Governor, born in
Ireland about 1747; went to
Virginia when seventeen years old, and in time engaged in the practice of medicine.
Then he studied law, and in 1774 moved to
Hillsboro.
He had written against the stamp act and other obnoxious measures, and he took a conspicuous part in politics in
North Carolina.
He was a member of the Provincial Congress in 1776; was engaged a short time in the army, and was a member of Congress from December, 1776, until early in 1781, when he was chosen governor of the
State.
In September of that year he was seized by Tories, and kept a prisoner on
James Island, near
Charleston, four months; after which he was regularly exchanged, resumed his duties of governor, but soon retired to private life.
He died in
Hillsboro, N. C., Dec. 2, 1783.