USA > North Carolina > Historical sketches of North Carolina : from 1584 to 1851, Vol. I > Part 26
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1796.
Lemuel Creecy,
-
1797.
Lemuel Creecy,
1798.
Lemuel Creecy,
Frederick Luton,
1799. 1800. 1801. John Bond,
Richard Benbury,
1802.
John Bond,
1803. John Bond,
1804. John Bond,
1805.
Thomas Brownrigg,
1806. Thomas Brownrigg,
1807.
Thomas Brownrigg,
1808. Thomas Brownrigg, 1809. Frederick Norcum,
1810. Richard Hoskins,
1811. Richard Hoskins,
1812. Richard Hoskins,
1813.
Thomas Coffield,
1814. Richard Hoskins,
1815.
Richard Hoskins,
1816. Henry Skinner,
1817.
Charles.E. Johnson, Rich'd T. Brownrigg,
1818. 1819. Charles E. Johnson,
1820. Charles E. Johnson,
1821. Richard Hoskins,
1822.
Rich'd T. Brownrigg,
James Skinner, Samuel Gregory. James Skinner, Samuel Gregory.
Henry Elliott, James' Skinner.
1786.
Jacob Jordan,
- Stephen Cabarrus, Richard Benbury. Stephen Cabarrus, Lemuel Creecy. Stephen Cabarrus, Benjamin Coffield. Benjamin Coffield, Richard Benbury. Benjamin Coffield, Richard Benbury. Richard Benbury, Benjamin Coffield. Richard Benbury, Benjamin Coffield. Richard Benbury, Shadenck Felton ..
John B. Bennett, Stephen Cabarrus. . Stephen Cabarrus, Reuben Small. Stephen Cabarrus, Reuben Small. Stephen Cabarrus, Reuben Small. Stephen Cabarrus, Samuel McGuire. Stephen Cabarrus, Reuben Small. Stephen Cabarrus, Benjamin Coffield. Samuel McGuire, Baker Hoskins. Frederick Norcum, Baker Hoskins. Samuel McGuire, Baker Hoskins. Samuel McGuire, Miles Welch. Samuel McGuire, Micajah Bunch. Thomas Coffield, Samuel McGuire. Micajah Bunch, Thomas Coffield. John Goodwin, Henry Skinner. John Goodwin, Henry Skinner. Wm. Saunders, Henry Skinner. Richard T. Brownrigg, Jeremiah Mixson. Jeremiah Mixson, James Skinner. Samuel McGuire, Samuel Gregory. James Skinner, Samuel Gregory.
97
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
Years. Senate.
House of Commons.
1823. William Bullock,
Joshua Mewborn, Wm. Walton.
1824. William Bullock,
Wm. Walton, J. N. Hoskins.
Wm. Walton, Joshua Mewborn.
1826. William Bullock,
Josiah McKiel, William Jackson.
1827. William Walton,
1828. William Walton,
1829.
William Walton, +
1830.
William Walton,
1831.
Rich'd T. Brownrigg,
1832. William Bullock,
1833. Jos. B. Skinner,
1834: Samuel T. Sawyer,
1835.
William Bullock,
1836.
William W. Cowper,
1838.
Rufus R. Speed,
Thomas S. Hoskins. Robert T. Paine. Robert T. Paine.
1840.
Rufus R. Speed,
Wm. R. Skinner.
1844. Whitmel J. Stallings,
Robert T. Paine.
1846. Whitmel J. Stallings,
Robert T. Paine.
1848. Henry Willey.
Robert T. Paine.
1850. Henry Willey,
Wm. C. Bond.
CHAPTER XX.
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
Date of formation-Origin of name, situation and boundaries-Capital-Popu- lation and products-Revolutionary history-Original documents relative to the battle of King's Mountain, fought Oct. 7, 1780, in which the British and Tories were routed, and their commander, Colonel Patrick Ferguson, was killed, and others-List of members.
