This page is intended to support the National Society Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR) goal of establishing biographies on verified/documented SAR Patriots.
- This page is intended to provide a digital community biography data base for NSSAR verified patriot forefathers of chapter members, DAR members and community nonmembers. The Patriot biographies must also be submitted to, and approved by, the NSSAR for inclusion in the NSSAR Patriot Data Base. Click on the the NSSAR URL link below to submit your Bio.
- This page is also intended to provide a data base of biographies of nationally important American Revolution patriots that have received minimal presentation throughout the years. Compatriots and DAR members may submit digital biographies in this category.
- This page is also intended to assist our area teachers of American Revolution history, as well as, provide the students with an insight into the patriots of their neighbors, many of which are from South Carolina.
https://www.sar.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Patriot-Graves-and-Biographies-Report-2020v1.pdf
As the initial patriot entry in “Patriot Bios”, we wish to salute the DAR members that support our Godfrey Dreher Chapter meetings. Every Daughter of the American Revolution knows this patriot!…….Read and learn….
Index of Patriot Biographies
“IF YOU DESIRE TO READ ABOUT A SPECIFIC PATRIOT, JUST “CLICK” ON THE NAME BELOW’
JOHN BAGNAL
SAR # P-330344
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot J. Nelson McLeod, SAR # 207511
John Bagnal was born April 15, 1758 – Died February 24, 1825 Clarendon County, South Carolina
State of Service: South Carolina
Service Details:
314 days militia duty as a horseman in 1780 & 1781.
(South Carolina Indented Certificate)
Entered service of the United States in 1780 and continued therein until the close of the war in 1783. He was a member of Captain Daniel Conyers company of light dragoons under the command of General Francis Marion of the State of South Carolina. He was in the battles of Wadboo, Georgetown, Black River, Fort Watson, Fort Motte, and Monks Corner.
(Statement by son John Belton Bagnal on August 4, 1856)
Buried Oliver-Bagnal-Johnson Cemetery near Manning, South Carolina near intersection of SC 261 and South Brewington Road.
33 41 16 80 03 08
Small black sign on North side of SC 261 marks dirt drive to cemetery.
Married Mary Belton of Camden, South Carolina
John Bagnal was born on April 15, 1758 and was the son of Irish immigrants John Bagnal and Polly Royal Spry Bagnal. John was likely born in Saint Mark’s Parish, South Carolina in the Brewington area near the confluence of the Black and Pocotaligo Rivers in what is now eastern Clarendon County. John served in the Revolution in Captain Daniel Conyers’ company of Light Dragoons under General Francis Marion. He participated in the battles of Black River (Maybe Tearcoat Swamp 25 Oct 1780), , Georgetown (January 24, 1781), Fort Watson (April 1781), Fort Motte (May 1781), Moncks Corner (November 17, 1781), and Wadboo (August 29, 1782).
Mills Atlas of Sumter District 1825
In 1792, John was mentioned in a plat of Robert Waring for 5,000 acres on Junk Yard Bay.
On December 24, 1795, John married Mary Belton (November 26, 1767-January 10, 1841) of Camden, daughter of John and Mary English Belton. John Belton was a Deputy Surveyor under the Royal Government and a Tory Officer after the surrender of Charleston in 1780. John and Mary rode horses from their wedding in Camden to their new home near Brewington.
John and Mary were the parents of:
John Belton Bagnal (October 6, 1796-November 15, 1796)
Jane Angier Bagnal (April 25, 1798) who married William Montgomery
Rebecca Bagnal (October 17, 1799) who married Gabriel Plowden
Isaac Bagnal (May 7, 1802-April 5, 1880) married (1) Ann Eliza Pendergrass (2) Margaret Ann Burgess
John Belton Bagnal (October 15, 1803-March 9, 1886) married Harriet Matilda Pack
Ann Elizabeth Bagnal (June 8, 1806-September 25, 1835)
A plat was prepared for John in 1818 for 585 acres on Long Bay and Black River in Sumter District.
John died February 24, 1825 and is buried in the Oliver-Bagnal-Johnson Cemetery in Clarendon County.
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WILLIAM BRUNSON SR.
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot J. Nelson McLeod, SAR # 207511
William Brunson was probably born before 1745 in that portion of The District Eastward of Wateree River that became Saint Mark’s Parish (1757-1769), Camden District (1769-1800), the original Clarendon County (1785-1800), Sumter District (1800-1855), and modern-day Clarendon County (1855-present).
