Chronology of North Carolina : showing when the most remarkable events connected with her history took place, from the year 1584 to the present time, with explanatory notes, Part 3

Author: Bennett, D. K. (Daniel K.), 1830-1897. 4n
Publication date: 1858
Publisher: New York : J.M. Edney
Number of Pages: 298


USA > North Carolina > Chronology of North Carolina : showing when the most remarkable events connected with her history took place, from the year 1584 to the present time, with explanatory notes > Part 3


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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* One account says, June 20th.


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CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


"Sacred to the memory of Major WILLIAM CHRONICLE, Captain JOHN MATTOCKS, WILLIAM ROBB and JOHN BOYD, Who were killed in this place on the 7th October, 1750. fighting in defence of America."


On the west side of said monument is the follow- ing :


"COLONEL FERGUSON, An officer of his Britannic Majesty, Was defeated and killed At this place, On 7th October, 1780."


On the 7th Oct., 1855, the battle of King's Mountain was celebrated by an assembly of over 15,000 persons. "The Hon. John S. Preston was the orator of the day, to whose effort the following extract will hardly do justice :"


" Up that gorge, along that ridge, rising that steep acclivity, our patriot kinsmen trailed in their own sacred blood as they encircled the ferocious beast who had been preying upon their homes and children. The fierce Ferguson lay crouched at the summit, licking his red chops after his feast of blood, and glaring at the moun- tain hunters as they closed around him. On one side the calm, determined Cleveland came out; out of the deep hollow the bold, and strong, and daring Shelby sprung ; in front came the red-haired Campbell, with the claymore of the Argyles gleaming in his hand, his blue eye glittering with a lurid flame.


41


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


' They met as the terrible foe comes crashing down like a herd of hungry lions; they met with an earth- shock, a tremor, a pause, the rattle, the roar, a groan, a shriek, a wild triumphant shout, and the spirit of liberty, like Pallas watching over her warrior sons, hovered for a moment over this wild mountain scene, and unfolding her purple wings, bore the glad tidings to the Father of his Country, and to the hearts of her fainting soldiery in other regions of her chosen land."-American Organ.


1781.


Battle of the Cowpens . Jany 17th.


Battle of Guilford . March 15th.


In this hard-fought battle the American commander retreated and left the British in possession of the field ; yet the Americans reaped the fruits of victory. Gen. Greene prepared to renew the contest, but Cornwallis now had enough of Greene ; he avoided battle, which before he had so anxiously sought, and retired to Wil- mington, and from thence to Virginia, where he soon became an easy prey to the combined French and American armies under Gen. Washington.


When the victory gained by the British over the Americans at Guilford, was announced in the British House of Parliament, the immortal Earl of Chatham · replied, that "one more such victory would ruin the British army."


Gen. WILLIAM DAVIDSON killed . Feb. 1st.


Dr. ALEXANDER GASTON killed


. Aug. 20th.


Hon. FREDERICK NASH born.


1782.


Hon. JOHN BRANCH born . Nov. 4th.


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CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


1783.


Final treaty of peace between England and the United States . Sept. 3d. Washington resigned his Commission as Commander-in-Chief . Dec. 23d. Gov. BURKE died.


1784.


Gen. JAMES OWEN born in . Dec. Sampson and Moore Counties formed.


1785.


MOSES MORDECAI born. · . April 4th. Rockingham County formed.


1786.


Gen. NATHANIEL GREENE died . June 19th.


Hon. THOMAS RUFFIN born.


Robeson County formed.


1787.


Hon. EDMUND DEBERRY born . Aug. 14th.


Gov. JOHN OWEN born in . Aug.


1788.


A Convention of the people of N. C., at Hillsboro', rejected the Federal Consti- tution . . July 21st.


Seat of Government permanently fixed at Raleigh.


JAMES IREDELL, Jun., born. Hon. LEWIS D. HENRY born.


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CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


1789.


First Presidential election in the United


States . Feb. 1st.


Washington inaugurated at New York . April 30th.


Gen. LovIs D. WILSON born . May 12th.


CHARLES FISHER born . Oct. 20th.


North Carolina accepts the Federal Consti- tution . Nov. 21st. Stokes County formed.


University of N. C. established at Chapel Hill


1790.


Tennessee ceded to the United States by North Carolina . Feb. 25th.


