John Frohock

John Frohock (?-1772) was a surveyor and one of the earliest residents of Mecklenburg County. As one of three Commissioners, he developed the town of Charlotte. Beginning in 1768, the Commissioners sold half-acre lots to persons willing to take up residence in the new "county town," where the court would meet quarterly.

John Frohock was wealthy landowner who became one of the most influential men in the Mecklenburg area. It is thought John Frohock was probably born in England. He came to eastern North Carolina from Pennsylvania sometime after 1751, and settled in Rowan County in 1753.

As the clerk of court from 1753-1772 for Mecklenburg, Anson and Rowan counties, he was responsible for keeping records of legal documents. Frohock never married, but his large plantation house was home to 38 slaves. When he died in Rowan County, he willed the slaves to his two brothers, but granted freedom to his personal servant, a man named Absalom, and provided for his education.