In Cumberland County, North Carolina, during the Revolutionary War, the organization of militias followed a structured yet community-driven approach. At the county level, these militias were composed of local men who either volunteered or were conscripted to serve. Recruitment efforts were often spearheaded by prominent community members, including local leaders, landowners, and respected veterans. These influential figures would organize meetings in town squares, churches, or taverns, rallying support for the Patriot cause and encouraging their neighbors to enlist. Once a formal muster call was issued, appointed or elected officers such as Captains or Lieutenants took charge of overseeing the recruitment process, ensuring volunteers were properly equipped and organized into cohesive units.
The militias of Cumberland County played a crucial role in the broader efforts against Loyalist forces. They not only engaged in battlefield confrontations but were also heavily involved in local defense and policing activities. These militia units protected settlements from Loyalist raids, maintained order, and enforced laws and regulations enacted by the Revolutionary government. The strong Loyalist presence in the county posed significant challenges, as the militia had to navigate internal divisions and fight both British forces and local Loyalists. Despite these challenges, when called upon, the Cumberland County militias were ready to mobilize quickly. They defended their communities, participated in larger military campaigns, and supported Continental Army operations, exemplifying their dedication to the Patriot cause.
The Smith clan that lived along the Black River in Cumberland County is an example of a family that embodied the dual commitments to both local and national efforts during the Revolutionary War. Several members of the Smith clan joined the local militia, responding to community leaders’ calls to defend their immediate surroundings from Loyalist threats. Their involvement in the militia ensured the protection of their homes and neighbors, maintaining order and supporting the enforcement of revolutionary laws.
As a quick refresher of the make up of the Smith Clan located in Cumberland County, the patriarchs are John Smith, William Smith Jr, Francis Smith, and Richard Smith. The next generation of Smith’s in the Black River area are Hardy Smith, Benjamin Smith and Ezekial Smith.
Militia
Hardy Smith
Hardy Smith is the most documented member of the Smith clan that supported the Patriot cause during the Revolutionary War. He was first drafted into the militia on 10 April 1779, serving for three months under Captain Nathan King and Colonel Jonas Johnson (marched to and fought in the Battle of Stono Ferry). Hardy Smith volunteered again on 2 July 1781, joining a light horse company for three months under Captain Thomas Hadley and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Armstrong. After being discharged from this enlistment, he reenlisted with the same company in October 1781 for an additional nine months. This information is derived from Hardy Smith’s pension application interview on 6 May 1833.
After the war Hardy Smith recieved a pay voucher for his service in the militia for £20.5. (£20.5 in 1783 had the same buying power as $3922 today)
Cumberland County fell within the District of Wilmington, which managed the issuance and administration of pay vouchers for soldiers in the region.
On 14 February 1784, Hardy Smith transfered this voucher over to Ananias Davis.
Soldiers would typically transfer their vouchers to another person for various practical reasons, primarily related to financial necessity or convenience. Soldiers often needed cash or goods immediately and couldn’t wait for the government to redeem their vouchers. Soliders might also transfer vouchers to settle existing debts. And still further in other cases they would transfer the vouchers to someone for funds that was more financially stable who may be more familiar with the redeeming process or who had easier access to the necessary government offices.
Benjamin Smith
Benjamin Smith who is the son of John Smith appears to have supported the Patriot cause as well. He was issued a pay voucher, after the war, and on the same day as Hardy Smith. Hardy Smith’s voucher was numbered #4878 while Benjamin Smith’s voucher was numbered #4877.
This nuance likely indicates that the auditior or local official responsible for issuing the vouchers for this district likely visited the community, verified service claims and distributed the vouchers to ensure that all eligible men recieved their due compensation at the same time.
The sequential vouchers reflect the settlement of accounts for a specific group or company within the militia. It indicates that the paymaster or responsbile official had the muster rolls or service records for that community, processed the payment in order, and issued the vouchers accordingly. It is noted that both Hardy Smith and Benjamin Smith’s vouchers were verified by the returns in ‘Pay Roll No. 2605’.
Francis Smith
Francis Scott Smith is the presumed brother of John Smith, William Smith, and Richard Smith. He to appears to have supported the Patriot cause.
His voucher was numbered #4882 and the voucher was verified by the returns in ‘Pay Roll No. 2605’.
It is likely that Francis Smith, Hardy Smith, and Benjamin Smith all served in the light horse company under Captain Hadley.
One of the terms on which the Light Horse company was rasied was if a man found his own horse and served two months, it was to be considered as equal to three months service of a foot man. During the terms under Captain Hadley the company was engaged in scouring the County around Cross Creek in breaking up the Tories. This company during these terms are known not to have left the state.
Ezekial Smith
Ezekial Smith’s pay voucher #4900 was verified on pay roll #2609. There appears to be several applicable pay rolls that pertain to the same auditors coming to the community to hand out vouchers. For example Hardy Matthews who was living near Black River to the west and served with Hardy Smith at the Battle of Stono Ferry and in the Light Horse company, was issued voucher #4902 which was verified on pay roll #2611.
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