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James Harris (circa 1739 - circa 1778) was one of the original signers of the Meckenburg Declaration of Independence. His father, Samuel Harris, came from Scotland, and died at sea before reaching New York. His sons buried him in Manhattan.
John Queary (first half of the 18th century -?) was one of the original signers of the Meckenburg Declaration of Independence. This surname may have many variations in early colonial records. He was born in Scotland and came to America as a young man.
David Reese (1710 - 1787) was one of the original signers of the Meckenburg Declaration of Independence. Reese's ancestry varies a little from other signers because he was born in Wales. He inherited many books from his father's library and was well educated for his time.
Zebulon Vance (1830-1895) was a lawyer, state legislator (1854), congressman (1858), U.S. senator (1870, 1878, 1885, 1891) and N.C. governor (1862,1864, 1876). He began his law studies in Tennessee, but came to the University of North Carolina in 1851.
Probably one of the most unusual stories to come from Hank Utley’s research is the story of Edwin C. Pitts (1909 - 1943), known to his fans as “Alabama” Pitts. Born in Opelika, Alabama, Pitts joined the Navy at 15.
Perhaps the most respected journalist and versatile author in Mecklenburg County’s history, Blythe got his professional training at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. His classmates included Thomas Wolfe, the future novelist, and Paul Green, future playwright.
James Knox Polk was a native of Mecklenburg County, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, a political leader in the state of Tennessee, and Pre
