A. Allen, and was licensed in 1868. He removed to Newton, and thence to Hickory, where he established the Piedmont Press. In 1874, he started the Landmark at Statesville, and subsequently conducted the News at Raleigh. He was appointed librarian to the house of representatives in 1879, which position he now occupies with great satisfaction to all.
EDGECOMBE COUNTY.
ALTHOUGH this county, from its inland position, was not exposed to the dangers of attack in the revolution, yet no section of the state was more sensitive of its duty, or sent more willing and patriotic sons to do battle in the cause of the country.
Among these, conspicuously stands the name of Henry Irwin, killed in battle 1777. He had for a long time been a resident and merchant of Tarboro, much esteemed for his integrity, patriotism, and courage, and very popular. He was a member of the provincial congress, at New Berne, in 1775, also of the congress at Halifax, in 1776, and by that body appointed lieutenant-colonel of the second regiment, of which Edward Buncombe was colonel. This gallant regiment marched to join the army of the north, and on the fatal field of Germantown, (October 4th, 1777,) both he and his commander fell.
Colonel Irwin left one son and two daughters. One of his daughters married Lovatt Burgess, whose only son, Thomas Burgess, distinguished as a lawyer, died in Halifax a few years since. Another daughter married Governor Monford Stokes, whose only child by this marriage was Mrs. William B. Lewis, of Nashville, Tennessee, whose only daughter married Monsieur Pageot, the French Minister.
The battle of Germantown brought sadness and sorrow to many a hearthstone of North Carolina, for in it the patriotic generals, Nash, Turner, Lucas, and many others, gave up their lives for their country, and here the veteran, Colonel William Polk, received a severe and dangerous wound. With a patriotism deserving all praise, a marble monument has been erected over their graves by the liberality of J. F. Watson, of Philadelphia.
A sister of Colonel Irwin married Lawrence Toole, whose son, grandson, and great grand son, bear the same name--Henry Irwin Toole, all distinguished for ability and influence. The first took a commission in the war, and was in the battle of the Great Bridge, Virginia.
It would be unpardonable on this occasion says an able article on the County of Edgecombe in 1810, by Dr. Jeremiah Battle, (see University Magazine, April, 1861,) not to mention the merits and services of Colonel Jonas Johnston, born 1740, died July 29th 1779, who rose from obscurity and acted a conspicuous part in our revolutionary struggles. He was born in the year 1740, in Southampton County, Virginia, and came when a youth with his father to this county. He was raised a plain industrious farmer, without education. But he possessed native talent, and unflinching patriotism. At an early day he embarked in the cause of liberty, and ever proved himself a true patriot, hero and statesman. From time to time, he filled every office in the county both civil and military. He represented the county in the convention, 1776, and was appointed major by the provincial congress. He was a member of the commons in 1777,-'78.
He was a natural orator. After one of his
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