I am Glenn McCorkle, born the eighteenth day of October in the Year of Our Lord 1750, on the Province of the Ulster Plantation in the Kingdom of Ireland. My father was James McCorkle and my mother Margaret were born in Argyllshire, Scotland, about the years 1720-1725. In 1751 they left Ulster and migrated to Pennsylvania, seeking liberty to worship God according to the Presbyterian faith and to provide honestly for their family. The Lord blessed them with seven sons and one daughter, of whom I am one.

As a young man in 1772, hearing much of the rich lands to the southward, I removed with my wife, Anne down the Great Wagon Road and afterward settled upon Twelve Mile Creek in the Waxhaw Settlement. By grant of His Majesty King George the Third I obtained land, felled the timber, raised a dwelling, and set about planting corn, tending goats and sheep, and providing for my household. When need required, I ranged the wilderness as a long hunter, bringing home deer, bear, and other game. In quieter seasons I wrought with my hands, making furniture for my neighbors and fashioning fiddles from the native woods. I have ever found good fellowship in the drawing of a bow across the strings, and many a harvest frolic, wedding, or tavern gathering hath been made merrier by a lively Scottish air or Irish reel. Our family worships with our neighbors in the Presbyterian meetinghouse, and I have long counted the people of the Waxhaws as my own.

When the King’s officers and their friends began to oppress the people of this country, many hoped the quarrel might yet be settled peaceably. But after the destruction suffered throughout the backcountry, and seeing neighbors driven from their homes, I could no longer remain idle. Therefore, in September of the year 1780, I joined the New Acquisition Militia, serving with my neighbors under our officers in defense of our homes, our families, and the liberties which we have long held dear. I count myself a friend to the American Cause and trust that Almighty God shall favor those who seek justice over tyranny.

The Lord hath blessed Anne and me with two daughters, Sarah and Mary, whose future gives me courage to shoulder my musket whenever duty calls.

May God defend this land, preserve our liberties, and grant that these unhappy troubles may soon come to an end with justice and lasting peace.