James Alberto McDowell

Other Events:

• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran

Notes:

Group:
Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

Group:
Direct Descendant of any immigrant Davidson

Group:
Descendants of John, George, and Samuel Davidson of Beverley Manor, Virginia, and Iredell county, North Carolina

Group:
DAR or SAR Eligible Descendant of a Revolutionary War Veteran

James married Delilah Ann Holcombe before 1888. Delilah (daughter of Frank Holcombe and Miss [--?--]) was born in 1851; died in Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. James Albert McDowell was born on 13 Feb 1888 in Yancey County, North Carolina; died in 1977 in Yancey County, North Carolina.

Other Events:

• Alt. Birth: 13 Feb 1823, Pleasant Gardens, Burke County, North Carolina
• Alt. Birth: 21 Jul 1823
• 1880 Census: 1880

Notes:

William Wallace McDowell was Captain of the First Volunteer Company that left Ashville in 1861. The flag with which the company was presented was made from an old U.S. Flag (reconstituted) by the ladies of Ashville. This flag was adopted as the regimental flag by the 1st North Carolina Infanty Regiment, commanded by Gen. D. H. Hill and was dedicated at Big Bethel Church battle, June 1, 1861. His courage at that battle was highly spoken of by Gen. D.H. Hill, and others, the first battle between the North and the South. Capt. McDowell of the Buncombe Rifles of 1861, became Major in the 60th North Carolina Infantry Regiment, his brother Joseph became Colonel of the 60th Regiment. They both were at the battle of Murfreesboro, TN. Owner of Smith-McDowell House in Asheville, NC.
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1880
Name  Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
W. W. MC DOWELL   Self   M   Male   W   57   NC   Builder   NC   NC
Sarah L. MC DOWELL   Wife   M   Female   W   54   NC   Keeping House NC   NC
Jas. D. MC DOWELL   Son   S   Male   W   32   NC   At Home   NC   NC
John MC DOWELL   Son   S   Male   W   27   NC   Clerk In Store   NC   NC

Annie MC DOWELL   Dau   S   Female   W   24   NC   At Home   NC   NC
Edward E. MC DOWELL   Son   S   Male   W   21   NC   At Home   NC   NC
George MC DOWELL   Son   S   Male   W   19   NC      NC   NC
May MC DOWELL   Dau   S   Female   W   14   NC      NC   NC
Arthur G. MC DOWELL   Son   S   Male   W   12   NC      NC   NC
Celia M. ERVIN   Aunt   S   Female   W   70   NC   Visitor   NC   NC
Louisia COOK   Other   M   Female   B   28   NC   Cook   NC   NC
Louisa WAREN   Other   S   Female   B   13   ---   House Work   ---   NC

Moses CANNON   Other   S   Male   B   23   NC   Laborer   NC   NC
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Source Information:
  Census Place Asheville, Buncombe, North Carolina
  NA Film Number   T9-0954
  Page Number   125B

1880 Census:
Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC

William married Sarah Lucinda Smith on 21 Jul 1846 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina. Sarah (daughter of James McConnell Smith and Mary "Polly" Patton) was born on 24 Jun 1826 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina; died on 1 Nov 1905 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran
• Alt. Birth: 11 May 1826, Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina

Notes:

Group:
Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

Group:
Direct Descendant of any immigrant Davidson

Group:
Descendants of John, George, and Samuel Davidson of Beverley Manor, Virginia, and Iredell county, North Carolina

Group:
DAR or SAR Eligible Descendant of a Revolutionary War Veteran

James married Margaret Caroline Erwin on 22 Feb 1821 in Burke County, North Carolina. Margaret (daughter of Col. William Willoughby Erwin and Matilda Sharpe) was born on 2 Nov 1801 in Belvidere Plantation, Buncombe County, North Carolina; died on 23 Jul 1831 in Burke County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Alt. Death: 23 Jul 1891, Belvidere Plantation, Buncombe County, North Carolina

Other Events:

• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran
• 1820 Census: 1820
• 1830 Census: 1830
• 1840 Census: 1840
• 1850 Census: 10 Sep 1850

Notes:

James McConnell Smith is reputed to have been the first white child born in NC west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  He and his wife Polly Patton settled in Asheville.  He owned the Buck Hotel, a tanyard, and three farms.  He built, and for several years managed, Smith's Bridge, the first bridge over the French Broad River in Buncombe County.  He sold the bridge to the State.  James was a wealth land owner in Asheville and other parts of North Carolina and even in Georgia.
___________

"James McConnell Smith was the most well to do of the Smith Children. He owned the Buck Hotel in down town Asheville and owned a ferry. He owned a big house in Asheville which is now open to the public as a historic site. It is called the Smith-McDowell House and it is part of a college or community college campus. There you can see pictures, furnishings, his 20 page will and Daniel Smith's long gun. He apparently was quite an investor and entrepreneur. He also was supposed to be the first white child born on that side of the Mountains and it says so on his tombstone."--e-mail from Sheila Quinn - saquinn@aol.com.

