton gin. He
was a successful farmer an-d business man. He was Re-
corder of Deeds for many years, and did as other officers
of the time, carry the papers to his home and do the
work there — meeting the people at the court house on
Saturdays. His handwriting is well known to-day by the
county officers, who handle old papers every day. He
was an active member of the Hopewell church, and, for
many years an Elder. He was Postmaster at Alexan-
driana for more than half a century, and for the conve-
nience of his neighbors who lived several miles away, he
would carry their mail to church and empty the pouch on
a table where it was distributed to the proper owners. At
this time comparatively few newspapers were taken, the
mail consisting chiefly of letters. The price of letter pos-
tage was 25 cents, consequently not many letters were
sent through the mails. Envelopes were unknown.
Mr. Alexander and wife were remarkably fortunate in
their family. They had fourteen children — seven boys and
seven girls — none of whom died until the youngest was
twenty-nine years old. But at this writing — 1896 — all
have passed away except one, and she is in her ninety-third
year. As they were amongst the leading citizens of the
Hopewell section and also of the county, a short notice of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 13
each is given, to bring this historical sketch within the
niemoiy of people now living.
Joseph McKnitt Alexander, the oldest of the children,
was born in 1792. He built a home one and a half miles
east of Hopewell Church, where he operated a farm with
success. On this farm he made the brick for Hopewell
church — probably the second building that was erected
there. The first was built of logs, and was shaded on all
sides as to accommodate the large crowds who wTre in
the habit of assembling there during revivals and camp-
meetmgs. He married Nancy Cathey, a daughter of Col-
oiiej Cathey, near Beattie's Ford. They had but three chil-
dren, viz: DeWitt Clinton, John Davidson and Violet.
The family moved to Maringo county,Alabama,in the year
1S35. Here the children married, all engaged in farming
and became very wealthy. John Davidson is the only one
now living. Their offsprings are scattered over the South.
Jane Bain Alexander — the eldest daughter — married.
C'aptain John Sharp, and moved to Tennessee. They w^ere
prosperous, had several children, who were well educated.
The family were short lived; and owing to difificulty of
traveling and communication at this period w^e know but
little of the family history. A son, William Sharp, was a
highly educated physician and accomplished gentleman.
He died at an early period. Two sisters, Margaret and
Jane, both married men by the name of Hall, raised families
of wliom w^e know nothing. Robert Davidson Alexander,
Robert Davidson Alexander, the third child, was
born August cjth, 1796. He built a home on the
Salisbury road, one mile east of Alexandria, w^as a success-
f-n farmer, a Justice of the eace, and a Member
of the County Court for many years; was a devoted Chris-
tian, an Elder in Hopewell church, and w^as frequently a
representative in the Church courts. He married Abigail
Bain, a daughter of Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell, in 1829. They
raised five children, three died in infancy, one, Lottie, an
accmphshcd young woman, passed away at the age of 22,
14 BIOGRAl'HICAL SKETCHES.
in 1878. Four are now living, viz: Rev. S. C. Alexander,
D. D., pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Monticello,
Ark.; Agnes married Dr. W. B. Fewell, and lives near Rock
Hill, S. C, where they enjoy the shady side of life sur-
rounded by a large family; Dr. J. Brevard Alexander built
an elegant home six miles north of Hopewell, where he
operated a farm and practiced medicine for thirty-five
years, except four years from '61 to '65 spent in Confed-
erate States Army. In 1858 he married Miss Annie Low-
rie, a daughter of Samuel Lowrie, who lived on the Beat-
ti^'s Ford road, sixteen miles from Charlotte. They raised
six children — Robert is on the farm; Samuel died at the
age of 19, while preparing for the ministery. The family
moved to Charlotte in 1890, that is, James, Dixie and
Annie Lowrie; Lucy married J. H. Halliburton and lives
in Durham. Mrs. Alexander died February 21, 1893, and
was buried at Gilead by the side of her maternal kindred —
the Johnston family. She was woman of positive charac-
ter, and fine mental attainments. She was much esteemed
by all her neighbors. His daughter, Dr. Annie Lowrie
Alexander, who is now in practice, was amongst the first
women physicians of the South, having graduated in Phil-
adelphia in 1884. William Davidson Alexander lives at the
old homestead, a successful farmer and influential citizen.
He married a daughter of Dr. J. G. M. Ramsey, of Ten-
nessee, and has three sons and one daughter living.
Margaret Davidson Alexander married David Hender-
son, of Sugar Creek. They have long since passed away.
Three sons and one daughter reriiain. Dr. J. McKnitt
Henderson died twenty years ago. Andrew R. Henderson
lives in Gaston county, two miles west of Hopewell
church, at which place he holds his membership. Dr.
William Bain Henderson moved to Alabama many years
ago. where he now resides. Jane married E. C. Davidson.
She is now a widow, lives fourteen miles northwest of
Charlotte, on the Beattie's Ford road; has five children
living, with whom she is spending the evening of herday.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. lo
J. Harvey Henderson, the youngest of the family, now
resides in Charlotte, pleasantly situated with his daughter
and three sons.
Sarah Davidson Alexander never married. She spent
her life visiting among her large connection, where she
was always a welcome guest. She made several visits to
tier kindred in Alabama and Tennessee, always on horse-
back. With a pair of saddle-bags and ''poke" hung from
the horn of her saddle to carry her clothes, she did not
hesitate to take a trip of 500 miles. At the period of which
I write the only mode of travel was on horseback. She
passed away in 1863.
William Bain Alexander built a home on the head-
waters of Long Creek, four miles east of Hopewell.
He married Theresa Alexander, a daughter of "Blind"
Bill> Alexander. They were of the same name, but were
not related. They died many years ago, leaving three
children, who are now living within the bounds of Hope-
w^ell, with a numerous posterity. Mrs. Alexander inherited
from her father an opthalmic disease which has proved a
sore affliction to the fourth generation.
Rebecca married Marshall McCoy and located one mile
east of the church. He was a successful farmer, very pop-
ular in his neighborhood, entertained lavishly, and was a
deacon in Hopewell. They raised a large and interesting
family. But three out of nine children have deceased. The
eldest son, John F. McCoy, was missing in the battle of
Gettysburg, supposed to have been killed. The other
members of the family reside within the boundary of which
we write. Mr. McCoy was killed by the explosion of
blasting powder at a copper mine, near his house, in 1855.
Mrs. McCoy is still living, in her ninety-third year; her
phvsicpl condition is feeble, but her mind is perfectly clear,
and she relates incidents of her past life with wonderful
correctness. She is cheerful and happy, awaiting her
change.
John "Ramsey Alexander learned the wagon-making
16 BIOGIIAPHICAL SKETCHES.
tra'lc, which he followed for many years, and was also a
successful farmer. He married Harriet Henderson, a
woman of deep piety, and greatly beloved by her neigh-
bors. They had a beautiful home ten miles north of Char-
lotte, on the Statesville road. They raised seven children,
who were an honor to their parents. The oldest, Amanda,
married Rev. W. W. Pharr, D. D., a Presbyterian minister,
who was very popular with the people. ''Bettie" married
Dr. Watson Rankin, of Cabarrus, a fine physician. They
raised an interesting family. Nancy moved to Florida and
married Capt. Stewart. She is now a widow, in the orange
business. Sophia married John Sample and moved to Ten-
nessee, where both deceased without children. Andrew
H. married Miss Jennie McLean and moved to
Florida. They have two sons and one daughter. Thomas
Lafayette began as a clerk in a store in Charlotte in 1852.
Married Mary Connon, of Missouri. By close attention
to business, he is one of our largest merchants, and pos-
sessed of a handsome fortune. His wife died in 1893.
Three children survive to cheer him in his declining years.
Francis Ramsey, a handsome youth, was captain of a
company in the Fifty-sixth Regiment, North Carolina
troops. He led his men in many battles for the Confed-
erate cause. On 17th of June, 1864, while leading a charge
he was killed, near Petersburg, Va. The old veterans
speak of him with profound respect, and say he was
the bravest of the brave. His body was brought home and
interred in Hopewell graveyard, close by the side of his
ancestors, who w^on imperishable renown nearly a century
before in the Revolutionary War. Capt. Frank Alexander
was a worthy descendant of such a heroic ancestry. The
parents have passed away, and their home is in the hands
-of strangers.
Elizabeth married Dr. Isaac Wilson, who settled on
or near the dividing range that runs north and south,
bef^een the Catawba and Rocky rivers, four miles east
ot Hopewell. He cultivated a farm and did a large
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 17
practice, extending over probably one-fourth of the
county. He was a member of Hopewell for many years,
a very prominent physician, and influential citizen. They
had six children. The two youngest — Thomas and Gil-
breth, both gave their lives in the cause of the Confeder-
acy. he venerable secretary of the con-
vention, it is unreasonable to suppose that he would have
sanctioned a speech by his pupil (and nephew) unless he
treated his subject fairly and truthfully. The late D. A.
Caldwell, a gentleman of fine attainments and much
esteemed for his integrity, testified that he was present at
the school closing, heard the speech, and that it was
approved and endorsed by all present.
Margaret, a daughter of John McKnitt Alexander, mar-
ried Colonel Alexander Ramsay, of East Tennessee. They
lived at the junction of the Holston and French Broad;
built an elegant home and lived in affluence. His home
and postofBce he named IMecklenburg, in honor of his
wife's nativity. They raised four children. His two sons
occupied high positions in social and literary life. Dr.
Tames G. M. Ramsay wrote the Annals of Tennessee,
which is the standard history of the State. The doctor
was an ardent Confederate, and for his patriotism he suf-
fered great loss, 1)y the enemy burning his house and a
valuable library.
24 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER III.
The Davidson family occupies an important place in
history. Robert Davidson, of Pennsylvania, married
Isabella Ramsay; they were of Scoth-Irish parentage,
raised in the Presbyterian faith. Robert died while quite
a vouno^ man, soon after the birth of his second child. His
widow, with the two children, moved to Rowan county,
N. C, in the year 1740. Here she engaged in farming,
and contracted a second marriage with Mr. Henry Henry,
an educated and polished gentleman, a graduate of
Princeton, who was teaching school on the Yadkin, near
Salisbury. The two children received their education
here; and John also learned the blacksmith trade. In
1760, John, hoping to better his financial condition, hav-
ing a good and lucrative trade moved to Hopewell neigh-
borhood, bringing his sister Mary with him to keep house
for him, located on the east side of the Catawba river,
where later in life he built the elegant brick residence,
which in still later years was the home of his grandson, A.
E. Davidson. This splendid mansion was accidentally
burned in 1886, while occupied by John Springs Davidson,
a great grandson of the builder, Major John Davidson.
Major John Davidson became quite a prominent charac-
ter in Mecklenburg history during the Revolutionary
period, and also afterwards in developing the agricultural
and iron industries of the country. He was a signer of
the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence; and
served in both the State militia and Continental armies.
,He was promoted to the rank of major. After the war
he was prominent as a magistrate, as a farmer, and as a
pioneer in starting and developing the iron interest of the
country. Ordinary iron was then worth ten cents a
pound, and being a master blacksmith, he had a fine op-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 25
portunity to amass a fortune. He married Violet, a
daughter of Samuel Wilson, a neighbor who came from
the north of Ireland about 1740. Mr. Wilson belonged to
the nobility of England. In after years his family was
visited by a nephew of General Sir Robert Wilson, but the
acquaintanceship was not kept up, as this occurred long
before steam was applied to navigation. They had three
sons and seven daughters.
Isabella married General Joseph Graham who was
present in Charlotte on the 20th of May, 1775,
and testified to the truthfulness and validity of the
Declaration promulgated on that memorable occa-
sion. He was the first sheriff of Mecklenburg county.
When not disabled by wounds, he was constantly in the
service of his country till the close of the war. Our com-
mon country will ever cherish his memory with a feeling
of gratitude for his patriotic devotion to the cause of free-
dom. The exact spot on the great road leading to Salis-
bury about four miles from Charlotte is still pointed out
where General Graham was shot down and left for dead by
Tarlton's command, the evening of the battle when Corn-
wallis entered Charlotte, September 26, 1780. He was
discovered by a young woman while out hunting her cows
— "Aunt Susie Alexander." She managed to take him
home with her, and dressed his wounds. His military
career having been written in the histories of the State,
will not be repeated in these sketches. But one of Gen-
eral (jraham's large family lived in Hopewell territory —
Mrs. Dr. Winslow yMexander, whose family has been
already accorded a place in a former chapter. Governor
W. A. Graham, though not a resident, was so closely con-
nected with the Hopewell people, that a few words will
noi be considered out of place He was among the last
v/ho possessed that physical mould of features characteris-
tic of Revolutionary worthies that we see in the portraits
of the great men of a hundred years ago. That rugged,
stern, inflexibilitv of character formerly stamped so boldly
2(j BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in the features of the framers of our Republic, has disap-
peared, been supplanted by what is called a more relined
civilization. Governor Graham was a dignified, courtly
gentleman of the old school, and was held in high esteem
as a statesman. He filled at dift"erent times almost every
position of trust — State Legislature, Governor, Secretary
of the Navy, United States Senator and Confederate State
Senator. During his long political course, not a breath of
suspicion was ever whispered against his good name. To
X)ass unscathed through such an ordeal, shows extraordi-
nary inegrity and faithfulness in the performance of pub-
lic duty. His name will ever be cherished with pride by
all Carolinians.
Sally Davidson marriied Rev. Alexander Caldwell, a son
of Rev. David Caldwell, D. D., of Guilford, N. C, who
exercised a wonderful influence in behalf of the patriot
cause, and also of religion and education in North Caro-
lina Mr. Alexander Caldwell's mother was a daughter
of Alexander Craighead, the noted minister who taught
the people to resist tyranny, who suffered himself to be
driven from Maryland and Pennsylvania for his preaching
opposition to kingly tyranny; when he came to Mecklen-
burg the people heard him gladly, and accepted his politi-
cal teaching, the same as his religious teaching. A great
deal is due the memory of Mr. Craighead, for the lessons
of liberty he taught the people, that in a few years devel-
oped into the out-spoken Declaration of Independence,
that astonished the British no less than it did the people
of other colonies, who thought our people hasty, and
action premature. Mr. Craighead ceased from his labors
in 1762, and was buried in the graveyard of Sugar Creek.
Yet the lessons he taught bore fruit to the satisfaction and
happiness of our people, and all good people love to honor
his nam^e as a benefactor indeed. Rev. Alexander Cald-
well was possessed of a mind of great brilliancy, a popular
preacher, an earnest worker, he soon finished his course,
and passed away while quite a young man. His wife was
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 27
left a widow with three children to raise, viz: Patsy, John,
and Alexander. Airs. Caldwell and children returned to
her lather's where they were cared for and resided until
her son x\lexander built a home and took her to live with
him, where she continued until her course was run. This
family were remarkable people, born with that cast and
mould of feature that belonged to an earlier and more
rugged civilization, they were self-reliant, never shrank
from responsibility. Their longevity was remarkable,
lliey reached an average of nearly ninety years. Their
mental acumen — inherited from their father — was far
above the average; so also was their physical stamina; they
scarcely knew what fatigue meant. By nature always
polite and courteous, would not offer an insult to any one,
but were prompt to resent an indignity from whatever
source. Major John H. Caldwell was a man of more than
ordinary activity; a successful farmer, a warm advocate
of internal improvements. State and county fairs, rail-
roads, etc. He worked large contracts in railroad build-
ing. He accumulated a large fortune for the times in
which he lived. He married Mary, a daughter of Andrew
Springs, who was noted for being an excellent farmer;
keeping everything remarkably tidy and clean, as well as
making a profit out of all his crops. Mr. Caldwell lived
for some time three miles east of Davidson. Here he
made the brick for the college and all the college build-
ings. The price paid for brick delivered was $375 per
thousand. He also made the l)rick for the mint in Char-
lotte. He was a great reader, especially of history, and
fiad a tenacous memory, rendering him quite an encyclo-
pedia. They left but one child, Mary, who married Dr. J.
M. Davidson. They now reside in Charlotte, surrounded
with some of their children, grandchildren, and many
friend?. After the demise of Mrs. Caldwell, the major
bought a plantation from Jacky Davidson, known as
Long Creek Mills. He resided here for several years
operating his farm. 1)Ut had the most of his slaves working
28 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
contracts on the North CaroHna Raih-oad. After dispos-
ing of his farm, he moved to Charlotte, where he contin-
ued to reside until his physical system became exhausted,
and he passed away in the house of his brother D. A. Cald-
well in the year 1879.
David Alexander Caldwell bought and cultivated a
farm six miles north of Hopewell and live miles east of
Covv^an's Ford. He was trained on the farm of his uncle,
Robert Davidson, as an overseer and general manager.
