USA > North Carolina > Historical sketches of North Carolina : from 1584 to 1851, Vol. I > Part 31
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Neill McNeill, Louis D. Henry.
1823.
Lauch. Bethune,
Neill McNeill, Samuel P. Ashe.
1826. 1827 .. Lauch. Bethune,
Alexander Elliott,
Duncan McCormick,
1833. 1834. Duncan McCormick,
1840. 1842.
Richard Huckabee, 1
1809.
William Lord,
1
133
CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Its location is the extreme north-eastern portion of North Caro- lina ; bounded on the north by the Virginia Line; east by the Atlan- tic Ocean; south by the Albemarle Sound; and west by Camden County.
Its court house, on Currituck Sound, is beautifully located, and is distant from Raleigh 242 miles.
Population of Currituck, 4,600 whites; 2,447 slaves ; 189 free negroes ; 6,257 representative population.
Products, 213,595 bushels corn; 7,685 bushels wheat; 7,084 bushels oats ; 400 bushels salt; 400 barrels fish; 11,465 pounds wool.
In this County is situated ROANOAKE ISLAND. On the 4th day of July, 1584, two English ships approached the coast of North Carolina, sent out under the auspices of Sir Walter Raleigh, under command of Arthur Bar- lowe and Philip Amidas .*
" These were the first that ever burst Into that silent sea .??
On the 13th of July they landed on this Island, and Captain Amidas, after they returned thanks to Almighty God for their safe deliverance, took possession in these memorable words :-
"We take possession of this land in right of the Queen's Most Excellent Ma- jestie, as rightful Queene and Princesse of the same, to be delivered over to the use of Sir Walter Raleigh, according to her Majestie's letters patent under her Highnesse's great seale."
Here then is the birth-place, and here is the birth of this great Anglo-Saxon Empire.
They found, at this season (July), an island clad with grapes, for which it is still celebrated, the far-famed Scuppernong.
Here, too, "they found a people, most gentle, loving, and faithful, and such as live after the manner of the golden age."}
How eloquent, and how truthful !
The Colony of Virginia claims antiquity, and the earliest settle- ment in 1608.
The Pilgrim Rock, in Massachusetts, claims the next, in 1620; but the faithful page of history points to Roanoake Island, and says 1584.
This proves that North Carolina was the first State upon which the English landed. We have already shown that she was the first State in whose borders the blood of the colonists was spilled by the English troops, in 1771, at Alamance; and we have seen that she was the State that threw off the English yoke, at Charlotte, May, 1775.
If justice to her merits is tardy, it is sure. "Render unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's."
Currituck County has always been distinguished for the indepen- dence of its inhabitants.
The first meeting of Deputies of the people of the Province, independent of the English crown, and adverse to the royal authority, was at Newbern, 25th
* Report of Sir Walter Raleigh, by Amidas and Barlow. Hakluyt's Voyages, 3.
This is illustrated opposite the title-page of the first volume, a fac simile from Har- riot's Account of Virginia, 1584. Queen Elizabeth had styled the whole region Virginia.
# See Report of Amidas and Barlowe. Hakluyt's Voyages.
134
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
August, 1774; there appeared from Currituck, SOLOMON PERKINS, NATHAN POYNER, and SAMUEL JARVIS.
At the second meeting, held at Newbern, 3d April, 1775, THOMAS MAC- KNIGHT, FRANCIS WILLIAMSON, SAMUEL JARVIS, SOLOMON PERKINS, and NA- THAN POYNER.
At the third meeting, held at Hillsboro', 21st August, 1775, from Currituck appeared THOMAS JARVIS, GIDEON LAMB, JAMES RYAN, JAMES, WHITE, and SOLOMON PERKINS.
At the Congress, held at Halifax, which met 12th November, 1776, and formed our State Constitution, there appeared as delegates from Currituck, SAMUEL JARVIS, JAMES WHITE, KEDAR MARCHANT, HALLOWELL WILLIAMS, and THOMAS WILLIAMS.
The field officers for Currituck in 1776, were HOLLOWELL WILLIAMS, Colonel; SOLOMON PERKINS, Lieut .- Colonel ; ASAHEL SIMMONDS, Major.