CLEAVELAND COUNTY was formed in 1841, out of Rutherford and Lincoln Counties, and derives its name from Colonel Benjamin Cleaveland, of Wilkes County, who with a detachment of men from Wilkes and Surry under his and the command of Major Joseph Win- ston, engaged in the battle of King's Mountain. For life, character, and services of Colonel Cleaveland, see the chapters on Wilkes and Watauga (chapters 78, 80).
It is situated in the south-western part of the State, and is bounded on the north by Burke County, on the east by Lincoln and Gaston, on the south by the South Carolina line, and on the west by Ruther- ford and McDowell Counties.
Its capital is SHELBY, which town preserves the name of ISAAC SHELBY, a distinguished revolutionary officer, whose biography is here recorded. Its distance from Raleigh is one hundred and ninety miles, and located on the main road from Rutherford to Salisbury; through which the stage passes tri-weekly.
1825. William Bullock,
William Beyrum, Wm. Jackson. Josiah McKiel, Wm. Beyrum. Wm. Beyrum, George Blair. Wm. Jackson, George Blair. Josiah H. Skinner, Wm. Jackson.
Josiah H. Skinner, Baker F. Welch.
Baker F. Welch, Chas. W. Nixon.
Baker F. Welch, Wm. Beyrum. "
Wm. Beyrum, Thomas S. Hoskins.
1842. Whitmel J. Stallings,
98
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Near Shelby is a celebrated mineral spring (Wilson's), justly cele- brated for its excellent sulphur water; and is much resorted to in the summer by invalids and the votaries of pleasure.
ยท Its climate is healthful, soil luxuriant, and its inhabitants indus- trious.
Its population is 8,592 whites ; 57 free colored ; 1,747 slaves; 9,697 repre- sentative population.
Although a new county, its revolutionary history is full of glow- ing incidents. It was on the heights of King's Mountain, which is partly in this county, that on the 7th Oct., 1780, the brave moun- taineers of this region attacked the British troops under Colonel Ferguson, routed them and slew him.
This glorious achievement occurred at a most, gloomy period of the Revolution. The tide of war had flown disastrously to American liberty. The battle of Camden had prostrated all the hopes of the patriots, and encouraged the enemies of America. But this battle turned the tide in the South; as the victory of Trenton under Washington, did at the North.
In a letter of Thomas Jefferson, dated in 1822, a copy of which is before us, in relation to this victory, he says, "I remember well the deep and grateful impression made on the mind of every one, by that ever memorable victory. It was the joyful enunciation of that turn in the tide of success, that termi- nated the revolutionary war with seal of our independence."
It was achieved by raw, undisciplined men, who never before were in battle, without any government officers, or any authority from the government under which they lived and for which they fought, without pay, rations, or ammunition, reward, or the hope of reward. The spirit that animated them was the patriot spirit that feels "how sweet it is to die for one's country.'
The minute occurrences of this battle have been detailed in the biography of General McDowell, of Burke County, to which the reader is referred. The documents now for the first time collected and published, afford the most satisfactory and complete proofs of this interesting and important event.
The life and character of ISAAC SHELBY, that is preserved in the name of the capital of this county, is worthy the attention of every lover of his country.
His father, General Evan Shelby, was a Welchman by birth, and came to this country when a small lad. He settled in Maryland about a century ago. He was distinguished for his indomitable courage, iron constitution, and clear intellect. He fought as a Captain of Rangers under Braddock; and distin- guished himself in the attack under General Forbes in 1758, in which he led the advance, and took from the French Fort Du Quesne.
In 1772 he removed to the west, and in 1774, commanded a company under Lewis and Dunmore, against the Indians, on the Scioto River. He was in the sanguinary battle of Kenhawa, Oct. 10th, 1774, when Colonels Lewis, Fleming, and Field were killed, and he was left the commanding officer.
In 1779, he led a strong force against the Chicamauga Indians, on the Ten- nessee River; and was for his services and gallantry appointed a Brigadier- General by the State of Virginia; the first officer of that grade ever appointed on the western waters.
