Just a little Vacay - with some Genealogy Thrown In

Over the 4th weekend, we had just a little vacation. But for someone interested in Family History, adding some genealogy into the mix makes the perfect vacation.

First stop, Cross Creek Cemetery to see the grave of my 5th great grandfather, Lewis Barge. He owned a tavern called Barge's Tavern and he and several of his buddies would meet there to "discuss the British problem." Out of that came the Liberty Point Resolves. A fore runner to the Declaration of Independence.

Barge's Tavern

Lewis Barge - Cross Creek Cemetery

Closer with DAR marker

Can barely read, but inscription is still there

Monument to the signers of the Liberty Point Resolves

Me checking out my ancestor's signature on facimile document

From the website:

The Liberty Point Resolves, formally called the Cumberland Association, was a document signed by 55 Cumberland County patriots on June 20, 1775 in Fayetteville, N.C.

The men had formed themselves into a group, known simply as The Association and met at Lewis Barge’s tavern in the village of Cross Creek, now part of Fayetteville. The document they signed was the same pledge made earlier that year by patriots in Wilmington to protest the British actions that precipitated the battles of Lexington and Concord. It also followed a similar resolution passed by Mecklenburg patriots, The Charlotte Town Resolves.

Although a monument that stands in Fayetteville commemorating the signing calls it a declaration of independence it was not; the signers expressed the hope that Great Britain and the colonies would be reconciled, but vowed that, if necessary, they would “go forth and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom and safety.”

Text of The Liberty Point Resolves

Resolved, That the following Association stand as the Association of this Committee, and that it be recommended to the inhabitants of this District to sign the same as speedily as possible.

THE ASSOCIATION

The actual commencement of hostilities against the Continent by the British Troops, in the bloody scene on the nineteenth of April last, near Boston; the increase of arbitrary impositions, from a wicked and despotick Ministry; and the dread of instigated insurrections in the Colonies, are causes sufficient to drive an oppressed People to the use of arms: We, therefore, the subscribers of Cumberland County, holding ourselves bound by that most sacred of all obligations, the duty of good citizens towards an injured Country, and thoroughly convinced that under our distressed circumstances we shall be justified before you in resisting force by force; do unite ourselves under every tie of religion and honour, and associate as a band in her defence against every foe; hereby solemnly engaging, that whenever our Continental or Provincial Councils shall decree it necessary, we will go forth and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom and safety. This obligation to continue in full force until, a reconciliation shall take place between Great Britain and America, upon constitutional principles, an event we most ardently desire. And we will hold all those persons inimical to the liberty of the Colonies who shall refuse to subscribe to this Association; and we will in all things follow the advice of our General Committee, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individual and private property.

Robert Rowan, who apparently organized the group, signed first. The names of other signers include those of families who made a deep imprint on the Cape Fear region, from colonial times onward: Barge, Powell, Evans, Elwell, Green, Carver, Council, Gee, Blocker, Hollingsworth.

I am proud of all my Revolutionary War Patriots and visiting Lewis Barge was the perfect thing to do on the weekend of the 4th of July.

Pat