Rowan County NC

Memoirs of Nathaniel Folsom

The memoirs of Nathaniel Folsom recount his life, beginning in North Carolina in 1756 and his family’s journey to the Choctaw Nation. Folsom details his early education, family struggles, and life as a trader among the Choctaws for thirty years. He describes significant cultural practices, community dynamics, and his eventual conversion to Christianity. Folsom, who had two wives and fathered twenty-four children, emphasizes his moral values and enduring ties to the Choctaw people until his death in 1833.

John Alexander – Descendants

The genealogy of the Alexander family details the lineage beginning with John Alexander, born in Rowan County, North Carolina, who married Rachel Davidson. They moved through several counties before settling on the Harpeth River in Tennessee. Their son, James Alexander, born in 1756, fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain and married Rhoda Cunningham, later residing in Buncombe County. The narrative also includes the Foster family, tied by marriage to the Alexanders, emphasizing their contributions during the Revolutionary War and their settlement in North Carolina.

Slave Narrative of Charley Watson

Charley Watson, aged 87, recalls his life as a slave in South Carolina during an interview with W. W. Dixon. Born on the Hog Fork Place, he describes the extensive plantation owned by Daniel Hall and the harsh realities of slave life, including long working hours and the difficult conditions faced by his family. Charley mentions various aspects of plantation life, from the food provided to the limited freedoms slaves had, sharing memories of his family and the distinct rhythms of their labor and culture.

Biography of Richmond Pearson

Richmond Pearson, born in 1770 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, moved to North Carolina at nineteen. He served as a Lieutenant during the Revolutionary War and notably switched allegiance to the Whigs after defeating Captain Bryan in a fistfight. Post-war, he became a successful merchant and planter. Pearson had four children, among whom Hon. Richmond M. Pearson entered public service and became a judge. He died in 1819, leaving a legacy marked by both military service and family involvement in politics.

Biography of Mrs. Elizabeth Steele

The retreat of General Morgan through the Carolinas after the battle of Cowpens is marked by his encounter with General Greene in Salisbury. Burdened by exhaustion and anxiety, Greene received unexpected support from Mrs. Steele, the hotel landlady, who generously offered him money at a critical moment. Her compassion uplifted his spirits as he continued his mission. Mrs. Steele, who had two husbands and notable offspring, was deeply committed to both her country and her faith, leaving behind a heartfelt legacy of piety and devotion upon her death in 1790.

Biography of Hon. Archibald Henderson

Hon. Archibald Henderson, born in Granville County, N.C. on August 7, 1768, was a distinguished lawyer and a prominent figure in North Carolina. Studying under Judge Williams, he was regarded as a paragon of legal excellence by Judge Murphy. Henderson’s blend of intellect and morals earned him widespread respect, shaping the character of the state’s bar. He served in Congress from 1799 to 1803 and held various legislative positions. He married Sarah Alexander and had two children. He passed away on October 21, 1822.

Biography of General Griffith Rutherford

General Griffith Rutherford was an Irish-born patriot who made significant contributions to the governance of Rowan County, North Carolina, during the American Revolution. He served as a delegate in the Provincial Congress and was appointed Brigadier General, leading a sizable force against Cherokee Indians in 1776. After skirmishes and victories, he participated in the battle of Camden and commanded expeditions in the war’s final stages. Following the war, he held various legislative positions and later moved to Tennessee, where he continued to serve until his death in the early 1800s.

J. C. Austin

J. C. Austin served in the 15th Company of Infantry during World War I. He was the son of J. H. and M. M. Austin and married to L. A. Austin from Rowan County. He enlisted on June 6, 1918, in Concord, North Carolina, and was initially stationed at Camp Jackson, South Carolina. Later, he was transferred to Camp Sevier, South Carolina, where he was mustered out of service on November 30, 1918.

G. B. Weaver

Private 1st Class G. B. Weaver served in Company C of the 81st Division, 306th Field Signal during World War I. A resident of Rowan County and the son of W. A. and Mrs. S. A. Weaver, he was married to Nealie L. Weaver. He entered military service on May 29, 1917, in Salisbury, N.C., and underwent training at several camps before being mustered out at Camp Merritt, N.J., on November 10, 1919.

Gentery Weant

Private Gentery Weant served in Company E of the 105th Regiment, 30th Division during World War I. A native of Rowan County and son of J. H. and Cora Weant, he entered service on March 30, 1918. After training in various camps, he was deployed to France, participating in significant battles including Voormizelle and Bellicourt. He returned to the United States on April 19, 1919, and was mustered out of service on April 24, 1919, at Camp Jackson, South Carolina.

