USA > North Carolina > Guilford County > The History of Guilford County, North Carolina > Part 3
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ALEXANDER MARTIN. (Extracts from Judge Douglas's Speech.)
Alexander Martin, one of Guilford's first great leaders, and her first governor of North Carolina, was of Scotch-Irish descent,
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his father being a Presbyterian minister. He was born in 1740, graduated at Princeton University in 1756.
In 1772 he settled at Guilford Courthouse, then situated near the battleground, and was later named Martinsville in his honor. When the Battle of Guilford Courthouse occurred he was a member of the Council Extraordinary ; and in company with Dr. David Caldwell was present at the Battle of Alamance.
In 1774-75 he was a member of the Colonial Assembly from Guilford County. He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second Regiment from this State in the Continental line on September the first, 1775, and was promoted to the Colonelcy in 1776. He, with his regiment, was present at the Battle of Brandywine, 1775, where Lafayette was wounded, and was near him. In the attack of Washington on the British at Ger- mantown, he was present .. His General, Francis. Nash, was killed.
In 1779 he was elected state senator from Guilford County, serving for a number of years. In 1780 he was speaker of the Senate. Upon the capture of Governor Burke by David Fannen, Alexander Martin suc- ceeded to the governorship. He was elected Governor of North Carolina in 1786 and 1783.
In 1786 he was elected by joint ballot of the two houses of the General Assembly one of the five delegates to the Federal Convention, called to meet in Philadelphia to frame the Constitution of the United States. 'The convention met May 25, 1787, and among the delegates from North Carolina Alexander Martin's name appears first.
Six times Governor of his State, once by succession and five times by direct election, Alexander Martin has left a record that has never been equaled.
In 1793 Governor Martin was elected to the Senate of the United States. He was a staunch Federalist and a friend of Washington.
At the general meeting of delegates at Newbern, on April 3rd, 1775, Alexander Martin was the delegate from Guilford. At the meting at Hills- borough, August 21st, 1775, Alexander Martin, Ransom Southerland, Samuel Parke Farley, Thomas Henderson, William Dent, George Cortner and Nathaniel Williams were delegates.
On April 4, 1776, at the meeting which placed the State in military organization, the Guilford delegates were Ransom Southerland, William Dent and Ralph Gorrell. The officers appointed for Guilford were: James Martin, Colonel; John Paisley, Lieutenant-Colonel; Thomas Owens, First Major ; Thomas Blair, Second Major.
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NORTH CAROLINA.
At the meeting at Halifax, November 12th, 1776, which formed the Constitution, the delegates from Guilford were: David Caldwell, Joseph Hinds, Ralph Gorrell, Charles Bruce and Isham Browder.
GUILFORD BATTLEGROUND.
The originator of the Guilford Battleground Company was Judge David Schenck, who, in 1882, came to Greensboro from Lincolnton, N. C. He was a brilliant man, interested in the devel- opment and up-building of North Carolina, and for years worked ceaselessly toward that end. To him was due the early establish- ment of the Greensboro graded schools. In 1886, October, he purchased the grounds on which this great decisive battle of the Revolutionary War occurred; to Judge Schenck is due the honor of rescuing the battleground and its history from oblivion. He taught the history of the conflict of 1780 and '81 in North Caro- lina effectively, both by his pen and his redemption of the Guilford Battleground. Until he came this battleground, blessed by the blood of patriotism, was an old sedge-field of pines and briars, a tangled wilderness. Today everyone knows of the great Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The imposing monuments there will tell the youth for many a generation the history .of North Carolina patriotism.
A charter from the Legislature of North Carolina was pro- cured at its session in 1887 and on the 6th of May, 1887, Friday, J. W. Scott, David Schenck, Julius A. Gray, D. W. C. Benbow and Thomas B. Keogh met in Greensboro and organized "The Guilford Battleground Company." Judge D. Schenck was elected president ; J. W. Scott, treasurer, and Thomas B. Keogh, secretary. Citizens of Greensboro responded liberally. Mrs. McAdoo-King was the only lady stockholder.