Thomas MacKnight appears to have been inimical to the cause of liberty.
The journals of the Congress at Newbern, 1775, show that THOMAS MAC- KNIGHT was called upon to sign, with the other members of this Convention, the Association approving the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, refused, and withdrew himself. The House then resolved that his intentions were inimical to the cause of liberty, and recommended all persons to withdraw from all connection with him as an object of contempt ! -
By a resolve of the Congress, 19th December, 1776, his estate was ordered to be rented out. by Isaac Gregory, Mr. Ferebee, and Abner Harrison ; as also the estate of James Parker, of Pasquotank, and make return to the next General Assembly.
SAMUEL FEREBEE, of this County, was the last survivor of the members of the Convention assembled at Fayetteville, in November, 1789, which body accepted and ratified the Constitution of the United States, for our State.
Members of the General Assembly from Currituck County, from 1776 to 1850-51.
Years. Senators.
Members of the House of Commons.
1777. Samuel Jarvis,
James White, James Ryan.
1778.
Col. Perkins,
William Ferebee, Howell Williams.
1779. Col. Perkins,
1780.
Samuel Jarvis,
1781. Samuel Jarvis, William Ferebee,
1782.
William Ferebee, James Phillips,
Thomas Younghusband, John Humphries. James Phillips, John Humphries. James Phillips, John Humphries. Thomas Jarvis, Joseph Ferebee. James Phillips, Joseph Ferebee. James White, Joseph Ferebee. Joseph Ferebee, James White. Joseph Ferebee, John Humphries. Joseph Ferebee, John Humphries. Thọs. P. Williams, Griffith Dauge. Thos. P. Williams, Andrew Duke. Joseph Ferebee, Andrew Duke. Spence Hall, Joseph Ferebee.
1786.
1787. Howell Williams,
1788. Howell Williams, 1789. 1790. Howell Williams, John Humphries, 1791. John Humphries,
1792. John Humphries, :
1793. Spence Hall,
1794. Spence Hall,
1795. Joseph Ferebee,
1796. Joseph Ferebee,
1797.
James Phillips, Saml. Salyear,
1798. 1799. Saml. Salyear,
1800. Saml. Salyear,
1801. Jonathan Lindsay,
1802. Jonathan Lindsay,
1803. Samuel Ferebee,
Spence Hall, Alex. L. Whitehall. Alex. L. Whitehall, Andrew Duke. Andrew Duke, Saml. Ferebee.
Thomas Williams, Jesse Simmons. .
Thomas Williams, Jesse Simmons. Thomas Martin, Malachi Jones. Malachi Jones, T. Williams. Malachi Jones, T. William's. Thomas Williams, Thos. C. Ferebee.
Thomas Garrett, Thos. C. Ferebee.
Thos. C. Ferebee, Thomas Garrett. Jacob Perkins, Thos. Anderson.
1783. 1784. 1785. Willis Etheridge, Willis Etheridge,
135
CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Years. Senators.
1804. Samuel Ferebee,
1805. Samuel Ferebee,
1806. Samuel Ferebee,
1807. Thomas Williams,
1808. Thomas Williams,
1809. Jonathan Lindsay,
1810.
Thomas Williams,
1811.
Jonathan Lindsay,
1812.
Jonathan Lindsay,
1813.
Thomas Sanderson,
1814. Thomas Sanderson,
-1815.
Thomas Williams,
1816. Thomas Williams,
1817.
Spence Hall,
1818.
Spence Hall,
1819. Edmund S. Lindsay,
1820.
Edmund S. Lindsay,
1821.
Edmund S. Lindsay,
1822. Edmund S. Lindsay,
1823.
Thos. C. Ferebee,
Cartwright Bell, Jesse Barnard. W. D. Barnard, John Forbes. Enoch Ball, Willoughby D. Barnard.
1824.
Saml. Salyear,
1825.
Saml. Salyear,
W. D. Barnard, Enoch Ball.
1826.
Saml. Salyear,
W. D. Barnard, Enoch Ball.
1827.
Saml. Salyear,
W. D. Barnard, Enoch Ball.
1828.
Saml. Salyear,
Enoch Ball, Benj. T. Simmons.
