USA > North Carolina > Lincoln County > The history of Lincoln County, North Carolina a series of newspaper articles published in 1935 in the Lincoln County News > Part 5
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(To Be Continued)
INA, MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 1935.
History Lincoln County (WRITTEN BY THE LATE A. NIXON)
INSTALLMENT NO. 18
The Burton Mill was situate on site of the old beaver dam. The two pounds of good butter, four water from the pond was conduct- hundredweight of good wholesome ed through a race to the great overshot wheel, the motive power of the mill on the ridge between the Ford and Beaver Dam Branch three highways came together. At their convergence was situate the village of Beattie's Ford with its post office of Beattie's Ford sup- these roads was the great stage line via Lincolnton and Salisbury connecting far distant points. The ard, Lingerfelt, Link, Lohr, Loretz, plied a wide extent of country. The approach of the stage was an- nounced by winding blasts from tin horn of the driver.
Exhaustless iron beds were dis- covered in other sections in con- nection with limitless coal veins, and the fires of the charcoal fur- nace were quenched, and the fur- nace last and forge hammer were heard no more. Some of the lead- ing spirits opposed the entrance of rail roads, and their tracks were laid over other routes. Trade centers sprang up on their lines, and the stores at Beattie's Ford closed. The long interregnum of peace came to an end. The noise of war again was heard in the land, and this section suffered in blood and treasure and shattered homes.
The Dutch Side
The German settlers came from Pennsylvania. Their ancestors a .. some of them came from Ger- many. Their settlement covers the whole of the county, evcept the eastern portion bordering on the Catawba, and in this portion among the Scotch Irish were the German families of Cloninger, Earnhardt, Forney, Hager, Lock- man, Keever, Killian, Nantz, Sif- ford and others. The names of the German pioneers, deserve special mention, and many follow: Ader- holdt, Anthony, Arndt, Bangle, Benick, Beisaner, Beam, Bolinger, Boyles, Botz, Coulter, Dellinger, Detter DeVepaugh, Deitz, Eddle- mon, Finger, Freytag, Gantzler, Gross, Haas, Hafner, Helderman, Hallman, Hartzoge, Houser, Hee- dick, Heil, Heltebrand, Henkle,
ty-five bushels Indian corn, fifty-
- beef, onesixth of the net profits of the fruit trees, thirty pounds sugar, three pounds Bohea tea, two pounds coffee, twelve gallons of whiskey, four bushels of malt, one bushel of salt." They also en- gaged to erect "a commodious and Their first dwelling were long aid Derrick Ramsour, in order to live retired with a sufficient store [ and store room, and furnish the same with the necessary furniture sufficient for his accommodations which building is to be erected on such a part of the premises as he the said Derrick Ramsour, pitches upon." Also to find for him "one good feather bed and decent and necessary furniture, and find and provide for him sufficient fire- wood, ready hauled to his dwell- ing, to be cut a foot length as of- ten as occasion or necessity shall require; and also to supply him with a gentle riding horse, saddle, and bridle, to carry him whereso- ever he may require to go, toge- ther with a sufficient and neces- sary stock of wearing apparel both wolen and linen, warm and decent, and becoming one of his circumstances to wear, together with the proper food and washing during his natural life."
Then by bill of sale. he conveys to his sons Jacob and David his "whole stock of black or neat cat- tle running on the said lands whereon I now live, or to be found in the woods or range, whether in my own proper mark, or the mark of those from whom I might here- tofore have purchased; also all and singular my horses, mares. colts, yearlings, etc., which of right doth or ought to belong to me, whether at this time in my ac- tual possession, or running their range at large, also all my stock of hogs, and sheep, be the same more or less in number, wherever to be found, together with my wagons, gears, plows, harness still| and vessels, plantation and car- penter tools of every kind whatso- ever."
