Adam Sherrill facts for kids

Adam Sherrill (also known as Adam "The Pioneer" Sherrill) was an important early settler. Born in 1697, he lived until May 4, 1774. He was the first European to make a permanent home on the west side of the Catawba River in North Carolina.

Adam Sherrill's Early Life and Family

Adam Sherrill was one of six children. His father was William "The Fur Trader" Sherrill. In 1722, Adam married a woman named Elizabeth. We don't know her last name for sure.

After they married, Adam and Elizabeth lived in West Donegal Township, Pennsylvania. This was around 1735. Adam then moved to western Maryland for a few years. Around 1740, he moved to Augusta County, Virginia.

Moving to North Carolina

In 1747, Adam Sherrill and his family left Virginia. They traveled to North Carolina. Adam became the first European to settle permanently on the west side of the Catawba River.

Crossing the Catawba River

Adam spent two days looking for the best place to cross the river. He found a shallow spot. This place was later named Sherrill's Ford. It is just north of modern-day Charlotte. In 1749, Adam received official ownership of land there.

Understanding Native Languages

Adam had a special advantage. When he was a child, he lived with the Susquehanna Tribe near Conestoga, Pennsylvania. He learned their language, which was an Iroquoian dialect.

Later, the area Adam settled had Cherokee and Catawba tribes. They also spoke Iroquoian dialects. Adam's ability to understand their customs and language was a huge help. He even made an agreement with the Cherokee. This allowed him to stay peacefully. Other settlers were sometimes bothered or even harmed.

Growth of the Area

It was more than 20 years after Adam settled at Sherrill's Ford that a town called "Charlottesburg" was started. This town was about 10 miles south. Charlottesburg later grew into the big city we know today as Charlotte.

Adam Sherrill's Children

Adam and Elizabeth had nine children. They had eight sons and one daughter. Their names were:

• William B.
• Samuel
• Uriah
• Adam Jr.
• Aquilla
• Isaac
• Jacob
• Moses
• Catherine Rebecca

Adam Sherrill's Will

Adam Sherrill wrote his will on March 5, 1772. A will is a legal document. It explains how a person wants their belongings to be shared after they die.

In his will, Adam gave a person named Vail to his son Adam Jr. He also gave money or another person to his son Aquilla. Adam gave one of his best horses or mares to his son William.

Adam named his sons Adam Jr. and Aquilla as the executors of his will. This meant they were in charge of making sure his wishes were followed. The will was witnessed by James Clark, Jr., Abraham Roberson, Jr., and William Berry.

Adam Sherrill's Death

Adam Sherrill died on May 4, 1774. He was 76 or 77 years old. He left behind his wife and nine children.

Later, two of his sons, Samuel and William, fought in the Revolutionary War. They were part of the Battle of Kings Mountain. Several of their own sons also fought in this important battle.