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McIntosh family left imprint on early America, Robertson County




The McIntosh brothers were born in Virginia, enlisted in the Revolutionary War with a North Carolina unit, and eventually found their way to Tennessee. This stock photo from the Revolutionary War era depicts a soldier similar to how the McIntosh brothers would have been outfitted at the time.

The McIntosh brothers were born in Virginia, enlisted in the Revolutionary War with a North Carolina unit, and eventually found their way to Tennessee. This stock photo from the Revolutionary War era depicts a soldier similar to how the McIntosh brothers would have been outfitted at the time.

Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a series of stories submitted in the American Patriot series, researched and authored by the Charlotte Reeves Robertson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The McIntosh Clan is said to be one of the most prominent clans of Scotland, hailing back to the 12th century. Thomas, Charles and Nimrod McIntosh most likely had never seen their country of origin, but they carried in them the same desire to fight, much as their ancestors did, in order to overcome oppression and subjugation.

The brothers were all born in Culpeper County, Virginia, a small town that was established in 1749 and named for Lord Thomas Culpeper. It can be found in the north-central region of the state. A 17-year-old George Washington was the first county surveyor and was hired to lay out the Culpeper courthouse complex.

At the Virginia Convention in May 1775, the Virginia colony was divided into 16 districts. Each of the districts was instructed to raise a battalion of men that would “march at a minute’s notice”, should the need arise. These men were known as the Culpeper Minute Men. They marched under a flag illustrated with a rattlesnake and inscribed with the words “Liberty or Death” and “Don’t tread on me”.

Congress enacted pension legislation for benefits payable for service in the Revolutionary War. This act provided for full pay for life for all officers and enlisted men who served at least two years in the Continental Line, the state troops or militia, or the navy or the marines.

Men who served less than two years but at least six months were granted pensions of less than full pay. To avail themselves of benefits, veterans and their widows were required to file applications regarding their service. These applications contain wonderful stories of the men and women who risked their lives and property during the Revolutionary War to lay the foundation of the United States of America.

Though born in Virginia, the McIntosh brothers entered Revolutionary War service in North Carolina’s Caswell County, which borders the state line of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Thomas McIntosh served a total of nine months as a private in the cavalry militia of North Carolina, under Capt. Nathaniel Dickerson and Col. William Moore. He describes chasing Indians, guarding prisoners and pursuing British soldiers near Hillsboro, NC.

Thomas remained in North Carolina for about 30 years following his service. He then moved to Robertson County with his family. They were in the area for approximately 12 years, but moved to Stewart County in 1822. He applied for his service pension in Stewart County and received $32.50/year, beginning in March 1831. Thomas McIntosh died in 1838, some seven years after receiving his pension.

Charles McIntosh applied for his Revolutionary War Pension on Nov. 15, 1832. He served three tours as a private in the North Carolina troops, shortly before the taking of Charleston. He was unable to provide documentation of his service, as his records of discharge had burned in a house fire some years prior. His brother Nimrod testified under oath that he (Charles) was a soldier of the revolution.

Following his war service, he also resided in Caswell County for some 12 years, then moved to Robertson County, TN. He, with his wife Candis and their family settled in the Barren Plains Community.

When Charles died in September 1836, his will left all his land to his sons. However, the son Anderson McIntosh bought out his brothers’ shares. His widow Candis remained in the household with Anderson’s family until her death in 1854. It is believed both Charles and Candis are buried in the McIntosh Cemetery off Scott Road near Barren Plains, wherein both Anderson and his wife have engraved tombstones.

The youngest McIntosh brother, Nimrod, fought in the Revolution alongside his two siblings, Thomas and Charles, and was able to swear to their service in Robertson County, Tennessee open Court in Aug. 13, 1833.

Nimrod married Nancy Murphey of Caswell, N.C. on Dec. 15, 1788. They had 10 children together. The family settled in Robertson County, having relocated from Caswell County, NC. Nancy died in 1830. Both she and Nimrod are buried in the McIntosh Cemetery on Blackwood Road in Robertson County in Springfield.

The McIntosh Clan’s spirit continues its march on into the 21st Century – both in the Continental United States and in Europe. The United States is a country of immigrants, and we are more the better for the gifts of service they bring with them.

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