Father: Robert? Evans
Mother: *****
Spouse-1: ***** - b: ~1774
Child-1: Harris - b: ~1793 - SC - d: ~1845
- Bledsoe Co., TN
m: Armilla or Amelia Lewis - 31/May/1815 - Knox Co., TN
2: Elizabeth
(Betsy) - b: 1795/1796 - SC
d: ~1853 - Van Buren Co., TN
m: Clayton McCormack - 9/Mar/1820 - Roane Co., TN
3: Nancy
- b: 1801/1802 - SC - nra: 1850
m: Daniel Measles - 22/Mar/1821 - Roane Co., TN
4: Samuel,
Jr. - b: ~1805 - NC
d: ~1865 - bur: Cookson Creek Cem., Polk Co., TN
m: Artilda (Artie) Lawson - 6/Dec/1826 - Roane Co., TN
5: Reuben
- m: Rebecca Lawson - 5/Oct/1825 - Roane Co., TN
6: Esther
(Neaty) - b: 1817/1818 - TN
m: Lawton B. Davis - 27/Sep/1833 - Roane Co., TN
Spouse-2: Peggy Slagle - b: ~1776 - PA or VA
d: ~1870
m: Oct/1829 - Monroe Co., TN
Biographical Details:
Samuel G. Evans was born in Virginia, perhaps in Prince Edward County, probably about 1763, however the year cannot be consistently determined from later records. Nothing definite is known of his parents and family, except that he had an older brother, Thomas. It is known that Samuel Evans served in the Revolutionary War with the Third Continental Light Dragoons, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William Washington, second cousin once removed of General George Washington.1 He also stated that he had served under Captain Gunn. It has been further reported that Samuel Evans fought in the Battles of Cowpens, Guilford Court House, and Eutaw Springs. At this last engagement his unit was severely mauled and its commander captured. Although, his pension application does state that his right leg was amputated below the knee, it does not explicitly state that this was a result of a war wound, as some researchers have asserted.2,3 Nevertheless, the known history of the Battle of Eutaw Springs and that he was furloughed rather than discharged strongly suggest that Samuel was indeed seriously wounded.4 Following the Revolutionary War, it seems that Samuel married and settled in South Carolina. The name of his first wife remains unknown. Even so, only a single household associated with the name, Samuel Evans, appeared in the population schedule of the 1790 US Census for the entire state of South Carolina. Accordingly, the family apparently consisted of one male and three females resident in Laurens District, i.e., later County. Therefore, although not entirely certain, it is reasonable to identify this household with that of Samuel G. Evans. This same family was also listed in the Laurens District population schedule for the 1800 US Census, but did not appear in later census records, which is in accord with the assertion of other researchers that Samuel G. Evans and his family relocated to North Carolina during the first decade of the nineteenth century. However, by 1820, they were apparently living in Roane County, Tennessee, where Samuel had made application for a Revolutionary War service pension. Moreover, it is evident from the financial details included with his pension declaration that the family was not prosperous. Subsequently, Samuel Evans was listed in the Tennessee Veterans Pension Roll of 1835 as age seventy-one, i.e., born in 1763 or 1764, from Roane County, having served in the Virginia Continental Line, and entitled to an annual allowance of $96.00 for a total amount received of $1502.13 since his pension was started. (These figures imply that he had been receiving a pension for about fifteen and one half years, which is consistent with his court depositions of 1818 and 1820.) It would appear that Samuel G. Evans married for a second time in October of 1829 to Peggy Slagle in Monroe County, Tennessee, and subsequently lived in this locality, since his household was listed in the population schedule of the 1830 US Census for Monroe County. However, he seems to have returned to Roane County sometime in the 1830's, since in 1838 he made an affidavit in Roane County in support of the pension application made by his widowed sister-in-law, Jane Howerton Evans. Moreover, in a related affidavit made by Robert Dabney in Morgan County, Tennessee, at this time Samuel Evans was said to be living about five miles from Philadelphia in Tennessee and near a little town in the edge of Roan County where he said he had been living for some years. In the population schedule of the 1840 US Census for Roane County, Samuel Evans was found living in the household of his son-in-law, Lawton B. Davis. In addition, he was identified as a Revolutionary War pensioner and his age was given as eighty-four. (This age implies a birth year of 1755 or 1756.) Late in life, Samuel G. Evans apparently moved to McMinn County, Tennessee, possibly because he was physically infirm and in need of care by close family members. This is supported by the population schedule of 1850 US Census for McMinn County, which indicates that at the time of the census he was ninety years of age, i.e., born in 1759 or 1760, and living with the family of his daughter, Nancy Measles. He died on August 26, 1851, and his will was recorded in McMinn County.Source Notes and Citations:It might seem reasonable to presume that Peggy Slagle Evans had died during the 1830's since, according to census records Samuel Evans was living with his daughters, Esther and Nancy, in 1840 and 1850, respectively, and his wife was apparently not included in either household. Nevertheless, this was not the case since in October of 1854 she applied for a pension citing her status as the widow of a Revolutionary War veteran.5 Thus, it would seem that Samuel and Peggy Evans may have been separated for some time prior to his death, but this is merely speculation. Accordingly, in 1860 Peggy Ivens (sic - Evans) was living in Roane County in the household of Israel and Sarah Scott. Her relationship, if any, to this family remains unclear, however, Sally and Katherine Scott were a witnesses to her declaration of September 1, 1855, and she was still living with the Scott family in 1870. Moreover, her age was given as one hundred in the corresponding population schedule. This conflicts with her age given in 1860 as seventy-five, but it cannot be doubted that she was quite elderly since it has been reported that Rufus Wilson was appointed her legal guardian in 1869. Undoubtedly, Peggy Slagle Evans died in the 1870's.
