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and his wife Betty Woodall. They are said to have been born in Halifax county, Virginia, but reared their family in Westfield. Stokes county, sibly others. Mrs. J. P. Parrish, Box North Carolina. Mrs. Edna M. Irvine, 187, Selma. Ala. 520 West 6th South, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Blue, Galbraith-Information is desired regarding the Blue and Gail- Davidson-Wanted the parentage braith families of Moore and Cum- of Elizabeth Davidson, who married berland counties, N. C. Mrs. Malco'n about 1770, James McCracken, son McClellan, 4089 Falmouth St., Jack- of Hugh McCracken. The McCrack- sonville, Fla.
FIRST SETTLERS OF
Ye Plantations of
PISCATAWAY and WOODBRIDGE OLDE EAST NEW JERSEY 1664-1714.
By ORRA EUGENE MONNETTE
350 South Oxford Avenue, Los Angeles, Calif.
PART ONE, 126 pages. 7 illustrations; Edition largely exhausted.
PART TWO, 166 pages, 7 illustrations; Edition half exhausted.
PART THREE, 164 pages, 14 illustrations.
PART. FOUR, 194 pages, 27 illustrations, now ready.
(NO REPRINTS)
In 1914, there was undertaken the historical and genealogical work indicated above. The labors. of research and compilation have proceeded since the date, with more or less of interference of time, until eleven large volumes of manuscript have been achieved. The long postponement of pub- lication has been an anxious wait, both to the original subscribers and to the compiler himself.
Therefore, to avoid further delay, it was determined to print this val- uable work, in PARTS, as a SERIES, each complete in itself. up to a cer- tain point, in a natural development of the scope of the plan.
The research has been performed at prodigious labor, time and ex- pense. As publication progresses it has seemed equitable to ask the price of $8.25 for each PART, as completed, which is to cover publication ex- penses, including printing, etc., solely. The genealogical research and historical presentation represented in this work' is really the contribution of the compiler to this important and interesting field of genealogy.
These PARTS comprise many pages of closely printed matter, largely in double column. It is a limited edition of 350 signed copies, on excellent paper, bound in Cellusuede, with several illustrations, maps, etc. When the SERIES has been completed, the PARTS can be assembled and bound in a single volume, if desired, although the present binding is very durable.
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VOL. 1
OCTOBER, 1932
No. 4
North Carolina HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
A Quarterly Magazine of North Carolina Genealogy, Biography and Local History.
(MEMBER: NORTH CAROLINA PRESS ASSOCIATION)
Published By CLARENCE GRIFFIN Forest City, N. C. 1
(Subscription Rate, 1933, $2.00 per year; 50c per Copy. See Announcement Page 125)
Subscription $1.00 Per Year
Single Copies .35c Each
HERITAGE
These acres called Carolina Are mine as no other land, Bequeathed by my Rhineland grandsire Who here found his dream's end : Took from Alamance Creek Rocks for the chimneys of his bride's home And sturdily bent forest floors to furrows.
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These acres called Carolina I love as no other land From the mountains with their balsam airs To where the sea's tender foam fingers Reach and return eternally empty; Love the red fields with brave rows of cotton standing. The black fields with tobacco tops blooming; Love the old oaks and elms calm with memories. The young pine thickets arrogant with hope; Love the marshland lush with Joe Tye weed and willow And the warm sweet stench of it in Summer; Love the land songsters, crickets and swamp frogs, And the multitude of feathery hosts Praising God with singing.
These acres called Carolina Are mine as no other land, Bequeathed by my Rhineland grandsire Who here found his dream's end.
-Barbara Bowen, Gastonia.
North Carolina
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
A GLEANER IN NORTH CAROLINA HISTORY
CLARENCE GRIFFIN Editor FOREST CITY, N. C.
VOL. 1
OCTOBER, 1932 No. 4
ANNOUNCEMENT
With this number The North Carolina Historical and Genea- logical Record closes its first year. The success attending the launching of this publication has been greater than anticipated. Frankly, its inception was in the nature of an experiment, however, the experiment has proven fairly successful, and we are now laying plans for a greater publication for 1933.
As we close our first year, we wish to announce some im- portant changes in policy for 1933. In view of the fact that The North Carolina Historical Commission publishes a quar- terly magazine devoted to North Carolina history, although of a general nature, The North Carolina Historical and Genea- logical Record, beginning with the January, 1933, number, will feature North Carolina genealogy and genealogical source material. We will, however, continue to use from time to time, historical sketches of local and general interest, especially such material as has not previously been published, or historical material having a bearing on genealogical subjects used herein.