Group:
Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

Group:
Direct Descendant of any immigrant Davidson

Group:
Descendants of John, George, and Samuel Davidson of Beverley Manor, Virginia, and Iredell county, North Carolina

Group:
DAR or SAR Eligible Descendant of a Revolutionary War Veteran

1820 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 90, 010310-40100-1150

1830 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 247, 020 130 100 0000 - 212 101 000 0000

1840 Census:
Southern Division, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 137, 000 3(13)1 010 0000 - 222 140 100 0000

1850 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 282a, age 62, b. NC

James married Mary "Polly" Patton on 24 Jun 1814 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina. Mary (daughter of Col. John Patton and Ann Mallory) was born on 7 Jan 1794 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina; died on 11 Dec 1853 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina; was buried after 11 Dec 1853 in Newton Academy Cemetery - Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Polly Patton

Other Events:

• Will: 19 Mar 1795
• Probate: Apr 1795
• Alt. Death: 11 Apr 1795, Pleasant Gardens, Burke County, North Carolina
• Alt. Death: 7 Mar 1799, Pleasant Gardens, Burke County, North Carolina

Notes:

Colonel Joseph McDowell entered the army in the Regiment of his brother General Charles McDowell as its Major, February 1776, at the age of twenty-two. They fought in expiditions against the Scotch Tories and the Cherokee Indians, who had attacked the Catawba settlements. They were also on the Rutherford campaign against the Cherokees. Other battles included Ramsour Mills, Musgraves Mill, the Cowpens, and Kings Mountain, where he was in charge of the regiment while his brother had gone to consult with other officers. In a history by Draper, "The bayonet charge down the mountain by Ferguson's regulars was driven back by the well directed fire from the rifles of Shelby's and McDowell's men. The victory was complete." As a part of the Military Articles of 1782, Col. McDowell was given a land grant of 5000 acres in Shelby County, Tennessee encompassing what is now Memphis, Tennessee. He was later a member of the North Carolina convention for the ratification of the Federal Constitution in 1788. He served in the Legislature for a number of years and was elected to the Senate in 1797.
__________

Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, page 1532

McDOWELL, Joseph (P G) (cousin of Joseph McDowell), a Representative from North Carolina; born at "Pleasant Gardens," near Morganton, Burke (now McDowell) County, N.C., February 25, 1758; attended schools at Winchester, Va.; served in the Revolutionary Army; was commissioned a major and served in the Battle of Kings Mountain; was subsequently general of militia; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1791 and practiced in Burke, Rowan, and Rutherford Counties, N.C.; member of the State house of commons 1785-1792; elected to the Third Congress (March 4, 1793-March 3, 1795); renominated but declined to be a candidate for reelection in 1794 to the Fourth Congress; resumed the practice of law and engaged in agricultural pursuits; member of the commission appointed to settle the boundary line between North Carolina and Tennessee in 1796; died on his estate, "Pleasant Gardens," near Morganton, N.C., March 7, 1799; interment at Round Hill on his estate.
_________________

McDowell, Joseph (1758-1799) -- also known as P. G. McDowell -- Cousin of Joseph McDowell (1756-1801). Born near Morganton, McDowell County, N.C., February 25, 1758. Member of North Carolina state legislature, 1785; U.S. Representative from North Carolina at-large, 1793-95. Died March 7, 1799. Interment at a private or family graveyard, McDowell County, N.C. See also: congressional biography.
====================================================================
McDOWELL, Joseph, (cousin of Joseph McDowell [1756-1801]), a Representative from North Carolina; born at (Pleasant Gardens,) near Morganton, Burke (now McDowell) County, N.C., February 25, 1758; attended schools at Winchester, Va.; served in the Revolutionary Army and was commissioned a major; was subsequently general of militia; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1791 and practiced in Burke, Rowan, and Rutherford Counties, N.C.; member of the State house of commons 1785-1792; elected to the Third Congress (March 4, 1793-March 3, 1795); renominated but declined to be a candidate for reelection in 1794; resumed the practice of law and engaged in agricultural pursuits; member of the commission appointed to settle the boundary line between North Carolina and Tennessee in 1796; died on his estate, (Pleasant Gardens,) near Morganton, N.C., March 7, 1799; interment at Round Hill on his estate.

========================================================================== ========
WILL OF JOSEPH MCDOWELL OF PLEASANT GARDENS

NOTE: A copy of this will is found at the NC State Archives in Raleigh. The original is said to be in Burke County. Will proved in Burke County April, 1795 Court.

In the name of God amen, I Joseph McDowell of the (Pleasant Gardens, marked out) State of North Carolina and the County of Burke and of the Pleasant Gardens do make my last will and testament (to Wit, marked out) in the manner and form following to wit,


My will is that my wife Mary McDowell have her lawful share of all my lands if she chooses during life. My further will is that she have my three slaves Cato Bine & Africa for her share of my slave property. My further will is that she have one of my best feather beds and furniture her own wearing apparel and my trunk. My further will is that she have two of my best work horses and a young black mare.

My will is that my son John have my six hundred acre tract of land lying on both sides of Pigeon river joining below the flower Garden in fee simple. My further will is that he have my half of the flower Garden place on Pidgeon river in fee simple.

My will is that my son George have the lower half of the old original six hundred and forty acre survey called the Pleasant Garden tract which is to be divided by a line running due North and South from the center of the said tract. My further will is that he have another two hundred and sixty acre tract joining the lower part of the aforesaid tract also another fifty acre tract on the waters of Garden Creek all of which lands I will to him in fee simple.

My will is that my son James have the upper half of the aforementioned six hundred and forty acre tract known by the name of the Pleasant Garden as soon as the life incumbrance expire. The meaning of this clause is, that the said James shall possess the aforesaid lands in whole, or, in part in proportion as it ceases to be incumbered. My further will is that he have that tract of land lying Bridge Creek joining the north end of the Pleasant Gardens tract containing one hundred acres more or less. All the preceeding lands I will to him in fee simple. I further will to my son James that tract of land lying on Buck Creek and known by the name of the McClewer or Chambers place containing two hundred and sixteen acres and that my Executors immeduately procure a title to be made to my said son James by McClewer or Chambers according to their bonds now in my possession.