1829.
Caleb Etheridge,
W. D. Barnard, Benj. T. Simmons.
1830. Jona. J. Lindsay,
W. D. Barnard, Benj. T. Simmons.
1831.
Jona. J. Lindsay,
John B. Jones, Benj. T. Simmons.
1832.
Jona. J. Lindsay,
John B. Jones, Benj. T. Simmons.
1833.
Daniel Lindsay,
John B. Jones, James M. Sanderson.
1834.
Dan. Lindsay, jun.,
1835. Daniel Lindsay,
1836.
Daniel Lindsay,
1838.
Caleb Etheridge,
1840.
Caleb Etheridge,
1842.
Caleb Etheridge,
. -
John B. Jones.
1846. John Barnard,
John B. Jones.
1848. John Barnard,
Thomas Grigg.
1850. John Barnard,
Saml. P. Jarvis.
18 ·
Members of the House of Commons.
Aaron Bright, William Simmons. Willoughby Dozier, Willis Simmons. Willoughby Dozier, Danl. Lindsay. Willis Simmons, Jonathan Lindsay. Willis Simmons, Willoughby Dozier. Brickhouse Bell, Jesse Barnard. Jesse Barnard, Brickhouse Bell. Brickhouse Bell, Thomas Garrett. Brickhouse Bell, Thomas Garrett. Simeon Sawyer, Willis Simmons. Brickhouse Bell, Saml. Salyear.
Brickhouse Bell, John T. Hampton. Brickhouse Bell, John T. Hampton. John T. Hampton, C. Etheridge. J. T. Hampton, C. Etheridge. J. T. Hampton, Enoch Ball. Enoch Ball, John T. Hampton. John Forbes, John Shipp. 5
Joshua Harrison, Wallace Gray.
Joshua Harrison, Alfred Perkins. Alfred Perkins. Alfred Perkins. John B. Jones.
John B. Jones.
1844. Caleb Etheridge,
136
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER XXV.
DAVIDSON COUNTY.
DAVIDSON COUNTY was formed in 1822, from Rowan, named in compliment of Gen. William Davidson, who fell at the passage of the Catawba at Cowan's Ford, during the Revolutionary War, 1st February, 1781, (for whose biography see Mecklenburg County.)
It is in the western part of the State; the mail stage from Raleigh to Salisbury, passes through this county. It is bounded on the north by Forsythe, east by Guilford and Randolph, south by the Yadkin River, which separates it from Stanly and Rowan, and on the west by the same river, which separates it from Rowan.
Lexington is its capital, a most flourishing and beautiful village, and distant one hundred and seventeen miles from Raleigh.
Its population is 12,139 whites ; 2,992 slaves ; 189 free negroes; 14,123 representative population.
Its products are 1,368,100 pounds of cotton; 465,828 bushels of corn; 114,359 bushels of wheat; 102,703 bushels of oats ; 80,502 pounds of tobacco; 17,305 pounds of wool; 10,000 dollars of lead.
Its Colonial and Revolutionary history is connected with that of Rowan, to which the reader is referred.
List of members from DAVIDSON COUNTY to the General Assem- bly of North Carolina, from the erection of the county to the last session.
Years. Senators.
House of Commons.
1823. Alex. R. Cladcleugh, J. Hargrave, W. Bodenhamer.
1824.
Jesse Hargrave,
W. Bodenhamer, J. Clemons.
1825. Jesse Hargrave, John M. Smith, Joseph Spurgen.
1826. John M. Smith,
Thomas Hampton, John Ward.
1827.
John M. Smith, John M. Smith,
Thomas Hampton, Absalom Williams.
1828.
1829.
Ransom Harris,
1830. Ransom Harris,
1831. Charles Hoover,
1832.
John A. Hogan,
1833. John A. Hogan,
1834. John A. Hogan,
1835. John A. Hogan,
1836. John L. Hargrove,
1838. Wm. R. Holt,
1840. Alfred Hargrave,
1842. John W. Thomas,
1844. Alfred Hargrave,
1846. Saml. Hargrave,
1848. John W. Thomas,
1850. Saml. Hargrave,
Thos. Hampton, Absalom Williams. W. W. Wiseman, Lewis Snyder. Joseph Spurgen, Wm. W. Wiseman. John A. Hogan, John W. Thomas. W. W. Wiseman, Henry Bedford. W. W. Wiseman, Henry Ledford. George Smith, Charles Brummell. George Smith, Charles Brummell. Charles Brummell, Meshack Pinckston. Burgess S. Beale, Charles Brummell.
