Iredell County NC

Genealogy of the Davidson family of the Duck River Valley

Genealogy of the Davidson family of the Duck River Valley

This small booklet showcases the authors research on the Davidson family of the Duck River Valley. The genealogy starts with John Davidson of Iredell, North Carolina and advances through his son, the Revolutionary War soldier William Davidson, and his wife Margaret McConnell of Buncombe County, North Carolina. Next in line, and the first to settle the Duck River Valley is John Davidson, the eldest son of William and Margaret. He and his wife Martha Davidson settled near Knob Creek, Bedford County, Tennessee. John’s brother, Hugh, and his wife Jane Vance, settled in the Duck River Valley east of Normandy in at the time, Coffee County, Tennessee. This genealogy treats the Davidson family through several more generations. It is free to read or download.

Biography of Colonel Alexander Osborn

Colonel Alexander Osborn was born in New Jersey in 1709 and settled in Rowan County, North Carolina, around 1755. He played a significant role in colonial governance and led Rowan troops to assist Governor Tryon in quelling the Regulation movement in 1768. He was married to Agnes McWhorter and was influential in the local Presbyterian community. Osborn passed away on July 11, 1776, just two days after Agnes. Their son, Adlai, became an esteemed Clerk of the Court and a proponent of education.

Biography of Captain William Sharpe

Captain William Sharpe, born on December 13, 1742, in Maryland, settled in North Carolina, marrying the daughter of a Mecklenburg Declaration signer. A lawyer, he actively supported liberty in Rowan County, serving in the Provincial Congress and contributing to the state’s first Constitution. He aided General Rutherford against the Cherokee and represented North Carolina in the Continental Congress from 1779 to 1782. Sharpe died in July 1818, leaving a notable legacy through his children, including military leaders and public officials.

Biography of Captain James Houston

Captain James Houston, born in 1747, was a prominent figure in the fight for liberty, notably participating in the Battle of Ramsours Mill, where he was injured. Despite his wound, he retaliated against his assailant. As British forces advanced, Houston’s family concealed him in a swamp for safety, while Mrs. Houston bravely protected their belongings and herself from intruding soldiers. Houston’s legacy continued through his descendants, including Dr. Joel B. Houston and R.B.B. Houston, who honor their ancestor’s memory with engraved sleeve buttons.

Biography of Rev. James Hall, D. D.

Rev. James Hall, born on August 22, 1744, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, became a key figure during the American Revolution as both a Captain and Chaplain. After moving to North Carolina, he studied at Princeton and was ordained in 1776, serving multiple congregations. Hall’s strong sense of patriotism led him to rally troops during conflicts, notably against the Cherokee and British forces. Post-war, he focused on ministry and education, founding a classical school. He passed away on July 25, 1826, and is buried at Bethany Church.

Biography of Hugh Lawson White

Hugh Lawson White, born in 1773 in Iredell County, North Carolina, was the grandson of Irish immigrant Moses White. He moved to East Tennessee and became a prominent figure, serving as a Brigadier General during the Creek War and later as a Superior Court Judge. After a brief retirement to farming, he was elected to the State Legislature and presided over the newly established Supreme Court of Tennessee. He later served as a U.S. Senator and was a presidential candidate in 1836. White died in 1840, recognized for his integrity and public service.

Biographical Sketch of Captain Alexander Davidson

Captain Alexander Davidson was a notable early settler in what is now Iredell County, actively participating in the Revolutionary War. He led a company formed under a draft ordered by Governor Caswell to support General Gates against Cornwallis, ultimately marching to the ill-fated battle of Camden, where many of his men were killed. His legacy continued through his grandson, Captain John Davidson, who remembered his grandfather’s military commission and diary, which were later taken to Washington City in 1851.

Biography of Rufus McLelland

Rufus McLelland, born May 17, 1822, in North Carolina, moved to south Missouri in 1851 after a long journey. He established himself as a successful stockman in Oregon County. During the Civil War, he served as county clerk while managing his farms. A Democrat, McLelland’s early political engagement included voting for Polk and Taylor. He had eight children with his first wife, Mira Piercey, and later married twice more. McLelland is recognized for his honorable life and contributions to the community, now retired on his 333-acre farm.

Captain James Houston’s Muster Roll

The Muster Roll for Captain James Houston’s company includes a diverse group of individuals, such as Lieutenant William Davidson and soldiers like David Evins, Robert Byers, and John Hovis. Notable names include the Torrence family—Adam Sr. and Jr.—as well as figures like James Young and Philip Logan. This roll reflects a collective of men, likely serving in a military context, highlighting their contributions under Captain Houston’s leadership.

