Revolutionary War General James Williams’ Legacy Honored with Donation and Lecture at Laurens County Museum

The rich Revolutionary War history of Laurens County will take center stage on Thursday, January 9, at 7:00 pm, during a special meeting of the Laurens District Genealogical Society at the Laurens County Museum, located at 116 South Public Square, Laurens, SC. The evening will feature Betsy McKinney, a direct descendant of Brigadier General James Williams, who will discuss her family’s historic ties to this celebrated Revolutionary War leader.

Adding to the evening’s significance, Charles and Betsy McKinney will donate a replica of a Revolutionary War-era pistol to the museum’s collection. The pistol, a reproduction of one that General Williams might have carried during the 1700s, serves as a tangible connection to Laurens County’s storied past. Following the event, the replica will be displayed at the Laurens County Museum, where it will become part of the museum’s efforts to preserve and showcase local Revolutionary War history.

Brigadier General James Williams, a pivotal figure in the fight for American independence, lived on his Mount Pleasant property in the Ninety Six District, now part of Laurens County. Williams led the Little River Regiment in critical engagements, including battles at Fort Williams and Mudlick Creek, both fought on his land near present-day Mountville and Cross Hill. The fort, which changed hands more than any other during the Revolutionary War, was a key strategic site in the region.

Tragically, General Williams succumbed to wounds sustained shortly after the decisive Battle of Kings Mountain, where he played a leading role. His family’s sacrifices did not end with his death; his two young sons were later killed in the infamous Hayes Station Massacre at the hands of British Loyalist William Cunningham.

This event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore local Revolutionary War history through both a personal family narrative and the presentation of an artifact tied to that history.

For more information about the Laurens District Genealogical Society, contact Sarah Jane Armstrong at (864) 876-3712or visit their Facebook page. To learn more about the Laurens County Museum, call (864) 681-3678 or visit LaurensCountyMuseum.org.