Abram Penn | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1743 |
| Died | 1801 |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Abraham Penn |
| Occupation(s) | landowner, soldier |
Abram Penn, also known as "Abraham Penn" (born December 27, 1743 in Caroline County, Virginia, and died in 1801 in Patrick County, Virginia) was a noted landowner and Revolutionary War officer from Virginia.
He married Ruth Stovall, and they had seven sons. They made their home at "Poplar Grove" plantation in Patrick County, Virginia. The plantation is no longer standing, although the grave of Colonel Penn is still in the family cemetery on this site.
Abram Penn served with General Andrew Lewis (soldier) at the Battle of Point Pleasant in Lord Dunmore's War, 1774. "Abram Penn served Virginia as Captain of the Militia in Dunmores Campaign against the Shawnee Indians. He commanded a fort at Culbertson's Bottom and a company in the Battle of Point Pleasant, in which the Indians were defeated October 10th 1774."[1]
He lived as a landowner in Pittsylvania County, Virginia (later formed into Henry County, Virginia, where he served on the Committees of safety (American Revolution) in both counties and as delegate to the Virginia House of Burgesses from Henry County.
Commissioned by the Governor, he administered State and Federal oaths to the officers of Patrick County at its first court, June 1791. In the early years of the county, Abram Penn and seven of his sons served as "Gentlemen Justices."
He formed a militia company in the county and was made Captain in 1779.[2] During the Revolutionary War, Penn advanced to the rank of Colonel and in the winter of 1780-1781, organized the only body of Revolutionary troops from Henry and adjoining counties. He led his regiment to join General Nathanael Greene in North Carolina, March 1781. Later he and his troops joined General Greene in defense of the Carolinas, fought in the Battle of Eutaw Springs, and continued in service through the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.
There is a historical marker placed by the Virginia Department of Historical Resources at Patrick Springs, Virginia. It reads: "Col. Abram Penn, 1743-1801. 200 yards south is "Poplar Grove," Penn's old home and burial place. At age 21 he "won his spurs" leading a company under General Lewis at Point Pleasant. During 1780-81 he organized the first Revolutionary troops from Henry and adjoining counties, and led his regiment to aid General Greene in the battles of Guilford Court House and Eutaw Springs. He helped organize Patrick County."[3]
The Patrick County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Stuart, Virginia, is named in his honor.[4]
The unincorporated community of Penn's Store is named for Col. Penn and his descendants.[5][6] The Abram Penn Highway in Patrick County is also named for Col. Penn, who died in 1801.