1a. "William Washington was one of a small, loyal cadre of key field officers who served with distinction in the Continental Army for duration of the War of the American Revolution. His independent operations and battlefield actions as a cavalry commander in the South were comparable to the exploits of his better-known fellow officers. Unlike William Davie, Henry 'Light Horse Harry' Lee, Francis Marion, Daniel Morgan and Thomas 'Gamecock' Sumter -- as well as their famous British adversary, Banastre Tarleton -- an extensive, published biography has been missing.
Maj. General Nathanael Greene referred to 'Light Horse Harry' Lee as his 'eye,' but he called Colonel Washington his 'arm.' Washington was a gallant battlefield commander who personally led his men, and he was wounded on at least two occasions (possibly four). His battlefield dash and personal bravery were balanced by modesty and selflessness, and the mercurial aspects of his military career offer a view of the difficulties in maintaining the cavalry. His story is thus an all the more believable, fascinating example of the war's soldier-cavalrymen.
William Washington was born on February 28, 1752. He and George Washington were second cousins, once removed. He was elected a captain of the 3rd Virginia Regiment in 1775. He fought at Harlem Heights. He was one of the few Patriot wounded at the Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776. In January 1777, he was promoted to major in the newly formed 4th Continental Light Dragoons. In late 1778, Congress promoted him to lieutenant colonel of the 3rd Dragoons and told him to take full command of the regiment. In late 1779 the rebuilt 3rd was ordered to South Carolina.
William Washington and Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton frequently faced each other in cavalry skirmishes and full-fledged battles. William encountered Tarleton near Sandy Hill on March 27, 1780, Monck's Corner on April 14th and Lenud's Ferry on May 6th. Washington then retreated to North Carolina until October. On December 4th, he skirmished at Rugeley's Farm. Later that month, he defeated Tories at Hammond Stores. Washington then fought at Cowpens on January 17, 1781, Guilford Courthouse on March 15, 1781, Hobkirk's Hill on April 25, 1781 and was captured at Eutaw Springs on September 8, 1781. He married Jane Elliott on April 21, 1782. The couple had two children. He was an active member of the South Carolina General Assembly for 17 years. He hosted President George Washington in 1791. He died on March 6, 1810.
William Washington's military career reflected the glory and the desperation of the War of the American Revolution. He was one of a vital core of young officers who often accomplished much with very little resources. His cavalry was essential to Greene's successful campaign to drive the British from the Carolinas. That Washington embodied the spirit of resistance until the end is certain, and it was the very spirit that was required to defeat the British in North America. British military historian Sir John Fortesque observed: 'It is true that Tarleton and, still more conspicuously, the American Colonel Washington had occasionally wrought great results by the charge of a mere handful of sabres.'" (Scott Cummings, "William Washington", www.patriotresource.com/people/washw/page1.html, 2001-3.)b. "Lt. Colonel William Washington joined Brig. General Daniel Morgan's 'ight corps' in the western Carolinas in October and November 1780. Learning that Tory Colonel Henry Rugeley had 200 Tories at his fortified farm a few miles north of Camden, South Carolina, Morgan detached Washington and his 100 dragoons to take them by surprise. Gambling on the inexperience of his opponent, Washington resorted to a ruse. While most of his dragoons dismounted and surrounded the barn on December 4, 1780, he directed some men in fashioning a mock cannon from a pine log and mounting it on a carriage out of view of the enemy. He brought it into sight of the barn with great fanfare as if to fire this 'Quaker gun' and summoned the defenders to surrender or risk being blown to pieces. The deception worked, and according to a participant, the fake cannon 'had the same effect as if it was the best piece in Christendom,' convincing the Tories to give up without firing a shot.
