Our Revolutionary War Patriots
(this is a work in progress as we add Patriot Ancestors of our Chapter members to honor the story about their service)
James Ford (1715-1804) SAR Patriot #: P-160244
Captain Ford was from the Cheraw/Marion area and served in Colonel George Gabriel Powell’s Regiment of Militia, at St. David’s Parish. From 1780-1781, he served with General Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox” brigade that fought in the Pee Dee region, the High Hills of the Santee, and the Lowcountry area of South Carolina.
Stats and Facts about the American Revolutionary Soldiers
Our Patriot Ancestors overcame many disadvantages against superior forces, by bravery and determination, the Revolution succeeded and the War of Independence was won. The Colonies saw 165 significant engagements with up to 36 being considered major battles in the war and seven of them happening right here in South Carolina. Also, in South Carolina, there were over 200 total engagements the most of any Colony. South Carolina, New Jersey, and New York saw the worst and most fighting during the Revolutionary War.
But, it was the smaller battles, the conflicts and skirmishes that took a toll on British hindering their ability to sustain their supply and communications lines. Without supplies, these armies cannot fight, cannot treat their wounded, and the are less effective as a fighting force.
Out of the 2.7 Million colonists, only about 230,000 men served in the Continental Army at some point during the war due to short enlistments and replacement service, but the fielded number of soldiers never exceeded 48,000 at any one time. These Continental troops were augmented by additional 145,000 men serving at least one tour of duty in their state militias. This puts the total number of military members at 375,000 for the war but this does not include about 55,000 individuals serving as Privateers, serving in state navies, or serving the American Cause in a public service way providing services or supplies, needed to sustain the efforts to win independence from Britain.
All wars, extract a heavy price...
25,000+ men died during the war
- Nearly 8,000 died in battle
- 17,000+ died of sickness, were missing in action and other causes
- 9,000+ soldiers suffered serious wounds and injuries
- Estimates range from 25,000 to 70,000 total casualties of war
- 40% - 45% of the Colonists supported the revolution
- 15% - 20% of the Colonists were loyalists
- 35% - 40% of the Colonists were neutral