His uncle was a very early riser, and would have his
nephew in the fields ready for work with horses and hands,
as soon as sufficiently light to see the rows. His uncle
taught him to get up soon, but never taught him to love
early rising. While building up his farm, Mr. Caldwell
would engage in spirited squirrel hunts for a wager — of
small amount — a bushel of fruits and candy, or a pot of
apple jack. The young men of the neighborhood would
get up a "scalp" hunt. Like any other game or contest,
they would choose two leaders, or "captains," who would
select their respective friends for the hunt. Whichever
pa^-ty got in the most "scalps," enjoyed the treat at the
expense of the defeated side. In counting "scalps" certain
rules were agreed upon. Thus, a squirrel, a crow, part-
ridge (their bills) were each counted i. A fox, or deer, was
counted 10. A hawk or wild turkey counted 5, etc. After
a three weeks hunt the evidences of game taken was so
numerous that it was not uncommon to see them brought
in three bushel bags for the judges to count. After vic-
tory was awarded to the most successful, the entertain-f
nient began. Several of these friends were literary gen-
tlemen, and while testing the merits of the punch, would
discuss the eminent writers of the day. Others again
would indulge in story and song until a late hour before
they would disperse for the night.
Mr. Caldwell married the widow of his cousin.
Rev. Robert Caldwell, pastor of the Presbyterian
church in Statesville. Her maiden name was Mar-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 29
tlia Bishop, of Virginia. She was a woman of
splendid character. Her mental attainments were of a
high order, and her Christian virtues have probably never
been excelled. She had a bright and cheerful disposition,
scattered sunshine in the pathway of life as naturally as
sunbeams fall upon a garden of flowers — all unconscious
of the happiness bestowed. She was greatly beloved by
all who were fortunate enough to know her in her country
hcmie. They reared but two children. Dr. John Edward
Caldwell lives at the old homestead, where he is engaged
in the practice of medicine and farming .He has never mar-
ried. Sally received a liberal education, had advantages
that few ever enjoy. No better teacher than her mother
was to be found, but when grown she went to Edgeworth
Seminary, in Greensboro, N. C, where she led her class.
She married Dr. Edward White, of Fort Mills, S. C. He
entered the Confederate army in 1861, and gave his life
for the cause we loved so well. His widow resides in
Charlotte, where much of her life has been spent in taking
care of her aged parents and uncle, who passed away sev-
eral years ago. She enjoys an enviable reputation as a
teacher, and is much beloved by her pupils. Like her
parents, she has a brilliant intellect, and a mind well
stored with knowledge; thoroughly conversant with the
literature of past ages as well as the present.
David A. Caldwell was probably the best cultured man
in the county. He read extensively, but not promiscu-
ously. The Reformation, the Scotch Convenanters,
Cromwell's regime, the Puritans and the results of their
immigration to America, were themes and subjects with
which he was perfectly familiar. In his younger days he
was particularly fond of Scott's novels for historical
romance, Byron and Burns for poetry. Posessed of a
logical mind and retentive memory, he was ever ready to
draw whatever he desired from his great store-house, the
coiitentF of which had been so carefully prepared during a
long life. Religiously he was a devoted Presbyterian, and
30 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
a Southern Presbyterian, yet he had a charity as broad as
Christian faith, and had convictions so decided that when
he had formed an opinion no amount of pohcy could
swerve him from duty as he saw it.
To show his decision of character and devotion
to principle, a reminiscence is given. About the
15th of April, 1865. as General Vaughn's cavalry
were homeward bound, fourteen of them partook of Mr.
Caldwell's hospitality, by spending the night with him,
where both men and horses were well cared for — except
one of their horses was fed too liberally with corn, which
produced fuunder,leaving the animal unfit for service. The
captain of the squad examined Mr. Caldwell's stables and
said he would take a certain bay horse, the only buggy
horse the family had, and allow Mr. Caldwell to make out
the best he could with the sick animal lying in the yard.
Mr. Caldwell objected, but offered a certain claybank
horse. The captain said: ''Mr. Caldwell, we appreciate
your hospitality, and am sorry to take your horse, but you
know necessity knows no law." Mr. Caldwell answered
firmly: "I will kill any man who puts his hand on my
horse." The captain dismounted, and with a courteous
smile, walked directly up to Mr. Caldwell and said: "Let
us have no foolishness; don't you know I have fourteen
men, you are all alone, and if you kill one of my men the
others would kill you? Surely you would not sacrifice your
life for a horse!" W ith a dignity and courage I never saw
surpassed, he turned, and pointing his finger in the cap-
tain's face, his eyes flashig with determination to defend
his rights, said: "No, not for a horse, but for the principle,
T will do it without hesitaiton." The captain said: "Boys,
let his horse alone." He was a man of refined manners,
courtly, dignified, yet approachable by the humblest hu-
man being, with a hospitality that knew no bounds; hence
it is no wonder that his country home — Glenwood — (sur-
rounded with all the comforts that wealth and good taste
could furnish), was a resort for the educated and refined,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 31
not only for his immediate section, but from other coun-
ties and other States. It was always a pleasure to hear
Mr. Caldwell talk on any subject, especially poetry, poli-
tics, history or religion. He was once a candidate for the
Legislature on the Whig ticket, was defeated in the elec-
tion, but received every vote cast in his precinct. This
speaks volumes for ones character at home.
He reached his ninety-third year before his course was
run, when, surrounded by many friends, who comforted
him in his declining years, he quietly fell asleep, feeling
assured that his Savior would keep that which he commit-
ted to His care, and that real life was only begun, where
his wife had preceded him a short time. What manifesta-
tion of wisdom, to prepare in time for a habitation in eter-
nity! Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell were devoted Christians,
cheerful and happy.
Patsy Caldwell grew up to maturity in the family of her
grandfather, where she lived with her mother until she
married Col. John H. (usuall called "Jacky") Davidson,
in 1820.
They lived for quite a number of years on Long Creek
Mill Farm, eight miles north-west of Charlotte. It is un-
certam when the first mill was built, but it was prior to
the Revolutionary war. It was built and run by Mr. Long.
Col. John H. Davidson bought the property and built the
present mill — about 150 yards lower down the creek than
the one operated by Mr Long. This was probably in the
year 1820. Elections have been held here for almost a
centtirv. It was here in a walnut grove the farce of "mil-
itia drills" was witnessed for more than half a century
before the war of the Confederacy. Three or four times
a year these musters were held "according to law." A
drum and fife furnished the music; and as to the drilling,
it was a laughable burlesque. Scarcely half the men were
"cinippcd" according to law, but were readily excused, if
?r\ excuse was offered. This was also one of the places
for collecting taxes, and while the sheriff would be taking
32 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in the taxes and giving receipts, the candidates for the
various county and State offices would harrangue their
fellow citizens on the prominent issues of the day. It was
at these public speakings that the mass of the people got
their political information. Newspapers were high
priced, and but few postoffices, consequently the claims of
political rivals had to be made known on the "stump, "and
in fact the people were fond of this excitement, frequently
becoming so warmed up in defence of their chiefs as to
engage in fierce personal combats. Whiskey, cider,
watermelons and ginger cakes were regarded as essen-
tials on these interesting occasions, and whichever candi-
date "treated" most liberally was "remembered" most
kindly on election day: These happy hays and customs
have passed away with the civilization of a former period,
and in their place we only have the modern picnic, with
whatever that embraces.
Colonel "Jacky" and Mrs. Davidson lived happily here
for fifteen years. They raised tw^o children, Alexander
and Margaret. They moved to Perry, Maringo county,
Alabama, in 1835, where Colonel Davidson became very
wealthy, and was an honored member of the society of
the "new country," as Alabama was then called. Margaret
married a Mr. Pitts, a gentleman of fine attainments.
They reared an excellent family. Henry and Alex Pitts
are now leading representatives of the bar of Alabama.
Alexander Davidson was a fine scholar, a very successful
farmer, and served several terms in the United States Con-
gress. Mrs. Patsy Caldwell Davidson was possessed of a
strong mind, and probably not behind her two brothers
in intellectual capacity or mental attainments. It is a
great blessing to have had such an ancestry.
Elizabeth Davidson — called "Betsy" — married William
I. . Davidson, a son of Gen. Wm. Lee Davidson, who was
killed February i, 1781, at Cowan's Ford, while resisting
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 33
Cornwallis as he crossed the Catawba river.* Air. David-
son and wife lived three miles east of Davidson College.
Here he operated very successfuly a large farm, raising
everything that would thrive in our climate. He exper-
imented with silk culture — planted an orchard of multi-
cakis, a species of the mulberry, to feed the silk worms.
He also built houses especially for the worms to work
in — to spin the cocoons. He succeeded admirably in
raising the silk, but the price paid for the raw material
was so small, it would not justify the labor and expense
attached to the industry. There was quite a silk fever
passed over the country about this time, (1844), but only
a few persons went to much expense in trying the exper-
iment. It only lasted a year or two until every one
abandoned the idea of silk farming. One or two elegant
gowns and a few pairs of fine stockings were all that sur-
vived of this attempt to make silk culture a part of our
industries. Mr. Davidson donated the lands for Davidson
College, and was one of its chief supporters; did a great
deal to get it under way. The college was named in honor
of his father, Gen. Davidson. He was a man of fine physi-
cal proportions, and also of mental attainment, wielding
great influence in the upper section of the county. It
was his custom to entertain the senior class after their
final examination, by having them to dine with him — not
forgetting to have a number of ladies grace the occasion.
This oasis in student life was ever looked forward to with
anticipated pleasure. After spending the best years of
his life in the home of his youth, surrounded with the
friends of his early manhood, and done much for the cause
of education, his beloved wife having been called home,
he moved to Alabama, and engaged in farming on a larger
* George Davidson came from Pennsylvania — date unknown —
probably about 1740. He married Polly Brevard, a dauj^^hter of John
Brevard, and was a sister of Adam and Dr. Kphraim Brevard. Gen.
Wm. Lee Davidson was a son of this marriage.
34 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
scale. During his life he did much for his friends. He
gave a home to his nephew, John Caldwell, at the age of
nme 3-ears, and provided for him till he reached his major-
ity. Mr. Davidson died about the close of the Civil War,
lea V ing a good name that will be honored by all who were
fortunate enough to have known him. Mr. Davidson did
not live within the boundary of which we write, but hav-
ing married a daughter of Major Davidson, and having
associated with the Hopewell people, and exercised
a good influence there by his great force of character, we
deemed it proper to give this short sketch as due him, and
also due his wife's kindred. He had no offspring to per-
petuate his name.
Rebecca, daughter of Major John Davidson, married
Captain Alexander Brevard, of Lincoln county, (Captain
A. Brevard was the son of John Brevard, who was born in
1730, and died 1790; buried in Centre graveyard. These
dates were copied from the tombstone by Colonel Wil
Ham Lee Davidson, April, 1896. Ford's sketches states
that the widow Brevard had seven sons in the patriot
army, and for this crime the British burned her house and
destroyed her property. The discrepancy is only as to
dates). He certainly came of a patriotic family, and was
himself engaged in nine decisive battles. After the war
Captain Brevard eschewed pubHc life, and quietly settled
down to farming and operating a furnace for iron works,
castings, etc. They raised five sons and three daughters,
viz: Ephrahim Joseph, Robert, Franklin, Theodore,
Mary, Harriet, Elluisa. None of this family — children of
Rebecca Davidson — ever resided in Hopewell territory,
and we will only say this was a family of more than ordi-
nary st?nding in the community, well educated, and were
held in high esteem for their integrity, and forwardness in
developing the resources of the country. The captain
h's wife and all the children have passed away, but their
posterity does honor to the Revolutionary stock from
which they sprung. Dr. R. J. Brevard, and Hon. Frank-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 35
lin Brevard McDowell, are worthy representatives of the
fainily, now reside in Charlotte.
Mary, (known as Polly), daughter of Major John
Davidson, married Dr. \\'illiam McLean, surgeon in the
Continental army. They raised a large family, were well
educated. Two of the sons were eminent physicians,
viz: John and \\^illiam. Rebecca was the only one of the
family who lived in the Hopewell boundary. She mar-
ried Dr. Isaac Wilson, and lived four miles east of the
church. She died childless. Dr. William B. McLean
lived in Lincoln county, eight miles west of the church.
He did a large practice in the territory of which we write.
He raised a most interesting family. His son. Dr.
Robert McLean resides at his father's homestead, a mile
or two west of Cowan's Ford. 'Aunt Polly McLean,' as
the kindred called her, lived many years after her hus-
band's decease. Inheriting longevity from her paternal
ancestors, she attained to a great age. Her home was in
Gaston county. The McLeans were noted as handsome
men, as well as for their sterling integrity. Dr. William
B. McLean was remarkably handsome, (and without
vanity), an elder in Unity church, and greatly beloved by
hi? friends and associates. We may give some reminiscen-
ses of Speight McLean's gallantry when sketching the
Latta family.
Violet Davidson married William Bain Alexander, an
account of whose family has already been given in a for-
mer chapter.
Margaret Davidson married Major James Harris, and
moved to Alabama.
Robert Davidson, son of Major John Davidson,
fotmded a home, worthy of the name, one mile west of his
father's elegant mansion. He married Peggie, a daugh-
ter of Adlai Osborne, from Centre congregation in south
Iredell. The Osborne family was noted for patriotism, in-
telligence, and unswerving integrity. Mr. Davidson and
wife had no children, but they acted the part of parents in
30 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
raising several orphan boys; amongst those they were
permitted to raise was Mrs. Davidson's nephew, James
W. Osborne, a grandson of Adlai Osborne, of Revolu-
tionary fame. The Hon. James W. Osborne was quali-
fied by his attainments in hterature and in legal lore, to
have filled any position within the gift of the American
people, with credit to the country and honor to himself.
As a Superior Court judge, he had no superior, and as an
advocate, was without a peer. His eloquence was so
appreciated and admired that he was called the Demos-
thenese of Western Carolina. The writer has heard him
often before a jury, where by his pathos as well as his
argument, a jury seldom failed to render a verdict in
favor of his client. His speeches in ecclesiastical courts
(he was an elder in the Presbyterian church) were always
of a high order, being perfectly familiar with church
codes, he wielded a wonderful influence. This high order
of intellect that was so marked in Judge Osborne's pro-
genitors has not been lost, but is continued with unabated
intensity in his two sons, Hon. F. I. Osborne, Attorney
General for the State, and the brilliant successor to his
father's name, James W. Osborne, of New York. Mr.
Mr. Davidson was a large farmer; owned several thousand
acres of the most productive land bordering on the
Catawba river; and was probably the largest slave owner
in the county. He was a very humane master, and his
servants were devoted to him. He and his wife, "Aunt
Peggy." as every one called her, lived to a ripe old age,
and were buried in the family plot marked out and occu-
pied by his father. Major John Davidson, close by the
family mansion. ]Mrs. Davidson was known far and near
for her "goodness." She was "full of the milk of human
kindness," and she was never heard to speak ill or dispar-
agingly of a living soul. Surelv her joys of bliss were
blooming before she passed through the gates.
BIOGIIAPHICAL SKETCHES. 37
CHAPTER IV.
John Davidson, (commonly called Jacky), son of Major
John Davidson, married Sally Brevard, a daughter of
Adam Brevard, a brother of Ephrahim, the author of
the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. They
lived near the old homestead, four miles^ northwest of
Irlopewell church. They raised a large family, an
account of those who remained in our territory is given.
Adam Brevard Davidson, the oldest son, married Mary
Springs, daughter of Jack Springs, a wealthy planter of
South CaroHna. They resided at the old Davidson man-
sion, where they had born to them sixteen children; sev-
eral of whom are now deceased. Three of the boys, John
Springs, Robert and Richard, were in the Confederate
army, and were noted for their bravery. Mr. Davidson
was a successful farmer, liberal spirited, and accumulated
a very large estate — worth probably half million dollars.
He invested heavily in Confederate bonds, railroad
stocks, etc., all of which melted away with the result of
the war, reducing his estate to less than one-fourth of
what it was in i860. Soon after the war he moved to
Charlotte, where he continued to reside, until July 4,
1896, he was called away — being like a shock of corn fully
ripe, much esteemed and beloved. He was in his eighty-
ninth year, and was buried in the Davidson burial yard,
near Rural Hill, with his ancestors. Mr. Davidson was
an elder in Hopewell church, a strong advocate of agri-
cultural fairs, and inaugurating whatever was for the best
interest of the State.
Dr. Matthews Davidson married a Miss Sylvester, and
moved to Florida. He was a man of deep piety, and di<l
not hestitate to lead in acts of worship. The inclination
to such a pious and godly life was inherited from his
38 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
mother, who made the Bible a daily study for many years.
She was deeply impressed with the idea that God would
gather all the Jews back to Jerusalem, and their Kingdom
be re-established.
Dr. William S. M. Davidson lived, at what was known
ap- the Samuel Wilson place, three miles northwest of
i^opeweh. He married Jane Torrance, daughter of
James Torrence. She lived but a short time, leaving one
son, James Torrance Davidson, who died while a young
man. Dr. Davidson married the second time a Miss
Reed, of Alabama. She lived but a few years and died
without issue. He then married Mary Johnston, of Lin-
coln county. Dr. Davidson did a large practice, his ter-
ritory extending from L^ong Creek to the Iredell county
line. After a busy and useful life he passed away in i8 — .
and was laid to rest in Hopewell burial ground. His
widow survived him until the winter of '96, when she was
laid to rest.
Constantine Davidson, the youngest son, studied law,
and located in Charlotte; but when war was declared
against Mexico in 1846, he promptly volunteered, raised
a cav^alry company and served through the war. He now
abandoned the law and engaged in farming, near the old
homestead. He married Jane Henderson, a most amia-
ble and Christian woman. They raised three sons and
two daughters. Mr. Davidson was accidentaly drowned
in the Catawba, in 1892, in his seventy-fourth year. His
widow and son Egbert continue to reside on the farm,
fourteen miles from Charlotte, on the Beattie's Ford road.