Our plans call for an enlarged and more elaborate publica- tion, and the addition of one or more new departments. This will necessitate an advance in the subscription price, which will be $2.00 per year.
We thank each of you who have supported us during the past year with subscriptions or advertising. As a large num- ber of subscriptions expire with this issue, we solicit your re- newal at once.
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N. C. HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
EARLY METHODISM IN DAVIE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
By MARY J. HEITMAN, County Historian, Davie County, Mocksville, N. C.
This subject has inspired three
At the intersection of the Winston- well-known Methodist ministers. Dr. Salem highway and the Farmington Hilary T. Hudson, a native of Mocks- road, in a tangle of trees and under- ville, Rev. W. L. Grissom and Rev. growth, is the site of another early W. L. Sherrill, to write valuable his- Methodist church called Whitaker's torical articles that have saved the Meeting House. That it occupied an early annals of Methodism in Davie important place on the circuit is county and W.storn North Carolina from oblivion.
shown by the fact that Bishop As- bury preached here twice, first on
Dr. Hudson's sketch traces the April 12, 1794, his subject being church history both in Rowan and Sanctification, and again on Oct. 13, Davis up to the year 1818. and is 1799. Where the eloquent voice of included in Dr. Jethro Rumple's fam- the great religious leader once rang ous "History of Rowan county." Mr. out may now be heard the thundering Gris om's history was written in 1380. noise of traffic on the highway. The and was delivered as a lecture to stone wall surrounding the old grave- the pupils of Augusta Academy, of yard is falling down, and close by a which Prof. J. D. Hodges was prin- filling station has recently been built. cipal. The history by Mr. Sherrill Some of the tombstones here have was written in 1921. and was read elaborate epitaphs with Latin phrases, by him before the Western North while others have sunken so deeply Carolina Conference Historical So- in the ground that their lettering is ciety at the annual conference in hard to decipher. Among the fami- High Point in that year.
lies buried here are the McMachans
Too much cannot be said in praise (now McMahan), Naylors, Sheeks, of their accurate, painstaking work, Sanders, Austins, Harbins and Hughes which has made the tasks of later One inscription reads thus: "Here students and writers much easier.
lies the body of James McMachan,
The first Methodist church in this De. June the 5, 1799, in the 85 year section was Beal's Meeting House, of his age. Dear people, think as you near Anderson's bridge in Northwest pass by, Like me in dust you soon Davie, and was established about must lie. Death hastens on. You'll 1780 by Andrew Yeargan, the first not be spared; Men and Women, are circuit rider of the immense Yadkin you prepared?"
Circuit. Here the great Bishop Fran-
A tall marble slab has this epitaph: cis Asbury and the noted Jesse Lee, "Susanah McGeehee Austin, Con- first historian of Methodism in sort of Elk. D. Austin, Who pays this America, preached in Oct. 1799. This last testimony to her worth and piety old church site was abandoned years Obiit 18th February, 1829. Nata 33 an. 11 mo. 13 da. Tempus Deo Volen- ago.
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N. C. HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
to-Aeternitas. On Christ her Hope Naylor, Travillion, Rich, Latham, and Faith relied, Hence she a peace- Cuthrill, MeMahan, Broek. Eiton, ful Christian died. She knew her Baity, Smith, Ward, Clark, Brunt. deathless Spirit came From God and Sanders, Miller, Gowan, VanEaton. glorified His name. Laudate Decm." Diuthit. Murchison. Teague. Brower. Another lengthy inscription is this Call. Beauchamp and many others. one: "Sacred to the memory of Anna Not long ago the rules of Olive Austin, Consort of the R .v. Samuel Branch Sunday School, written in
Austin, who dieceased May the 7th. 1857, were found among some old A. D., 1809. In the 29th year of her quarterly conference reports. The age. The deceased was amiable in her modern Sunday School pupil would department, Pure in her motives, think most of these rules very hard Firm in h'r purposes. Ardent in her to keep. They are as follows:
pursuits, Sincere in her friendships, 1. I must always mind the Super- Faithful in her attachments, and intendent and all the teachers of Fervent in her devotions." This was this school.
probably written by the Rev. Sam-
2. I must come every Sunday and
ue' Austin, who died in 1832 and is be here when school goes in. buried at Olive Branch graveyard . 3. I must go to my seat as soon as by the side of his second wife, Lydia, I go in. whom he also survived.
