In recognition of the upcoming 250th celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the DAR America 250! Committee of the Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is placing a spotlight on members’ Patriot ancestors who helped their country achieve American Independence. Thomas Andrews is the Patriot ancestor of member Emily Talbot-Guillote.
On 1 June 1780, at the age of 18, Thomas Andrews was drafted into the Va. State Militia for five months. After rendezvousing at Cumberland County Courthouse, his Company marched to Hillsborough, N.C., to join General Edward Stevens. They were then attached to Colonel George Stubblefield’s 4th Va. Regiment. After the arrival of General Horatio Gates, they marched close to Camden, S.C., where they joined Continental troops commanded by Baron De Kalb. The next day, 16 August 1780, Thomas fought in the Battle of Camden, a losing Patriot effort but for Cornwallis a pyrrhic British victory. Half of Thomas’ company then marched to Guilford Courthouse, N.C., to guard military stores. On 1 November 1780, he was honorably discharged, having served two months longer than was required.
In December 1780, Thomas again joined up, this time as a substitute for a Robert Smith. From Cumberland Courthouse his Company marched to Great Bridge, Va., where a sizable number of Militia and Continentals guarded the bridge for some time against a possible British crossing. The British cut off “ordinary communications” between the Suffolk (Patriot) army and its detachments, forcing this detachment to flee across the Dismal Swamp to Suffolk and safety. They watched the British army’s movements in Norfolk until Thomas was honorably discharged in late March 1781.
In April he again enlisted as a substitute for three months. From Cumberland Courthouse his Company marched to below Richmond to join General Lafayette’s troops. Marching north of Richmond to join General Anthony Wayne’s troops, they pursued and engaged the British at the Battle of Green Springs on 6 June 1781…the last major land battle of the Va. campaign before the siege of Yorktown, the subsequent Patriot victory…and (tradition has it) “The World Turned Upside Down.” Thomas was honorably discharged in early August 1781. At long last he turned his feet toward home for good, having performed his duty to his country for himself and two others. On 31 August 1853, at the age of 91, he died and was buried in the Andrews family cemetery near New London in Bedford County.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political organization open to any woman who has lineage to a Patriot who contributed to the success of the American Revolution. Founded over 125 years ago, it is focused on service to the community and fosters Patriotism, Education and Historic Preservation.
~ Botetourt County DAR
