David R. Verner, Sr.

A Patriot of the American Revolution for SOUTH CAROLINA with the rank of SERGEANT.
DAR Ancestor # A001467

Died, June 10, David Verner, aged 92 years and 3 months. He was born in Granville Co., N.C., but moved to S.C. in his 14th year and settled in Abbeville Dist. He joined the Liberty party of So. Ca. in his 18th year and continued a soldier during the war. He left Abbeville and removed to Pendleton on the Savannah side in 1786, where he continued to his death. He was educated in the old Presbyterian school; was a strict observer of the Sabbath. He was one of the very few to open his door to the first Methodist preachers that in those days came among the people, and when they were so unpopular that but few would hear them preach. He was compelled to go ten miles to hear itinerant Methodist preaching. In a short time himself and his wife, long since gone to rest, joined the Methodist Church, and continued faithful to the end, having enjoyed a good hope of a blessed immortality for the long space of sixty years. On the day of his death his mind appeared uncommonly clear; he inquired the day of the month and said he thought he should be in heaven before then, added that day would finish his mortal career. He sleeps in Jesus.

--A.B. McGilvray

Obituary from the Southern Christian Advocate, August 27, 1852. Vol. XV I, No. 13.

David Verner enlisted into Revolutionary War Service during the fall of 17 76 under Captain Robert Anderson and Colonel Pickens. He later served under his uncle, Captain James Pettigrew and Major Michael Dickson. Early in 1778, he served under Captain James McCall and Colonel Pickens and was part of the Florida Expedition. He served in the Battle of Kettle Creek. In December 1779, he was under Captain William Harris and Colonel Pickens. During the fall of 1780, he served under Captain Prince and Colonel Few. In May 1781, he again served under Captain James McCall and was in the siege of Ninety Six. He served under Colonels Pickens and Anderson during 1782. He frequently served as a sergeant and once served as an adjutant.

--from Christa Pitcock

Another Revolutionary Hero Gone. We regret to learn (says the Anderson Gazette) that David Verner, one of the few Revolutionary War soldiers remaining among us, died, at his residence in this District, on Thursday, June 10, 1952.