In the 1730s, a quaint town was settled on the coast of North Carolina bordering both the White Oak River and Atlantic Ocean. Today, this town boasts a rich history and the title "Friendly City by the Sea." Swansboro, North Carolina has grown and prospered in the 200 years since its official establishment in 1783. It has been threatened by the Civil War, pirates, and the Great Depression but persevered by having flexible industries and promoting growth. The history of Swansboro has been greatly influenced by three prominent men: Theophilus Weeks, Samuel Swann, and Otway Burns.
Theophilus Weeks was born to Benjamin and Mary Chase Weeks in Falmouth, Massachusetts in 1708 (3). In the 1730s, the Weeks family moved to Carteret County in North …show more content…
Swann was born to Samuel and Elizabeth Swann on October 31, 1704 (5). Swann's father held several high offices, his paternal grandfather served on the Virginia Council, and his maternal grandfather was a member of the North Carolina Assembly. Samuel Swann was one of four children from his father's second marriage. He is the namesake of both his father and a half-brother from his father's first marriage who died in 1702 (5). When Samuel Swann's father passed away, his mother remarried Alexander Goodlatt; however, he too passed away, allowing her to marry Maurice Moore, whom she moved with to the Cape Fear region. In 1727, Samuel Swann married Jane Jones, the daughter of Frederick Jones, the former chief justice of the colony (5). Samuel and Jane had two children, also named Samuel and Jane. The Swanns lived in Cape Fear surrounded by their extended family on a luxurious plantation named The Oaks. When the Anglican Church was established in the area, Samuel became a communicant of St. James Parish in Wilmington, North Carolina (5). Swann was always encompassed by men of great political power. In addition to the achievements of his father and grandfathers, his half brothers each served as Speaker of the Assembly. Swann himself received an excellent education in law and training in practical surveying that would serve him well in his future
Theophilus Weeks was born to Benjamin and Mary Chase Weeks in Falmouth, Massachusetts in 1708 (3). In the 1730s, the Weeks family moved to Carteret County in North …show more content…
Swann was born to Samuel and Elizabeth Swann on October 31, 1704 (5). Swann's father held several high offices, his paternal grandfather served on the Virginia Council, and his maternal grandfather was a member of the North Carolina Assembly. Samuel Swann was one of four children from his father's second marriage. He is the namesake of both his father and a half-brother from his father's first marriage who died in 1702 (5). When Samuel Swann's father passed away, his mother remarried Alexander Goodlatt; however, he too passed away, allowing her to marry Maurice Moore, whom she moved with to the Cape Fear region. In 1727, Samuel Swann married Jane Jones, the daughter of Frederick Jones, the former chief justice of the colony (5). Samuel and Jane had two children, also named Samuel and Jane. The Swanns lived in Cape Fear surrounded by their extended family on a luxurious plantation named The Oaks. When the Anglican Church was established in the area, Samuel became a communicant of St. James Parish in Wilmington, North Carolina (5). Swann was always encompassed by men of great political power. In addition to the achievements of his father and grandfathers, his half brothers each served as Speaker of the Assembly. Swann himself received an excellent education in law and training in practical surveying that would serve him well in his future