Services were held at Whitaker's school goes out.
as late as 1847, as some old quarter- ly conference minutes show. but in book. 1849 when S. D. Bumpass was pre- siding elder, and John Tillett was sits next to me.
pastor of the Mocksville Circuit. the arms of Whitaker's does not appear
on the list of charges, which was church door or school door, but must composed of Mocksville. McClam- go in as soon as I come there.
roch's, Olive Branch. Bethlehem, Con- cord, Liberty, South River, Ward's.
Smith Grove. Call's School House. in going to or from church.
Shady Grove. Fulton and Salem.
Olive Branch. another early Meth- church.
cdist camp-meeting place as far back as 1805, was one of the most in- goes out.
9. I must always go to church.
10. I must behave well in the road
11. I must walk softly in the
12. I must sit in my seat till church
fluential churches in this section for' 13 I must go away from the church as soon as the services are ended. Where Bethlehem church now stands was first known as Timber Ridge. Here the Baptists had a church in the early days, while the Methodists, who came later, held services in a schoolhouse in the vi- cinity. Both denominations shared the same graveyard, which contains many a number of years. It was the mother of Farmington Methodist church. which was formed in 1881. The rock wall around the graveyard has re- cently been restored, and the Farm- ington women have erected a hand- some bronze marker in memory of the pioneer women of this church. Here are found on the tombstones the names of Johnson. Lunn. Ellis, quaint tombstones. The Methodists
4. I must not leave my seat until
5. I must take good care of my
6. I must not lean on the one that
7. I must walk softly in the school.
8. I must n't make a noise by the
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N. C. HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
built a church here in 1843. and a terwards moved to New York City, new one was erected in 1884. Beth- and founded the church of the lehem is on Farmington Circuit. Strangers, having among his mem- bership Cornelius Vanderbilt and his wife. Through his wife's influence and his friendship for Doctor Deems. Mr. Vanderbilt was moved to give a million dollars to the Methodist Uni- versity in Nashville, Tenn., now
One of the best-known ministers born in this section was the Rev. Moses Brock, who was presiding el- der of the Salisbury District in 1832- 33, and was one of the founders of Greensboro Female college. He se- lested the location of Smith Grove known as Vanderbilt University. Phoebe and Alice Cary, talented sis- ters, were also among Dr. Deem.' members and warm friends. In 1868 Phoebe Cary assisted him in editing "Hyms for all Christians." She is es- pecially remembered for her beau- tiful hymn, "One Swestly Solemn Thought." Camp Ground from a dream, in which he had a vision of a beautiful grove where a great meeting was in prog- ress. Smith Grove church, as well as Oak Grove church which came into existence years later, were cifshoots of Whitaker's Meeting House. The first camp meeting held at Smith Grove was in 1826, while the noted Smith Grove church is on the Peter Doub was presiding elder. Farmington Circuit. the present Mr. Grissom states that there Were church being built in 1877, with ad- between 150 and 200 tents, and the ditions made in recent years. Jacob crowd was immense. Rev. Samuel Sheek was an official in the early Milton Frost, another native minis- days, and the membership contained ter of Davie, was converted under a the names of Cash. Sheek, Kim- big white oak tree near here and brough, Smith, Williams, Nash, Nay- wrote a poem about his experience. lor, Foster, Gibbs. Saunders, Clouse, He later moved to Pennsylvania, but Mc Mahan, Atkinson, Brock, Barney- visited his sister, Mrs. Henry Call, castle, Holman. Etchinson, Beau- champ. Ellis, Harris, Osborne, Ho-
a number of times. One of his habits was to sing the Long Meter Doxology ward, Walker, Hanes and others. as soon as he awoke.
The old camp meeting arbor was The noted Dr. Charles F. Deems removed some years ago, but many was licensed to preach at a quarter- of the magnificent oaks, that were ly conference held at Smith Grove a part of Moses Brock's dream, still in 1841. Ha later became president remain, and traditions of the great of Greensboro Female college, and spiritual revivals held here are not was a distinguished writer. He af- forgotten.
"OLD QUORK'S DAY" BRINGS ON SQUALLS
upon the sound on March 16. There was little wind and first Quork prav- ed for a breeze, then cursed his maker because his prayers were not answered. Then came a sudden puff which not only wrecked the boat. but drowned Quork. His boat wash- ed up upon another shoal which later was named for him.
