Notes for Francis McCorkle compiled by John Abernathy

Notes for Francis McCorkle compiled by John Abernathy

BIRTH:

Brandon Branches, Jul 1987, has picture of tombstone in McCorkle Cemetery on the banks of Lake Morman near Terrell, NC about 3 miles west of Stake Hwy. 150, provided by C. P. Crosby, 756 Moores Mill Rd., N. W., Atlanta, GA 30327, 404-237-4140. It gives:

"In memory of MAJOR FRANCIS MCCORKLE

1742-1802

Member of Rowan Co. Committee of Public Safety

1774-1776

A Soldier of the American Revolution Who Fought at

Ramours Mill, Kings Mountain

and in Other Battles.

Here Also Rests the Body of

His Second Wife

ELIZABETH BRANDON

1761-1821

Who Shared His Trials & Triumphs

She was the Only Daughter of

Richard & Margaret (Locke) Brandon

of Rowan County"

ERECTED BY THEIR DESCENDANTS

Highway Historical Marker erected by SAR, located 3 miles from McCorkle Cemetery in Catawba County, NC gives:

"FRANCIS MCCORKLE

1741-1802

Militia Major at battles of

Kings Mt: Ramsours Mill:

Torrences Tavern: Cowans

Ford and Cowpens: Member

Rowan County Committee

of Safety.

Grave 1/8 mile South

Erected by

Sons of the American Revolution"

I have no explanation for the difference in the years of birth on the two markers. The Catawaba County Heritage Book (see Elizabeth McCorkle's entry) gives 1 Sep 1846. - JEA

MARRIAGE:

Family Bible quoted in this source gives:

"Francis McCorkle and Sarah Work were married on the 1 day of September anno Dominorum 1768."

I will use this date since the following source may be for the day the bans were taken out. JEA

Marriages of Rowan County, North Carolina, 1753-1868, by Holcomb, p 256, gives marriage of Francis McCorkle and Sarah Work, 26 Aug 1768, bondsman, John Work (her brother) and marriage to Elizabeth Brandon, 12 Apr 1780, witness Matt Brandon.

Ibid., p 264, gives Alexander McOrkle (probably should be McCorkle) and Rebecca Brandon, 3 May 1791; John Patton, Bondsman; C. Caldwell, D. C., wit.

This may be the son of Francis and Rebecca is probably also connected to our Brandon family. JEA

Bible referenced in above Brandon Branches gives:

"Sarah McCorkle departed this life the 17 day of January 1779"

Bible referenced above gives:

"Francis McCorkle and Elizabeth Brandon were married the 13 day April 1780"

I will use this date since the above marriage information may be when bans were issued. JEA

CHILDREN:

Children from the from Family Bible quoted in the above Brandon Branches:

"Matthew McCorkle was born the 15th day of August 1769.

Isabella McCorkle was born the 28th day of May 1771.

Jane McCorkle was born the 15 day of June 1773.

Alexander McCorkle was born the 26 day of Jul 1775.

Rebecca McCorkle was born the 21 day of May 1777.

These would have been by marriage to Sarah Worke and the following would have been by his marriage to Elizabeth Brandon. JEA

"Margaret McCorkle was born the 7th day of May 1781

Molly McCorkle was born the 20th day of October 1783

Sarah McCorkle was born the 31 of January 1786

Francis McCorkle Jr. was born the 22th day of October 1786

Nancy McCorkle was born the 28th day of May 1788

Richard McCorkle was born the 26 day of January 1790

Thomas McCorkle was born the 20th day of Aprile 1793

William McCorkle was born the 19th day of November 1794

John McCorkle was born 30 day of June 1796"

The Bible also gives:

"Elizabeth Abernathy was born the 7 day of March 1793

Francis McCorkle Jun & She were married the 13 day of January 1813

Thomas McCorkle Jun was born the 15 day of December 1813

Alexander McCorkle was born the 20th day of March 1813

John McCorkle Jun was born the 19th day of Aprile 1816

Matthew Lock McCorkle was born the 7th day of November 1817

Susan McCorkle was born the 12 day of November 1819

Charity Ann McCorkle was born the 27th day of August 1821"

These would have been children by Francis' marriage to Elizabeth Brandon. JEA

DEATH:

See entry for birth.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

DAR Patriot Index, Vol II, gives:

Francis McCorkle, b. 1742, died 19 Oct 1802, married 1) Sarah Worke, 2), Elizabeth Brandon, Capt CS PS, NC.