The Brunson family had settled in Dorchester, South Carolina in 1696 and the fourth generation of Brunsons in South Carolina provided most of the Patriot soldiers. There were as many as nineteen Brunson men from Saint Mark’s Parish who served in the Revolution including as many as five William Brunsons. Five Brunsons-Isaac, Charles, Moses, George, and William-sometime after the Battle of Lexington in April of 1775 signed the Articles of Association for the District East of the Wateree.
William enlisted in Captain William Fullwood’s Company of the Little River District Regiment beginning in September of 1775. This company participated in the Snow Campaign in November and December of 1775 marching from Granby (near Cayce, South Carolina) through modern Lexington, Saluda, Greenwood, Laurens, and Greenville Counties and dispersing the Tories of Colonel Thomas Fletchall’s Ninety-Six District Loyalist Militia near Fair Forest Creek.
William served in Captain James McCauley’s Company of Light Horse as a Sergeant for 210 days. This company was assigned to the Kingstree Regiment in 1780 and 1781, assigned to Horry’s Light Dragoons in 1781, and assigned to the South Carolina 4th Regiment of State Dragoons in 1781 and 1782. Captain James McCauley’s Company participated in the Siege of Charlestown (March-May 1780), The Battle of Halfway Swamp (December 12, 1780), The Battle of Georgetown (January 24, 1781), The Battle of Wyboo Swamp (March 6, 1781), The Siege of Fort Motte (May 12, 1781), The Battle of Quinby Bridge (July 17, 1781), The Battle of Shubrick’s Plantation (July 17, 1781), and the Battle of Moncks Corner (October 16, 1782).
William Brunson Senior married Elizabeth (probably Elizabeth Davis) and they were the parents of at least three sons: James Brunson (born about 1780), David (born January 7, 1783), and Benjamin.
On September 22,1831 William’s wife Elizabeth deed property to her grandchildren.
1775 Plat for William Brunson for 50 acres in Craven County on the waters of the Black River. This could be one of several William Brunsons living in the area.
Copy of the Articles of Association for the District East of the Wateree
“The actual commencement of Hostilities against This Continent, by the British Troops in the bloody Scene on the 19 th of April last, near Boston the Increase of arbitrary Impositions from a wicked and despotic Ministry—and the Dread of—Insurrections in the Colonies, are Causes sufficient to drive an oppressed People to the use of Arms: We therefore the Subscribers, Inhabitants of South Carolina, holding ourselves bound by that most Sacred of all Obligations, the Duty of good Citizens towards an injured Country, and thoroughly convinced, that, under our present distressful Circumstances, we shall be Justified before God and Man, in resisting Force by Force; Do united ourselves under every Tie of Religion and of honor and associate as a Band in her Defense against every Foe. Hereby solemnly engaging that, whenever our Continental or Provincial Councils shall decree it necessary, we will go forth and be ready to sacrifice our Lives and Fortunes to secure her Freedom and Safety. This obligation to Continue in full Force until a Reconciliation shall take place between Great Britain and America, upon constitutional Principles—an Event which is most ardently desire. And we will hold all those Persons inimical to the Liberty of the Colonies, who shall refuse to subscribe this Association—”
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MARGARET COCHRAN CORBIN
Margaret Cochran was born in Western Pennsylvania on November 12, 1751 in what is now Franklin County. Her parents were Robert Cochran, a Scots-Irish mmigrant, and his wife, Sarah. In 1756, when Margaret was five years old, her parents were attacked by Native Americans. Her father was killed, and her mother was kidnapped, never to be seen again — Margaret and her brother, John, escaped the raid because they were not at home. Margaret lived with her uncle for the rest of her childhood. In 1772, at the age of 21, Margaret married a Virginia farmer named John Corbin.
at Fort Tryon Park, New York
When the war began, John enlisted in the First Company of Pennsylvania Artillery as a matross, an artilleryman who was one of the members of a cannon crew. As was common at the time for wives of soldiers, Margaret became acamp follower, accompanying John during his enlistment. She joined many other wives in cooking, washing, and caring for the wounded soldiers. She acquired the nickname “Molly Pitcher” (as did many other women who served in the war) by bringing water during fighting, both for thirsty soldiers and to cool overheated cannons.
On November 16, 1776, Fort Washington, where John’s company was part of the garrison left behind when General Washington retreated with theContinental Army to White Plains, New York, was attacked by the British. John Corbin was in charge of firing a small cannon at the top of a ridge, today known as Fort Tryon Park. During an assault by the Hessians, John was killed, leaving his cannon unmanned. Margaret had been with her husband on the battlefield the entire time, and, after witnessing his death, she immediately took his place at the cannon, continuing to fire until her arm, chest, and jaw were hit by enemy fire. The British ultimately won the Battle of Fort Washington, resulting in the surrender of Margaret and her comrades and the taking of the last American position in New York City. As the equivalent of a wounded soldier, Margaret was released by the British on parole.