99
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
Such was the ancestor of Isaac Shelby. He was born in Maryland, Dec. 11th, 1750. Born to the use of arms, blessed with a firm and Herculean frame, capable of great fatigue, his education was such as fitted him for the scenes in which he was by Providence destined to become so prominent an actor. His first essay in arms was as a Lieutenant, in a company commanded by his father, in the celebrated battle at the mouth of the Kenhawa, on October 10th, 1774, on the Ohio River, the most severe and sanguinary conflict ever main- tained with the north-western Indians. The action was from sunrise to sun- set, with varied success. Night closed the conflict; under its cover the cele- brated chief, Cornstalk, who commanded the Indians, abandoned the ground.
He was employed as surveyor under Judge Henderson's company, and re- sided in the then wilderness of "that dark and bloody ground," Kentucky, amid dangers, privations, and difficulties, for nearly a year ; when from expo- sure, without bread or salt, his health gave way, and he returned home.
During his absence, in July, 1776, he had been appointed Captain of a minute company, by the Committee of Safety in Virginia.
In 1777, Patrick Henry, then Governor of Virginia, appointed him Commis- sary of Supplies for an extensive body of troops to guard the frontiers and the commissioners, who were appointed to form a treaty at the Long Island of the Holston River, with the Cherokees.
He was, in 1778, a member of the Virginia Legislature from Washington County, and was appointed by Thomas Jefferson, then Governor of Virginia, a Major in the escort of guards to the Commissioners, for extending the line between Virginia and North Carolina.
By that line his residence was found to be in North Carolina, and he was by Richard Caswell, then Governor of North Carolina, appointed Colonel of Sul- livan County.
In the summer of 1780, he was engaged in Kentucky, surveying, locating, and securing the lands which he had five years previously marked out, pre- pared and improved ; when the disastrous surrender of, Charleston, and the loss of our army roused his daring spirit to arms. He returned home, deter- mined to enter the service of his bleeding country, and never to leave it, until her liberty and independence were secured .. On his arrival at Sullivan, he found a requisition from Gen. Charles McDowell, to furnish all the aid in his power, to check the enemy, who had conquered Georgia and South Carolina, and who, flushed with success, had entered North Carolina. HIe imme-
diately called on the militia of Sullivan, and in a few days he crossed the Alleghany, at the head of three hundred mounted riflemen. He reported to General McDowell near Cherokee Ford, on Broad River, and was by him detached with Cols. Sevier and Clarke to surprise and take a fort held by Captain Patrick Moore, a distinguished Tory, on the waters of Pacolet. This was accomplished without loss of time, or men. The enemy surrendered as prisoners of war. Capt. Moore, one British Sergeant-Major, ninety-three Tories, two hundred and fifty stand of arms and ammunition (so needed at this crisis), were the fruits of this victory.
Ferguson, an officer of great bravery and enterprise, a Major in the British army and a Brigadier-General of militia, was detached by Lord Cornwallis with a strong force to overcome the western portion of this State, and win them to the support of the Crown. He make several attempts to surprise Shelby, but was baffled by his vigilance and activity. On the 1st of August 1780, at Cedar Spring, the advance of the British force came up and attacked Shelby. The grounds had been chosen by Shelby, and his adventurous spirit did not avoid battle. A sharp conflict ensued, which lasted a half an hour, when the whole force of Ferguson advanced. Shelby retreated, carrying from the field fifty prisoners, and two British officers. The enemy made a rapid pursuit, but Shelby by availing himself of every advantageous ground, gave them such checks, that the pursuit was abandoned, and the prisoners secured. He joined Gen. McDowell, with only a loss of ten or twelve killed and wounded.
Under orders of Gen. McDowell, he again attacked, with 700 mounted men
1
100
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
on the 19th of August 1780, a large body of Tories, at Musgrove's mill on the south side of Enoree. Ferguson with his whole force lay between. On the night of the 18th of August, Colonel Shelby, with Colonels Clarke, and Wil- liams, of South Carolina, left Smith's Ford on Broad River, took a circuitous route through the woods, to avoid Ferguson, and at dawn of day (after riding about 40 miles), attacked the patrol of the Tories, about half a mile from their camp. A skirmish ensued, and several were killed; the patrol was driven in. At this moment, a countryman who lived near, informed Shelby that the enemy had been the night before reinforced by a strong body of 600 regu- lars, under Col. Innes (Queen's American Regiment from New York). This was unexpected news. Fatigued as were their horses, after the hard ride all night, retreat was impracticable ; to attack the enemy of such superior force, well armed and in full discipline, would have been rashness and certain defeat.
