Charles William Wesley Bickley

From FindAGrave:

It was Charles who founded the branch of the Bickley family which settled in Russell County, VA. Charles had migrated to the Clinch River (from Louisa County, VA) in 1770 as a boy of 17. Charles was a Revolutionary War soldier. DAR Ancestor Number A009884. He went to White Shoals, TN. joining Col. Campbell's expedition and took part in the battle of King's Mountain 7 October 1780. This war had been declared as the turning point in the American Revolution.

Charles established Bickley Mills near what is today Castlewood, VA. His ancestors had been Anglican (members of the Church of England) but later he became a Methodist. In 1785 he was one of 279 petitioners who signed for the establishment of Russell County, in VA. He was appointed as a Militia officer and after the first court meeting was added as an additional Justice.

Charles life is a story of struggle against the Cherokee raids in the Clinch Valley and later as a farmer and miller on the Clinch River. He witnessed at least one massacre and was one of three who defended Bush's Fort against the attack of 17 Indians. He owned or operated three mills which were used in grinding wheat and other grains, making textiles, etc. One of the mills powered equipment for making furniture.

On Charles headstone it reads:

To the memory of Charles Bickley Sr. born in Amherst Co., Va 27 Jul 1753 died at Bickley Mills, Russell Co., Va 01 Jun 1839 Age 85y 10m 4d

He was a captain of militia One of three men Who defended Bush's Fort Against 17 Indians