My will is that my daughter Ann have four hundred acres of land be the same more or less lying on both of the forks of Franch Broad River being my share of two tracts granted to me and James Miller. My further will is that three hundred and twenty acres of land lying on Richland Creek granted to my father and me and being my half of said grant be equally divided between my son James and my daughter Ann the aforesaid lands I will to my son James and daughter Ann in fee simple.

My will is that my exdecutors shall sell the following lands to the best advantage for the benefit of my creditors and the education of my children , to wit, two hundred and sixty acres joining above the cherry fields lying on each side of French Broad River being my share of a tract of land granted to James Glasgow and me also two hundred acres of land lying on new found (?) creek also seven hundred and fourteen acres of land lying in Cumberland which I purchased of Col. Joseph McDowell of Johns river and have his bond to make me a title and that my Executors have full power to make good and sufficient titles for said land, so sold.

My further will is that my Negro (word man marked out) slave Cate with her children Jean and her children Negro man Bob, James and Hannah Binahs child be kept with their issue as a joint property until my oldest child arrives at twenty one years of age. Then to be all valued and that a division take place between my four children as nearly equal as possible provided never the less it is my desire that my wife Mary have one of the girls whichsoever she chooses to wait upon her untill (sic) her day of marriage if that should ever take place. And my further will is that my Executors dispose of the aforesaid Negroes in the interium (sic) in such a manner as shall be most productive of benefit to my heirs at the same time it is my will that care be taken that said negroes be treated well. I further will that my Negro man Harry be sold at the discretion of my Executors. My further will is that one half of a tract of land containing (four seven hundred - all words marked out) seven hundred acres lying on Jonathan Creek on the west side of Pidgeon River be sold to the best advantage at such a time as my Executors may think most proper, and that the other half shall be vested in fee simple in the Heirs of a Col. Henderson of Greenbrier in Virginia they being entitled to it by virtue of an instrument of writing obtained of me about laying a land warrant they paying the _____ of taxes and their proportion of any cost and charges that may ___ in consequences of ___ of ___ with respect to said land.

My further will is that my cattle sheep hogs and geese together with my farming utensils be left in the care of my wife for the benefit of raising my children. That my bed furniture not ___ to willed to my wife be kept for the ___ use of my children and the remaining part of my household (word furniture marked out) affairs to remain with my wife to assist her in raising my children. The waggon & geers which I bought from Major (?) Neely to be returned to him with some compensation for disappointment of sale provided he will again take it. But if he will not to be sold to the best advantage by my Executors.

My further will is that my Library be kept for the JoinT of my sons.My further will is that my lands kept by way of legacy to my children be rented from time to time by my Executors in the most advantageous manner and that the profits arising from said lands be applied to the maintenance and education of my children. Also I appoint Joseph McDowell John Carson and James Murphy my Executors to this my last will and testament. The above will containing four pages and a part I declare to be my last will and testament published this 19th day of March in the year of our Lord 1795.

J. McDowell (SEAL

In presence of
Catherine Arthurs
John M Wilson
Robt Logan, Jurat
Copy attest
J.E. ____ Clk.


DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY AND SLAVES FROM WILL OF JOSEPH MCDOWELL, P.G.

TO WIFE, MARY (MOFFETT) MCDOWELL:
1. Share of all lands if she chooses during her life.
2. Three slaves: Cato, Bine, & Africa

TO SON, JOHN MCDOWELL: (about 940 acres)
1. 600 acre tract on both sides of Pigeon River joining below the Flower Garden
2. The half of the Flower Garden place on Pidgeon River (Joseph's part) (NOTE: John receives Hunting John's part in his will) - may be 640 acres total.

TO SON, GEORGE MCDOWELL: (about 630 acres)
1. Approximately 320 acres -- Lower half of the old original 640 acre survey called the Pleasant Garden tract (divided by line north and south)
2. 260 acre tract joining lower part of tract mentioned above
3. 50 acre tract on the waters of Garden Creek.

TO SON, JAMES MCDOWELL: (about 801 acres)
1. Approximately 320 acres --Upper half of the old original 640 acre survey called Pleasant Garden tract (shared with George above)-as soon as life incumbrance expires.
2. 100 acres of land lying on Bridge Creek joining the north end of the Pleasant Gardens tract
3. 216 acres lying on buck Creek and known as "McClewen or Chambers Place -- title to be procured according to the bonds now in Joseph's possession.
4. Approximately 165 acres - Land on Richland Creek granted to Hunting John and Joseph together, 320 acres being Joseph's part (shared with Ann below)

TO DAUGHTER, ANN MCDOWELL: (about 565 acres)
1. 400 acres on both sides of the forks of French Broad River (this was 2 tracts granted to Joseph and James Miller.
2. Approximately 165 acres -- Land on Richland Creek granted to Hunting John and Joseph together, 320 acres being Joseph's part (shared with James above)

LANDS TO BE SOLD BY EXECUTORS TO BENEFIT CREDITORS AND EDUCATE CHILDREN: (about 1529 acres)
1. 265 acres joining above the cherry fields lying on each side Brench Broad River (Joseph's share of a tract granted to James Glasgow and Joseph)
2. 200 acres on new found Creek.
3. 714 acres in Cumberland which Joseph purchased from Col. Joseph McDowell of Johns River (Joseph
PG has bond from Joseph JR to make title)
4. 700acres on Jonathan Creek on west side of Pidgeon River to be sold and that half vested in fee simple to heirs of Col. Henderson of Greenbrier in Virginia (because of land warrant)

SLAVES TO BE KEPT UNTIL YOUNGEST CHILD IS 21 AND DIVIDED BETWEEN 4 CHILDREN:
1. Cate and her children
2. Jean and her children
3. Negro man Bob
4. James
5. Hannah Binahs child
6. (Cate, Bine, and Africa given to wife above)
7. Harry to be sold at the discretion of Executor.

