Rutherford County NC Genealogy

Genealogy of the Lewis family in America

Free: Genealogy of the Lewis family in America, from the middle of the seventeenth century down to the present time. Download the full manuscript. About the middle of the seventeenth century four brothers of the Lewis family left Wales, viz.: Samuel, went to Portugal; nothing more is known of him; William, married a Miss McClelland, and died in Ireland, leaving only one son, Andrew; General Robert, died in Gloucester county, Va. ; and John, died in Hanover county, Va. It is Andrews descendants who are featured in the manuscript.

Biography of Hon. Thomas G. Mills

Hon. Thomas G. Mills, born in 1833 in North Carolina, became a prominent farmer and stockraiser in Shannon County, Missouri. After moving to Georgia in early childhood, he experienced familial loss, which shaped his early life. Mills served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War and returned to farming post-war, significantly expanding his landholdings. He was elected associate judge of the County Court and remained active in local politics and community organizations while maintaining his Democratic principles throughout his life.

Biography of James Harvey Forney

James Harvey Forney, born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, has significantly contributed to education in Idaho as a prominent citizen and former U.S. district attorney. Educated at Wofford University, he practiced law after attending Hastings Law College and moved to Idaho in 1879. Forney served as district attorney for seventeen years and was involved in major criminal prosecutions, including the Coeur d’Alene riots. A cultured individual, he maintained a substantial library and held various community leadership roles, including grand master of the Odd Fellows and positions at the University of Idaho.

Cheraw Indians

The Cheraw Indians, also known as Ani-SuwaII and Saraw, are classified within the Siouan linguistic family, though their language has not been preserved. Initially located near the Saluda River in South Carolina, the Cheraw migrated to the Dan River area by 1700. Faced with conflict from the Iroquois and tensions with colonial authorities, they sought protection from the Catawba. Their notable historical presence is marked by interactions with early European explorers, including De Soto, and remnants of their legacy persist in various place names today.

Thomas R. Pruette

Sergt. Thomas R. Pruette served in the Headquarters Company of the 4th Division, 156th Infantry Regiment. Born in Rutherford County to G. B. and Margaret Pruette, he entered military service on May 28, 1918, in Rutherfordton. After initial training at Camp Jackson, he was transferred to Camp Sevier, where he performed clerical duties in the adjutant’s office. Pruette was mustered out on December 3, 1918, at Camp Sevier.

John L. Jones

Sergt. 1st Class, Hospital Corps, Base Hospital, was born in Rutherford County to I. P. and Mrs. Jones. He was married to Selma Jones. He entered military service on May 31, 1917, in Canton, North Carolina, and was subsequently stationed at Camp Sevier, South Carolina. He completed his service and was mustered out at Camp Sevier on January 13, 1919.

Rodney Hemphill

Rodney Hemphill served as a Private, 1st Class, in the Medical Division of the 42nd Ambulance Company during World War I. He was the son of G. H. and Elmira Hemphill from Rutherford County and the husband of Mattie Simmons. Hemphill entered military service on December 8, 1917, training at various camps before deploying to France on May 23, 1918. He participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and returned to the United States on May 23, 1919, being mustered out on June 6, 1919, at Camp Lee, Virginia.

Benjamin Dalton

Private Artly Dalton, son of W. M. and Elizabeth Dalton from Rutherford County, enlisted on May 16, 1918, at the A. and E. Training School in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was subsequently assigned to Camp Jackson and later transferred to Camp Taylor, where he was mustered out on November 30, 1918.

Lloyd L. Biggerstaff

Sergt. Major Lloyd L. Biggerstaff, from Rutherford County, was the son of J. S. and Cuttie Biggerstaff. He entered military service on December 19, 1917, at Forest City, North Carolina. After initial training at Camp Jackson, he was transferred to Camp Sevier, South Carolina. His service concluded with his mustering out at Camp Jackson on April 28, 1919.