Clarence Alvin Arthurs

Clarence Alvin Arthurs, born on July 29, 1893, in Iredell County, enlisted in the military on January 13, 1913. Initially stationed at various camps, he sailed to France on March 30, 1918, and fought at Château-Thierry. He was promoted to Sergeant but suffered from mustard gas exposure on July 12, 1918, leading to his hospitalization. He succumbed to chronic tuberculosis on November 8, 1918, after serving in both the Philippines and at the Mexican border, before returning to the U.S. post-war.

Silas A. Sharpe

Sergt. 1st Class Silas A. Sharpe, of Iredell County, served in the Medical Company of the 104th Sanitary Train, 29th Division. He was the son of John M. and Carrie Mott Sharpe and husband to Ethel Blackmer Sharpe. Drafted into service on June 18, 1916, he trained at several camps before being deployed to France on July 5, 1918, where he participated in the Alsace Sector defensive and the Meuse-Argonne offensive. He returned to the U.S. on May 20, 1919, and was mustered out on June 5, 1919.

Joseph R. Poston

Joseph R. Poston served in the U.S. Navy, enlisting on September 3, 1918, in Statesville, North Carolina. He was the son of W. J. and Mrs. Hoke Poston from Iredell County. Poston completed his service at Newport News, where he was mustered out on February 18, 1919.

Garland E. Plott

Garland E. Plott served as a 1st Class Private in Company M of the 120th Infantry, 30th Division. Born in Iredell County, he enlisted on May 28, 1917, and trained at Camp Sevier and Camp Merritt before deploying to France on May 17, 1918. He fought in several significant battles, including Ypres and Bohain, where he was gassed. After recovering in British and American hospitals, he returned to the United States and was mustered out on April 17, 1919.

J. P. Mills, Jr.

Sergt. H. A. Mills, originally from Iredell County and the son of J. P. and Mrs. J. P. Mills, enlisted on May 25, 1917, at Mooresville, North Carolina. He was stationed at Ft. Caswell before embarking for France on September 26, 1918. Mills returned to the United States on March 30, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, on April 1, 1919.

Henry A. Mills

Phrcst. Mate, 2nd Class (Navy) Henry A. Mills, from Iredell County and son of M. J. P. Mills, enlisted on May 21, 1917. After training in Charleston, he was assigned to the Marine Barracks in Philadelphia. Mills joined the 6th Marines and deployed to France on October 31, 1917, where he served at Naval Base No. 1 in Brest and spent four months with Evacuation French Hospital No. 49. He returned to the U.S. on March 26, 1919, and was mustered out on May 12, 1919.

Oscar R. Mills

Oscar R. Mills, a captain in Company D of the 30th Division’s 115th Machine Gun Battalion, hailed from Iredell County. The son of G. C. and Laura Mills, and husband to Sarah Elizabeth Mills, he began his military service on June 25, 1916. Following training at Camp Sevier and Camp Merritt, he sailed for France on May 11, 1918, eventually achieving the rank of captain. Mills participated in all engagements with his unit and was mustered out on April 22, 1919, after returning to the U.S. in March.

Eugene Morrison, Jr.

Eugene Morrison, Jr. served as a Wagoner in the Anti-Aircraft branch of the Coast Artillery Corps. Born in Iredell County to Eugene Sr. and Adelaide Scarr Morrison, he entered military service on April 3, 1917, in Charlotte, North Carolina. After training at Ft. Caswell, he was deployed to France on June 19, 1918, and participated in notable battles such as the Toul and Meuse-Argonne Sectors. He returned to the U.S. on March 8, 1919, and was discharged on March 24, 1919, at Camp Lee, Virginia.

L. S. Kerr

Private C. A. C. Kerr, of the 110th Company, 81st Division, was born in Iredell County to Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Kerr. He enlisted in the military service at Statesville, North Carolina, on October 1, 1918. Following training at Fort Thomas, Kentucky, he was transferred to Fort Totten, New York, where he was mustered out on January 19, 1919.

Owen W. Leonard

Owen W. Leonard was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 152nd Depot Brigade, 33rd Company, born in Iredell County to Joseph S. and Martha Bost Leonard. He was married to Elizabeth Brawley Leonard. His military service began in June 1916, leading to training at Camp Glenn and Fort Oglethorpe, and he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in August 1917. Previously, he served in the North Carolina National Guard starting in 1913. Leonard was discharged in February 1917 and concluded his service in April 1919 at Camp Upton.

William C. Johnston, Jr.

Sergt. S. A. T. C., hailing from Iredell County and the son of W. C. and Margaret L. Johnston, began his military service on September 9, 1918, in Mooresville. He was subsequently deployed to Raleigh, where he completed his service and was mustered out on December 9, 1918.