Circa 4465 acres of land.
______________________________

Bibliographic Information: Boyd, L. The Irvines and Their Kin. Chicago: R. R. Donneley & Sons Company, 1908. Call Number: R929.2 I72. A history of the Irvine Family from Scotland, England, and Ireland to America.

HUNTING JOHN MCDOWELL of "Pleasant Gardens," North Carolina, was one of the pioneers of Western Carolina; came first from Pennsylvania to Virginia and from the valley of Virginia to Pleasant Gardens in 1743. He entered large tracts of land in 1750. He was too old for active service and was not in the Revolution of 1775, and he refused to ask protection from the British and preferred to drive his cattle off to the cove, for hiding. His county was then Rowan, and he attended court at Salisbury one hundred miles away. Afterwards, his county was Burke, 1777, and later on it was McDowell, in honor of his illustrious son Joseph.

Hunting John was of Scotch-Irish descent, and is said to have been related to Ephraim McDowell of Virginia, probably a nephew. John McDowell married Annie Edmisten, of Virginia, and by her he had three children, -- Joseph, Rachel, and Annie. The latter married a Whitson and their descendants are to be found in Buncombe county, North Carolina, and in California. Rachel married Col. John Carson, and after her death he married Joseph McDowell's widow, Mary Moffett.

JOSEPH MCDOWELL, of "Pleasant Gardens," the only son of "Hunting John" McDowell, was married to Mary Moffett (a daughter of Col. George Moffett and Sarah McDowell) in Augusta county, Virginia, Staunton being the post-office. The writer has a letter, written by Col. George Moffett to his daughter Mary, and it was written from Augusta county, Virginia, July 2, 1807, and posted at Staunton, Virginia.

When a boy of eighteen, Joseph of Pleasant Gardens was in Rutherford's campaign against the Indians, in 1776 -- and killed an Indian with his own sword. Two or three years ago his sword was found in the garret at Pleasant Gardens and sent to the Museum at Raleigh, North Carolina. He was a man of delicate constitution, and in addition to being "A fervent patriot, had considerable taste for military affairs." He was a man of "great dignity and modesty of character, and was regarded as possessing the brightest intellect of his day." I have in my possession a manuscript from Silas McDowell of Macon county, North Carolina, who endeavored to correct all errors, and give the people historical facts. He was born in 1795, four years before the death of Joseph of Pleasant Gardens, and was a man of remarkable memory, and gathered facts. He says of Joseph McDowell: -- "If there was any man in this part of the State that distinguished himself in mind, as ranking far above his fellows, except Joseph McDowell of Pleasant Gardens, Burke county, tradition has not transmitted the fact; though there were scores of strong-minded, honorable, and patriotie men in this division of the State, who figured in the Revolutionary war. McDowell's light went out when he was in his noon-day prime, and in the last decade of the 18th century, 1799, and from that time till 1820 there has arisen no bright and particular star." Joseph McDowell of Pleasant Gardens was born February 25, 1758, and died, as I said, in 1799, at the age of forty-one.

Young as he was, he soon went into the Patriot army, and was soon promoted to Major under his cousin Charles, who was Colonel, afterwards General. Joseph met Colonel Furgerson at Gilbert Town, and drove him back and prevented his crossing the mountain. I have it from my father, Dr. John McDowell, who had been told by his father, the Hon. James McDowell, and his Aunt Annie, the son and daughter of Joseph, of Pleasant Gardens, and Mary Moffett, that while Joseph was stationed at Gilbert Town (now this is a fact), his wife, Mary Moffett, molded bullets and carried them tied under her skirts to her husband. She went from Pleasant Gardens to Gilbert Town on horseback, a distance of twenty-six miles through a rough country, and on the way she was encountered by rough Tories who took her horse by the bridle and tried to prevent her going further; but with the courage of the women of that day, she managed to get out of the ruffians' way, and made a safe trip. Joseph was engaged in the battles of Cowpens and Ramsaurs Mills, and was the McDowell who commanded his own and General Charles McDowell's troops at Kings' Mountain. Robbing Joseph of Pleasant Gardens of command of the troops at that battle, has been a mistake on the part of some historian; and because of the mistake, in saying that "Joseph of Quaker Meadows was the Superior Officer," and commanded his brother Charles' troops -- the name McDowell does not appear on the Kings' Mountain monument. The two Josephs were cousins and married sisters, Mary and Margaret Moffett, and both fought at Kings' Mountain, one commanded the right and one the left wing of the regiment, and both were brave and honorable in all things, but having the same name, and both being soldiers, then statesmen, a great deal of confusion has arisen.

Joseph of Pleasant Gardens was undoubtedly the commander at Kings' Mountain; all of my family, from my grandfather James, Joseph's son, and Annie, his daughter, down to my father and mother, have said so, and I think the china, which is in the possession of the writer, is proof conclusive. The china was given to Annie McDowell by her mother, Mary Moffett McDowell, telling her that the set of china was given to her father, Joseph, from Furgerson's belongings after the battle of Kings' Mountain.

