and in New York before going to Charleston, SC to join his younger brother who was
a merchant and a trader. His brother was a loyalist during the war.

Col. Andrew Balfour came to Randolph County in 1779, bought land and built a log
home. When Randolph County was formed, Col. Balfour became one of its first
Justices of the Peace and was appointed a colonel in Militia and elected as a
representative to the House of Commons.

Balfour was an advocate of the cause for America’s freedom. His service, loyalty and
courage proved his dedication to the cause. While his brother, Col. John Balfour of
Charleston, SC, was in command of British soldiers in South Carolina, the brothers
chose different sides in the war of independence. However, they remained friendly
both during and after the war.

Col. Andrew Balfour went to Georgia when General Ashe’s army was sent there by
General George Washington. He was once captured by the Tories but was soon
rescued and returned to Randolph County for military duty in 1781 and 1882. At this
time, Randolph and the surrounding area was overrun by Col. David Fanning and the
Tories.

After Balfour’s return to his home in 1782, on Sunday morning, March 10, 1782,
Fanning and his mob of cut-throats came to Balfour’s farm, now just south of the
landing strip of the Asheboro municipal airport. Balfour tried to flee but was shot in the
arm, was forced to the house where his daughter and sister clung to him. Fanning
pulled the women away and set their feet on them while they shot Col. Balfour several
more times.

A neighbor, Stephen Cole, was a witness to the murder and gave the facts to a court
held in Hillsborough, NC. And a Randolph County man by the name Frederick Smith,
one of the Tories, was found guilty and later hanged. Why Fanning allowed Cole to
witness the murder and not be harmed is not known. This is paraphrased from a
chapter in Carruthers  History.

Although Col. Balfour lived in America a little over ten years and in Randolph County a
little less then half that time, he made his mark, as well he should, and we are justly
proud to bear his name. A family cemetery on Doul Mountain Road just south of the
Asheboro airport contains Col. Balfour’s grave along with four others: his widow
Elizabeth Dayton Balfour, Andrew Balfour, Jr., Margaret Balfour Hughes, daughter of
Col. Balfour and Margaret Balfour, sister of Col. Balfour. His daughter Tribby is buried
in Liberty.

Dr. Wesley Long of Greensboro (after whom the hospital is named) is a direct
descendent of Col. Balfour. Also is Col. Guy K. Troy of Liberty. I talked to him at the
dedication of the Balfour grave markers on October 19, 1997 and ask him if he would
come and tell us the Balfour story in more detail. He said he would be glad to do it for
us. Apparently, at one time Masons may have kept up the family grave but it was
allowed to fall in disrepair. A friend of mine, Brian Hardin, cleaned and cleared the lot
and the graves as his Eagle Scout project in 1997. I recommend that you go to see it.


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Balfour Lodge History
Balfour Lodge #188 AF & AM
Chartered December 2, 1856 - Grand Lodge of North Carolina
Balfour Masonic Temple
632 Sunset Ave.
Asheboro, NC  27203
(336) 625-5363
info@balfourlodge.com
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