The Skaggs Family in Lord Dunmore's War

The Skaggs family played a significant role in the Fincastle County militia during Lord Dunmore's War, a conflict driven by frontier tensions with Shawnee and Mingo forces, culminating in the Battle of Point Pleasant (October 10, 1774). Drawn from the extinct Fincastle County (now parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky), the Skaggs, many of whom were "Long Hunters" with frontier expertise, contributed across multiple militia companies. Their service ranged from short-term patrols to full campaign participation, with pay typically at 0.6 shillings per day for privates, plus extras for provisions or rank.


Grok extracted the following Skaggs information from military auditors' payroll accounts supplemented with other sources to provide a summary of Skaggs participation in Lord Dunmore's War.

Summary of Skaggs Participation in Lord Dunmore's War (1774)

Lord Dunmore's War was a brief conflict lasting from approximately July to November 1774, involving Virginia militia against Shawnee and Mingo forces, culminating in the Battle of Point Pleasant on October 10, 1774. The Skaggs family, known as Long Hunters from Fincastle County (now parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky), contributed significantly, with at least 8-10 unique individuals serving in various capacities such as scouting, local patrols, and reinforcements. Their involvement reflects the family's frontier expertise, with service durations ranging from 4-94 days and pay at ~0.6 shillings per day for privates (plus provisions or horse hire). Total Fincastle mobilization was ~500-600 men, with aggregate claims ~£1,500. Per Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) standards, only troops present with Col. Andrew Lewis at Point Pleasant qualify as Revolutionary service; most Skaggs units were local or post-battle, so they do not meet this criterion.

Participation is documented primarily from Fincastle County payrolls (Library of Virginia) and rosters in historical compilations. Key Skaggs members and their service:

  • Henry Skaggs (b. aft. 1730, son of James Sr. and Rachel): Served as sergeant leading a 4-day frontier patrol detachment near Coal River or Fort Culbertson, paid ~2/4 shillings + provisions. The unit included 12 men focused on local defense against Indian incursions.[2][4] Not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary per SAR.
  • Richard Skaggs (d. ca. 1821, son of James Sr.): Private in Sgt. Henry Skaggs' detachment (4 days, ~2/4 shillings) and Capt. Joseph Cloyd's Company (92 days, ~55/2 shillings, with horse hire for supply escort duties).[2][4] Not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary.
  • Moses Skaggs (b. aft. 1730, son of James Sr.): Private in Sgt. Henry Skaggs' detachment (4 days, ~2/4 shillings; service certified by John "Gourdhead" Skaggs).[2][4] Not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary.
  • Charles Skaggs (d. ca. 1815, son of James Sr.): Sergeant leading his own 94-day scouting detachment under Col. William Preston (~56/4 shillings; Ohio Valley threats) and private for 6 days in Capt. James Robertson's Company (~3/6 shillings; preparatory duties).[1][8] Not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary.
  • John Skaggs (son of James Sr.): Private in Sgt. Charles Skaggs' detachment (94 days, ~56/4 shillings). Variants like "John Skaggs Jr." and "John Skaggs (Gourdhead)" suggest multiple Johns, with additional tours in Capt. James Robertson's Company (28 days ~16/8 shillings and 94 days ~56/4 shillings; expeditionary but not at battle).[1][8] Not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary.
  • James Skaggs Jr. (b. ~1740s, son of James Sr.): Private in Capt. William Herbert's Company; fought at Point Pleasant (qualifies as Revolutionary per SAR; bounty land 104 acres). Reported Indian sightings pre-battle as "Little James Skaggs"[20][23][24]
  • Aaron Skaggs Sr. (b. ~1739, collateral relative): Private in Sgt. Henry Skaggs' detachment (4 days, ~2/4 shillings; local patrol).[2][4][10][11][13] Not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary.
  • Aaron Skaggs Jr. (b. ~1758, son of Aaron Sr.): Private in Sgt. Charles Skaggs' detachment (94 days, ~56/4 shillings) and Capt. James Harrod's Company (90 days, ~54 shillings; post-battle reinforcements).[10][11][13][16] Not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary.
  • George Skaggs: Private in Capt. William Russell's Company (10 days, ~6 shillings; patrol near Clinch River).[1] Russell's Company was at Point Pleasant, potentially qualifying though short/detached.