Annie married her cousin, Capt. Charles McDowell, of Quaker Meadows, Burke Co., N. C., and she gave the china to her daughters. Both the Woodfin ladies, Annie and Capt. Charles' daughters, have pieces of this china, and Miss Anna Woodfin still has a piece, a cup and saucer; and when she showed it to me a year ago, she said, "My mother told me this was given to my great-grandfather, Joseph, of Pleasant Gardens, after the battle of Kings' Mountain." Mrs. Bynum, another daughter of Annie and Capt. Charles, and granddaughter of "Joseph of Pleasant Gardens," gave a plate from the same set of china, to her son Judge Gray Bynum, of Morganton, making the same statement to the writer that the Woodfin sisters had made. I believe that plate is the only thing I ever coveted. Judge Bynum and his wife died without children and there was no one to inherit the china. The Judge gave the same to his much beloved brother-in-law, George Green, of Wilson, N. C., who married my cousin. I wrote to Mr. Green and asked him if he would give me the china and allow it to remain in the family, and not pass out of the name. Being a big-hearted and honorable man, he brought the china plate to me, saying he had rather give it to me than send it to the Museum at Raleigh. So I have the china and send you a photo of same. Getting it was an answer-to prayer.

Joseph was a lawyer and his law books are in the family; and from them I send his autograph, "J. McDowell, P. G." "If Joseph of P. G. was the rightful commander, posterity should know it," says Judge Locke McCorkle, and to that just man I am indebted for a great deal of data, that corresponds with all my family have said. "Again," he says, "no man had more distinguished descendants than 'Joseph of Pleasant Gardens,' according to their number." Joseph was major before the battle of Kings' Mountain, and Colonel after that. He served in the North Carolina Legislature from 1785 to 1792. "He was a member of the North Carolina convention in 1788, for the purpose of adopting or rejecting the Constitution of the U. S., in which he made a statesmanlike speech, opposing its adoption on the ground that it did not guarantee the rights of the states, trial by jury, and the great writ of habeas corpus,"--so said the Hon. Locke McCorkle, who made a big effort to do justice to both Joseph of Pleasant Gardens, and Joseph of Quaker Meadows.

Joseph, as I said, died in 1799, and was buried at Round Hill, the family burying ground at Pleasant Gardens, and his grave is unmarked.

As I said, John, James, and Annie were the children of Joseph and Mary Moffett,--two others having died young. Hon. John McDowell of Rutherford was a most estimable man, several times served his county honorably in the Legislature, as did his brother James, of Burke Co., and while James was in the Legislature the new county taken off of Burke was named through compliment to him, for his father, Joseph of Pleasant Gardens, 1820, and was called McDowell county.

John married a Miss Lewis and his descendants are scattered over North Carolina, and to his daughter Miss Sarah McDowell, and his grandson, John Michael, and to Dr. Michael and Major Ben Burgin, who was 95 years old fifty years ago, when he gave my father, Dr. Michael, and others, a great deal of information concerning "Joseph of Pleasant Gardens," I am indebted for much that I've written.

James McDowell married Margaret Erwin of "Belvidere," Burke county, N. C., and lived until after her death at Pleasant Gardens, and from there he removed to Yancey Co., leaving three sons and two daughters to the care, mostly, of his wife's relatives at Belvidere, the oldest being ten and the youngest one year old. James McDowell, like many of the name, was celebrated for his hospitality, and the sister-in-law, who brought up his infant and did a great deal for all the children, has often said to the writer (she was my great aunt, Miss Cecelia Erwin): "Brother James McDowell was the kindest and best brother-in-law I ever knew." James McDowell, it seems, never refused to go security for his friends and kin; and through the latter, he lost his Pleasant Gardens home,--same being sold for security debts, and then he moved to Yancey county, where he died in 1854.

James McDowell and Margaret Erwin had, as I stated, three sons and two daughters, besides two children who died when a few months old. The brothers were Joseph Alburto, William Wallace, and John Calhoun McDowell. Owing to these three men being left, when very young, without a mother, and their father being, in a measure, broken up, and having to leave his home and go to Yancey county, which was almost out of civilization, these three brothers were thrown considerably on their own resources -- though they had the kindest of fathers. However, they were fairly well educated.

Joseph, the eldest, read medicine with Dr. Hardy of Asheville, and from there went to the Medical College at Charleston, from which he graduated and settled at Hot Springs, N. C., and afterwards at Asheville, N. C. He was considered an excellent physician, and was a man of the finest personal appearance; was called a "Chesterfield" in manner. He married Julia Patton of Asheville (daughter of John C. Patton), and their children are living in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Mrs. James Walton, his eldest daughter, lives in Morganton, N. C.

William Wallace McDowell married Sarah Smith, of Asheville, who was a daughter of James Smith (he who was the first white child born west of the Blue Ridge), and lived and died there, as did his brother Dr., or Col., Joseph, of whom I have just made mention. These two brothers were officers during the Civil War. Joseph was Colonel, and William, Major. William was Captain of the first volunteer company that left Asheville in 1861. The flag with which the Captain was presented was made from an old U. S. flag (reconstructed) by the ladies of Asheville. "This flag was adopted as the regimental flag by the First Regiment, commanded by Gen. D. H. Hill, and was dedicated at Big Bethel Church battle, June 10, 1861."

W. W. McDowell's courage at that battle was highly spoken of by D. H. Hill and others, the first battle between the North and the South. Captain W. W. McDowell of the Buncombe Rifles, of 1861, became Major in the 60th North Carolina Regiment, his brother, Joseph, being Colonel of the regiment. They were both at Murfreesboro, Tenn. Col. Joseph was born December 22, 1821, and died March 10, 1875, at Asheville. Major William was born February, 1824, and died June, 1893, at Asheville. Major William Wallace McDowell "was the grandest old man I ever knew." This was said of him, or rather, written of him, by a friend and a Northerner, who had lived in the Major's home for years. Surely he ought to have known the "Maj." as every one called him. The writer knew him thirty years, or even longer, and can say he was the best man she had ever known. After the death of my father, his brother, Dr. John C. McDowell, I was a great deal in his family, and agree with the writer who said of him, "He was as brave as a lion and as gentle as a lamb." I never heard him speak harshly to any one; always gentle and loving in his family. 'Twas hard for him to say "No," but when it was said, no one would dream of his saying "Yes." He was truly a Christian; was an Elder in the Presbyterian church--a real Scotch Presbyterian in many things,--had inherited that bravery and religion of the Clan. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. W. W. McDowell's children are living in North Carolina and Seattle, Washington. Two daughters, Annie and Mary, are at the old home in Asheville.