Iredell Co., NC Deed Book G, p 301, lists Abraham Alexander and his wife Jane with the other McCorkle children.

Therefore I believe Jane McCorkle married Abraham Alexander. There are many other entries for Abraham Alexander and his wife, Jane, listed under the entry for Alexander Worke, RIN 921. JEA

Also listed are Gilbert Milligan and his wife Rebecca, who is Rebecca McCorkle. JEA

A History of Rowan County, North Carolian, by Rev. Jethro Rumple, originally published 1881, p 207-13, gives:

The Family of the McCorkles

"... Matthew McCorkle had two sons, Thomas and Francis, and several daughters. One of these sons, Francis, married Sarah Work, by who he had five children. As his family increased he entered more lands. The second entry was on the west side of Catawba River, on one of the tributaries of Mountain Creek, in the limits of the present County of Catawba. Here he started a farm, planted an orchard, and by industry and skill began rapidly to accumulate property. He was said to have been a man of amiable disposition and of a fine personal appearance (or florid complexion, auburn hair, and about six feet in height).

When the Revolutionary War came on Francis McCorkle promptly took his place on the side of the patriots. In 1774, he was appointed a member of the Committee of Safety of Rowan, along with John Brevard, Matthew Locke, and others. (See Wheeler's Sketches, Vol 2, p 360.) Though full thirty miles from his home, he is recorded as present in Salisbury at the regular meetings of the committee, and is named in the records as the captain of a Company. He was in the battles of King's Mountain, Ramsour's Mill, Cowpens, and Torrence's Tavern. His patriotic course excited the animosity of the Tories, and he was in consequence frequently compelled to keep away from his home to escape their vengeance. A morning or two before the battle of Ramour's Mill, Francis McCorkle and a man by the name of Smith rode out before day to learn the whereabouts of the Tories, knowing that they were in the neighborhood. Arriving at a neighbor's house near the head of the creek about daylight, they inquired of the lady if she knew where the Tories were. She replied that she was expecting them every moment. Upon this the party wheeled and rode home in a hurry to arrange matters. After brief preparations they left home, and were scarcely out of sight before the Tories arrived, and searched the house from garret to cellar for McCorkle. They found there some salt, which they appeared to want, and left word if McCorkle would come and bring them some salt all would be well, but if not they would come and destroy everything in his house. Instead of joining them, McCorkle and Smith hastened to the patriotic soldiers that were centering at Ramsour's Mill, and were in the battle there. ... After the battle of Ramour's Mill, Smith returned and reported that McCorkle was killed. But to the great joy of the family he soon rode up alive and unharmed. He then ventured to sleep in his own house for a few nights. But about the third night he was suddenly awakened by the sound of horse's hoofs. Hearing his name called, he answered, and was told to put on his clothes, but with abusive words they told him it was no use, as they intended to kill him. They then asked him "whom he was for?" He replied that he did not know whether they were friends or foes, but if he had to die, he would die with the truth in his mouth - he was for liberty. He was then told to put on his clothes, that they had more of his sort, and they would slay them all together. He went with them, but when he arrived at the main body, he was agreeably surprised to learn that they were all Whigs, and that they had met for a jollification after the battle of Ramsour's, and wished to have him in their company.

After the British crossed the Catawba at Cowan's Ford, McCorkle made a narrow escape. he was in the affair at Torrence's Tavern, with his friend Smith, and these two either acting as a kind of rear guard, or were sent back to reconnoiter, but before going far they were discovered by the British, and wheeling attempted to rejoin their comrades. Smith's horse bolted through the woods, and he was killed. The enemy pursued McCorkle until he came up to the little band of Whigs, who had formed in Torrence's Lane. The little party fought the British troopers under Colonel Tarleton, until the smoke became so dense that they could not tell whether they were among friends or enemies. As the smoke cleared off a little, McCorkle discovered that he was among the redcoats, and putting his hands on a stake-and-ridered fence he leaped through just as three or four sabers struck the rail above him. They all retreated and made good their escape - none being killed except Smith, before named. Several British soldiers were killed and buried east of the Featherston House. McCorkle bore the title of Major, whether won during the war or after the war in the militia is not known. He survived all the dangers of the war, and returned to his peaceful home, and was respected and esteemed by his neighbors. His wife died after the war, and some time about 1794 or 1795 he was again married. His second wife was Elizabeth Brandon, daughter of Richard Brandon, and niece of Matthew Locke. This was the lady that furnished breakfast to General Washington in 1791 as he passed through Rowan County. By his first marriage to Miss Work, Major McCorkle had two sons, Matthew and Alexander Work. These men lived on Mountain Creek, but never married. Alexander W. McCorkle was a man of wealth and of fine judgment and business talents. He was frequently called upon to advise his neighbors in business affairs, and to aid them in making deeds and conveyances.

