PATERNAL ANCESTORS
Most of my early relations linked to the PHILLIPS' family, lived in SOUTH CAROLINA. My grandfather Phillips' mother was a MORGAN. The following is the earliest documented ancestors for the MORGAN family.
MORGAN FAMILY CONNECTIONS
George MORGAN (b. ~1800 d. ?) was married to Lavinia EUBANKS (b. ~1807, d. aft 1870) in SC. Research shows two sons born in SC to George and "Viney" MORGAN.
The eldest son was John Gaylon MORGAN (2 Oct 1837- 7 Feb 1912) was married to Henrietta Elizabeth SELLERS (24 Dec 1839 - 21 Nov 1923), sister to his brother's wife (Sara Ann SELLERS).
The second son was my grt-grt-grandfather, William Robert MORGAN (1 Mar 1840 - 26 Apr 1919). He married Sara Ann SELLERS (31 Jan 1842 - 19 Apr 1921), sister to his brother John's wife. They had seven children as listed below:
Henrietta MORGAN - b. 26 July 1842, d. 30 Nov 1949
Andrew Jackson MORGAN - b. 12 Jan 1866, d. 1 Apr 1940
Rose Ann MORGAN - b.18 Jan 1872, d. ??
Adam MORGAN - b. 12 July 1872, d. 24 Jan 1938
Annie Lou MORGAN - b. 16 Nov 1874, d. 9 Jan 1919
Amanda Alice MORGAN - b. 4 April 1877, d. 29 Jul 1969
William Robert MORGAN, Jr, - b. 1879, d. 1910
My great-grandmother, Annie Lou Morgan PHILLIPS, was a victim of the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 that killed millions world-wide. Thee epidemic killed between 500,000 and 675,000 in the US within a period of nine months. Dying in Jan 1919, she left her husband with five sons and a daughter to raise. The eldest was twenty and had just returned from serving in the US Navy, the youngest was seven.My grandfather was just a little over eleven years old when his mother passed away.
The following is all that is known by US CENSUS for the MORGAN family in Chesterfield District, SC. It does establish a presence, but are these related MORGAN's?
1830 US CENSUS Chesterfield District, SOUTH CAROLINA
Jno MORGAN
Males Females
1 - 5 under 10 1 - under 5
1 - 20 under 30 (Jno MORGAN) 1 - 20 under 30
1840 US CENSUS Chesterfield District, SOUTH CAROLINA
Males Females
2 - under 5 1 - 10 under 15
1 - 10 under 15 1 - 30 under 40
1 - 30 under 40 (Jno MORGAN)
MORGAN DNA CONNECTION
As noticed, those in the family researching the MORGAN line have hit a 'brickwall' at the moment. It appears that John Gaylon MORGAN and William Robert MORGAN were from the Chesterfield County, SC area. Written records are scarce for this area, from Sherman needing the heat and a former county official having no respect for the need of past records. DNA offers a way to link with other family surname participates that otherwise would rarely come to light.
One of my MORGAN male cousins, Joel MORGAN of Columbia, SC, has joined in the new "genealogy" and has joined the MORGAN DNA Project. He has received his first results and a match has been identified and verified. His results are posted on the MORGAN surname project website, as Group 12. Even with this match, additional DNA comparsions and additional research will be needed to successfully determine where our MORGAN family branch came from.
I will be glad to help other MORGAN family members, those outside our known relations, to participate in the MORGAN Surname Project, and help you find the process to participate. I strongly urge persons who have MORGAN family connections in South Carolina to participate in the DNA program and
y-search. The only criteria is a male with a documented surname of MORGAN.
Much research needs to continue to locate information regarding the MORGAN family in Chesterfield District, SC. Information that would help breach this "brick wall" would be appreciated by myself and other family researchers!
HILTON FAMILY CONNECTIONS
The HILTON family is connected to my SC PHILLIPS' family living in the Flat Creek area of Lancaster County in the early 1800's.
My great- great-grandfather William Burrell Phillips married Eliza Ann HILTON (b. 22 March 1823 d. 5 July 1900).
Eliza Ann was the daughter of Richard "Grand Sir" Burrell HILTON (b. 1782) and Elizabeth MAXWELL (b. 1791 d. 1888).
Richard HILTON was the son of Samuel HILTON, Sr. (b. 1765 d. 1826) and Edith BREWER (b.1771). Samuel HILTON, Sr. was the son of Richard HILTON (b. 1720 d. 1789).