In 1926, The New York State Chapter of the Daughters of the American revolution (DAR) verified Margaret’s records and recognized her heroism and service to the United States through the papers of General Henry Knox. Remains, believed to be hers, were exhumed and re-interred with full military honors at the cemetery of the United States Military Academy at West Point behind the Old Cadet Chapel in the West Point Cemetery. The Margaret Corbin Monument was erected by the DAR at the gravesite. However, a 2017 archeological study revealed that the remains that had been moved were not those of Corbin, but rather an unknown male. The location of Corbin’s remains is unknown.
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JOHN CAROTHERS
SAR# P-128777
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot Warren Woodrow Carothers, SAR #146886.
John Carothers (1755-1838) was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and was the third son of John and Sarah Neely Carothers. He married first Mary Vance (1764-1785) and second Esther Sample (1765-1818). John served in the Revolution with his brothers James (1750-1836) and Robert (1750-1837) in the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Militia under Colonel Robert Ervin. They were in the Battle of Hanging Rock (for details of the battle, please reference article below). James and Robert had previously settled in Mecklenburg County on 150-acre farms given to them by their father who had purchased the land from his brother Hugh of Mecklenburg. John also had a large farm as recorded in his will. His family remained in Mecklenburg County until after WWI. Reference is made to his military pension file S8182. John and Mary Vance Carothers are buried at Steele Creek as are her parents David Vance (1736-1800) and Ruth Wilson Vance.
Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery
South Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
It should be noted that Patriot James Carothers’ family moved to York County in 1803 to settle on1000 acres of land leased from the Catawba Indians in the India Hook section. Patriot Robert’s family moved to Tennessee. Many of the Carothers of Tennessee are descended from Robert Carothers.
The following Battle of Hanging Rock article was compiled by
Warren W. Carothers
For genealogists: Family names mentioned in the article include: Carothers, Neely, Erwin, Irvin, Alexander, Davie, Richardson, McDowell, Jackson, Sumter, Buford, and Tarleton.
The Battle of Hanging Rock was a timely but small victory in the fight against the British in South Carolina. Charles Town fell to the British on May 12, 1780. Seventeen days later British General Banastre Tarleton slaughtered Abraham Buford’s colonials six miles east of Lancaster at Waxhaw Creek. Until the Tarleton slaughter, many of the up state Scotch-Irish were neutral in the conflict. The Battle of Hanging Rock was an indication of the growing strength of the colonials. The Battle of Fishing Creek, also in August, was a small defeat for the Colonials. The Battle of Kings Mountain, which occurred only two months later, is recognized as the turning point of the War. It was fought October 1780.
The Battle of Hanging Rock was fought August 5th, 1780 in what is now Lancaster County, South Carolina. Thomas Sumter’s forces attacked the British at dawn. For the British units there were the Prince of Whales’ American Regiment, the Loyalists of the North Carolina Volunteers under Major Carden, and also regular British troops. Of 181 officers and men of the PWAR that had taken the field that day, 93 were dead, wounded or missing. The Royal North Carolina lost 50 officers and men. Sumter’s loses were twelve killed and 41 wounded although the colonials were outnumbered two to one. This would have been a complete victory for the patriots had they not started looting the stores of the British Camp that included their alcohol stores. An interesting item to remember about this battle is it was the first battle that thirteen-year-old Andrew Jackson fought in.
The battle site, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is about a mile and a half from this huge outcropping of rock above Hanging Rock Creek. This historic area includes the site of James Ingram’s house and is about three miles south of Heath Springs off Highway No. 58. The property is owned by the State of South Carolina but has not been developed as a battle site. The site is difficult to locate unless you know where it is. Some of the area has been vandalized.
William McDowell and Major William R. Davie were commanders of part of the colonial forces from South Carolina that surprised the British force and killed or wounded most of them. William Richardson Davie was born in England in 1756 and came to the Waxhaws in 1764 were his uncle, William Richardson, was a pastor. Davie’s tombstone marker and grave are at the Waxhaws Presbyterian Church cemetery. He served as Governor of North Carolina and was founder of the University of North Carolina. His plantation was named Tivoli at Landsford in Chester County, South Carolina, and was the assembly point for the colonials. He died in 1820.