By his second wife (Elizabeth Brandon), Major McCorkle had several children.

1. Wm. B. McCorkle, who was a merchant in Wadesboro for about forty years. This son married Mary, the daughter of William Marshall, of Anson County. This William Marshall and his father, James Marshall, and his son, Clement Marshall, were leading men of Anson County, and represented their fellow-citizens often in the Legislature. (See Wheeler's History of Anson.) The children of William B. McCorkle were: James Marshall McCorkle, Esq, of Salisbury; Dr. John R. McCorkle, of Mooresville; William A. McCorkle, of Jefferson County, Tenn.; and his daughters, Sarah, Mary, Cornelia, and Caroline.

2. The second son of Francis McCorkle by his second wife was Francis McCorkle, who lived on Mountain Creek, and married Elizabeth Abernathy. Their children were: Matthew Locke McCorkle, Esq. of Newton; Thomas, David, and Fanny. David died during the war, in he Confederate army.

3. Another son was named Thomas, who moved to Georgia.

4. Another son of Maj. Francis McCorkle was John H., who moved to Tennessee. His son, Dr. Francis Marion McCorkle, collected the principal facts of this article.

5. A daughter named Elizabeth married Jephtha Sherill, and was the mother of Henderson Sherrill, who lived in Hickory Nut Gap for a long time. He served in the Legislature.

6. A daughter named Agnes married John Kirk, and lived in Lincoln County."

I am adding Agnes as child of this marriage based on Rumple's information but she could be one of the others girls already included. JEA

Dyer Co., TN Petition Report Decree & Division of Land dated 8 Nov 1839 belonging to the heirs of Alexr Worke, Registered 8 Nov 1839. The petition was actually dated 25 Feb 1839 and the division of 4162 1/2 acres was made 15 Mar 1839. Among the petitioners were Matthew McCorkle, Alexander McCorkle, Gilbert Milligan & his wife Rebecca (McCorkle), William B. McCorkle.

All of these are the children of Francis McCorkle and Sarah Worke, except William B. and I am not sure if he is the William, son of Francis McCorkle by his second wife, Elizabeth Brandon. If so, why does he get land since he is not of the Worke line? He received a large inheritance, Lot 14, containing 793 acres (equivalent in value to 694 or 649? acres which was his equal share). NEED FURTHER RESEARCH ON WILLIAM B. Matthew McCorkle is not mentioned in final division of the 4162 1/2 acres. This could be an oversight and perhaps can be resolved by getting a copy of the original record. However, Alexander McCorkle, Gilbert Milligan and his wife Rebecca, Charles Beatty, and George Little and his wife, Elizabeth S. (Elizabeth Isabella McCorkle had daughter Elizabeth Salena Beatty), jointly received Lot 5, containing 254 acres (equivalent in value to 595 acres their share). JEA

Charles Beatty is the son of Elizabeth Isabella McCorkle who married William Beatty. Also listed as petitioners were Joel Houston and his wife Elizabeth L., Thomas Loften and Sarah Lavina (Sarah Lavinia Beatty was another daughter), and Isabella Beatty. Elizabeth L. Houston and Isabella Beatty were grouped with the others above as petitioners and it appears that they were also children of Elizabeth Isabella McCorkle and William Beatty. For the same reason it would appear that Elizabeth S. Little is also one of their children but that would make two Elizabeths, which would not seem likely but cannot be ruled out, since they have different middle initials. In most of the records Elizabeth Isabella McCorkle is given as Isabella, using her middle name. I will list both Elizabeths as children until further information disproves item. Sarah L. Loftin and Elizabeth L. Little listed as daughter's of Isabella in her sister, Jane Alexander's will.

