Gen. Samuel Mays

He owned a large plantation about 15 miles SE of Greenwood, SC, where many slaves were buried. Without any advantages of birth of fortune, he acquired a reputable independence, and enjoyed for many years the honor of a seat as member for this district in the seat of the Senate of his state. He was in three battles of the Revolution before he was 16 years old, serving as private as Musgrove Mills, under Col. Williamson, and at Blackstocks and Hanging Rocks under General Sumter.

He was one of twenty men especially thanked by Congress for bravery; and for some special act of bravery done by him and his brother Abney a commission was offered to Abney, who declined it, saying that it belonged to his younger brother Samuel. What became of the commision no one knows for he died in 1816, and his sons, pioneering in Florida, were plunged into the Seminole Indian Wars. Samuel Mays became Brigadier General of he Souh Carolina forces during the War of 1812, with his wife's cousin, General Butler, and was in command of the South Carolina land forces.

After the war, he became a man of great wealth and prominence, having much personal acquaintance with great men of his day, including President Washington. His youngest son, Enoch Grigsby Mays, was born posthumously.

http://familyofmays.homestead.com/161.html

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/138371206/samuel-mays

Samuel and his brother Abney Mays both fought in the Rev. War as privates. They were at Hanging Rock, Musgrove Mill, & Black Stocks under Gen. Thomas Sumpter. After the British Garrison was defeated at Ninety-Six Samuel Mays was one of twenty men thanked by Congress for bravery and was offered a commission as was his brother, Abney. Samuel became a Brigadier General of South Carolina in the War of 1812.

Children:1)Sally, 2) William A., 3)James Butler, 4)Rhydon G., 5)Samuel Warren, 6) Thomas Sumpter, 7) Richard J.,8) Dannett, 9)Caroline, 10)Enoch Grigsby.

Inscription on Samuel May's' tombstone, "Sacred to the memory of General Samuel Mays who was born on the 23rd July 1762 and departed this unsullied life on the 25th January 1816. He was a man of frugal habits, of persevering industry, of incorruptible integrity. The events of his life formed an interesting commentary upon the formation of our free institutions. Without any advantage of firth or fortune, he acquired a reputable independence, and, enjoyed for many years the honor of a seat as a member for this district as the Senator of this State. The born justice of his heart and the kindness of his manner deservedly endeared him to his surviving wife and children who have caused this monument to be erected."

• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Mar 26 2019, 12:06:12 UTC