In 1889 the Legislature appropriated two hundred dollars annually to the support of the Guilford Battleground. The first monument, given by McGalliard and Huske, quarrymen of Ker- nersville, N. C., was erected in honor of CAPTAIN ARTHUR FORBIS,
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who was wounded and died on the field of battle, a brave soldier of Guilford County.
Governor A. M. Scales had prepared granite blocks, begin- ning with a base of five feet square and running up to two feet, in form pyramidal. This was erected "with joy" in the centre of the battlefield, near the railway, where all travelers might read : "GUILFORD BATTLE GROUND, THURSDAY, MARCH THE 15TH, 1781"-the Battle Monument.
Two natural springs of cool water on the grounds were de- veloped and beautified by the Northern gentlemen, who were one with us in the great American cause-Mr. William P. Clyde, of New York, for whom Clyde Spring is named, and Mr. Leonidas W. Springs, of Philadelphia, for whom the twin, "Leonidas Springs," is named.
In 1891 the remains of Brigadier-General Jethro Sumner were re-interred in this hallowed mould of the Guilford Battle. That year a museum was built on the grounds, which has gathered many relics of the Revolution.
In 1892 MARYLAND MONUMENT was erected, in memory of the Maryland Regimentals.
In 1893 THE HOLT MONUMENT was erected by Governor Thomas M. Holt.
· The Oak Ridge students have erected a monument to the BUGLER BOY OF LIGHT HORSE HARRY'S TROOPS, who was killed near Oak Ridge Institute.
In 1900, JAMES HUNTER MONUMENT was built (through the efforts of Hon. Joseph M. Morehead), and the history of the REGULATORS established as the first patriots of American liberty. There are many other monuments. The Fourth of July is cele- brated each year. Thousands of people visit annually this scene of the Revolutionary War.
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NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER V.
MINUTE PACKET OF THE COURT OF PLEAS AND QUARTER SESSIONS. 1782-1788.
The County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions was a con- tinuation of the English form of government. It met quarterly, in February, in May, in August and in November. Three, five or more Justices of the Peace sat on the bench. Besides rendering judgment, they appointed county officers, to be confirmed by the governor, deeds were probated and wills were proven in their court. It was a quarterly meeting of the Magistrates' Court. (Nov., 1782. Book I in Clerk's office at the County Seat of Guil- ford.) This court, in time, became the Board of County Commis- sioners, which meets the first Monday in each month, and some- times in the middle of the month, composed of three citizens.
The County tax is laid by the Court to one shilling on every hundred pounds taxable property in the County. (Book in Clerk's office at Greensboro. Nov 18, 1782.)
Ordered that each constable who warned the inhabitants to give a list of taxable property for the years 1781 and '82 be allowed forty shil- lings. Also each assessor be allowed the same. (17 Feb., 1783.)
Ordered that Col. John Peasly, Col. John Gillespie, John Forbes, William Kerr, Thomas Wiley, John Foster, Thomas Landwith, Moses Craner, Andrew Wilson and John McAdoo be a Jury to lay out a road from the Highrock ford on Haw River to the County line at Elisha Mendenhall's Mill.
Daniel Allen, who was brought before the Court for speaking defama- tory words against the State, was fined twenty pounds-(not paid).
At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, Alex Caldwell, William Dent, George Peay, Esquires, present : "William Dick is allowed £5, 4s, 4d for his attendance as Juror at Salisbury Superior Court, March term, 1780. (May 20, 1783. )
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GUILFORD COUNTY,
Sprow Macay, Esq., is appointed attorney to act in behalf of the State in the County of Guilford.
For each district a constable and assessor were appointed. David Peebles is appointed in Mr. Bruce's district for the present year and Justin Knott constable for the same year. (David Peebles' son, Lewis, had a daughter, Patsey, who married Col. Walter McConnell, who was the father-in-law of C. N. McAdoo.)