Isabella Davidson married W^arren Moore, a most ex-
cellent Christian gentleman, and elder in Unity church, in
Lincoln county. They raised an interesting family;
none of whom lived in Hopewell boundary.
Mary Davidson married a Mr. Doby, and moved to
Alabama.
Jacky Davidson, the father of this family, sustained a
severe injury when a young man, by a tree falling on him.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 3U
breaking his skull in a shocking manner. In an uncon-
scious condition, his brains oozing out, his nephew, Dr.
John McLean, just returned from the University of Penn-
sylvania, was summoned to operate on what appeared to
be a dying man. The operation was a success. Whether
a silver plate was introduced in place of skull removed or
x.ot, it is a fact that through a long life he was called "Sil-
A er-head Jacky." A most unseemly gully or trench across
h's head never failed to attract the attention of children
and strangers. It is probable ^Ir. Davidson had the most
ritentorian voice of any man in the State. He could call
any of his servants by name two miles distant, and give a
message, wdiich would be promptly heeded. He was a
man of ereat energ^v, and made a success of whatever he
undertook. After a long and peaceful life he was laid to
rest by the side of his wife who preceeded him several
years, in the family burial ground. The passing away of
these patriarchs appears like setting a centennial mile
post to mark specific eras in our civilization. With their
decease many of the old customs that were common in
their day cease to exist, and unless recorded in biographi-
cal sketches, will never be known in the future.
Benjamin Wilson Davidson, youngest son of Major
John Davidson, w^as born May 20, 1787. In honor of the
famous Declaration of Independence, of which Major
Davidson was a signer, he always called his son Independ-
ent Ben; his birth occuring on the twelfth aniversary of
the great event. He married Betsy Latta, a daughter of
James Latta, who lived two miles west of Hopewell
church; an account of which family will be given later on.
Mr. Davidson and wife established an elegant home four
miles northeast of the church, and had for neighbors Rev.
John Williamson, James Torrance, Thomas Kerns, etc.,
making a most excellent neighborhood. They raised six
sons, viz: Robert Franklin. John Ramsay, James Latta.
V/illiam Lee, Joseph Malcolm, Benjamin Howard.
FJobert Franklin was born t8i(). Tie located in
40 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Charlotte when quite a young man, and engaged in mer-
cha^.dising. He married EHzabeth B. McCombs. They
raised five children, viz: Benjamin Wilson Davidson, died
March 15, 1890. Samuel McCombs Davidson, a highly
educated gentleman, now engaged teaching school in
Ch.-.rlotte. Alice Brandon married Richard Moore, a
merchant in the city. Mary Virginia, at home with her
father. Like a dutiful daughter taking care of him in the
evening of his life. Fannie Bright, married Mr. Newsom,
of Crescent City, Fla. Mrs. Davidson passed away many
years ago, much esteemed and beloved. Mr. Davidson
continues, but in very feeble health. He has been a man
of great energy, and has done much to advance the inter-
ests of the city. He was Mayor from 1861 to 1865.
John Ramsay Davidson, son of Benjamin Wilson
Davidson, was born August 2, 1821. He married Euge-
nia Mecaughnehey, of Rowan county They lived at the
homestead of his father. They raised three children, viz:
A'-inie Augusta, single, and takes care of her father who is
in the decline of life. Joseph Wilson Davidson moved to
Alabama after the close of the war, where he married and
has an interesting family. Angerona Davidson married
]\'Ir. Kendall, of .Wadesboro.
This was indeed a lovely family. Mr. Davidson was an
e!der in Hopewell, and all his family were members. The
family is now scattered, and the elegant homestead has
passed into hands not connected with the Davidsons,
although good people and strong Presbyterians. This is
a world of change.
James Latta Davidson was a man of powerful physique,
kind, courteous, and the very soul of honor. He married
Miss Sarah Springs, and settled south of Charlotte. He
died when quite a young man, without children. His
v/idow married Zenas Grier, and was soon a widow the
second time. She now resides in Charlotte.
William Lee Davidson, son of Ben. Wilson Davidson,
was born February 10, 1825. He was a man of striking
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 41
appearance, handsome as Apollo, of line address and ele-
gant manners. He graduated at Davidson College in
j8|2, and located in Charlotte,preparatory to the practice
of law. In 1846 when war was declared against Mexico,
he volunteered and went to the front with that patriotic
ardor inherited from Revolutionary ancestors, but the
tropical climate was too debilitating even for so strong a
constitution as he possessed, and forced him to return
several months before the war closed. It was several
years before his health was permanently restored. When
the war between the States began in 1861, he raised a
company, with his brother, B. H. Davidson, as lieutenant,
was assigned with the Seventh North Carolina Regiment,
enlisted for the war.* Captain Davidson fully under-
stood the situation, and acted the part of a brave soldier
to the termination of the war. For the fighting qualities
of his regiment, it was known as the 'bloody Seventh.'
.As field oflicers were killed or disabled Captain Davidson
was promoted to major, lieutenant colonel and colonel;
which last position he held at the close of the war. He
was taken prisoner in '64. and sent to Fort Delaware,
Point Lookout. While there he was drafted with fifty
other Confederate ofificers and sent to Morris' Island, in
Charleston harbor, and placed under fire of Confederate
guns. This diabolical act of the Federal Government
was so outrageously offensive to ordinary civilization,
that the English Consul forbade the execution of such a
fiendish order. After the war Colonel Davidson married
Annie Irvin Pagan, of South Carolina. Her great grand-
lather was killed at Fishing Creek, near Chester, S. C,
during the Revolutionary war. They had seven children.
* Capt. Wm. Lee Davirlson's company was equipped for service
by the liberality of his brother, l-'obt. V. Daviflson. The blood of
patriots always shows up at the front. Mr. Davidson was too infirm
to go in person, but promptly furnished the sinews of war for those
who were physically able for active service.
42 BIOGllAPHICAL SKETCHES.
viz: James Latta Davidson, Mary Pagan Davidson, Zeb.
Vance Davidson, Bessie Irvin Davidson, Annie Lee, Lelia
Faysoux, William Lee Davidson, Jr. Mrs. Davidson
died in Lincolnton. Since her decease the family has
moved to Chester, S. C, where they continue to reside.
Dr. Joseph Malcom Davidson, son of Ben. Wilson
Davidson, after graduating at Davidson College, studied
medicine, and located in Charlotte. He married Mary
daughter of Major J. H. Caldwell. She possessed a bril-
Hant intellect, highly accomplished, and very pretty; she
had many suitors and admirers among the elite of the
fashionable circles, and was the reigning belle of Wash-
ington City for a longer period than has been accorded
to any other lady. Her father being wealthy and fond
of literature, she had every opportunity to improve her
m.ind by travel as well as books. She made acquaintances
in many places of fashion and elegance. They have
r:."sed a remarkably pleasant family of children, viz: Bessie
married Dr. Bradfield, John Caldwell, Harry Wilmer,
Josephine, and Leha Maud. Without saying anything
disparaging to others, this is the most handsome and in-
tellectual family the writer has ever been acquainted with.
Dr. Davidson and wife have much to be grateful for in
such an excellent family of children to bless and comfort
them in old age.
Benjamin Howard Davidson was the youngest son of
Ben Wilson Davidson. When quite a small boy — after
the decease of his father, and the marriage of his mother
to Major Rufus Reid — he was taken by his Uncle Robert
Davidson, and raised as if he had been his own son. He
was given a classical education, and entered the mercantile
line of business with his brother Robert in Charlotte. He
married a northern woman. At the breaking out of the
war Mr. Davidson joined with his brother, William
Lee Davidson in raising a company, and was a
lieutenant in the company. No braver soldier
ever followed the Confederate flag, or one more devoted
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 43
to the cause we held so dear. Lieutenant B. H. David-
son was killed in the battle of Sharpsburg, September 17,
1862. It is an undisputed fact that the descendants of
Revolutionary sires were the best soldiers in the Confede-
rate army. So far as known not one proved untrue to the
cause of the South. This appears still more strange when
we admit the fact that four hundred and fifty thousand
men from the South entered the Northern army. These
were chiefly lineal descendants of Tories or foreigners who
came to this country after the struggle for independence
w^as ended.
Benjamin Wilson Davidson, the patriarchal head of
this division of the Davidson family, must have been a re-
markably handsome man, and of more than ordinary
brain power — if allowed to judge from his posterity. Mr.
Davidson died in 1829, being only 42 years old. His
widow married Maj. Rufus Reid, of Mt. Mourn, by whom
she had one daughter, who married Richard A. Torrance.
Isabella Ramsay, who married Robert Davidson, and
after the death of her husband moved to Rowan county,
N. C, and there married Henry Henry. She who was
the maternal ancestor of all the great Davidson family,
raised several children by her second marriage, all of
whom moved West except one daughter who accompa-
nied her mother, after the decease of Mr. Henry, to Maj.
John Davidson's, her son. Here Mrs. Henry remained the
balance of her days and was buried in Baker's grave yard.
Here the Henry daughter, half sister to Maj. John David-
son, married Little. They had a son called Henry
Little. He was a millwright, built screw presses
for packing cotton, lived in Lincoln county, where the
name of Little is proverbial for the number who bear the
name.
■i4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER V.
As has been observed in a previous chapter, Robert
Davidson, while Hving. in Pennsylvania, had two children,
viz: John and Mary. After reaching his majority, John
and his sister left their mother in Rowan county, she hav-
ing formed a second marriage, as already stated, and come
to the western part of Mecklenburg. Some time after
Jolm married Violet Wilson. Mary married James Price.
1 liey lived near Baker's graveyard. But little more than
a genealogy can be given of this interesting family.
They had three sons and one daughter, viz: John David-
son Price Thomas Price, William Price and Rachel Price.
J. D. Price married Jane Beatty. They had five chil-
dren, viz: Rachel, married Ezekiel Alexander; Margaret,
married Ephrahim Alexander; Mary, married John Potts;
Jane, married John Whitley, and Kisziah, married George
Little.
Tom Price, son of James and Mary Price, married Mary
Duckworth. They lived fifteen miles northwest of Char-
lotte, on the Beattie's Ford road. William Price moved
to Tennessee. Rachel Price married John Bell. This
family is probably of more prominence than some others,
and will be given a more extended historical sketch. They
lived eight miles north of Hopewell Church, and four
miles east of Cowan's Ford, on the Catawba river.
M?-. Bell was a skilled blacksmith, and a high-toned Chris-
tian gentleman. His wife, Rachel, was all that a good
husband could desire. They had a number of children,
but one boy, John Bell, Jr., married Melissa Alexander,
and they raised one son and two daughters. Polly, Jennie
and Sally never married, but spent useful lives and were
greatly beloved for their good works. To nurse the sick
and wait on the sufifering was their peculiar calling. Mar-
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. -15
tha married James Goodman, a good, Christian man.
They raised four sons and three daughters. Rachel Bell
married Alexander Gibson, a good. Christian man.
The descendants of Jas. Price and Alary Davidson were
amongst our best people, noted for Christian integrity
and charitable deeds. The son of Lamira Bell, who married
D?vid Fiddler, occupies the old homestead.
Jane Price, daughter of John Davidson Price,
married John \\'hitley. They raised two sons, viz:
Decater and Robert Davidson Whitley. The hus-
band and father died before the youngest son, Robert
D. ^^^^itlev, was born. Robert Davidson, an uncle
of Mrs. Whitley, took her and the children and contribu-
ted much to supporting the widow and orphans. The fam-
ily moved to Alabama, and after several years Mrs. Whit-
ley and her son, Robert D., returned to North Carolina.
Mr. R. D. Whitley purchased the Long Creek mill farm
and married Esther McCoy, daughter of Marshal McCoy,
and built up a delightful home. After the close of the
war his wife became an invalid, and lived but a few years.
She was a finely educated lady, and was much beloved by
her neighbors. Mr. Whitley acted wisely in selecting a
second wife, to marry Martha McCoy, a sister of his first
wife. She proved a mother indeed to her sister's children.
They are now past the meridian, but enjoy life, surround-
ed l)y a happy family of children and a host of friends.
46 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER VI.
BARRY FAMILY.
Richard Barry was born in Pennsylvania, in 1726. His
father came from the north of Ireland, where patriotism
and Presbyterianism were synonimous terms. Richard
mairied Ann Price, of Maryland, and moved to Mecklen-
l)urg county, North Carolina, many years prior to the war
of the Revolution. He settled near McDowell Creek,
where it crosses the Beattie's Ford road, thirteen miles
from Charlotte. Mr. Barry was a man of mark in this
section of the country. He was one of that brave number
who signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Indepen-
dence on May 20, 1775, pledging their lives, their fortunes
and their sacred honor to defend the country against
British tyranny. He fought bravely in the battle of Cow-
an's Ford, February ist, 1781. When night came on he
and David Wilson took the body of General Davidson,
who had been killed in the battle, off the field and pre-
pared it for burial, which was done the same night in the
Hopewell graveyard. At this period Mr. Barry was fifty-
five years old. He was an elder in Hopewell Church, and
was a member of the County Court. The first Presbyte-
rian sermon ever preached in all this section was
beneath a shade tree by the side of his house.
It cannot be positively stated who this preacher
was. but it is more than probable that it was
Rev. John Thompson. We have no means of knowing
whence he came, or what his special purpose was in locat-
ing in this place, but we are fully persuaded that he lived
about five miles towards Beattie's Ford from Barry's
house: that his daughter married John Baker, for whom
Baker's graveyard was called. More will be said on this
subject under the heading of "Baker's Graveyard." Rich-
ard Barry reared seven children, viz: Richard, Jr., An-
drew, Hugh, Violet, Jane, Nellie and Ann.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 47
Ricliard Barry, Jr., married Margaret McDowell. An-
drew Barry married, his first wife, Larissa Sample. His
second wife was Ruth Byers. Their children were An-
drew Jr., Polly and Nancy. These three never married.
Ann married William Grier. They left one child, viz:
Mary Ann Grier. She married W. A. Gillespie. Dovey
married John Sloan. They left serveral children. Hugh,
John and Ann never married. Nellie married Barney
Torrance. Violet married William Monteith. They lived
four miles east of Hopewell, where they raised a family of
three children — all members of Hopewell Church. Lee
Monteith was an elder, and noted for his piety and church
work. He died in 1854. Richard Monteith, like his
brother Lee, never married. He was an excellent farmer,
a clever gentleman, and popular with his neighbors. He
died in 1861. Sophina Monteith married Andrew Alex-
ander, and lived at the old Monteith homestead. They
had three sons and two daughters; both girls died while
young. The sons, Abner, Richard and Charles, are living,
married and have families of children.
The Barrys and Monteiths were worthy descend-
ants of a noble ancestry. But not superior to
the union of the Harrys and Samples with the
same house of Barrys. Ann, daughter of Richard
Eprry. Jr.. married Col. David Harry, an elder in
Hopewell. They lived one mile south of the church.
They raised several children, viz: John F. Harry married
Rebecca Price, an estimable lady. They raised an excel-
lent family — full of energy and good habits. Batt Harry
another son. lost a leg in the cause of the South; he also
raised a nice family who are active members of the church.
Margaret Harry married James Henderson, an elder, and
most excellent man.
Ellenor Barry married Batt Trwin, of Sugar Creek,
quite a prominent and useful man.
Jane Barry married W. A. Sample; they lived two miles
south-west of the church. They raised an interesting and
48 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
worthy family of four sons and two daughters. The sons
John, McCamie, Hugh and David, were all members of
Hopewell, were soldiers in the Confederate army, and
proved worthy descendants of their Revolutionary ances-
tors who were noted for bravery and constancy in the
long struggle for freedom from British tyranny. Martha
Sample, the oldest daughter, was a beautiful young lady,
highly educated and accomplished, fell. a victim to con-
sumption just as she had entered womanhood. A younger
sister married Samuel McElroy. They lived in sight of the
church, blessed with an interesting family of children now
grown up into men and women, members of Hopewell
church.
Mr. W. A. Sample, was a ruling elder and active mem-
ber of Hopewell for many years. He and his good wife
passed away many years ago, and their place is filled by
their children and grand children.
William Sample came from the north of Ireland,
probably in company with the Alexanders who settled in
Marvland He located in Sugar Creek neighborhood in
1760. He married Elizabeth Alexander, a half-sister of
John McKnitt Alexander. Late in life he moved near to
Hopewell church. They had a son and daughter, who
resided and raised families in the boundary of which we
write.
The son. James Sample, like his father, was an elder in
the church, a pious man held in much esteem by the con-
ere^ration. He married Martha Robinson, of Sugar
Creek. Their children were W. A. Sample, an elder of
the church who married Jane Barry, daughter of Richard
Barry, Jr.
Milas Sample, a godly man and earnest worker
in the church, married Adaline Henderson. They
lived three miles east of Hopewell, where they raised an
excellent family of children. The oldest daughter, Eliza-
beth, married John Houston, a ruling elder; Harriet
married A. T- Hunter, an elder in the A. R. P. church.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 49
Huntersville. Mary married C. N. Blythe, a member of
Hopewell. Martha married C. W. McCoy. They built a
home two miles east of Hopewell, where they raised an
mteresting family. Agnes married Marion Ranson, an
excellent citizen and elder in A. R. P., Huntersville. They
have an interesting family growing up. The three sons
were J. Wilson Sample, the oldest, killed May 3, 1863, in
the battle of Chancellorsville.
