His release is accredited to ggggg grandma...

"On October 12, 1776, his wife, Sylvania Aldridge York, petitioned the Council of Safety, sitting at Halifax, North Carolina, seeking his release in order to provide for his family. Semore committed the worst possible act when he lead the king's troops against the patriots at Moore's Creek in 1776, yet he was eventually released from prison, retained his property and received his citizenship. This indicates he was able to atone for his loyalty to the crown during the early months of the war. It also indicates he possessed that rare ability of being able to stand firm in his convictions without losing the respect of his opponents and his children, who were patriots."

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David Upton