BY DONNA SWICEGOOD

Two men who played a pivotal role in America’s early history were remembered in programs at the Iredell County Public Library in March. 

Randell Jones, author of “Between Two Sons – Daniel Boone During the Revolutionary War,” spoke about the role that the man immortalized in a TV show starring Fess Parker that ran from 1964-1970.

Historical re-enactor John Misenheimer shared information about a man billed as one of Iredell County’s best-known preachers during another event at the library. Dressed in period costume, Misenheimer talked about the Rev. James Hall, who is buried at Bethany Presbyterian Church on Turnersburg Highway.

Talking about Boone, Jones said, one of the enduring myths is that he wore a coonskin cap. “He most certainly did not,” he said.

However, Boone did play a vital role in the Revolutionary War. “He lived every minute of that Revolutionary War experience and some of that haunted him for the rest of his life,” Jones said.

Jones touched on Boone’s early years and his activities during the Revolutionary War.

“Daniel Boone is America’s pioneer hero and he lived here in North Carolina for 21 years,” he said.

Boone lived in what is now Mocksville.

“He did eventually decide to move away,” Jones said. The goal was to move his wife Rebecca and 10 children to Kentucky. His oldest son, James, was murdered at the age of 16.

Jones said Boone evaded capture during the war and his brother Edward was killed in October 1780. Boone, he said, escaped and ran 20 miles in one night to Boone’s Station.

Later in his life, Boone served in the Virginia legislature.

The story of Rev. James Hall began in Pennsylvania. After college, he settled in Iredell County.

Like Boone, Hall was instrumental in the war for independence, Misenheimer said.

Hall served as a chaplain with a militia regiment. He turned down command of a militia unit, which consisted largely of men from his congregation, Misenheimer said. But the men refused to march unless he took command.

He did lead the militia unit and returned to preaching once the unit’s term of service ended and continued to do so during the remaining two years of the war, Misenheimer said.

Hall died in 1826 and was buried at Bethany Presbyterian Church. A highway marker stands in front of the church and recognizes Hall and his contributions to the ministry and to the war.

These two programs are among several planned through the coming months to educate about the Revolutionary War, particularly in this area.

On April 9 at 6 p.m., Chris Stonestreet will present a program on the Revolutionary War Battle at Torrence Chapel.

On April 14 at 2 p.m., Andrew Mackie will talk about the Battle at Shallow Ford.

LEARN MORE

For a list of upcoming programs visit the library’s website at www.iredell.lib.nc.us.