Stewart Geni Blog

William ‘Blanton’ Stewart: A Revolutionary War Patriot and the Legacy of His Name

William Stewart, born in Hanover County, Virginia, on November 8, 1762, was a patriot whose service during the American Revolution is well-documented in his 1832 pension application. As we delve into his life, we not only explore his military contributions but also the complexities surrounding his middle name, his family’s legacy, and his connection to the French and Indian War through his father, John Stewart.

For reference, a transcription of his pension application is below:

State of Georgia County of Monroe: On this 23rd day of October in the year 1832 Personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable Christopher B Strong Judge of the Superior Court for said County which court is now sitting William Stewart a resident of said County and State aged sixty-nine years and ten months who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. – He was drafted in Amherst County Virginia in the fall of 1778 at which time he had just arrived at 16 years of age and entered the militia under Captain Pamplin [Richard Pamplin], in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Daniel Gains [Daniel Gaines], the company was mustered at Amherst Court House, and claimant was appointed by Colonel Gains, issuing Commissary of the Spirits and provisions to those of the troop that were collected at Amherst Court House until the Regiment rendezvoused at Richmond in the State of Virginia when claimant was appointed Sergeant in Captain Pamplin’s Company and continued to fill that appointment until the expiration of his term of service, the detachment to which claimant belonged was stationed during this term of service which was for six months at Richmond and in that neighborhood: we were in no engagements during this tour – within a short time after the expiration of this above mentioned term of service, claimant was again drafted and entered the service for another tour of six months, and entered the service in Captain John Christian’s Company of militia in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Vance [Samuel Vance], at the commencement of this term of service claimant was again appointed Sergeant which appointment he continued to fill in Captain Christian’s company until the expiration of his term of service, during this tour of service the Brigade or Division was commanded by General Lawson [Robert Lawson], and was in no engagements or battles, we were in hearing of the firing during the engagement between the British and a part of the American Army under General Wayne [Anthony Wayne] at Jamestown, a part of the Army which was at that time under the command of General Lawson, marched all the night preceding the battle for the purpose of joining General Wayne, but were they will ordered by taking wrong roads and failed in forming a junction. General Lawson was suspected by some of the soldiers of being not very desirous of joining the Army under General Wayne. After the expiration of the last mentioned term of service, claimant was again drafted for another tour of six months, and entered the service under his brother Captain John Stewart of Amherst County Virginia in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Tucker, and the brigade was commanded by General Holt Richardson. Applicant was at the siege of Little York from beginning to end and after the surrender of the British Army [October 19, 1781] claimant marched several days as part of the guard in conducting the prisoners on their way towards the Winchester barracks where claimant was taken sick and discharged a few days before the expiration of his term of service. In addition to the above claimant served a short term in guarding through Virginia the prisoners taken at the Cowpens [January 17, 1781] in North Carolina [sic South Carolina] by General Morgan. Claimant was again called on as belonging to the second division (the County where he lived being laid off into divisions) in the State of Virginia to march against the British some time in the year 1779 or 80, who were at that time marching on from the South through the settlement where claimant then lived in the State of Virginia under the command of Lord Cornwallis as claimant understood. Claimant does not remember what length of time he spent in this term of service, but the tour was short, and claimant was not engaged in any battle during that time, in conclusion claimant conscientiously believes that during the above mentioned terms of service, he served at least for the space of two years; during some of the above mentioned terms of service claimant served longer than the time for which he was drafted, and at other times was discharged before his term of service had actually expired. Claimant remembers very distinctly that he was under the command of General Lafayette at a place called Mobben Hills [Malvern Hills] in the State of Virginia, where the Army under the command of Lafayette was stationed some short time, and claimant remembers that the Army marched from that place across a large swamp called Chickahominy, but does not remember how far said swamp is from the Mobbin Hills neither does he remember particularly where they went after they crossed the swamp, nor during what tour of service the last mentioned circumstances took place. Applicant was born as he has always understood and believed in Hanover County Virginia on the 8th day of November 1762, he had a record of his age which was burnt in 1812 when he had the misfortune to lose his house with all his books and papers besides other valuable property by fire: he has already stated that at the time of being called into the service he lived in Amherst County Virginia and he lived there 8 or 10 years after the war, from Amherst claimant moved to Oglethorpe County Georgia where he lived between 30 and 40 years, from there he moved to Monroe County Georgia where he has been living for the last 7 or 8 years, and where he now lives. Claimant has stated the manner of his being called into the service. Applicant saw General Wayne often, the 1st time he saw GENERAL Wayne was today preceding the fight at James Town, Applicant Salm any regular officers but remembers the names of but few; he often salt Baron Steuben who was often employed in training the troops: Claimant knew Colonel Tucker and General Nelson, but is not certain whether they were regular officers. Applicant had discharges from each of his terms of service, but they have all been lost or destroyed or burnt in the fire mentioned. Gabriel Christian a clergyman is the only person in Claimant’s neighborhood by whom he can prove any actual service, he served one tour under said Christian’s father. Applicant feels flattered in believing that any or if necessary all his neighbors would be willing to testify to his character for veracity and also to their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid S/ Christopher B Strong, Judge

