Several of the sketches herein presented are original, and have never before been published. Others, somewhat condensed, have been taken from Wheeler's "Historical Sketches," when falling within the scope of this work. To the venerable author of that compilation, the author also acknowledges his indebtedness for valuable information furnished from time to time from the "Pension Bureau" at Washington City, relating to the military services of several of our Revolutionary patriots. The author and compiler of these sketches only aspires to the position of a historian in a limited sense. It cannot be denied that the history of our good old State, modest in her pretensions, but filled with grand, patriotic associations, has never been fully written. Acting under this belief, he feels tempted to say, like Ruth following the reapers in the time of Boaz, he has "gleaned in the field until even," and having found a few "handfuls" of _neglected_ grain, and beaten them out, here presents his "ephah of barley"--plain, substantial food it is true, but yet may be made useful _mentally_ to the present generation, as it was _physically_ of old, to the inhabitants of Palestine. In conclusion, the author cherishes the hope that other sons, and daughters too, of North Carolina--some of them forming with himself, _connecting links of the past with the present_--will also become _gleaners_ in the same field of research, abounding yet with scattered grains of neglected and unwritten history worthy of preservation. If the author's efforts in this direction shall impart additional information, and assist in elucidating "liberty's story" in the Old North State, his highest aspirations will be gratified, and his agreeable labors amply rewarded. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. ORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE. CHAPTER I. MECKLENBURG COUNTY The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence--A brief account of the Mecklenburg Centennial--The Grand Procession--Exercises at the Fair Grounds--James Belk, A Veteran Invited Guest--Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence--Origin of the Alexander Families of Mecklenburg county--Jack Family--Captain Charles Polk's "Muster Roll,"--President James K. Polk--General William Davidson, General George Graham--William Richardson Davie--Battle of the Hanging Rock--General Michael McLeary--Major Thomas Alexander--Captain William Alexander--Elijah Alexander--Captain Charles Alexander--Joseph Kerr, "The Cripple Spy"--Robert Kerr--Henry Hunter--James Orr--Skirmish at Charlotte; or, First attack of the "Hornets"--Surprise at McIntire's, or, the "Hornets" at work--Judge Samuel Lowrie--The Ladies of the Revolutionary Period--Mrs. Eleanor Wilson--Queen's Museum. CHAPTER II. CABARRUS COUNTY The "Black Boys" of Cabarrus--Dr. Charles Harris--Captain Thomas Caldwell. CHAPTER III. ROWAN COUNTY