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.
State of Service: NC
Qualifying Service: Soldier
Birth: 1751 Death: 27 Jun 1832 / Burke / NC
Additional References:
46th-55th Annual Reports DAR. Senate documents (United States Congress, Senate). Government Printing Office: Washington, DC
Spouse: Eunice Worth Children: Mary; Joseph; Elizabeth; Jethro;
Members Who Share This Ancestor
None*
*This means that the NSSAR has no applications for this Patriot on file.
Instead the information provided is best effort, and from volunteers who have either researched grave sites, service records, or something similar. There is no documentation available at NSSAR HQ to order.
William Wilson immigrated to North America, most likely from Scotland, in 1720 and first settled in Edenton, North Carolina. According to the Quaker Meeting Records, he married Eunice Worth on 25 May 1776 in Guilford, North Carolina. They had seven known children between 1777 and 1792. One of his descendants would be United States Senator Sam Ervin Jr.
While Eunice was known to be a Quaker, if William was, he certainly abandoned any pacifist beliefs shortly after his marriage. His service in the American Revolutionary War traces the history of fighting in the Carolinas.
At the urging of the British, there were several attacks by Cherokee worriers on the western frontier settlements of North Carolina in July of 1776. From 1 August 1776 through 1 November 1776, Captain William Wilson of the 1st Rowan County Regiment of Militia and 29 companies under the command of Brigadier-General Griffith Rutherford attacked the lower and middle Cherokee settlements as part of what became known as the Cherokee Expedition. Captain Wilson led his company before the rest of the force to bring provisions to General Rutherford.
Captain Wilson participated in the Siege of Charleston, South Carolina, from 28 March to 12 May 1780. He was captured by the British and paroled.
On 20 June 1780 Captain Wilson led one of the nine companies of the Rowan County 2nd Regiment of Militia in the Battle of Ramseur's Mill in what is now Lincoln County, North Carolina. William was wounded in the battle.
Eight companies of Surry County Regiment of Militia, including Captain Wilson’s Rowan County Company, which was attached, under the overall command of Major-General Horatio Gates, fought the British under Lieutenant-General Charles, Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Camden, South Carolina, on 16 August 1780.
On 17 January 1781, Captain Wilson’s company was part of the Burke County Regiment of Militia. His company and along with 19 other North Carolina companies, commanded by Brigadier-General Daniel Morgan, participated in the Battle of Cowpens (South Carolina). William was wounded again during the fighting.
A few weeks later, on 1 February 1781, Captain Wilson’s company would find themselves fighting at Cowan's Ford (in present-day Lincolnton County, North Carolina). Captain Wilson was most likely wounded at that battle.
Cowan’s Ford would be William Wilson’s last battle. He returned home, and he and Eunice had four of their seven children after his return. The Patriot died on 27 June 1832 and was buried in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Morganton, North Carolina.
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Additional Information:
No entry was found in DAR Ancestor File in Sep 2021
