Ezekiel Polk facts for kids

Ezekiel Polk (December 7, 1747 – August 31, 1824) was an American soldier and pioneer. He is best known as the grandfather of President James Knox Polk. Ezekiel Polk played a role in the American Revolutionary War. He helped settle new lands in what became Tennessee.

Early Life and Family Moves

Ezekiel Polk was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1747. He was one of eight children. His parents were William and Margaret Taylor Polk. Around 1753, his family moved south. They settled near the North Carolina border. This area later became Mecklenburg County.

Ezekiel's parents likely passed away soon after. His older brother, Thomas, probably raised him. Thomas was a local leader and militia member. He also served in North Carolina's early government meetings.

When Ezekiel was 20, he got married. He became a court clerk in Tryon County. He and his wife started a farm there. Their farm was about 100-acre (0.40 km²). In 1772, a new survey showed his farm was actually in South Carolina. This meant he lost his job as clerk.

Military Service and the Revolution

Ezekiel Polk served in the military during the American Revolution. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the South Carolina militia. He also led an independent company of Rangers.

In 1775, he was chosen to represent his area. He went to the South Carolina Provincial Congress. He was made a captain in the Third South Carolina Regiment. This group was meant to protect the inner parts of the state. At that time, Whigs (who supported independence) and Loyalists (who supported Britain) were fighting for control.

Polk's regiment was ordered to the coast. He disagreed with this order. He marched his men home instead. He felt it was wrong to risk their health for wealthy landowners. Later, he apologized and got his command back. He led his company in battles against Loyalists. He also led a successful mission against pro-Loyalist Cherokees.

In 1776, Polk's regiment joined the Continental Army. His company became part of the 3rd South Carolina Regiment.

Life After the War

Ezekiel Polk eventually left the South Carolina regiment. He moved back to North Carolina. He settled on a farm near Charlotte. Later, he opened a tavern and became a justice of the peace.

In 1780, the British army captured Charleston. Then, Lord Cornwallis's troops marched into North Carolina. Cornwallis set up his headquarters near Polk's farm. To protect his property, Ezekiel Polk agreed to cooperate with the British. This was a difficult choice many people faced during the war.

After the war, Polk was still respected by his neighbors. He was even elected sheriff. He received land in the western territories for his service. In 1790, he moved to what is now Tennessee. He worked as a surveyor there. However, he returned to North Carolina after his wife became ill and passed away.

Polk finally made Tennessee his permanent home in 1803. He settled on a large farm of 2,500-acre (10 km²) near the Duck River. This area is now Maury County.

Ezekiel Polk was a strong supporter of Thomas Jefferson's ideas. He also held beliefs known as Deism. Deists believe in a creator but often do not follow organized religion. This sometimes caused disagreements with other family members.

Marriages and Children

Ezekiel Polk was married three times.

• His first wife was Mary Wilson Polk. They had eight children together. One of their sons was Samuel Polk. Samuel was the father of James K. Polk, who became the 11th President of the United States.
• His second wife was Bessie Davis Polk. Sadly, none of their children survived infancy. Some records say his second wife was Polly Campbell.
• His third wife was Sofia Neely Lennard Polk. They had four children.

Death and Legacy

Ezekiel Polk passed away on August 31, 1824. He died near Bolivar, Tennessee. He was buried in the Polk Cemetery in Bolivar.

He wrote his own epitaph (a message for his tombstone). He wanted it painted on wood because there was no good stone for gravestones nearby. His epitaph shared his views on life and society. It spoke of his journey from Pennsylvania to Tennessee. It also showed his independent spirit and his thoughts on religion and government.