Richard HILTON reportedly was born in PENNSYLVANIA, and there are reported siblings also. More research is required for this line to make those connections.
History has shown the HILTON males to be involved in military matters of their time. Early records show they participated in the Indians Wars, American Revolution, Mexican War and the Amercian Civil War, or as they may have known it "The War of Northern Aggression". One noteworthy example is Major Miel HILTON.
One entry in Lancaster Records says "... when Captain Miel HILTON was promoted to be Major of the 22nd Regiment. Major HILTON was a good officer, and a brave man. He faced the enemy unflinchingly at Boonsboro, Sharpsburg, and other places, and was greatly admired and commended for his courage: "Many brave deeds by the Regimen", writes a correspondent, "have been left unrecorded, but impartial history will honor them."
I found this obituary in a family document pulled together in "Richard Hilton and His Family" by Roger McLean. It is representative of the era in which it was written, so I felt important to include in the document.
OBITUARY for R (Richard) T (Tillman) HILTON
While lying near the recent battlefield, awaiting coming events, elated with our glorious and shining victory, and singing paeans of gratefulness to God for the success of our arms and our cause, we recoil in sad feelings and the impulsive throbbings of our hearts in the liveliest moments of joy are filled with emotions of deep, deep unutterable and lasting grief. The dark shaft of death has robbed us - cruelly robbed us - of our esteemed friend and brother-in-arms, our kind, brave and noble hearted Sergt. R.T. Hilton, of the "Lancaster Invincibles,"whose loss we can never cease to deplore. Upon the desperate field of the hard contested battle of Sunday, 29th June, while in the front rank of his company, he received two severe wounds in the bowels and was ordered to the rear, but previously remarked to a friend. "I intend to go through or die in the attempt," and his unyielding and indomitable will was to remain with the regiment - he sprang upon his feet, musket in hand, and pushed forward again to the front- was again slightly wounded, and again ordered to the rear, but still he pressed upon the enemy with reckless courage until he fell with the fourth, and mortal wound. He lay on the battle field that night, and next morning died on the way to Richmond. There was doubtless no man in the Confederate service, who deserved more worthy mention, or whose acts had won for him a brighter flame, both as a willing and dutiful soldier and high toned gentleman, than our lamented friend. His kind, obligling and pleasing disposition, and the firmness and frankness of his department, with his incorruptible honesty endeared him to all who knew him. and the sad intelligence of his death has spread a darg and melancholy gloom of lamentation and mournfulness among his acquaintances. And although his manly form is gone, the traits of his character still shine forth with undimmed and distinguished lustre. He ascended by the stair-case of chivalry the proud temple of fame to its loftiest summit and therefore carved a name which should ever be remembered, cherished and handed down to the rising generation as a criterion of patriotism. He was the second youngest son of Mr. Zadock Hilton, who we may judge to be the very soul of Patriotism. The subject of this notice had two brothers and three cousins in the war between the US and Mexico, and only one of the five survived it. He (Captain Miel Hilton) now commands a company from Lancaster in some Regiment on the coast of South Carolina. One of his brothers and two of his cousins died of disease, his other cousin was killed in the ever memorable battle of Churubusco. And in this war he had four brothers, two nephews and twelve cousins, one of whom, a nephew, died in this army last summer of disease. His youngest brother (Leander Hilton b. about 1844 died died 27 Jun 1862 at Cold Harbor), scarcely eighteen years of age, two of his cousins and a nephew, members of Col. T. Frank Clyburn's company wer killed in the gallant charge made by the 12th Regiment of S.C.V.on the 27th ultimo. What a noble family of patroits who would not think it an honor to bear the name of a Hilton. No family can boast of more ardent patriotism, of firmer and more devoted friends to the rights and liberties of mankind, or men of higher excellence or of greater benvolent endowments than are presented this instance. Camp McLaws, July 17, 1862 B.R.C.
NOTE: This obituary was written by Benjamin Rutledge "Ben" Clyburn and sent to The Lancaster Ledger for publication in July, 1862. At the time he wrote this, he was the captain of the Lancaster Invincibles and was twenty-two years old. The battle fought on Sunday, June 29, 1862 was at Savage's Station, VA. Richard Hilton's youngest brother, referred to as "scarcely eighteen years of age" was J. Leander Hilton, who was killed at Cold Harbor, VA on June 27, 1862.
