Individual Details
Robert Kirkpatrick
(19 Jan 1754 - 24 Feb 1833)
In the book, "A KIRKPATRICK GENEALOGY - The Family of James Kirkpatrick of South Carolina", 2nd Edition, by Melvin E. Kirkpatrick & David Hudson, 1995; there is an Appendix A for this Robert Kirkpatrick and his descendants. Based on my belief, and the arguments placed in that appendix, I feel that this Robert should be noted as the son of William Kirkpatrick, son of James1.
....That he belongs in this family is highly likely. The considerations of geography (he lived in the Camden District, South Carolina), the considerations of association (he served in the same unit in the Revolution with several members of this family), and the considerations of the similarity of patterns of names, all together create a strong presumption of a relationship. Unfortunately there has been no docuemntary proof uncovered at this writing which would DEFINITELY tie Robert into the family of James Kirkpatrick. Note also, that there is no DEFINITE proof against this tie either. Therefore, based on the arguments presented herein, it is this researchers firm belief that he is in fact the son of William Kirkpatrick, the son of James Kirkpatrick, known as the immigrant. Saying this, I will also note the alternative argument stated in the Kirkpatrick Genealogy book.
First argument: That Robert is the son of Francis, son of James1. Supporting this argument is the fact that Francis undoubtedly had a son named Robert about whom nothing is known, unless this is the one. In addition at least three of Francis Kirkpatrick's sons, Samuel, John, and Edward Moorehead went to Jackson County, Tennessee, as did this Robert. It could well be that in this we see a clan movement, strengthening the possibility that Robert is Francis' son.
Second argument: Day Jewell identified this Robert as the son of William, son of James1. Very little is known of William. We know from James Kirkpatrick's will that William had at least four children, but he does not appear in South Carolina records as do his brothers. This probably suggest that he lived elsewhere, and may indicate that he was the eldest, who stayed in a previous home when the rest of the family moved to South Carolina in the early 1750's. Supporting this belief are the following facts:
1- Robert was born 19 January 1754. As best as we can calculate, Francis was born circa 1735-1740. If Robert was the son of Francis, Francis was VERY young when he became a father. It is not impossible, but it raises questions.
2- The next oldest child of Francis of which we know is James, who was born in 1761. A seven year gap between the two oldest children is not impossible, and of course, there may have been children born in the interval who did not survive, but 1761 is a much likelier date for a man born circa 1735-1740 to be starting a family.
3- There is an old Scottish tradition of naming the eldest son after the paternal grandfather. The members of the Kirkpatrick family did not follow this pattern in every case, but in the first three or four generations, EVERY eldest son DID follow this pattern. Robert named his oldest son William. Also note that Francis's son born in 1761, was named James, the name of Francis' father! If Robert was the son of Francis, then it seems very likely that he would have named his first son Francis, not William!
4- Robert was closely associated with an Amelia Kirkpatrick and her husband James Scantland. Both families settled in the same neighborhood in Jackson County, Tennessee, and two of Robert's children married two of Amelia's. According to her tombstone, Amelia was born 10 September 1750 in Stafford County, Virginia. Amelia may not be a member of this family, but if she is, she can scarcely be anyone other than William's daughter, and the evidence of close association might suggest that William and Amelia were brother and sister. Perhaps Stafford County, Virginia will yield information on the antecedents of this entire family.
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Robert Kirkpatrick was born in Camden District, South Carolina, 19 January 1754. he died in Jackson County Tennessee, 24 February 1835. He married Mary Campbell (one undocumented source gives the date as 1772). Mary's maiden name is established by a lawsuit in July 1856 in Jackson County, Tennessee. In the case of Francis H. Armstrong and others against Tolliver Kirkpatrick, Amos Kirkpatrick (Mary's son) gave these answers in the following questions. QUESTION: By same say whether you were acquainted with Nancy Jennings in her lifetime and if so, say what was her maiden name..." ANSWER: "I was acquainted with Nancy Jennings in her lifetime. Knew her for seventy years. Her maiden name was Campbell." QUESTION: "Say whether or not you were related to Nancy Jennings." ANSWER: "Her father and my mother were brother and sister."
Robert's service in the American Revolution as a private soldier in the South Carolina Militia seems well documented. his account at the National Archives, File S1845, granting him a pension in 1832 gives considerable detail.