Leroy, the second son, killed in the battle of Ox Hill.
August 30th, 1862.
Augustus E. Sample went through the war, practiced
dentistry a few years, and entered the ministry, and is ac-
complishing much good in the Master's service. These
three sons were brave soldiers, and their memories should
be kept green that others in the future may emulate their
patriotic course.
John, the youngest son of James Sample, was one of
the first graduates of Davidson College. He moved west
and taught school for many years. Late in life
he married Sophia Alexander, daughter of John R.
Alexander. They located in Memphis, Tenn. They lived
but a short time.
Elam Sample married Margaret McKee.
Mary Terissa Sample married Franklin Barnett. of
Sugar Creek, in which church he was an elder.
Caroline Sample married Robert Henderson. They
lived southwest of Long Creek mill, and were good peo-
ple, raised a family worthy of their parentage. All mem
bers of Hopewell. Mr. Henderson was a ruling elder for
many years. This family appear to have been natural
mechanics. Without having served an apprenticeship,
they were experts with tools in wood, iron or brass. Dr.
John Henderson, after practicing medicine a few vears.
st\idied dentistry, and made all of his dental instnmients.
and they were as finely polished as if they had been manu-
factured by machinery in New England.
50 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER VII.
BAKER'S GRAVEYARD.
Objects ana places, as well as men and women, deserve
historical mention as facts connected with the march of
civihzation. To a certain extent objects and places serve
as mile posts in the life of a nation; and of all objects or
places none are more interesting or instructive to a
searcher after the truth of history than burial grounds.
Baker's graveyard's first occupant was in 1753, twelve
years prior to the building of Hopewell church. This
burial ground is seven miles northwest of Hopewell, on
the west side of Beattie's Ford road, and two miles east of
Catawba river. The Rev. John Thompson, a Presbyte-
rian minister, and probably the first missionary in this sec-
tion of the State, ceased from his labors in Septem]:>er,
1753, and was buried near his cabin in which he had
lived. John Baker, who lived near by, married a daughter
of Rev. Thompson, and in a few years died, and was
buried by the side of his father-in-law; hence the name of
Baker was given the place. Hugh Lawson, grandfather
of Hon. Hugh Lawson White, was given sepulchre in this
quiet place. Many worthy characters, soldiers and godly
church members found a last resting place here. Among
many others, we mention Mrs. Isabella Henry, mother of
Major John Davidson, Mr. James Price and his wife, Mary
Davidson Price. Quite a number of crude rock shafts,
all grown over vvith moss, stand as sentinels in this lonely
Dlace, overshadowed by giant oaks that have stood the
storms of a century and a half. The celebrated Dr. Charles
Harris, father of Charles I. and Wm. Shakespeare Harris,
married a daughter of Rev John Thompson. Dr. Harris
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 51
did a large practice in Mecklenburg, especially in surgery.
He lived in Cabarrus county, but having married in
Hopewell territory, we deem it right and just to couple
his name with those who achieved fame for themselves
and left a legacy of imperishable benificience to the peo-
ple of our common country.
CHAPTER VHI.
ANDREW MOORE'S FAMILY.
Jane — or as she was always called, Jensie — was the only
daughter of William and Elizabeth Sample. She mar-
ried Andrew Moore. They lived five and a half miles
east of Hopewell, on the Salisbury road from Tucaseege
Ford. Mr. Moore, while a member of the Presbyterian
church, held Armenian doctrine, and made himself obnox-
ious by talking it ; until he was refused a token that would
a<irnit him to the Lord's table. This act on the part of
the session provoked him to carry his ideas still further,
and he set about at once to organize a Methodist church.
It is quite probable this church — Bethesda — if not the
first, was amouGTSt the first Methodist churches planted
between the Yadkin and Catawba rivers. When the
building was first put up Cabout 1820-25), they did not
call it a church, but a meeeting house, where they lield
class meeting, or society meeting. Their exhorters and
class leaders, with many of their preachers, at that time,
were extremely ignorant, some not able to read; yet ihev
Vi'ould deliver cxliorlations portrayuig the awful dn.Mu
of ihe i:ni)enitcnt \y:\h .such warmth, and pray so loiid a nil
52 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in such earnest Lones that a wHd scene of shouts aici cries
— exercising, as it was called — that they wouM become
so enthused as to forget all else for days at a time. Mr.
Moore was class leader for many years, and ruled the
church with autocratic authority. The wearing of jew-
elry, fine clothes or a veil, was sufficient offense to justify
suspension. But for these trivial offenses the circuit rider
generally restored them to full membership. As long as
Mr. Moore lived he was regarded as the leader
of Bethesda church. He died in 1843, ^^'^^ ^^^
buried by the church he loved so well. Mr.
Moore was better known as a chair-maker than
as a builder or propagator of Methodism. There
IS scarcely a family of the old stock of people but what
ha\^e chairs made by Andy Moore fifty or sixty years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Moore raised six children, two sons and
four daughters — Amzi, the oldest son, taught school for a
short time and moved to Alabama- where he married and
reared a family, and his children are among the educated
people of that State. Two of them are professors in col-
leges. Fletcher Moore, the youngest, has always been
physically weak, but has attained a ripe old age, and is
in easy circumstances. He married a neighbor girl, Minta
Christianbury; have no children. Malissa Moore married
James Clark, a steam doctor, and moved to Alabama.
Emaline Moore married Harvy Montgomery, a local
Methodist preacher, and a most excellent man. They
moved to Alabama. Margaret Moore married Daniel
Christianbury and moved to Georgia. Eliza and her
mother with the married members of the family, moved
west, when that country was settling up, hoping to im-
prove their financial condition. This was an excellent fam-
ily of people, without pretention to anything more than
they could attain.
As "tokens" were spoken of in the early part of
this chapter, it is probably well to explain what was
meant by "tokens." Until within the last forty or
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 53
fif'y years Presbyterians had long tables, covered with a
white linen cloth, on or at which the Lord's supper was
dispensed. Preaching began two or three days before
Communion Sabbath, and on Friday or Saturday every
communicant was expected to ask one of the elders for a
token — a small piece of lead or other metal about the
size of a silver half dime — and when the communicants
were seated at the table the elders would pass along and
collect the "tokens." The object of this ceremony was
to protect the Holy Sacrament from the approach of un-
worthy persons. This has long since passed away, and the
taoles are also forgotten, and the whole membership par-
take at one time, simulating a family at home.
CHAPTER IX.
James Latta came from Ireland 1790. He located be-
tween Hopewell and the river. He built the house now
occupied by David Sample (a shingle roof on this house
lasted eigthy-two years). In 1795 he married his second
wife, Jane Knox. They had three daughters, viz:
Betsy, Polly and Nancy. They were very popular,
and must have 1)een very pretty, if we are to
judge from the number of young men who i^aul
them such devoted attention. Speight McLean and
his cousin, Joe McK. Alexander, were boon companions,
and frequently went "courting" together. Late one
rainy evening they drove up to Mr. Latta's to spend the
night. Mr. Latta conjured up the idea that the two gay
Lotharios were preparing to run away with his girls, and
not fancying either one of them for a son-in-law. took
54 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES.
time by the fore-top and locked their carriage wheels to
a tree, and to be doubly sure, securely locked his guests
in their bed room. To put it mildly, Mr. Latta was
"cranky" on the subject of watching the boys when they
carne to see his girls. He disliked Speight McLean above
all others who visited his house, and Speight particularly
enjoyed worrying the old man. On one occasion Mr.
Latta came in from his fields and as he entered the house
he was astonished to see Polly dressed up entertaining
Mr. McLean. He became very angry, and with the com-
mand of a tyrant ordered Polly to take ofT her shoes and
stockings, get a hoe and go and dig potatoes for dinner.
She was very much confused, but had to obey. Speight,
with his accustomed gallantry, suggested in the best of
humor and style, "I will go with you and do the digging
and you can gather them into the basket." The old man
was exceedingly mad, but the young couple enjoyed his
discomforture. Elizabeth — or Betsy — married Benjamin
Wilson Davidson, a full account of whose family has al-
ready been given on a former page. Mary married James
Torrance. She was his second wife. They had two chil-
dren, viz: Dr. William Torrance, never married, died while
a young man; Jane Torrance married Dr. W. S. M. David-
son. They lived on the Billy Wilson place. They had but
one son, who survived his father but a short time, his
mr^ther having died while he was an infant. Nancy mar-
ried Major Rufus Reid, of Mount Mourn, Iredell county.
Mr. Latta died in 1837. His wife survived him several
years. The entire family of that generation has been
gathered beyond the river. The "tact" of gathering riches
seems to have been inherited in the Latta family, but not
to hoard, that a fortune may be amassed, but for the ben-
efrt of others.
UIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 00
CHAPTER X.
John Montgomery, born in Sugar Creek congregation,
and moved into the boundary of HopeweU when quite a
young man. He built a home seven miles east of Hope-
well church. He married a Miss Clark. Their children
were Clark, Harry, Hannah, Anna Woods, Dorcas, Re-
becca and Narcissa. Clark Montgomery married Lelilah
Hill, a daughter of John Hill, an excellent Christian gen-
tleman. Only one of his children is now hving, viz: Co-
lumbus Montgomery, who resides in Charlotte.
Harvy Montgomery was a local Methodist preacher;
he married Emaline Moore, an account of his family
already given. Hannah married John Ross. Anna
Woods married James Ross, father of Joe Ross, the car-
penter and contractor and house mover. Dorcas married
Rol)ert Walkup. Rebecca died single. Narcissa married
Hillery Hill. The children of John Montgomery were an
honor to their parents and shining lights in the church.
After the death of his first wife, he married Mary Porter,
who did not sympathize with her pious husband, as his
loving heart deserved. Mr. Montgomery died in 1854.
"His widow survived him several years. She was somewhat
of a hypocondriach. At one time she became alarmed
with the idea that a striped-tail lizzard had found a lodg-
ment in her lower intestine. She became very sick and
sent for the old family doctor, and told him of her fright-
ful condition. Tn the goodness of his heart he tried to
explain to her the impossibility of such a thing to happen.
But it was labor lost. She had made up her mind that n
lizzarfl had taken f|uarters where she did not want it, and
"if Dr. Wilson couldn't run it out she would try another
doctor." The old lady placed great confidence in Eliza,
a stalwart negro woman whom she owned, and after con-
50 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
suiting with her about the propriety of supplanting the
old faithful family doctor with an untried one, Eliza told
her she felt sure from certain signs, the varment would
come away within the next twenty-four hours. So Eliza
made her arrangements to relieve her mistress by a slight-
of-hand process. She soon secured a lizzard that was sup-
posed to correspond in appearance with the one impris-
oned where the keeper didn't want it; and on the next day
when she started to remove the old woman's chamber
she dropped the lizzard in, and immediately shouted,
"Oh, Miss! Miss! Bless de Lord, you'se done passed de
critter: I told you old Mars-Doctor was givin' you sump-
tiri dat would fetch it ; de good Lord will bless de doctor."
It goes without saying she was cured at once.
CHAPTER XL
McCOY FAMILY,
James McCoy came from Pennsylvania in the latter
part of the eighteenth century, and founded a home one
and a half miles east of Hopewell church. We know noth-
ing of his wife, but it is probable she died prior to his com-
ing to Mecklenburg, but he had a son, John McCoy, who
married Ester Frazier in 1798. After his son's mar-
riage Mr. James McCoy gave him his farm and everything
in the way of stock and farm fixtures, and took leave for
the unsettled West, and never returned or was heard of
by his son. John and wife were members of Hopewell
church, and lived to a great age. They raised one son
and three daughters. One daughter, Nicey, married
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 57
Mflthew Houston, and lived between the old McCoy
homestead and Long Creek mill. They were good peo-
ple, beloved by their neighbors. They had two sons and
two daughters. The sons, John and Lafayette, were brave
soldiers and worthy citizens. The former is now an elder
in Hopewell, the latter having died in the service of his
country. Tilley married George Houston and moved to
Tennessee. Elvira married Col. B. W. Alexander, an ac-
count of whose family was given in a former chapter. The
only son, Marshall McCoy, married Rebecca, daughter of
'\\'ni. Bain Alexander, and lived one mile east of Hope-
well, and in sight of his father's home. They raised nine
chill iren, some of whom have been mentioned in previous
chapters. Violet married Frank Blythe. John, missing
after the battle of Gettysburg. Columbus married Mar-
tha Sample. Esther married R. D. Whitley. Martha
married R. D. Whitley, after her sister's death. Dovey
mai'ried John Blythe. Ellie married David Sample. Har-
riet married Hugh Sample. His youngest son, Albert,
inherited the homestead, having married Mary,
daughter of Thomas Gluyas, a most excellent man of
English birth. Albert and wife have an old-fashioned
family of thirteen children, all living, and promise to be of
like usefulness to our common country.
CHAPTER XH.
Mcknight family.
Thomas McKnight married Peggy Falls, a daughter of
Colonel Falls, who was killed in ihe battle of Ramsaur's
^\\^. during the Revolutionary War. They H\cd two
58 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
miles north of Hopewell church, where they worshipped
and held their membership. They raised seven children,
viz: Hugh McKnight, married Patsy Wilson, a daughter
of Sanmel Wilson. They lived near by the old homestead
where James A. Wilson now lives. They raised quite a
large family, several of whom are deceased, and some
moved to Alabama. Gilbreth McKnight married a daugh-
ter of William Kerns.
Isabella McKnight married David Allen. They lived
at the old homestead, but the place is now known as the
David Allen place. They had no children. Jane married
Ibomas Kerns. They lived three miles northeast of the
church, where he operated a farm successfully and raised
ci large family. Mr. Xerns was a strong man mentally.
He was a fair scholar, taught school, and was well in-
formed on the topics of his time.
William Kerns was in active life at the beginning of the
present century. He lived two miles northeast of Hope-
well church. He was twice married; his first wife was a
Widow Houston, and was the mother of Thomas and
Harper. Jennie McClure, daughter of Mathew McClure,
the signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Indepen-
dence- first married — Houston, by whom she had one
son and one daughter. She afterwards married William
Kerns, to whom she bore two sons, Thomas and Harper.
His second wife was Sibby, daughter of Colonel Falls, of
Re\^olutionary fame. She had no children. Harper, son
of William Kerns, lived near his father's homestead. He
married (first wife) Clarissa, daughter of Blind Billy Alex-
ander. They had three sons and two daughters, viz:
Robert, William, Dixon, Jennie and Sarah. Robert mar-
ried Miss McConnel from Iredell county; raised a large
family. Willian-w married Martha McKnight, daughter
of Hugh McKnight. They moved west, where William
died, and his widow returned and is now living in Char-
lotte. Dixon Kerns, the youngest of first wife's sons,
married the widow of James McKnitt Alexander. They
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 59
now live in South Iredell. Jennie married William Wal-
lace, a fine looking cavalier as ever drew blade in defence
of his country. He was killed in the thickest of the fight
near the Potomac, where only cavalry were engaged. His
childless widow resides three miles west of Hopewell
church. Sarah married Edward Sloan, of Cabarrus
county. He enlisted in a cavalry regiment with his
brother-in-law, William Wallace, and like him, gave his
life for his country. Harper Kerns' second wife was Mar-
garet McKnight. They reared quite a large family, who
are all located within easy reach of the church of their
fathers The Kerns family were all law-abiding citizens,
held in good repute in the neighborhood.
CHAPTER XHI.
PEOPLES FAMILY.
John Peoples was born in the Shanandoah Valley, Va.,
in 1765. He was of Irish parentage. He came to North
Carolina while quite young. He married Hannah Stinson
in 1788. They lived near Long Creek mill, owned and
worked a farm, where they reared a family of children, viz:
Richard, Silas, John, James, W'illiam and Elizabeth. Rich-
ard married Jane Harris in 1816. and lived in the Provi-
dence section. They raised a large family, viz: Hugh Har-
ris. John Brown, Isabella Hannah, Leroy Ezekiel, Ellenor,
Mathcw Henry, Elizabeth Jane, Rev. James H., Isaac
Nowton, Richard Ramsay. Silas Peoples married a Miss
Hunter in 1834. They lived south of Hopewell, where
they raised a family.
GO BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER XIV.
GEORGE DAVIS.
George Davis was an important character in conduct-
ing the music (in that day it was cahed the singing) in
Hopeweh church sixty years ago, and even of a more
recent date. Mr. Davis was chief musician, that is, he
was leader of the singing, and was called clerk, or dark.
Young men who wanted to learn to lead the singing had
to stand by Mr. Davis and follow his lead. The pulpit
was an elegantly painted structure, about the shape and
size of a large sugar hogshead, set on a beautifully mar-
ble-painted post, 8 feet high. A nice little pair of stairs
led up to the pulpit, which had a shutter to the door
which, when closed, prevented the people from seeing the
minister. On the floor near the pulpit was the dark's
stand. It was a half round, resemblirg one-half of a bar-
rel cut in two, longitudinally, big enough to accommo-
date three singers at one time, and about four and a half
feet high. Mr. Davis always looked in a good humor
w^'th himself when entering his stand to raise the tunes;
and the congregation always felt sure there would be no
iailure in the singing part of the worship. On communion
occasions it was always expected the singing would be of
a high order. Pisgah and Ortonville were favorite
tunes, the lines being parceled out by the minister, or an
assistant dark; this was deemed necessary when the house
was packed, and not enough hymn books to go around.