Estimation of Multiple Soldiers Under Single Names

Given naming patterns (reused across generations/branches), service overlaps, and war duration (~120-150 days max), multiples are likely for some:

  • Aaron Skaggs: High likelihood of two (Sr. and Jr.). Total tours (4 + 94 + 90 = 188 days) exceed war length; geographic/unit spread (local patrol vs. extended scouting/reinforcements) supports distinct individuals. Sr. (elder, collateral) in 4-day patrol; Jr. (younger) in longer tours.[10][11][13][16]
  • John Skaggs: High likelihood of multiple (2-3, e.g., Jr., "Gourdhead"). Variants in records; tours (94 + 28 + 94 = 216 days) suggest overlaps or distinct men. One in Charles' detachment; others in Robertson's.[1][8]
  • Charles Skaggs: Low likelihood of multiples. Tours (94 + 6 = 100 days) fit one person; leadership role consistent.[1][8]
  • Henry Skaggs: Low likelihood. Tours (4 + 10 = 14 days) short and compatible.[2][4]
  • Richard Skaggs: Low likelihood. Tours (4 + 92 = 96 days) within range.[2][4]
  • Others: No evidence for multiples (e.g., Moses, James Jr., George single entries).

Overall, ~8-10 unique Skaggs served, emphasizing family ties and frontier skills. Sources: Fincastle payrolls (Library of Virginia); Thwaites/Kellogg (1905); Kegley (1974); SAR PDF (2015).[1][2][4][8][10][11][13][16][20][23][24]

References

[1] Fincastle County Militia Payrolls, 1774, Library of Virginia. [2] Thwaites, Reuben Gold, and Louise Phelps Kellogg. Documentary History of Dunmore's War, 1774. Wisconsin Historical Society, 1905. [4] Kegley, Mary B. Soldiers of Fincastle County, Virginia, 1774. Virginia Genealogical Society, 1974. [8] Image 2 and Image 3, Fincastle County Payroll Records (JPGs provided). [10] Orange County, North Carolina Tax Lists, 1755. [11] Virginia Tithables, Fincastle/Botetourt County, 1772. [13] Skaggs Family Genealogical Records, including wills and estate papers (e.g., Moses Skaggs Estate, 1836). [16] Draper Manuscripts, Wisconsin Historical Society. [20] Virginia Land Warrants, Library of Virginia. [23] Perry County KY Military Legacy. [24] Sinks, John D. Proving Service at the Battle of Point Pleasant for Sons of the American Revolution. National Society, Sons of the American Revolution, July 28, 2015.

Updated Overview of the "Long Hunter" Skaggs Family

The "Long Hunter" Skaggs family, a group of frontier explorers and settlers active in Virginia and Kentucky during the 18th century, is documented through land deeds, militia muster rolls, pension attestations, family journals, estate papers, and wills. Key sources include the 1769 land deeds from Augusta County, Virginia; the 1783/1784 land survey for Rachel Skaggs in Montgomery County, Virginia; the Archibald Thompson Journal (recording births, marriages, travels, and ledger entries from the 1750s to the 1790s); the Moses Skaggs estate papers (Green County, Kentucky, filed around 1836); Henry Skaggs' will dated April 5, 1809, and probated December 24, 1810; Charles Skaggs' will dated February 9, 1815, and probated January 22, 1816; Richard Skaggs' will dated December 10, 1818, and probated May 21, 1821; the September 9–October 6, 1777, and March 31, 1781, militia muster rolls from Montgomery County, Virginia; Archibald Skaggs' pension application (S31367, sworn September 7, 1832, in Adair County, Kentucky); and Henry Skaggs' pension application (S30701, sworn September 24, 1832, in Grayson County, Kentucky). These records highlight the family's land acquisitions, Revolutionary War service (e.g., at Point Pleasant, 1774, per SAR), migrations to Kentucky, and inheritance patterns involving land and enslaved persons. The Long Hunters (e.g., Henry, Charles, Moses) were known for expeditions into Kentucky and Tennessee wildernesses, with collateral branches like Aaron Sr.'s line extending the family network.

Patriarchal Generation

James Skaggs Sr. (d. ca. 1780) and Rachel Skaggs (d. ca. 1784): Held a 440-acre tract on the Middle River of the Shenandoah in Augusta County, Virginia. Deeded 200 acres each to sons Henry and James Jr. on August 17, 1769. James Sr. died prior to September 14, 1781, as Rachel claimed 150 acres on the New River in Montgomery County as a widow on that date (surveyed March 8, 1783, and assigned to Henry on May 1, 1784), indicating her death occurred between March 8, 1783, and May 1, 1784.

