John Queary

John Queary (first half of the 18th century -?) was one of the original signers of the Meckenburg Declaration of Independence. This surname may have many variations in early colonial records. He was born in Scotland and came to America as a young man.

He first settled in Pennsylvania, then moved to Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The first mention of him in Mecklenburg County shows him as a colonel in the Clear Creek militia company. This would indicate he lived on the eastern part of the county. This area covered part of what is now Union County, and many believe he may have been buried there. Deeds show that Queary bought his land from Governor Dobbs, not Lord Augustus Selwyn, who owned most of present-day Mecklenburg County.

Queary participated in a campaign against the Tories at Raft Swamp. His contributions to his community included serving as a juror, tax lister, census taker and a member of the militia. He was one of the founders of the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in the town of Mint Hill, although it did not have this name at the time. He left no will. John Lemond, a Revolutionary War soldier, married his daughter, Elizabeth.

Documentation

(1) King, Victor C. Lives and Times of the 27 Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence of May 20, 1775. Charlotte, NC, 1956.