In addition to this there was a large congregation of ne-
groes who attended on Sacramental occasions, as if a gen-
eral holiday. The galleries would be packed, and but few
of them able to read, it was a necessity to parcel out the
lines that they could take part in the worship. And such
singing! With their melodious voices, and their religious
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 61
emotions stirred to the utmost tension, they poured forth
son^ in such strains of real music that it would have done
credit to any religious assembly. This was music, indeed,
that enthused every worshipper with a feeling of awe, that
high art can never do.
Mr. George Davis married a daughter of David Vance,
They had four sons and one daughter. This family has
drifted away to parts unknown. Notwithstanding Mr.
Davis was so highly honored as to lead the music in
Hopewell church for so many years, you will scarcely find
a member under fifty years old who ever heard of George
Davis. How soon our names are forgotten! But thank
God, it is in our province, if we are true to ourselves, to
be in everlasting remembrance on the other shore.
CHAPTER XV.
ELLIOT FAMILY.
Andrew Elliot lived two miles south of the clun-cli. He
and his family were constant attendants at Hopewell. He
had three sons and four daughters, viz: George, Andrew
and William, Catherine, Mary, Ann and Betsy. These
were good, law-abiding citizens, respected by all tlicir
neighbors and associates; and how they lived to middle
life and some to old age, and none of the seven ever mar-
ried, has always been a wonder in the boundary of Hope-
well. The only solution of the anamoly is, they were not
a marrying family.
62 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER XVI.
BLYTHE FAMILY.
Samuel Blythe was of Scotch-Irish stock. He came
from the north of Ireland in 1740, and located fifteen
miles north of Charlotte, on the Beattie's Ford road. But
little of his family history has been preserved. It is not
known by his descendants who his wife was, or where he
found her. It is known, however, that a family of chil-
dren was raised, and -that only one of the number, a son
named Richard, remained at the homestead. He married
a Miss Patton, reared a family of children, and like their
predecessors, all moved away to the southwest except
one son. Samuel Blythe, who occupied the homestead, he
alone of all the kindred remaining to preserve a place
and perpetuate a name. He married Isabella Nantz in
1820. He was born in 1790 and died 1866. His wife sur-
vived him several years. They were buried in Hopewell
graveyard, at which church they had worshipped for more
than half a century. Their seven children consisted of four
sons and three daughters, viz: Franklin, Clement, John,
James, Nancy, Rebecca and Ellen. Franklin married Vio-
let McCoy, and built a home in the northern part of the
homestead. They raised a large family of children; all but
two of -whom are married and have families. Clement mar-
ried Mary, daughter of Milas Sample. They live four
miles east of the church. They have four boys, nearly
grown. John Blythe married Dovy McCoy, built a home
neir Long Creek mill, where they raised one daughter and
seven sons. James Blythe never married, but makes him-
self useful amongst his near kinsfolk. If he had cultivated
his voice he would have been looked upon as a musical
prodigy. But not having aspiration for notoriety he was,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. (io
and is, regarded only as a pretty good leader of churcb
music. Rebecca married Robert Fulwood, a courteous
Christian gentleman, who died while a young man, leav-
ing his widow and five children. They have married off
avid are in comfortable circumstances. Nancy married
John Abernethy in Paw Creek. They reared a nice family.
Ellen married Ben V. Beal. They live in Lincoln county.
The Blythe family were good people, without aspiration
for honors or wealth. They were much esteemed for their
integrity and great kindness of heart.
CHAPTER XVIT.
THE TORRANCE FAMILY.
Hugh Torrance came from Ireland in the last quarter
of the eighteenth century, probably about the close of the
Revolutionary War. He first located in Iredell county,
and afterwards built an elegant home in Mecklenburg,
four miles north of Ho])ewell church. He married Isabella,
the widow of Colonel Falls, who was killed in the battle
of Ramsaur's mills. They raised but one child, James
Torrance.
Hugh Torrance and wife, Isabella, both died in Febru-
ary, 1816, aged respectively 73 and 76 years Their ashes
lie buried in Hopewell churchyard, where they worshiped
through a long life. Mr. James Torrance inherited his
father's elegant home, and under his management the
estate increased in value. Mr. Torrance first married
Nancy Davidson, of Iredell county. They raised four chil-
dren, viz: Hugh, Frank, Cammilla and Isabella. These
ci]l left the PTopewcll l)0undary on attaining their major-
64 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ity. Mrs. Torrance died November 19, 181 8, aged 26
years. Mr. Torrance married second wife, Mary (Polly)
Latta, born 1799. Had two children, viz: Dr. William
Torrance. He never married, and died in 1852, aged 30
years. Jane married Dr. W. S. M. Davidson. She had
but one child, and died at the age of 21 years. Her child,
James Torrance Davidson, died soon after reaching his
majority. Thus leaving Polly Latta without living issue.
She died in 1821, leaving her husband a widower for the
second time. Mr. Torrance married Margaret Allison,
of Iredell county, his third wife. They raised a family of
six children, viz: Letitia, who married Dr. Bratton, of
South Carolina. Mary married Dr. Witherspoon, of Ala-
bama. DeHa married John Johnston, of Lincoln county.
Saily married Dr. Gaston, of Montgomery, Ala. Richard
R. Torrance, after graduating at Chapel Hill, married
a daughter of Rufus Reid, and moved to Texas. His wife
lived but a short time, and he returned with two Httle
daughters. He entered the Confederate Army in the 8th
Texas cavalry, was desperately wounded at Strawberry
Plains, losing a leg near the hip joint. He after the war
married Miss Eliza Gaston, of South Carolina. He now
disposed of his property in Texas and returned to his farm
in Hopewell, where he continued for many years and
raised a large family. He now resides in Charlotte
John A. Torrance, the youngest son, has spent his life
at the old homestead., except four years of service in the
Confederate cause. He was a lieutenant in the 7th North
Carolina Regiment. He has never taken a wife, but lives
quietly in the elegant mansion erected by his grandfather,
Hugh Torrance.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 65
CHAPTER XVIII.
WIN SLOW FAMILY.
It is surprisingly strange how quickly the knowledge
oi a family, and that of an important one, too, may be lost
or so befogged with doubt and uncertainty as to be but
little known, and that Httle only through tradition.
Closes Winslow was probably born in Iredell county.
He married Jean, a daughter of Alexander Osborne, and
sister of Adlai Osborne. Alexander Osborne was buried
in Centre graveyard, dates on headstone cannot now be
read. * Adlai Osborne, died 1814- aged 71 years; Marga-
ret Osborne, died 1830, aged 75 years; John Brevard,
born 1730, died 1790; Jane Brevard, born 1730. died
1800.
They had four daughters, viz: Mary, married Samuel
Wilson, Sr. ; Dovy, married Dr. Joseph McKnitt Alex-
ander; Rocinda, married William Wilson; — mar-
ried Samuel King, of Cabarrus county. Moses Winslow
died 181 5, aged 83 years. Jean Osborne Winslow died
1795, aged 53 years. Moses Winslow had no son to per-
petuate his name. His daughters married into the most
refined and educated families, and were blessed with a
numerous posterity, but the name of Winslow has disap-
peared from the rolls.
* This information was taken from Centre graveyard by Col. W.
It- David.son, .\pril 6, 1896,
G6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER XIX.
SAMUEL WILSON FAMILY.
Samuel Wilson, Sr., was married three times, raising
three sets of children. His first wife was Mary Winslow,
a daughter of Moses and Jean Osborne Winslow. They
lived four miles northwest of Hopewell church, near the
Catawba river. They had six children, viz: David, Benja-
min, Samuel, Mary, Violet and Sally.
It is not known wJio David married, but they had two
sons, Lawson and Winslow.
Benjamin never married. Samuel married
They had one son and two daughters, viz: Jeff, Polly and
Patsy. Late in life JefT married a Prim, and left no child-
ren. Polly married a Rosell, of whom nothing is known.
Patsy married Hugh McKnight. Violet married Major
John Davidson, of Revolutionary fame, whose family
has been given place in a former chapter. Mary married
Ezekiel Polk, who lived south of Charlotte. Sally mar-
ried — — McConnel, of whom nothing is now known.
The second wife of Samuel Wilson, Sr., was the widow
Howard, whoever she may have been. By this marriage
there was one daughter, Margaret, who married George
Davidson, and they had three children, viz: Wilson David-
so.i. J H. Davidson (called Jacky), who married Patsy
Davidson, a sketch of whom was given in a former chap-
ter, and a daughter who married a Crawford and moved
to Alabama.
Samuel Wilson. Sr.'s. third wife was Margaret Jack, a
sister of Patrick Jack, who carried the Mecklenburg
Declaration of Independence of May 20, 1775, to Phila-
delphia. They reared three children, viz: William, Robert
and LilHe. William Wilson married Rocinda Winslow.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. G?
Their children were Dovy, James, Robert and Lafayette.
Dovy married James Dougherty. Robert married Mar-
garet Alexander, daughter of Major Thomas Alexander.
Thoy lived three miles north of Hopewell church,
and raised a large family of girls and one son, all of whom
have long since passed away, and not one is left to per-
petuate the name of Wilson, which held such prominence
in this settlement for more than lOO years. James and
Lafayette moved to Alabama in the early settlement of
that State, and are lost to the local historian. The home
of Robert Wilson was probably better known to fashion-
able people fifty years ago than any other place in Meck-
lenburg county. The family was educated, refined,
wealthy, and their hospitality was held as a princely vir-
tu"". Their daughters were fond of music and dancing,
inheriting this propensity from both ancestors. Major
Tommie Alexander was a skillful player on the violin.
Even after having passed his four-score mile post it af-
forded him pleasure to play for the entertainment of the
young. They reared five daughters and one son, viz:
Do'^y, married John W. Logan. Margaret and Angelina
never married. Arabella married Judge George Logan.
Cynthia married Wade Hampton. Thomas A. Wilson,
the youngest of the family, married Sally Jones. He was
a most excellent man. He died in the service of his coun-
try in February 1862. A daughter of Mrs. Hampton, who
married Abner Alexander, lives between Hopewell and
the old homestead, and is a fit representative of the high-
grade people who held such high position in this section
more than one hundred years ago. The old homestead,
around which clusters so many fond memories of a civili-
zation that has passed, much of it into oblivion, but
enough has been recorded in history to preserve the truth
that the grand race of men who governed for the first
seventy-five vears of our political historv. wore indeed
nnd in trulh. lenders of men. The old homestead is now
in the possession of Robert Hampton, a linonl descendant
68 BiOaEAPHICAL SKETCHES.
of Samuel Wilson, Sr., who was of noble birth, and whose
wife was a sister of Patrick Jack, a noted patriot of 1775.
Tt is not only strange, but sad, to know that of such an
influential family as the Wilsons should cease to have a
rcj^resentative to perpetuate the name. Scarcely a cen-
tury has passed till the name of an honored family is
dropped from the roll.
Lillie Wilson, daughter of Sam Wilson, Sr., and Mar-
garet Jack, married James Connor. They lived a short
distance above Beattie's Ford, on the east side of the Ca-
tawba river, in what was known as the "red house."
Their children were Henry Workman, James and Marga-
ret. Workman located in Charleston, S. C, where he
became very wealthy^ He had one son in the Confed-
erate States Army. Gen. James Connor, who won con-
siderable fame for skill and bravery. He is now a practic-
ing" attorney in Charleston. Margaret, or Peggy, as she
v/as called, married Franklin Brevard. They lived in
South Iredell. They operated a large farm, and became
very wealthy. They had one daughter, Rebecca, who
married Robert I. McDowell. They had three daughters
and two sons. Several years after the war the family
moved to Charlotte. William, the oldest son, was killed
in battle while a youth. The same patriotic spirit that
prompted a heroic ancestry to deeds of daring proved the
ruling element in a worthy posterity. The daughters
married men worthy of their family, and F. B. McDowell,
the second son, is one of our most prominent and useful
citizens. Served two terms as mayor of Charlotte, and
inaugurated needed reforms for which our people are
grateful. Mr. R. I. McDowell passed away several years
ago, and was buried in Elmwood cemetery. Mrs.
ATcDowell. never having been strong, still survives and
enioys life, surrounded with hosts of friends.
This is one of the most literary families of our county.
Mrs. F. B. McDowell, who belonged to one of the most
literary families of New Orleans, inheriting both taste
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 69
and intellectuality, is regarded as a line critic and a bril-
liant conversationalist, two rare accomplishments.
CHAPTER XX.
CATHY FAMILY.
During the Revolutionary War John Cathy lived a
short distance south of Beattie's Ford. His farm was
visited by Tarlton's troopers the evening after the battle
at Cowan's Ford, and everything eatable was carried off,
as the army passed on towards Salisbury, He left his
farm to his son, Col. Archibald Cathy, who spent all of his
life on the homestead. He married a Miss Caldwell, from
Iredell county. They raised five sons and one daughter,
viz: Pink, William, Andrew, John, Henry and Nancy.
ColonefCathy died before his children were grown, and
his widow married Tom Dex\rmond. He was not con-
sidered the equal of the family into which he married.
They had l)ut one son, Joe. The older Cathy children
soon married off and took the young ones to live with
thern- home relations not being pleasant. This marriage
was not a success, according to the neighborhood's idea
of happiness. Pink Cathy married a Torrance, daughter
of Barny Torrance, and moved to Arkansas. Andrew
married Betsy Miller, and in company with Joe Mc-
Knitt Alexander, who married Nancy Cathy, moved to
Alabama in 1835. Andrew Cathy had l)nt one child. Re-
becca, when he died. Rebecca was educated in Salem,
N. C, and married her cousin. John D. Alexander, son
of Toe McK. Alexander. The Alexander's became very
70 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES.
wealthy. After many years Nancy Alexander died, and
her husband married Betsy Cathy. All have passed away
except John D. Alexander, who recently took a second
wife. Henry Cathy married Rebecca Johnston, of Iredell
county, by whom three children were raised, viz: Caro-
line, Rebecca and John Archie. After the decease of Mrs.
Cathy, Henry married Viney Cornelius, of Iredell county.
She was a woman of great industry, really loved to work.
She is now a widow, her children all married, but still
occupies the old homestead.
CHAPTER XXI.
PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES.
To write only of battles and seiges, and of great leaders
of men, and of great events that happen only once in a
century, may be a pleasant past time to the writer and
furnish enjoyable reading to those who are not particular
as to the great facts that underlie our civilization, but it
is unworthy of the purpose intended to be accomplished
by writing history. History, to be true and express facts
as they exist, must reach down among the great common
people, who produce the wealth, pay the taxes, and fight
the battles of their country, as well as to eulogize the for-
tunate few who ride upon the flood tide that led them on
to fortune. Notwithstanding the inhabitants of the
Hopewell section were noted for their piety and morals,
their love of freedom and fair play, they sometimes found
it necessary to protect their honor and self-respect by
personal combat. These personal encounters generally
occurred on public occasions, such as elections, musters
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 71
or sales; sometimes at public places, as the court house,
or blacksmith shop. 1 he blacksmith shop was a noted
adjunct to the civilization of seventy-tive years ago.
These shops were patronized by all classes. The rich and
the educated would frequently spend a few hours chat-
tine^ with their neighbors, hearing and telling the news.
Newspapers were not so plentiful then as now, and the
price was considerably more. So at these public resorts
people would kill two birds with one stone, i. e., get their
si:Uthing done and hear the news.
About seventy years ago there was a family
li^•ing on the eastern boundary of Hopewell, where
ihe town of Huntersville now stands, by the name
of Maxwell, several of whom were deaf mutes, but
all were young and strong. One of the boys, Joe
]\Iaxwell, was an athlete, and unfortunately of an
overbearing disposition and extremely quarrelsome, mak-
ing him a terror to the neighborhood. He had been en-
gaged in many fights, and had always whipped his man.
until he became intolerably insolent. At an election held
at Maxwell precinct, Joe tried to pick a quarrel with Joe
Alexander, a very peacable, quiet man, who refused to
fight him; Maxwell cursed him for a coward. At this
juncture Mr. D. A. Caldwell, a high-toned gentleman,
and one who did not know what fear was, interfered by
telling Maxwell that Joe Alexander was his cousin and
his friend, and that if he was spoiling for a fight he would
accommodate him. Maxwell was almost beside himself
with rage, but thought discretion the better part of valor,
and said: "Alex., I have no quarrel with you. but will
fight Joe Alexander." Mr. Caldwell replied: "If you offer
another insult to my friend I will whip you in an inch of
yo'.ir life." Maxwell was cowed for the first time in his
life; he had met his master and recognized him. Rut his
vindictive character could not rest until he would whip
some one. so he pounced upon John Montcith. a very
clever man and a most excellent blacksmith. Although
72 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Monleith was a vigorous man, and as strong ^nd muscu-
lar as blacksmiths usually are, he was no match for Max-
well. This was seen from the onset, and Monteith soon
called to his friends for help. As they were parted Max-
well said to him, "as soon as you get well from this beat-
ing I will give you another worse than this." The poor
mkn was not only badly punished, but badly frightened,
but did not have the courage to shoot him down as if he
were a mad dog. He watched for his enemy with much
fear and anxiety, knowing he would have to fight a man
of twice his strength, and one who boasted of his prowess,
and was as unscrupulous as he was strong.
