Anthony Bledsoe

Anthony Bledsoe (1733–July 20, 1788) was an American surveyor, politician and military colonel. He served in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War.

Biography

Early life Anthony Bledsoe was born in 1733 in Culpeper County, Virginia (or Spotsylvania County, Virginia). His father was Abraham Bledsoe.

Career He served in the French and Indian War of 1754–1763 in the Virginia militia. Major in a Virginia unit (1776) Major in the Washington County Regiment of Militia (1777–1779) Major in the Sullivan County Regiment of the North Carolina militia (1779–1781) Lt. Colonel in the Sullivan County Regiment of Militia (1781–1783) Colonel over the Davidson County Regiment of Militia (1783)

Shortly after the war, 1785 to 1786, he served as a state Senator for Davidson County. He also became an early settler of Sumner County, Tennessee, building what came to be known as Bledsoe's Station in Castalian Springs, Tennessee. By 1787, he served as the Chairman of the Sumner County court. He also served as a surveyor of the area, trying to keep Indians at bay.

Personal life He married Mary Ramsey Bledsoe (1734–1808) of Augusta County, Virginia, in the 1760s. They had five sons and six daughters: Abraham Bledsoe Thomas Bledsoe Sarah Bledsoe Anthony Bledsoe Jr. Isaac Bledsoe Henry Ramsey Bledsoe Rachael Bledsoe Polly Bledsoe Prudence Bledsoe Susan Bledsoe

Death He was killed by Native Americans on July 20, 1788, in Castalian Springs, Tennessee.

Legacy Bledsoe County, Tennessee, was named in his honor when it was created in 1807 with land from Roane County and land formerly owned by Native Americans. A chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution located in Sumner County, Tennessee, is named in his honor.