FLORA MCDONALD died


. March 4th.


Mrs. ELIZABETH STEELE died


. Nov. 22d.


WILLIAM HOOPER died


. Oct.


Dismal Swamp Canal incorporated.


1791.


JAMES GRANT born . Feb. 26th.


Hon. ROMULUS M. SAUNDERS born


. March 3d.


Dr. S. B. EVERITT born . June 6th.


JAMES FAUNTELROY TAYLOR born


July.


Buncombe, Greene, Lenoir, and Person Counties formed.


1792.


Hon. DAVID F. CALDWELL born. Hon. WILLIE P. MANGUM born. Cabarrus County formed. Named after


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CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


Stephen Cabarrus, of Chowan' County. He left an immense fortune, which re- verted to Madame Tallien, his sister.


1793.


Hon. JAMES J. MCKAY born.


Rev. HEZEKIAHI G. LEIGH born . Nov. 23d.


1794.


Maj. BENJAMIN M. SELBY born . April 20th. Hon. SAMUEL SPENCER died.


1795.


HINTON JAMES, the first student in the University of the State, arrived from Wilmington . Feb. 12th.


Public instruction commenced . Feb. 13th.


Gen. FRANCIS MARION died . Feb. 27th.


" Next to WASHINGTON, O! glorious shade In page historic shall thy name have place, Deep on thy country's memory are portrayed, Those gallant deeds which time shall ne'er erase.


"Ah! full of honors and of years, farewell ; Thus o'er thy tomb shall Carolina sigh. Each tongue thy valor, and thy worth shall tell, Which taught the young to fight the old to die."


Hon. JOHN L. BAILEY born . Aug. 13th.


Gen. JESSE SPEIGHT born ·


. Sept. 22d.


Hon. BEDFORD BROWN born.


Hon. GEORGE E. BADGER born . April 17th.


1796.


Hon. NATHANIEL BOYDEN born . . Aug. 16th.


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


Hon. ROBERT STRANGE born . Sept. 20th.


Hon. DANIEL TURNER born


. Sept. 26thı.


Hon. RICHARD DOBBS SPAIGHT born.


Gen. ANTHONY WAYNE died · . Dec.


1797.


Hon. WHITMEL HILL died


. Sept. 26th.


Hon. ALFRED DOCKERY born


. Dec. 11th.


1798.


Hon. JOHN M. MOREHEAD born


. July 4th.


1799.


ELISHA BATTLE died . March 6th.


A. W. VENABLE born


JAMES IREDELL died .


·


. Oct. 17th.


. Oct. 20th.


Hon. JOHN WILLIAMS died


. Oct.


Ashe and Washington Counties formed.


Gold first discovered in N. C.


"Raleigh Register" established by Joseph Gales.


1800.


Hon. JOHN SITGREAVES died. DANIEL W. COURTS born . Nov. 26th.


1801.


Hon. DAVID L. SWAIN born . Jan. 4th.


"DAVID L. SWAIN, without the advantages of high birth or fortune, has arisen to positions of power and usefulness in North Carolina ; he has been five times elected to the Legislature, has been solicitor of the Eden- ton District, has once been elected Governor and served one term, has been judge of the Superior Court, a mem-


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CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


ber of the board of Internal Improvements ; and several other high and responsible offices he has filled, with dignity ; he is now (1858) president of the University of the State; which office he has filled for years with great acceptability and distinction. His native place is Asheville, Buncombe County.


1802.


Gen. DANIEL MORGAN died . July 6th.


Gen. MORGAN was a fearless and chivalric officer, he commanded the American troops at the battle of the Cowpens, where he gained a splendid victory, for which Congress voted him a gold medal ; he was also with General Montgomery at Quebec, and General Gates at Saratoga; the following is from his tombstone in the Baptist Churchyard at Winchester, Virginia :


"MAJOR GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN, Departed this life On July the 6th, 1802, In the 67th year of his age. Patriotism and valor were the prominent Features of his Character, And The honorable services he rendered to his Country During the Revolutionary war, Crowned him with glory, and will remain in the hearts of his Countrymen a perpetual monument to his MEMORY."


47


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


1804.


Hon. WILLIAM A. GRAHAM born Sept. 5th. Bank of Cape Fear incorporated.


