Major Michael Dickson, Sr.

A Patriot of the American Revolution for SOUTH CAROLINA - GEORGIA with the rank of MAJOR. DAR Ancestor # A032574

Served with General Sumter's patriot forces after the fall of Charleston in May 1780. Achieved rank of major. Participated in the Battle of Hanging Rock on August 6, 1780. The battle lasted about 4 hours and was one of the most hotly contested of the entire war. After driving off the British and the Tories, the Patriots (under the command of Thomas Sumter) began to plunder the stores in the British outpost. Reportedly, they became drunk on the spirits that were found (the day was hot and water was scarce during the battle) and thus failed to give pursuit to the retreating British.

Immigrated to the United States at five years of age. Lived in Duplin County, NC, from about 1745 to 1766, then moved to Pendleton District, SC, but did not dispose of his property in Duplin County until about 1795. Served as officer in SC and GA during Revolutionary War. He was also a prominent church leader and served as an elder in his church for 60 years.

Information on Pickens Chapel Cemetery, where Major Dickson is buried, may be found here: https://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=9087

About 1789, Michael and Sarah Dickson moved westward from the Chester District of South Carolina to that part of the old Pendleton District that now falls into Anderson County, South Carolina. He acquired lands along Twenty and Three Creek and Garvin Creek. This property lay in the vicinity of Pendleton, near the home of his daughter Jane and son-in-law Nicholas Bishop. In the 1790 census of heads of families, the first U. S. Census, Michael Dickson is shown as a resident of Pendleton County, Ninety Six District. The Dickson's, while not of the wealth and social prominence of many of their neighbors, were among the earlier residents of Pendleton, South Carolina and were good, substantial citizens, well regarded in the community. Michael was involved with that community, and was instrumental in founding the Old Stone Church at Clemson, where some members of his family are buried. In later years Michael Dickson became a member of Carmel Church near his home plantation on Twenty and Three Creek. Michael and Sarah lived out the balance of their lives at this location. Sarah Dickson preceded her husband in death on February 17, 1815. Michael Dickson died on July 19, 1825. Both are buried at the Pickens Chapel Cemetery.

Information from LostSoulsGenealogy.com (Duplin County Families: "Major MCHAEL DICKSON born 1730-1, was five years of age when he came to America. When about 35 years of age he moved from Duplin Co. to Pendleton District, SC, but did not dispose of all his property in this County until about the year 1795. He was an outstanding patriot during the Revolutionary War and served as an officer in SC and GA. He was also a prominent church leader and served as an elder in his church for a period of 60 years. Major Dickson died at Pendleton August 19, 1825 in the 95th year of his age. No definite record of his family can be given. However, it is said that he was the father of Dr. Samuel Henry Dickson who was perhaps one among the most widely known physicians in this country during his time."

Obituary of Major Michael Dickson from The Pendleton Messenger, Vol. 19, Number 3, August 17, 1825

"Died on the 19th ultimo (Preceding month,[July]) at his residence in Pendleton District, after a short and painful illness, Major Michael Dickson, in the 95th year of his age. Major Dickson was a Native of Ireland, and came to America with his father at the age of 5 years, to the state of Pennsylvania. Previous to his settling in South Carolina, he had been one of the opposers of the Stamp Act, and amongst the foremost to resent his country's wrongs. In the year 1777, he accepted a Captaincy in the service of Georgia, and on his return to South Carolina, was promoted to Majority. He was in a number of battles, and had several shots pass through his clothes, but never received a wound. Major Dickson was a humble Christian, a member of the Presbyterian Church, in full communion about seventy years, and a ruling elder sixty years. His character through life was exemplary, and he died hoping for a glorious resurrection".

Excerpt from Sons of American Revolution application for Wayne Laurence Mulliken:

"In the year 1777, Michael Dickson, of South Carolina, accepted a Captain's commision, under Col. Samuel Jack, who was commissioned to raise a battalion of Minute Men for the defense of the State of Georgia, and Michael Dickson "did expend a considerable sum in recruiting out of his own private purse" and did furnish a wagon and team (horses) for the service of the said Battalion for 127 days. Michael Dickson and David Dickson furnished supplies for their Companies "actually in the service of the State of Georgia." In the year 1778 the Battalion of Col. Samuel Jack was reduced by a subsequent resolve of March 1, 1778. Michael Dickson returned to South Carolina, across the Savannah River with his wagon and team to take his Company back to South Carolina, from where he had led them. In November 1779, we find this particular Michael Dckson back in South Carolina with the rank of Major, in service of the State of South Carolina, from November 1779 until August 1780, serving with the South Carolina Militia, and furnishing supplies. He lost one horse at Sumters Depot. The same type of service rendered to the State of Georgia. On April 1, 1784, Major Michael Dickson of Camden District, South Carolina, was appointed by his brother John Dickson, of Ninety-six District, S.C. as his attorney to receive a land grant in Ga. due John Dickson's minor son. Thus he is identified. He joined his brother John Dickson, in Ninety-six District S.C. with his family and appears in the 1790 census, of S.C. with ? Dickson and his brother John Dickson. Ninety-six District was cut and a part became Pendleton District S.C. which was abolished and the locale where Major Michael Dickson lived is now Anderson County, S.C."

Information on the tavern and home of Michael and Sarah Dickson may be found here: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~tqpeiffer/Documents/Locati...

Obituary of Major Michael Dickson from The

Pendleton Messenger, Vol. 19, Number 3, 

August 17, 1825

"Died on the 19th ultimo (Preceding month,[July]) at his residence in Pendleton District, after a short and painful illness, Major Michael Dickson, in the 95th year of his age. Major Dickson was a Native of Ireland, and came to America with his father at the age of 5 years, to the state of Pennsylvania. Previous to his settling in South Carolina, he had been one of the opposers of the Stamp Act, and amongst the foremost to resent his country's wrongs. In the year 1777, he accepted a Captaincy in the service of Georgia, and on his return to South Carolina, was promoted to Majority. He was in a number of battles, and had several shots pass through his clothes, but never received a wound. Major Dickson was a humble Christian, a member of the Presbyterian Church, in full communion about seventy years, and a ruling elder sixty years. His character through life was exemplary, and he died hoping for a glorious resurrection".
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12712255/michael-dickson

http://duplin.lostsoulsgenealogy.com/family/dickson.pdf