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.
James Trenor is one of the Patriot ancestors of member Rhonda Bandy. James Trenor was born on March 24, 1757 in Dublin, Ireland. He arrived in Baltimore, Md., in April 1775. He made his way to Bedford County and wasted no time becoming involved in the fight for his new country. In May 1776 he volunteered in the Cherokee Expedition, under the command of Col. William Christian from Botetourt County. He was appointed sergeant on November 7, 1780 in Col. Gibson’s Company of the Virginia Troops.
Trenor served in the Virginia troops as needed for about 18 months. He was promoted to Commissioner of Spies on May 1, 1781 and also served as Issuing Commissary until his honorable discharge on January 1, 1782, at the age of 24. This information was taken from his application for a pension that was executed November 11, 1833 as a resident of Botetourt County.
He took advantage of the opportunities afforded by the Colonial government as it applied to land grants for military service. He owned many hundreds of acres in Virginia and West Virginia and Kentucky.
He served as a deputy sheriff in Botetourt County from 1810 to 1812, recorded in the Deed Book 10, page 458, found in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Botetourt County.
Trenor married Elizabeth Groggin in Botetourt County, then established his home in what is now Craig County, in the Sinking Creek Valley. He raised a family of five children and appears to have been prosperous by the inventory list contained in his estate settlement documents. He died in Fincastle of a sudden illness, unfortunately without family with him. He is buried in the Trenor Family Cemetery in Craig County. There are at least 11 women, Daughters of the American Revolution, who trace their ancestry to this Patriot. His Patriot number is A116452.
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 the chapter, contact Membership Chair Emily Talbot-Guillote via email at eptg1019@gmail.com or Registrar JoElla John, jjohnregistrar@gmail.com.
~ Botetourt Chapter of DAR