He volunteered in August 1775 and served 3 months in Captain William Gaston's company with Lieut. Thomas Robins and Ensign James Kirkpatrick also serving as officers in the same company.*
Robert's narrative continues with the information that they were "marched to Snow camp under the command of General Richardson and joined the main army at Col. Wynn's (Winn?), crossed the Congaree River and marched towards the Indian lands and joined Genl. Sumter's army in that section of the country. On Reedy river, while commanded by Genl. Sumter they took one hundred men and eight Tories prisoners among whom was old Col. Fletcher. All of whom men went to Charleston after being deliverd in the low country people." (The low country people are the Tidewater Carolinians as opposed to the upcountry or backcountry people of the Piedmont.)
His story continues: "Applicant thinks in the summer of 1776 he again volunteered on a two month tour under Capt. Thomas Robins and Col. Neal to go to the Cherokee Nation and marched through the Nation in various directions destroying their towns and villages which was their great object to harrass and destroy them in that way. On the tour they destroyed as many as five Indian towns.
"In the spring of 1777 or 1778 the applicant again volunteered under Capt. William Gaston, Lieut. Th. Roberts and Ensign Jas. Kirk who were the officers in his first tour, was marched about 220 miles to rendezvous at Charleston where they were stationed about 3 months under the command of Genl. Richardson. He thinks soldiers were discharged by regiments.
"In 1778 the applicant is not entirely certain as to date, he again volunteered under Ensign James Kirk in Genl. Williamson's army and was marched out to Augusta & to Ninety Six where they were stationed some time. While there received information of some Indians going to join the British, was sent by Genl. Williamson in company of three hundred men in pursuit of them at Ogeechee River on a creek of said river, killed nine Indians and one white man, took three Indians and one white man prisoner. Major Ross was killed in this action. The men commanded by Col. Hammond returned back to headquarters to Augusta immediately, after remaining there about two weeks were discharged. This was a three month tour.
"Applicant now recollects in Feby. 1779 he again volunteered under Capt. William Gaston, Lieut. Tho. Roberts (Robins) and Ensign James Kirk and marched to ______ on the Savannah River where he joined Genl. Williamson and was stationed then about a month after serving out a tour of three months, sent home, remained at home about a month & was recalled to ______. When he got back there, Genl. Lincoln had command, who had arrived there in the interval. Hearing that the British were at Charleston the men marched to about four miles of that place, on the _____. We crossed the Edisto River, and after crossing the river we intercepted a large party of Tories driving negroes towards Savannah. Among whom we took a celebrated Tory by the name of Bill Cunningham. From near Charleston returned home. This tour was five months." Pension request was granted in 1833.
After the war, Robert Kirkpatrick moved to Powell's Valley in Virginia, part of it now in Tennessee, where "he was taken prisoner by the Indians and kept by them five months." From Powell's Valley he went to Madison County, Kentucky, then to Green County, Kentucky, and then finally to Jackson County, Tennessee, where he lived the remainder of his life. Robert owned property in Jackson County where the Old Bethel Church and the Kirkpatrick Cemetery were located.** His home was not far from the old ferry later known as Walker's Ferry. His wife did not survive him.
There were eight children born of Robert.
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"Roll of Capt. William Gaston's Company"
To the Council of Safety in Charles Town
South Carolina District Between Broad and Catawba Rivers adjoining the new acquistion and Broad River September 25th 1775 we the subscribers hereto have in compliance with the Resolutions Entered into also instructions given by the Provincial Congress held in Charles Town on Saturday June 17th 1775 and for the purposes therein mentioned associated and formed ourselves into a Volunteer Company of horse-men. And whereas by an Election held at the house of Mr. Francis Kirkpatrick this day by us the subscribers we have duely Elected and Chosen William Gaston to be our Captain Thomas Robins our first and James Kirkpatrick our Second Lieutenants we therefore humbly pray you to grant and give out Commissions or appointments for those our officers as Chosen.