Moravian Female College established at Salem. This institution still flourishes, and is one of the best female colleges in America.


1805.


CORNWALLIS died. Oct. 5th.


" Charles, Earl of Cornwallis, was born 31st Decem- ber, 173S. He commenced his education at Eton, and completed it at St. John's College, Cambridge. -


He entered the army, and served as aid-de-camp to the Marquis of Granby, in the German campaign of 1761. On the death of his father, in the following year, he took his seat in the House of Lords. He had served in the House of Commons as a member for Eye, in two successive Parliaments.


In 1770, he, with three other young peers, protested. with Lord Camden, against the taxation of America. Mansfield, the chief justice, is said to have sneeringly observed, "Poor Camden could get only four boys to join him."


" Although opposed to the course of the ministry, yet, when hostilities commenced, he did not, as an offi- cer, scruple to accept active employment against America."


" In 1777 he displayed great gallantry at the battle of Brandywine. He defeated Gen. Gates at Camden, in August, 1780. His general orders, on his march from the Catawba to the Dan river, in 1781, do honor to his head as well as his heart. The battle of Guilford


.


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CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


was his last general engagement in America, for at Yorktown, on 19th October, 1781, he and his whole forces, amounting to more than four thousand troops, surrendered to the American and French forces com- bined, under Washington and Count Rochambeau.


" Lord Cornwallis returned to England. His failure in America did not impair his reputation, for he was appointed Governor of the Tower, and in 1786 honored with the order of the garter, and sent to the East Indies in the double capacity of governor-general and com- mander-in-chief. He was distinguished in this elevated position for his gallantry in war against the Sultan of Mysore, and the humanity with which he exercised his power. He returned to England, and, in consideration of his eminent services, was made a privy counsellor, created a marquis, and master-general of ordnance. In 179S he was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, where, by his vigor, he subdued an insurrection, de- feated the French who landed to support the rebels, and by his policy restored tranquillity.


" Soon after, he was sent plenipotentiary to the court of France, and as such signed the treaty of Amiens.


"In 1804 he succeeded the Marquis of Wellesley as Governor-General of India. On his arrival at Calcutta his health failed, and he died at Ghazepoore, 5th Octo- ber, 1805. He left one son, who succeeded to his title and estate. A statue at Bombay preserves, with accu- racy, his commanding person, and the benevolent char- acter of his countenance. His mind was not of sup :- rior brilliancy, but his honor was unimpeached, and his private character amiable.


"Lord Cornwallis, in his person, was short and thick set; his hair somewhat grey ; his face was well formed


40


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


and agreeable. In his manners he was remarkably easy and affable-much beloved by his men."


I am indebted for this sketch to " Wheeler's History of North Carolina," vol. ii. p. 180. This is inserted here because of the notoriety of the man, and his connection, in some sense, with our own State.


1806.


COL. JOHN H. WHEELER born . Aug. 2d.


Col. Wheeler has distinguished himself in North Caro- lina. He was prepared for college by Rev. Jonathan Otis Freeman. He entered the Columbian College, District of Columbia, in 1821, and took his degree of A.B., in 1826, read law with the late Chief Justice Taylor, and was licensed in 1827. In 1828, he received the degree of A.M., at Chapel Hill. In 1827, elected to the House of Commons, in which he served continu- ously until 1830, when he was a candidate for Congress, in the Edenton District, and was defeated by Hon. William B. Shepard.


In 1831, he was appointed by the President, Clerk of the Board of Commissioners, under the Convention with France. In January, 1837, he was appointed by the President, Superintendent of the Mint at Charlotte, which he held until 1841.


In 1842, he was nominated by the Democratic party of Mecklenburg as a candidate for the House of Com- mons, which nomination he declined accepting.


In 1842, he was elected Treasurer of the State: in 1844, was succeeded by Major Charles L. Hinton.


He now commenced collecting materials for the History of the State, which he published in 1831. IIis


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CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


history has been condemned by some as an inaccurate and imperfect work. True, it "contains errors and im -. perfections," as the historian himself acknowledges in conclusion, but


" Whoever thinks a faultless book to see,


Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be."


And when we consider the numerous sources from which Col. Wheeler had to gather his materials, and then the perplexing and laborious business of their arrangement, we unhesitatingly pronounce it a good work, and one which does honor to its author and to the State.