Dr. John Calhoun McDowell, the third son of James McDowell, and brother to Col. Joseph and Major William, was born at Pleasant Gardens, July 7, 1825, and died at his home on John's River, near Morganton, August 2, 1876. He married Sarah Erwin of Bellevue, daughter of James Erwin, and settled first in Morganton, where he began the practice of medicine. He read medicine in Morganton with Dr. McRee, and from there he went to the Medical College at Charleston, South Carolina. He was said to be a very handsome man, a man with a great big heart and quick intellect. He did not care for office or honors, and never allowed his name to go before the public but once -- then he was elected to the Convention of '61 from Burke; and, at the same time, his brother Joseph was elected from Buncombe. He was a Democrat, as were his brothers, and during every campaign worked for his party, as few men did, only when working for self. The McDowell's were Democrats, while nearly all their kin were Whigs.

Col. Walton, one of Burke's historians, said "Dr. John C. McDowell died without an enemy." W. W. Avery, another writer, said, "He did not care for office; he only cared to shine in social life, and was a prince of entertainers," and "Always thinking and planning for the advancement of his family." "He was a kind and indulgent husband and father." It was said by others, and I know it to be a fact, that he was the kindest of neighbors,--and his slaves loved him with a peculiar devotion. His sons say, "He was the biggest man they ever knew." He died greatly beloved, at his home at the old home of Gen. Joseph McDowell, of Quaker Meadows, and was buried at Morganton. Gen. Joseph sold said home to Albert Corpening, and from Albert it descended to his son, David, and David sold same to Dr. J. C. McDowell and wife, Sarah Erwin, and the part of the old plantation on which Joseph of Quaker Meadows lived, and the home of Dr. John Calhoun McDowell belongs to the writer.

Dr. Jno. C. McDowell was not in the army during the Civil War, but was in active home service, fighting the Tories and protecting the homes. He loved his church; was a Presbyterian. His descendants are living in North Carolina. Most of them are at Morganton, Burke county, North Carolina, the county of the McDowells of old.

Kathrine Ann and Margaret Erwin McDowell were the daughters of Col. James McDowell and Margaret Caroline Erwin. "Kate" was born November, 1826, and died at Asheville, June, 1898. She married Montreville Patton of Asheville, N. C. She was a remarkably handsome woman; was called "queenly." She was a devoted wife, step-mother, sister and aunt; and was far above the average woman for common sense and judgment. Left no children. Margaret married Marcus Erwin of Asheville, one of North Carolina's most prominent lawyers. She was a remarkably sweet and amiable woman. Was born about 1828, and died in 1859, leaving two little sons. One, Hamilton Erwin, is now living in Morganton, N. C. The other died young.

The children of Dr. John C. McDowell and Sarah Erwin are: James Erwin McDowell, married and lived at Durham, N. C.; Margaret Erwin McDowell, not married, lived at Morganton; William B. McDowell, married and died, leaving 4 children; John C. McDowell, married and lived in Morganton, had two children; Elizabeth C. McDowell, not married, lived at Morganton; Frank McDowell, married, lived at Morganton, 4 children; Kate McDowell, married H. T. Newland, dead, one child, who lived at Morganton with her aunts.

Will:
Pleasant Gardens, Burke Co., NC

Probate:
____, Burke Co., NC

Joseph married Mary Moffett on 27 Apr 1786 in Augusta County, Virginia. Mary (daughter of Col. George Moffett and Sarah McDowell) was born on 28 Dec 1768 in Augusta County, Virginia; died on 6 Jul 1825 in Pleasant Gardens, Burke County, North Carolina; was buried after 6 Jul 1825 in Round Hill Cemetery - Pleasant Gardens, Burke County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Matilda Sharpe on 17 May 1788 in Iredell County, North Carolina. Matilda (daughter of William Sharpe and Catherine Ruth Reese) was born on 3 Mar 1769 in Rowan County, North Carolina; died on 29 Jul 1846 in Belvedere - Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• 1790 Census: 1790, Rutherford County, North Carolina
• 1800 Census: 1800
• 1810 Census: 1810
• 1820 Census: 1820

Notes:

Col. Daniel Smith, originally from New Jersey, was a celebrated frontiersman and Indian fighter.  He was a hunter and a Patriot soldier, a Captain in the Burke County, NC, militia during the Revolution, and a Colonel in the Buncombe County, NC, militia after the War.  Daniel was prominent among the men who crossed the mountain to avenge the death (in 1784) of Samuel Davidson.

Family records indicate that he moved directly from New Jersey to North Carolina in 1776; however, records exist in Augusta County, VA, that a Daniel Smith lived there.  (see Hand, p. 30)
____________________

Born in New Jersey in 1757. Died in Asheville, Buncombe county, North Carolina. Enlisted in the Burke county, North Carolina militia and stationed at the head of the Catawba River to defend the frontiers against the Indians. He fought in the battle of Kings Mountain and other battles in the region. He is buried at the Old Newton Academy Cemetery on Biltmore Ave in Asheville, Buncombe county, North Carolina.