Colonel Robert Erwin commanded the Mecklenburg North Carolina Militia in the Battle of Hanging Rock. He was the son of William Erwin and was born August 20, 1738, in Chester, Pennsylvania, and died December 23, 1800, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He is buried at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. He married Mary Alexander, who was born in 1754, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. In the Battle of Hanging Rock, the center consisted of Colonel Irwin’s Mecklenburg Militia that made the first attack.
Participating in the Mecklenburg Militia were the Carothers brothers: Robert, James, and John – sons of John Carothers and Sarah Neely of Pennsylvania. The three brothers are documented as recipients of U. S. Government pensions for their service in this battle. The Ervin (Irvin) name has been used for many generations in the Carothers family. This is an indication of the high regard the family had for Colonel Robert Ervin (later promoted to General), their military leader as well as community leader and Presbyterian Elder.
Reference is made to U. S. Pension Application #8182 and also to Soldiers from North Carolina in the Revolutionary War. Also refer to D.A.R. National File numbered 532103.
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JOSHUA JONES
SAR # P-334923
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot Don Jones, SAR # 188460
Joshua Jones was born circa 1748 and, between the ages of 2 and 7, sailed with his family to the colonies from Ireland to begin a new life and escape both political and religious persecutions. The journey was long and frightening moving to an unknown land and not knowing what would happen upon arrival. But, like many thousands before them, the family arrived and began a new life.
Joshua’s family settled along Priddy’s Creek in Albemarle County, VA. This part of Priddy’s Creek lay around 15 miles north of the old town of Charlottesville. The area was rich in fertile farming land and, for most people during the time, farming was a common way of life. The Jones family thrived in the area and owned around 720 acres on Priddy’s Creek.
While living there, Joshua met Elender Medley who lived in Culpepper which was located just south of the village of Petersburg. Around the late 1760’s to early 1770’s, Joshua married her and began their new life together on Priddy’s Creek. (The first water mill on the creek was built in 1742 by Thomas Jefferson’s father, Peter Jefferson.)
However, Joshua didn’t live long in Burke and eventually moved to Wilkes Co., NC which was only a short distance away. His brother, Russell, had already settled there. Joshua took another Oath of Allegiance in 1780 when he received a 200 acre land grant on Middle Fork of King’s Creek.
Between late 1777 or 1778, Joshua decided to move his family, along with his brother Russell, into the frontier counties of Burke Co. and Wilkes Co., NC. By this time, Joshua had three sons and a daughter. First settling on land in Burke Co., he eventually entered into a land grant for 200 acres on Gunpowder Creek and took an Oath of Allegiance.
There are said to have been almost as many Tories as Whigs in this section of the State. King’s Creek, reportedly, was the home of a number of Loyalists who had a drilling field there…After the war there was much resentment toward the Tories and most of them were forced to flee from their homes and land, either selling them for almost nothing or having them confiscated by Whigs.
The Revolutionary War affected all families in some shape or form and, like many, both Joshua and his brother, Russell, were patriots and believed in the cause of liberty. In Pat Alderman’s book “The Overmountain Men”, it lists Joshua Jones as being wounded in the Battle of King’s Mountain. Like many of Joshua’s surrounding neighbors, they accepted the call and aided as part of the militia in a time of need. After that battle, he and his brother joined Col. Malmedy’s Regiment and participated in several more well-known battles. (Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, Eutaw Springs, etc.)
After the war, Joshua and his family moved to the Misty Blue Mountains of Buncombe County, NC around 1795. He was around the age of 47. In 1803, he purchased 300 acres above the mouth of Hominy Creek. In 1810, he purchased an additional 300 acres that included a saw and a grist mill. In 1819, he obtained another 320 acres from his son Russell (who moved to TN) and his son William.
BILTMORE ESTATES, NC
In 1819, Joshua and Elender’s home was near the mouth of Hominy Creek at the French Broad River. Both of them lived out the rest of their lives in the beautiful mountains. Both passed away circa 1839 and are buried on a knoll above Long Branch and the French Broad on land now owned by the Biltmore Estate.
In 1841, twenty-nine heirs signed a deed transferring a tract of land west of the French Broad, including the mouth of Hominy Creek, to John Reynolds of Buncombe. Several children and grandchildren of Joshua and Elender still lived on farms in the rich valley along the north and south sides of the creek in west Buncombe Co. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that part of Joshua’s original land became a part of George Vanderbilt’s wide-ranging preserve and Biltmore Estate.
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WILLIAM GRIFFIN
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot J. Nelson McLeod, SAR # 207511
William was born about 1754 to Joseph and Ann Elders Griffin who lived in an area that would become part of Saint Mark’s Parish in 1757 and has been located in Clarendon County since 1855.
