Person Page 898

Revolutionary War - Tory - private, Lt. Gen Zachariah Gibb's Regiment, Spartan Militia, 96th Brigade, Cpt Nicholas Hawley Co.
************
Drury Austin lived by Jackson's Creek in today's Fairfield County, South Carolina. He is listed as a private in the pay abstract dated 13 June - 14 Dec 1780 for Loyalist Lieutenant General Zachariah Gibbs' Regiment, Spartan Militia, Ninety Six Brigade, Captain Nicholas Hawley's Company. Drury is presumed to have been with his company at the Battle of King's Mountain, which took place on October 7, 1781. The battle was a major victory for the Patriots, with the vast majority of all Loyalist soldiers on the battlefield ending up either captured or killed. Drury Austin died soon after signing his will, in either Kershaw or Fairfield County, approximately 2 1/2 months after the Battle of King's Mountain (death happening some time between 13 Dec 1780 to 3 Jan 1781). The will of his wife, Elizabeth, dated Jan 3, 1781, mentions that Drury is already deceased. Despite his death, Drury Austin's name appears on the Whig Commanders' Enemies list of 1783 compiled by Revolutionary War hero and former neighbor, General Richard Winn. This list describes Drury Austin as a lieutenant. Brothers Bartholomew, John, and Joseph, all members of Loyalist Colonel John Phillips' Jackson Creek Militia, are also listed. Although being named on the list potentially subjected Drury Austin's estate to being confiscated, probate records indicate that most, if not all, of his property ultimately remained in the possession of his wife and children.