The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
Birth: 25 Apr 1738 / / Ireland Death: 19 Mar 1819 / Jefferson / TN
Qualifying Service Description:
1776-1779, he served as a Private in the company of Captain Michael Bowyer, commanded by Colonel James Woods.
1778-1779, during a time period, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Fleming served as Captain. In June 1779, Thomas Bowyer was made the Captain.
Additional References:
Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served in the American Army During the Revolutionary War. Micropublication M881, roll 1042. Washington: National Archives.
Gwathmey, John H., Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution: Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, 1775-1783, Virginia. Richmond: Dietz Press, 1938, pg 230
Spouse: Mary Sweeney Children: Anne; John; Elizabeth; Andrew;
William Donaldson was born on 25 April 1738, likely in Ireland.
He married Mary Sweeney on 19 March 1766 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Mary was likely born on 27 July 1741 in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The couple had the following known children:
Elizabeth was born in 1767 and married Thomas Joseph Rodgers.
Andrew was born in 1768 and married Isabella Carmichael.
Mary was born in 1770 and married Thomas Rodgers.
Ann was born in 1775 and married Tennessee Alexander Thompson.
John was born in 1778 and married Celia Jordan.
Rebecca was born in 1780 and married Perry Pullen and/or John Hay.
Jane was born in 1782 and married John Ogle.
William Donaldson enlisted on 6 March 1777 as a Private in Colonel James Wood’s Company of the 8th Virginia Regiment for a term of three years. His name appears on the roster of the 8th Virginia Regiment as late as 9 December 1779.
According to the Daughters of the American Revolution (Ancestor A033107) and information compiled by descendants, the 8th Virginia Regiment was originally raised on 11 January 1776 for service with the Virginia State Troops. Its first commanding officer was patriot leader and pastor Peter Muhlenberg, who became a militia colonel in 1775 at George Washington's request. On 25 May 1776, the regiment became part of the Continental Army and soon marched south to Charleston, South Carolina.
On 21 January 1777, the regiment was ordered to join Washington’s main army. Muhlenberg was promoted to brigadier general on 21 February, and Abraham Bowman succeeded him as colonel on 22 March. On 11 May 1777, the regiment was assigned to the 4th Virginia Brigade, alongside the 4th and 12th Virginia Regiments, Grayson’s Additional Continental Regiment, and Patton’s Additional Continental Regiment.
The 4th Virginia Brigade saw action at the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth from September 1777 through June 1778. James Wood became colonel on 14 September 1778 and led the unit for the remainder of its service. The 8th Virginia was also known as the “German Regiment.”
The Patriot died on 19 March 1819 in Russellville, Hamblen County, Tennessee, and was buried at Emma Jarnagin Cemetery in Hamblen County.
Source:
DAR Ancestor A033107 (mentioned in the military paragraph)
Genealogy.com forum post
Wikipedia article on the 8th Virginia Regiment
FindAGrave.com (memorial ID 68416332)
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