Children and Immediate Descendants

The Moses Skaggs estate papers (1836) list the siblings, supplemented by birth registers in the journal, wills, muster rolls, pensions, and 1774 payrolls:

  • Henry Skaggs (b. aft. 1730, d. ca. 1810): Son of James Sr. and Rachel; received 200 acres on August 17, 1769. Married Mary Skaggs, who received a life estate in his will dated April 5, 1809, probated December 24, 1810. Bequeathed land to grandson John Skaggs (son of James Jr.), enslaved Tob to son David, enslaved Rachel to daughter Sarah, enslaved Jenny to grandson James; $1 to Stephen Skaggs; residue to children (excluding Rachel's issue). Children per journal: John Thompson Skaggs (b. December 4/5, 1760), Lucy Skaggs (b. December 5, 1762; m. John Stasey May 9, 1782), Solomon Skaggs (b. January 30, 1766), David Skaggs (b. April 28, 1767), Silvanus Skaggs (b. February 18, 1769), Mary Skaggs (b. December 19, 1771). Listed as "not fit" on March 31, 1781 muster. 1774 service: Sgt. leading 4-day patrol (pay 2/4; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary per SAR); private 10 days Capt. William Russell's Co. (pay 6/; Russell's at Point Pleasant, potentially qualifying though short/detached).
  • James Skaggs Jr. (b. ~1740s): Son of James Sr. and Rachel; received 200 acres on August 17, 1769. Father of grandsons John and James (per Henry's will); executor therein. Listed as "James Skaggs (longman)" on September 13, 1777 muster. 1774 service: Private in Capt. William Herbert's Co.; fought at Point Pleasant (qualifies as Revolutionary per SAR; bounty land 104 acres).
  • Charles Skaggs (d. ca. 1815): Son of James Sr. and Rachel; married Lucinda "Lucy" Thompson. Children per journal: Archibald Skaggs (b. January 3, 1759), Rachel Skaggs (b. August 31, 1761), Nancy Skaggs (b. April 22, 1763), Frederick Skaggs (b. December 11, 1764), Mary Skaggs (b. September 16, 1767), Thomas Skaggs (b. December 16, 1769), Sarah Skaggs (b. December 27, 1771), Moses Skaggs (b. January 27, 1774). Will dated February 9, 1815, probated January 22, 1816, granted Lucy a life estate. Executors: Thomas, Frederick. Listed as fit on September 13, 1777 muster. 1774 service: Sgt. 94 days own detachment (pay 56/4; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary); private 6 days Capt. James Robertson's Co. (pay 3/6; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary).
    • Archibald Skaggs (b. January 3, 1759): Eldest son of Charles and Lucinda Thompson, born in South Carolina. Family moved to Halifax County, Virginia, then to Little River near New River in Botetourt County (later Montgomery County). Revolutionary service with cousin Henry (son of Aaron Sr.): 1779 (1 month at Culberson's Bottom Fort, Capt. John Taylor), McIntosh Campaign (6 months, Capt. James Thomson), possibly 1780 (15 days vs. Tories, Capt. Daniel Trigg). Total: 7 months 15 days. Received enslaved SuSanna per Charles' 1815 will. Resided in Adair County, Kentucky, by September 7, 1832; pension S31367 sworn before Justice Daniel Trabue. Listed as sergeant on September 13, 1777 and March 31, 1781 musters.
  • Moses Skaggs (b. aft. 1730): Son of James Sr. and Rachel; died intestate pre-1836, no spouse/children; estate divided among siblings' heirs. Listed as fit on September 13, 1777 and March 31, 1781 musters. 1774 service: Private 4 days Sgt. Henry Skaggs' detachment (pay 2/4; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary).
  • Richard Skaggs (d. ca. 1821): Son of James Sr. and Rachel; married Elizabeth Skaggs. Will dated December 10, 1818, probated May 21, 1821, granted Elizabeth a life estate; home tract to sons John, Charles and daughter Mary; residual to John, Charles, Elizabeth, Mary, Rachel's heirs; enslaved Isaac and Judah sold post-Elizabeth's death. Executors: John, Charles. 1774 service: Private 4 days Sgt. Henry Skaggs' detachment (pay 2/4); 92 days Capt. Joseph Cloyd's Co. (pay 55/2; horse hire; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary).
  • Jacob Skaggs (b. ca. 1763): Son of James Sr. and Rachel; listed in Moses' estate papers. Listed as "under 18" on March 31, 1781 muster. No 1774 payroll.
  • John Skaggs: Son of James Sr. and Rachel; witnessed 1769 deeds. Listed as fit on September 13, 1777 muster ("John Skaggs," "John Skaggs (Goard Head)," "John Scaggs, Junr."). 1774 service: Private 94 days Sgt. Charles Skaggs' detachment (pay 56/4; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary); Capt. James Robertson's Co.: 28 days (pay 16/8; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary) and 94 days (pay 56/4; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary).
  • Sisters: Susanah (m. Richard Whitt), Lydia (m. Mathias Harman), Elizabeth (m. John Hankins), Nancy (m. William Meredith), per Moses' estate papers. No 1774 payrolls.