George Tichle

1st Class Private George Tichle served in Company C of the 29th Division, 116th Infantry, hailing from Rowan County. He was born to W. H. and Alice G. Tichle and married to Sallie Tichle. Enlisting on July 23, 1917, he trained at Camp McClellan and later served in France, participating in significant battles from July 25 to October 23, 1918, including the defense of Center Sector and the capture of Etroye Ridge. He returned to the U.S. and was mustered out on May 29, 1919.

Abraham Saleeby

Private, 22nd Receiving Depot, originally from Rowan County, North Carolina, enlisted on July 6, 1918, at Salisbury. He served at Camp Hancock, Georgia, before being mustered out on January 13, 1919. His discharge was as a member of the 6th Group, Headquarters Company, Quartermaster Corps.

Charles L. Shaver

Capt. Charles L. Shaver, originally from Rowan County, served in Company N of the 5th Division, 6th Regiment. Born to Robert L. and Margaret V. Shaver, he was married to Sudie D. Shaver. Enlisting on February 23, 1903, he trained at Ft. Oglethorpe and Camp Forrest before deploying to Brest, France on April 9, 1918. He achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant in November 1917 and Captain by June 1918, participating in the St. Die offensive. He returned to the U.S. on September 9, 1919.

James E. Sifford

James E. Sifford, born on September 4, 1900, in Rowan County, was the son of W. L. and Fannie J. Sifford. He entered military service on June 3, 1918, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Assigned to the 2nd Signal Q.M.C. of the Navy, he served aboard the U.S.S. Ohio, a second line battleship, making one voyage to Brest, France. Sifford was mustered out at Hampton Roads Naval Base on March 24, 1919.

Curtis Van Wyatt

Curtis Van Wyatt served as a Private in Battery D of the 53rd Field Artillery, hailing from Rowan County. Born to J. E. and Janetta Wyatt, he was married to Mary Alice Wyatt. He entered military service on March 6, 1918, at Charlotte, N.C., underwent training at Ft. Scriven and Camp Stuart, and sailed for France on August 25, 1918. He participated in battles at the Verdun Sector and Argonne Forest, returning to the U.S. on February 25, 1919, and was mustered out on March 23, 1919.

J. G. Nail

Sergt. J. G. Nail served in Company A of the 30th Division, 120th Regiment during World War I. Born in Rowan County to Alice J. Nail, he enlisted on May 27, 1917, and was initially stationed at Camp Sevier before transferring to Camp Merritt. He sailed for France on May 11, 1918, and was promoted to sergeant in February. He participated in significant battles, including Ypres and St. Mihiel, before returning to the United States in April 1919 and being mustered out at Camp Jackson.

Joseph M. Nicholas

Private Joseph M. Nicholas served in Company B, 3rd Division, 7th Regiment, hailing from Rowan County, as the son of John R. and Eva M. Nicholas, and husband to Edna Mable Nicholas. He enlisted on December 14, 1917, and was deployed to France by April 1918. Nicholas participated in significant battles including Belleau Woods and Chateau Thierry, where he sustained wounds on July 15, 1918. After medical treatment, he returned to the U.S. and was mustered out on January 17, 1919.

S. H. McCubbins

Sergt. C. A. C. of Rowan County, son of Mrs. J. S. L. McCubbins and husband to Mrs. Ida May Bostian, entered military service on July 25, 1917. He was initially stationed at Ft. Caswell, then transferred through various locations including Camp Eustis and Mulberry Island, before joining the 42nd Division, Battery A, 36th Regiment. He was mustered out at Ft. Monroe, Virginia, on December 6, 1918.

E. B. Hunt

Private E. B. Hunt served in the Medical Corps at a Base Hospital during World War I. Born on August 26, 1896, in Rowan County to Milton and Mary Hunt, he was married to Pearl Hunt. He entered military service on his birthday in 1918 at Salisbury, North Carolina, was subsequently assigned to Camp Jackson and later Camp Sevier, South Carolina, where he was mustered out on February 28, 1919.

William L. Lippard

William L. Lippard, a 1st Class Private in the Supply Company of the 317th Regiment, 81st Division, was born to N. A. and M. C. Lippard in Rowan County. He entered military service on May 29, 1918, in Salisbury, North Carolina. After training at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, he was transferred to Camp Mills, New York, and sailed to France on August 20, 1918. He returned to the U.S. on May 28, 1919, and was officially mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, on June 27, 1919.