David Reese

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. When he was young, he moved to Cecil County, Maryland, and witnessed a will in that county as early as 1733.

He married Susan Ruth Polk, of Dorchester County, Maryland, whose family was of royal descent. They left around 1753 and 1754 to join the migration to North Carolina and settled around Coddle Creek, which was then in Anson County. This part later became Mecklenburg County in 1762. It is now in Cabarrus County, near Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church. His home had one and a half stories with 10 rooms and was located on 770 acres.

Reese was one of Mecklenburg County's first magistrates and assisted in organizing the early Presbyterian churches in the area. He served as elder at Rocky River and Poplar Tent Presbyterian Churches. Although he was too old to serve in the Revolutionary War, he served in the Provincial Congress of 1776 to help procure firearms for Mecklenburg troops. He also furnished provisions for the Mecklenburg militia.

Susan and David Reese had ten children, all six sons serving in the Revolutionary War. His oldest son, James Polk, was said to have been present at the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. He later moved to Tennessee. One son, Solomon, married Harriet Jack, a sister of Capt. James Jack.

Documentation

(1) King, Victor C. Lives and Times of the 27 Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence of May 20, 1775. Charlotte, NC, 1956.