Individual Details
Robert Rowan
(1738 - 26 Oct 1798)
From: A Genealogy of the MacQueen and MacFarlane Families, by Alexander McQueen Quattlebaum
(Dr. alexander MacQueen and His Decendants.)
He married Susanna Grove, the widow of Richard Grove, who had one son, William Harry Grove whom Mr. Rowan was much attached. He bequeathed property to him in his will as he did his own children. His sons were Robert Jr. nd Thomas, and his three daughters were Julia, Susanna and Jane.
Julia married John Lewis Taylor, the first justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. She died at age twenty-one leaving one child, a daughter who married Major Junius Sneed of Salisbury.
Susanna married John Hay, who represented Cumberland County in the General Assembly in 1786 and the House of Commons in 1805 and was a brilliant and able lawyer at the Fayetteville bar.
Jane married Dr. Alexander MacQueen. She died at the age of twenty-three and was burried at Hollybrook.
A daughter died in infancy.
From this distinguished family, Fayetteville named three of its principal streets, Hay, Rowan, and Grove.
The inscription on Robert Rowan's tombstone is as follows:
"In memory of Colonel Robert Rowan who died 26 October 1798 aged 60 years. He filled many important civil and military offices and dischargrd these duties with integrity. He was an early and steady friend to American independence. In domestic and private life he was sincere, generous and cheerful."
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Died About Age 60, Tombstone Inscription: "In memory of Colonel Robert Rowan who died 26th October 1798 aged about 60 years. He filled many important civic and military offices and discharged these duties with integrity. He was an early and steady friend to American independence. In domestic and private life he was sincere, generous, and cheerful." (Col. Robert Rowan, Cross Creek Cemetery, Fayetteville, North Carolina. http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMEF2_Col_Robert_Rowan
Colonel Robert Rowan was an ardent patriot of colonial America. He grew to manhood in New Hanover County, NC, where his uncle, the acting Governor of North Carolina, Matthew Rowan also owned land called "Rowan's Bluff" on the Northwest River. ("North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program, NC Department of Cultural Resources, Raleigh, NC; Matthew Rowan, Marker ID: B-27. http://www.ncmarkers.com/Markers.aspx?MarkerId=B-27 ; New Hanover, NC, Deed September 20, 1754, pp. 153-155, New Hanover County North Carolina Genweb. http://www.ncgenweb.us/newhanover/deed2.html
He became a Major in the French and Indian War prior to marriage to Susannah Greer, daughter of Thomas Greer, and widow of Richard Grove. They lived at their home plantation "Hollybrook" in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC. He was very active here in civil and political positions including sheriff 1770-1772, 1778. ( "William Barry Grove, 1764-1818," North Carolina History Project, special project of the John Locke Foundation. https://northcarolinahistory.org/encyclopedia/william-barry-grove-1764-1818/
Just prior to the Revolution Robert Rowan became a member of the "Sons of Liberty of the Cape Fear" representing Cumberland County June 1770 as noted in published print in response to England's Colonial Stamp Act. (" History of New Hanover County and the Lower Cape Fear Region," Vol. 1, pp. 33-34, Image 35-36 of 237, by Alfred Moore Waddell. https://www.carolana.com/NC/Counties/A_History_of_New_Hanover_County_and_the_Lower_Cape_Fear_Region_Volume_I_Alfred_Moore_Waddell.pdf ; The Stamp Act and the Continental Association, V. 1, Ch. 18, pp. 336-337, "History of North Carolina ," by R. D. W. Conner, Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1919. http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/America/United_States/North_Carolina/_Texts/CBHHNC/1/18*.html
When the "shot heard round the world" occurred in Lexington and Concord, April 1775, within a few months on June 20, 1775, he traditionally authored the Liberty Point Resolves, or " The Cumberland Association," signed first by him and numerous Cumberland County neighbors [among whom Joseph Greer and Robert Greer may have been the brothers-in-law of Robert Rowan]. They declared with the recent hostilities near Boston, and other impositions which causes the oppressed people to bear arms. "We, of Cumberland County... the duty of good citizens toward an injured country... unite ourselves and go forth and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom and safety." ("Liberty Point Resolves Declaration of Independence," NCpedia, Online Encyclopedia, https://www.ncpedia.org/monument/liberty-point-resolves