DEASON FAMILY CONNECTIONS
DEASON FAMILY RIFLE "Back with the family"
Received an e-mail from Roger McLean, a collaborator for HILTON and DEASON family data, shared news that earlier had been shared with the DEASON family, by Steve Phillips (son of Jennie Maybelle DEASON). Steve's great-grandfather, John Columbus DEASON, had lost his Enfield rifle in the Battle of Gettysburg. He had carved his initials (J C D 44 ALA) on the stock. The rifle was picked up by a family who lived on the battlefield, and kept the rifle in their collection of "battlefield pickups" until about five years ago (2002), when they sold it to Gettysburg Civil War relic dealer. The dealer sold the rifle to a collector in PA. Steve found out about the rifle after it had been sold. The collector would not sell the rifle, even though Steve tried to buy it. Recently Steve said he was called by the collector and offered the rifle for sell. Steve says he will bring the rifle to reunions, and other times it will be on display in the Confederate Memorial Park Museum near Clanton, AL. Good job to Steve for his preserverance, and ability to procure this treasured family relic.
OBITUARY for HESTER CATO DEASON
OBITUARY- Lancaster Ledger dated 9 Sept 1857 (death had occurred 28 Aug 1857) Died, on the 28th ult., Hester Deason, widow of Edmond Deason, in the 99th year of her age. The deceased was born on Lynches Creek in the lower part of Lancaster District. She has left a large connexion to mourn her loss;- among them are one hundred grandchildren. She had several brothers who were soldiers of the Revolution, and eighteen of her connexions were in the late war with Mexico under Gen. Scott. She was a lady highly respected, and was a consistent member of the Baptist Church for thirty eight years previous to her death.
(Hester CATO DEASON was my paternal 4th great-grandmother...rwp)
THE WAXHAW SETTLEMENT FAMILIES
Other branches of my ancestral tree have ties to the Old Waxhaws Settlement, that stradled the NC and SC state line boundary. Beginning in the early 1750's, the Waxhaws settlement became home to many early pioneer settlers, most of whom were Presbyterian Scotch-Irish. Surnames like BREVARD, FERGUSON, HUEY, McCAIN, MORROW, NISBET/NESBIT, PICKENS, RICHARDSON, ROGERS / RODGERS, STEWART, WALKUP, WYCHE, and many more came to this area and made it their home. Beautiful rich land, rolling hills, dense forests, with plentiful game, these new settlers recognized this as a haven to start new homes and farms, that have lasted for generations. The early surveyor John Lawson in 1700,described the land of the Waxhaws as being so fertile "that no labor of man in one or two ages could make it poor."
After the American Revolution, there was a great new influx of settlers, As settlers had come in great numbers to the what was known then as Old Mecklenburg County, and the western portions of Anson County, it was apparent for the need to create a new political entity, Union County. In 1842, Union County, NORTH CAROLINA was formed with the center of the county called Monroe, and designated to be the county seat.
But as the land became crowded as the families grew, some left for the western lands of TENNESSEE, KENTUCKY and beyond. ALABAMA, MISSISSIPPI, even TEXAS, became the destinations for those searching for free land and a better life.
Many of my paternal grandmother, Reba Rogers PHILLIPS, maternal forebearers came from this area called the Waxhaws Settlement. Many of those early pioneers have family remmants still there today. Ancestors of the people of Union County took part in the Revolutionary War. Patriotic tendencies were heightened by Tarleton’s massacre of Burford’s men just twenty miles south of Monroe. Consequently, a number of men of the area enlisted in the Revolutionary Army. The area gave at least one major and three captains to the Revolutionary Army. A battle occurred in the southwestern part of the area which is known as the Battle of the Waxhaws or Walkup’s Mill. This battle took place on my grandfather's farm. A monument stone located there commemorates that Revoltionary Battle.
The STEWART family was prominent in the formation of Union in 1842. John STEWART, Esquire was Union County's first magistrate.
My paternal grandmother, Reba Rogers PHILLIPS' paternal ancestors came from Iredell County, NORTH CAROLINA. Her father's family surname ROGERS extends to John W. ROGERS (dates unknown) who married Margaret ALBRIGHT (1799- bef 1850). 1840 US CENSUS shows a sister to William Samuel ROGERS also from this marriage. To-date I have not located a name for the sister.
Further lines through the ALBRIGHT family are EVERETT and SANDS.
A break-through discovery has been determining the name of John HUGHES's wife Nancy BEATY. Hopefully more can be learned about this family soon.
