There was an article in Knoxville News Sentinel, September 30, 1990. This article traces his roots back to Scotland. James White came to Knoxville in 1786. His background has been well documented because of his career as an Indian fighter and Revolutionary War solider. James White was a captain in the North Carolina militia from 1779-81 and later was a member of the Third Convention of the State of Franklin. In 1790, James White was commissioned a captain by William Blount, who was then territorial governor of all the land south of the Ohio River. In 1791, Gov, Blount gave White's Fort the name Knoxville and made it the seat of territorial government. James White married Polly (Mary) Lawson, April 4, 1770. They had 4 children-Hugh Lawson,Margaret, Moses III, and Melinda.