Family was known at one time as "Smithson"
___________

Daniel Smith is listed in the 1800 census of Buncombe county, North Carolina as head of a household consisting of 2 males under 10, 2 males 10-16, 2 males 26-45, 3 females under 10,1 female'10-16, 1 female 26-45, 1 slave.

Daniel Smith was a native of New Jersey born in 1757. According to some entries in the family Bible Smithson was the name used by this family at one time.

Daniel Smith lived in Rowan and Burke Counties, North Carolina during the Revolution, and served from 1776 to the close ot the Revolution, principally against the Indians, as Captain of North Carolina Militia, a part of the time under Col. Charles McDowell and Gen. Gritfith Ruthertord.

In the fall ot 1781 Daniel Smith and Mary McConnell Davidson were married at the ''The Glades" home. Her father was Major William Davidson in Burke County, (now McDowell County) North Carolina. Mary Davidson was a niece of Samuel Davidson who was killed by Indians at his homestead on Christian Creek near Swannanoa in 1784. It is said but not certainly known that Samuel Davidson's wife was a sister ot Daniel Smith.

In 1787 Daniel Smith was apparently in the party that formed the first settlement on Bee Tree Creek but moved on west and settled on the east side of the French Broad River on the ridge north of the confluence of the Swannanoa and French Broad Rivers. He and William Forster, the second of the name, being the first two men 'to settle in what is now the City of Asheville. The land was part of a grant of 640 acres made by the State of North Carolina to William Stewart dated August 7, 1787. It bears the signature of Richard Caswell, Governor of the state. In the year 1796 William Stewart conveyed 308 acres to Daniel Smith in consideration ot "one hundred pounds of lawful money of said State of North Carolina."

One ot the artifacts from this period of history, inherited and preserved through the Reynolds family and carefully guarded by Pack Memorial Library is the special musket carried and prized by Daniel Smith throughout his litetime. It was a pre-revoIutionary smoothbore flintlock dubbed "Long Tom" and his constant companion as he travelled extensively about this part of the country in search of food and furs, and for defense of the settlement. With the opening of the Smith-McDowell House in June 1981 it "came home'' for display on property that he pioneered.
___________

Colonel Daniel Smith, apparently in the party that formed the first settlement on Bee Tree, a hunter and an American soldier in the Revolutionary War, settled immediately east of the railroad at the first branch above the passenger station at Asheville, on the ridge, just north of the branch where his cabin stood for many years. The site is now in Asheville; he and William Forster, the second of the name, being the first two men to settle in what is now the City of Asheville. In his home there, Colonel Daniel Smith died. He was buried where Fennihurst is now, but about 1875 his grave was removed to the Newton Academy graveyard. The following is the interesting inscription on his tombstone:

"In memory of Col. Daniel Smith, who departed this life on the 17th of May, 1824, Aged 67. A native of New Jersey, an industrious citizen, an honest man, and a brave soldier. The soil which inurns his ashes is a part of the heritage wrested by his valor for his children and his country from a ruthless and savage foe."

He married Mary Davidson, daughter of Major William Davidson and niece of Samuel Davidson. It is said but not certainly known that Samuel Davidson's wife was a sister of Colonel Smith. Samuel Davidson and Daniel Smith were close friends and hunted together, sometimes west of the Blue Ridge where, on one occasien at least they were chased by a band of Cherokees.

Prominent among the men who came across the mountains to avenge the death of Samuel Davidson was Daniel Smith. His old gun is still in Asheville. Mrs. Mary Smith, his widow, died April 29, 1842 and is buried by his side.

One day when Colonel Daniel Smith was hunting on Beaucatcher a gunshot from the direction of his home was heard and he hastened home to find that some friends visiting him had found a large black bear bathing in his spring and had shot the too familiar animal.

Colonel Smith hated Cherokees. One day he saw two Indians crossing French Broad River in his canoe. Rushing to the bank of the stream he shot and killed both Indians. As this happened to be a time when there was peace between the races Colonel Smith narrowly escaped an indictment for murder in killing these trespassers.

As he was a militia Colonel, he was buried with military honors by the Buncombe Militia. ____

Daniel and Mary (Davidson) Smith had nine children.

1. Their first son William Davidson Smith was born October 1, 1784. He married December 31,1808 Sarah Carson. One of their daughters Mary Monnett Smith married William Turner Johnson and have descendants living in Buncombe and Henderson Counties.

2. Their second son James McConnell Smith was born June 14, 1787 and was reputed to have been the first child of white parentage born in what is now the City of Asheville. He married June 28,1814 Mary (Polly) Patton daughter of Col. John Patton and Ann Mallory. He became one of the leading citizens of Asheville and acquired a large fortune. He ran the Buck Hotel at the corner of N. Main Street (now Broadway) and College Street. He was in the mercantile business and was a large land owner. His most famous claim to fame is still standing today as a memorial to its builder, the Smith-McDowell House on Victoria Road. James McConnell and Mary (Polly) (Patton) Smith had seven daughters and two sons. They all married except one son John Patton Smith. They married into prominent families of the area and have many descendants still living in Buncombe County. Their fitth daughter Sarah Lucinda Smith married William Wallace McDowell in 1846. The McDowells reared nine children and lived in the brick house on Victoria about twenty-five years.

3. Daniel and Mary (Davidson) Smith's first daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) Smith was born April 1,1789 and married Mallory Brandon Patton August 10, 1814. Mallory Brandon Patton and Mary (Polly) Patton were brother and sister.

4. Their second daughter Mary Polly) Smith was born Nov 25,1795 and married John Hawkins and moved to the Action Section of Buncombe County.

