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.
An upright fieldstone with a vintage DAR plaque placed by the Thomas Hadley Chapter.
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Author: Steven Allen Gaines
Benjamin Farmer, my 5th Great Grandfather, born 1735 in Bertie County, NC was the first of nine children from Isaac Farmer and Elizabeth Bryant Braswell. Elizabeth’s parents Benjamin’s parents were originally from Isle of Wight, VA but had moved to Bertie County, NC and put down strong roots.
In 1779 Benjamin married Elizabeth Dew, the daughter of Arthur Dew and Mary Taylor, also residing in Edgecombe County, NC. From 1782 to 1812 Benjamin and Elizabeth gave birth to twelve sons and daughters. Their home was sited on a hill NW of Tarboro Street near the present day Wilson city water tank.
During the American Revolution, Benjamin enlisted 01 JUN 1781 for a term of twelve months in Capt. Lytle’s Co., 10th NC Regiment and was mustered out on 01 JUN 1782. During this term, Benjamin served as a Private.
According to legend, when Lord Cornwallis passed through the area on his way to defeat at Yorktown, he paused at Benjamin's farm and demanded food and supplies. Elizabeth stoutly denied his request on the grounds that her husband was away with the militia and she could not spare anything. Doubting her word and suspecting that Benjamin was actually hiding in the woods, the Redcoats searched the farm only to discover Elizabeth's tiny footprints clearly shown in every furrow of every field, proving that she was indeed minding the farm. Convinced, the British soldiers went away and left her undisturbed.
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