To Jacob he conveys the plan- tation situate in the forks of the
Hoke, Huber, Hull, Jared, Jonas,
Jundt, Keener, Kizer, Kistlers,
Klein, Kneep, Krauss, Kuhn, Lantz, Leeper, Lehnhardt, Leon-
ard, Lingerfelt, Link, Lohr, Loretz, Lorentz, Lutz, Michel, Miller, Mosteller, Plonk, Propst, Quickel, Ramsaur, Rein, Reinhardt, Rich, Rinck, Rudisill, Sain, Scheidel, Schenck, Schafordt, Scronce, Sei- gel, Schrum, Seitz, Shoup, Shull, Sigmon, Speigel, Strutt, Sum-
merow, Troutman, Tutherow, Warlick, Weber, Weekesser, We- hunt, Weiand, Weiss, Wetzstein, Wisenhunt, Workfan, Yoder, Zim- merman.
Many of the American names have been anglicised, and the spelling changed. To be a Zimmer- man when one could be a Carpen- ter was too unprogressive. Like- wise Weber became Weaver, Kruss, Crouse; Huber, Hoover; Freytag, Friday; Gantzler, Cans- ler; Heil, Hoyle; Jundt, Yount; Kuhn, Coon; Klein, Cline; Reib, ed by David Ramsour, a relic of Reep; Weiss, Wise; Wetzstein, Whetstone, and so with many oth- ers. pioneer days and architecture. The great stone chimney is built en- tirely inside the house with fire- They selected the finest lands and settled along the streams. Their first dwellings were log cabins, then followed the rude painted mansion. A few of the old place seven feet across, over which is the mantel nine feet long hewn out of log. In the chimney are cross bars from which the pot hooks were suspended to hold th red painted houses, built near the l cooking utensils in position over springs yet stand, monuments of a bygone age. They have always built large barns. Sweet memories of the pioneers, and many valua- ble papers linger among their de- scendants. To give some illustra- tions of pioneer times and condi- tions a few. notes of one family will be made.
Derrick Ramsour came with the pioneers about 1750. He erected a mill on Clark's Creek, near its junction with the South Fork Riv- er, that was a noted industry and place in colonial days. The sub- jects of the king often divided their estates to prevent the oldest son becoming sole heir under the English law of primogeniture. In April, 1772, impelled by natural love and affection, he conveyed his property to his two surviving sons, Jacob and David; first, how- ever, required them to enter into a bond in the sum of one thousand pounds proclamation money for his support, conditioned that they pay unto him every year during his natural life, "fifteen pounds proclamation money, twenty-five bushels clean sound wheat, twen-
South Fork River and Clark's Creek and adjoining tracts, in all 960 acres, including the mill. This adjoins the western limits of Lin- colnton. The residence erected by Derrick stood beside that of Ja- cob on the slope of the hill a few hundred feet to the west of the mill that was destined to become historic during the Revolution. South Fork River, in a great bend, forms its junction with Clark's Creek. In this bend are three hun- dred acres of fertile bottom. Jacob Ramsour died in 1787 and was buried in a private burying ground on the highest part of the ridge west of his house.