At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions begun and held for the County of Guilford, the third Monday in August, 1783; Present, Charles Bruce, William Goudy, James Brown, Esquires.
The last will and testament of James Mendenhall is recorded. Also an inventory of the estate of James Hunter, deceased, was returned in open court and recorded.
Ordered that Allen Unthank's tax for the year 1782 be remitted, it being proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was a balloted man to serve in the Continental service nine months and had paid his tax regularly until that year.
John Williams, Esq., is appointed attorney in behalf of the State for the County of Guilford.
Ordered that John Wiley be allowed the sum of 40 shillings for his services in warning the inhabitants of Mr. Larkin's district to give a list of their taxable property for the year 1779.
John Gillespie, Esq., produced a commission from his Excellency, the Governor, appointing him Sheriff of this County of Guilford, and qualified as such by taking the necessary oaths prescribed by law for the qualification of Public officers and gave bond with security for the faithful discharge of his duty.
Ordered that the Collectors receive no more than a two-fold tax from those Quakers who are above fifty years of age and not exceeding four- fold from those under that age that have not given in a list of their taxable property.
Ordered that Alex. Caldwell and George Peay, Esq., be appointed a committee to settle with James Brown, Esq., former Sheriff of this County, who reported that they had done the same and that by the several vouchers produced there appeared to be a balance due the said Brown from the County £582, 8s, 3d, as per and filed. The same persons also settled with `the said Brown for taxes.
Ordered that the following persons, to wit, Elijah Oliver, Thomas Cook, William Allen, William Stephens, Robert Coleman, Jeremiah Morris, John Nix, William Peay, Eli Surry, Derby Hoppen, David Walker and Jeremiah Johnson, be appointed patrolers in their several districts.
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NORTH CAROLINA.
Ordered that the sheriff or collector pay Thomas Blear one pound fifteen shillings for his attendance as Juror at Salisbury Court in June, 1775.
Present Wm. Gowdy, Wm. Dent, Robert M. Kamie, Alex. Caldwell, Adam Larkie. (Nov., 1783.)
Ordered that Thomas Henderson have leave to remove the House, called the store house, that is now on the lot of James Buchanan to his own lot for the purpose of keeping the Records and other papers belonging to the clerk's office of said county.
The county tax is laid to one shilling for the present year.
Ordered that the Sheriff agree with some person to repair the Court house, erect a Barr and make report to next court.
Col. John Gillaspie, high sheriff of Guilford County, came into Court and excepted against the Jail.
Ordered that Thomas Henderson, clerk of Guilford County, be allowed 40 pounds for two years. The county is in arrears to him for extra services, and 20 pounds for present year.
Ordered that Robert Wiley be allowed £5, 17s, 8d, for his attendance at Salisbury Superior Court which met in March 1784. (May, 1784.)
Jesse Benton, Esq., produced a license to practice law from their honors the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity. (Minute Bk. Court of P. & Q., 1781-83.)
James Hunter, Esq., being elected sheriff of this county, ordered that he be recommended to his Excellency the Governor to be commissioned for that purpose.
Jacob Brown, Wm. Crawford, Wm. Fathom and John McNary, Esqs., produced each a license with testimonial annexed agreeable to law from the honorabie the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity, and were admitted to practice in this Court as attorneys at law.
Ordered that the sheriff summon all the Constables within this county . to give their attendance with proper staffs, as wands, during the sittings of the County Courts to be held for this County during Term time, to do their duty in office or otherwise be subject to the pains and penalties of the law.
Thomas Archer, indicted for retailing liquors, came into Court and submitted and was fined.
License is granted William Reed to keep a Tavern at his own dwell- ing house, Francis McNary, his security. (May, 1784.)
In 1784 Thomas Henderson was Clerk of the Court.
At a County Court of P. & Q., present the worshipful Alex. Cald- well, Wm. Gowdy and William Dent. Agreeable to the petitions of Sundry Inhabitants, ordered that Peter Oneal have leave to build a Grist Mill over Prewit's fork of Hogan's Creek.