" Destruction was before them, and death was behind." With a courage that never quailed, an expedient promptness never at fault, the talents of Shelby met this trying emergency. He instantly ordered the whole force, except Capt. Inman, to form a breastwork of old logs and brush, to make as brave a defence as circumstances admitted, and to sell their lives as dearly as possible. Captain Inman, with twenty-five men, was sent out to meet the enemy, as soon as he crossed the river (Enoree). The sounds of the drums of the infantry and bugles of the cavalry, soon announced to this devoted band, the approach of the enemy in strong force. Inman's orders were to fire upon them and retreat. The British and Tories, confident of success, made a furious onset, which Capt. Inman was unable to withstand, and therefore retreated. Thinking that he had forced the whole of our party, the enemy rushed forward without order and in great confusion ; the American riflemen with sure and steady aim, opened a destructive and deadly fire, which was kept up sharply for an hour, by which Colonel Innes was wounded; all the British officers excepta subaltern, were killed or wounded; the Tory Captain Hawsey was shot down. The British retreated, losing sixty-three men killed, and one hundred and sixty prisoners. The American loss was only four killed and nine wounded. The brave Capt. Inman in the pursuit, drove the enemy over the river and fell fighting hand to hand.
Excited by this brilliant and unexpected victory, Shelby prepared to attack the British post at Ninety-Six, then distant thirty miles, when an express arrived from Gen. McDowell, with a letter from Governor Caswell, dated on the battle ground of Camden, informing him of Gates' defeat, and advising him to get out of the way. Prompt to act, Shelby instantly distributed his prisoners among his men, so as to make one to every three men, and carry- ing them alternately on horseback, and marching all night and all next day until late in the evening without halting a moment for refreshments. This saved the troops and secured the prisoners, for the next day. a strong detach- ment from Ferguson sallied out to overtake the victors ; but the energy and activity of Shelby baffled their intent. Shelby, after seeing his party safe over the mountains, sent the prisoners into Virginia, in charge of Cols. Clarke and Williams. He then returned home.
- The brilliancy of this affair was more bright by the dark gloom which over- spread the public mind from the disgraceful and disastrous defeat of Gates at Camden. This caused Gen. McDowell to disperse his corps, and at this moment there was no appearance of a corps of Americans south of Virginia.
This, as has been recorded, was a " dark and doleful period" to the south. Cornwallis at Charlotte with the main body of the whole British forces, Fer- guson with a strong detachment which could be increased to twice its num- bers, at Gilbert town in Rutherford County ; the whole country was under the influence of the British; the hopes of the patriot, for his country were dimmed, and many took protection under the British standard. But firm as their native mountains, the brave spirits of the west were undismayed. If for a moment subdued, they were not conquered.
Shelby at this gloomy moment in consultation with Col. Charles McDowell,
101
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
proposed to Cols. Sevier and Campbell, to raise a force from their several coun- ties and attack Ferguson.
They met at Watauga on 25th September, 1780, and marched upon Fergu- son. Their force was as follows :- A
From Burke and Rutherford Counties, commanded by Charles MeDowell
- From Wilkes and Surry Counties, under Colonel Benjamin Cleave- land and Major Joseph Winston
160 men.
350" From Washington County, North Carolina (now Tennessee), under John Sevier
240
66
From Sullivan County, North Carolina, now Tennessee, under - 240
Isaac Shelby
From Washington, Virginia, under Colonel William Campbell - 400
1390
With this force they prepared to march.
