Person:Albert Torrance (3)

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67. Albert Torrence3 (James2 Sergeant Hugh1), like his brothers Charles, Hugh, and James, was born in Ireland. His birth was in the year 1755. The date of his arrival in America is not known, but he settled in Salisbury, North Carolina, in 1774. His death, according to family Bible records of James Torrance, found in the Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore, Maryland, occurred on December 14, 1825. His will was probated in 1826, and named his wife Elizabeth; children Margaret, James, Charles, Elizabeth, and Albert. Note 129-1 His wife's will was probated in 1837. Note 129-2

The U. S. Census of 1790, lists Albert Torrence in Salisbury District, Rowan County, North Carolina, as one male over 16 years, with one slave.

Albert Torrence married, on October 27, 1791, in Salisbury, North Carolina, Elizabeth Hackett, who was born in Ireland in 1772. Note 129-3 She died September 8, 1837. Both are buried in the Old English Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina.

"The southwestern corner of old Rowan County, was occupied by a noble and patriotic race of people one hundred years ago. There you will find the original home of families known by the names of . . . Torrence." Note 129-4 "From Cowan's Ford, the British pressed on and soon met Colonel Webster's division, which had crossed at Beattie's Ford, at Torrence’s Tavern. . . . This place is about two miles above Davidson College, and within a quarter of a mile from 'Centre Depot', on the Atlantic, Tennessee and Ohio Railroad. They burned the houses of Mr. Torrence and John Bevard, General Davidson's father-in-law. . . . From Cornwallis's order book, we learn that the British encamped at Torrence's that night." Note 129-5

"From the Heights of Gowerie, generally known as the 'Torrence Place', the British, with their field glasses, could sweep their vision far over the famed 'Jersey Settlement', with its rich lands and substantial 129 farm houses. The Torrences, MacNamaras, Smiths, and other prominent families dwelt in that region. Note 130-1

"On the occasion of the visit of General Washington to Salisbury . . . that night, there was a grand ball given to the President at Hughes' Hotel, attended by prominent ladies and gentlemen, of Salisbury and vicinity . . . Maxwells, Chambers, Captain Beard, Mrs. Beard, Mrs. Torrence, Mrs. Giles. . . ."T COLOR="#F0000F"> Note 130-2

"Just below the Trading Ford, on a high bluff, stood the residence of Albert Torrence, still conspicuous from afar. It was from these heights, that Lord Cornwallis's artillery cannonaded General Green. Albert Torrence chose this airy bluff situation for a residence, from which he could watch the windings of the silvery stream, dotted with a cluster of beautiful inlets." Note 130-3

"At the organization of the Presbyterian Church, in Salisbury, Albert Torrence became a member, and one of the first ruling Elders. His remains, with those of his wife and several of their children, are sleeping in the English graveyard in Salisbury, under broad slabs, near the entrance." Note 130-4

Thanks are extended to Mrs. Margaret Allison Torrence, 1400 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina, for her interest and kindness in supplying, from Bible records, the names and connections of the descendants of Albert Torrence, her ancestor. In her possession, is a large silver spoon Note 130-5 bearing the initials of Albert Torrence, it being one of a number brought by him from Ireland, and given by him to his descendants. Mrs. Margaret A. Torrence wrote on September 17, 1935:" I know there were three brothers with him (Albert) ; Charles and James stopped in Baltimore, Maryland, and Hugh came on here to Salisbury, and it is he, who probably, sold the lands to James. Later on, James Torrence moved to Frederick, Maryland. They were connected with the Hall, Clopper, and Law families. In 1889, Mrs. Rebecca Ann Law Dorsey wrote to Mrs. Albert Torrence, of Salisbury, North Carolina, that her two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, were with her, and that her father (James Torrance) and her mother, were dead. In October, 1887, 130 she wrote that Charles Hall's father had written from Ireland, that Uncle Andrew and family were well. We suppose that Andrew Torrence was a brother of Hugh, Albert, James, and Charles."

Children of Albert and Elizabeth (Hackett) Torrence were five:

¶71. i. Hugh Torrence4 married Zilpha Simonton. ii. James Torrence4 born July 15, 1795, died January 26, 1827. iii. Elizabeth Sloan Torrence4 born July 31,1797, died July 14, 1840; married W. E. Powe, of Cheraw, North Carolina. Issue, three: 1 Dr. Albert Torrence Powe5 2. W. E. Powe5 married and had issue, at least one: (Daughter) Powe6 married Samuel J. Irvine, of Morgantown, North Carolin 3. (Daughter) Powe5 married a Mr. Hackett. iv. Albert Torrence, JR4 born January 9, 1800, died September 8, 1853; lived in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Married Sarah Tooman. Issue, two: 1. Henry Torrence5 2. Richard Torrence5 ¶72. v. Charles Law Torrence4 married twice. Married first, Lavinia Hayes; married second, Philadelphia Margaret Fox.