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On motion of John Williams., Esq., ordered that an instrument of writing or Duplicate of the last Will and Testament of Daniel M. Collom, Dec'd, be recorded (the original being destroyed by the British), which was proved in the open Court by the oath of Thomas Wratherford.
Ordered that Jehu Morton be fined 15 pounds for three profane oaths by him sworn in the presence of the Court and that he should be com- mitted till fine and fees be paid.
Ordered by the Court that Jehu Morton be committed to stocks for two hours and that the Sheriff summon a guard sufficient for that purpose and that any convenient fence be deemed stocks for that purpose or any other place of confinement.
Thomas Brown is appointed Overseer 'of the road from the Court House to the middle of Horsepen Creek and that he with the hands of Francis McNary, Widow Foster, John Hamilton, Nathan Brown and Capt. Wm. Dent keep the same in good repair agreeable to law.
. "Ordered that in future each sheriff attend this court with a Wand of tough wood eight feet in length and one inch in diameter, and that each constable attend the courts with staffs neatly shaved 61/2 ft. in length and 11/2 in. in diameter painted black on the head for 8 inches." James Hunter, High Sheriff. (August, 1788.)
Chas. Bruce and Wiliam Dent, Esqs., are appointed to superintend the next election for members for Legislature for this County.
Wm. Gowdy, Ralph Gorrell and William Dent were present at the term of Court. John Stokes, Esq., produced a license with a testimonial annexed from their honors the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity and was admitted to practice law accordingly. Ralph Gorrell, Esq., is by the Court elected Register of the County of Guilford. (Nov. 1784, Court of P. & Q.)
Ordered that the sheriff or some of the collectors pay James Brown £20, 6s, Sd, which appear to be due him from the settlement of his amount as former sheriff of this county. (Nov. 1784.)
Ordered that the County tax for the year 1784 be laid to one shilling on every poll tax and the same on every 300 acres of land. Andrew John- ston being of a proper age came into court and made choice of Henry Ross, William Gowdy, Esq., his security in the sum of 200 pounds for the faithful discharge of his duty. (Feb. 1785.)
"Charles Galloway records his mark, to wit, 'a crop and slit in each year.'" (Each farmer had his stock marked.)
The Esquires present at this court of P. & Q. were Wm. Gowdy, George Peay and Adam Lackey. James Hunter is unanimously elected Sheriff of this County for the present year. (May 1785.)
COURTHOUSE OF GUILFORD COUNTY.
UNIK Os
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On the petition of Sundry of the inhabitants of the two Buffalos, it is : Ordered that a road be laid off from Ralph Gorrell, Esq., to Elijah Stan- ley's Mill and from thence to the Cape Fear Road and that the following Jury, to wit, Daniel Gillaspie, John Foster, John McAdoo, John Mebane, David McAdoo, James McAdoo, Francis Cummings, John Holt, John Orr, George Parks, Samuel Martin and James Butler, be a jury to view and lay off said road and make report thereof to next Court.
Nichlas McCubbin is appointed Overseer of the road from the Sorrow Town to Quaqua Creek; James McCollum from thence to the County line of Caswell; John Odell from the County line of Caswell on the Iron Works Road to William Bethel's Muster Ground; Natty Jordan from thence to the roads at Browder's Executor's; William Hickman overseer of Hen- derson's Road from Samuel Bethel's to Cantrel's Meeting House; Lawrence Bagston from thence to the Governor's Road; David Suttles from Manleave Tarrant's to Hugh Reeds'; and Hugh Reeds from his own house to Thomas Gray's, Jacob Williams' road.
Nathaniel Scales is appointed Overseer of the road from Smythe's River to Dry Creek and the road from the Saura Town ford to the Vir- ginia line.
A deed of sales from James Buckhannon and wife to James McQuis- ton for 60 acres of land was proved in open court by the oaths of James Dunlap and ordered registered.