Ferguson anticipating their attack from some deserters, left Gilbert town. In the meantime he dispatched a letter to Lord Cornwallis, at Charlotte, soliciting aid. His messenger was Abraham Collins (since of counterfeit memory), and was received too late to be of any service. He encamped the first night at the Cowpens (soon to become immortal for the success of our arms over Tarleton, 17th January, 1781). On the 5th October, he crossed Broad River at Deer Ferry, and marched sixteen miles; on 6th he marched up the Ridge Road, until he came to a right hand fork across King's Creek, and through a gap towards Yorkville, about fourteen miles ; and on the sum- mit of King's Mountain he encamped. Here he declared was "a place that God Almighty could not drive him from."
The official accounts prove the results of this battle and its important advantages.
It completely broke down the Tory influence in North Carolina, and alarmed the British so much that Lord Cornwallis retreated from his position, marched all night, and retrograded as far as Winnsboro', some sixty or eighty miles, where he remained until reinforced by General Leslie, with troops from the north.'
Inspired by this victory, the forces of North Carolina assembled under Ge- neral Davidson, at New Providence, near the South Carolina line. General Smallwood, with Morgan's light corps and the Maryland line, advanced to the same point; General Gates, with the remains of his army, as well as the levies from Virginia of one thousand men under General Stevens, enabled General Greene, who was appointed to the command in December, 1780, to hold Lord Cornwallis in check.
The Legislature of North Carolina voted their thanks to Colonel Shelby and a splendid sword.
In 1781, Shelby served under General Marion, an officer of great courage and enterprise. He with Colonel Mayhem were ordered to take a British post at Fairlawn, near Monk's Corner, under the command of General Stuart. On attacking this post it surrendered with one hundred and fifty prisoners. Immediately after this the whole force of the English retreated to Charleston.
Colonel Shelby obtained leave of absence from Marion to attend the Gene- ral Assembly of North Carolina, of which he was a member from Sullivan county. In 1782, he was again a member, and was appointed a commissioner to settle the pre-emption claims upon the Cumberland, and lay off the lands allotted to the officers and soldiers south of where Nashville now stands. He performed this service in 1782, and returned to Boonsboro' in the April fol- lowing, where he married Susanna Hart, whose father was one of the partners of Judge Henderson. Now that the liberties of his country were established in peace, he devoted himself to his farm, on the first pre-emption and settle- ment granted in Kentucky. It is a remarkable fact, that at his death he was the only person who occupied his original pre-emption.
He was a member of the Convention in Kentucky to obtain a separation of that State from Virginia, and was a member of the Convention in April,
102
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
1792, that formed the Constitution of that State, and was elected the first Governor of Kentucky.
He was again elected in 1812, a stormy period of our history, during the second war with England. His spirit was not calmed by the frosts of age ; but at the request of the Legislature, at the age of sixty-three, he headed in person four thousand troops, and marched under General Harrison in 1813 to Canada. The battle of the Thames, which has covered with glory the name of R. M. JOHNSON, was witnessed by Governor Shelby.
In 1817, Mr. Munroe called him to the Department of War, but from his advanced age he declined this honor.
In 1818, with General Andrew Jackson, he was selected by the President to form a treaty with the Chickasaw Indians, by which they ceded their lands west of the Tennessee River, within the limits of Tennessee and Kentucky.
This was his last public act. In February, 1820, he was attacked by a paralytic affection. His mind was, however, unimpaired ; but on the 18th of July, 1826, he expired from a stroke of apoplexy, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, enjoying the love and respect of his country, blessed with every honor it could bestow, and consoled by the rich hopes of a joyful immortality.
Such were the services of Isaac Shelby. Worthy is he to have his name preserved in a region that witnessed his patriotism and valor.
In the battle of King's Mountain, Colonel Williams, of South Carolina, Major Chronicle, of Lincoln County, and Captain John Mattocks, were killed ; Colonel Hambrite, wounded. Our loss was, as stated, twenty-eight killed, and sixty wounded.
The next day a court-martial was held, and about twenty Tories hung.
At the forks of the branch where Major Chronicle and Captain Mattocks were buried, a monument is erected. On it is the following inscription :-
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 of October, 1780, fighting in defence of America.
On the west side of said monument :-
COLONEL FERGUSON, AN OFFICER OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY, WAS DEFEATED AND KILLED AT THIS PLACE, ON 7TH OCTOBER, 1780.