The Liberty Point Resolves, also known as "The Cumberland Association," was a document signed as one of the oldest extant historical writings of the colonies declaring a stand against the Parliament of Great Britain. It was signed by fifty residents of Cumberland County, North Carolina. (Folder 1, digitized scans, Folder 2, digitized scans, in the Cumberland Association Papers, #2075-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: https://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/02075/
Colonel Robert Rowan was an elected member of the North Carolina 3rd Provincial Congress that met at Hillsborough and signed on August, 23, 1775, their own Association against the Parliament of Great Britain stating, "to impose taxes and regulate the colonies is in violation of the peace and security of the people and ought to be resisted... and we do solemnly and sincerely promise and engage under the sanction of Virtue, Honor, and the sacred Love of Liberty and our Country to maintain and support... the Continental and Provincial Congresses to the utmost of our power and Abilities." ("Minutes of the Provincial Congress of North Carolina," August 20, 1775 - September 10, 1775, Vol. 10, pp. 164-220; Robert Rowan, Salisbury Delegate, pp. 166, 167, 173 (twice), 187; Documenting the American South, Colonial and State Records of North Carolina, University Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. https://docsouth.unc.edu/csr/index.php/document/csr10-0089
Colonel Robert Rowan in pursuit of colonial America's Freedom held the following military positions: Captain in the 1st NC Regiment (NC Continental Line) - 1775-1776; Captain in the Cumberland County Regiment of Militia - 1776-1778;Colonel in the Cumberland County Regiment of Militia - 1778 & 1780; Superintendent Commissary for the Wilmington District Brigade of Militia, with the rank of Colonel - 1780-1783 (sporadically); Clothier General for North Carolina with the rank of Colonel - 1780-1783.( "The American Revolution in North Carolina," Carolana.com/, Robert Rowan, North Carolina Revolutionary Patriot Leader. https://www.carolana.com/NC/Revolution/patriot_leaders_nc_robert_rowan.html
Colonel Robert Rowan was a national HERO and we HONOR HIS DEVOTION AND SACRIFICE to form our Great Nation, The Land Of The Free, Because Of The Brave. He wrote his will 8 October 1798 and it was probated January Term, 1799, Cumberland County Probate Court, North Carolina. ( Cumberland County, North Carolina, Transcripts of unrecorded wills 1761-1857 Wills, v. A-B 1796-1842; Will Bk. A: 19-20, FHL Film #18727, FHL Digitized Film #4754819, Bk. A, pp. 19-20, Images 244-245 of 877, 8 October 1798, Probated January Term, 1799. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-J6QN-4J?i=243&cc=1867501&cat=358876
(Compiled by Juliet Wills)
(Dr. alexander MacQueen and His Decendants.)
He married Susanna Grove, the widow of Richard Grove, who had one son, William Harry Grove whom Mr. Rowan was much attached. He bequeathed property to him in his will as he did his own children. His sons were Robert Jr. nd Thomas, and his three daughters were Julia, Susanna and Jane.
Julia married John Lewis Taylor, the first justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. She died at age twenty-one leaving one child, a daughter who married Major Junius Sneed of Salisbury.
Susanna married John Hay, who represented Cumberland County in the General Assembly in 1786 and the House of Commons in 1805 and was a brilliant and able lawyer at the Fayetteville bar.
Jane married Dr. Alexander MacQueen. She died at the age of twenty-three and was burried at Hollybrook.
A daughter died in infancy.
From this distinguished family, Fayetteville named three of its principal streets, Hay, Rowan, and Grove.
The inscription on Robert Rowan's tombstone is as follows:
"In memory of Colonel Robert Rowan who died 26 October 1798 aged 60 years. He filled many important civil and military offices and dischargrd these duties with integrity. He was an early and steady friend to American independence. In domestic and private life he was sincere, generous and cheerful."
