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.
photo used with permission of Compatriot Frederick D Learned
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Cemetery is a wooded area on the south side of Freeman Dr. just before the east or 2nd entrance to Brandon Cir
Photo: 1 of 1
Author: Frederick Douglas Learned
Robert Morrison was born in 1728 in Campbelltown, Argyll, Scotland. He was the youngest of three brothers, James, John, and Robert, who immigrated together to America around 1750.1
It is presumed that Robert married Sarah [surname unknown] about 1752 in Pennsylvania. The couple’s four oldest children were reportedly born in Pennsylvania prior to their move to North Carolina, though no vital records confirm this. By about 1770, Robert and his brothers resettled with their families in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. A deed recorded on 5 February 1771 reflects that they settled on the waters of McKee and Reedy Creeks, in what later became Cabarrus County when Mecklenburg was divided in 1794.2
Robert Morrison enlisted alongside his brothers as part of the Mecklenburg County militia in 1776, under the command of Colonel Adam Alexander. They attended a muster on 7 June 1776 at the Clear Creek muster ground, where they were listed as foot soldiers.3 Later that year, Robert enlisted in Captain Kingsbury’s Company of Artillery on 26 August 1776, and re-enlisted on 26 August 1777.4
Robert served with the 10th North Carolina Regiment and encamped with General George Washington’s army at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777–1778. He was promoted to Sergeant while at Valley Forge. Following their departure from Valley Forge in June 1778, the regiment fought at the Battle of Monmouth, where Robert Morrison was wounded.5 He was present with his company at a muster on 10 September 1778. For his seven years (84 months) of military service, Robert received a grant of 640 acres of land, presumed to be the “Western Waters” land later mentioned in his will.6
Robert Morrison made his Last Will and Testament on 1 April 1810 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. In it, he named his wife Sarah and bequeathed specific real and personal property to his children and sons-in-law. He referred to his plantation, various livestock, a mare and colt, farming tools, household goods, and enslaved individuals including Juda and Davis. He made specific provisions for the support of his daughter Martha, who had remained at home, and noted compensation for the care she and her mother had provided. He also directed the division of his books and remaining moveable property among his children.7
Among the children named in his will were:
William was born on 23 July 1756 and married Abigail McEwen.
John was born on 28 March 1763 and married Jane Bradshaw.
James was born on 23 August 1765 and married Sarah Caruthers.
Phoebe was born on 11 January 1768 and married Robert Caldwell.
Robert was born about 1775 and married Susannah Walker.
Thomas was born on 15 January 1774 or 1784 and married Agnes Robertson.
Martha was born on 9 March 1779 and married Samuel Garrison.
Elizabeth was born on 14 September 1758 and married William Andrews.
Sarah “Sally” was born on 11 January 1770 and married James Bradshaw.
About 1815, six members of his family migrated to Tennessee, while others remained in North Carolina.
The Patriot died on about 1 April 1810, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.8 Robert Morrison and his brothers James and John are all buried at Spears Cemetery in North Carolina.
Sources:
The Morrison Family of the Rocky River Settlement of North Carolina: History and Genealogy (1950).
Ibid.
Colonial Records of North Carolina, Vol. 15, p. 735.
Ibid.
Ibid.; also referenced in Roster of North Carolina Soldiers, p. 246.
Ibid.
Last Will and Testament of Robert Morrison, dated 1 April 1810, Mecklenburg County, NC.
Ibid.
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