David Reed Clayton Rogers Jno. Sadler
James Reed Francis Bab
James Dougherty Charles Gillmore
Jos. McCook ***
James Robins Robert Love
William Bell Moses Chery
William Love James McCreon
Andrew Woods William Rogers
James Bell James Elliot
Frs Kirk patrick John Gillespie
John Love John Grant
John Gallher James Grant
Robert Elliott
Joseph Robison
Robert Kirk patrick
Harrison Bell
Patrick Duffy
John McCool
Endorsed: Capt Fr. Kirkpatricks
Volunteer Company
*** Name obliterated
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Authors Note: It will be seen from the above roster of William Gaston's Company, that Robert Kirkpatrick was a private. Note too that the First Lieutenant is Thomas Robins and the Second Lieutenant (Ensign) is James Kirkpatrick. Also note the presence of another Kirkpatrick as a private, Francis. And further that the election was held at the home of and endorced or ratified by Captain Francis Kirkpatrick. We have speculated on the identity of James, Francis and Captain Francis Kirkpatrick but have confirmed nothing. We would be quite certain that Captain Francis Kirkpatrick is the son of James Kirkpatrick, the immigrant. The area is correct -- the Broad River, the 'new acquistion,' etc. Note to the name Andrew Woods in connection with the children of Robert Kirkpatrick. Also Charles Gillmore who was named guardian of one of Francis' sons. Note, too, the variation in the spelling treatment of the Kirkpatrick name.
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* Robert Kirkpatrick refers to Ensign James Kirk, but see the note at the end of this account of Robert Kirkpatrick for the text of a return from the South Carolina Historical & Genealogical Magazine. Kirkpatrick family members are frequently referred to as Kirk -- as Mrs. Kirk, Grandma Kirk, or just Kirk. We think it will be seen clearely from the return that Kirkpatrick was meant here.
** The cemetery is now known as the Big Bottom Cemetery. It is located on Robert Kirkpatrick's land.
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....That he belongs in this family is highly likely. The considerations of geography (he lived in the Camden District, South Carolina), the considerations of association (he served in the same unit in the Revolution with several members of this family), and the considerations of the similarity of patterns of names, all together create a strong presumption of a relationship. Unfortunately there has been no docuemntary proof uncovered at this writing which would DEFINITELY tie Robert into the family of James Kirkpatrick. Note also, that there is no DEFINITE proof against this tie either. Therefore, based on the arguments presented herein, it is this researchers firm belief that he is in fact the son of William Kirkpatrick, the son of James Kirkpatrick, known as the immigrant. Saying this, I will also note the alternative argument stated in the Kirkpatrick Genealogy book.
First argument: That Robert is the son of Francis, son of James1. Supporting this argument is the fact that Francis undoubtedly had a son named Robert about whom nothing is known, unless this is the one. In addition at least three of Francis Kirkpatrick's sons, Samuel, John, and Edward Moorehead went to Jackson County, Tennessee, as did this Robert. It could well be that in this we see a clan movement, strengthening the possibility that Robert is Francis' son.
Second argument: Day Jewell identified this Robert as the son of William, son of James1. Very little is known of William. We know from James Kirkpatrick's will that William had at least four children, but he does not appear in South Carolina records as do his brothers. This probably suggest that he lived elsewhere, and may indicate that he was the eldest, who stayed in a previous home when the rest of the family moved to South Carolina in the early 1750's. Supporting this belief are the following facts:
1- Robert was born 19 January 1754. As best as we can calculate, Francis was born circa 1735-1740. If Robert was the son of Francis, Francis was VERY young when he became a father. It is not impossible, but it raises questions.
2- The next oldest child of Francis of which we know is James, who was born in 1761. A seven year gap between the two oldest children is not impossible, and of course, there may have been children born in the interval who did not survive, but 1761 is a much likelier date for a man born circa 1735-1740 to be starting a family.
3- There is an old Scottish tradition of naming the eldest son after the paternal grandfather. The members of the Kirkpatrick family did not follow this pattern in every case, but in the first three or four generations, EVERY eldest son DID follow this pattern. Robert named his oldest son William. Also note that Francis's son born in 1761, was named James, the name of Francis' father! If Robert was the son of Francis, then it seems very likely that he would have named his first son Francis, not William!
4- Robert was closely associated with an Amelia Kirkpatrick and her husband James Scantland. Both families settled in the same neighborhood in Jackson County, Tennessee, and two of Robert's children married two of Amelia's. According to her tombstone, Amelia was born 10 September 1750 in Stafford County, Virginia. Amelia may not be a member of this family, but if she is, she can scarcely be anyone other than William's daughter, and the evidence of close association might suggest that William and Amelia were brother and sister. Perhaps Stafford County, Virginia will yield information on the antecedents of this entire family.