ment of the new country, but one of their most trying ordeals was the change of their language from
their native German to English. They called themselves Dutch and their language Dutch, and so are called to this day both by them- selves and others. The pioneer Germans were Lutherans and Re- formed, and they usually occupied To David Ramsour he conveyed six hundred acres lying three miles farther up the river. This tract is likewise situate in a great bend of the river including a broad sweep of level bottom. On this farm today is the one-story cabin built of immense hewn logs, erect- the same house of worship, where on alternate Sabbaths they wor- shiped, and this is still the case in a number of churches. Four miles northwest of Lincolnton the pion- eers established a place of wor- ship and a school house called Dan- iel's, on a tract of fifty acres, but did not take a grant. In 1767 a grant was issued to Matthew it Floyd for the tract of fifty acres including a "schoolhouse." In 1768 was purchased by Nicholas Warlick, Frederick Wise, Urban Ashehanner, Peter Statler, Peter Summey and Peter Hafner, who conveyed it to the "two united Congregations of Lutherans and the fire. This cabin occupies a knoll, commanding a fine view with picturesque surroundings. It slopes toward the south forty yards to the river. Near by is the rock walled spring with stone steps leading down to its cool wa- ters, shaded by giant white oaks. Next stands the old red painted mansion characteristic of the ear- ly Dutch, built by his son, John Ramsour, every part of which is put together with hand forged nails. A little way out in the bot- tom is the brick mansion of Jacob Ramsour, son of John. These with the modren residence of Thomas J. Ramsour, in view of each other, standing in a radius of half a mile, represent four generations of the Ramsour family. On a gentle 1 knoll in the great bottom is the family burying ground, where 1 rests Jacob Ramsour, who died in 1785, and many of his descend- 1 ants. Calvinist." The services were in German, and the records written in German script until 1827. On this tract each has a brick church and by them stands the brick schoolhouse. Eleven miles east of Lincolnton, on the great highway is the site of the "Old Dutch Meeting House." The deed is from Adam Cloninger to the "German Congregation of Killian's Settle- ment." The first church lot in Lin- colnton was conveyed June 10th, 1788, to Christian Reinhardt and Andrew Hedick, trustees for the "societies of Dutch Presbyterians and Dutch Lutherans" of the town and vicinity, "for the intent and purpose of building thereon a meeting house for public worship, schoolhouses, both Dutch and English, and a place for the burial of the dead." This was called the old White church and occupied the The Germans encountered many site of the present Lutheran church. The reference in title deeds to "Calvinists," and "Dutch 1 hardships incident to the settle- Presbyterians" is to the German t Reformed or, as now known, the Reformed Church.
(To Be Continued)
LINA,
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 1935.
History Lincoln County (WRITTEN BY THE LATE A. NIXON)
INSTALLMENT NO 19
The pioneers brought with them Luther's German translation of the Bible. No dust was allowed to gather on this precious volume. These have been handed down from generation to generation and in almost every family today can be found the Dutch Bible of the pioneers printed in a language now considered foreign, yet justly esteemed precious heirlooms.
Rev. Johann Gottfried Arndt came from Germany as a school teacher in 1773, and was ordained into the Lutheran ministry in 1775. He died in 1807, and was buried beneath the old White church in Lincolnton. The inserip- tion on his tombstone is in Ger- man, above it an eagle and thir- teen stars, and the motto of the new republic, E. Pluribus unum. The Reformed preacher of this time was Rev. Andrew Loretz, a native of Switzerland. He died in 1812 and was buried at Daniel's. On the gable of his mansion out- lined in colored brick, are the ini- tials of his name and the date, A. L. 1793. Only the German was used during their pastorates. Liv- ing in the same county, and preaching in the same churches, these godly men were devoted friends, and engaged that which- ever died first should be buried by the survivor. The Lutheran pastor at Daniel's is Rev. Luther L. Lohr, and in Lincolnton Rev. Robert A. Yoder, D.D., descendants of the Dutch settlers. While Rev. Wil- liam Ramsour Minter, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Lin- colnton, is a grandson of Jacob Ramsour, and great-grandson of David Ramsour, both elders in that church; David Ramsour was a son of Jacob Ramsour, owner of the historic Ramsour's Mill.
The North Carolina Synod held an historic meeting in the "old White church' 'in May, 1820. Then occurred the first rupture in the Lutheran Church in the New World. The President maintained his position in a long discourse in the German, the secretary follow- ed in a longer one in English. This church and others withdrew and, July 17th, organized the Tennes. see Synod. At its first meeting
men. In the fall of the year shoot- ing catches were common, the usual prize a quarter of beef or a turkey. A witness at court, when asked to fix the date of a certain- transaction, replied "at shooting- match time." They were great fanciers of fine stock, and the old | Dutch farmer never felt more lordly than hauling great loads with his sleek team of horses. The race track also has its devotees. Two prominent Germans were once called to the bar of the church for some cause resulting from a noted race run on the War- lick path. The one who lost ex- pressed proper contrition. The other was incorrigible. Proud of his horse stakes, and exulting in the plaudits of the community, he promptly responded "I am sorry. I von. Mr. H. Werry sorry, he loss.'
