Matthew and John French are perhaps my favorite ancestors. They were my first to be researched, after hearing my grandfather talking about his ancestor that fought in the Revolution. I discovered that he had two that fought. Father and son. Numerous sources indicate that Matthew and his son John on 09/12/1777-Swore allegiance To Captain Joseph Cloyd's Company. They fought at the Battle of Whetzell's Mill and Guilford County Courthouse in North Carolina as well as defending areas close to their home on Wolf Creek, Giles County Virginia.
Not much else is said of Matthew, but sources have more to say about John. On February 10, 1781 Colonial William Preston ordered the militia of Montgomery County to assemble at the Lead Mines and on the appointed day 350 men obeyed the orders of their commander. One company from the Middle New River Valley which was commanded by Captain Thomas Shannon was among the assembly.
Some of the names of the privates who went along with Shannon included Matthew French and his eldest son John. March 6 1781 at Whetzell's Mill North Carolina, Lee's Legion and Colonel Preston's Backwoodsmen met the British and a bloody battle took place. On the Eve of this battle, John was detailed as one of the guards to protect the wagons. The next day when the shooting started John left his post against his commanding officer's orders and went to the fight and shot several of the enemy. The officer in charge of the wagons reported John for disobedience of orders and demanded that he be court martialed. Major Joseph Cloyd made the remark that since John ran to the fight instead of away from it, if they court martialed French for such a cause, he would never again fight.
He served during the Revolutionary War. Remained in the 86th Regiment of Virginia Militia and served as Captain of the 86th regiment in the War of 1812.
Attached are photos, one of the Giles Co Memorial to soldiers of the Revolution which stands in front of the court house. Matthew and John French are among those listed. Also a photo of the Tombstone of Matthew French erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution
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