Jeremiah and John Early of Bedford, Virginia, Revolutionary War veterans

Recognizing on this Veteran's Day, fifth great-grandfather Jeremiah Early (1730-1779) and his son, John Early (1757-1808). Partially sourced from The family of Early, which settled upon the eastern shore of Virginia and its connection with other families.

Jeremiah Early's service (from Virginia's Share in the Military Movements of the Revolution, page 186)

November 1758, Oath as Captain Bedford County Militia.
French & Indian Wars (1689-1763), officer.
1764, Captain of Bedford County Militia Company.
23 March 1778, Commissioned Lt. Col of Bedford County Militia & recommended to Governor for Col.
28 December 1778, Rec'd Commission & Qualified as Colonel of Bedford County Militia.

Jeremiah Early's greater contribution was not so much in the field as in supplies and logistics. As part owner of The Washington Iron Works, Early supplied iron to the cause. At the time of his death, and as part of the settlement of his estate, it was established that Jeremiah Early provided 1,425 lbs. of beef to sundry continental troops at New London in 1781.

At least two of his sons who were of age served in the American Revolution, both as officers.

John Early, fourth great-grandfather, was the youngest of the four brothers old enough to serve. It appears he may have been a Lieutenant in the Virginia Continental army. Certainly, by the end of the war, John Early became a lieutenant in the Bedford County militia in 1783 and a captain the following year. He retained the latter rank in the new Franklin County militia until August 1793, when he received promotion to lieutenant colonel commandant, a post he held until his death.

With Jacobus as the older brother, serving as a Captain of the County militia, it appears that the whole family provided a combined set of activities of field service, recruiting, and supplies.