On the Dutch side are many signs and folk lore of interest. The Dutch farmer is a close observer and is often governed by signs. The moon is a powerful potentate. Its phases are closely watched, and there is a time to plant every seed, cut timber and do many things. A champion turnip grow- er used an incantation of virtue in casting the seed, resulting in a fourfold quantity. Each time he threw the seed with his hand he repeated a line of the following: "Some for the pug,
Some for the fly,
Some for the Devil, And in comes I."
Michael Schenck, in 1813, erect- ed the first cotton factory, run by water power, south of the Po- tomac. It was a small affair lo- cated on a branch, one mile east of Lincolnton, but proving profit- able, attracted Col. John Hoke and Dr. James Bivins, and they be- came partners of Michael Schenck. The firm in 1819 erected the Lin- coln Cotton Mills, with three thou- sand spindles, on the South Fork, the beginning of the cotton mill industry in this section. This mill was burned in 1863.
There are situate in Lincolnton and within four miles along the South Fork, thirteen cotton mills controlled by descendants of the
German was made the business | Dutch. The only cotton mill in language and all its transactions were to be published in German. In 1825 the minutes were publish- ed in both German and English. In 1826 David Henkle was appointed interpreter for the members who did not understand the German, and it was ordered that "the bus- iness of Synod shall be transacted in the German language using the first three days, afterwards the English shall be used."
But perhaps the greatest hin- drance was in the State. The Eng- lish was the dominant language. The laws were written and ex- pounded in English and all public affairs conducted in that language and this prevented many from ac- tive participation in public affairs. The change was gradual bul was perhaps most marked between the years 1820 and 1830. The entire German population outgrew the use of the German tongue. In their pulpits, no longer is it heard, nor have they German schools. Now the Pennsylvanis Dutch is seldom ever heard, and even the accent and idiom remain on but few tongues; yet it is sometimes observed in the use of the letters v and w, b and p, t and d. This is seen in some of the family names: Bangel and Pangle are the same name; likewise Boovey and Poov- ey, Tarr and Darr, David Darr passed from father to son, and is was called Tavy Tarr. Avenerable elder of fragrant memory, when the preacher ascended the pulpit to begin service, was accustomed to step to the door and proclaim to those outside, "De Beobles will now come in, to breaching is reaty."
The Pennsylvinia Dutchman had his humorous side, for
"A little nonsense now and then Is relished by the best of men."
They had their sports and amusements, their holidays and gala days, their Easter fun and Kriss Kringle frolics. Many of their sports and amusements par- took more of skill and labor than dissipation and debauchery, such as corn shuckings, choppings, log- rollings, house-raisings, spinning matches, quiltings and the like, tending to manly vigor and mod- est womanhood, and brightening the links of friendship and broth- erly love. By hunting deer and turkey, the squirrel and other game they became expert rifle-
the county at the close of the war was Elm Grove, owned by John F. Phifer, now operated by Robert S. Reinhardt. The Confederate Stat- es government, about 1864, erected a laboratory for the manufacture of medicines on the site of the old Lincoln factory. In 1887, J. A. Abernethy and D. E. Rhyne erect- ed the Laboratory Cotton Mills on the site of the Confederate labor- atory, R. E. Costner, J. A. An- thony, L. J. Dellinger, John M. Rhodes, and W. A. Rudisill are mill men. Daniel E. Rhyne is pro- prietor of three mills. Other suc- cessful mill men are J. A. Aberne- thy, Edgar Love and J. M. Rob- erts. The late Capt. Joseph G. Morrison erected the Mariposa Mills, at the old Forney forge on Leeper's Creek. Paper mills were operated for many years on the South Fork. Among the noted manufacturers of paper were Wil- liam and Rufus Tiddy.