William enlisted in 1776 in the South Carolina Fourth Regiment of Artillery commanded by Colonel Owen Roberts. The Fourth South Carolina participated in the following battles: Fort Moultrie (June 28, 1776), Fort Morris, Georgia (January 6-10, 1779), Fort Lyttleton (February 1, 1779), Port Royal Island (February 3, 1779), Georgetown (February 21, 1779), Briar Creek, Georgia (March 3, 1779), Georgetown (March 6, 1779), Purrysburg (April 29, 1779), Charleston Neck (May 11, 1779), Stono Ferry (June 20, 1779), Siege of Savannah, Georgia (September 16-October 18, 1779), Savannah, Georgia (December 29, 1779), and the Siege of Charleston (March 28-May 12, 1780). William was a matross (or assistant gunner) in Captain Harman Davis’s Company.
At the battle of Stono Ferry on June 20, 1779, a British shell ignited an ammunition chest and William received a “deplorable injury” that led to his total blindness by 1807. Colonel Roberts received a mortal wound there and as he lay dying handed his sword to his son Captain Richard Roberts.
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FREDERICK HAMBRIGHT
SAR# P-173655
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot Warren Woodrow Carothers, SAR #146886.
Born Freiderick Hamprecht in Neunstetten, Germany, May 17, 1727 (d. May, 1817), eleven year old Frederick Hambright and family arrived in Philadelphia in 1738. The Hambrights’ traveled westward and settled in Lancaster County, PA.
In the 1750’s, Frederick traveled south to the Carolinas arriving in Anson County, later to become Tryon and later Lincoln County.
There are numerous references to Frederick Hambright’s civil and patriotic services in official North Carolina records. A signer of the Tryon Resolves in 1775, he was appointed as a representative for Tryon County at the Third Provincial Congress held at Hillsboro, August, 1775. He served as a captain in the 1776 campaign against the Cherokee Indians and was made Lt. Colonel in 1779. He entered the Revolutionary War in 1777 serving in several campaigns prior to distinguishing himself on October 7, 1780 as the Commander of the Lincoln County Militia at the Battle of Kings Mountain. Near the close of the battle, Hambright had already received three bullets through his hat, and was shot through his thigh. He was urged to quit the fight, but preferring to remain in his saddle, he encouraged his men to continue the fight, calling out in his German accent, “Huzza, my “prave poys”, fight on a few minutes more, and the battle will be over!”
In February 1781, the North Carolina General Assembly resolved, “ … that an elegant mounted sword” be presented to each of the senior officers who had been at Kings Mountain. By inadvertence, Hambright did not receive his sword. The sword which is displayed at the Kings Mountain National Park Museum is Col. Hambright’s personal sword that he used throughout his military career. In 1980, the N.C. General Assembly voted to present a replica of the Overmountain Men pistol to Hambright descendants.
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RICHARD HARVIN
SAR # P- 176861
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot J. Nelson McLeod, SAR # 207511
Richard Harvin was born on August 13, 1746, the son of Richard and Lucy Harvin. The elder Richard Harvin settled in South Carolina about 1740. Richard and Lucy were the parents of Richard and John Harvin, both Revolutionary War Patriots. Richard and John owned land in Saint Marks Parish (now in Clarendon County) by 1771.
Richard appears on the roll of the Company or Troop of Light Horse embodied under the command of Captain Matthew Singleton, of Saint Marks Parish, on the High Hills of Santee, which was out on the Provincial Service of South Carolina under the command of Colonel Richard Richardson commencing 13 September 1775 and discharged 22 September.
Roll of Captain Matthew Singleton’s Company of Light Horse
Richard also supplied provisions for the Continental forces and likely for the militia.
Stub indent for compensation for provisions
Richard married Frances Ragin on August 13, 1775. They were the parents of:
1. James Edward Harvin (17 May 1776-20 Nov 1821)
2. Richard Harvin, III (10 Jan 1778-Feb 1827)
3. Charles Harvin (12 Oct 1779-Apr 1836)
4. Nancy (Ann) Harvin (born 1 Nov 1781)
5. John Harvin (15 Oct 1783-12 March 1870)
6. William R Harvin, (29 Mar 1786-11 May 1857)
7. Tabitha Lucy Elizabeth Harvin (19 May 1789-12 Dec 1807)
8. Thomas E. Harvin (27 Aug 1790-11 Jun 1809)
9. Samuel Harvin (born 11 Nov 1793-1 November 1860)
10. Sarah J. Harvin 28 Jan 1796-17 May 1830)
Richard wrote his will on December 12, 1807 and bequeath over 2,900 acres near Sammy Swamp, Jacks Creek, and Big Branch to his wife and sons and bequeath four houses and five lots in Sumterville (present Sumter) to his two living daughters.
