Lincoln County, NC - The History of Lincoln County, Part 2

                            ~~~~~~~~~~

The North Carolina Booklet

Vol. IX

The History of Lincoln County

By Alfred Nixon

   Col. W. L. Saunders, eminent authority, pays the State a tribute
(Col.Records, IV, Pref. Notes) that applies to Lincoln County:
"Remembering the route that General Lee took when he went into
Pennsylvania on the memorable Gettysburg campaign, it will be seen that
very many of the North Carolina boys, both German and Scotch-Irish
descent, in following their great leader, visited the homes of their
ancestors, and went thither by the very route by which they came away.
To Lancaster and York counties in Pennsylvania, North Carolina owes
more of her population than to any other part of the known world, and
surely there was never a better population than they and their
descendants-never better citizens, and certainly never better
soldiers."

   As the waters of the Catawba, that lave its eastern border, and the
South Fork, that flows through its center, united as they left old
Lincoln in their onward sweep to form the Great Catawba, so have the
settlers on the Catawba and the South Fork merged into a
Scotch-Irish-German people, preserving the virtues, and mayhap the
weaknesses of a noble ancestry. These settlements will be noticed
separately.

The Scotch-Irish Side

   Early in the eighteenth century the Scotch-Irish emigrated to
Pennsylvania, and from thence some came direct, while others, and their
descendants settled in Virginia before coming to this section. A few of
these settlers may have been of other nationalities, but a careful
writer has referred to this part of the country as "one of the areas of
North Carolina, dominated by the sturdy Scotch-Irish strain; where the
thistle and the shamrock were planted toward the close of the
eighteenth century; where they throve and flourished, and unaided
produced results marvelous for the place and time. The Scotch gumption
and Irish ardor, finely blended, was the patrimony of this section."

   On the early maps of the Great Catawba marked the tribal division
between the Catawbas and the Cherokees. East if the River dwelt the
Catawba, once a numerous and powerful people. this nation "writ its
name in water," the Catawba embalms it and it will be perpetuated while
its majestic waters flow

"To where the Atlantic lifts her voice to pour

A song of praise upon the sounding shore."

   As the white settlements extended, the Cherokees receded toward the
setting sun, and occupied the peaks of the Blue Ridge. Roving bands
raided the settlements. One of the Beattys went into the range in
search of his cattle. He was discovered and pursued by the Indians.
when within a mile of home he concealed himself in the hollow of a
large chestnut tree. The bark of his little dog disclosed his hiding
place and cost him his scalp and his life. The old chestnut disappeared
long since, but the place where it stood is yet well known.

   Jacob Forney and two of his neighbors were attacked by a band of
Cherokees. One of them, Richards, was wounded and scalped. Forney,
though shot at many times by the Indians reached his log fort in
safety. The neighbors buried poor Richards where he fell.

"no useless coffin enclosed his breast,

Nor in sheet nor in shroud they wound him."

   The site of his lone grave in the depth of the wildwood is yet
pointed out, situate near the old log fort where Jacob Forney first
settled.

   Among the settlers occur the names, Allen Anderson Baldridge,
Ballard, Barkley, Barnett, Beal, Beatty, Black, Bradshaw, Brevard,
Bryant, Cherry, Childers, Cooper, Cox, Daily, Davis, Derr, Duncan,
Edwards, GRaham, Hunter, Hutchinson, Jetton, Johnston, Kelly, Kincaid,
King, Knox, Little, Long, Lowe, Luckey, Lynch, McAlister, McCaul,
McCombs, McConnell, McCormick, McIntosh, McLean, McMinn, Nixon,
Proctor, Regan, Reid, Robinson, Shelton, Stacy, Thompson, Wilkinson,
Wingate, and Womack; while in the western part, are found Alexander,
Baxter, Blackburn, Cobb, Goodson, Henderson, Hill, McBee, McCaslin,
Potts, Ramsey, Williamson, Wilson, and others.

   The first pale-face to set foot on the soil of Lincoln was the bold
pioneer, John Beatty. One of his land grants bears date July 17th,
1749. He settled on the west bank of the Catawba. the shoal at this
point,over which the river tumbles with a gentle murmur, forms a
splendid ford. It was at this ford John Beatty crossed, and it yet
bears his name, Beattie's Ford. As the soil of Lincoln at Beattie's
Ford felt the primal tread of Anglo-Saxon, Beattie's Ford deservedly
figures largely in the recital.

   The old pioneer, John Beatty, located his home above the ford, in
the shade of the hillside, overlooking the beautiful Catawba. Near by
gurgled a limpid spring, its waters trickling off in a sparkling
brooklet to the river. John Beatty had two sons, Thomas and Abel and
one daughter, Mary the wife of Matthew Armstrong. It is always
interesting to hear the the last words of the departed. John Beatty's
will bears the date 5th January, 1774. In this he gives to Margaret
Beatty certain items of personality and his homestead to William
Beatty. These were his grandchildren, the children of Thomas Beatty.
Marked traits of his character are apparent in this document. A short
quotation will exhibit his love for rectitude and obedience, and desire
to keep his homestead in his line of blood: "And if ye above named
Margaret or William Beatty or either of them does misbehave or be
disobedient when come to ye years of maturity, either going against
their parents will in the contract of marriage or nay way remarkable
otherwise, that legatee is liable to ye loss of his part of this
legacy, and to be given to ye other, the offending person entirely cut
off at their parents discretion, or those that it may please to have
the guardian and care over the above-mentioned persons William and
Margaret Beatty. And further I do not allow the said lands that is left
to ye above named William Beatty to be ever sold or disposed of by any
means or person whatsoever, but to firmly remain and continue in the
line and lawful heirs of the above named William Beatty's body and to
continue in that name as long as there is a male heir to ye nighest
female heir."