In mid-December, 250 Georgia Loyalists under Colonel Waters crossed the Savannah River and were burning Patriot homes between Ninety Six and Winnsboro, and in Brig. General Morgan's words 'were insulting and Plundering the good people [there].' While following the destructive path wrought by this 'Party of Plunderers,'William Washington wrote Maj. General Nathanael Greene that 'The Distress of the Women and Children stripp'd of every thing by plundering Villains cries aloud for Redress.' On December 27, Morgan reinforced Washington with 200 Georgia and South Carolina mounted militia and sent him after Waters.
After a forty-mile ride through farmland devastated by the Tories, the Patriots caught their prey at Hammond Stores, twenty-six miles east of the strategic British post at Ninety Six. The Tories were dismounted and preparing a noon meal, so the Patriots briefly held the advantage of surprise. While Colonel Waters hurriedly formed his men in line on the crest of a hill, William quickly formed into line on another hill facing their enemy, with his regular dragoons in the center and the mounted militia, many armed with rifles, on the flanks. He called for the militia to fire a volley and charged with his Continental Dragoons and the militia. Washington's force took 40 prisoners and 50 horses, but 150 Tories were killed or sabered beyond recovery. Morgan noted that 'What makes this success more Valuable ... it was attained without the loss of a man.'
At the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781, Washington was able to bring superior numbers to bear at critical points on the narrow battlefield where he could outnumber the British. Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton's total cavalry force outnumbered Washington's by more than two to one. Washington's cavalry first defeated the British 17th Light Dragoons on the British right and then a Legion Dragoon squadron on their left. He followed with an assault on the British infantry and pursuit. A running encounter between Washington and Tarleton, which was described by Colonel John Eager Howard and later by Justice John Marshall and a few pensioners, would eventually be dramatized in four nineteenth century paintings (1845-1898)." (ibid.)c. "At the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina on March 15, 1781, Lt. Colonel William Washington charged the British Guards after earlier covering the Patriot right wing throughout the battle. Lt. General Charles Cornwallis described Guards' fate as 'thrown into confusion by a heavy fire, and immediately charged and driven back into the field by Colonel Washington's dragoons, with the loss of the six pounders they [the Guards] had taken.'
At the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill on April 25, 1781, Washington made too wide of a circuit to help Maj. General Nathanael Greene replicate Cowpens. He got bogged down in the rear of Lord Rawdon's army, taking as many prisoners as his men could manage by pulling them up on the horses behind them. Thus burdened, the dragoons advanced on the main battle. When he saw that his comrades were losing, Washington paroled the prisoners. He rushed to help cover the American retreat and immediately charged Coffin's Tory cavalry, routing them and rescuing the precious American artillery pieces by dragging them away behind some of the dragoon's own horses. This action enabled Greene to rally most of his men a few miles away and once again keep his army intact.
At the Battle of Eutaw Springs, South Carolina on September 8, 1781, Washington galloped through the woods around the American left late in the battle and led his troopers in an unsupported frontal charge against an excellent British defensive position. As the dragoons approached unsupported by infantry, he realized that his men would not be able to penetrate a thicket, and he ordered a wheel by sections to the right in hopes of riding for an open space to gain the enemy's rear.
Performed within killing distance of the elite British flank companies, this maneuver was disastrous. The British, firing enfilade with deadly efficiency, turned this gallant unit into a disordered mass of men and horses. The British then charged with the bayonet - killing, wounding, or capturing over half of the cavalrymen. Washington's horse was shot and it fell and pinned him to the ground. A participant recalled: 'Washington jumped his horse into the midst of the enemy and was suddenly taken prisoner. A British soldier appearing to be in the posture of attempting to stab Colonel Washington, one of his men rushed forward and cut him down at one blow. Washington being a prisoner, and his men mingled in confusion with the enemy ...'