=======================
Robert Kirkpatrick was born in Camden District, South Carolina, 19 January 1754. he died in Jackson County Tennessee, 24 February 1835. He married Mary Campbell (one undocumented source gives the date as 1772). Mary's maiden name is established by a lawsuit in July 1856 in Jackson County, Tennessee. In the case of Francis H. Armstrong and others against Tolliver Kirkpatrick, Amos Kirkpatrick (Mary's son) gave these answers in the following questions. QUESTION: By same say whether you were acquainted with Nancy Jennings in her lifetime and if so, say what was her maiden name..." ANSWER: "I was acquainted with Nancy Jennings in her lifetime. Knew her for seventy years. Her maiden name was Campbell." QUESTION: "Say whether or not you were related to Nancy Jennings." ANSWER: "Her father and my mother were brother and sister."
Robert's service in the American Revolution as a private soldier in the South Carolina Militia seems well documented. his account at the National Archives, File S1845, granting him a pension in 1832 gives considerable detail.
He volunteered in August 1775 and served 3 months in Captain William Gaston's company with Lieut. Thomas Robins and Ensign James Kirkpatrick also serving as officers in the same company.*
Robert's narrative continues with the information that they were "marched to Snow camp under the command of General Richardson and joined the main army at Col. Wynn's (Winn?), crossed the Congaree River and marched towards the Indian lands and joined Genl. Sumter's army in that section of the country. On Reedy river, while commanded by Genl. Sumter they took one hundred men and eight Tories prisoners among whom was old Col. Fletcher. All of whom men went to Charleston after being deliverd in the low country people." (The low country people are the Tidewater Carolinians as opposed to the upcountry or backcountry people of the Piedmont.)
His story continues: "Applicant thinks in the summer of 1776 he again volunteered on a two month tour under Capt. Thomas Robins and Col. Neal to go to the Cherokee Nation and marched through the Nation in various directions destroying their towns and villages which was their great object to harrass and destroy them in that way. On the tour they destroyed as many as five Indian towns.
"In the spring of 1777 or 1778 the applicant again volunteered under Capt. William Gaston, Lieut. Th. Roberts and Ensign Jas. Kirk who were the officers in his first tour, was marched about 220 miles to rendezvous at Charleston where they were stationed about 3 months under the command of Genl. Richardson. He thinks soldiers were discharged by regiments.
"In 1778 the applicant is not entirely certain as to date, he again volunteered under Ensign James Kirk in Genl. Williamson's army and was marched out to Augusta & to Ninety Six where they were stationed some time. While there received information of some Indians going to join the British, was sent by Genl. Williamson in company of three hundred men in pursuit of them at Ogeechee River on a creek of said river, killed nine Indians and one white man, took three Indians and one white man prisoner. Major Ross was killed in this action. The men commanded by Col. Hammond returned back to headquarters to Augusta immediately, after remaining there about two weeks were discharged. This was a three month tour.
"Applicant now recollects in Feby. 1779 he again volunteered under Capt. William Gaston, Lieut. Tho. Roberts (Robins) and Ensign James Kirk and marched to ______ on the Savannah River where he joined Genl. Williamson and was stationed then about a month after serving out a tour of three months, sent home, remained at home about a month & was recalled to ______. When he got back there, Genl. Lincoln had command, who had arrived there in the interval. Hearing that the British were at Charleston the men marched to about four miles of that place, on the _____. We crossed the Edisto River, and after crossing the river we intercepted a large party of Tories driving negroes towards Savannah. Among whom we took a celebrated Tory by the name of Bill Cunningham. From near Charleston returned home. This tour was five months." Pension request was granted in 1833.
After the war, Robert Kirkpatrick moved to Powell's Valley in Virginia, part of it now in Tennessee, where "he was taken prisoner by the Indians and kept by them five months." From Powell's Valley he went to Madison County, Kentucky, then to Green County, Kentucky, and then finally to Jackson County, Tennessee, where he lived the remainder of his life. Robert owned property in Jackson County where the Old Bethel Church and the Kirkpatrick Cemetery were located.** His home was not far from the old ferry later known as Walker's Ferry. His wife did not survive him.