The WAXHAW SETTLEMENT was home some of the earliest pioneer settlements in NORTH CAROLINA dating back to May 1751 when six or seven families, all Scots-Irish Presbyterians, arrived to clear the rich land between two creeks they named Waxhaw and Cane whose headwaters rise in present Union County, North Carolina and flow westward through Lancaster County, South Carolina into the Catawba river. The area had previously been occupied by the Waxhaw tribe which had fallen apart from the forces of smallpox and war. The newcomers of the 1750s mostly came into the area, mostly by way of the Great Wagon Road, from the western areas of Virginia and Pennsylvania.
By 1755 the newcomers had built a meeting house, still in existence and known today as the Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church. It was the first church in the Upcountry of South Carolina. Seeking to worship freely, to be masters of their own land and destiny, these early Americans became a cross-roads of American history in the making. But as in many parts of America, the formation of the United States was painful. Neighbor against neighbor, even family members took opposie sides in the American Revolution. The Carolina's suffered the heaviest in personal and property during this time, and a lot of the action was within a days ride from Waxhaw.
Below is a copy of the Pension Application for Samuel WALKUP, my paternal x5 great-grand uncle. Note the full effect of his service. It is a good representative example of what militia service was like in 1780-1781. The "burnt house" mentioned below was the house Samuel WALKUP grew up in, his father's house, the house of my paternal x6 great-grandfather, Captain James WALKUP, of the Cavalry of the North Carolina Militia under Col. William R. Davie.
SAMUEL WALKUP's TESTAMENT of HIS REVOLUTIONARY WAR SERVICE
State of Kentucky, Madison County
On this 24th May 1833 personally came before me Joseph Turner a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Madison aforesaid Samuel Walkup a resident of said County & an applicant for a pension, & whose original declaration made before the Madison County Court on the 13th of August 1832 is now before me, who being first duly Sworn further states upon oath – That all the reflection, which he can [illegible word, looks like “bettors”] upon the Subject, confirms him in the opinion & belief expressed in his original & Supplementary Declarations, that he served as a private in the militia during the Revolutionary War not less than two years. He fears it is not in his power from the lapse of time & loss of memory to give in detail all the Services he rendered & the exact length of time he served on each Tour & Campaign. He will endeavor to State as far as he recollects – He states that before General Gates' [Horatio Gates'] Defeat at Camden in 1780 he went from Mecklenburg County North Carolina & served a tour in the militia in a Company commanded by Captain Robert Davis. He does not recollect certain but thinks Colonel Irvine was Colonel. General Davidson & Rutherford were also commanders. During this Campaign Tour we were marched on Lynches Creek to protect the Country against the Tories – we were also marched down near Camden, around Charlotte in North Carolina -- & on the waters of Pedee [River]. Davis's Company was a Light Horse Company -- & our business was more particularly to patrol & scour the Country & defend it against the attacks of the Tories. He served on this Tour between three & four months. That about the time this Tour was out, Gates was defeated at Camden – that he was at that time in Service on Lynches Creek – after that battle the British under Rawdon & Tarleton marched through the Waxhaw Settlement where applicant's Father resided – burnt his House & laid waste his possessions – all the Inhabitants, who would not Joined the British or take parole were obliged to leave the Settlement-- applicant continued in Captain Davis' Company & retreated before the British & Tories – marched on to Rocky River where we Joined General Davidson – General Davidson directed Captain Davis with his Light Horse company to Scout through the Country & harass the British & Tories – applicant continued he had Davis' Company moving through the Country in different directions till the spring of 1781 when Rawdon was retreating from Charlotte Davis' Company & others harassed him near the Waxhaw Creek we had a little skirmish & took one prisoner & five horses – and as Rawdon crossed the Catawba at Lands Ford – we came up just as he had crossed. Our numbers were too Small to think of attacking.
Early in the Spring to the best of his recollection in 1781 he Joined a company commanded by Captain William Nesbit – Colonel Kimbral & Major Davy he recollects were officers – after being out sometime we were marched down to Camden & Joined General Greene -- & was in the engagement at that place – after that battle he went on express to General Sumter as stated in his former declaration – after the Battle at Camden we continued some time with General Greene's Army – how long he is unable to say. He thinks at a place called the flat rock on [illegible name, could be “Ferguson's”]
Creek, Capt. Nesbit's company was discharged or was ordered to march back into the Waxhaw Settlement – after our return to the Waxhaws applicant continued attached to same Company & was almost constantly employed in ranging the Country to keep down the Tories. The Tories were still in force in some parts of the Country -- & although he applicant was occasionally at home, he considered himself always as a soldier of Nesbit's company & almost constantly on duty. He thinks the first of September Captain Nesbit was ordered again to join General Greene – we were marched down as far as Camden and there heard of the battle at the Eutaw Springs & were ordered to march back & did so-- Major Thomas Thompson was our Commander on this march – applicant states that he he thus continued in service till after the surrender of Cornwallis. He states further that previous to his joining Captain Davis' Company, he was frequently out on short tours & excursions against the Tories in the Waxhaw & neighborhood under Captain John Foster – he recollects on two or three occasions being marched upon Lynches Creek & once as far as the Cheraws against the Tories. He has no doubt he was in active service in the militia during the Revolutionary war at least two years. He cannot be more
explicit in relation to his services.