One of the noted pioneers was ap- Daniel Warlick. His entries proimate three thousand acres. In 1769 he made division of it among his five sons and four daughters. The oldest enterprise in the coun- ty today is the mill established on a branch five miles west of Ram- sour's. It was once destroyed by the Cherokees. This property has today owned by Jacob R. Warlick, a great grandson. It is now a mod- ern roller-mill, the motive power a waterfall of sixty-two feet.
The old highway from Ram- sour's Mill Warlick's Mill crossed the South Fork River at Reep's Ford, just below the pres- ent Ramsour bridge. Here lived Adam Reep and his brothers, Adolph and Michael, all Whig sol- diers. Just to the west, in a pri- vate burying ground rests Nichol- as Heamer, a patriot soldier and one of the last survivors of the Battle of Ramsour's Mill.
The subject of dress properly occupies large space in woman's thought. In the olden time there were no stores near with heavily laden shelves from which to se- lect, but they knew how to color, then combine the colors in beauti- ful fabrics, and were experts in fine weaving. They perhaps were not bothered with gores, and bias- es, frills and puffs, yet they had their trouble in cutting, fitting, and arranging the trimming as do
those of the present with the lat- est fashion magazines and fashion plates. It is certain that in the vigor and strength of perfect de- velopment they were fair to look upon, equal at home, in the parlor or in the kitchen, alive to the wants of humanity and duty to God. Much of this inspiring rec- ord is due the examples, counsels and prayers of pious mothers; and while the songs of the nursery mingle with lessons of peace and love, and tender hearts are im- pressed with religious truth the result will be men and women of high type.
As the century waned the Ger- man citizens were becoming prom- inent in public affairs. In 1797 John Ramsour represented Lin- coln County in the House of Com- mons and twice afterwards. Then follows John Reinhardt in 1799, Peter Forney in 1800. Peter Hoyle was elected in 1802 and fourteen times afterwards; Henry Hoke in 1803; David Shuford in 1806. Then follows Loretz, Killian, Cansler and others.
Henry Cansler was long and in- fluential citizen. He filled the of- fices of County Surveyor, Sheriff, Clerk of Court and member of the General Assembly. His father and grandfather each wrote his name in the German, Phillip Gantzler.
Jacob Costner was one of the first justices of Tryon County, sheriff of Tryon 1774 and 1775, major of the Tryon Regiment in 1776, died in 1777. Ambrose Cost- ner, his great-grandson, planter and financier, was often the popu- lar representative of Lincoln coun- ty in the House and Senate.
John F. Reinhardt, Confederate soldier, planter, commoner and senator, is a great grandson of Christian Reinhardt, "agent of the Dutch Presbyterians." He owns the Bartlett Shipp Homestead. His father Franklin M. Reinhardt, operated the Rehobeth Furnace. (To Be Continued)
INA,
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1935.
History Lincoln County (WRITTEN BY THE LATE A. NIXON)
INSTALLMENT NO. 20
Andrew Hedick, a great-grand- son of Andrew Hedick, "agent of the Dutch Lutherans," resides on the ancestral homestead. He lost his right arm in the fearful strug- gle at Chancellorsville. After the war he attended Pleasant Retreat, and prepared himself for school teaching. For many years he fill- ed the office of county treasurer and is one of the county's honored citizens. Andrew Hedick is like- wise the survivor of the usually mortal wound of a musket ball passing entirely through his body, as are also Abel Seagle and Da- vid Keever.
David Schenck, grandson of Michael Schenck, was a great ad- vocate and lawyer, a judge of the Superior Court and historian. He removed to Greensboro in 1882 and has a monument in the Guil- ford Battle ground.
