Sometimes the most incredible family discoveries come when you least expect them. After months of searching through dusty archives and digital collections, I've uncovered something extraordinary: authentic Revolutionary War service records for our 5th great-grandfather, Edmund Tidwell (1758-1846). Dar Patriot # A115350
Citation Notes
Name: Edmund Tidwell
Service: 120 days in South Carolina Militia, 1782
Location: Fairfield District, South Carolina
Filed/Sworn: December 1782 and April 1783
Witnessed by: Chas. Pickett, J.P. and John Hollis, Lt.
Amount Owed: £8.11.5 (Eight Pounds, Eleven Shillings, 5 Pence)
Virginia, South Carolina and Tennessee
Born in Prince William County, Virginia in 1758, Edmund came of age as America itself was being born. By 1782, at just 24 years old, he was serving in the South Carolina Militia during some of the war's most challenging final campaigns. He would live to see the new nation mature for another 64 years, passing away in Dickson County, Tennessee in 1846 - a true witness to America's transformation from rebellious colonies to established republic.
What the Documents Reveal
The two surviving militia vouchers tell a remarkable story of bureaucracy and brotherhood in wartime America. Our ancestor served 120 days under Lieutenant John Hollis in South Carolina's Fairfield District - no brief stint, but a substantial commitment during active wartime.
Document 1 - December 4, 1782: The first voucher reads like a formal legal proceeding: "Appeared Edmund Tidwell & made Oath that the above service is justly Due to him by the State." Justice of the Peace Charles Pickett witnessed this sworn statement, while Lieutenant John Hollis certified the service himself, writing "I certify the above service was done."
Document 2 - April 30, 1783: Four months later, the bureaucratic wheels turned again. This time through the Auditor General's office, the record states Edmund's account "is Sterling Eight Pounds Eleven Shillings & Five Pence Sterling" - though noting "The Commencing or Ending of the Duty is not certified." The document bears the official stamp "Passed 30 April 1783."
The amount owed - £8.11.5 (Eight Pounds, Eleven Shillings, and Five Pence) - represents significant compensation for a militiaman of that era. To put this in perspective, this was serious money when a laborer might earn a few shillings per day.
Why This Matters
These aren't just old papers; they're proof of our family's direct participation in America's founding struggle. The timing is particularly significant - 1782 was when British forces were still active in the Carolinas, and militia units like Edmund's were crucial for protecting communities and supply lines.
For genealogy enthusiasts, having documents from different dates provides the kind of rock-solid verification that organizations like the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) require for Patriot lineage applications.
The Search Continues
While experts are currently verifying these documents, the level of detail gives me confidence in their authenticity. The specific names - Justice of the Peace Charles Pickett and Lieutenant John Hollis - the exact currency notation in 18th-century style, and the formal legal language all point to genuine Revolutionary War-era documentation.
I'm already wondering what other stories our family history might reveal. Did Edmund know he was serving alongside future Tennessee neighbors? What drew him from Virginia to South Carolina's Fairfield District, and later to Dickson County, Tennessee? The gap between "Commencing or Ending of the Duty is not certified" suggests there might be more records out there waiting to be discovered.
These Revolutionary War records are just the beginning. Our 5th great-grandfather's service represents not just one man's duty, but our family's deep roots in American independence - roots that stretch back to those crucial days when everything we know as America hung in the balance.
🧾 Full Transcription – Document 1
Militia Voucher Signed December 4, 1782
1782 – The State of S. Carolina To Edmund Tidwell Dr. To 120 Days Service under the Command of Lieut. [Hollis] £8.11.5 ½ Appeared Edmund Tidwell & made Oath that the above service is justly Due to him by the State. Sworn before me this 4th day of Decr. 1782 Chas. Pickett, J.P. I certify the above service was done John Hollis, Luten.
🧾 Full Transcription – Document 2
Account Record – Militia Duty Acknowledged April 30, 1783
Mr. Edmund Tidwell His Account of 120 Days Duty in Militia in 1782 Amt. to £8:11:5 is Sterling Eight Pounds Eleven Shillings & Five Pence Sterling The Commencing or Ending of the Duty is not certified. [Signature or initials]
Right margin:
Passed 30 April 1783 per the Auditor General’s office [initialed]
More discoveries from the family archives coming soon...
Thank you for the article! That’s really cool.
This is so cool! Thanks for all your research! I plan to send to my brothers and kids!