52 Ancestors: Alden Williamson

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Alden Williamson was born in 1750 in New Kent, New Kent County, Virginia. As we approach Memorial Day, it seems fitting to honor this patriot ancestor who served his country in its earliest days.

Family Life

Alden married Isabel Thompson in 1778 in Virginia. With Isabel, he had at least two sons: John Williamson (born May 19, 1781) and Richard S. Williamson (born 1786). Isabel passed away the same year Richard was born, in 1786.

Records indicate that Alden married Mary Elizabeth Jackson much later in his life, likely around 1814 when their son Shadrick Williamson was born.

Military Service

Alden served as a Private under Captain William Campbell at the Battle of Point Pleasant, earning him recognition as a Patriot (DAR Patriot #A126757).

The Battle of Point Pleasant, fought on October 10, 1774, was a pivotal clash between Virginia colonial militia and a confederation of Shawnee and Mingo warriors led by Chief Cornstalk, taking place at the confluence of the Ohio and Kanawha rivers in present-day West Virginia. Captain William Campbell, who would later gain greater fame as a Revolutionary War leader, was present at the battle, though at the time he served as a private rather than a captain. The Virginia troops, under Colonel Andrew Lewis, fought fiercely throughout the day and ultimately forced the Native American forces to retreat.

This victory led to the Treaty of Camp Charlotte, in which the Shawnee agreed to cede their claims south of the Ohio River, temporarily easing tensions on the frontier. The battle is sometimes regarded by historians as the first engagement of the American Revolution, though it was officially part of Lord Dunmore's War, a conflict over control of western lands.

Alden's participation in this significant early conflict helped secure the Ohio Valley for American settlement, setting the stage for the westward expansion that would define much of early American history. His service is recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution, with his assigned Patriot number A126757.

Later Life and Legacy

After his military service, Alden moved to Kentucky, specifically to Camp Creek in Floyd County. Records show he was granted 50 acres on Nats Creek in Lawrence County, Kentucky, indicating he was among the early settlers of the region.

Alden Williamson died on October 29, 1816, and was buried at Amil Little Cemetery in Pike County, Kentucky. Interestingly, there's a census record placing him in Floyd, Kentucky in 1820, which appears to be an error given his documented 1816 death date.

Remembering Our Patriots

As Memorial Day approaches, it's important to remember those like Alden Williamson who fought in our nation's earliest conflicts. These patriots risked everything for the ideals of liberty and self-governance that would shape a new nation. The hardships they endured as they settled frontier regions like Kentucky further contributed to building the country we know today.

Alden's legacy lives on not only through his descendants but through the recognition of organizations like the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution, which continue to honor those who served in our fight for independence.

In honoring Alden Williamson this Memorial Day, we connect to the very beginnings of our nation's military history and the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

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