Three weeks after his first encounter 'Squire
Robert D. Alexander came to the shop to have
his horse shod, to whom Monteith detailed his
grievances. 'Squire Alexander (father of the author)
was an important character in the neighborhood
as a magistrate, and in this capacity was often
callea on to settle difficulties between neighbors, and kept
many suits from being carried to court. And there is no
doubt Monteith hoped he would cool Maxwell's ardor by
magisterial authority, and save him from the threatened
beating he knew was near at hand. While they were talk-
ing Monteith looked in the direction of MaxweU's house.
The shop was not more than 300 yards distant, when he
saw his enemy coming. Instantly he dropped the horse
shoe and put his ax tongs in the furnace and said to the
'Squire, 'T see that devil coming; I reckon he will kill me
this time." He was working his bellows vigorously, as if
making a welding heat, and was very nervous and excited
as Maxwell entered the shop, rolling up his sleeves as
he gloated over his intended victim, said, "John, I prom-
ised you another beating, and am now going to give it to
} ou." Just as Joe was ready to strike, John drew his red-
hot ax tongs from the furnace and grabbed this human
monster by the throat, with the determination born of
fear, to defend himself in the unequal struggle. Joe
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 73
grasped the red-hot tongs near the jaws, and as he jerked
them troni his throat his hands were badly bhsterecl and
his throat perfectly raw and bleeding, his whole being ni
an ai>ony of pain. This was the most desperate fight ever
witnessed in the Hopewell territory. 'Squire Alexander
was the only witness. He decided in favor of Monteith,
'That the use of ax tongs heated in a furnace, were justi-
fial^le under the circumstances; and IMaxwell warned not
to attack Monteith in the future. All costs remitted."
CHAPTER XXH.
HOPEWELL GRAVEYARD.
Some one has said "Those who live upon earth are but
a handful to those who sleep in her bosom." When this
sacred spot was first used as a resting place for the dead
is not accurately known; certainly not before the first
church building was erected in 1765. There is no grave-
stone bearing an ea-rlier mark than 1775. Many secrets
connected with the memorable epoch of the American
Revolution, held both by Whigs and Tories, holding
(ioadly enmity towards each other, of i)rime importance
were unfortunately retained, locked in silence by those
who sleep in this quiet place, that if known today would
settle many questions now in doubt.
The most numerously represented family met with
is the Alexanders. Here is seen the commemo-
rative slab that covers the dust of John McKmtt
Alexander and wife, their two sons. William P.ain
and Joseph McKnitt, and one of their sisters. Mrs.
Rev. C. S. Caldwell, with a mullitudc cf their
74: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
children and their children's children, reaching well into
the fourth generation. The most conspicuous name in
the fourth generation of this conspicuous family is that of
Capt. Francis Ramsay Alexander, son of John R. Alexan-
der. Like many others- he doffed the student's gown for
the warrior's sword; abandoning the pleasant literary
walks of college life to obey the calls of patriotism. Just
as he reached mature manhood, while lighting his coun-
tr}.'s battle in behalf of the State's rights, he was mortally
wounded on the 17th of June 1864, in the terrific battle
of that date near Petersburg, and died on the 19th. His
body was brought home for burial. The funeral was at-
tended by the largest concourse of women and children
that ever assembled here to do honor to the memory of
any one ever laid to rest in this historic spot. It was not
that he was such a devoted child of the church, a special
favorite of the neighborhood, or the great popularity of
his family; the funeral honors accorded him were due to
his heroism in battle, and mutual love existing between
him and his men; yet he was a Christain, a general favo-
rite with his neighbors, and born of a most influential
family. Privates never make a mistake as to the worth
of their captain. Hence at each annual reunion of Com-
pany "K" of the 56th North Carolina Regiment, Captain
Alexander's name is called with profound respect, and his
leadership, which made him a hero, is spoken of with ad-
miration.
John McKnitt Alexander and his great-grand-
son, Capt. Frank. R. Alexander, prompted by the same
patriotic impulse, the former to achieve independence
a: id the latter to maintain it, have their ashes quietly
resting together in this densely crowded city of the dead,
awaiting the glad summons of the resurrection morn,
when all strife shall have ceased, and where tyranny and
oppression are unknown.
Near by is the grave of General William Lee
Davidson, with a bench of brick over it, just
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. «5
as it vvas built more than lOO )ears ago. No shaft of
granite or marble slab has ever been erected to mark the
spot, and tell to future generations, "here lies the dust of
a patriot who gave his life for his country's freedom," The
wife of William Lee Davidson, son of the General, is
buried by the "bench of brick," and has a handsome mar-
ble slab which says whose wife she was, and that she died
in 1842, but does not iell she was a daughter of Major
John Davidson, of Revolutionary fame, and was known
as "Aunt Betsy Lee," a most excellent woman.
Near the entrance is the tomb of Rev. John Williamson
and wife, probably the only preacher ever buried in this
enclosure. The wife of Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell, the first
pastor, is buried here by the side of her patriot father,
Jolm iMcKnitt Aleander. So also is the wife of Rev. Wal-
ter Smily Pharr, mother of Rev. C. S. Pharr, D. D., and
daugiiter of Mrs. Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell. I)uric(l
in the midst of her own kindred.
One of the most noted of those who were buried here
in the last quarter of the i8th century was Francis Bradly,
a patriot of the Revolution. He had taken a most active
part in the skirmish at Mclntire's branch, and for this love
of liberty he was brutally murdered by Tories, November
i-^. 1780. His wife. Abigail Bradly, died September 23,
J 817, aged 69 years, and rests by the side of her husband.
What a peaceful and pleasant change it must be to be
carried from fields of strife to the green pastures ever
found 1;y the River of Life in that world where tlic weary
are at rest and Love reigns supreme. It is with a feeling
of awe and reverence that we pass among those who have
no!jly performed their duty while living, and have been
called to take up their abode in this silent enclosure, and
read their names and learn what is possible of their char-
acters, feeling sure that we will soon be summoned to
dwell in the silent tomb where history ceases, and we pass
into the new life where, yesterday, today an<l tonicrrow
ever remain present.
7G BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Here we read the names of the Torrance family,
of the Latta's, Monteith's, Kerns, Todd's, McCoy's
and many others who were weh known; and also
see names that are entirely forgotten, viz: William Gra-
ham, aged 72 years, died 1818. Reuben Ross, aged 23
years, died July 4, 1824. Capt. John Long, aged 51
}'ears, died 1799, and Peggy Long, his wife, aged 30
years, died July 19, 1799. Who were these people, and
what part did they act in life's great drama? or were they
visitors passing through the country and were drafted by
the pale recruiting officer before they reached their desti-
nation? No one can now tell their story. But stranger
still, some people appear to invite oblivion by not mark-
ing the spot or sepulclire, or chiseling their names upon
stone. The Wilsons, a wealthy, educated and influential
family, closely connected with the Davidsons, Alexan-
ders, Grahams, Osbornes, and Brevards, have left no sign
or mark to prove they found a resting place by the side
of their honored compeers.
So it is with the Kerns family, and hundreds of others
who took an active part in life, and were good and useful
citizens, give no sign to those who would gather up frag-
ments to preserve our country's history, or even to say
they found a grave on their native heath. And yet there
are some names cut in bold letters, unknown to the den-
izens of today, whose history would be interesting if
known, on account of the time in which they lived. For
example of what is meant: John Beatty, aged 83 years,
died January 25, 1804, and wife, Arven Beatty, aged 74
years, died 1797. Richard Rankin and wife, Polly, died
in 1804 and 1803, respectively. John Dougherty, died
1790, aged 46 years. Thomas Blackwood, died 1793,
aged 50 years. These names are now wholly unknown
in the community, however important may have been the
services rendered by those whose names are preserved
on marble slabs. It is more difficult to preserve ordinary
or local fame than it is to win it. What a historical treas-
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 77
ure we would have if only short sketches of the many
heads of families that lie mouldered into dust had been
prepared when the material was fresh and abundant.
Av'hile we have reason to regret the loss of so much by
the carelessness or want of forethought on the part of
our ancestors, we have also greater reason to rejoice that
so much of inestimable value has been kept safely for pos-
terity's use. The history of every generation should be
written, and not allow such wide gaps of time to inter-
vene, which prove broken links in the historic chain con-
necting widely separated epochs of our civilization. Only
in this way can history be preserved in its entirety. In
this age of schools, wdiile progress is the watchword,
would it not be wise for the State to estabhsh a depart-
ment of history — for the writing of history — for the ben-
efit of those w^ho will live in the future, as well as to satisfy
the reading people of today.
We are now living so fast, literally traveling by elec-
tricitv. that we accomplish in ten years in this present era
what it took one hundred years to accomplish a cen-
tury ago. It is now^ a necessity to record new
discoveries, new developments and rapid changes in
a better way than in new^spapers and periodicals if wc
would carry into the future a correct account of the mad-
dening rush that is driving us forw^ard. If the ashes of the
wisest ones who have been asleep for fifty years could
avi^ake. see and hear what changes had been made since
their departure, they would scarcely give credence to the
true stories, although told by their own kith and kin. A11
discoveries and inventions have been by gradation, as it
were, preparing the mind to receive and comprehend the
wT^ndcrful phenomena thrust with such apparent haste
upon the astonished vision of an expectant world; some-
what after the similitude of Darwinian evolution. We
novv scarcelv feel safe to doubt, muchless deny any dream
Avc hear, even the most unlooked-for.
78 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER XXIII.
REV. JOHN WILLIAMSON.
He entered on the pastorate of Hopewell church Sep-
tember 14, 1818. He was a successful and popular min-
ister; greatly beloved by his people. He built an elegant
brick dwelling near Wilson Davidson's and owned a large
farm, which he cultivated with profit. This farm is now
owned by John N. Patterson, but the elegant residence
h.is been burned. Mrs. Williamson was a most excellent
woman, and as wife ©f the pastor, she was an efficient
Christian worker; greatly beloved by all the people. They
rallied five children, two sons and three daughters. Mr.
Williamson died September 4, 1842, and was buried in
Hopewell graveyard, amidst a large number to whom he
ministered for twenty-four years. Three years later his
wife was laid to rest by his side. The oldest daughter,
Sarah Ann, married Rev. R. H. Caldwell, and moved to
Mississippi, where they now reside in their old age, happy
in the work of the Master.
CHAPTER XXIV.
BETHEL CHURCH.
This section of country being intensely Presbyterian,
we are not surprised that the church of Bethel was built
so early as the first quarter of the present century. Up
to this period Methodism had not taken root in Meek-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 79
lenburg county to any extent. This church was located
on the Beattie's Ford and Concord road, five miles east
of the river, five miles south of Centre church in Iredell
county, and eight miles north of Hopewell. It was iii
the midst of a great deal of wealth, but had a small mem-
bership. It was not regularly supplied with a pastor or a
minister, as the older churches were, but had service in
the earliest days for short times by Revs. McRee, Espie
and others. After 1837 some one of the ministers from
the faculty of Davidson College served the congregation
until 1856. Rev. E. D. Junkin was called to the pastorate
who served only a short time. Dr. Wood, Dr. Phillips
and several others served short terms since the war. The
church seems to be in a more prosperous condition now
than in any former period of its existence. A new brick
house has been recently built, and the congregation is
very much attached to their present pastor, Rev. John
Grier.
Amongst the main supporters in the earl)- days of its
existence were A. B. Jetton, Robert Potts, William Pat-
terson, David A. Caldwell and Andrew^ Springs. These
were all elders, men of honor and unswerving integrity.
Patrick Johnston and his two sons, James and Houston
Johnston, and William G. Potts, with their families, were
amongst the early attendants. Robert Henderson and
his family, John Knox and his three sons. Robert, John
and Andrew, S. M. Withers, J. R. Gillespie, were all prom-
inent members, and some of whom were elders. In late
years the church was served by Rev. L. K. Glasgow for
ten years, with a bench of elders composed of Martin
Alexander, W. H. Goodman, L. A. Potts, J. M. Wilson,
Robert Knox and J. B. Alexander.
A most excellent high school was taught near tlie
cliMrch by Rev. L. K. Glasgow, extending from 1875 to
1885. It was patronized by the entire community, and
accomplished a great deal in an educational i)(>in1 of \ icw.
He. was a successful teacher. The change in this inuncdi-
80 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ate neighborhood in the last ten years has been ahiiost
revolutionary, by the death of several of the most prom-
inent persons, such as William Patterson, Lawson Potts,
Banks Withers, and the moving away of several other
families, leaving their lands to tenants who do not take
much interest in schools, educational plants requiring
constant nursing to keep them vigorous.
CHAPTER XXV.
GIIvEAD CHURCH.
A temple erected to the worship of God a hundred
years ago deserves more than a passing notice. Like
everything else connected with the latter years of the
i8th century, but little is now known, and that little fast
falling into oblivion. What a historical loss is sustained
b}- the present generation by not having kept a record of
the pioneers of that age in church matters, as well as State
craft. It would be of great interest to know who were
the nrime movers in oro;anizine' the A. R. P. Church that
has been the source of so much spiritual good in all that
section of the county. The church record is said to have
been lost, and with it all the early history except what we
have by tradition, and a few facts preserved incidentally
in connection with Prosperity and Codle Creek churches.
Gilead church occupies a site on the Beattie's Ford road
fifteen miles northwest of Charlotte, and five miles from
Hopewell. During this period of a little over one hundred
years the people of Hopewell and Gilead were to all in-
tents and purposes one people, the two churches one in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 81
doctrine, creed and church government; and the only dif-
ference the Associate Reformed held to was close com-
munion, and only the Psalmody for church music. Time
has wrought recently some changes in the form of wor-
ship, even in this particular branch of the church. They
no longer use "tokens," as was an invariable custom
twenty-five years ago. They no longer forbid Christians
of other evangelical churches to commune with them at
the Lord's table. They no longer require communicants
to be seated around the table, but are served in their pews
as other branches of the Presbyterian church. Neither
are they so bitterly opposed to instrumental music in
their worship. But to this day Gilead has not adopted
the use of an organ. It was my fortune to practice med-
icine in almost every family in Gilead congregation for
thirty years, and I cheerfully bear testimony they were
the best people I ever knew, and I knew them intimately.
Gilead graveyard is not so rich in historic lore as sev-
eral others in Mecklenburg county. The grave stone of
Mrs. McKnight bears the earliest date of any tablet in
this enclosure, viz: 1811. It is more than probable many
were buried here before Mrs. McKnight. In looking over
this quiet cemetery we see the names of a number who
were natives of Ireland i. e. David Smith. James Smith.
Esther Smith and Eliza Smith. John Alcorn and his two
sisters, Mrs. Sarah Nantz and Mrs. Margaret Alexander.
Patrick Johnston and his numerous descendants. A cen-
otaph to the memory of his grandson, Barnabas Alexan-
der Johnston, who was killed in the battle of Spottsylva-
nia, May 12, 1864. Also the names of John Blakly, John
Bell, Thomas Alcorn, Daniel McAulay, Hugh McA-ulay
and others who gave their lives for their country. Proli-
ably no Revolutionary soldier rests here, except Daniel
McAulay, but many who contended for the Confederate
cause, which our Southrrn people will aUvnx's hold dear.
probably John Boycc was the first pastor, as wo Icrn-ii lie
w:.s ii) charge of Codle Creek, Prns])ority, Gilead and
82 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Hopewell in South Carolina. He could not have given
more than one-fourth of his time to either one of his sev-
eral charges. He appears to have continued here for
about five years. He died March i8, 1793, and was buried
at Hopewell, in South CaroHna. The second pastor was
Rev. James McKnight. He was installed pastor of Gi-
lead, Codle Creek and Prosperity in 1797. He continued
to serve these churches for many years, and ceased from
his labors September 17, 1831. He was a most remark-
able preacher. Two sermons a day was his ordinary rule.
Beginning by 10 o'clock and giving a short interval for
refreshments, he would preach sometimes until it was so
dark he would call for candles to read and sing the last
Psalm. The stars would be shining brightly before the
people would reach home, if they had but two or three
miles to go. It was common for them to provide them-
selves with pine torches to light them home.
The pioneers in the movement to organize Gilead
church first thought of building the house of worship by
the side of Baker's graveyard, where quite a number of
A. R. Presbyterians had been buried, but believing the
site selected more central it was agreed to build where
the present new and elegant brick church now stands.
The present site was first occupied by a block house, or
wooden fort, in which the whites would congregate to
better defend themselves against hostile Indians. The
neighbors also had an enclosure at the spring (near by)
for penning cattle, to protect them from roving bands of
Indians. Experts with the rifle could easily pick off cat-
tle thieves from the fort without exposing themselves.
Mrs. Nellie Torrance, who died many years ago, related
the story of the fort (which she had often seen, as she
lived in the neighborhood), to Mr. E. A. McAulav, now a
venerable elder in Gilead, who kindly gave the above ac-
count to the writer. There are now living but few who can
contribute anything of a past generation.
The deed to the church land was made to Alexander
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S3
Baldridge (Rev.), William Henderson, David Smith,
Hugh Lucas and others. Lucas lived near Cowan's Ford
at the time the battle was fought there February i, 1781.