Charles Brummell, Burgess S. Beale. Charles Brummell, Henry Walser. B. C. Douthett, C. L. Payne. Hoover and H. Walser.
J. M. Leach, H. Walser.
J. M. Leach, Alfred Forster.
..
137
DAVIE COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXVI.
DAVIE COUNTY.
DAVIE COUNTY was formed in 1836 from Rowan, and named in honor of General William R. Davie, who was a resident of Halifax County, a sketch of whose life, character and services is therein recorded, to which the reader is referred. Chapter XXXVI.
It is located in the north-west part of North Carolina, and bounded on the north by Yadkin County, east by the Yadkin River, which separates it from Davidson County, south by Rowan County, and west by Alexander and Iredell Counties.
Its capital is Mocksville, and distant one hundred and twenty miles west of Raleigh.
Its population is 5613 whites ; 2171 slaves; 82 free negroes ; 6997 repre- sentative population.
Its products are 313,538 bushels corn; 307,040 Ibs. cotton; 54,145 bushels oats; 44,481 bushels wheat; 8232 bushels rye; 66,771 lbs. tobacco; 5300 lbs. wool.
Its early history (being so recently formed) is connected with Rowan County, to which the reader is referred.
Hon. RICHMOND M. PEARSON, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, is a native of this section. For his biography see Chapter on Rowan County.
It voted with Rowan until 1842, when with Rowan it formed the Forty-first Senatorial District, and its members from that period to the present are-
Years. Senate.
1842. Samuel Rebelin,
1844. Nathaniel Boyden,
1846. Dr. Samuel E. Kerr,
1848. John A. Lillington,
1850 .: John A. Lillington, .
House of Commons.
G. A. Miller.
G. A. Miller.
G. A. Miller.
M. Clement.
Stephen Douthet.
138
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER XXVII.
DUPLIN COUNTY.
DUPLIN COUNTY was formed as early as 1749,* from upper part of New Hanover County. Its early settlers were Irish, and the name reminded them of Dublin, their ancient capital.
It is located in the south-eastern part of North Carolina, and is bounded on the north by Wayne County, on the east by Lenoir, Jones, and Onslow, on the south by New Hanover, and west by Sampson County.
Its capital is Kenansville, distant eighty-nine miles east of Raleigh.
Its population is 7165 whites; 6007 slaves ; 342 free negroes ; 11,111 repre- sentative population.
Its products are 1,346,229 lbs. cotton ; 244,584 bushels corn ; 3525 bushels oats; 2683 bushels wheat; 8603 lbs. wool; 47,062 barrels turpentine.
The early history of Duplin proves that, "in the days that tried men's souls" she was true to the principles of liberty.
Her delegates to the first general meeting of the Deputies of the inhabit- ants of this colony at Newbern, 25th August, 1774, were THOMAS GRAY, THOMAS HICKS, JAMES KENAN and WILLIAM DICKSON.
The delegates at Newbern, 3d April, 1775, were THOMAS GRAY and THOMAS HICKS. -
Delegates at Hillsboro', 21st August, 1775, JAMES KENAN, WILLIAM DICK- SON, THOMAS GRAY, RICHARD CLINTON and THOMAS HICKS.
The delegates to Halifax, 12th November, 1776, which formed our Consti- tution, JAMES KENAN, THOMAS GRAY, WILLIAM DICKSON, WILLIAM TAYLOR and JAMES GILLASPIE.
The field officers for Duplin, appointed by the Provincial Congress, 4th April, 1776, at Halifax, for Duplin County, were THOMAS RUTLEDGE, Colonel, JAMES MOORE, First Major, ROBERT DICKSON, Second Major.
THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE AND ABJURATION, adopted with sign- ers' names in Duplin, from the original, on file in the Clerk's office of Duplin ..