   Thomas Beatty died in 1787, leaving three sons, John, Thomas, and
William. The inventory of his estate exhibits in minute detail the
entire possessions of a well-to-do man of the pioneer period. A few
items ranging between his broad acres and a fine-toothed comb will
indicate the extent and variety of his possessions: "944 acres of land,
ten negroes, seventeen horses, sixty-six cattle, eighteen hogs,
thirteen sheep, thirty-four geese, five ducks, lot poultry, five pewter
dishes, sixteen pewter plates, twenty-four pewter spoons, one pewter
basin, one pewter tankard, one crook and two pot hooks, one dutch oven,
and griddle and frying pan, one dough trough, one chest, two spinning
wheels, and one big wheel, three pair cards, cotton, wool, and tow, one
check reel, one weaving loom, twenty-three spools, for spooling cotton,
five reeds for weaving, nine sickles, one foot adze, one thorn hack,
one hackel, two iron wedges, two bleeding lances, one hair sifter, two
riddles, three gimlets, thirteen bushels flax seed, six bushels
buckwheat, one slide, tow bells and collars, 750 clapboard nails, four
pair half worn horse shoes, one redding comb, one fine-toothed comb,
three coats, and one great coat, two jackets, one pair buckskin
breeches, one pair trousers, three hats, and two linen shirts,"
constitute about one fourth of the items enumerated.

   In the pioneer stage every man was his own carpenter, and the women
knew how to card, spin, weave, and sew. The men wore linen shirts and
buckskin breeches; the women, arrayed in their own handiwork, were
beautiful in the eyes of the forester. The patrimony of the son was
broad acres; the dowry of the daughter was a horse and saddle, cow and
calf, a spinning wheel and check reel. the young men were gallant, and
the maids charming. The young men learned the art of horsemanship not
only in the chase, but by the constant habit of traveling on horseback,
and every woman was an expert horse-rider. The horse sometimes served
as a tandem, the man riding in front, the woman behind; and if
trustworthy tradition is given credence the young men sometimes
augmented the pleasure of this system of equestrianism by making their
steeds caper, thereby frightening their innocent companions into a firm
embrace to retain their positions.

   Most of the early Scotch-Irish were Presbyterians, and the religions
center was Beatty's house. this place of worship was established by the
pioneer, John Beatty, one mile west of Beatty's Ford. The meeting house
stood on a level plat of ground in a beautiful grove of oak and hickory
near a spring. Beattie's meeting house was built of logs. In 1808, it
was decided to erect a more commodious edifice, and a plat of several
acres was conveyed for the purpose by James Little to "James Connor,
Alexander Brevard, John Reid and Joseph Graham, trustees." The kirk is
named in the deed, Unity. In 1883 another church was erected and
additions to the former church lands made by conveyances from Robert H.
Burton, W.S. Simonton, and Mary King to John D. Graham, D.M. Forney,
and John Knox, trustees." This is the conventional structure of that
period with its gallery and large pulpit.

   From the first settlement this was a place of worship. The
headstones date back to 1776. Dr Humphrey Hunter, a native of Ireland,
and a soldier in the Revolution, was pastor from 1796 to 1804. Next
came Rev. Henry N. Pharr. He was succeeded by Patrick Sparrow. Mr.
Sparrow's father was a potter in Vesuvius furnace. When lads the future
Governor Graham was hard put to it to keep pace with Patrick, and the
members of the Governors family ascribed some of his success to this
auspicious rivalry in the old-field schools. General Graham, thus
having the lad's aptitude brought to his attention, interested others
with him in giving Patrick an education. When he became pastor of Unity
an old negro servant of General Graham's expressed her surprise at his
rise in fortune, by exclaiming that the boy who ate ash cakes with her
children had become her master's preacher. Mr Sparrow was the first
professor of languages at Davidson College, and afterwards President of
Hampden-Sidney. The present pastor is Rev. C.H. Little, descended from
a pioneer family.

   About the year 1790 Maj. John Davidson, with his sons-in-law, Maj.
Joseph Graham and Capt. Alexander Brevard, crossed from the Mecklenburg
side into Lincoln, and with Gen. Peter Forney engaged in the
manufacture of iron. These were all Revolutionary soldiers. The
beginning of the nineteenth century witnessed civilization progress
with leaps and bounds. Then followed years of plenty. The virgin soil
brought forth bountifully. Herds of cattle and droves of swine ranged
at large unrestrained by any stock laws. Deer, turkey, wild geese and
duck abounded. The Catawba was filled with shad, trout, and red horse.
A trackless wilderness had been transformed into a moving, populous
community. Instead of wigwam, was the homestead dwelling. Instead of
the indian war-hoop was heard the furnace blast breathing forth actual
and potential energy, and the stroke of the great trip hammer at the
mighty forge as it beat the heart throbs of commercial activity. they
were years of peace and growth, of marriage and home-building, of quiet
domestic happiness.

