Written by Ann Robertson McConnell
During the American Revolution, members of the local militias spent more time in non-combat support roles and local defensive logistics than they did in pitched battles. Because the Continental Army handled most long-term strategic campaigns, local county militias functioned as the primary infrastructure for home-front security enforcement and supply management.
Militias served in guarding prisoners of war, supplying logistics and foraging, home-front patrolling, frontier security, labor, construction and civil support. An army cannot move without food and materials, and the militia acted as the regional logistical network. Jennings Thompson, patriot ancestor of DAR members Joan Thompson Conway and the late Carolyn Thompson Williams, served as an orderly sergeant, a non-commissioned officer with the Virginia militia.
Jennings Thompson was born on December 19, 1761, in Amelia County, Virginia. In April 1781 he was drafted into the Virginia militia where he served under Captain John Knight and Lieutenant Presley Jeter. The regiment marched from Richmond to Williamsburg under the command of General Lafayette.
Procedure and protocol duties of orderly sergeants were strictly administrative: maintaining the orderly book, relaying orders, and enforcing discipline. An orderly sergeant possessed the rank and authority to lead small details of men (often four to twelve privates) out into the countryside.
It can be assumed that Thompson was educated because orderly sergeants were literate and highly organized. Officers trusted them to handle the sensitive task of “procuring” cattle from local civilians. They had to accurately record what was taken and issue receipts to the farmers so the state or Congress could later reimburse them. Thompson notes in his pension statement: “I acted as orderly Sergeant and with four other men by order of Colonel Booker were detailed and instructed to procure Beef Cattle and drive them in for the use of the Army.”
After Thompson’s discharge in late 1781 he returned to Amelia County but shortly after, he moved to Pittsylvania County where he became a local property owner and businessman. In 1790 he married Elizabeth Street from Pittsylvania County, and they had at least four sons and at least five daughters. Thompson died in 1844 and is likely buried on private homestead land rather than in a municipal or church cemetery.
Information for this article is from DAR Genealogical Research Databases (online), Family Search and Revolutionary War Journal.
Everyone has a story. Let us help you tell yours. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. NSDAR is a non-profit, non-political women’s service organization. Help researching and proving your lineage can be provided by the Colonel Abram Penn Chapter by contacting Ann Robertson McConnell at [email protected].