William Stewart’s Military Service

At just 16 years old, William Stewart was drafted into the Virginia militia in 1778. His pension application offers a detailed account of his three significant tours of duty, each lasting around six months. William first served under Captain Richard Pamplin and Colonel Daniel Gaines, starting as a commissary responsible for distributing provisions to the troops before being promoted to sergeant. Stationed near Richmond, his first term lasted for six months, though his unit did not see any major engagements during this period.

During his second tour, William served under Captain John Christian and Colonel Samuel Vance, part of General Robert Lawson’s brigade. He vividly recalled the sounds of battle during engagements like General Wayne’s skirmish with British forces at Jamestown, though William’s unit did not arrive in time to participate.

William’s final tour of duty was under his brother, Captain John Stewart, during the Siege of Yorktown, a pivotal moment in American history. His service concluded with guarding British prisoners of war on their way to Winchester, Virginia, though illness forced him to leave before completing his full term.

In addition to these tours, William also participated in the aftermath of the Battle of Cowpens, helping guard prisoners captured by General Daniel Morgan. His military service not only highlights his personal commitment but also reflects the broader struggles of the Virginia militia during the war.

The Stewart Family in Hanover County

It is believed that William’s father, John Stewart, married his mother, Ann Haw, in Hanover County in 1755, placing the family in the region from at least 1755 through 1762, the year of William’s birth. This timeline aligns with John Stewart’s documented military service during the French and Indian War, where he possibly fought at Braddock’s Defeat and petitioned the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1756 after being shot in both thighs during the battle. These injuries affected his livelihood but also mark John Stewart as a veteran with significant military experience, which he may have passed down to his sons.

The Mystery of the ‘Blanton’ Name

One of the enduring mysteries surrounding William Stewart is the question of his middle name. His Revolutionary War pension application makes no mention of a middle name or initial, which raises doubts about whether he was ever known as “Blanton.” Interestingly, his grave is marked with a commemorative marker stating his name as “William B. Stewart.” However, it’s important to note that this marker was placed after his lifetime and does not conclusively prove that his middle name was Blanton.

It’s possible that “Blanton” was a name used by his son rather than William himself. The Blanton name may have originated from William Blanton, a soldier who fought in Braddock’s Defeat in 1755 under Captain Peter Hogg. If either William or his son was named in honor of this veteran, it would reflect a shared legacy of military service in Virginia’s early conflicts. Despite the presence of the “B” on his grave marker, definitive proof of William’s middle name remains elusive.

John Stewart: A Veteran of Braddock’s Defeat?

The potential connection to William Blanton becomes even more intriguing when considering that John Stewart, William’s father, might have fought alongside Blanton at Braddock’s Defeat. In 1756, a John Stewart petitioned the Virginia House of Burgesses after being wounded in both thighs during the battle. This same John Stewart was present at the earlier Battle of Fort Necessity, suggesting he was deeply involved in the French and Indian War. If this John Stewart was indeed William’s father, it would place the Stewart family at the center of two of America’s most defining military conflicts—the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War.

William’s Family and Legacy

William Stewart’s personal life adds another layer to his story. He was married twice; his first wife was Mary Penn, with whom he had all his children. His second wife, Martha B., is mentioned in his pension application. However, William had no children with Martha. The “B” in Martha’s name raises further questions about the Blanton connection, but without additional records, the significance of her middle initial remains speculative.

Conclusion

William Stewart’s life is a rich tapestry of military service, family connections, and lingering questions. His Revolutionary War pension application provides a firsthand account of his dedication to the cause of American independence, while the broader history of the Stewart family invites us to explore their possible roles in earlier conflicts like Braddock’s Defeat. The mystery of the Blanton name—whether it belonged to William, his son, or was simply a commemorative addition—continues to intrigue genealogists and historians alike.

The commemorative marker on William’s grave bearing the name “William B. Stewart” adds to the puzzle but does not offer definitive proof of his middle name. Since the marker was placed after his lifetime, it may reflect family lore or assumptions made by later generations rather than documented fact.

What remains clear is that the Stewart family of Hanover and Amherst counties played a significant role in shaping the early history of Virginia. Their legacy, woven through the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War, stands as a testament to their resilience and commitment to their emerging nation. Through careful research and a willingness to explore family myths, we continue to piece together their story, uncovering the truths behind the legends and honoring the lives of those who came before us.