Revolutionary War Soldiers Series: Remembering Thomas Barrett

By Betty F. Crum and Pat Young
Waw-wil-a-way Chapter Daughters 
of the American Revolution, 250 Project

Note: This year, the United States of America will celebrate its semiquincentennial, its 250th anniversary. The semiquincentennial marks the first nationwide celebration of America's birth since the bicentennial in 1976. Of course, America's independence cannot be celebrated without also honoring the efforts of the Revolutionary War soldiers that led to independence. The Waw-wil-a-way Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with the Southern Ohio Genealogical Society, is presenting a series of articles featuring Revolutionary War soldiers who lived and died within the borders of Highland County.

Thomas Barrett was born in 1757 in Ireland, the son of Edvardi and Maria Barrett.  

It is not known when he immigrated to America, as a child with his parents or as a young adult on his own.

He was married to Catherine Adams on April 5, 1792, in Blaine City, Perry County, Pa., “Marriage Records of Rev. Linn, Pastor Presbyterian Church, Blain, Perry Co/, Pa.", DAR Library.  

The Barretts migrated to Highland County, New Market Township circa 1810. He purchased 200 acres on Aug. 14, 1815 from Robert Husten and his wife Mary. 

Thomas’ contribution to the revolution endeavor was through the paying of supply tax in 1783 as documented in Pennsylvania Revolutionary War Service, 3rd series, Vol. 22, page 237. His NSDAR Database, Ancestor # A133037.

Per the will of Thomas, dated Sept. 22, 1835 and proven Feb. 13, 1836, he had the following six children: 1- John, born circa 1793, Pennsylvania, lived near Russellville, Brown County, Ohio, married Elizabeth Underwood; 2-Thomas, Jr. born Jan. 10, 1795, Fayette County, Pennsylvania and died July 20, 1848, Highland County, Ohio, married Sarah ‘Sally’ Sanderson, Sept. 14,  1820, Highland County, Ohio; 3-James born circa 1797, Pennsylvania and died circa 1830, Ohio [married and had 2 children, James and Sarah Jean, per his father’s will]; 4-Rebecca, born Nov. 4, 1801, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, married John Sanderson, April 26, 1821, Highland County, Ohio and she died Dec. 3, 1883, Henderson County, Illinois; 5-Catherine, born May 30, 1811, Erie County, Pennsylvania, married Joseph Patton Wright, Sept. 4, 1827, and she died Jan. 3, 1896, Lucas County, Iowa; 6-Jane Ann, born circa 1814, married 1st Waters Baugh, July 5, 1832, Highland County, Ohio, married 2nd Joseph Jones circa 1843, moved to Mahaska County, Iowa.

Thomas and Catherine are both buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, New Market Township, Highland County, Ohio. Thomas died circa January 1836 at 78 years and Catherine, born 1769, died on Christmas Eve in 1845. Both of their stones are standing, however, the inscription on Thomas’s stone is no longer readable.  

*Note:  Considering the age of Thomas at marriage, circa 44 years, he more than likely came to America as a young adult, as an indentured servant aboard a ship. An indentured servant was an emigrant who voluntarily “sold their labor” in exchange for ship’s passage to American. This was widely used in the 18th century in the British colonies and was especially used as a way for poor young adults to gain passage to the American colonies, and the majority went to Pennsylvania. A sample newspaper advertisement included below. Contracts of indenture were for a period of 4-7 years without pay, room and board only. The employer purchased the indenture contract from the sea captain who brought the youths to America; he did so because he needed labor aboard his ship. Both sides were legally obligated to meet the terms, which were enforced by local American courts. They were not allowed to marry without the permission of the contract owner, thus most married at a much later age after they had completed their contract and established themselves financially.

Pennsylvania Gazette: SERVANTS, Just imported in the Ship Hugh and James, Captain McCarthy, from Ireland, and to be sold by CONYNGHAM and NESBEITT, a parcel of likely young Men, Women, and Boys among which are Shoemakers, Taylors, Linen, Worsted and Stockings Weavers, Blacksmiths, Nailors, Carpenter.