Ordered that the sheriff, or collector, pay Ralph Gorrell, Esq., £5, 6s, for his attendance as a Juror at Salisbury Court of Oyer and Terminer, etc., held for the district first of June, 1775.
Ordered that the Sheriff or collector pay Ralph Gorrell, Esq., f1, 12S, for blank books furnished his office as register.
Ordered that the Sheriff or collector pay Robert McKamie, Esq., £9, 3S, 4d, for his service done as Crowner of his county.
John Duke was sworn in as Juryman with Henry Whitesel, Thomas Green, George Glass. (Nov. 1785.)
Agreeable to an act of the assembly for appointing an inspection of tobacco at the Court house of Guilford Co., Wm. Dent, Esq., and Alex. McCain are appointed inspectors of the same.
Court house repaired. Ordered that the said Commission (William Dent, John Hamilton, William Duke) also engage with said workman who undertake the Court house to build a pillory and stocks for the use of the County.
On the resignation of Thomas Henderson as Clerk of Guilford County, five members being present, Thomas Leary is unanimously elected, into bond with William Dent and Thomas Henderson in the sum of two thousand pounds for the faithful discharge of his duty, etc.
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GUILFORD COUNTY.
Hance Hamilton was by the Court elected Sheriff and that he be recommended to his Excellency the Governor to be confirmed. Accord- ingly the said Hance Hamilton Produced a commission from the Governor appointing him sheriff. Bond, £5000. (May 1786.)
James Buckanon submits to the court and is fined 40s for selling liquor above the rates.
Ordered that Abner Willis, orphan of Richard Willis, dec'd, aged 14 years, be bound to Edward Ryan until he arrives at full age, to learn the art and mystery of weaving, and the said Ryan engages to give the said orphan one horse to the value of 10 pounds, and learn him to read, write and cypher as far as the five Common rules in Arithmetic.
Ordered that the Sheriff or some Collectors pay Thomas Hamilton 48 shillings for his service in making the line between this county and Randolph County. (Laid off in 1779.)
"I do hereby certify that John Stockard appeared before me within the space of two or three months after Isham Lett had entered a Bay Gild- ing on the Stray Book in or about the year 1784 and the said John Stockard made oath that the said Gilding was his property." Given under my hand Feb. 24, 1787, Wm. Gowdy.
It is ordered that an issue to each Justice be made "that at the time of taking tax list they likewise take a list as law requires of the number of inhabitants in each district."
The county tax is levied at 2s, 6d, for the year 1786 on each poll and the same on every 300 acres of land.
Joseph Hoskins, Constable, enters into bond with the Court in the sum of 250 pounds for the faithful discharge of his duty, George Denny, his security. (May 1787.)
Ordered that John Hamilton and William Dent, Esqs., be allowed the sum of 16 pounds for running the dividing line between Rockingham and Guilford Counties, and that Richard Burton be allowed the sum of 40s for his services in carrying the chain in running the line between the Counties of Guilford and Rockingham. (Rockingham formed from Guilford in 1785. )
Rockingham being made for the Election of a sheriff for the year 1787 Hance Hamilton offered himself a candidate for the same who was unani- mously elected, five members being present.
Ordered that William Dent and Ralph Gorrell, Esqs., be appointed to settle with James Hunter, sheriff of said County, for the County tax for the years 1784-1785.
Hance Hamilton produced a commission from his Excellency, Richard Caswell, Esq., appointing himself Sheriff of Guilford County, who took the
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NORTH CAROLINA.
oath agreeable to Law-who at the same time protested against the goal of the County. Joseph Hoskins and John Spruce qualified as deputy sheriffs for the County of Guilford.
Ordered that Thomas Smith, who was a continental soldier in the line of the state, be allowed the sum of 15 pounds, it appearing that he lost one of his legs in the Battle at Utaws (Eutaw Springs?). Aged 28 years, left eye out. Capt. Porter Shaw repaired the Court House for 400 pounds.