   The different grants to the Beattys approximate three thousand
acres. William and John Beatty sold to John Fullenwider, an early iron
master; and Thomas Beatty to Alfred M. Burton. Mr Fullenwider divided
his purchase between his sons-in-law, Alfred M. and Robert H. Burton;
they settled on their splendid estates and became potent influences in
the community. Alfred Burton settled above the ford, the old John
Beatty house constituting one wing of the residence he erected. Robert
H. built a spacious mansion below the ford. They were learned lawyers
and elegant gentlemen. Their dust reposes in Unity graveyard, beside
that of their kinsman, Hutchings G. Burton, once Governor of the State.
Robert H. Burton filled the office of Superior Court judge. After Judge
Burton's death his homestead was purchased by Col. John H. Wheeler, the
genial historian. Colonel Wheeler filled the office of State Treasurer
and many position of trust, but is best known for his great work,
"Wheeler's History of North Carolina." This he complied at Beattie's
ford, devoting to it about ten years time. The preface bears date.
Ellango, Beattie's Ford, N.C.. 1st July, 1851."

   Three brothers-Charles, James and Henry Connor- from Antrim,
Ireland, settled near Beattie's Ford. James was a captain in the
Revolution. Henry, the youngest, a patriot soldier, located near
Cowan's ford. Colonel Wheeler sold out at Beattie's Ford to Maj. Henry
W. Connor, the son of Charles. Major Connor derived his title for
service under General Graham in the campaign against Creek Indians. He
was a man of great popularity and represented his district in Congress
twenty-three years. His homestead was identical to Judge Burton's.

   Skilled physicians of sweet memory are William B. McLean and Robert
A. McLean, a continental surgeon, resident in the forks of the Catawba.

   Jacob Forney first settled on the creek near the present town of
Denver, the scene of his Indian troubles. This farm passed to his son,
Capt. Abraham Forney, a soldier of the Revolution, and yet belongs to
his descendants. Gen. Peter Forney, son of the pioneer, was a patriot
soldier, member of the House, Senate, and Congress. As presidential
elector, he voted for Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and Jackson. He
erected a forge at his home and Madison furnace on Leeper's Creek, that
was afterwards owned by J.W. Derr. He obtained possession of valuable
ore beds, and commenced building his iron works in 1787, and recorded
that he produced hammered iron in his forge 26th August, 1788.

   Maj. Daniel M. Forney, eldest son of Gen. Peter Forney, received his
title in the war of 1812, also served as Senator from Lincoln County,
and member of Congress. He erected a palatial residence, modeled after
a house at the national capital. The site chosen is an eminence between
two creeks, where Jacob forney lived when the British quartered on him.
This picturesque old mansion, with its long white columns, surrounded
by a grove of original oaks, yet retains the charms of its ancient
architecture. Major Forney sold to Alexander F. Gaston, a son of Judge
Gaston. It next passed to James Anderson, and is now owned by Mrs. W.
E. Hall. Henry Y. Webb, Bartlett Shipp, William Johnston, C.L. Hunter
and Christain Reinhardt married daughters of Gen. Peter Forney. Henry
Y. Webb was a lawyer and represented Lincoln County in the House of
Commons. Bartlett Shipp, was a lawyer, a member of the Legislature, and
of the constitutional convention of 1835. His son, William M. Shipp,
was a member of the House of Commons, Senator, Superior Court Judge,
and Attorney-General of the State. W.P. Bynum married Eliza, daughter
of Bartlett Shipp, and settled on the Henry Y. homestead. He was an
eminent lawyer, colonel in the confederate Army, Solicitor of his
district, and Justice of the Supreme Court. His son, William S. Bynum,
was a Confederate soldier, lawyer and Episcopal clergyman.

   William Johnston, a physician, married Nancy Forney, and located at
Mt. Welcome, General Forney's homestead. His five sons were gallant
confederate Soldiers. William H., Robert D. and James F. entered into
service in the Beatty's Ford Rifles, which was mustered into service as
Company K, 23rd Regiment; William H. and James F. won captains
commissions; while Robert D., by promotion became a distinguished
Brigadier General; Joseph F., late governor of Alabama and now United
States Senator from that state, was Captain of company A., 12th
Regiment; Bartlett S. Johnston served in the Confederate States Navy.
Dr. William Johnston was a son of Col. James Johnston, a soldier of the
Revolution, one of the heroes of King's Mountain, the first Senator
from Lincoln, and elder at Unity. When Gaston County was set up from
Lincoln, Colonel Johnston's homestead on the Catawba fell in Gaston
county. Dr. C.L. Hunter was a scientist and historian. He was the son
of Rev. Humphrey Hunter, a soldier in the Revolution. Mary, daughter of
Gen. Peter Forney, married Christian Reinhardt, a planter, and they
migrated west.