Richard died on December 15, 1807 and is buried near Alcolu in the Harvin Hodge Cemetery.
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JAMES NELSON
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot J. Nelson McLeod SAR # 207511
James Nelson was born in Orange County, North Carolina on August 6, 1748. He moved to Millbuck, four miles from Winnsborough (later Winnsboro) in Fairfield County, South Carolina before the Revolution. He continued to live there until at least 1832 and probably for the rest of his life.
He served in the following actions as he describes them in his pension application of November 1832 (when he was 84 years old):
“1st That he served as a private soldier in the Florida expedition, in the year as he believes 1778. Capt. John Woodward commanded the Company in Col. John Winn commanded the [Fairfield] Regiment [of Militia]. Capt. Woodward and his Company joined the expedition at Augusta, was stationed there some time and then marched on to the Ogeechee [River June 22, 1778] at [Royal] Governor [James] Wright’s plantation, Georgia. There an eclipse of the sun took place, nearly total at that place [June 24th, 1778]. Thence marched to St. Mary’s, the British Fort on the St. Mary’s then burning [June 29th?]. General Williamson [Andrew Williamson] was one of the Militia commanders. Was out in this tour 3 months, and until discharged by his Capt. [Florida expedition of May-July 1778]
2nd Was in a tour of duty when Major Maxfield [Loyalist Major Andrew Maxwell] commanded the Fort at Congaree [Fort Granby], was drafted to join Capt. John Taylor [Camden District Regiment], did join his Company at the Fort, and kept the British there until a detachment of artillery from General Greene’s Army [commanded by Light Horse Harry Lee] arrived when the Fort surrendered [. Capt. Thomas Taylor (still alive now known as Col. Taylor) was present at the surrender {May 15, 1781]. Was about 3 weeks and this term.
3rd Was in a tour of duty under Capt. John Woodward destined for Orangeburg was stopped in the three runs in Orangeburg District by orders received. The enemy had been dispersed or driven back by the Militia thinks the British were commanded by Col. Cruger [John Harris Cruger] was out 3 weeks in this tour.
4th Was in a tour of duty under Capt. Kemp Straher [Captain Kemp T Strother of the Camden District Regiment] Capt. James Craig [Camden District Regiment] commanded one company and Col. Henry Hunter was commander of the whole detachment. Took Capt. Dick Smith a Tory Capt. and his men prisoners on Crane Creek Richland District. Deponent served in a number of other tours of duty all under Capt. John Woodward, but does [not] now recollect the dates nor particulars
5th Was in one tour against the Cherokee Indians on the Enoree [River], where Major McCanty [Maybe Major Samuel Cantey of the Camden District Regiment who was promoted just before being killed in 1776] of the American Militia was mortally wounded, and 9 Indians killed, and the remainder dispersed Col. McCarty was shot by a wounded Indian. The Indian was lying on the ground and as Col. McCarty passed he raised partly from the ground and shot him.
6th Was out 3 weeks in this tour was in a tour to Augusta 3 months. General Williamson commanded. Deponent never expecting to make an application of this nature, has taken no memorandum of the length of time he served in all, but is pretty satisfied and believes he served in the different terms he performed 12 months and such is the impression resting in his mind, perhaps he served some longer but is satisfied it was not less.”
In June of 1833, James further stated:
“[He] served other tours of duty not mentioned in the declaration or in this deposition. He was on a tour of duty to the Four Holds [Four Holes] in Orangeburg District South Carolina John Woodward Capt. of the Company & along and Col. John Winn commanded the Regiment or Col. Goodwyn. Both were there and is uncertain which commanded. Was out a long trip this time. [Maybe one of the actions that took place at Four Holes swamp in April, June, and July of 1781]. Was o n a tour to Saltketcher {Salkehatchie] South Carolina [perhaps the action at Fort Saltketcher or Barton’s Post at Red Hill on May 12, 1781] not long before the Eutaw battle [Battle of Eutaw Springs September 8, 1781]. John Woodward commanded the company. Thinks Col. John Winn commanded the Regiment but cannot speak with certainty. Was gone a long tour this time. On this and the tour to the Four Holes deponent believes he served fully 6 months. Deponent served some other tours not now recollected he was out a great deal in the Revolutionary War as a soldier, and these 2 last tours have been recalled to his recollection by conversation and incidents mentioned whilst making this deposition. That by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory which has failed greatly within a few years, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, nor to the dates but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods above, in the grade of a private to wit in all 15 months and 21 days, and for such service deponent claims a pension and believes he served a longer.”