The first elders were William Henderson, David Smith
and Hugh Lucas. Some years later Patrick Johnston,
William Beard and Gilbreth McKnight. Still later we
have the names of James Blakely, White Morrow, Ewart
Bell, John Bell, Sr., John Price Bell, Jr. About this time
some of the most prominent members were Daniel iMc-
Aulay, James Smith and his sisters, Esther and Eliza,
Polly Bell. Jane Bell, Sally Bell, James Goodrum and
wife, Martha, Harrison Goodrum, Eli Alexander and his
sons, Ezekiel, Moses, Martin and Eli. More recently
the elders were Green Barnett, Benjamin Brown, Jessie
N. Whitlow, Dixon Ewart, D. H. Fidler, Alexander
Gibson and Samuel Black. All these have passed away.
John Alcorn and wife, "Aunt Polly," were active mem-
bers, but are numbered with those who have died.
The bench of elders now in charge, and who have
passed the meridian, are Eli B. Alexander, W. A. Alexan-
der, M. B. Alexander. J. F. M. Beard, E. A. McAulay.
And amongst the most prominent members are J. M.
Alexander, John Bell Alexander, Richard Blythe. H. C.
Hubbard, J. T. Cashion. W. T. Cashion, etc.
Rev. John Boyce was the first pastor, installed 1701.
Rev. James Mcknight installed 1797, and died 1831.
Rev. John Hunter, a man of great ability, immensely pop-
ular, and had a peculiar intonation of voice that always
held the attention of his audience, was installed 1844.
He remained about eight or ten years, and was followed
bv Rev. Robert Thomas Taylor, who was succeeded by
that great and good man. Rev. .Alexander Ranson, D.D..
who held the pastorate for about twenty years, when he
was called to his reward. Tn regular succession. Revs.
V). G. Caldwell. W. Y. Love. William AT. TTunter; the last
three pre still living, and ATr. Hunter in charge.
84 EiUGKAPHICAL SKETCHES,
CHAPTER XXVL
MANNERS, HABITS AND CUSTOMS.
In all this section of country the people were strongly
impressed, not only with the principle of self-reliance,
bi.it with integrity of purpose in character building. They
were devoted to the principles of the Presbyterian faith.
The basis of this was in family government. The features
of the early settlers were prominent, well defined, and
bespoke the true character of the men and women of that
day. That stern look, to some betokened hardship, but
was only a covering that concealed from the world a lov-
ing nature that was all sunshine in the privacy of the
family. Family government was strict in deed, obedi-
ence, absolute obedience, was required in every family,
and every requirement had to be complied with. The
chMrcn were early taught the shorter catechism, and it
had to be so thoroughly memorized that each member of
the family could ask and answer every question from be-
ginning to end without a book. In this period of our
coimtry's civilization the "rod," or "switch," was an im-
portant factor. The pendulum probably swung too far
in forcins; obedience bv such harsh means at that time,
but it is equally certain it now swings too far on the other
side, as we frequently see children governing their par-
ents. This is a sad mistake now being made, and we can
expect only to reap bitter fruit. A people brought
up under the influence of Calvin and Knox would have
disappointed the world if they had not produced just
such a posterity as those who migrated to this Hopewefl
section of Mecklenburg county.
The good old plan of building a high school under the
shadow of all Presbyterian churches in those early days
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 85
was not carried 'into ertect in this territory, as was done
at Centre, Rocky River, Sugar Creek, Providence, etc. it
is impossible at this late day to give a correct reason why
this was not done. The young people must have been
sent off to neighboring schools, for we have reason to
believe the great majority were pretty well educated.
There were several primary schools, whose only fame left
behind was the autocratic power of the teacher. In the
period of which we write the ordinary agreement between
the teacher and employer was, they were to furnish the
pupils and the books, and he was to do the whipping.
The punishment was not only severe, but sometimes bru-
tal. Teacher and hickory were inseparable, putting in
knowledge through the flesh as w^ell as through the mind.
A teacher who could not and did not whip every one of
liis pupils was considered a poor make-shift for a teacher.
Just before the closing of a school term it was a custom-
ary rule to bar the teacher out until he would promise to
treat to apples, candy, or give a holiday.
This was an undertaking in which the pupils considered
well worthy of counting the cost before engaging in the
contest. They knew if the teacher succeeded in forcing
an entrance they would be severely whipped; and the
teacher also knew if he failed to get in the boys would
force him to treat, even if they had to tie him and duck
him in the branch. Ordinarily the teacher would agree
to treat rather than be handled so roughly. There was
no shoddy education in those days. Latin and Greek
was the basis, or foundation of education in the olden
lime. A Presbyterian minister who could not read Latin
and Greek fluently would hardly have been granted
license to preach, and if licensed, would have been con-
sidered a freak of nature. I remember to have seen two
o\f\ men. twin brothers, in 1852, who were gentlemen of
leisure, who read Latin and Greek as fluently as any one
now reads a newspaper. Then an education meant thor-
oughness, not sham or vcneorin<7.
86 BIOGUAPHICAL yKETCHES.
it has always been a pride of the Pres'byterian church
to have an educated ministry. And we doubt if the min-
isters of the present are quite so weh learned in the lan-
guages of the ancients, from which the English has been
derived, as were the ministers of lOO years ago. The med-
ical men of that period studied medicine in books written
in Latin. Galen's works held the highest rank as text
books. And many old portraits of medical men have
been painted holding a volume of Galen in their hands.
Dr. Joseph McKnitt Alexander was the first physician
we know of who lived in this territory; although Drs.
Harris and McLean did some practice and much surgery
in this part of the county. The former lived in Cabarrus
country, and the latter in what is now Cabarrus county.
Physicians were few and far apart, consequently could
not visit their patients very often. A story is told of Dr.
Harris having been sent for frequently to see a dropsical
patient, and becoming tired of tapping him so often, he
roughened a goose quill by scraping it both ways, and in-
serted it like a trocar into the old man's abdomen and
left it there as a modern drainage tube, knowing it could
not slip in or out. Of course, it quickly lighted up 'an
inflammation that soon carried the old man ofif. This was
long before the great discoveries that we are acquainted
with now had been brought to light; before the Germ
theory was thought of, or antiseptics had a place in the
materia medica. Before a clinical thermometer, or hypo-
dermic syringe had been dreamed of. But notwithstand-
ing the want of these new remedies and appliances of re-
cent date, and ignorance of the myriads of spores, germs,
microbes that are now held responsible for all the ills flesh
is heir to; these same old doctors were as successful in
fighting off the last enemy and restoring their patients
to health as the most learned M. D.'s of this advanced
age of medical science. But probably a hundred years
ago the people had greater stamina or resisting power
when assailed bv disease than now.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 8?
Dr. Isaac Wilson did an extensive practice throughout
all this section of the county from 1825 to i860. He was
a self-educated physician, had the confidence of everyone,
was ahvays pleasant and agreeable; he was immensely
popular. He kept a pack of fox hounds, was fond of the
chase, and frequently joined in with his neighbors on cer-
tain occasions w'hen his or their friends wished to engage
in a spirited hunt, when they would have fifteen to
twenty dogs in the chase. Only those w4io have taken
part in a fox hunt can appreciate the excitement when
the pack is in full cry and Reynard has lowered his
brush, the sportsmen know^ the end is near and each one
is anxious to be present at the catch. The horses become
so excited they will keep up with the hounds w^ithout
whip or spur. This old-time sport has disappeared, prob-
ably because the fox family moved away, as no longer
.'ippreciated by our advancing civilization.
These w-ere the days of African slavery, when the ne-
groes w^ere happy creatures, owaied by Christian masters,
their every need w-as supplied, wdiether crops were plen-
tiful and prices good, or drought stared them in the face.
V/hen sick the best medical skill was employed to attend
them, and the "white folks" gave every dose of medicine,
in fact watched after them with the same solicitude they
gav'^e their children. These slaves were w^ell housed, well fed
and well clothed; and a fact of physiological interest, not
one in a thousand ever had consumption. These negroes
v\'ere guardians of their master's interests, were proud of
their master's family, and most cordially hated "poor
v./hite trash." lUit times have changed, the negro is free,
is no longer cared for, either in health or sickness; he has
fallen an easy prey to consumption, has but little atten-
tion when .sick, and his mind has been poisoned by politi-
cal demagogues until he believes the whites arc his ene-
Mi( s, yet they are the only ones he can ajipcal to with any
hope of relief. Their best and happiest days passed away
when their freedom was thrust upon them.
88 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER XXVII.
October 6, 1896.
D'-. J. B. Alexander,
Dear Sir: Your favor of the ist inst. at hand; contents
noted. With pleasure I comply with your request. When
I left home to learn a trade I had no thought of gene-
alogy. While rambling from place to place I was told
bv some that I was Irish, others that I was Scotch. After
seventeen years I went home on a visit, in 1850. Uncle
John (No. 4), was the only one of the old folks left. He
tolrl me that between 1730 and 1740, four brothers, Carr,
sailed from the north of Ireland and settled in Dela-
ware. They came down south; two of them settled in
Mecklenburg, one went west, and one went to Jamaica,
W. I. In 1847 I was in Jamaica, and the largest dry goods
store in Kingston was owned by R. C. Carr. I didn't then
know that he and I belonged to the same stock.
One of the four brothers, Robert, was my great-grand-
father, and is the only one that I can tell anything about.
It was at his place, Mclntyre's Branch, that the British
sergeant was shot while tumbling forage out of the barn.
0. Robert Carr was born in 17 10; died 1789.
Margaret, his wife, was born in 171 7, June 20th, died
1769.
Jeanet Carr, daughter of Robert and Margaret Carr,
was born in 1747; not married.
William Carr, son of Robert and Margaret Carr. was
born 1749; died 1778.
1. Robert Carr, son of Robert and Margaret Carr,
was born 1750; died 1843.
0. My great-grandfather.
1. My grandfather.
^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 89
JrAm Carr. son of Robert and Margaret Carr, was born
?. Margaret Kerr, daughter of Robert and Hannah
Kerr, was born December 2g, 1770.
Richard Kerr, son of Rol^ert and Hannah Kerr, was
bor-i 1/^2; batchelor.
3. Hannah Kerr, daughter of Robert and Hannah
Kerr, was born 1776.
Samuel Kerr, son of Robert and Hannah Kerr, was
born 1778.
4. John Kerr, son of Rol^ert and Hannah Kerr, was
born 1782.
MY GRANDFATHER'S FAMILY.
5. Robert Carr and Barbara Brown were married De-
cember 5, 1775.
6. Hugh Carr, son of Robert and Barbara Carr, was
bom September 27, 1776.
7. WilHam Carr w^as born December 29, 1778.
8. Margaret Carr w^as born February 2, 1781.
2. Married a Mr. Martin, by whom she had three sons. Her oldest
son, William, was licensed a Methodist preacher in 1827, and after
preaching 61 years, died in Columbia, S. C, in 1889, leaving two child-
ren, Dr. Henry Martin, and Miss Isabel Martin, who was instructor in
English language and literature in Dr. Atkinson's school there.
3. Married a Mr. Martin, whose son, James, gave Martindale its
name. The descendants are in that section.
4. Uncle John lived about a mile from where he was born. Had six
sons and one daughter. Thomas Milton Kerr and other grandchild-
ren are there.
5. My grandparents.
6. Uncle Hugh had four sons and five or six daughters. He went
west in 1826 and settled in the northwest corner of Mississippi. His
children married and scattered. Just before the war he and one of
his sons went to Arkansas and settled forty miles west of Camden.
7. My father.
8. Married Abram Martin, who died in Mecklenburg. In 1S34 Aunt
Margaret, with three sons and three daughters, went to Tennessee^
and later to Mississippi.
UU BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
o. John Carr was born September i, 1783.
10. Alary Carr was born August 4, 1786.
Jean Carr was born January 17, 1787; never married.
Barbara Carr was born April 14, 1791; never married.
Rachel Carr was born November 3, 1793; never mar-
ried.
11. Esther Carr was born June 23, 1797.
MY FATHER.
William Carr's family was three sons and two daugh-
ters.
Robert Crockett Kerr, the writer.
Aiargaret Kerr, died 1855.
James H. Kerr, died- 1855.
John A. Kerr, died 1833.
Mary Isabella, died in New Orleans June 6, 1884.
IViy great-grandfather was buried in the old graveyard
at Sugar Creek, and I think he was a member of that
church. Of his children Nos. 2, 3 and 4 were Methodists.
My grandfather and all his children, so far as I can
recollect, were members of the Presbyterian church,
Hopewell.
My parents were members of Hopewell church, and
during my boyhood I went there with my parents. Dr.
John Williamson was pastor.
I was glad to learn that you were preparing a history
of Hopewell. I hope some persons may be found who
v/ill write the history of each of the seven Presbyterian
churches of Mecklenburg that were organized during the
old colonial days. I believe that Centre, Rocky River,
9. Uncle John, with two sons and three daughters, went to Tennes-
see in 1834, and settled near Jackson.
10. Aunt Mary and her husband, Allison Clark, went to Tennessee
in 1824.
11. Aunt Asther married Elihu McCracken. Their children and
grandchildren are in Mecklenburg and adjoining counties.
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. Ul
Poplar Tent, Hopewell, Sugar Creek and Steel Creek
were all organized as churches before the Revolution, in-
iorniation may be gathered from session records and tra-
ditions lianded down from fathers to sons, and names and
dates on the tombstones in the old cemeteries; also from
the family records in the Bible. Those old Presbyterians
always had the Bible at home, and any record made in it
could not be disputed.
Every year you good Mecklenburgers have a "Fourth-
of-July" celebration on the 20th of May, being the tirst
Declaration of Independence.
I believe that during this century, now closing, Meck-
lenburg has given to the Presbyterian church — fathers,
sons and grandsons — more ministers than any other
county in the United States. Although little of my man-
hood has been passed there, I can recollect Dr. Caldwell
at Sugar Creek seventy to seventy-live years ago. I knew
two of his sons who were preachers. Now seven of his
grandsons are preachers. Although not born in Meck-
lenburg, they are all of good Mecklenburg stock. Dr.
William Flinn, orraduate of Davidson, and his son, is a
preacher. His brother, Andrew, who married Harvey
Wilson's sister, had two sons who are preachers. ("Robt.
Morrison, a member of Rocky River church, had eight
grandsons who were Presbyterian preachers. Their names
w^cre S. H. Morrison, L. R. Morrison, R. M. Morrison.
A. W. Morrison, R. H. Morrison. G. N. Morrison, Amzi
Rradshaw and R. C. Garrison. The last three were living
in 1881.") — From my scrap book.
I have been trying to brighten up my memory of boy-
hood days. I recollect an Uncle Joe Carr, a cousin (so I
was told), of my grandfather, who lived near what is now
the Capp's mines. He had two sons older than my father.
They all went west in the early 20's. Tt is ])robabl(' tlu'y
were descendants of one of the four brothers.
There was also a cousin of my grandfather in "N'ork
count'^, S. C, who had several sons. T became ac(|uainted
92 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
with two of them in Wetiimpka, Ala., in 1836, say sixty-
years ago. They probably were descendants of the
brother that went west. York was a long distance from
Mecklenburg 170 or 180 years ago.
I am just now recuperating after a six-week's tussle
with bronchitis, and with 83 of time's mile posts behind
me, you can appreciate that I have hard work to keep a
steady hand.
Remember me to all my friends there. Hoping this
will be of service to you.
Very respectfully,
R. C. KERR.
CHAPTER XXVHI.
A MARK OF PECULIAR INTEREST.
Toadyism always tends to disgust the American citi-
zen, as it carries with it a strong semblance of royal sham
Still seen in all the capitals of Continental Europe and the
British Empire. Yet what is ours we do not intend shall
be appropriated by others, although it may only be a
name. In Hopewell graveyard there is a stone that
attracts more than ordinary interest among the great
multitude who sleep in this quiet place. It is one that
marks the grave of Capt. James Knox, who "died in 1794,
aged 42 years." We know absolutely nothing of his his-
tory, and can only say he was the grandfather of Presi-
dent James Knox Polk. So far as the writer is aware, all
histories that have spoken of the birth place of President
Polk declare that he was born in the southern part of
Mecklenburg county, near where the town of Pineville
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 93
now Stands. Both history and tradition says Samuel
Polk married Jane Knox, a daughter of Capt. James
Knox, who lived four miles northeast of Hopewell
church. The Knox house has disappeared, but the foun-
dation stones are still visable, and the spring that sup-
plied the Knox family with water still runs. A most ex-
cellent gentleman, J. L. Ramsay, now occupies
tlie site that was made historic more than a century ago
by being the birth place of President James K. Polk. The
location is between John W. Moore's and J. N. Patter-
son's, one and a half miles southwest of Huntersville. At
this home of James Knox, the father of Jane, who married
Samuel Polk, was the child born who was afterwards
President of the United States. How long Sam Polk
lived here, or whether Mrs. Polk only returned to have
her mother's care during her first trying ordeal, we are
not informed. But we are informed there was a muster
ground here known as "''Polk's old field." This has very
much the appearance that Sam Polk lived here for a while
at least.
