Written by Ann Robertson McConnell
Editor’s Note: The Enterprise is pleased to partner with the Colonel Abram Penn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to present My Patriot Ancestor, an ongoing series.
The Western theater of the American Revolutionary War was the area of conflict of the Appalachian Mountains, the region which became the Northwest Territory of the United States as well as the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. This western war was fought primarily between American Indians with their British allies in Detroit, and American settlers south and east of the Ohio River. William McAlexander was called up with the Virginia militia to defend the western frontier serving under General Joseph Martin. William McAlexander is the patriot ancestor of Lucy McAlexander Rudd.
William McAlexander was born in 1744 in Albemarle County to James and Sarah McAlexander who emigrated to America from Scotland. McAlexander served as a farmer and property lessor. He was married three times and had 21 known children.
In 1777 McAlexander took the Oath of Allegiance in Henry County, officially renouncing his loyalty to the British Crown and swearing to defend the commonwealth of Virginia. Militia members were often called upon to supply the army with necessary goods. McAlexander furnished food, grain, and other critical supplies to support the American troops during their campaigns.
Earlier in the war, he served with the militia at Long Island on the Holston River to secure the western border, keeping British forces from easily flanking the southern colonies. Later in the war, his militia unit was swept into the main theater of the conflict. They marched to the coast and were present at the historic Siege of Yorktown in 1781.
In 1791 he settled with his family in the valley along the Rock Castle Creek area.
In 2022 a monument was donated by descendant John Rogers and his wife, Rosa, and dedicated to McAlexander’s memory. At the same time a marker dedication was conducted by the Patrick Henry Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Both the monument and the marker are at McAlexander’s gravesite in Woolwine, Virginia.
Information for this article is from The Lynchburg Press: p.3. 05 April 1822., The Enterprise: Nov. 11, 2026, Woody., NSDAR Library.
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].
Members of the Colonel Abram Penn Chapter will be at the Patrick County Library Thursday, August 27 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. to help with genealogy searches.