In 1784, James recorded a plat for 127 acres in Camden District.
James married first Margaret Woodward, daughter of Captain Thomas and Jemima Collins Woodward. They were the parents of Samuel Nelson.
James married Margaret O’Daniel (or Daniel) Turner in 1788. Margaret had a son, William Turner, by her first husband. Margaret and James were the parents of John Nelson (c 1889-1834), Jesse Nelson (1790), Ann Nelson Watson (-1823), Mary Nelson Kennedy, Catherine Nelson Delanny, Thomas Nelson, Daniel Nelson (1794-1883), James Nelson, and Harriet Nelson Shedd.
In 1801 James and four others petitioned the South Carolina Legislature to incorporate The Regular Baptist Society in the Fairfield District.
In 1832, James applied for a pension. James was awarded an annual pension of $29.66 in thanks for his documented service of eight months and twenty-seven days as a private in the South Carolina militia.
James wrote his will on May 15, 1833.
James Nelson died on May 28th, 1835. His widow, Margaret Turner Nelson, died in July of 1845.
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JOSEPH PACK
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot J. Nelson McLeod SAR # 207511
Joseph Pack was born about 1748 in England. Family legend says that he was an illegitimate cousin of King George III and that he was granted a large tract of land by the King. The large land grant does not seem to be recorded in State records. There are two modest grants recorded:
Joseph recorded a plat for 350 acres in Craven County on September 27, 1767 on Rocky Branch of Tyger River. The grant was recorded on March 22, 1769. His land was transferred to Philemon Waters of Newberry County (future Colonel of the New Acquisition District Regiment of South Carolina Militia) who mortgaged it in 1786.
Joseph recorded a plat for 100 acres on Cedar Shoal Creek of Enoree River in Craven County on June 17, 1769 and received a grant on July 13, 1770.
Joseph married Louisa Alexander and they were the parents of twelve children. Joseph and Louisa settle in modern Clarendon County, South Carolina. The community that grew up around their home was called Packsville. The name of the town was changed in 1902 due to confusion with the town of Parksville and the problem with items being shipped to the wrong town.
Joseph served in the South Carolina Militia for thirty-five days in 1782. This is the only known record of his service. Perhaps he tried to remain neutral in the conflict and was required to serve in the Patriot Militia as the fighting in South Carolina ended.
Joseph Pack’s Indented Certificate for 35 days Militia Duty in 1782.
Joseph wrote his will on August 5, 1816. He leaves land to his six sons and six daughters:
Isham Pack 295 acres, John Pack 350 acres, Sarah and Thomas Mims 350 acres, Nancy and Martin Bird 404 acres, Joseph Pack 707 acres, Rebecca Pack 300 acres, Mary Pack 200 acres, Dorcas and Spires Broom 300 acres, William Pack 237 acres, Benjamin Pack 200 acres, Alexander Pack 200 acres, and Martha Pack 220 acres. This totals 3,763 acres.
The will was recorded on December 10, 1827 indicating that Joseph died shortly before then.
Sumter District from Mills Atlas 1825 showing “Jas. Peck” at the current site of Paxville
Joseph Pack’s gravestone in the Paxville Cemetery, Clarendon County, South Carolina
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BENJAMIN RAWLINSON
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot J. Nelson McLeod SAR # 207511
Benjamin Rawlinson was born about 1745 probably in North Carolina, the son of Benjamin Rawlinson, Sr who was born October 12, 1727 In Kent County, Maryland.
Benjamin Rawlinson obtained a Royal Grant for 200 acres situated in the fork of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers in South Carolina on March 11, 1768. On February 13, 1770 he obtained an additional 100 acres in the fork of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. Other members of his family settled and acquired land in the same area that would become Richland County.
Benjamin Rawlinson; his brothers John, William, George, and Richard; and his brother-in-law Gideon Griffin (husband of Benjamin’s sister Patience) all served in the militia in the American Revolution. The youngest brother James was born about 1863 and made a statement in 1850 that his five brothers had served in the Revolution.