Signed/ Saml. Walkup
Subscribed & sworn to before me a Justice of the peace as aforesaid this 24th May 1833.
Signed/ Joseph Turner, JP
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The following is excerpts from an article that was published The Charlotte Observer, August 23, 1931, about HUGH McCAIN, a very respected man in Mecklenburg County, NORTH CAROLINA
Hugh McCAIN, Who Was With Washington at Braddock’s Defeat, Left Posterity That Is Part and Parcel of Present Mecklenburg: Patriotic Strain Survives Pressure of Years
By MAUDE WADDELL
HUGH McCAIN, Sr., of Mecklenburg County, fought under George Washington at Braddock’s defeat, and not content with that, he gave four sons in the cause of American freedom, who fought in the Revolutionary war also, one, William McCain being with Washington at Valley Forge. ... THE MCCAIN FAMILY The McCain family record is as follows, in births: Hugh McCain was born in Antrim county, Ireland, in 1729. He was an officer under Washington at Braddock’s defeat. Soon after the war of 1756 he moved to Mecklenburg (now Union county, North Carolina). He died on August 26, 1821. William McCain, son of Hugh McCain, was the eldest of seven brothers, the others being James, Hugh, Andrew, Robert, and Joseph and one daughter Eleanor. Said William McCain was born in Union county, North Carolina, about 1748. He married Eleanor Johnson, was a revolutionary soldier, and died in 1824, and is buried at Tirzah church, Lancaster county, South Carolina, about 20 feet from the old cemetery gate. William McCain had seven children, namely, George, Johnson, Sally, wife of John Walker, Nelly, wife of Robert Huey, Betsy, wife of Alex Huey, Janney, wife of Robert Hood, and Hugh Johnson McCain. Hugh Johnson McCain was born in Union (then Mecklenburg) county, North Carolina, in 1785, and was married in 1808 to Martha Moore. Hugh Johnson McCain had nine children who reached maturity, namely, William Ross, James M., George A., Alexander L. of Iowa; Eleanar E. McKinshy, Rev. John N. McCain of Texas; Margaret G. McQuiston, of Tennessee; Albert G., and Henry C., of Tipton county, Tennessee. ...
WHAT McNEELEY SAYS
Ned McNeely, well known authority on the McCain family writes as follows:
“While every child knows a great deal of the incidents of the revolutionary war in New England, very few know or even care about the things that happened among their ancestors during those trying times. For 25 years prior to the revolution Gen. Andrew Pickens lived in the community of the old Waxhaws. He was a captain of a company of the king’s militia, and in that company, besides many others, was one Hugh McCain who had been born in Antrim county, Ireland, in 1729, came to America in 1752, came to the Waxhaws with the Pennsylvania colony of Presbyterianswho first settled here, married a Miss Jane Davis, who was either a sister or a daughter of the Davis who married General Pickens’ sister, and who when the revolution came furnished four sons to fight for American independence. This Hugh McCain was the ancestor of all the McCains in the Carolinas.
“His home was where Bob Simpson now lives on Cane Creek. At this place, when Cornwallis was coming through the Waxhaws, a party of British troops came to the house of Hugh McCain, and demanded of him all the money he had, which was said to have been considerable amount for a backwoodsman. He refused to deliver the goods as any man would have done who did not want to enrich the enemies of his country, and the soldiers hanged him to a nearby walnut tree. There he would have died had it not been for one of his negro slaves, who upon the soldiers immediately leaving ran to his master’s rescue and cut him down. The old man had nearly choked to death but came to and lived till 1821. ...
SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION
“The sons of Hugh McCain who were soldiers in the revolution were John S. McCain, William S. McCain, James McCain, and Hugh McCain, Jr. The remaining children of Hugh McCain were Andrew, Joseph, Eleanor, and Jane. Aside from the many descendants of this early McCain now in several western states, there are perhaps two thousand in this community. ...
