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One of the most prominent settlers in the area now known as Lenoir County was Dr. Francis Stringer. A native of Virginia, he was the son of Dr. Thomas and Mary Stringer. His great-grandfather was Dr. John Stringer who was prominent in the affairs of Accomac and Northampton County in Virginia until his death in 1655. Dr. Stringer came to the area in 1737 and began operating a ferry across the Neuse River, some two miles east of present-day Kinston. He was undoubtedly the first physician to practice medicine in this remote frontier. In those days, the practice of medicine was passed down from generation to generation and Dr. Stringer was of the fourth generation of doctors in the Stringer family. Dr. Stringer was also a justice of the peace and served a number of terms in the General Assembly. He was married to the former Hannah Shine (sometimes Susannah), the sister of John and Daniel Shine. They had a daughter, Elizabeth. Dr. Stringer left a will written January 8, 1749. He died in 1753. Perhaps because he was a physician and could be consulted by travelers, his ferry became the most popular river crossing in the region, serving land traffic from all directions. Two other ferries were operated on the Neuse, one by Abraham Taylor and the other by John Irons. Dr. Stringer's home was a popular meeting place of the day whenever official business affecting settlers was to be discussed. in 1746, such business was at hand. Source: Kinston - 200 Year Anniversary Robert Potts was a witness to a deed on April 16, 1740 between Dr. Francis Stringer and James Lord "bordering Robert Potts property." Dr. Stringer was a very influential man in his day and perhaps Robert named his own son in his honor. Back to Home Page |