People Involved
William Campbell
Leading the largest contingent, Virginian Campbell was chosen by his fellow colonels to command in Charles McDowell’s place. Campbell died in 1781, just before Yorktown.
Charles McDowell
A tireless campaigner in 1780, he stepped down from command rather than split the Patriot army.
Isaac Shelby
Later first governor of Kentucky, Shelby was a strong, forceful influence the summer of 1780. The morning of October 7th, he refused to stop and rest when the men tired after spending 36 hours on the march, vowing to follow Ferguson into Cornwallis’ lines, if necessary.
John Sevier
Later Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier was the best known man west of the mountains and gave his personal guarantee to fund supplies for the militia army.
Mary Patton
This little-known Tennessee woman manufactured 500 pounds of powder purchased by William Cobb for the Overmountain men. Benjamin Cleveland The voice for independence in Wilkes and Surry Counties, Tories attempted to ambush Cleveland on his way to Quaker Meadows, wounding his brother instead.
Edward Lacey
Commanding South Carolina troops, Lacey rode through the stormy night of October 5th to intercept the Overmountain men at Green River and head them towards Kings Mountain.
Major Patrick Ferguson
Intelligent, brave, charming, inventive, headstrong, he fruitlessly advocated use of Patriot “Indian-style” warfare, yet he relied on the bayonet charge at Kings Mountain, allowing his army to be surrounded.
Abraham de Peyster
From New York, he served as Ferguson’s second in command. He lived in New Brunswick, Canada, after the Revolution.
Veazey Husband
A Loyalist from the Yadkin country near Cleveland, he was killed at Kings Mountain.