WILLIAM WARREN BRAND
The following was provided in 2005 by Dr. O. B. Brand (now deceased) to Bobby Jack Scruggs (a Brand descendant) (now deceased) and was
provided to me for use on this web site by Bobby's sister in law Jennefer Burk.
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"He had children that went to Texas and Alabama. He is the ninth generation of Brands and had 12 children.
William served two terms in the Revolutionary war. His application for pension was made at Monroe, Georgia in 1832. He had served under General Horatio Gates in the Carolinas. Some records said that he was born in North Carolina and others say Virginia".
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The following is taken from the ancestors of Jason Wayne Terry by Jennifer Dutton Terry
The Memoirs of William Brand
Born: May 23, 1756
Married before 1786
Died: 1848 Loganville, Walton County, Georgia
I am William Warren Brand. I do not have much to say. I just looked at the old family book where great grandfather made his notes. I want to say just a few things about Grandfather also since great grandfather died before he could write much more.
My father Benjamin Brand was bon in 1738 and died May 10, 1827 in Parishville, New York. My grandfather was also named Benjamin. He was born in 1713 in North Kingston, Rhode Island and died around 1760 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. As a young men, he entered into service in the British navy as a penman. A good penman was in much demand at the time since education was secondary to earning one's keep. During his tenure in the British Navy, he became quite upset about living conditions aboard ship, being only in the company of men and in general just plain bored. So on arrival at port-of-call Norfolk, Virginia, he jumped ship. There in Norfolk he met and married Rebecca Tanner on March 16, 1734. Rebecca was born in 1713 and she was the daughter of William Tanner and Williams third wife Elizabeth Cottrell. Rebecca died in 1737 in Westerly, Rhode Island from causes I do not know. Grandfather and Rebecca had one son named Amos in February of 1735.
After the death of Rebecca grandfather married Lucy Cottrell on June 25 of the same year, 1737, they were married by Elder John Maxson. Then they moved to Edgecombe County North Carolina. I am the grandson of Lucy Cottrell and Benjamin Brand.
The year of our Lord is now 1840. My beloved Sarah has been dead for six years now and I still hear her call my name. It is a bitter-sweet feeling to hear her voice that way. She was a very beautiful women. Her dark hair and eyes marked the traits of many of the Bryants. I sit under this oak tree in my front yard and feel the breeze gently sweep across my face. Is it the wind or is it my precious Sarah caressing my brow as she most always did? I choose to believe the latter. though some would think it ridiculous, it helps me make it through my last years. I think now I would like to join her once again.
Most of my children have stayed near to me, here in Georgia. I am still living on the land Sarah and I came to in 1821. My brother Benjamin and I received land grants in Oglethorpe County in 1817. Then we drew this Walton County acreage in the Georgia land lottery. I drew three more grants in Muscogee County as well.
Sarah always seemed to like it here through. We have a nice home with a large yard. She liked the grandchildren having all the clear, flat area to play in. I laugh when I think of the baby's getting away with most anything except stepping into her yard garden. Those flowers were off limits to everyone. I love the springtime. Her flowers are still blooming thanks to my daughter's helping hand.
During the revolution for independence, I served under Captain Richard Shipp in the North Carolina Troops. My field officers were General Caswell and Colonel Benjamin Axum. That was my first term. I served for five months in 1780 then in 1781. I was called to serve an additional three months. The second term my commanding officer was Captain Benjamin Phillips and the field officers were Major Allen, Colonel Micholy Long. Major Thomas and General Gates. In 1837 I began receiving a pension for my services in the war. That was a long hard war for everyone. We were all glad when it was finally over.
Now I fear another bloody battle will take place. There is much talk about ending slavery. Slavery is a way of life in the South. The Northern states have all their industrial equipment they have created to take an honest mans work away. If a machine begins to do all the work what will working people, whites or negroes, do? The tempers are beginning to flare and I do not know how much longer it will be before it all boils up. I pray my family does not have to fight another war. I do not want my sons or grandsons to see the horrors of those times.
I will close now. I pray that I have not made an enemy while on this wonderful earth. I pray that if I have they will forgive me my faults. I feel that I will soon go meet Sarah again. I hear her call my name more and more frequently. One day soon I will answer her call.