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. Major Francis M. McCorkle is the Patriot ancestor of associate member Laine Crosby.
The Revolutionary War had passed, and at just 30-years-old, Betsy remembered every detail. After all, she had helped her father, Richard Brandon, supply the Patriots. Then she married Major Francis McCorkle and settled on a farm in Catawba County, N.C. Betsy became the mother to six children from Francis’s first marriage, and together they had 10 more.
Early on May 30, 1791, Francis had taken the older children into Salisbury to see George Washington on his Southern tour. Soon after, a man knocked, looking for a blacksmith and mentioning his entourage was hungry. While Betsy graciously obliged, she shared her disappointment to miss Washington. After breakfast, one of the men thanked her and added, “Well, young lady, you can tell your family that you served breakfast to George Washington,” revealing that he was in fact, the president.
Maternal lines reveal unique stories and traditions, highlighting the vital role women played in shaping our heritage. Elizabeth (Betsy) Brandon McCorkle (1761-1821) is Laine’s fourth great-grandmother, and her husband, Major Francis M. McCorkle (1741-1802), is Laine’s Patriot ancestor. An unabridged account of this story was passed down from Betsy through her descendants to Laine’s father, and that is how Betsy’s generous and fearless nature inspired other generations.
In 1774, Major McCorkle was appointed to the Committee of Safety of Rowan County, N.C. When the war began, he fought in the key battles of Kings Mountain, Ramsours Mill, Torrence’s Tavern, Cowan’s Ford, and Cowpens. He and Betsy rest in the McCorkle Cemetery in Catawba County, N.C. He was also a farmer, father of 16, and inspired by the burgeoning spirit of freedom that characterized the era. Together, Francis and Betsy passed down the values that inspired generations of their descendants to serve in the military, and honor the sacrifices and principles they fought for – freedom, justice, and the pursuit of happiness.
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 DAR