Of the career of Col. Wheeler since 1851, the writer will not here speak, more than to say, he is still alive, and on a foreign mission, in the full enjoyment of the friendship and confidence of his fellow citizens.


1807.


JOHN PAUL BARRINGER died . Jan. 1st.


ALEXANDER MARTIN died


Hon. CHARLES B. SHEPARD born . Dec. 5th.


1808.


Hon. SPEUCE MCCAY died


Columbus and Haywood Counties formed .


1809.


Rev. THOMAS J. CAMPBELL born . Feb. 22d.


For the following sketch of the life of Rev. Thomas J. Campbell, I am indebted to that valuable work, the


r


٠٠


51


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


" Annals of Southern Methodism for the year 1855," by Rev. Charles F. Deems, D.D.


"Thomas J. Campbell was born February 22d, 1809, in Columbus, Cabarrus County, North Carolina ; he removed thence to Morgan County, Ga., in 1815. He obtained an experimental knowledge of religion, July 27th, 1827, and was licensed to preach the Gospel, by the Rev. Thomas Samford of the Georgia Conference, in December, 1827 ; recommended to the Alabama Con- ference in 1845, and travelled Lafayette circuit, Chock- tawhatchie, in 1846 and 1847; Troy, 1848; Blounts- ville, 1849; Buckatonie, 1850; Cahaba circuit, 1851; Butler, 1852 ; Portersville, 1853, and was superannuated at the close of that year; his disease was consumption ; he died in peace with God and all the world. He was a faithful pastor and served his generation for good.


1810.


Hon. WARREN WINSLOW born . Jan. 1st.


BENJAMIN LINCOLN died


. May 9th.


ALFRED MOORE, sen., died . . Oct. 15th.


Hon. THOMAS BRAGG born .


. Nov. 9th.


1811.


Hon. ASA BRIGGS born


. Feb. 4th.


BURTON CRAIG born .


. March 13th.


Hon. GREENE W. CALDWELL born


. April 13th.


JOSHUA G. WRIGHT, died.


" CHANG and ENG," born


. May.


WILLIAM WHITE died


. Nov. Sth.


Gen. FREDERICK GRIST died


. Dec. 26th.


The above mentioned "Chang and Eng" are the celebrated Siamese twins. They left their country for


52


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


America, in 1829, since which time they have travelled over the whole of this continent, England, France, and other countries, "exciting the admiration of the crowd, and the investigations of the scientific." After wander- ing over the whole globe, they have sought the quiet glens of Wilkes County, as the loveliest spot for retire- ment and repose.


They are united together as one by an ensiform carti- lage from the side ; the blood-vessels and nerves of each communicate ; there seems to be a perfect sympathy, for when one is sick so is the other. They go to sleep at the same moment, and wake at the same; they are wealthy, well settled, both happily married, and have interesting families around them.


Sir Astley Cooper, of London ; Dr. Samuel Mitchell, of New York, and several scientific gentlemen have reported upon this singular phenomenon in the natural world. See Wheeler, vol. ii. p. 465.


1812.


Hon. ROBERT T. PAYNE born . Feb. 18th. Roanoke Navigation Company incorpo-


rated.


1813.


Rev. JAMES MCFARLAND born . . Feb. 22d.


Hon. EDWIN G. READE born . . Nov. 13th.


Hon. DAVID S. REID born . . April 19th.


Mr. Reid is a native of Rockingham County, N. C. His first appearance in public life was in 1835, as sen- ator from Rockingham, and he was continuously elected until 1840. In 1843 he was elected to Congress, and


53


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


served until 1847. In 1848 he was nominated for gov- ernor, and was defeated by a small majority. In 1850 he was again nominated and was elected. The distinguishing act that has marked Gov. Reid's career has been his successful advocacy of the cause of free suffrage. In 1854 he was elected to the United States Senate, where he is still a member in 1S5S.


1814.


Rev. JOSIAH JOHN FINCH born . . Feb. 3d.


Mr. Finch was born in Franklin county. He became an eminent minister of the gospel of the Missionary Baptist denomination. See 1850, in this work.


1815.


Gen. CHARLES MCDOWELL died . . March 31st.


Gen. JOHN STEELE died . Aug. 14.