We are further informed, and know from evi-
dence that cannot be gain-sayed, that Peggy Alcorn, an
Irish girl who came from Ireland with her mother when
six years old, people of good character, but very poor,
was, when 13 years old, hired by Sam Polk to wait on his
wife and nurse the baby, their first child, James K. Polk,
Jr. This girl afterwards married Eli Alexander, who
lived four miles southwest of Davidson College, where
they raised a family, of which each member proved to be a
good citizen. Ezekiel, T^Tartin, Moses and Eli were all
stauiich Prcsbvterians, and the two daughters, Malissa
married John Bell, and Mary married E. A. McAulay.
No people in North Carolina have a better reputation
for honesty, integrity and truthfulness, and they say it.
and have told their cln'ldrcn that their mother often
spo'.e of the time she waited on Mrs. Polk and nursed tin-
baby who afterwards became president. This little change
94 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in local historical events is only intended to preserve the
truth of history. It is sufficient to be born in Mecklen-
burg to entitle one to all that is good and patriotic, but
to be born in the Hopewell boundary adds eclat to the
fact.
CHAPTER XXIX.
ASSASSINATION OF BEN WILSON.
Probably there has never been a more tragic founda-
tion for thrilling romance than the one laid by the epi-
sode mentioned. This tragedy occurred in the early part
of ihe present century, and there is now no person living
who was personally cognizant of the facts. Tradition has
had much to say with regard to the matter, and it is still
talked of by the people in the section of country where it
occurred. Allen Curry, a brother, and Mrs. Johnston, a
sister of Nixon Curry, lived to old age in this neighbor-
hood, and were people of respectability, and their de-
scendants are numerous in the county. They are esteemed
good, law-abiding citizens. The Curry family lived sixteen
miles north of Charlotte, and about half a mile west of
what is now Caldwell's station, on the Atlantic, Tennes-
see and Ohio Railroad. The property was bought by Mr.
Andrew Springs, many years ago, and every trace of the
family residence is gone, but the Springs branch is still
known as "Curry branch."
Ren Wilson was born of an illustrious ancestry, being
closely connected by a collateral branch, with Gen. Sir
Robert Wilson, of English nobility. One hundred years
a<;o this was the most aristocratic family in the county;
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 95
an account of which is given in another chapter. Ben
Wilson was a son of David Wilson, and was born and
raised four miles northwest of Hopewell church. The fam-
ily was lavish in spending money, and was not religiouslv
scrupidous as to how the money was obtained. They
were fond of horse-racing and card-playing, and had they
lived in the present day, they would have been called
"sports.'' About the year 1820, Nixon Curry, Latta Mc-
Connel and Ben Wilson became very intimate, and occa-
sionally were missed from the neighborhood for six weeks
at a time, no one knowing where they had gone, or the
business that engaged their attention. After awhile cer-
tain farmers noticed that the disappearance of one or
more necrro slaves was coincident with the mvsterious
visits of the trio, to unknowm parts, whence the negroes
nev^r returned.
There was no positive proof that Wilson and Curry
stole the slaves, but everyone beHeved it. The story
handed down is that they would "toll" the negro ofT with
the promise that w'hen sold, they would divide profits
wit'i the negro: have him run aw^ay from his new master
and rejoin the traders, and sell again. This operation
would be repeated several times in different places while
the Southwestern States were settling up: then when
pu=-hed too close they would kill the negro and deposit
his body in some sw-amp or river. This trade was carried
on for a considerable time before much suspicion was ex-
cited. Curry was a man of fine physique, pleasant man-
ners, above the average in acumen, and brave as the brav-
est, in his general traits of character, he closely resem-
bled the XA'^ilsons. But this game could not be continued
always: and after considerable time, it came to Curr\''s
ears that Ben Wilson would turn State's evidence against
Curry, and that he would be free while Ciutv would be
hanged. Being forewarned wil1i this information, he
watched for an opportunity to get his witness out f>f thr
wav. Knowing all the places Wilson visited. nn(l every
96 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES.
path he traveled, he had no trouble to meet him in a
quiet, unfrequented place.
On an afternoon in the month of March, 1821, Ben
\\'ilson was returning home from a visit to a friend, near
where Davidson College now stands, and as he passed by
John Knox's residence, near where the Curry family lived,
he called to Mr. Knox and said: "You had better keep
watch over 'High Flyer,' or you may lose your fast horse."
Wilson passed on in a southwest course about half a mile,
when the sound of a rifle was heard, and soon after Wil-
soi's body was found dead, from a rifle shot. No one
was seen to whom suspicion would point, but from cir-
cumstantial evidence, everybody beHeved Nixon Curry
the guilty party. Alijiost every man in the entire com-
munity was summoned to arrest Nixon Curry. He kept
in hiding several days before arrested. It has always been
a mystery why he remained in the neighborhood, when
he could so easily have made his escape by going west at
that time.
Probably the true reason why he did not escape was
the difficulty of taking his wife with him, whom he was
not Vv'illing to leave behind. He had already had serious
trouble in an encounter with the friends of his wife's
father, and the country being aroused and greatly excited,
it would have been impossible to have escaped with her.
Latta McConnel, having had an interview with Curry,
after his arrest, a time was fixed when Lucy should join
him ir the western part of the State. Arrangements were
made by which McConnel was to be informed twenty-
four hours before Curry was to make his escape from jail,
so that Lucy could be well on her way to the headwaters
of the Catawba before the country would be excited the
second time by the startHng reports of Curry having
broken jail. Notwithstanding the close blood relation
between Ben Wilson and Latta McConnel, the latter
always proved a true friend to Nixon Curry.
He employed "Baldy" Henderson, of Salisbury, to de-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 97
leiid him. He was fortunate in employing Mr. Hender-
son as his influence over a jur}- was not equalled by any
lawyer in the State. His trial was moved to Morganton,
and he was promptly acquitted for want of evidence. But
he was immediately arrested agJiin. charged with stealing
negroes, and put in Statesville jail. He remained there
but a short time, until he was able to break jail, and lind-
ing a splendid horse tied in the rear of the jail, he bid fare-
well to North Carolina. The crime of stealins: a slave
was a felony, punishable with death; and the Governor
\\ as so fully pursuaded of his guilt he offered a reward of
$5,000 for his apprehension.
We now come to a part of his history, after leaving the
territory of which we write, where truth is stranger than
fiction. It is said Curry was a child of impulse from in-
fancy, not quarrelsome, but quick to resent an insult :
that he was in love with a class-mate — Lucy Gordon.
N'.nen they were but children. Their dream flowed
smoothly, until Lucy w^as eighteen, when her parents de-
sired her to marry another, but true to her life-long lover,
she refused to obey her parents, and ran away with Nixon
Curry. When being pursued, he killed his rival and es-
caped. It is said that during his entire life of strife and
crime, he never spoke an unkind word to his wife. After
tarrying a short time in the mountains about the head-
waters of the Catawba, he started for a country more con-
genial to his mode of life. The Territory of Arkansas
was just beginning to be settled, and to this point of the
fertile delta bordering on the St. Francis, now in the State
of Arkansas, an emigrant made his appearance, calling
himself John Hill. He rapidly became the most popular
man in the settlement. Although of moderate means,
he was sober, industrious, generous and of extended hos-
pitalitv. and such continued to be his character in the
country which he had adopted for a period extending over
a dozen vears.
During all of this time not a quarrelsome word
08 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES.
occiirred between liini and any of his neighbors, and
yet all new it was not for lack of courage on the part of
Hill, for of all the hunters that pierced the jungles of
cane in the "Great Swamp" or descended by torch light
into the bowels of the Ozark mountains, he had the rep-
utation of being the most fearless. He was overwhelm-
ingly elected again and again to the Territorial Legisla-
ture, and distinguished himself by his powerful and im-
passioned eloquence, speedily becoming a leader in the
ranks of his party.
He was a member of the convention which formed the
State constitution, and was re-elected the ensuing year
to represent his (Pope) county in the Senate of Arkansas.
And now beoan his second series of misfortunes. Hill's
most intimate neighbors were the Strongs, four brothers
of considerable wealth, a great deal of ambition, and in
the phrase of the country, "famous fighters." A close
and cordial intimacy grew up between them and Hill, and
the latter, most unfortunately and unguardedly, made
George, the elder, a confident to his previous history.
It so happened that George Strong had a most ambi-
tious desire for political distinction, and made a request
of Hill that he should resign his seat in the Senate in his
favor. This he refused to do, and the brothers conspired
for revenge.
Sending to North Carolina they procured a copy of the
reward offered for Nixon Curry, the notorious robber.
The four brothers, powerful and determined as they were,
dared not attempt his capture alone, but secured the as-
sistance of a dozen men and made the attempt to capture
Hill in his own house. The latter never forgot his daily
peril. He always carried an enormous double-barrelled
shot gun, two long rifle pistols, and a formidable knife.
Arkansas has never been noted as a peacefully inclined
State, and in those days its population numbered a
greater per cent, of desperadoes and lawless men than it
did a few vears later. The attack of the Strongs proved a
lilOGKAPHlCAL SKETCHES. 99
dreadful one for themselves. Two of the brothers were
shot dead, while six of the others were badly wounded,
some of them mortally, when the rest of them were glad
to withdraw for the time. The affair caused the most
unbounded excitement throughout Arkansas. The
thought that the chivalrous and highly popular John liill
could be identical with the notorious robber, Nixon
Curry, was staggering to hundreds. Many for a time
rehised to believe it.
Perhaps the state of public feeling can best be shown
by the two following extracts from the Little Rock Ga-
zette: "Among the truest friends of the people of all in,
the present convention, may be named John Hill, of St.
Francis. His energy, eloquence and courage fully entitled
him to the proud place he holds, and, as we trust, will
long- retain, that of the leader of the Arkansas Democ-
racy."
The second extract is taken from the same paper of
1840:
"Bloody AfTray. — A desperate rencontre occurred last
w^eek in St. Francis. Two distinguished citizens were
killed and three deaths resulted from an attempt to ar-
rest John Hill, a member of the last Legislature, and for-
merlv of the State convention, who, it is alleged, is the
notorious robber, Nixon Curry, who committed such
atrocities fifteen years ago in the mountains of North
Carolina."
A requisition was sent by the Governor of North Caro-
lina demanding the surrender of Nixon Curry. The Gov-
ernor of Arkansas published an additional rew^ard for the
arrest of John Hill; and thus between the two it seemed
as if it was about up with the victim.
Hill packed up hastily and set out with his wife and
children for Upper Arkansas, where he knew of the ex-
istence of a band of desperadoes, that he had reason to
believe would j)rotect him. He was pursued In' over a
hundred of the citizens, manv of them unarmed, .'ind onlv
100 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
attending for the purpose of witnessing the sport and se-
curing a part of the niunihcent reward that was offered
for the man's apprehension. HiU was overtaken at Con-
way Court House by these men. He hahed his wagon
and admonishing his wife and children to keep their
pkices, marched boklly forth with his death-deaUng gun
to meet them.
The gahantry of the action, and HiU's incredible brav-
ery, operated in his favor. Many were unwilling to hunt
so intrepid a character, others were afraid, a panic was
created, and Hill pursued his way unmolested.
Subsequent attempts were made to arrest him, but all
resulted tragically, or ludricrously, to those attempting it.
It was known that Hill could never be taken alive, and
many began to believe that he could not when dead.
The constant pursuit and chasing of him changed his
nature. He became morose and sour and unable to fol-
low any regular business. He resorted to the gambling
table for the support of his family. He became a drinker,
too, and was speedily transformed into a bitter and quar-
relsome opponent.
If Hill had been famous among the mountains and
piedmont section of North Carolna, he now became
doubl} so.
Excepting, perhaps, that prince of duelists, James
Bowie, there was never a man who inspired more terror.
Men who had acquired a wide reputation for their deeds
of daring, turned pale when they encountered John Hill.
Bullies who sought quarrels on the slightest pretext, ac-
cepted all manner of insults from him without a word of
remonstrance. (It is said and believed, that during all
tiie wonderful vicissitudes of Curry's most wonder-
ful and tragic life, he never spoke a harsh and unkind word
to his wife. Like Byron's Corsair, he had "one virtue
linked with a thousand crimes.")
One day in September, 1845, while seated at the break-
fast table. Hill burst into tears.
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. lUi
■'W hat's the matter, dear? " inquired his wife.
"i iiave had a dreadful dream: it is a warninu-. 1 saw
George Strong in my sleep, and he kissed me with his
pale lips, that burned like tire, and smelled of sulphur.
1 am sure 1 shall die before sunset. Together we have
encountered perils and hardships. You abandoned wealth
and position for my sake, and you have never spoken an
i.nkind word to me. We have loved from childhood, and
that love has never known abatement. It is this that
tioubles me — not regard for myself. It is indelibly im-
pressed upon my mind that I shall die a horrible death
before sundown, and the thought that it will distress you,
also distresses me."
Tiiese were the exact words of Hill as testified by his
wife and children.
His W'ife told him. "Then, my dear husband, do not
go to court today.'' (The Circuit Court of Pope county.
in which Hill resided, it should be remarked, was then in
session.")
"Yes, my wife, I must go," he replied. "When a man's
time has come, he should not seek to avoid death, but
meet it bravely."
Then, turning to his son, William, a bright boy of thir-
teen, he told him to go and get the Bible, and ui)on it ho
made him swear to kill the man who should kill his father.
"Here comes Moses Howard, he will protect you, pa,"
remarked Mary Hill, the oldest daughter, a lovely girl of
fifteen, who was to be married the next day to the youth
then approaching. Moses Howard, w'ho was a fine-look-
ing powerful man, chatted a few- minutes with the family,
and then went out in company with I lill. who shaved and
dressed himself with particular neatness, embraced his
wife with the warmest affection, and with tears in his
eves, before leavinef.
As soon as the two reached town, Tli11 began drinking
deeply, and showed a more f|uarrelsome disposition ihan
ever. He insulted evcrybodx- that crossed hi-^ path, and
102 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
all the entreaties of the young man failed to pacify him.
Finally he declared that he would clear the court house,
and dashed into the court room with fury depicted in his
countenance. Judge, lawyers, jury, spectators, all made al
ru::ih for the door. One man who lagged behind was
siczed by Hill and beaten unmercifully.
^"oung Howard caught hold of the infuriated man and
attempted to restrain him, when, glaring like a tiger, he
turned upon the youth and struck him to the floor. Be-
fore he could rise Hill sprang upon him and commenced
pounding him.
''For God's sake, stop, Hill. Don't you know me —
your friend — Howard?"
Hill seemed to grow "more furious each moment, and
clutched a pistol, determined to take his friend's life.
Howard grasped the barrel of the pistol as Hill cocked
it, and the weapon was discharged in their hands without
doing any injury. Once more they clinched, and the most
dreadful struggle ensued ever witnessed in the West. The
advantage shifted from one side to the other for the space
cf five minutes, till both were bathed in streams of their
own blood. Even the bystanders looking on through the
windows of the long court house, were struck with won-
der and awe. At length, while writhing and twisting
like two raging serpents, the handle of Hill's huge bowie
knife, unthought of previously, protruded from beneath
his hunting shirt. Both saw it at the same time, and both
cittempted to grasp it. Howard succeeded. Quick as
lightning he drew the knife-l^lade from the scabbard, and
sheathed it up to the hilt in the bosom of his friend and
his sweetheart's father.
"The dream is fulfilled," exclaimed Hill, with a smile
of stransre sweetness that remained on his features even
after he was a corpse. He then sank down and expired
without a e^roan. Howard orazed on him there as he lav.
with that singular smile on his face, and his glazed eyes
BIOGHAPHICAL SKETCHES. 103
open. And then awakening with a start, as if from some
horrible vision of the night, the poor, unhappy youth fell
headlong on the body of his friend, crying in tones that
melted many hardened spectators to tears, "Great God.'
What have I done?" He kissed the clammy lips of the
dead, tried to staunch the bloody wound with his hand-
kerchief, and then, apparently satisfied that all was over,
sprang upon his feet with a scream, "Farewell, Mary.
Your father is gone, and I am going with him," and turn-
ing the point of the gory knift towards his own breast,
would have plunged it into his own heart, had he not
been prevented by the by-standers, who had now
crowded into the room.
The same evening Moses Howard disappeared, and was
heard of no more for nearly two years, when a trader
brought back w^ord that he had seen him in San Antonio,
Texas.
When the shocking news reached Hill's family, the
beautiful Mary burst into a wild laugh. Hopelessly in-
sane, she was taken to New Orleans and placed in an asy-
lum, where she spent the remainder of her most wretched
life.
It will be remembered that Hill enjoined upon his son
to avenge his death. Faithfully did that son obey the
command. When he had reached his sixteenth year, he
left for Texas. He was gone for several months. When
he returned he said to his mother, in reply to her inquir-
ing look: It's done, mother! Poor Howard, I pitied him,
but I had to do it!"
"Poor Mose." said the mother, weeping, "but it could
not be helped. The son of such a brave man as Nixon
Curry must never be called a coward, and besides, it was
your father's order."
[For the facts on which the history of this most re-
m.'irkablc man has been w'Httcn, T am imdor obligations
to Mrs. lohnston, a sister of Nixon Currv, and to her son,
104 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Isaac Johnston, a venerable citizen of Davidson College
also for the use of Arkansas newspapers printed at the
time of the wildest excitement connected with the killing
of Curry. As for the killing- of Ben Wilson, every person
in the upper part of Mecklenburg was familiar with all
the details forty years ago.]
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