   Joseph Graham attained the rank of major in the Revolution and his
title as General in 1814, when commissioned Brigadier-General and sent
in command of North Carolina troops to aid General Jackson in the Creek
War. To his narratives of the battles of Ramsour's Mill, King's
Mountain, and Cowan's Ford is largely due the preservation of the
Revolutionary history of this section. John D. Graham, his eldest son,
retiring from Vesuvius furnace, erected a brick residence on the
Catawba below Beattie's ford, now a home of his son, Clay Graham. James
was a lawyer and politician, representing his district in Congress
sixteen years. William A., the general's youngest son, read law and
located at Hillsboro for the practice of his profession. He was twice
Governor, United States Secretary of the Navy, and Confederate States
Senator, and candidate for Vice-President on the Scott ticket. Pure and
spotless in private life, a learned lawyer, a ripe scholar, a statesman
of ability and clear judgment, he is esteemed by many as the greatest
man produced by the State of NOrth Carolina. William A. Graham, son of
the Governor, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General, historian and
author, the present Commissioner of Agriculture, resides at Forest
Home, the ancestral homestead.

   Robert Hall Morrison, D.D., the first President of Davidson college,
an eminent divine, was the honored pastor of Unity for forty years. He
married Mary, daughter of General Graham. Cottage Home, his homestead,
is intimately associated with the Confederacy, for it was there that
J.P. Irwin, Lieut-Gen. D.H. Hill, Lieut.-Gen Stonewall Jackson,
Brig.-General Rufus Barringer, Maj. A.C. Avery, and Col. John E. Brown
respectively married Harriet, Isabella, Anna, Eugenia, Susan, and
Laura, daughters of Dr. Morrison. His sons were Maj. William W.
Morrison, Joseph G. Morrison, A.D.C. on General Jackson's staff, Robert
H. Morrison, A.D.C. to General Barringer and General Hill. His youngest
son, Alfred J. Morrison, was a lawyer, politician, and Presbyterian
minister.

   Alexander Brevard early received a captain's commission in the
Continental Army. He built Mount Tirzah and Rehoboth furnaces. Captain
Brevard's homestead passed to his son, Robert A. Brevard, then to his
grandson, Alexander F. Brevard, and upon his death to Brevard McDowell,
a great grandson. Captain Brevard and General Graham were honored
elders at Unity, but were buried in a private cemetery of their
selection where Macpelah Church was afterwards built. Vesuvius furnace
passed into the hands of J. M. Smith, a man who by his own initiative
and endeavor rose to position and influence and left a name
distinguished for good sense, kindness of heart, and business tact. He
built Stonewall furnace on Anderson Creek.

   On the post road between Beattie's Ford and Vesuvius furnace are the
Catawba Springs, a famous resort in ante-bellum days. This was formerly
Reed's Springs, owned by Capt. John Reed, a soldier of the Revolution
and Senator from Lincoln County. Valuable factors of this community are
the Asburys and Mundys, descendants of Rev. Daniel Asbury and Rev.
Jeremiah Munday, pioneer Methodist ministers. Rev. Daniel Asbury, when
a youth was taken by a band of Shawnee Indians, carried to the far
northwest and held in captivity for five years. In 1791 he established
in Lincoln County the first Methodist church west of the Catawba River.
Rev. Jeremiah Mundy was a native of Virginia and located in Lincoln
county in 1799. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War three years
and a minister for thirty-five years.

   As one thinks of the old country squire who settled disputes between
his neighbors, of the kind-heated physician, and the "lords of the
manor," it seems "there were giants in those days." But life was not
all serious; it had its great sunshiny side. They were apt at repartee,
fond of the innocent joke, and in social intercourse, peals of laughter
went the merry round; for has not the wisest of men said, "there is a
time to laugh". And, alas, in those halcyon days, they loved not the
flagon to excess, but indulged a morning horn to ward off the morning
vapors, and this invitation to sample the liquid contents of the
sideboard was a mark of hospitality. The sweet women, the embodiment of
all tht is true, charming and good, raised high the standard of social
purity. The blushing bride became the uncrowned queen of the home,
around which the husband entwined the noblest affections of his heart.
In this genial clime the pioneers found a fertile land, undulating with
hills and vales, chequered with creeks and rills, and bountifully
supplied with springs. One mile west of Beattie's Ford, and flowing for
some distance parallel with the river, is a large branch. On this they
found a maritime city, with streets of water through meadows green, the
habitation of the beaver. This animal had felled trees, builded a great
dam, ponding the waters over many acres, so it was called Beaver Dam
Branch. The Burton Mill was situate on the site of the old beaver dam.
The water from the pond was conducted 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
mercantile establishments. One of these roads was the great stage line
via Lincolnton and Salisbury, connecting far distant points. The
post-office of Beattie's Ford supplied a wide extent of country. The
approach of the stage was announced by winding blasts from the long tin
horn of the driver.

