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| From Mecklenburg to Moore: Four North Carolina Families |
Mary Sample Alexander at Tea with Mary Shelby Polkby Willie Alexander Carr |
Willie Alexander Carr, (April 15, 1911-April 2, 2005) was a descendant of Hezekiah and Mary Alexander and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her DAR chapter and others organized and raised funds for the restoration of the Alexanders' rock house, to be an exhibit of Colonial life and local history for the Charlotte Museum.
Aunt Willie's copy of Hezekiah Alexander and the Revolution in the Back Country, by Norris Preyer, was given to me for my study of the family history. Inside it I found this speech, apparently prepared for a DAR program, summarizing the life of Hezekiah and Mary. The speech is written in the voice of Mary Alexander, addressed to the wife of Colonel Thomas Polk, an associate of Hezekiah who served under George Washington and hosted a banquet for Washington during the President's visit to Mecklenburg County: |
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Good afternoon, Mary Shelby. You are most kind to have us in for tea and give us a chance to discuss and thank General Polk for the beautiful party you gave last night for President Washington. Weren't we fortunate to have President Washington stop by on his tour? I feel that we are indebted to you, General Polk, as I'm sure your duties and friendship with President Washington during the war was helpful in having him here for a visit. Hezekiah and I and especially our daughters were so happy to be there and to get to see so many old friends. From the time we arrived in North Carolina in 1767, Hezekiah has been interested in the development of Charlotte and Mecklenburg. Perhaps his greatest joy was in obtaining the charter for Queens College. He, too, was one of the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. During the war Hezekiah served as a Commissary for the troops in this area. He made frequent trips to Charleston and New Orleans, raising funds and procuring supplies. Hezekiah was also elected as a delegate to the first Congress when the State Bill of Rights and the State Constitution was drafted. So to finally meet General Washington with whom he had much correspondence during the war--and now President Washington, the leader of our country--it was indeed a momentous occasion. Hezekiah and I are so fortunate to live in Mecklenburg County. We love our Rock. It served us well during the War. (How well I remember those anxious times during the war when Cornwallis was in the area and Hezekiah and the boys had to hide out in the woods. We would hang a white cloth out the upstairs window when it was safe to return.) It is a happy home for all of us. We are near Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church where the children attend church and school and Hezekiah has served in many capacities. We have really been blessed.
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From Mecklenburg to Moore: Four North Carolina Families/Mary Sample Alexander at Tea with Mary Shelby Polk |