In recognition of the Semiquincentennial of America’s Independence on July 4, 2026, the Thomas Rodney Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution continues its yearlong celebration to honor our patriot ancestors. During the weeks and months leading to America’s 250th Birthday, chapter members are spotlighting the service of our Revolutionary War Ancestors. This week, we honor the service of Samuel Cartledge, Revolutionary Ancestor of chapter member Eugenia Collins.
Samuel Cartledge was a resident of St. Paul’s Parish, Richmond County, Georgia, during the American Revolution. He was mustered into the army in the State of Georgia in 1779, being listed without rank. When the rank of a soldier was not listed, then the rank was usually that of Private, in the Continental Army. His service was as follows: Drafted in Georgia, he served in Colonel Benjamin Few’s Company of troops commanded by Captain William Phelps. Samuel then hired a substitute to serve out his remaining four months. After which, he engaged in scouting and repelling the enemy during the summer of 1779. Cartledge served at the Siege of Savannah and served at General Greene’s camp in the High Hills of Santee, South Carolina. He was then called to the Oconee River, the Frontier of Georgia at that time, and remained in readiness until the end of the war in 1782.
In May 1784, Samuel Cartledge received a bounty of an unknown amount of land, from the State of Georgia. He was given the bounty of land, because of his courage, in the War for American Independence. His pension application is recorded in U.S. Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900, Pension R 1 790 V, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files (NARA microfilm publication M804, 2,670 rolls). Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15. National Archives, Washington, DC.
Samuel was born July 15, 1750, in Pee Dee, North Carolina, moving with his family to Georgia at the age of thirteen. He married Elizabeth Lloyd in 1775, in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She was born circa 1761 in South Carolina and died in Edgefield County circa 1817. Samuel was ordained a Baptist minister in 1789, removed to South Carolina, and served as pastor of Plumb Branch Church for fifty years. He died July 13, 1843, during a visit to Columbia County, Georgia, when returning from preaching, he was thrown from his horse and died soon afterward.