Gen. Steele, after holding several high and responsi- ble offices under Gen. Washington and John Adams's administration, was, on the 14th day of August, 1815 (the day of his death), elected to the House of Commons.


The following is from his tombstone :


[On the west side.] "In the memory of GENERAL JOIIN STEELE, Died Aug. 14th, 1815," aged 50."


LI


54


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


[On the east side.]


" Consecrated by conjugal and filial affection. An enlightened Statesman ; a vigilant Patriot ; an accomplished Gentleman.


The archives of the country testify the services of his short and useful life. Long will that country deplore his loss ; but when will this


sequestered spot cease to witness the sacred sorrow of his family and friends?"


JOHN SEVIER died . Sept. 24th.


Of the life and public services of Gen. Sevier it is unnecessary for me here to speak. A beautiful sketch of his life is given in " Wheeler's History," vol. ii. p. 449. The History of Tennessee and Western North Carolina is his (Sevier's) history. The following inscription from a marble which has been recently erected to his memory, will give the reader some ide of the life, character, and public services of Gen. Sevier :


"SEVIER,


"Noble and successful defender of the early settlers of Tennessee. The first and for twelve years Governor, Representative in Congress, Commissioner in many treaties with the Indians. Ile served his country faith-


53


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


fully for forty years, and in that service died. An admirer of patriotism, and merit unrequited, erects this "CENOTAPH."


1816.


Colonel BENJAMIN HAWKINS died. . June 6th.


1818.


DAVID STONE died . Oct. -. .


Hon. SAMUEL LOWRIE died . . Dec. -.


Hon. BLAKE BAKER died.


1819.


Dr. HUGH WILLIAMSON died . May 22d.


1820.


Rev. EVAN E. FREEMAN born . Aug. 15th.


Hon. THOMAS RUFFIN born


. Sept. 9th.


Hon. JOHN WILLIS ELLIS born


. Nov. 23d.


Rev. CHARLES F. DEEMS born


. Dec. 4th.


In the life of Dr. Deems we see the natural results of industry, perseverance, piety and temperance combined. He was licensed to preach in May, 1830; graduated A.B., July, 1839; at twenty years of age he was ap- pointed General Agent of the American Bible Society for the State of North Carolina ; at 21, made A.M., and was elected to a chair in the University of N. C .; at 25, to a chair in Randolph Macon College, Va. ; at 27 commenced the publication of the Southern Metho- dist Pulpit ; at 28 elected delegate to the General


3


السادة


56


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA,


Conference of the M. E. Church South ; at 29, published a very popular religious work, the "Home Altar," and the same year was elected President of Greensborough Female College; at 33, was made D.D., one of the Virginia newspapers declaring him "the youngest D.D. in North America ; " at 34 was reelected to the Gene- ral Conference, and the same year elected President of Centenary College, La., and either president or professor in about eight other institutions.


In 1856, he published " The Annals of Southern Me- thodism for the year 1855." He has published in all twelve volumes of various works. He is still young in years, and has, if spared to an ordinary age, the most valuable portion of his life still before him. Dr. Deems as an orator has few equals.


The writer would here beg leave to call attention to the " Annals of Southern Methodism," as an invaluable historical and statistical work, and one which does honor to the Church, the State, and to its distinguished author. This work for 1856-57 is also published, and its author was a delegate to the General Conference of 185S.


1822.


Davidson County formed.


Hon. ARCHIBALD HENDERSON died . Oct. 21st


Mr. Henderson was an able and efficient lawyer. The following is from his tombstone, in the Lutheran churchyard, Salisbury, N. C. :


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 57


" In memory of ARCHIBALD HENDERSON, To whom his associates at the bar have Erected this monument To mark their veneration for the Character of a Lawyer who illustrated their profession by the Extent of his learning and the unblenched integrity of his life ; of a man, who sustained and embellished all the relations of social life with rectitude and benevolence ; of a citizen,


Who elevated by the native dignity of his mind above the atmosphere of selfishness and party, pursued calmly yet zealously the true interests of his country. His loss was felt with a sincere, general, and unmixed sorrow. Decissit XXI Die Octobris Anno Domini CIO.DCCC.XXII Æt Sue LIV."


1824.


JAMES TURNER died . Jan. 15th.


DAVID CALDWELL died


. Aug. 25th.


Rev. PETER BROWDER born


. Sept. 2d.