   Exhaustless iron beds were discovered in other sections in
connection with limitless coal veins, and the fires of the charcoal
furnace were quenched, and the furnace blast and forge hammer were
heard no more. Some of the leading spirits opposed the entrance of
railroads, and their tracks were laid over other routes. Trade centers
sprang up on their lines, and the stores at Beattie's Ford were closed.
The long interregnum of peace came to an end. The noise of war was
again 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 and some
of them came from Germany.Their settlement covers the whole of the
county, except the eastern portion bordering on the Catawba, and in
this portion among the Scotch-Irish were the German families of
Cloninger, Earnhardt, Forney, Hager, Lockman, Keever, Killian, Nantz,
Sifford and others. The names of the German pioneers deserve special
mention, and many follow. Aderholdt, Anthony, Arndt, Bangel, Benick,
Beisaner, Beam, Bolinger, Boyles, Boltz, Coulter, Dellinger, Detter,
DeVepaugh, Dietz, Eddlemon, Finger, Freytag, Gantzler, Gross, Haas,
Hafner, Helderman, Hallman, hartzoge, Houser, Heedick, Heil,
Heltebrand, Henkel, Hoke, Huber, Hull, Jared, Jonas, Jundt, Keener,
Kizer, Kistler, Klein, Kneip, Krauss, Kuhn, Lantz, Leeper, Lehnhardt,
Leonard, Lingerfelt, Link, Lohr, Loretz, Lorentz, Lutz, Michal, Miller,
Mosteller, Plonk, Propst, Quickel, Ramsauer, Rein, Reinhardt, Rieb,
Rinck, Rudisill, Sain, Scheidel, Schenck, Schufordt, Scronce, Seigel,
Schrum, Seitz, Shoup, Shull, Sigmon, Spiegel, Strutt, Summerrow,
Troutman, Tutherow, Warlick, Weber, Weckesser, Wehunt, Weiand, Weiss,
Wetzstein, Wisenhunt, Workman, Yoder, Zimmerman.

   Many of the American names have been anglicized, and the spelling
changed. To be a Zimmerman when one could be a Carpenter was too
unprogressive. Likewise Weber became Weaver, Kruss, Crouse; Huber,
Hoover; Freytag, Friday; Gantzler, Cansler; Heil, Hoyle; Jundt, Yount;
Kuhn, Coon; Klein, Cline; Rieb, Reep; Weiss, Wise; Wetzstein,
Whetstone; and so with many others.

   They selected the finest lands and settled along the streams. Their
first dwellings were log cabins, then followed the red-painted mansion.
A few of the old red-painted houses, built near the spring, yet stand,
monuments of a bygone age. They have always built large barns. Sweet
memories of the pioneers and many valuable papers linger among their
descendants. To give some illustration of pioneer times and conditions
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 River, that was
a noted industry and place in colonial days. The subjects 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
surviving sons, Jacob and David; first however, requiring 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, twenty-five bushels Indian corn, fifty-two pounds of
good butter, four hundredweight of good wholesome beef, one-sixth 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 engaged to erect " a commodious
and convenient residence for him, the said 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 accommodation
which building is to be erected on such part of the premises as, 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 firewood, ready hauled to his dwelling, to be cut a
foot length as often as occasion or necessary shall require; and also
to supply him with a gentle riding horse, saddle, and bridle to carry
him wheresoever he may require to go, together with a sufficient and
necessary stock of wearing apparel both woolen 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 cattle 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 have heretofore 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 actual
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 carpenter tools of every kind whatsoever.

   To Jacob he conveys the plantation situate in the forks of the South
Fork River and Clark's Creek and adjoining tracts, in all 960 acres,
including the mill. This tract adjoins the western limits of
Lincolnton. the residence for Derrick stood beside that of Jacob 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. The South Fork
River, in a great bend, forms its junction with Clark's Creek. In this
bend are three hundred 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.

   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, erected by David
Ramsour, a relic of pioneer days and architecture. The great stone
chimney is built entirely inside the house with fireplace seven feet
across, over which is a mantel nine feet long hewn out of a log. In the
chimney are cross bars from which the pot-hooks were suspended to hold
cooking utensils in position over 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 waters, shaded by
giant white oaks. Next stands the old red-painted mansion
characteristic of the early Dutch, built by his son, John Ramsour,
every part of which is put together with hand forged nails. A little
way out in the bottom is the brick mansion of Jacob Ramsour, son of
John. These, with the modern 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 knoll in the great
bottom is the family burying ground, where rests Jacob Ramsour, who
died in 1785, and many of his descendants.

   The Germans encountered many hardships incident to the settlement of
a 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 themselves and others. The pioneer Germans were Lutherans
and Reformed, and they usually occupied the same house of worship,
where on alternate Sabbaths they worshiped, and this is still the case
in a number of churches. Four miles northwest of Lincolnton the
pioneers established a place of worship and a schoolhouse called
Daniel's, on a tract of fifty acres, but did not take a grant. In 1767
a grant was issued to Matthew Floyd for the tract of fifty acres
including a "schoolhouse." In 1768 it was purchased by Nicholas
Warlick, Frederick Wise, Urban Ashehanner, Peter Statler, Peter Summey
and Deter Hafmer, who conveyed it to the "two united congregations of
Lutheran and Calvinists." The services were in German and the record
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 Settlement." The first church lot in Lincolnton was conveyed
June 10th, 1788, to Christian Reinhardt and Andrew Heddick, 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 site of the present Lutheran church. The
reference in title deeds to "Calvinists," and "Dutch Presbyterians" is
to the German Reformed or as now known, the Reformed Church.

   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
inscription on his tombstone is in German, above it and eagle and
thirteen 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, outlined in colored brick, are the initials of his name
and the date, A.L.1793. Only the German was used during their
pastorates. Living in the same county, and preaching in the same
churches, these godly men were devoted friends, and engaged that
whichever 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.
William Ramsour Minter, pastor of the Presbyterian church in
Lincolnton, 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 followed in a longer one in
English. This church and others withdrew and July 17th, organized the
Tennessee Synod. At its first meeting German was made the business
language and all its transactions were to be published in German. In
1825 the minutes were published 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 business of Synod
shall be transacted in the German language during the first three days,
and afterwards the English shall be used."

