Ok so here are the names who witnessed the will:
Abram Trigg - Abram Trigg was a native of Virginia who fought in the Revolutionary War. I've found him at the battle of Shallowford, which is near modern day Winston Salem at a ford on the Yadkin. There were multiple battles at this site.
- Abram later became a congressman. This is some correspondence to James Madison from Trigg
Trigg to Madison on an election concerning William PrestonBird Smith (Bird Bowker Smith) - This man later became a general in the War of 1812. He is mentioned in multiple places, such as the papers of Henry Clay. He moved to Tennessee and that is where he became a brigadier general. He died in New Orleans basically during the battle I believe of disease.
" There is a letter dated August 25, 1813, in the Jackson papers from Andrew Jackson to John Williams, where in Jackson wrote: "I have recd no return from the Seventh BrigadeI have taken the necessary steps to enforce a return from the Brigadier General (Bird Smith) commanding said Brigade at an Early dayI am advised that his quota is ready for the fieldbut not officially from him, therefore cannot notice itas soon as I receive his return shall forwarded it without delay." Jackson had written a scathing letter to Bird Smith on August 13 concerning muster rolls..."
Texas connection: Bird Smith's son ,
Thomas Ingles Smith, fought in the Texas War of Independence and was one of the first Texas Rangers . Texas handbook:
https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fsm43. Great Texas stories concerning Thomas Ingles Smith:
Stories of Texas Rangers, War for Independence, IndiansThomas Ingles : This is a son of Mary Draper Ingles which is a famous story of captivity. He had been kidnapped by Indians (Shawnee) and was raised by them. His brother died in captivity. This man is also the son of William Ingles of Ingles Ferry , which is famous in Virginia history.
This is a detail on Thomas Ingles on the National Park website:
NPS Thomas Ingles . Thomas, after he was returned to white culture, didn't sleep indoors for many years is the story I have heard.
I think this cabin below still exists and my mom and dad have been there:
I'm kin to Thomas Ingles and William Ingles, as well as Mary Ingles Draper.