Malcolm McCourry (MacQuarrie) was born on the Scottish island of Islay in 1741, kidnapped at the age of 10, and made to serve on the crew of a sailing ship. Around 1759 he turned up in Morris County,  N.J.  where he apprenticed himself to a lawyer, finally becoming an attorney himself. 

During the Revolutionary War, Malcolm McCourry served as quartermaster for the Morris Militia. Many military historians believe the most consequential battle of his unit “was the battle of Springfield, where the attempt of Knyphausen to reach Morristown was met and foiled principally by militia.”

After the war, Malcolm left his life and law practice in New Jersey to homestead on the North Carolina frontier,  where he took a second wife and raised another family. He died in 1829 in Yancey County, NC. His many descendants include acclaimed bluegrass musician Del McCoury and novelist Sharyn McCrumb. 

Historical note:  George Washington and the Continental Army spent two winters in Morristown (1776-77 and 1779-80).  It was during January 1777 at Morristown that Washington ordered his troops to be inoculated against smallpox.  Many historians credit that action with helping the Americans win the war.