---------------------------
Died About Age 60, Tombstone Inscription: "In memory of Colonel Robert Rowan who died 26th October 1798 aged about 60 years. He filled many important civic and military offices and discharged these duties with integrity. He was an early and steady friend to American independence. In domestic and private life he was sincere, generous, and cheerful." (Col. Robert Rowan, Cross Creek Cemetery, Fayetteville, North Carolina. http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMEF2_Col_Robert_Rowan
Colonel Robert Rowan was an ardent patriot of colonial America. He grew to manhood in New Hanover County, NC, where his uncle, the acting Governor of North Carolina, Matthew Rowan also owned land called "Rowan's Bluff" on the Northwest River. ("North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program, NC Department of Cultural Resources, Raleigh, NC; Matthew Rowan, Marker ID: B-27. http://www.ncmarkers.com/Markers.aspx?MarkerId=B-27 ; New Hanover, NC, Deed September 20, 1754, pp. 153-155, New Hanover County North Carolina Genweb. http://www.ncgenweb.us/newhanover/deed2.html
He became a Major in the French and Indian War prior to marriage to Susannah Greer, daughter of Thomas Greer, and widow of Richard Grove. They lived at their home plantation "Hollybrook" in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC. He was very active here in civil and political positions including sheriff 1770-1772, 1778. ( "William Barry Grove, 1764-1818," North Carolina History Project, special project of the John Locke Foundation. https://northcarolinahistory.org/encyclopedia/william-barry-grove-1764-1818/
Just prior to the Revolution Robert Rowan became a member of the "Sons of Liberty of the Cape Fear" representing Cumberland County June 1770 as noted in published print in response to England's Colonial Stamp Act. (" History of New Hanover County and the Lower Cape Fear Region," Vol. 1, pp. 33-34, Image 35-36 of 237, by Alfred Moore Waddell. https://www.carolana.com/NC/Counties/A_History_of_New_Hanover_County_and_the_Lower_Cape_Fear_Region_Volume_I_Alfred_Moore_Waddell.pdf ; The Stamp Act and the Continental Association, V. 1, Ch. 18, pp. 336-337, "History of North Carolina ," by R. D. W. Conner, Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1919. http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/America/United_States/North_Carolina/_Texts/CBHHNC/1/18*.html
When the "shot heard round the world" occurred in Lexington and Concord, April 1775, within a few months on June 20, 1775, he traditionally authored the Liberty Point Resolves, or " The Cumberland Association," signed first by him and numerous Cumberland County neighbors [among whom Joseph Greer and Robert Greer may have been the brothers-in-law of Robert Rowan]. They declared with the recent hostilities near Boston, and other impositions which causes the oppressed people to bear arms. "We, of Cumberland County... the duty of good citizens toward an injured country... unite ourselves and go forth and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom and safety." ("Liberty Point Resolves Declaration of Independence," NCpedia, Online Encyclopedia, https://www.ncpedia.org/monument/liberty-point-resolves
The Liberty Point Resolves, also known as "The Cumberland Association," was a document signed as one of the oldest extant historical writings of the colonies declaring a stand against the Parliament of Great Britain. It was signed by fifty residents of Cumberland County, North Carolina. (Folder 1, digitized scans, Folder 2, digitized scans, in the Cumberland Association Papers, #2075-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: https://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/02075/
Colonel Robert Rowan was an elected member of the North Carolina 3rd Provincial Congress that met at Hillsborough and signed on August, 23, 1775, their own Association against the Parliament of Great Britain stating, "to impose taxes and regulate the colonies is in violation of the peace and security of the people and ought to be resisted... and we do solemnly and sincerely promise and engage under the sanction of Virtue, Honor, and the sacred Love of Liberty and our Country to maintain and support... the Continental and Provincial Congresses to the utmost of our power and Abilities." ("Minutes of the Provincial Congress of North Carolina," August 20, 1775 - September 10, 1775, Vol. 10, pp. 164-220; Robert Rowan, Salisbury Delegate, pp. 166, 167, 173 (twice), 187; Documenting the American South, Colonial and State Records of North Carolina, University Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. https://docsouth.unc.edu/csr/index.php/document/csr10-0089
Colonel Robert Rowan in pursuit of colonial America's Freedom held the following military positions: Captain in the 1st NC Regiment (NC Continental Line) - 1775-1776; Captain in the Cumberland County Regiment of Militia - 1776-1778;Colonel in the Cumberland County Regiment of Militia - 1778 & 1780; Superintendent Commissary for the Wilmington District Brigade of Militia, with the rank of Colonel - 1780-1783 (sporadically); Clothier General for North Carolina with the rank of Colonel - 1780-1783.( "The American Revolution in North Carolina," Carolana.com/, Robert Rowan, North Carolina Revolutionary Patriot Leader. https://www.carolana.com/NC/Revolution/patriot_leaders_nc_robert_rowan.html