5. Daniel Smith, Jr. was born Feb. 5,1798 and married Margaret McRee in 1820. (Jack Woodward's Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather)

6. John L. Smith; no record (was living in 1844 according to Pension claim)

7. Nancy A. Smith was born March 14, 1800 and married G. William Burnett Sept. 26, 1822.

8. Moses Smith was born March 14, 1502 and married Hannah Lane.

9. Jane 0. Smith was born Oct. 18,1804 and married Alfred Fortune.

On March 7, 1845 David Lowry Swain, President of the State University at Chapel Hill wrote a letter in relation to Col. Daniel Smith of Buncombe. Excerpts of that letter follow: "I was born on fhe 4th Jan. 1801 (at the head of Beaverdam). In the winter of 1806/7 my father settled in Asheville within two miles and a half of Col. Smith's residence. I went to school with his children from 1807 until 1820. I knew him familiarly, wrote his will, wrote his epitaph for his tombstone, and was one of a company which about the last of May 1824 buried him with military honors. He was sentimentally proud of his revolutionary services, frequently referred to that in conversation, and was universally esteemed by his neighbors. An old soldier of much more than common intrepidity his circumstances were good and his reputation that of a brave and honest revolutionary officer."

Daniel and Mary (Davidson) Smith are buried in Newton Academy Cemetery and the epitaph written by David Lowry Swain reads as follows:

"In memory of Col. Daniel Smith who departed this life on the 17th May 1824 Native of New Jersey an industrious citizen, an honest man and a brave soldier. The soil which inurns his ashes is part of the heritage wrested by his valoor for his children and his country from a ruthless and a savage foe."
Mrs. Frances A. McDowell (Mrs. Edward E.)

Devault Beck served on the Rowan county, North Carolina jury from Capt Daniel Smith's District on Aug 8, 1778.
_____________

"Daniel is an enigma. His headstone says he was born in New Jersey. He was a Smithson and changed his name. He was in Rowan County when he married Mary Davidson. Later he was involved in building Davidson's Fort (now Old Fort, NC) and was business partner with Samuel (one-eye) Davidson there. Samuel was married to Daniel's sister Mary Smith. Samuel was Mary Davidson's uncle, her father William was his twin brother. After Samuel was murdered by the Indians, the Davidsons and Smiths moved alittle further west and Mary's parents are buried in the Bee Tree Community near Swannanoa. Daniel and Mary are buried at the Newton Grove Cemetary which is now pretty close to downtown Asheville. There are many stories about Daniel's hatred for the Indians after the murder of Samuel and he considered himself an Indian fighter. He served in the Revolutionary War and was called Captain Smith (don't think that was really his rank) and was well respected as a soldier. I understand from staff at the Smith McDowell house that Daniel was a little rough around the edges for the tastes of the up and coming Smiths and that he remained a pioneering, Indian fighting, Soldier up to the end."--e-mail from Sheila Quinn - saquinn@goldenminutes.com

1790 Census:
13th Company, Rutherford Co., NC, p. 146
Daniel Smith  1-3-3-0-0
(probable)

1800 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 188, 22020-31010-01

1810 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 88a, 20101-23101-02

1820 Census:
____, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 84, as Daniel Smith Sr., 110010-11120-0200

Daniel married Mary McConnell "Polly" Davidson in Oct 1781 in "The Glades", Rowan County, North Carolina. Mary (daughter of Maj. William Davidson and Margaret McConnell) was born on 4 Oct 1760 in Rowan County, North Carolina; died on 27 Apr 1842 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina; was buried after 27 Apr 1842 in Newton Academy Cemetery - Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Polly Davidson
• FamilySearch ID: L8SW-S32
• Group: Davidson 001 Family of Immigrant John Davidson
• Group: Davidson Direct Descendant
• Group: Davidson DNA Family 001
• Group: Descendant of Revolutionary War Veteran
• Alt. Birth: 1 Oct 1762, Rowan County, North Carolina
• Residence: 1804, Buncombe County, North Carolina
• 1830 Census: 1830
• 1840 Census: 1840

Notes:

FamilySearch ID:
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/L8SW-S32

Group:
Descendants of immigrant John Davidson of DNA Family 001

Group:
Direct Descendant of any immigrant Davidson

Group:
Descendants of John, George, and Samuel Davidson of Beverley Manor, Virginia, and Iredell county, North Carolina

Group:
DAR or SAR Eligible Descendant of a Revolutionary War Veteran

Residence:
ABSTRACTS FROM DEEDS OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, DB "A" pp 156-160, 1804.
Deed of Gift from William Davidson. l/lOth each to his 9 children? JOHN, GEORGE, HUGH, SARAH, MARY SMITH, ELIZABETH ALEXANDER, RUTH WILLIAMS, WILLIAM MITCHELL DAVIDSON, AND SAMUEL WINSLOW DAVIDSON, all of Buncombe Co., NC, and l/lOth to 5 grandchildren, children of JEAN DAVIDSON (deceased), his daughter, and her husband, THOMAS DAVIDSON. These grandchildren were, MARGARET LATTA DAVIDSON, JOHN DAVIDSON, WILLIAM DAVIDSON, EPHRAIM McLEAN DAVIDSON, and SALLY (or DOVEY) DAVIDSON; all grandchildren being from Logan County, KY except WILLIAM of Buncombe Co., NC. SAMUEL WINSLOW DAVIDSON, 3,000 and 2,000 acres on Obion and Duck River, TN.

1830 Census:
Not Located

1840 Census:
Southern Division, Buncombe Co., NC, p. 163, as Polly Smith, 000 000 000 0000 - 000 001 001 0000

John married Ann Mallory before 1791. Ann (daughter of William Mallory and Mary Baker) was born on 12 Feb 1768 in Culpepper County, Virginia; died on 31 Aug 1855. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]