NEED FURTHER RESEARCH TO RESOLVE!!!!! JEA

Thomas Loften and Sarah Lavinia his wife, and Joel Houston and Elizabeth L. his wife, where identified along with the others above to receive part of Lot 5, they are not listed in the final division. I believe this was an oversight. However, a James Houston is to receive part of 1300 acres to be divided in the future. IS THIS ACTUALLY JOEL? JEA

ANOTHER QUESTION THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED IS a James Houston is listed to receive a part of 1300 acres to be divided in the future. He was not listed as a petitioner and I do not understand how he fits into the picture. A James Alexander was listed as a petitioner and is the only one out of the many that is not shown getting any land. Maybe it should be James Alexander instead of James Houston. A copy of the division of the 1300 acres should give the answer. JEA

GenForum, re: Alexander Work(e) McCorkle, 26 Mar 1999 by Jessica Ballard Endrizzi in reply to posting Houston Tucker gives the following which is from a book called "The Annals of Lincoln County":

"Major Francis McCorkle married first Sarah, daughter of Alexander Work, by whom he had five children:

1. Matthew McCorkle (1769-1844. Bachelor.

2. Isabella (17871-1842) married William Beatty, son of John Beatty, the pioneer.

3. Jane, born June 15, 1773, married Abram Alexander of Mecklenburg County, March 3, 1808.

4. Alexander Work McCorkle, born July 25 (other source said 26-JEA). Died January 26, 1854. Bachelor.

5. Rebecca, born May 21, 1777, married Gilbert Milligan on Oct 6, 1804. Died Oct 31, 1863.

They are all buried in the McCorkle family graveyard.

GET THE CEMETERY RECORDS. JEA

The second marriage was to Elizabeth (Betsy) Brandon, daughter of Richard Brandon and Margaret Lcoke of Rowan County. Among their children were:

Sarah, born Oct 21 (other source said 31-JEA), 1784, married John Wilkinson.

Elizabeth, born July 31, 1786, married Jeptha Sherrill.

Francis Jr, born October 22, 1786 (other source said 86-JEA), married Elizabeth Abernathy.

Richard, born January 26, 1790, married Agnes Sherrill.

Thomas, born April 20, 1793, married Casey Sherril.

William Brandon, born November 19, 1794, married Mary Marshall of Wadesboro.

John, born June 30, 1796, married ___ Turbyfill.

Major Francis McCorkle dided Oct 9, 1802, on his 60th year.

It's very confusing, because it looks like the "Locke" name comes from the second wife, but Alexander Work McCorkle was by Francis' first wife."

GenForum Posting by Houston Tucker, 1 Jan 1999, to which the above posting responded follows:

"I am descended from Elizabeth Locke McCorkle, daughter of Alexander Work(e) McCorkle. Elizabeth married Dr. Joel Brevard Houston, son of Capt. James Houston (Rev. War). All reference to Alexander call him a prominent attorney, batchelor, never married, in Lincoln, Rowan, and Catawba Co., NC. I have found no marriage records. However, his sister, Jane McCorkle Aelxander of Rowan Co., leaves a portion of her estate to Elizabeth McCorkle Locke McCorkle, natural daughter of my brother, Alexander W. McCorkle. In his will, Aelxander leaves most of his estate to his grandchildren, children by his natural daughter, Elizabeth Houston, now deceased. This family was wealty and prominent and connected to most of the other prominent families of the area. Alexander's father, Francis, was a Rev. War hero. If found a y bond in the NC Archives in Raleigh, in which Alexander takes responsibility for theyet unborn child of Sarah McAllister, but the dates are wrong for this child to be my Elizabeth. My feeling is that if he had one child by her, he may have had others. However, the name, Elizabeth Locke McCorkle, makes me think the mother or grandmother was a Locke, another prominent area family. Perhaps my dead ends are dut to the reluctance of the McCorkles to accept Elizabeth because of her illegitimacy. But guess what, I have found where several of Alexanders brothers had illegitimate children also!"

J. Houston Tucker, Jr, Los Channel Rock Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516, 252 728-6060.