Sketches Of Western North Carolina Historical And Biographical Collections – Page 5 of 5

Biographical Sketch of Dan Alexander

“Dan Alexander”, who moved to Hardeman county, Tenn., was born in Mecklenburg county, in March, 1757. He first entered the service in 1778, for three months, in Captain William Alexander’s company, (commonly called “Black Bill Alexander,”) and Colonel Irwin’s regiment. In 1780, he served under Captain Thomas Alexander to assist in guarding the public magazine in Charlotte. In this same year he served in the expedition to Ramsour’s Mill, under General Rutherford, and afterward, against Tories assembled in the forks of the Yadkin river, captured several and conveyed them to Salisbury jail. Soon afterward, he joined the command of Colonel … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Cynthia Jack

Cynthia Jack, eldest child and only daughter of Capt. James Jack, married A.S. Cosby, and settled in Mississippi. After his death the widow and family settled in Louisiana, about 1814. Their descendants were: 1. Margaret. 2. Cynthia. 3. James; and 4. Dr. Charles Cosby. Patrick Jack, eldest son of Captain James Jack, was Colonel of the 8th Regiment U.S. Infantry, in the war of 1812, stationed at Savannah. He sustained an elevated position in society, frequently represented Elbert county in the State Senate, and died in 1820. His children were: 1. Patrick. 2. William II.; and 3. James W. Jack. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Colonel Tarleton

Colonel Banastre Tarleton Was Born In Liverpool, England, On The 21st Of August, 1754. He Commenced The Study Of The Law, But When The War In America Broke Out He Entered The British Army And Came To This Country With Lord Cornwallis. He Served With That Officer In All His Campaigns In The South, And By His Daring Intrepedity, And Indomitable Energy, Greatly Contributed To The Success Of The British Arms At Camden. He Possessed A Sanguinary Disposition, As Was Exhibited In The Cruel Massacre Of Col. Buford’s Regiment At The Waxhaws. In Tracing His History In America, We Look … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Churchill Jack

Churchill Jack, youngest son of Col. Patrick Jack, is a farmer in Arkansas, and the only one of this family now (1876) living. William H., Patrick C. and Spencer H. Jack, all young and adventurous spirits, emigrated from Alabama to Texas in 1831, and cast their lots with the little American colony which was then just beginning to establish itself. They were all three lawyers by profession, and took an active interest and part in the difficulties with Mexico, which were sure to result in open hostilities and the independence of Texas. Spencer H. Jack died young and without issue.

Biographical Sketch of Captain Samuel Caldwell

Samuel Caldwell was born in Orange County, N.C., on the 10th of February, 1759, and moved to Tryon county, afterward Lincoln, in 1772. He first entered the service in Captain Gowen’s company in 1776, and marched against the Cherokee Indians beyond the mountains. In 1779, he volunteered (in Captain William Chronicle’s company) in the “nine months service,” and joined General Lincoln’s army at Purysburg, S.C. In March, 1780, he joined Captain Isaac White’s company, and marched to King’s Mountain. In the battle which immediately followed, he and his brother, William actively participated. Shortly after this celebrated victory, he attached himself … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Captain Alexander Davidson

Captain Alexander Davidson was one of the earliest settlers of the western part of Rowan county (now Iredell.) He took an active part in the Revolutionary struggle for independence. When Cornwallis was moving from Charleston toward North Carolina, and General Gates was ordered to meet him, Governor Caswell, of North Carolina, ordered a draft of men to strengthen Gates’ army. In response to this order the people in that part of Iredell county bordering on the Catawba river below the Island Ford, assembled at a central point, afterward known as Brown’s Muster Ground, when a company was formed under the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Adam Alexander

“Adam Alexander” was chiefly known by his military services. He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of a battalion of minute men, with Thomas Polk as Colonel, and Charles M’Lean as Major, by the Provincial Council held at Johnston Court-house, on the 18th of December, 1775; and Colonel of Mecklenburg county, with John Phifer as Lieutenant Colonel, and John Davidson and George A. Alexander as Majors, by the Provincial Congress, held at Halifax on the 4th of April, 1776. He was a brave and energetic officer; and his name will be found in nearly every expedition which marched from Mecklenburg county to … Read more