PATRICK FERGUSON was no ordinary man. He was a finished soldier, and brave as a lion.
He was a Scotchman by birth ; son of an eminent judge, James Ferguson, Lord of Sessions and Justiciary, and nephew of a nobleman of great literary talents, Patrick Murray (Lord Elibank), deemed by Robertson, Ferguson, Hume, and cotemporary sages, equal to the best authors of the Scottish Au- gustan age. Patrick Ferguson sought renown in a different career, but pos- sessed an equally vigorous mind and brilliant parts. At the early age of eighteen, he entered the army in the German war, and was distinguished by his cool and determined courage. He early displayed an inventive genius, sound judgment, and intrepid heroism, which constitute the successful soldier. He had invented a new species of rifle, that could load at the breech and fire seven times in a minute, with accuracy and precision.
He was present in 1777, at the battle of Brandywine, and in that achieve- ment, used with his corps, his invention with fatal effect.
He distinguished himself on the North River, in 1779, and was sent to aid General Clinton in the South. IIis signal service in the reduction of
103
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
Charleston, in May, 1780, is mentioned with great praise in the dispatches of the Commander-in-chief.
His disposition and manners were conciliatory, and well calculated to gain friends. He was dispatched by Lord Cornwallis to the western portion of North Carolina, to win the inhabitants to the British cause. In this he dis- played much tact and judgment. In his address published to the inhabit- ants, he says, "We come not to make war upon women and children, but to give them money, and to relieve their distresses."
Providence assigned to him the fate that befell him on the heights of King's Mountain. His talents and valor were worthy of a better cause and a less severe fate.
Copy of a circular letter from Major Patrick Ferguson to the Tory leaders in North Carolina :- "
DONARD'S FORD, BROAD RIVER, Tryon County, Oct. 1, 1780.
GENTLEMEN-Unless you wish to be cut up by an inundation of barbarians, who have begun by murdering the unarmed son before the aged father, and afterwards lopped off his arms, and who by their shocking cruelty and irregu- larities, give the best proof of their cowardice and want of discipline; I say, if you wish to be pinioned, robbed, and murdered, and to see your wives and daughters, in four days, abused by the dregs of mankind-in short, if you wish or desire to live and bear the name of men, grasp your arms in a mo- ment and run to camp.
The Backwater men have crossed the mountain; M'Dowell, Hampton, Shelby and Cleaveland are at their head, so that you know what you will have to depend upon. If you choose to be p-d upon for ever and ever by a set of mongrels, say so at once, and let your women turn their backs upon you, and look out for real men to protect them.
PAT. FERGUSON, Major 71st Regiment.
Letter from General Davidson, of North Carolina, to General Sumner :-
CAMP, ROCKY RIVER, Oct. 10, 1780.
SIR-I have the pleasure of handing you very agreeable intelligence from the West. . Ferguson, the great partisan, has miscarried. This we are as- sured of by Mr. Tate, Brigade Major in General Sumpter's late command. The particulars from that gentleman's mouth stand thus :- That Colonels Campbell, Cleaveland, Shelby, Sevier, Williams, Brandon, Lacey, &c., formed a conjunct body near Gilbert Town, consisting of 3,000 ; from this body were selected 1,600 good horse, who immediately went in pursuit of Colonel Fer- guson, who was making his way to Charlotte. Our people overtook him well posted on King's Mountain, and on the evening of the 7th instant, at four o'clock, began the attack, which continued forty-seven minutes. Colonel Ferguson fell in the action, besides 150 of his men ; 810 were made prisoners, including the British; 150 of the prisoners were wounded ; 1,500 stand of arms .. fell into our hands. Colonel Ferguson had about 1,400 men. Our people surrounded them, and the enemy surrendered. We lost about twenty men, among whom is Major Chronicle, of Lincoln County. Colonel Williams is mortally wounded. The number of our wounded cannot be ascertained. This blow will certainly affect the British very considerably. The Brigade Major who gives us this, was in the action. The above is true. The blow is great. I give you joy upon the occasion. I am, &c.,
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