Benjamin, George, and Richard served in Captain John Cook’s Company of the Camden District Regiment, South Carolina Militia, commanded by Colonel Thomas Taylor. Benjamin served under Lieutenant William Pearson as a foot soldier. He served October 19, 1781 to December 19, 1781 at Orangeburg, South Carolina. He also served from April 1, 1782 to May 1, 1872 at Orangeburg. He was a wagoner and repaired wagons during the War.
He was a farmer and blacksmith. He married and his wife name is not known. They were the parents of a daughter Joanna and sons George, Benjamin, John, and Samuel.
In his 1810 will he requested his estate be divided between his three sons, Benjamin, Samuel and John and his daughter, Johanna Martin. His will provided that his son George and his wife Christine, have the use of his plantation that was his home consisting of 200 acres during their life and at their decease sold to the highest bidder and divided among his remaining heirs. the names of his daughters-in-law are shown in the will. The estate was finally settled in 1835 at the death of his son George.
Benjamin Rawlinson died in Richland County, South Carolina in May 1810. The location of his grave is unknown but he was likely buried in a family cemetery on his property.
Benjamin Rawlinson plat for 200 acres between the Congaree and Wateree Rivers in 1768
Benjamin Rawlinson’s statement of service as a footman under Lieutenant William Pearson
Statement signed by Benjamin Rawlinson
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WILLIAM RIDGEWAY
Patriot ancestor of Compatriot J. Nelson McLeod SAR # 207511
William Ridgeway was born on June 21, 1746 in Virginia to Samuel and Mary Bellomy Ridgeway. William and other members of his family moved to South Carolina.
William married Margaret Hilton on August 9, 1767 by Parson Charles Woodmason. Woodmason was an English born Anglican minister who served the large Saint Marks Parish from 1766 until 1772 and made regular preaching visits to twenty-five locations in the parish. Margaret or, as she was called, Peggy was born May 24, 1751. They were the parents of James (born 1768), Richard (1769), Hope (a son, born 1772), Moses (1774), Mary (1776), Timothy (1778), Amy (1780), Peggy (1784), William (1786), Elizabeth (1788), and Lydia (1790).
In 1772, William was granted 300 acres in Craven County on Big Branch of Jacks Creek. A portion of this land became the Town of Manning, the new seat of the revived Clarendon County, in 1855.
During the Revolution, William served in Captain William Dukes’ Company of Berkeley County Militia of General Francis Marion’s Command. William had three brothers who served in the Revolution: Captain John Ridgeway, Hope Ridgeway, and Samuel Ridgeway. John Ridgeway was a Captain in the Little River District Regiment and was at the Battles of Musgrove’s Mill (August 18, 1780), Long Canes (December 12, 1780), Hammond’s Store (December 29, 1780), Williams’s Plantation (December 30, 1780), Cowpens (January 17, 1781), Guilford Court House (March 15, 1781), and Bush River (May 21, 1781). He was killed at Ridgeway’s Fort in Ninety-Six District (present day Laurens County) on September 3, 1781 during a battle with a detachment of Major “Bloody Bill” Cunningham’s Loyalists. Captain John Ridgeway had sons named Samuel Ridgeway (born 1757 in Buckingham County, Virginia and died 1834 in Pike County, Ohio) and John Ridgeway (born 1760 in Buckingham County, Virginia and died in 1839 in Georgia) who also served as privates, sometimes in their father’s company.
William fought in the following engagements: Battle of Georgetown (January 24, 1781), Fort Watson (April 15-23, 1781), Fort Motte (May 12, 1781), Eutaw Springs (September 8, 1781), and Moncks Corner (one of several battles fought at Moncks Corner in 1780 and 1781). Captain Dukes Company also fought in these battles and William may have been present: Great Savannah (August 25, 1780), Tearcoat Swamp (October 25, 1780), and Saint James Goose Creek Church (June 15, 1781).
Elizabeth Clark Ridgeway, widow of William and Margaret’s son Moses, in 1855 provided a statement saying “Captain Dukes and William Ridgeway after the war was ended settled near each other where they continued to live until their deaths. (She) heard them on many occasions talking about the many dangers through which they passed, and the various engagements which they had with the enemy, this seemed to be the topic of conversation whenever they met. Captain Dukes always spoke of Ridgeway as one of his most reliable men and always expressed great sympathy on account of disease contracted in the service just before the close of the war, to wit, convulsions and from which he never entirely recovered up to his death.”
William died on February 9, 1816. Margaret died on August 6, 1844 at the age of ninety-three. Family legend says that the home of William and Margaret was in such a healthy location that Granny Ridgeway had to move away so that she could die. By 1854 Lydia Ridgeway David was their only surviving child.
Copy of Family Bible entries for William and Peggy’s Family
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