Extended and Collateral Relatives

  • James Skaggs (m. Susannah): Likely cousin/nephew of James Sr.; witnessed 1769 deeds. No 1774 payroll.
  • Aaron Skaggs Sr. (b. ~1739 Carolinas, d. aft. 1783): Collateral (likely brother/kinsman to James Sr.'s sons via Richard Skaggs); 1755 Orange Co., NC tax ("Aaron Skeggs"); 1772 VA tithables (Fincastle/Botetourt). Possible 1743 Orange Co., VA horse stealing (unconfirmed). Father to Aaron Jr. (~1758) and Henry (~1759 SC, "Hunting Henry"). 1774 service: Private 4 days Sgt. Henry Skaggs' detachment (pay 2/4; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary).
  • Aaron Skaggs Jr. (b. ~1758, d. before 1800): Son of Aaron Sr.; 1772 VA tithables. 1774 service: Private 94 days Sgt. Charles Skaggs' detachment (pay 56/4; not at Point Pleasant; non-Revolutionary); 90 days Capt. James Harrod's Co. (pay 54/; post-battle; non-Revolutionary).
  • Henry Skaggs (son of Aaron Sr.) (b. Spring 1759 SC, d. aft. 1850): "Hunting Henry"; family to Montgomery Co., VA (Little River). Revolutionary service: 1779 (1 month Culbertson's Bottom Fort, Capt. John Taylor), McIntosh Campaign (6 months, Capt. James Thompson). Total: 7 months. Grayson Co., KY by 1832; pension S30701 sworn September 24, 1832. Fit on September 13, 1777 muster. No 1774 payroll.
  • Zachariah Skaggs: Listed as fit on September 13, 1777 muster. No 1774 payroll.
  • George Skaggs: 1774 private 10 days Capt. William Russell's Co. (pay 6/; Russell's at Point Pleasant, potentially qualifying though short/detached). Lineage unconfirmed.

Thompson Family Ties

The journal connects Skaggs to Thompsons via Lucinda Thompson (m. Charles) and possibly Mary Thompson (m. Henry). Archibald Thompson's diary: 1796-1797 travels (stayed at Solomon Skaggs' on Pitman Creek November 13, 1796 to March 27, 1797); ledger (David Skaggs owed for sows/corn). Resided on Henry's plantation 1778-1781.

Enslaved Persons

  • Henry Skaggs' will (April 5, 1809): Tob (to son David), Lucy (to Sibbina/Sylvania), Rachel (to daughter Sarah), Jenny (part of remainder to grandson James).
  • Charles Skaggs' will (February 9, 1815): SuSanna (to Archibald), Bob and Sepio (to Thomas and Moses respectively).
  • Richard Skaggs' will (December 10, 1818): Isaac and Judah (sold after Elizabeth’s death).

Key Milestones and Dates

  • ~1739: Aaron Sr. b. Carolinas.
  • 1743: Possible Orange Co., VA horse stealing (unconfirmed; Aaron Sr.?).
  • 1755: Aaron Sr. on Orange Co., NC tax.
  • ~1758: Aaron Jr. b. (son of Aaron Sr.).
  • January 3, 1759: Archibald b. SC.
  • Spring 1759: Henry (son of Aaron Sr.) b. SC.
  • Pre-1769: James Sr./Rachel acquire Augusta tract.
  • August 17, 1769: Deeds to Henry/James Jr.
  • 1772: Aaron Sr./Jr. in VA tithables.
  • 1774: Lord Dunmore's War payrolls: Henry (4/10 days), Richard (4/92 days), Moses (4 days), Charles (94/6 days), John (94/28/94 days), James Jr. (Point Pleasant), Aaron Sr. (4 days), Aaron Jr. (94/90 days), George (10 days).
  • September 9-October 6, 1777: Montgomery Co. muster.
  • March 31, 1781: Montgomery Co. muster.
  • September 14, 1781: Rachel's Montgomery claim.
  • May 9, 1782: Lucy Skaggs m. John Stasey.
  • March 8, 1783: Rachel's survey.
  • May 1, 1784: Rachel's land to Henry.
  • 1778-1781: Archibald Thompson on Henry's plantation.
  • November 13, 1796-March 27, 1797: Thompson journey (stays with Solomon Skaggs).
  • Pre-1836: Moses d. intestate; 1836 Green Co. estate suit.
  • April 5, 1809: Henry will.
  • December 24, 1810: Henry probated.
  • February 9, 1815: Charles will.
  • January 22, 1816: Charles probated.
  • December 10, 1818: Richard will.
  • May 21, 1821: Richard probated.
  • September 7, 1832: Archibald pension (Adair Co., KY).
  • September 24, 1832: Henry (son of Aaron Sr.) pension (Grayson Co., KY).

Location: Point Pleasant, WV, USA

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