   But perhaps the greatest hindrance was in the State. The English was
the dominant language. The laws were written and expounded in English,
and all public affairs conducted in tht language, and this prevented
many from active participation in public affairs. The change was
gradual, but was perhaps most marked between the years of 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 Pennsylvania Dutch is seldom heard, and even in accent
and idiom remain on but few tongues; yet it is sometimes observed in
the use of the letters v and w,band p,t and d. This is seen in some of
the family names; Bangle and Pangle are the same name; likewise Boovey
and Poovey, Tarr and Darr; Davie Darr was called Tavy Tarr. A venerable
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, te breaching is reaty."

   The Pennsylvania 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 partook more of skill and labor than dissipation and
debauchery, such as cornshuckings, choppings, log-rollings,
house-raising, spinning-matches, quiltings, and the like, tending to
manly vigor and modest womanhood, and brightening the links of
friendship and brotherly love. By hunting deer and turkey, the squirrel
and other game they became expert riflemen. In the fall of the year
shooting matches were common, the usual prize a quarter of beef or
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 when
hauling great loads with his sleek team of horses. The race track also
had 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
Warlick path. The one who lost expressed proper contrition. The other
was incorrigible. Proud of his horse, the stakes and exulting in the
plaudits of the community, he promptly responded "I not sorry. I von.
Mr II. verry 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 grower 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 Debil,

And in comes I."

   Michael Schenck, in 1813, erected the first cotton factory, run by
water power, south of the Potomac. It was a small affair located on a
branch, one mile east of Lincolnton, but proving profitable, attracted
Col. John Hoke and Dr. James Bivins, and they became partners of
Michael Schenck. The firm in 1819 erected the Lincoln Cotton Mills,
with three thousand 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
Dutch. The only cotton mill in the county at the close of the war was
the Elm Grove, owned by John F. Phifer, now operated by Robert S.
Reinhardt. The Confederate States 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 erected the
Laboratory Cotton mills on the site of the Confederate laboratory. R.E.
Costner, J.A. Abernethy, L.J. Dellinger, John M. Rhodes, and W.A.
Rudisill are mill men. Daniel E. Rhyne is proprietor of these mills.
Other successful mill men are J.A. Abernethy, Edgar Love, and J.M.
Roberts. 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 William and Rufus Tiddy.

   One of the noted pioneers was Daniel Warlick. His entries
approximate three thousand acres. In 1769 he made division of it among
his five sons and four daughters. The oldest enterprise in the county
today is the mill he established on a branch five miles west of
Ramsour's. It was once destroyed by the Cherokees. This property has
passed from father to son, and is today owned by Jacob R. Warlick, a
great grandson. It is now a modern roller-mill, the motive power a
water fall of sixty-two feet.

   The old highway from Ramsour's Mill to Warlick's Mill crossed the
South Fork at Reep's Ford, just below the present Ramsour bridge. Here
lived Adam Reep and his brothers, Adolph and Michael, all Whig
soldiers. Just to the west, in a private burying ground, rests Nicholas
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 olden time there were no stores near with heavily laden
shelves from which to select, but they knew how to color, then combine
the colors in beautiful fabrics, and were expert in fine weaving. They
perhaps were not bothered with gores and biases, frills and puffs, yet
they had their trouble in cutting, fitting, and arranging the trimming
as do those of the present with the latest magazine and fashion plate.
It is certain that in the vigor and strength of perfect development
they were fair to look upon, equally at home, in the parlor or in the
kitchen alive to the wants of humanity and duty to God. Much of this
inspiriting record 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 impressed with religious truth
the result will be men and women of high type.

   As the century waned the German citizens were becoming prominent in
public affairs. In 1797, John Ramsour represented Lincoln County in the
House of Commons and twice afterwards. Then follows John Reinhardt in
1799, Peter Forney in 1800; Peter Hoyle 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 an influential citizen. He filled the offices
of county surveyor, sheriff, clerk of court and member of the General
Assembly. His father and grandfather each wrote his name in the German,
Philip Gantzler.

   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.

   Andrew Hedick, a great-grandson of Andrew Hedick, "agent of the
Dutch Lutherans." resides on the ancestral homestead. He lost his right
arm in the fearful struggle at Chancellorsville. After the war he
attended Pleasant Retreat, and prepared himself for school teaching.
For many years he filled the office of county treasurer and is one of
the county's most honored citizens. Andrew Hedick is likewise the
survivor of the usually mortal wound of a musket ball passing entirely
through his body, as are also Abel Seagle and David Keever.

   David Schenck, grandson of Michael Schenck, was a great advocate and
lawyer, a judge of the Superior Court and historian. He removed to
Greensboro in 1882 and has a monument in the Guilford Battleground.

   John F. Hoke, son of Col. John Hoke, won a captain's commission in
the Mexican War, and commanded his company with gallantry in the
battles of Cerro Gordo, Tolema and National Bridge. He was
adjuntant-general in North Carolina and colonel in the civil War. He
was an able lawyer, and often the representative of Lincoln county in
the General Assembly. His son, William A. Hoke, as citizen, lawyer,
legislator, judge of the Superior Court, and now Associate Justice 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
intensity. It was a presidential election. Henry Clay, the Whig
nominee, a matchless orator and idol of his party, made a speech in
Raleigh on the 12th day of June of that year. James K. Polk, of
Tennessee, a native of Mecklenburg and graduate of our State
university, was a nominee of the Democrats, and his party hoped to
carry the State.