"Andrew Jackson produced a license from the Judges of the Superior Court of Law and Equity to practice Law and was admitted an attorney of his Court." (Nov. 1787.)
(Andrew Jackson was born at Waxhaw, N. C. He removed to Guil- ford County, N. C., read law at the home of Charles Bruce, at Summer- field, Guilford County, N. C., became constable in Guilford County, went to Tennessee with Judge McNairy, and afterward became President of the United States, and the head and shoulders of the Democrat Party. While in Guilford he is said to have enjoyed the sports of cock-fighting and horse-racing. His old race paths are at Summerfield.)
Hance Hamilton re-elected sheriff. (May 1788.)
Ordered that Capt. Patrick Shaw be allowed to keep a tavern in his own dwelling at Martinsville.
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CHAPTER VI.
NOTES FROM THE MINUTE DOCKET. 1796-1811.
On petition of Alexander McKeen, Trustee of the Publick Buildings, ordered that the following repairs be made, viz, the goal to be weather- boarded and the doors made secure and a pair of steps made to ascend to the upper door; further that the window shutters of the Courthouse be repaired and the glass repaired that is broken out. Also that the steps of the Courthouse be repaired and the floor of the stocks new planked, the gullies by the goal to be stopped by a stone wall to be made low in the middle, and the Barr in the Courthouse to be made some longer and ele- vated about 18 in., with a step at each end and a platform from the middle to extend to the Bench on which the Clerk's seat and desk, or table is to be placed near to the Bench and a Jury box to be fixed on each side of said platform, between the Barr and the Bench to hold twelve Jurors, at least, with convenience, and the Banister or railing of the Bench are to be repaired. (November 1796, page 5. See Minute Docket in Clerk's office in Greensboro, N. C.)
In November. 1796, there were summoned for the next term of court sixty-four Jurors. At this court twenty-nine deeds were acknowledged. (Page 7.)
Hance Hamilton and George Bruce, Esqrs., who were appointed at the last General Assembly Justices of the Peace for the County of Guilford, produced a commission from the Governor for the time being to that pur- port and took the necessary oath of office in open court, and took their seats accordingly. (Feb. 1797, page II.)
For the year 1796 county tax was one shilling for one poll and one shilling for every 300 acres of land. (Page 13.)
Ordered that the clerk give Public Notice for the inhabitants of this County to attend on the first day of next Court and every succeeding Court in order to do all kinds of County Business of a special nature as the Court will attend hereafter for that purpose and those that do not, need not expect to have such business done at any other period in the term. (Page 15.)
Ordered that the Sheriff hold an election for Wardens for the Poor on Easter Monday next, agreeable to Law or within the limits. (Page 15.)
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NORTH CAROLINA.
Z. D. Brasher was sheriff for 1795. At the February 1797 Term of Court 81 deeds 'were announced in open Court and ordered recorded. (Page 15.)
Abner Weatherly was electd sheriff for 1797. He received six votes, a majority ; seven votes were cast.
Ordered that the sheriff be directed to advertise for an election for Wardens of the poor held at the same time of next annual election. (May . 1797, page 27.)
Ordered that the Clerk be allowed the sum of 20 pounds for services in 1796. Ordered that the Sheriff be allowed 20 pounds for 1796. Ordered that the following Justices be appointed to take the lists of Taxables for the present year in the following manner and districts: "Adam Stevor for his own and Alexander Gray and Thomas Dick to take in said Gray's and George Wilson's districts and north of Reedy Fork from the lower end of the County up to Samuel Thompson's Bridge, then along Dixes ferry road to where Isham Coffee formerly lived; Hubbard Peoples from Samuel Thompson's Bridge up to Reedy Fork to Scott's Mill, thence along the old road to Joseph Erwin's, thence down to said Coffee; Robert McKime, Hance Hamilton and Benjamine Beason to take in from said Leatt's Mill up including Jean's District and that of Lindsey's north of the old Salis- bury road.
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