As talk of war spread in the British colonies and before the first battle of the American war for Independence, the Colonists took sides — Patriots supported the movement for independence from British rule. The Loyalists, preferred the 13 Colonies remain under the rule of King George and Great Britain. The Patriots sent notice to the King of Britain, the “Declaration of Independence” in 1776 and the war raged on until 1783. When, at last, the Colonists defeated the British, after 7 years of brutal warfare, the United States of America was born.
The Patriots were men of the land, tradesmen, preachers, bakers and others who enlisted and fought for independence. Those not able to fight supported the war effort in other, essential ways, such as funding, working to find armaments and food for the troops. Still others were on the battle fields providing medical services to the troops, cooking and keeping equipment in working order.
Anne Samuel, Patriot.
Many furnished needed supplies to the militia as did Anne Samuel, who gave grains, meat and material for blankets. Anne was a widow in her late 40s, mother of nine, with four minor children at home, and owned a plantation in Caswell County, North Carolina. (Some readers may remember “Slaves in My family,” a post I published a few weeks ago: Link.)
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
was founded in 1890 to preserve American history and promote patriotism. Today the D.A.R. has a membership of more than one million members. A woman wishing to be a member of the D.A.R. must prove, with evidentiary documentation, their lineal, bloodline descent from a Revolutionary War Patriot.
Anne was Declared a Patriot by the D.A.R. in 1998
Lucille Love Skillern Isaac submitted her application for D.A.R. membership in June, 1998. Lucille proved her line of descent from Anne Samuel, through Anne’s son, Major Benjamin Samuel. Her line to Anne was 7 generations.
Amongst the evidence presented by the applicant, were the required proofs of births, deaths, marriages for each person in the line, as well as military records, and wills. And very important proof was the North Carolina Revolutionary Army Accounts, Secretary of State Treasurers and Comptroller’s papers, Volumes IV, V, and VI (see below), showing that Anne was recognized for “Sundries furnished to the Militia.” She received payment, Febrary, 1779, in the amount of 66 pounds.
North Carolina Revolutionary Accounts: Payment to Anne from the NC State Treasury, (See #79)
Death Notice for Anne Samuel
“Anne died 19 July 1825, age 89 years, leaving near a hundred descendents. She died at her daughter, Nancy Rainey’s home (Mrs. James).” Notice appeared in the “The North Carolina Gazette,” Raleigh, 29 June 1825.
After the Revolutionary War, Anne moved to her daughter, Nancy Rainey’s home. As yet, this researcher has not found her maiden name or where in Virginia, she and her husband, Anthony Samuel were married and lived before coming to North Carolina about 1760. Her husband’s estate was not closed until after her death, as per legal terms of her dower share. The final distribution of Anthony’s estate included Anne’s belongings and slaves.
Three of her sons served in the Revolutionary War: Anthony, Jr, Edmond, and Benjamin, all served as officers. Her son-in-law, Jeremiah Samuel also served (married to daughter, Sally).
Anne was my 5th great grandmother. She was buried at the Red Church Cemetery in Caswell County, NC.
Fascinating, Bonnie! What a woman!