NOTE: The full article can be viewed at the Mecklenburg County Public Library in Charlotte, NC,
or e-mail me for a typed copy of the text.As pointed out by Lawrence Maynard, a McCAIN family researcher, there are errors in the above article.
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OBITUARY of Major Samuel JONES,
SC Militia and Soldier in the American Revolution
OBITUARY - The Camden Journal, Camden, SOUTH CAROLINA
Wednesday, 3 Feb 1847
Major Samuel Jones "Death of the Last Revolutionary Soldier in Kershaw District."
Died on Tuesday, the 20th of January, 1847, at his residence on Lynches Creek in this District, Major Samuel Jones in the 91st year of his age.
He was a true patriot and soldier in the Revolutionary Struggle for the Glorious Independence we now enjoy. His remains were coveyed to the old burial place on Lynches Creek and there enterred in the sepulchre by the side of a fond and loving wife, with military honors -that respect that is due every venerable deceased, patriotic revolutionary soldier. To his family, his connections and a large circle of numerous friends, his death will prove a bereavement as heavy and afflicting as it will be irreparable.
In the midst of a social circle, where he was esteemed and admired, surrounded by numerous friends and kindred by whom he was loved - the good qualities he possessed, with affection so tenderly and assiduously manifested throughout the whole tenor of his beneficent life, ever characterized in his intercourse with all, by honest friendship, frankness and generiously, will ever hold a lasting place in the hearts of his family and neighbors. -Let him, however, lie buried in the silent tomb."
[NOTE: Samuel JONES, was my 3rd great-grand uncle, as he married Elizabeth HILTON, his 3rd wife.]
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Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements
Pension App of William Gabriel Pickens S1244 fn22SC
Transcribed by Will Graves rev'd 7/22/09
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the database. Also, the handwriting of the original scribes often lends itself to varying interpretations. Users of this database are urged to view the original and to make their own decision as to how to decipher what the original scribe actually wrote. Blanks appearing in the transcripts reflect blanks in the original. Folks are free to make non-commercial use this transcript in any manner they may see fit, but please extend the courtesy of acknowledging the transcriber—besides, if it turns out the transcript contains mistakes, the resulting embarrassment will fall on the transcriber.]
State of Kentucky, Livingston County
On this 4th day of February 1833 personally appeared in open court, before John Berry, Isham Clement, and Vernon B. Simpson, Esqrs., Justices of the county court for the county aforesaid, now sitting, William G. Pickens, resident of said county aged seventy two (72) years, the 18th of October last, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: About the first of October 1775 I first entered the service as a private in the District of Abbeville (formerly Ninety Six) and as a volunteer under Captain Robert Anderson (afterwards general). About the 2nd of July preceding my entering the service, the inhabitants along the frontiers and back settlements of Georgia and Carolinas, had generally forted up, in consequence of the Cherokee Indians, who were extremely troublesome at this time; having been instigated by the British. To protect themselves from Indian warfare, and to defend the country as much as possible, the frontier inhabitants had constructed a line of forts along the Savannah River and had mustered themselves into companies, stationed principally at these forts. As soon as I joined the service, which was to aid in guarding the frontiers and in repelling the Indians, Captain Anderson, stationed himself at one of these forts called Fort Independence, situated on the Savannah [River], where we remained fourteen months in constant service against these Indians in scouring the country and protecting the inhabitants. In the latter part of the year 1777 (I think in December) General Williamson made a campaign into the Indian country and defeated the Indians first at Seneca and next at Tomassee, or some such name; which gave the frontier inhabitants an interval of peace, as the Indians were driven off. A fort was built at Seneca called Rutledge, which was afterwards left under the care of Captain John Moore, with a company of Independents, as they were called. I was not in this campaign, having been left with others under Captain John Pickens (my brother) to guard the fort. But the most of my company, under Captain Anderson was in this expedition. After the return of General Williamson, which I think was some time in January or February 1778, I was discharged by Captain Anderson as our services was not required any longer on the frontier. I think quiet certain that we were discharged in January 1778 - having served from the month of October 1776 to January 1778, at least fifteen months. After my discharge, I immediately returned home (Abbeville) and engaged in waggoning for the