I am indebted to the politeness of Thomas J. Morisey, Esq. (sent to me in 1844), for this ancient document, thus preserving the name of those in whose breasts glowed the true spirit of liberty.
"By Act of Assembly passed at Newbern, the 15th of November, 1777." I, A. B., do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that I will be faith- ful and bear true allegiance to the State of North Carolina, to the powers and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof, not inconsistent with the Constitution. And I do solemnly and sincerely de-
* Martin's History of North Carolina, ii. 55.
139
DUPLIN COUNTY.
clare, that I do believe in my conscience, that neither the King of Great, Britain, nor the Parliament thereof, jointly with the said king or separately, or any foreign prince, person, state, or potentate, have or ought to have any right or title to the dominion or sovereignty of this State, or to any part of the government thereof. And I; do renounce, refuse, and abjure any alle- giance or obedience to them, or any of them, or to any person or persons put in authority by or under them, or any of them. And I will do my utmost endeavors to disclose and make known to the legislative or executive powers of the said State, all treasons and traitorous conspiracies and attempts what- soever, which I shall know to be made or intended against the said State. And I do faithfully promise that I will endeavor to support, maintain, and defend the independence of the said State, against him the said king and all other persons whatsoever. And all these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear, according to these express words by me spoken, and according to the plain common sense and understanding of the same words, without any equivocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation what- soever. And I do make this acknowledgment, abjuration, renunciation and promise, heartily, willingly, and truly, so help me God.
Henry Cannon, Samuel Houston,
"' William Dickson, J. Rand,
Michael Kenan,
James Sampson,
Robert Dickson,
Thomas Routledge,
John Wright,
George Smith,
Richard Herring,
James Kenan,
Alexander Gray,
Joseph Dicks,
William Taylor,
Darcy Fowler,
Thomas R.,
William Ball,
Richard Clinton,
Edward Toole,
J. P. Ballard,
J. Spiller,
Fleet Cooper,
James Lockart.
John Molton,
Hon. THOMAS KENAN was a native of this County, from whose family the County Town takes its name. He represented Duplin in 1804 in the Senate, and from 1805 to 1811 he was a member of Congress. He removed to Ala- bama, and was a member of Assembly in that State for many years.
He died near Selma, Alabama, 22d October, 1843, in the seventy-third year of his age.
FELIX KENAN, who was Sheriff of Duplin in 1776, was brought before the bar of the Congress for his Tory principles .*
Hon. CHARLES HOOKS, from this County, was a member of the House of Commons in 1802, 1803 and 1804, and in the Senate in 1810-11, and in Con- gress in 1816 to 1817 and 1819 to 1825. He removed to Alabama, where he recently died. .
Members of the General Assembly from Duplin County, from 1777 to 1850-51 :-
Years. Senate.
House of Commons.
1777. James Kenan,
Richard Clinton, Robert Dickson.
1778. James Kenan,
Richard Clinton, Thos. Hicks.
1779. James Kenan, Richard Clinton, James Gillaspie.
1780. James Kenan,
1782. James Kenan,
1783. James Kenan, 1784. James Gillaspie, James Gillaspie,
1785. 1786. James Gillaspie,
.
Joseph Dickson, James Gillaspie. Richard Clinton, James Gillaspie. James Gillaspie, Richard Clinton. Robert Dickson, Richard Clinton. Robert Dickson, Jos. T. Rhodes. Jos. T. Rhodes, Robert Dickson. Robert Dickson, Charles Ward.
1787. James Kenan, 1788. James Kenan,
Robert Dickson, Charles Ward.
1791. James Kenan,
Jos. T. Rhodes, James Pearsall.
* See Journal, p. 37.
140
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senate.
House of Commons.
1792. 1793.
James Gillaspie,
James Kenan,
Jos. T. Rhodes, Jas. Pearsall.
1794. Levin Watkins,
Daniel Glisson, Jos. T. Rhodes.
1795. Levin Watkins,
Wm. Dickson, James Middleton.
1 1796. 1797.