John F. Hoke, son of Col. John Hoke, was a captain's commission- in the Mexican War, and com- manded his company with gallan- try in the battles of Cerro Gordon, Tolema and National Bridge. He was adjutant-general in North Carolina, and colonel in the Civil War. He was an able lawyer and often the representative of Lin- coln County in the General As- sembly. His son, William A. Hoke as citizen, lawyer, legislator, judge of the Superior Court, and now pustice of the Supreme Court occupies a large space in public esteem.
Michael Hoke, son of Col. John Hoke, was an eminent lawyer and
an accomplished orator, whose brilliant career added luster to his county and Commonwealth. The campaign of 1844 justly ranks among the famous in the history of the State. There were many causes contributing to its inten- sity. It was a presidential election. Henry Clay, the Whig nominee, a matchless orator and the idol of his party, made a speech in Ra- leigh on the 12th day of June of that year. James K. Polk, of Ten- nessee, a native of Mecklenburg and graduate of our State Uni- versity, was the nominee of the Democrats.
integrity, and "full measure of po- tatoes," that one of his bequests was: "I will and bestow to honest George Koon one hundred dol- lars."
Lorenzo Ferrer, having been in- troduced, shall have place in this history. He was a native of Lyons, | France, but spent his long life from early manhood in Lincolnton. He died August 16th, 1875, aged ninety-six years. He had his cof- fin made to order and gave direc- tions concerning his grave. It is marked by a recumbent slab, sup- ported on marble columns. The first paragraph of his will is in these words. I, Lorenzo Ferrer. here write my last will and testa- ment whilst I am in possession of my faculties, as I have shortly to appear at the tribunal of St. Pet- er at the gate of eternity; when St. Peter is to pronounce accord- ing to my merits or demerits: for our Lord Jesus Christ entrusted the key of Heaven to St. Peter and enjoined him to admit the de- serving to enter into Heaven and enjoy an eternal happiness, but to condemn the undeserving defraud- ers to the everlasting sulphurious flames in the Devil's abode. There- fore, I am endeavoring to comfort myself in such a manner in order to merit an eternal happiness in the presence of God, and his an- gels, and in company with St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Titus and the other saints. For I am anxious to converse with those happy marty- red saints and rejoice with them at the firmness, patience, and will- ingness they endured at their mar- tyrdom for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am also in hope to see and embrace my kind friends Michael Hoke, William Lander, and other good and honest friends with whom I hope to enjoy and eternal felicity," etc.
Adam Springs approached the dark river with no such beatific vision. In the confident possession of a sound mind and good judg- ment he likewise wrote his own will, the first part of which fol- lows: "North Carolina, Lincoln County-Know all men by these
The republic of Texas was seek- ing annexation to the United Stat- es, and this was a burning issue. Each political party was on its mettle, and marshalling its forces for a battle royal. Standard bear- ers must be selected with care and the very best. Each party named a son of Lincoln County as its candidate for Governor. The Dem- ocrats nominated Michael Hoke, a gentleman, of fine person, fine ad- dress, of long legislative experi- ence and high position at the bar, whose ease of manner and bril- liancy of oratory won for him troops of friends. The Whigs were equally fortunate in the selection of William A. Graham, a man of exalted character and ability; and, like his competitor, the firness of his conduct, his open, generous temper, and elevated mode of ar- gument met the highest expecta- tion of his most ardent admirers. Never in any campaign were two political antagonists more evenly matched. Both were in the prime of life. Hoke was only thirty-four, and Graham forty years of age. Both, were strikingly handsome men tall, well-formed and graceful of polished manner and placid temper, pure of character and free from guile. While processing all these amiable qualities when it came to the advocacy of the prin- ciples of their respective parties, or assaulting those of the other, they exhibited the courage of a Washington and the aggressive- ness of a Jackson. The dignified and majestic presence of Graham was formidably rivaled by the matchless manner and ready hu- mor of Hoke. Their joint canvass was a battle of giants. Graham was elected Governor, Clay carried the State and Polk was elected Presi- dent. Hoke scarce survived the campaign. He died September 9, 1844, at the youthful age of 34 years, 4 months and 7 days.
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