American Army, and continued it until sometime in 1780, after the fall of Charleston, and the capitulation of Genl Lincoln; but I am advised that this service (waggoning) gives no claim to a pension, and I pass over it. After the British entered Charleston, they soon established forts throughout the country and seemed to have subjected it to the British Crown. Resistance almost ceased, for the Tories and British together overran the county. Indeed many f the Whigs founded it necessary to take protection, it was called under the British - this was a matter of necessity and many of the most devoted Whigs done so and particularly after the defeat of Gates at Camden in August of that year. Thus thing remained until the arrival of Genl. Greene [spelled "Green" throughout] from the North. This gave encouragement to the Whigs, and they again began to take up arms under their several leaders, in defense of their country. If I am not mistaken, Greene arrived late in 1780 or the first of 1781. Early in the spring of 1781 (I think in April) I, with many others, volunteered under Capt. Caruthers, Major Alexander Noble, and Col. Robert Anderson (the same who was formerly my Captain) and joined General Greene in May, then before Ninety Six. We continued here with Greene, during the siege of this place, and until he was repulsed. Our regiment was actively employed during this siege, the particulars of which I could relate if necessary, but will only mention, that it was Greene's first objective to approach cautiously and take the place by a regular siege, of which he had no doubt if time was allowed him. He pushed the siege rigorously until sometime in June, when he learned that a reinforcement under Rawdon was hastily advancing to the relief of the place, (under Co. Cruger). This induced Genl Greene to hazard an assault, as it would be impossible to succeed by a regular siege before the arrival of Rawdon. The troops were immediately disposed for the assault. Col. Lee succeeded in forcing the works assigned to him, but in other parts our troops were repulsed, after much hard fighting and considerable loss, Genl Greene called off his troops. The next day he raised the siege, crossed the Saluda and encamped on Little River. In this siege, my brother in law, Captain Joseph Pickens (who was also a cousin) was killed. I served as a soldier in this siege, and remember the most of the particulars, but it is not necessary to relate them. On the retreat of Genl Greene the most of the militia dispersed for a few days, but re-assembled about fifteen miles above Ninety Six, and there joined Genl Pickens (another cousin to myself, being brother's children, and with whom I had been raised.) After joining Genl Pickens, we marched toward North Carolina; crossed Broad River at Hamilton's Ford, and proceeded down towards the Congaree. Here I, with others, were sent out as spies to ascertain the situation of the enemy when on their march toward Charleston. We (the spy company) came up with the enemy's rear guard, and attacked it, in which we killed five. But we could do no more than harass their rear and flanks, to embarrass them in their march as much as possible, which we continued to do for ten miles. We were on horse, as were all now under the command of Genl Pickens. After this we marched up towards the Dutch fork, into a settlement almost entirely Tories, and who had embodied in considerable numbers near the line. After marching for sometime in search of them, I came to the determination of quitting the service for a while, as the support of an aged mother and widowed sister (the wife of Capt. Joseph Pickens, killed at Ninety Six) now evolved upon me and required my attention. But at this Captain Norwood called on me, and earnestly pressed me to join his company, and fill the place of one of his spies, who had been lately killed by Tories. Although it was almost absolutely necessary for me to quit the service at this time, and attend to the support of mother and sister, who were left quiet destitute, yet as my service as a spy was thought to be of considerable importance, I determined to forego the duty I owed at home, and immediately joined Captain Norwood as a spy, and continued in this service for the term of six months. Captain Norwood was principally stationed on the frontier, between the white settlements and Indian Nation. As well as I now remember, I joined Capt Norwood in the month of October 1781, having principally been under Capt Caruthers as before stated from April 1781 until October of the same year. I served full six months under Norwood as spy, and was discharged sometime in April or May 1782 as well as my memory serves me, and since my papers were sent back for want of dates, I have reflected much on the subject, and I do not think I am wrong in any of the dates I have mentioned. The length of the tours of duty mentioned, I have put down at least as short as they really were, as I do not desire to receive for more than I deserve.