Jos. T. Rhodes, Jos. T. Rhodes,. Levin Watkins,
Daniel Glisson, James Middleton. Joseph Dixon, Daniel Glisson. Shadrach Stallings, Thos. Kenan. Thomas Kenan, Daniel Glisson. Charles Hooks, Thos. Kenan. Shadrach Stallings, Charles Hooks.
1801. Levin Watkins,
1802.
Levin Watkins,
Charles Hooks, Daniel Glisson.
1803.
Levin Watkins,'
Charles Hooks, Daniel Glisson.
1804.
Thomas Kenan, 1
Charles Hooks, Hugh McCane .. Daniel Glisson, Hugh McCane.
1806. Joseph T. Rhodes,
Daniel Glisson, Andrew McIntire.
1807.
Joseph T. Rhodes,
Daniel Glisson, Andrew McIntire.
1808.
Joseph T. Rhodes,
Daniel Glisson, Andrew McIntire.
1809.
Joseph T. Rhodes,
Daniel Glisson, David Wright. Daniel Glisson, David Wright.
1810.
Charles Hooks,
1811.
Charles Hooks,
David Wright, Daniel Glisson.
1812. Stephen Miller;
David Wright, John Beck.
1813.
Joseph Gillaspie,
David Wright, John Beck.
1814.
Joseph Gillaspie,
1815.
Joseph Gillaspie,
1816.
Daniel Glisson,
John Pearsall, John E. Hussey.
1817.
Daniel Glisson,
John Pearsall, John E. Hussey.
1818.
Daniel Glisson,
1819.
Daniel Glisson,
1820.
Daniel Glisson,
1821.
Daniel L. Kenan,
1822. 1823. Jeremiah Pearsall,
1824.
Jeremiah Pearsall,
1825.
John E. Hussey,
1826.
Stephen Miller,
Benjamin Best, Wm. K. Frederick.
1827. 1828.
Andrew Hurst,
Daniel Glisson, Jos. Gillaspie. Wm. Wright, Jos. Gillaspie. Wm. Wright, John Farrier.
1829.
Stephen Miller,
1830. Stephen Miller,
1831.
Stephen Miller,
Wm. Wright, Wm. K. Frederick. Wm. Wright, Jos. Gillaspie.
1832. 1833. John E. Hussey,
1834. John E. Hussey,
1835. John E. Hussey,
1836.
John E. Hussey,
1838.
Jas. K. Hill,
Jas. H. Jarman, Hampton Sullivan.
1840. - Jas. K. Hill, 1842. Austin Levinson,
Jas. G. Dickson, Hampton Sullivan. Isaac B. Kelly, Jas. G. Dickson.
I. B. Kelly, J. G. Dickson.
I. B. Kelly, I. P. Davis.
1848. James K. Hill,
I. B. Kelly, J. G. Dickson.
1850. Amos Hening,
I. B. Kelley, H. Matthis.
1798.
1799.
1800.
Levin Watkins, Levin Watkins,
1805. Joseph T. Rhodes,
David Wright, - Kornegay. David Wright, John E. Hussey.
Daniel Glisson,
John Pearsall, John E. Hussey. John Pearsall, Stephen Graham. Stephen Graham, James Nixon. John Watkins, Andrew Hurst. Jas. M. Nixon, Archd. Maxwell. Stephen Miller, Wm. H. Frederick. James M. Nixon, Stephen Miller. Benjamin Best, Stephen Miller.
Stephen Miller,
John E. Hussey,
Jos. Gillaspie, Alex. O. Grady. Alex. O. Grady, Jos. Gillaspie. Jas. K. Hill, Owen R. Kenan. Jas. K. Hill, Owen R. Kenan. Owen R. Kenan, Jas. H. Jarman.
1844. James K. Hill,
1846. James K. Hill,
Shadrach Stallings, William Beck.
141.
EDGECOMBE COUNTY.
-
.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
EDGECOMBE COUNTY.
EDGECOMBE COUNTY was formed from Craven County in 1733, by the Governor '(Burrington) and Council,* and confirmed by the Legislature, which met at Edenton in 1741.