While a prisoner in Charleston, South Carolina, William Washington became reacquainted with rice heiress Jane Elliott whose father died at Sandy Hill on the same day as the Battle of Cowpens. The couple found the wherewithal in the enemy-occupied city to get married on April 21, 1782. The British left Charleston the following December and Washington soon sat for his Charles Wilson Peale portrait." (ibid.)Works Cited by Cummings:
1. Haller, Stephen E., William Washington: Cavalryman of the Revolution, Heritage Books, Bowie, MD, 2001.
back to bio.2. Zella Armstrong, Some Tennessee Heroes of the Revolution, The Lookout Pub. Co., Chattanooga, TN, 1933. (Reprint available from Genealogical Publishing Co., 1001 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD, 21202-3897)
"Samuel Evans applied for revolutionary pension while living in Roane County ... He was in the battles of Eutaw Springs, Guilford Court House and Cowpens. He lost his right leg as it was amputated because of a wound. He says that five children, the oldest a boy of 13, are living with him. His widow, Peggy Evans, applied for pension in 1854. She lived until after 1869, when Rufus Wilson was appointed her guardian. She was a second wife. She married him Oct., 1829, in Monroe County, when he was 68 years old. She was Peggy Stoyles (?) before her marriage. Samuel Evans died Aug., 26, 1851. His children were: Samuel, Jr., born 1805, died after 1851; Harris; Nancy married ----- Mitzell; Esther married ----- Davis."
back to bio.3. James H. Gates, Clayton McCormick, ancestors and descendants, privately published, Wilton Manors, FL, 2001. (available from the Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, TN.)
"Samuel Evans played a heroic role in our nation's fight for freedom. He enlisted in a North Carolina Regiment and served in the acclaimed 3rd Continental Light Dragoons, commanded by the Commander in Chief's cousin, Lt. Col. William Washington. ... Samuel Evans indicated in his pension deposition that his right leg had been amputated because of a wound (obtained while serving with William Washington in the Battle of Eutaw Springs). ... Six weeks later Cornwallis surrendered, and American Independence was won."
back to bio.4. Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, Washington DC: Samuel Evans W7126, (microfilm: roll M805_309; imgs. 161-9).
State of Tennessee Knox County On the 12th day of July 1818 before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the circuit courts for the state of Tennessee, personally appeared Samuel Evans aged fifty three years resident in the County of Roane Tennessee who being by me first duly sworn according to the law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval services of the United States in the Revolutionary war. That the said Samuel Evans enlisted in the State of North Carolina in the company of Cavalry commanded by Captain Gunn in Colo William Washingtons Corps of Cavalry for five years or during the war in the year 1779. That he continued to serve the United States in said Corps until after the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown when he was furloughed and not again called into service and obtained no discharge. That he was in the battle at Eutaw Springs at Guilford and at the battle at the Cowpens that he is in reduced circumstances and needs the assistance of his country for support that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said service that he never has been a pensioner and does hereby relinquish all claims to pension previous provided for Sworn to an subscribed before me the day & year aforesaid /s/X Samuel Evans his mark /s/Edw Scott Judge &C
SCHEDULE; STATE OF TENNESSEE, Roane County, July Session 1820
On the 28th day of July 1820, personally appeared in open court, being a court of record, (having the power of fine and imprisonment and also having been made a court of record by the laws of said State) for the said county, Samuel Evans aged fifty seven years, resident in the county of Roane aforesaid, who, being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows: That he served the United States about 3 years & 6 months in the revolutionary war; that he enlisted with Captain Gunn of Col William Washington Regt of Cavalry that his pension Certificate is of No 5329 that his original declaration is dated the 12th day of July 1818 And I do solemnly swear I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other that what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
1 Horse of the value of $25.00 1 Cow & Calf 12.00 7 head of hogs or shoats 3.50 2 small pots 1/2 doz plates 1/2 doz knives and forks 5.50 $46.00 That he has a wife aged 45 or 46 years, 5 children being with him the oldest about 13 years & a boy 2 smaller boys & 2 smaller girls That his wife is unhealthy that he himself has lost his right leg by amputation at the knee, that he has no trade, that he owes about 70 or 80 dollars Sworn to in open court 28th day of July 1820 /s/Samuel Evans /s/GPurris D.C.
