East Tennessee is part of Appalachia. At the end of the French and Indian War, colonists began drifting into the area. In 1769, they first settled along the Watauga River. During the Revolution, the Overmountain Men defeated British loyalists at the Battle of Kings Mountain. The State of Franklin was formed in the 1780s, but never admitted to the Union.
David Looney was born about 1735 in Augusta (now Rockbridge) County, Virginia. He was the son of Robert and Elizabeth Looney.
Robert Looney (1752),
Joseph Looney (1755)
Anna Looney (1758, married John Vaughn),
Mary Looney (1761, married Jeremiah Taylor),
Sarah Looney (1764, married Samuel Gregg),
Julia Looney (1767),
Janie Looney (1770, married Samuel Caruthers),
David Looney, Jr. (1777),
Abraham Looney (1780, married Elizabeth Gammon).
They lived on Muddy Creek, two miles above the Holston River. David built a blockhouse.