Early Life and Background
William Polk was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, on July 9, 1758, the eldest child of Thomas Polk and his wife, Sussana Spratt. From the earliest days of rebellion against British authority, Mecklenburg had been a hotbed of revolutionary fervor, and the Polk family was very active in this cause. William's father was commander of the local militia, a rumored key player in adoption of the Mecklenburg Resolves of May 31, 1775, and later colonel of the 4th North Carolina Regiment, Continental Line. Following their father's example, three of Thomas Polk's sons served as officers in the war against the British. One, Thomas, was killed in action serving alongside his brother William at the Battle of Eutaw Springs.
Read more about this topic: William Polk (colonel)
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