There is another circumstance which I omitted to mention in its right place. While I served under Colonel Anderson in 1781, we made an expedition to the frontiers of Georgia in search of the celebrated Bill Cunningham, who commanded a party of Tories and Indians, and who had done much mischief. After arriving towards the frontier, Capt. Robt. Maxwell and myself were sent forward to spy out the position & strength of the party. We discovered them encamped on Cane Creek on Tugaloo River. We immediately returned to our main body and gave the information. Colonel Anderson immediately planned the attack by dividing his force into three divisions, the right, left and Centre. The right and left were committed to the command of Maxwell and myself, and the centre he commanded himself. In this form we advanced, with the sanguine hope of surprising them, but unfortunately, just before reaching their camp, one of [the] divisions accidentally met a party driving some cattle to the river, and fired upon them. This gave the alarm to the camp and they instantly fled. Thus our project was defeated, after we supposed they were within our power. In the year 1782 the Indians still continued troublesome on the Georgia frontiers. The inhabitants being weak and unable to defend [?] themselves, dispatched messengers into South Carolina for assistance. I again volunteered to aid these people, and with a company of volunteers, marched to the Oconee River, and there had a battle with the Indians across the river—they were defeated and we took several prisoners. We were only about three weeks in this service, and I only mention it as a continuation of events in which I was concerned, not as a part of my service for which I claim a pension, as the term was so short as not to be worth mentioning. There are many other circumstances I could mention, but perhaps it is not necessary to mention them. Indeed my memory is a little impaired, and I cannot fix the time, nor describe particularly, all the circumstances of my service; and particularly so at one time. In consequence of over exertions in my younger days, exposure &c, I became blind, at an early age, and can now scarcely distinguish any object. My claim to a pension is now submitted, and if granted, well, and it not, I can make out no better case, nor produce further proof than that annexed; and I would rather live without it than in my old age and helpless condition, to be applying to the court from time to time to listen to my tale. I have endeavored to supply the defects mentioned by the Department, as well as my recollection would enable me.
I have no documentary evidence in my possession which would prove my service, nor do I know of any living witnesses by whom I can prove any portion of it, except Patrick Cain
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and I declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State or territory whatever. and one John Drennon—the former of whom is so old and infirm that his attendance at court cannot be procured, and Drennon lives in another county (Caldwell) but the evidence of one or both of them I will endeavor to procure before this Declaration is sent in. I never received a written discharge for the service that I have any recollection of, nor any pay, except an Indent of my claim against the Government amounting to £ 208 sterling, which I sold to one Capt. Swift for a trifle as the claim was thought of little value.
And the said court propounded to said applicant the following interrogations as prescribed by the War Department, to which he made the subjoined answers in open court.
Question by the Court 1: Where and in what year were you born?
I was born in the District of Camden, State of South Carolina, the 18th day of October 1760.
Question by the Court 2: Have you a record of your age and if so where is it?
Answer: I have the family record of my age at my house.
Question by the Court 3: Where were you living when called to service, where have you lived since, the revolutionary war, and where do you live now?
Answer: When I entered the service I was living in Abbeville District, formerly Ninety Six, whither I had moved at an early age. I remained in that country until the year ____ [blank in the original] when I removed to this country where I have lived ever since.
Question by the Court 4: How were you called into service, Volunteered, drafted, or substituted?
Answer: All my service was as a volunteer.
Question by the Court 5: State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
Answer: While at the siege of Ninety Six I became acquainted with several regular officers, to Wit: Col. Lee (who commanded a legion of infantry), and Col. Campbell & Col. Duvall, and their Regiments. The balance of my service was with militia, and I have already mentioned all the militia regiments which I knew as also the general circumstances of my service.
Question by the Court 6: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Answer: I did not that I recollect of My services was amongst volunteer troops wher it was not usual. I received an Indent as it was called specifying the pay due me, but no formal written discharge.
1 FPA S1185
Question by the Court 7: State the names of person to whom you are known in your present neighborhood who can testify to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Answer: I am known of a great many. I will name William Thompson, Christopher Hayne, Esqr., William Gray, Robt Hodge, James Cruce, Esqr., Genl. James Elder, and Joseph Hughes.
S/ Wm. G. Pickens
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[James Johnson, a clergyman, James McCawley and James A. Whyte gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
State of Kentucky Livingston County: This day Patrick Cain resident of said County and who is known to me to be a person of honesty and good character came personally before me a justice of the peace in and for said County, and one of the justices of the County Court for said County, and being first duly sworn by me according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he is now 91 years of age That he knew William G. Pickens when he Pickens was a boy that he knew of said Pickens being in the Service of the United States in the War of the Revolution. That he served under Captain Robert Anderson and was with said Anderson while he was stationed at Fort Independence. That he also knows that he was under Captain Carithers & that he was with him at the Siege of Ninety Six and that he believes that said Pickens was engaged in the Service of the United States during the greater part of the Revolutionary war.
Sworn to & subscribed this 23rd day of February 1833
Attest: S/ Jos. Watts, JPLC S/ Patrick Cain, A his mark
[fn p. 20: the veteran was still alive as of December 5, 1838 when he filed in Livingston County Kentucky for a replacement certificate saying he is pension certificate had been lost or destroyed.]
[William Gabriel PICKENS (1720-1838) was my 7th great grand uncle]