On March 16 the natives of Ocra- coke Island off the North Carolina coast will not go out upon the waters of Panilico sound to their nets, or to dredge escallops, rake clamis or tong oysters, for March 16 is "Old Quork's Day." A tradition of more than 150 There is no grave here for Quork. but there are cther reminders for years relates that "Old Quork's Day" is a day of sudden squalls and the the natives of the day and of Quork. fisherman, who ventures upon the A hammock where he had a camp was water may find his boat blown to des- named in his honor and because he truction upon some nearby shoal. had a peculiar taste for a wading
The day and the superstition is fowl of the heron family, this bird peculiar to this island. The story was named Quork and not a native goes that a fisherman named John of Ocracoke can tell you the real Quark back in Colonial times went name of the bild.
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N. C. HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
MARS HILL COLLEGE IN THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES
By I. N. CARR, Professor of History, Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, N. C.
Mars Hill College was founded in est passage way through the South- 1856. It was located on a small plot ern Appalachians.
of ground which was donated by Ed-
Situated thus when the war be- ward Carter. This original site re- tween the states came on, it was soon mains a part of the present campus. recognized as a strategic point, and The institution was first called "The as such it remained until the close French Broad Baptist Institute." with of the war. It was also a point which Messrs. W. A. G. Brown and P. W. the Confederacy held to the very Anderson in charge. On February last. This is all the more notable 16, 1859 the first charter was secur- since a vast majority of the people ed and the name changed to "Mars in the mountain region of North Car- Hill College." It was managed by a olina and nearly all of Eastern Tenn- "self-perpetuating board of trustees". essee were strongly Unionist in sen- The village in which the college was timent. Few slaves, a strong belief in individualism. a strong national- istic spirit, seclusion, and different economic interests account for the
located was a sort of cross roads center, twenty miles north of Ashe- ville, twelve miles from Marshall. county seat of Madison County. and difference in attitude.
about the same distance from the Tennessee state line. Here one is twenty-five miles away from Mitch- ell's Peak or sixteen miles from Bald Mountain. From Little Mountain or Bailey, common student retreats, one may view Ogle Meadows. Yates Knob. the Craggies, and a great sec- tion of the encircling Black Mountain range.
John B. Marsh. a scholarly man, closed his work as president of the college on July 4. 1861. On July 10, Pinkney Rollins was elected Presi- dent and taught from the fourth Monday in September to the close of the session in the spring of 1863. He closed at that time because a new call for troops took practically all the male students. Shortly after the clos- ing a detachment of one hundred Confederate soldiers under the com- mand of Colonel James Keith, who had with him Colonel Lawrence Al- len, came in and took possession of the college buildings. The detail was stationed here for the remainder of the war. It was the purpose of this force to protect the surrounding country from bands of lawless mar- auders which often operated where there was no authority to prevent it. These soldiers were specially selected
It was by Mars Hill that travelers from Knoxville and that section of Tennessee came as they made their way up the rugged French Broad gorge to a point near Marshall where it was found better to turn away from the winding river and take a road which led to Mars Hill. Sold- icrs who passed from Johnson City, Jonesboro, Greenville, or Bristol to points on the Carolina Coast gener- ally came by way of Erwin, "The Narrows." and Flag Pond. Tennessee, over Walnut Mountain. down Cali- for their ardous task; and they found fornia Creek and out by way of Mars their duties in that section often Hill. Those who came across the very difficult.
mountain from Burnsville, or towns The chief attacks which they suf- in that general direction, crossed the fered were those of Colonel George Walnut Mountain and then over the Kirk with his company of "robbers general route to Mars Hill. Many and cutthroats." presumably a unit travelers coming from the West of- of the United States army. Whether ten found this route to be the short- they were regularly enlisted troops
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N. C. HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
has remained a moot question. But sociation convening at Middle Fork it is a fact that most of them have Church four miles distant from Mars been given pensions by the federal Hill. During this disturbance two government.
Among the immediate causes for conflict were those such as the time when the Governor of North Caro- lina had sent a supply of salt to Marshall for distribution to soldiers' wives. This was received in due time
missary at that place. On learning of this, a band of men from Shelton
Laurei came to Marshall, forced the of the entire period happened when keeper to carry a bag of salt to Wal- Major Bill Brown of the Confederate nut Gan. nine miles distant, as they army went to Mars Hill on furlough. carried the remainder of the ship- and while there suggested to Captain ment. Once there, he was released, T. J. Rollins who commanded the and they proceeded to take the entire home-guard that they get some men
and test out the fighting qualities of the soldiers in the College buildings.
