| Henry Smith - Revolutionary Patriot Henry Smith was born in Brunswick County, in the State of Virginia, where he resided until he enlisted in the military. Henry was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Gator in the Regiment commanded by Colonel McIntosh in the Georgia line for two years and then under the command of Major Joseph Lane at Fort Morris, Sunbury, Georgia. Now, only an earthen embankment remains at Sunbury where a thriving city once stood. On January 9, 1779, Fort Morris was attacked by the British under the command of Augustine Prevost, Brigadier General and Commander in Chief of the British Troops in Georgia. The Garrison at Fort Morris of 159 Continental Troops and 45 Militia under the command of Major Joseph Lane were taken as prisoners by the British and sent to Savannah. They were placed on prison ships which were located off the coast of South Carolina. Henry remained on the prison ship until September 2, 1779, when he escaped from the British and made his way to Charleston, South Carolina, where he reported to General Lincoln, and remained there for four or five months. He then entered the service for three months in South Carolina about fifteen miles from Cheraw in a Company commanded by Capt. Rush in the Battalion commanded by Major John Jackson. During the Revolution, Cheraw was the center of much unrest sometimes being held by the British and sometimes by the patriots. General Greene's army had a camp of repose just across the river, and St. David's Church was used by both armies as a hospital. Henry marched from Pee Dee directly to Charleston, South Carolina, where he remained until the close of his tour and receiving an honorable discharge granted by General Lincoln. He then returned to the Pee Dee River and reenlisted for three additional years under Lieutenant William Wall; however, he resigned before that term expired having served his Country in Georgia and South Carolina. Henry married Elizabeth Ledford in 1792. He and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Knox County (now Harlan) prior to 1810. Henry received a Revolutionary War Pension which "commenced on the 4th day of March, 1834, in the sum of $80.00 per annum". Henry Smith died on August 15, 1836, in Harlan County, Kentucky, and is buried at Poor Fork. His wife, Elizabeth Ledford Smith, was born in North Carolina, and died January 27, 1853, in Harlan County, Kentucky. Descendants of Henry and Elizabeth Smith currently residing in Harlan County are Ella Jane Boggs Couch and Harold Couch of Bledsoe, and Wanda Couch Hackler of Wallins. submitted by Crystal Laschon, William Whitley Chapter DAR [email protected] |
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