STEPHEN HAYWOOD died


. Sept. 11th.


Buncombe Turnpike incorporated.


1825.


Board of Internal Improvements established.


Dr. CHARLES HARRIS died . Sept. 21st.


3* ·


58


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


First charter to a turnpike across "Mills's Gap," from Rutherford to Buncombe, granted to Rev. Samuel, and Asa Edney, and Thomas Case, for twenty years. This was one of the first passes across the mountain and so called after William Mills.


1826.


Clubfoot and Harlowe Creek Canal incorpo- rated . July 4th.


By a singular coincidence, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two illustrious statesmen and patriots breathed their last on the same day, that too the birthday of American liberty, and just fifty years after they had signed the Declaration of Independence. At his own request, the following words mark the last resting-place of Jefferson.


" Here was buried THOMAS JEFFERSON,


Author of the Declaration of Independence Of the statute of Virginia for religious freedom And Father of the University of Virginia."


ISAAC SHELBY dicd


. July 18th.


Gen. GEORGE GRAHAM died


. March 29th.


General Graham was one of the most active of those who figured in the "times that tried men's souls." The following is from the slab of marble that covers his grave at Charlotte.


59


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


"SACRED to the Memory of MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE GRAHAM, Who died on the 29th March, 1826, In the Sixty-eighth year of his age.


He lived more than half a century in the vicinity of this place, and was a zealous and active defender of his Country's Rights in the Revolutionary War


and one of the gallant twelve who dared to attack and actually drove 400 British troops at McIntires, seven miles north of Charlotte, on the third of October, 1780. George Graham filled many high and responsible public trusts, the duties of which he discharged with fidelity. He was the people's friend not their flatterer and uniformly enjoyed the unlimited confidence and respect of his fellow citizens."


First toll gate on the Mills's Gap, November 26th.


1827.


First toll gate on the Buncombe turnpike erected . Oct.


Rev. HUMPHREY HUNTER died


. Aug. 21st.


For a sketch of the life of Mr. Hunter, see 1755, in this work.


60


CHRONOLOGY · OF NORTH CAROLINA.


1828.


JAMES FAUNTELROY TAYLOR died . June 29th. Macon County formed.


1829.


JOHN LOUIS TAYLOR died . Feb.


SHERWOOD HAYWOOD died . . Oct. 5th.


1831.


Principal part of the city of Raleigh burnt Jan. 7th, Capitol of the State at Raleigh burnt . June. Insurrection among the negroes in the coun-


ty of Southampton, Va. . Aug. 21st.


This insurrection was at the instance of Nat Turner, a slave belonging to Mr. Joseph Travis. He, on the night aforesaid, assembled together some fifty or sixty other negroes, and in cold blood butchered fifty-five white persons, on the borders of our State, in the county aforesaid. Nat was taken and hung on the 11th of November, 1831. See Wheeler's History, vol. ii., p. 210. The excitement spread like fire all through North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and even into Kentucky.


1832.


JOHN WHEELER died. . Aug. 7th.


From the papers of that day the following is copied : "Died, on Tuesday, the 7th August, 1832, at his resi- dence in the town of Murfreesboro, JOHN WHEELER, Esq., Postmaster of said place, in the 62d year of his age.


61


CHRONOLOGY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


" He was one of the earliest inhabitants of the village in which he died; he had seen it grow up from one or two scattering houses to the appearance which it now presents. In all his dealings with mankind, he was distinguished for his integrity of character and honesty of purpose. As a citizen, he was faithful to every trust committed to his care ; as a Christian, he was an hum- ble and devout member of the Baptist church for above thirty years ; as a father, he was kind and indulgent to his numerous family ; and as a husband, he was always affectionate. In all his relations to society he sustained an unblemished reputation ; he lived respected by all who knew him, and died deeply mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. During his long, · severe and fatal illness, he manifested the utmost pa- tience and submission to the decrees of an all-wise Providence. He retained his faculties to the last mo- ment. When the hand of death pressed upon him he was conscious of the touch, and did not shrink from it. He embraced his affectionate relations, who were mourn- ing around him, and composedly bid them 'farewell ;' he said that he felt that he was dying; that it was not so hard to die as he had thought ; that he was not afraid to die: that he knew he was 'going to an eternal rest.' Such was the triumphant end of this good man."




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