   The Republic of Texas was seeking annexation to the United States,
and this was a burning issue. Each political party was on its mettle,
and marshalling its forces for a battle royal. Standard bearers must be
selected with care and the very best. Each party named a son of Lincoln
county as its Candidate for Governor. the Democrats nominated Michael
Hoke, a gentleman of fine person, fine address, of long legislative
experience and high position at the bar, whose ease of manner and
brilliancy 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 fairness of
his conduct, his open, generous temper, and elevated mode of argument
met the highest expectation 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 was 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 possessing all of these amiable qualities when
it came to the advocacy of the principals of their respective parties,
or assaulting those of the other, they exhibited the courage of a
Washington and the aggessiveness of a Jackson. The dignified and
majestic presence of Graham was formidably rivaled by the matchless
manner and ready humor of Hoke. Their joint canvass was a battle of
giants. Graham was elected Governor, Clay carried the State and Polk
was elected President. Hoke scarce survived the campaign. He died
September 9, 1844, at the youthful age of 34 years, 4 months and 7
days.

   Among the record of baptisms at Daniel's is this. George Kuhn, und
desen frau ihr sohn George Gebohren den 31 ten December, 1809,
Taufzeugen sind Johnannes Rudisill und desen frau," which being
translated reads,"George coon and his wife, their son George was born
the 31st December, 1809, sponsors John Rudisill and his wife." The
infant George grew into a man full of years and honor. An old Frenchman
in Lincolnton, Lorenzo Ferrer, often bought farm products from Mr.
Coon, and so admired his perfect integrity, and "full measure of
potatoes," that one of his bequests was: "I will and bestow to honest
George Koon one hundred dollars."

   Lorenzo Ferrer, having been introduced, 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 6th, 1875, aged ninety-six
years. He had his coffin made to order and gave directions concerning
his grave. It is marked by a recumbent slab, supported on marble
columns. The first paragraph of his will in these words:

   "I, Lorenzo Ferrer, here write my last will and testament whilst I
am in Possession of my faculties, as I have shortly to appear at the
tribunal of St. Peter at the gate of eternity; when St. Peter is to
pronounce according to my merits or demerits; for our Lord Jesus Christ
entrusted the key to Heaven to St. Peter and enjoined him to admit the
deserving to enter into Heaven and enjoy an eternal happiness, but to
condemn the underserving defrauders to the everlasting sulphurious
flames in the Devil's abode. Therefore, I am endeavoring to comfort
myself in such a manner in order to merit an eternal happiness in the
presence of God, and his angels, and in company with St. Peter, St.
Titus and the other saints. For I an anxious to converse with those
martyred saints and rejoice with them at the firmness, patience, and
willingness they endured at their martyrdom for the sake of our Lord
Jesus Christ. I am also in hope to see and embrace my kind an honest
friends Michael Hoke, William Lander, and other good and honest friends
with whom I hope to enjoy an eternal felicity,"etc.

   Adam Spring approached the dark river with no such beatific vision.
In the confident possession of a sound mind and good judgement he
likewise wrote his own will, the first part of which follows: "North
Carolina, Lincoln county,-Know all men by these presents, that I Adam
A. Springs, believing himself of sufficient judgement of mind do now
set about making my will in hopes that my surviving fellow citizens
will aid me in the disposal of my wish. If it should lack form, I call
upon our Constitution. Then I ordain this my last will and testament as
follows: As to my soul or finer part, whatever it may be, I surrender
to its author without any impertinent and intrusive requests against
the immutable laws of Deity. In the first place, I will to be buried
alongside of James Henderson on the hill on the east of the shoals
formerly called Henderson's Shoals,"etc.

   Mr. Springs was one of the first students at the State University, a
graduate of the class of 1798, a large real estate owner, including
among his possession the Henderson Shoals on the South Fork, afterwards
know as the Spring Shoals, now McAdensville, where his dust reposes
beside James Henderson. The paper-writing was propounded for probate, a
caveat entered, the issue, devisavit vel non, submitted, the will
established, and executed by his surviving fellow citizens according to
the true intent and meaning therof.

   A will of marked conciseness and brevity, and the shortest in the
county is that of the late V.A. McBee. Mr McBee was a University
graduate, lawyer, three times clerk of the Superior Court, and left a
considerable estate in North and South Carolina. His entire will with
date and signature contains but twenty-three words: "I will all of my
estate, real and personal to my wife, Mary Elizabeth McBee, this 31st
day of March, 1888. V.A. McBee."

   Robert F. Hoke and Stephen D. Ramsour, twin soldiers of destiny,
became distinguished Major-Generals in the armies of the confederacy.
Their gallant deeds and noble services added luster to their home and
country. The one survives, honored and loved; the soil of Virginia
drank the precious blood of the other.

   The laudable principles, liberty of conscience, health of state, and
purity or morals, the Dutch hold in sacred esteem; the great virtues of
the home and the common duties of the good citizens have ever charmed
most of their ambitions. Of persistent energy, high purpose, and sturdy
inclination, they have made and are making indestructible footprints of
nobly performed deeds in the varied sands of life that will remain a
memorial to them for all time.