back to bio.5a. ibid. Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the 3rd Section of the Act 3rd February 1853 State of Tennessee County of Roane On the 25th day of October 1854 personally appeared before the undersigned one of Justices of Roane County Court in the State of Tennessee Peggy Evans a resident of Roane County in the State of Tennessee aged seventy seven years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd of February 1853 Granting Pensions to widows of persons (serving) during the Revolutionary War that she is the widow of Samuel Evans who was a private in the Revolutionary War and for which services he drew a Pension of ninety six dollars per annum at the Pension Agency at Knoxville Tennessee and refers to his declaration and proof on file under the acts of 1817 & 1819 for proof of his services
She furthermore declares that she was married to the said Samuel Evans on the -- day of October eighteen hundred and Twenty nine and that her said Husband died on the -- day of September Eighteen hundred and fifty Two That she was not married to him prior to the second day of June eighteen hundred but at the time above stated she further declares that she is now a widow and that from old age and bodily infirmity she is unable to travel to Kingston the place of holding court in said county /s/X Peggy Evans her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above written and I certify that I believe the Declarant Peggy Evans to be of the age above by her stated and from old age and bodily infirmity she is unable to travel to Kingston the place of holding court in said county /s/John W Taliaferro Justice of the peace for sd countyState of Tennessee County of Roane;
On this first day of September, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five; personaly appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Peggy Evans aged about seventy six years, a resident of Roane, in the State of Tennessee, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Sam'l Evans, deceased, who was a private in the company by Captain -- in the -- Regiment of --, commanded by -- , in the war with Great Brittain in the Revolutionary service that her said husband Drew a pension of ninety six Dollars per annum under the act of 1819 for his services at the Agency at Knoxville Tennessee and that she as his widow is in the receipt of a Pension of ninety six Dollars per annum by certificate no. as will appear by the Declaration of her and her said Husband on file in the Department
She further states that she was married to the said Samuel Evans in Monroe County Tennessee on the -- day of -- A. D. 1830 by one James S Herin, a Justice of the peace and that her name before her said marriage was Peggy Slagle that here said husband died at McMinn County Tenn on the -- day of -- A. D. --, and that she is now a widow.
She makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "Act approved March 3d, 1855." /s/X Peggy Evans her markWe, Sally Scott and Katherine Scott, residents of Roane County, in the State of Tennessee, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Peggy Evans in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herelf to be. /s/X Sally Scott her mark /s/X Katherine Scott her mark
The foregoing Declaration and Affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. /s/John W Taliaferro J.P.
The record of which marriage she is (?) and believes was burnt up with the Clerks office of Monroe County Tennessee
b. November 6, 1854, "The declaration of Peggy Evans widow and relict of Samuel Evans decd. who was a revolutionary Soldier for a pension was read in open court & approved and ordered to be certified." (Circuit Court Minute Bk. Q, Roane Co., TN, pg. 469. - Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, TN. (microfilm: roll - Roane Co. #96)) (Robert L. Bailey, "Military Abstracts from Roane County Court Minute Books 1849-1861", www.roanetnheritage.com/research/military/abstracts.htm, 2004.)
c. December 3, 1855, "Be it remembered that Joseph Lane & John W. Taliaferro two reputable witnesses & citizens of Roane County came into open court and being duly sworn according to law, declares that they were acquainted with Samuel Evans late a revolutionary Pensioner who departed this life leaving his widow Peggy Evans surviving him who is still living which record on motion of Samuel L. Childress Esqr. is ordered to be certified to the department of the Interior as part of the proof in the application of Saml. Evans administrator of Saml. Evans decd. for arrearages of Pension due decedent at his death." (Circuit Court Minute Bk. Q, Roane Co., TN, pg. 553. - Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, TN. (microfilm: roll - Roane Co. #96)) (Robert L. Bailey, "Military Abstracts from Roane County Court Minute Books 1849-1861", www.roanetnheritage.com/research/military/abstracts.htm, 2004.)
back to bio.
Additional Citations:
6. 1790 US Census Population Schedule for Laurens District, South Carolina, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 435, (microfilm: roll M637_11; img. 256).
7. 1800 US Census Population Schedule for Laurens District, South Carolina, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 203, (microfilm: roll M32_50; img. 37).
8. 1830 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 93, (microfilm: roll M19_175; img. 187).9. 1840 US Census Population Schedule for Roane County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 57, (microfilm: roll M704_535; imgs. 116-7).
10. 1850 US Census Population Schedule for McMinn County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 323A, (microfilm: roll M432_887; img. 732).
11. 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Roane County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 169A, (microfilm: roll M653_1269; img. 344).
12. 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Roane County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 406B, (microfilm: roll M593_1555; img. 187).
13. Will Bk. E, McMinn County, TN, pg. 203 & 283.