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 the country achieve American Independence. Col. George Crawford Poage is a Patriot ancestor of member Audrey Clark.
George Crawford Poage, son of Robert Poage and Elizabeth Preston, was born circa 1734 in Ulster County, Ireland. George, along with his parents and eight siblings, came to America around 1740. The Poages landed in Philadelphia and made their way to Virginia, where George’s father, Robert, appeared before the Orange County Court to “prove his importation” with the intention of “taking up public lands.” The family settled in newly formed Augusta County, near Staunton, where George later met his wife, Rachel Stevenson.
George and Rachel married on July 23, 1754, and shortly thereafter moved to Botetourt County, where George had acquired “large lands” (approximately 2,000 acres total by the time of his death) along the James River at Locust Bottom, near Glen Wilton. They made their home there and had seven children: Elizabeth (b. 1757), George, Jr. (b. 1765), Rachel (b. 1768), Margaret (b. 1770), Experience (b. 1771), Mary (b. 1773), and John (b. 1775).
George Poage was a devoted Patriot in the fight for the establishment of American Independence during the Revolutionary War. He qualified as Captain of militia of Augusta County on Nov. 20, 1767; was made Major of the militia of Botetourt County in 1774; was commandant of Fort Dinwiddie on the Jackson River; was a Major in the Cherokee Expedition of 1776-1777; qualified as Colonel of the Botetourt County militia in 1778; and was a Captain in the Second Battalion in 1781. Poage was also appointed Justice of the Peace by Thomas Jefferson on May 29, 1781.
George died at his home at Locust Bottom in 1787. His will, dated May 20, 1786, named all seven of his children but not his wife, indicating that he was predeceased by Rachel, whose exact date of death is unknown. Upon his death, Poage’s son, George, Jr., became executor of the estate and guardian of the other children except the eldest, Elizabeth, who was married by the time of her father’s passing.
George Poage’s estate remained in the family for generations and many of his descendants are buried in the cemetery at Locust Bottom Church.
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 Service. If you are interested or have questions about joining our chapter, contact Membership Chair Emily Talbot-Guillote via email at eptg1019@gmail.com or Registrar JoElla John, jjohnregistrar@gmail.com.
~ Botetourt DAR