Its name is Saxon, and signifies " a valley environed with hills,"+ and is derived from the Earl of Mount Edgecombe, who, as Capt. Edgecombe, of the navy, had served with reputation under Admiral Byng, in 1756, in Minorca. Its true orthography is Edgecumbe, as laid down in the old maps, and in the History of England.}
It is located in the eastern part of North Carolina, and is bounded on the north by Halifax County, east by Martin County, south by Pitt, Greene, and Wayne Counties, and west by Nash County.
Tarborough is the capital, on the Tar River, distant from Ra- leigh seventy-six miles. The original name of Tar River was Tau, which, in the native Indian tongue, means "River of Health."§
Its population is 8365 whites ; 8547 slaves ; 277 free negroes ; 13,770 re- presentative population.
Its products are 2,445,000 lbs. cotton; 715,666 bushels corn ; 27,280 bushels oats ; 14,295 bushels wheat; 7260 lbs. wool ; 21,926 bbls. turpentine ; 114 bbls. fish.
The fossil remains of a mammoth skeleton, the back bone of which is visible, near the Railroad Bridge, in this county, will doubtless attract the notice of the State Geologist.
Edgecombe's early history is full of interest. She sent to that assembly of patriots, who met at Newbern, 21st Aug., 1775, in the very presence of the Royal Governor, as delegates : ROBERT BIGNAL, HENRY IRWIN, DUNCAN LAMON, THOMAS HUNTER, and THOMAS H. HALL.
She sent to the Congress that met at Halifax, 12th Nov., 1776, and which formed our Constitution : WILLIAM HAYWOOD, ELISHA BATTLE, JONAS JOHN- SON, ISAAC SESSUMS, and WILLIAM HORN.
. By the resolve of the Congress, Hillsboro', 9th Sept., 1775, for the Halifax District : NICHOLAS LONG, was appointed Colonel; HENRY IRWIN, Lieutenant- Colonel; JETHRO SUMNER, Major.
By the same, as field officers for Edgecombe : WILLIAM HAYWOOD, Colonel; SHERWOOD HAYWOOD, Lieutenant-Colonel ; JOSEPH MOORE, Ist Major; HENRY HORNE, Jr., 2d Major.
The officers appointed for Edgecombe County by Congress, at Halifax, 4th April, 1776 : ExUM LEWIS, Colonel ; SIMON GRAY, Lieutenant-Colonel ; JONAS JOHNSON, First Major ; THOMAS HUNTER, Second Major.
Although, from her inland position, Edgecombe was not exposed
* Martin, ii. 36. + Baily's Dictionary. # Smollet, i. 186.
§ Lawson's History of North Carolina, 1714.
142
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
to danger or attack, yet her brave sons were alive to the interests and honor of our common country, and sent them forth to do battle for the cause of liberty.
Among these stands conspicuous the name of HENRY IRWIN. He was for a long time a merchant in Tarboro' before the Revolution. His patriotic soul was fired with the deep wrongs that England constantly inflicted on the Colonies. He was a member from Edgecombe of the first Assembly that ever met, without the sanction of the royal authority, and in open opposition to it; and they met, too, to show that no covert or underhand measures were to be used, in the very presence of the Royal Governor (Martin), at the seat of Royal Rule, Newbern, 21st Aug., 1775.
The moral courage of such an act, the ultimate effects, and the personal con- sequences- to the actors, have never been considered in their proper view. Wrongs had been inflicted, the feeling, " though deep, was not loud," and no large assembly in any State from every portion, had as yet raised openly the voice of resistance. Yet North Carolina did this. It is an epoch in our his- tory. This Meeting was not a call to arms, but it was the first act in a great drama, in which men and arms, and blood and battle, form subordinate parts. It was the awful tread of the patriot buckling on his armor for contest ; it was the stern resolve of freemen " to do or die."
The resolutions they adopted (unsurpassed either for clearness of meaning, or eloquence of expression, will vie with any State papers of any period of our history), declare their firm inviolable fidelity to their Sovereign, but at the same time declare their unalienable rights not to be taxed, but by their own consent freely given ; that the right of trial by jury of the vicinity, is the only lawful inquest that can pass upon the life of a British subject ; a right handed down from earliest ages, confirmed and sanctioned by the Magna Charta itself; and that the act empowering the Governor to send persons to England for trial, was "fraught with injustice, and would be opposed even to blood- shed."
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