Author: Andrew Wahrenbrock
It is widely held that the Fincastle Resolutions were a bedrock supporting document in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. These Fincastle County Virginia Resolutions were addressed to Virginia’s delegation of the First Continental Congress, as written in January 1775. While there were other important Resolutions tendered, the Fincastle Resolutions stated in straight forward terms the extent to which the composers would act to protect religious and political liberties. Specifically, “But if no pacifick measures shall be proposed or adopted by Great Britain, and our enemies will attempt to dragoon us out of those inestimable privileges which we are entitles to as subjects, and reduce us to a state of slavery, we declare, that we are deliberately and resolutely determined never to surrender them to any power upon earth, but at the expense of our lives.”

The fact that I am a descendant of signatories of these Resolutions is a distinct point of pride in my life. Mr. James McGavock (A076914) was born in Northern Ireland in 1728 and arrived in Virginia around 1754, by way of Philadelphia. James McGavock was intimately involved with Legal, political, and militia aspects of what is now the Wytheville area of Virginia from the French & Indian war until his death in 1812.

As well as McGavock, others signers among the 15 total were Daniel Smith (A105023), my 3-times great uncle; Walter Crocket (A027960), first cousin of my John Crockett Sr. (A027946), 4-times great grandfather; and John Montgomery (A079040), my 5-times great uncle. Incidentally, McGavock’s father-in-law, David Cloyd (P-135113) is a supplemental I am looking forward to completing. In closing, let me say that the moral fiber of these great ancestors sets a high benchmark. One I must admit without counterpart in today’s America.

{SIGNED}