amount of salt to its destination. Upon hearing of this the Confedera.o detachment from Mars Hill made its The plan was agreed upon; and at way to Shelton Laurel where they night a group assembled on the hill where Melrose and Brown dormitor- captured thirteen, two of whom were boys. A detail was ordered to take les are located, and began to fine. tre prisoners to Knoxville. but they The company became frightened. the took them only a short distance and commander shouted to his men "Fall returned. It is said that such details out," "Attention!" Whereupon one, were often ordered to take captives Ned Waldrop, stated that he would to some distant city in thirty min- fight if the captain would let him
pres Of course soldiers knew what get where he wanted to be. "Where "".h orders meant and acted accord- do you want to be?" responded the ingly. It was in a similar raid that Major Charlie Roberts was killed and ing. sir." was the reply. By this time Private Robert Clouse was wounded. the group had learned that their sun- Shelton Laurel was the scene of con- posed attack was nothing more than
a practical joke. And Ned Waldrop captain. "Behind the College build-
flirts at other times.
The next raid came when it was became the laughing stock of the en- decided to chase Colonel Kirk's men tire company.
into Tennessee. Twenty men from
The soldiers afforded one great
Haywood county j ined twenty from source of irritation to people in this Mars Hill and they crossed the section. The Confederate government mountain above Flag Pond. Just south required that people pay taxes with of Erwin at a point known as "The produce. So groups now and then Narrows" the Confederates planned were sent out with wagons to secure to make a stand, but the enemy knew coin, meats, vegetables and such the terrain better than they, so the other farm products as could be used. Union men came in on two sides. The It was simply a method of foraging Confederate force decided to flee by off the surrounding country. Since escaping into the mountains and there was little money, this was pro- finding their way back to Mars Hill. bably the best method of military sup- However, despite such quick action, port devised in the South.
there was some fighting. Harry Jer-
The college buildings at this time vis and John Ray both being killed. consisted of one brick class-room Several times soldiers from Haywood building, a new frame dormitory of county made a march to Mars Hill. thirty-two rooms with a boarding de- (Statement of Lewis Ammons.) partment. and a president's home and During this period a detail Colonel Kirk's mun broke up of teacherage. One day toward the the close of the war while the Confed- meeting of the Baptist Annual As- erate troops were away both the
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men were killed and one was wound- ed. By the time soldiers from Mars Hill could arrive all was quiet and the disturbers had fled.
At many points near Mars Hill in- dividual encounters took place, re- sulting in the death of several per- and taken into the government com- sons. Joel Holcombe and Marion Jus- tice lost their lives in this way.
One of the most amusing incidents
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N. C. HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD
president's home and the large dor- ward Carter. the founder of the col- mitory were completely destroyed lege. Jake Sams, the Andersons. J hn Robert Sams and others often met in, prayer and put their hands to the task. The lone brick building was repaired so that it could be use ! It lasted until 1910 at which time it by fire. The destruction occurred on the 8th day of March 1865. The loss at that time is conservatively esti- mated at $10,000. In addition to this destruction the lone building remain- had to be torn down because it was ing suffered much damars. The no longer safe. windows, doors, floors, desks. bench- es and other woodwork was torn out and only the brick walls remained for courageous mountaineers to re- build when the process of reconstruc- tion had once begun.
Forty years passed before the col- lege again enjoyed an equal equip- ment with that which the war had swept away. There was probably no college in the country that suffered such a destructive blow. Almost half the time of the present administration has been spent with less equipment than that which the college possessed
It is a common belief as stated by soldier. stationed in Mars Hill, that some of Colonel Kirk's men picked the proper day and quietly slipped before it was occupied by troops. into the village and set fire to the
The Confederacy could do nothing building. This was done when Col- toward restoration. The matter has never arrested the attention of Con- gress sufficiently well to secure an indemnity.
onel Keith and his men were out in the surrounding country. It is well known that Colonel Keith's residence was burned by some of the eneiny.
(Facts have been gleaned from This loss to Mars Hill college was immense. When Pinkney Rollins re- opened the college in June. 1865. he had only 46 students. In the session of 1860-61 a total of 102 students were enrolled. The loss of two in- portant buildings could not be easi- ly overcome. Friends had little mon- ey but they still had courage and patriotism. Men who believ d in statements made by men who were soldiers at Mars Hill, and others who lived there at the time. Among those are L. J. Ammons born December 29, 1851; R. J. Young born August 28. 1845. and one of the soldiers: John R. Sams born July 15. 1843; R. F. Jervis born June 20. 1847; Mr. Peake. a soldier: Mr. Ho lifield. a s idier; and William Murray who aided in res- education. like William Murray. Ed- toring the class-room building.)
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