Colonel Robert Rowan was a national HERO and we HONOR HIS DEVOTION AND SACRIFICE to form our Great Nation, The Land Of The Free, Because Of The Brave. He wrote his will 8 October 1798 and it was probated January Term, 1799, Cumberland County Probate Court, North Carolina. ( Cumberland County, North Carolina, Transcripts of unrecorded wills 1761-1857 Wills, v. A-B 1796-1842; Will Bk. A: 19-20, FHL Film #18727, FHL Digitized Film #4754819, Bk. A, pp. 19-20, Images 244-245 of 877, 8 October 1798, Probated January Term, 1799. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-J6QN-4J?i=243&cc=1867501&cat=358876
(Compiled by Juliet Wills)
Events
| Birth | 1738 | Bladen County, North Carolina | |||
| Marriage | Abt 1766 | Cumberland County, North Carolina - Susanna Greer | |||
| Property | 26 Oct 1771 | 200 acres that he deeded to Peter Messer - Cross Creek, Cumberland County, North Carolina | |||
| Will | 8 Oct 1798 | Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina |  | ||
| Death | 26 Oct 1798 | Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina | |||
| Probate | Jan 1799 | Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina | |||
| Burial | Cross Creek Cemetery #01, Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina | |  |
Families
| Spouse | Susanna Greer (1742 - 1783) |
| Child | Susanna Rowan (1767 - 1803) |
| Child | Robert Rowan (1771 - 1829) |
| Child | Julia Rowan (1774 - 1795) |
| Child | Jane Rowan (1777 - 1800) |
| Child | Thomas Rowan (1789 - 1831) |
Notes
Will
Will of Robert Rowan, Cumberland County, NC, 8 Oct 1798, Probated January 1799Citation: Cumberland County, North Carolina, Transcripts of unrecorded wills 1761-1857
Wills, v. A-B 1796-1842; Will Bk. A: 19-20, FHL Film #18727, FHL Digitized Film #4754819, Bk. A, pp. 19-20, Images 244-245 of 877, 8 October 1798
Source text:
I, Robert Rowan, of Holly brook in Cumberland County, being in a very weak and declining state of health, which makes it possible that the day of my dissolution is not far hence, do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following - That is to say,
First, my debts I would wish to be paid as soon as possible after my decease and for which purpose I do hereby empower my Executors hereafter named to dispose of my horses, cattle, sheep, and other moveables as they may think proper, my western lands and 150 acres on Richland Creek Moore County.
2ndly I give and bequeath to my daughter Susanna my house and lot in Fayetteville where Wm Molton at present resides and lying between the lots of Dr. McQueen and Wm Vance, on Old Street.
3rdly, I give and bequeath to my step son William Barry Grove my lot of ground on Rowan Street joining Mr. Raeford ... along street to Patterson's corner... and my request is the rest of the said lot given to my son Tommy's given him by the late Doctor Ingram.
4th, I give and bequeath to Susanna my beloved wife the plantation called Holly brook with all or such a part of my moveables as she may wish to keep, and the following negroes, to wit, Dick, Phillus, Cesar, Jim & Wallis to be held by her during her natural life.
5th I give and bequeath to my son Thomas after the decease of his mother my plantation called Holly brook, also the above-mentioned negroes or the successors of them, to wit, Dick, Phillus, Cesar, Jim & Wallis.
6th, I give and bequeth to my son Thomas all and singular the residue of my lands of every description, after the payment of my debts.
7th, My will and desire is that in case my dear son Thomas should decease before he attains the age of twenty-one years, which God forbid, that all my estate both real and personal bequeathed to him shall be as equally divided as possible between my son-in-law John Hay or his children by his present wife, Doctor McQueen, and my daughter Susanna.
8th, and lastly I give and bequeath to my eldest son Robert, one shilling, the reason of this bequest will be well known to the world. And I hereby nominate my wife Susanna and my step son William Barry Grove Executor and Executrix of this my last will and testament written with my own hand and sealed with my own seal this Eighth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety Eight.
Robt Rowan (Seal)
Wits: Theophilus Evans, Davod Evans, Jr.
January Term, 1799 Proven and Admitted to Record.
Burial
Inscription:In Memory of Col. Robert Rowan who died 20th Oct. 1798 aged about 60 years. He filled many important Civil & military offices, & discharged their duties with integrity. And was an early and steady friend to American Independence. In Domestic & private life he was affectionate, sincere, generous & Cheerful.
Longitude -78.87344
Latitude 35.05476
Endnotes
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