There were eight children born of Robert.
----------------------------------------------
"Roll of Capt. William Gaston's Company"
To the Council of Safety in Charles Town
South Carolina District Between Broad and Catawba Rivers adjoining the new acquistion and Broad River September 25th 1775 we the subscribers hereto have in compliance with the Resolutions Entered into also instructions given by the Provincial Congress held in Charles Town on Saturday June 17th 1775 and for the purposes therein mentioned associated and formed ourselves into a Volunteer Company of horse-men. And whereas by an Election held at the house of Mr. Francis Kirkpatrick this day by us the subscribers we have duely Elected and Chosen William Gaston to be our Captain Thomas Robins our first and James Kirkpatrick our Second Lieutenants we therefore humbly pray you to grant and give out Commissions or appointments for those our officers as Chosen.
David Reed Clayton Rogers Jno. Sadler
James Reed Francis Bab
James Dougherty Charles Gillmore
Jos. McCook ***
James Robins Robert Love
William Bell Moses Chery
William Love James McCreon
Andrew Woods William Rogers
James Bell James Elliot
Frs Kirk patrick John Gillespie
John Love John Grant
John Gallher James Grant
Robert Elliott
Joseph Robison
Robert Kirk patrick
Harrison Bell
Patrick Duffy
John McCool
Endorsed: Capt Fr. Kirkpatricks
Volunteer Company
*** Name obliterated
----------------------------------------------
Authors Note: It will be seen from the above roster of William Gaston's Company, that Robert Kirkpatrick was a private. Note too that the First Lieutenant is Thomas Robins and the Second Lieutenant (Ensign) is James Kirkpatrick. Also note the presence of another Kirkpatrick as a private, Francis. And further that the election was held at the home of and endorced or ratified by Captain Francis Kirkpatrick. We have speculated on the identity of James, Francis and Captain Francis Kirkpatrick but have confirmed nothing. We would be quite certain that Captain Francis Kirkpatrick is the son of James Kirkpatrick, the immigrant. The area is correct -- the Broad River, the 'new acquistion,' etc. Note to the name Andrew Woods in connection with the children of Robert Kirkpatrick. Also Charles Gillmore who was named guardian of one of Francis' sons. Note, too, the variation in the spelling treatment of the Kirkpatrick name.
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* Robert Kirkpatrick refers to Ensign James Kirk, but see the note at the end of this account of Robert Kirkpatrick for the text of a return from the South Carolina Historical & Genealogical Magazine. Kirkpatrick family members are frequently referred to as Kirk -- as Mrs. Kirk, Grandma Kirk, or just Kirk. We think it will be seen clearely from the return that Kirkpatrick was meant here.
** The cemetery is now known as the Big Bottom Cemetery. It is located on Robert Kirkpatrick's land.
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Events
| Birth | 19 Jan 1754 | Camden Co., South Carolina | |||
| Marriage | Abt 1772 | Camden Co., South Carolina - Mary Campbell | |||
| Death | 24 Feb 1833 | Jackson Co., Tennessee |  | ||
| Burial | AKA Hix Cemetery, Kirkpatrick Cemetery, Big Bottom Cemetery, Jackson Co., Tennessee |
Families
| Spouse | Mary Campbell (1758 - ) |
| Child | Nancy Kirkpatrick (1774 - ) |
| Child | William Kirkpatrick (1777 - 1856) |
| Child | Amos Kirkpatrick (1779 - 1861) |
| Child | James Kirkpatrick (1790 - 1845) |
| Child | Anne Kirkpatrick (1793 - 1869) |
| Child | Jonathon "John" Kirkpatrick (1799 - 1871) |
| Child | Robert Kirkpatrick Jr (1806 - 1858) |
| Child | Susanne Kirkpatrick (1807 - ) |
| Father | William Kirkpatrick (1733 - 1798) |
| Sibling | Amelia Kirkpatrick (1750 - 1826) |
| Sibling | Third Child Kirkpatrick ( - ) |
| Sibling | Fourth Child Kirkpatrick ( - ) |
Endnotes
1. Genealogical Records of the Kirkpatrick Families, Compiled for Dr. S. B. Kirkpatrick By Asa C. Elliott, El Paso, Texas, 1942--Revised 1959 by Dr. B. A. Kirkpatrick, Taylor, Texas.