James Williams: An American Patriot in the Carolina Backcountry [Paperback]

William Graves (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 24, 2002

James Williams was the highest-ranking officer to die from wounds suffered at the Battle of King's Mountain, fought October 7, 1780, on the border between North and South Carolina. Although little known, the patriots victory at this battle played a significant role in America's ultimately gaining its independence from England. The story of Williams' life provides fascinating insights into the vicious civil war fought between Carolina backcountry neighbors evenly split by loyalist and patriotic sympathies. Equally fascinating is the story of Williams' struggle for command of the South Carolina militia with rival, Thomas Sumter, the famous "Fighting Gamecock," for whom residents of that state derive their nickname. Evidence strongly suggests that unquestioning acceptance of slanderous comments directed at Williams by one of Sumters subordinates in memoirs written long after the Battle of Kings Mountain has resulted in the memory of Williams sacrifices made in the name of Liberty being almost totally forgotten. Williams deserves a better place in American history than that to which he has been unjustly consigned by Sumter and his subordinates. In this account, the author seeks to restore Williams to his rightful place.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William T. Graves is a graduate of Duke University and Duke University School of Law. He resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with his family.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (January 24, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059521374X
• ISBN-13: 978-0595213740
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #817,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good South Carolina Revolutionary history of a hero, February 21, 2007

By 

Gene Brooks (Rocky Mount, NC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: James Williams: An American Patriot in the Carolina Backcountry (Paperback)

Because I grew up a few miles from the James Williams plantation, I have known about the Laurens County, SC, son who died at Kings Mountain. Most people, however, haven't. I didn't realize his importance until I happened upon his family's cemetery in lower Laurens County one afternoon with my father and all the stones read, "___, wife of Col. James Williams killed at Kings Mountain," "___, brother of Col James Williams killed at Kings Mountain," "____, son of Col. James Williams killed at Kings Mountain," etc. throughout the family plot.

This book reads like a published masters thesis or doctoral dissertation and brings to light one of South Carolina's Revolutionary heroes whom few know. The writer's insight into the conflict with Thomas Sumter is quite interesting.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am a direct descendant-book was very well written, December 22, 2008

By 

Karin C. Viox - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: James Williams: An American Patriot in the Carolina Backcountry (Paperback)

I am a direct descendant of James Williams's surviving son. I thought this was a very informative and interesting book!

Karin Viox