The Civil War

   The men of Lincoln County bore an honorable part in the American
Revolution, and were in evidence in the second bout with the mother
country; they helped to win Texan Independence and fought in the
Mexican War; at the outbreak of the great Civil War, they presented a
solid front in defense of their Southland.

   Stephen D. Ramsour, a graduate of West Point, and a lieutenant in
the United States army, resigned his commission, tendered his service
to the Confederacy and was appointed captain of the artillery; by
promotion he passed the rank of Major-General, and met the death of a
hero at Cedar Creek, on the 19th of October, 1864.

   Alvin DeLane was a soldier in the United States Navy, whose flag was
endeared to him by many years of service. When the war clouds gathered
a decision was to be made. He hesitated not; the battle-cry of the
South expressed his sentiment and his resolve:

"In Dixie land I'll take my stand,

And live and die for Dixie."

   In the darkness of the night he scaled the walls of Fort Sumter with
a ladder, which served him many hours as a float on the briny deep, was
rescued, became the hero of Charleston, and for the next four years a
gallant Confederate.

   William S. Bynum, the soldier boy, September 25th, 1862, at the age
of fourteen years, enlisted in Company K, 42d Regiment, and was a
gallant Confederate until the surrender.

   Lincoln County furnished the Confederacy eight full companies:
(1)  The Southern Stars, Company K, Bethel Regiment, William J. Hoke,
Captain;
(2)  Company I, 11th Regiment, A.S. Haynes, Captain;
(3)  Company K, 23d Regiment, Robert D. Johnston, Captain;
(4)  Company E, 34th Regiment, John F. Hill, Captain;
(5)  Company K, 49th Regiment, Peter Z. Baxter, Captain;
(6)  Company G, 52d Regiment, Joseph B. Shelton, Captain;
(7)  Company H, 52d Regiment, Eric Erson, Captain;
(8)  Company G,57th Regiment, John F. Speck, Captain; besides members
of other companies.

   Many of the Bethel soldiers won commissions of honor. Capt William
J. Hoke became Colonel of the 38th Regiment; Second Lieutenant Robert
F. Hoke was promoted through the grades to the rank of Major-General;
Eric Erson was Lieutenant-Colonel of the 52d Regiment; William R.
Edwards, Sidney Haynes, John F. Speck, Benjamin F. Grigg, Peter M.
Mull, Lauson A. Dellinger, and James D. Wells won captains commissions;
while David A. Coon, Ed. D. Sumner, W.A. Summerow and George M. Hoke
were first lieutenants, and Lemuel J. Hoyle, Charles Elmer, Josephus
Houser and Oliver A. Ramsour, second lieutenants.

   John F. Hoke was Brigadier-General and Adjuntant-General of the
State. Through him the volunteer regiments were organized. He was the
first colonel of the 23d Regiment, and at the surrender was Colonel of
the 73d Regiment.

   William Preston Bynum entered the service as first lieutenant of the
Beattie's Ford Rifles; this company was mustered in as Company K, 23d
Regiment; he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel of the 2d
Regiment.

   Robert D. Johnson, second lieutenant of the Beatties' Ford Rifles,
rose by promotion for gallantry to the rank of brigadier-general. He
was wounded at Seven Pines, Gettysburg and on the Catawba River.

   Other commissioned officers: Colonel- Samuel D. Lowe.
Lieutenant-Colonels- Hiram W. Abernethy and Charles J. Hammarskold.
Majors- Sidney M. Finger and William A. Graham. Captains- James T.
Adams, Philip W. Carpenter A.H. Houston, G.W. Hunter, James F.
Johnston, William H. Johnston, Joseph F. Johnston, James M. Kincaid,
Milton Lowe, Joseph G. Morrison, George L. Phifer, Benjamin H. Sumner,
Woodberry Wheeler, and C.C.Wrenshall. First Lieutenants- Peter S. Beal,
John H. Boyd, John P. Cansler, William H. Hill, Wallace M. Reinhardt,
Daniel Reinhardt, Thomas L. Seagle. Second Lieutenants- Thomas
Abernethy, William Arndt, William H. Hill, Wallace M. Reinhardt, Daniel
Asbury, George W. Beam, Caleb Bisaner, John Caldwell, Eli Crowell,
Henry Eaton, Henry Fullenwider, John F. Goodson, Emmanuel Houser, Bruce
Houston, Lee Johnston, Thomas Lindsey, William M. Munday, John
Rendleman, Samuel Rendleman, David Rhodes, Alfred Robinson, Samuel
Thompson, W.A. Thompson, Henry Wells, Rufus Warlick Chaplains- Robert
B. Anderson and Eugene W. Thompson

   Summary-Two major-general, one brigadier-general, four colonels,
twenty-eight captains, sixteen first lieutenants, thirty-three second
lieutenants, and 1,219 non-commissioned officers and privates, a grand
total of 1,311 Confederate soldiers.

______________________________________________________________________

Copyright. All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm

This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by
Mrs. Peggy Simmons, Lincolnton, N.C., Mrs Jane Costner
Ware, Lincolnton, N.C. and Mr. Kemp P. Nixon, Lynchburg, Va., the
Grandchildren of Mr. Alfred Nixon have given permission to place this
Historic Manuscript online in the USGenWeb Project for Lincoln County,
N.C., this 10th day of June, 1997
______________________________________________________________________