The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
Spouse: Rhoda Cunningham Children: James Mitchell; William Davidson; Mary Elizabeth; Rachel; George C; John C; Rhoda; Robert; Newton Humphrey; Elizabeth;
The cemetery is on the west side of the One Focus Church building
Author: Mr. Craig Steven Isaacson
James Alexander served five separate tours in the Revolution. He served at the Battle of Kings Mountain under the command of his brother-in-law, Major William Davidson. He was wounded at Kings Mountain by Tory forces. Three months later, he fought at the Battle of Cowpens under the command of Brigadier General Daniel Morgan.
References:
Revolutionary War Pension S*W12190.
NSDAR State Regent’s Project Report, 1939-1940, 1948-1949.
DAR Magazine 1969, Pg. 716.
Author: Eric K. Williams
Revoluntionary War Pension # 12190
James Alexander was born on Buffalo Creek in Rowan County, NC. near Carbarrus County. He later moved with his family to Crowder's Creek in Lincoln County which is now Gaston. Then came the War of The Revolution and young James enlisted five times. He was repeatedly called into service for months at a time under Generals Rutherford and Davidson, making more thean one campaign into various parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. In South Carolina, he was in several battles, among them a bloody skirmish on the Enoree with Tarleton's legion commanded by Colonel Banistre Tarleton.
Finally came the famous battle of King's Mountain, on October 7, 1780, which turned the fortunes of war in favor of the Americans and led ultimately to the independence of the colonies. Throughout the war James was in the thick of the fight, but he escaped unharmed, capturing among his booty, at its close a walnut camp chest which belonged to Lord Cornwallis. His widow, Rhoda, received a Federal Pension ( Pension Application # W- 12,190) for his service in the War of the Revolution.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SERVICE: Enlisited in Lincoln County, NC fall of 1779 in Col. WilliamErwin's Mounted Infantry, Rendevouzed at Charlotte, marched to Wilmington, NC, then river to Fayetteville and back to Lincoln Co.. He was out of the service three months. Enlisted again in 1780 under Captain Henry as a mounted militia man under Generals Davidson and Rutherford. Joined army near Tuckasuger (?) Ford on Catawba River in Mecklenberg County, marched into Lincoln with view of attacking Tories collected at Ramsour's Mill but arrived a few minutes after that battle. Continued scouting thru Lincoln Co. under Gen. Rutherford until discharged, a 3 month tour. Enlisted again as a private of horse unit under Capt. John Barber, Lincoln Co. , sometime during the summer of 1780 in Col. Charles McDowell's regiment. Scouted thru Lincoln, Burke, Rutherford Cos., detached under Capt. Joseph McDowell to observe movements of General Cornwallis' army which was then marching thru SC and was ina skirmish with Tarleton at Enoree, SC. Then marched back to NC and rejoined his unit and was discharged after a four month tour.
Enlisted again (fourth enlistment) in a companny of horse soldiers under Capt. Isaac White in the fall of 1780, marched thru Rutherford Co. and joined with an army unit from beyound the mountains at Gilbertstown. Marched under Col. Campbell into SC and was in the Battle of Kings Mountain. After battle marched thru Lincoln and Rutherford Cos. until expiration of five month tour. He lived in Lincoln County, NC. during the Revolutionary War. Moved to the York District, SC about 1782, for two years then moved to to what was then Burke Co., NC, now Buncombe, NC where he married Rhoda Cunningham and lived the rest of his life.
After a short residence in Lincoln County, NC; James Alexander settled in York District, South Carolina, in 1783; but he lived there only two years when he moved to Bee Tree Creek (at the point where it joins the Swannanoa River) in Buncombe County, NC in 1785. He and his wife Rhoda setteled on what is known as the " Old Alexander Place" which for 145 years remained the home of their desendants.
On April 16, 1792, James Alexander and Col William Davidson met at the Gum Spring on the South bank of the Swannanoa as part of a Legislative Commission to Organize Buncombe County. Both men served on the first court of Buncombe County (in Col Davidson's barn). Thus James Alexander and William Davidson not only participated in making the first settlement in Western North Carolina, but they also aided in the organization of its first government and in the conduct of its first business.
James Alexander built his first cabin on Bee Tree Creek next to William Davidsons cabin. Later, when danger from the Cherokee Indians was less threatening he built another cabin a quarter of a mile away..finally building a home where he died in 1844. His Grandson W.R. Alexander was still living in the old house in 1911.
Both James and his wife Rhoda are buried in the Piney Grove Presbyterian Church at Swannanoa.
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