While engaged as one of the teachers in the Queen’s Museum he raised a company, from the young men of that institution, to assist in putting down the Tories assembled on Cape Fear River.  Of this company he was made captain.  They marched immediately in the direction of Cross Creek (Fayetteville), but, on learning of the dispersion of the Tories, they returned home.  Inheriting from his family a devotion to liberty and independence, he early became distinguished for his patriotic ardor and decision of character.  He was a fine scholar, fluent writer, and drew up the resolutions of independence which the Convention of the 20th of May, 1775, adopted, with very slight alteration, acting as one of the secretaries.  During his confinement in Charleston, as a prisoner of war, he suffered so much from impure air and unwholesome diet that his health gave way, and he returned home only to die.  He reached the house of his friend and fellow patriot, John McKnitt Alexander, in Mecklenburg county, where he soon after breathed his last.  He lies buried in Charlotte, in the lot now owned by A.B.  Davidson, Esq., near the grave of his beloved wife, who, a short time before, preceded him to the tomb.  Upon this lot was located the Queen’s Museum College, receiving, in 1777, the more patriotic name of “Liberty Hall Academy.”  Within its walls were educated a Spartan band of young men, who afterward performed a noble part in achieving the independence of their country.

Richard Barry was born in Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent, and joining the great southern emigration of that period, he settled in Mecklenburg county, in the bounds of the Hopewell congregation, many years previous to the Revolution.  In this vicinity he married Ann Price, and raised a numerous family.  A.M.  Barry, Esq., who now (1876) resides at the old homestead, is the only surviving grandson.  Mrs. A.A.  Harry, Mrs. G.L.  Sample and Mrs. Jane Alexander, are the only surviving grand-daughters.  He acted for many years as one of the magistrates of the county, and was a worthy and useful member of society.  He was a true patriot and soldier, and was present at the affair of Cowan’s Ford, when General Davidson was killed, on the 1st of February, 1781.  After this short conflict he, David Wilson and a few others, secured the body of General Davidson, conveyed it to the house of Samuel Wilson, Sen., where, after being properly dressed, it was moved by these devoted patriots to the graveyard of Hopewell Church, and there buried by torch-light.

John Davidson was born in Pennsylvania in 1736.  He performed much civil and military service to secure the independence of his country.  He was appointed by the Provincial Congress, which met at Halifax on the 4th of April, 1776, a field officer (Major) with Adam Alexander as Colonel, John Phifer as Lieutenant Colonel, and George A. Alexander as second Major.  He was with General Sumpter in August, 1780, at the