Peter Francisco Sr
Privacy Level: Open (White)

Pedro Francisco Sr (1760 - 1831)

Pedro (Peter) Francisco Sr
Born in Porto Judeu, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira, Azores, Portugalmap [uncertain]
Ancestors ancestors
Husband of — married Dec 1784 in Virginia, United Statesmap
Husband of — married 8 Dec 1794 (to 1821) in Richmond, Virginia, United Statesmap
Husband of — married 3 Jul 1823 in Buckingham, Virginia, United Statesmap
Descendants descendants
Died at age 70 in Richmond, Virginia, United Statesmap
Profile last modified | Created 18 Nov 2008
This page has been accessed 36,576 times.
This person may not belong in the family group. See the text for details.
US Southern Colonies.
Peter Francisco Sr resided in the Southern Colonies in North America before 1776.
Join: US Southern Colonies Project
Discuss: southern_colonies

Contents

Biography

1776 Project
Peter Francisco Sr served with 10th Virginia Regiment (1777), Continental Army during the American Revolution.
Notables Project
Peter Francisco Sr is Notable.

"Virginia Giant" or “Giant of the Revolution” - an American Patriot 6 Foot six inches tall, weight 260 pounds.

In June 1765, Peter (Pedro) Francisco was found abandoned at a wharf in present-day Hopewell, Virginia (then City Point). He was then about five years of age, and was believed to have been Portuguese, possibly from the Azores, and possibly kidnapped from his homeland and taken to America. Raised as an indentured servant by Judge Anthony Winston, Peter was trained as a blacksmith.

In 1775, he heard Judge Winston's nephew, Patrick Henry, give his famous speech, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”, and became a supporter of the colonies breaking away from England. By 1776, Peter had joined the 10th Virginia Militia as a private. A five-foot sword was given him by Gen. George Washington, after Francisco's complaint that ordinary swords were too light.

War of the Revolution

War had started in April of 1775 after the fighting at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts.

Peter was living in Buckingham County, Virginia and working as a blacksmith on the Winston plantation. Peter had indentured with Judge Anthony Winston since an early age at his plantation in Hanover County and then later in Buckingham County, Virginia.

Military

At the age of 15 he was permitted to enlist, in 1776, as a private in the 10th Virginia Regiment. He re-enlisted two more times and was injured at least four times, once being left for dead. His feats were legendary. He reportedly picked up a one thousand pound cannon and hauled it on his back off the battlefield in New Jersey. This feat was at the Battle of Camden in South Carolina. Another story tells how he singelhandedly escaped from nine British soldiers that were holding him prisoner and escaped with their horses. His strength, size and bravery led to him being called "Hercules of the Revolution" and "The Giant of Virginia."

Young Peter Francisco was released by Judge Winston when he reached age 16 with permission to enlist. Peter enlisted in December of 1776 in the company commanded by Captain Hughes Woodson in the 10th Virginia Regiment Commanded (at different times by Colonels George Weedon, Samuel Hawes, Edward Stevens.[1]

From records in Library of Virginia in regard to Bounty land is found the following:

This is to Sertify that Peter Francisco Inlisted in my company in the Continantal Service for the term of Three years and Served the time And has not Receiv’d a warrant for the Land alotted for the Soldiers for that term of service Given under my hand this 16 th day of Dec’r. 1795 Hughes Woodson Capt. formerly of 6th Virg’a Regmt[2]

The 10th Virginia Regiment was part of the 2nd Virginia Brigade commanded by Brig General George Weedon in Major General Nathaniel Greene's Division.

Battle of Brandywine

This battle was fought on 11 Sep 1777 at Chads Ford, Pennsylvania, a part of the Philadelphia Campaign. The battle waged for 11 hours. American forces under General George Washington were in battle with British forces under the command of General Howe, General Charles Lord Cornwallis, and the Hessian, General Wilhelm von Knyphausen. This was Peter's first experience in battle.

Peter was wounded in the leg by a musket ball." He was taken to a makeshift hospital at a Moravian community north of Philadelphia and treated near Maj. Gen. Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, who also had suffered a leg wound in his combat debut that same day. While recuperating, the 16-year-old Portuguese and the 19-year-old French volunteer struck up a conversation. They would become lifelong friends.Francisco’s wound healed quickly, and he rejoined his regiment just in time to take part in the Battle of Germantown on October 4. "[3]

The above was extracted from Franciso's pension application in Buckingham County, Virginia in 1820.

Peter was in hospital per the Oct 1777 muster roll for Cpt Woodson's Company of the 10th VIrginia Regiment. [4]

Battle of Germantown

From October to November, Francisco was on duty at Fort Mifflin on Mud Island on the Delaware while British ships bombarded the position. He was one of the exhausted survivors who abandoned the island on November 16. Shortly afterward, he and the rest of Washington’s oft-defeated army wintered at Valley Forge, enduring the nightmare of hunger, bitter cold and exposure that was the lot of the Colonial soldier there. Like many, he became ill and spent two bitter winter months in the hospital.When his tour of duty expired, Francisco reenlisted and subsequently took part in the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse on June 28, 1778. [5]

Valley Forge

The Valley Forge Encampment of Washington's Continental Army was from December 19, 1777 through June 19, 1778. During the winter Peter recovered from wounds and was in hospital with illness. Baron Von Steuben, a Prussian officer, arrived in Feb of 1778 and began organizing the camp and started intensive training for the Continental Army. Von Steuben was named inspector general by Washington. Peter learned better techniques for loading and firing of muskets, marching and military disciplines, as well as hand to hand combat skills and bayonet charges. Peter is on the Valley Forge muster roll. [6]

Battle of Monmouth

This battle was fought in New Jersey at Monmouth Courthouse on 28 June 1778. General George Washington's Continental Army caught up with the British after they left Philadelphia. British General Sir Henry Clinton was in command of the British forces and with him was Charles Lord Cornwallis. Lafayette and "Mad" Anthony Wayne were there in this battle in charge of American forces that had been under the command of Charles Lee. Washington relieved him of command.

Then joining the grand army the next action was the battle of Monmouth on 28 June 1778 being detached under Colo. [Daniel] Morgan from the main body where a considerable slaughter of the enemy took place in which action he received a wound of an ounce ball through the right thigh, although being wounded pursued the enemy to a place called Powel’s hook [sic: Paulus Hook] where the imbarked, and by 10 O’clock the next day he killed two of their grenadiers belonging to the 14 Regim’t. while they were on pickett, & further that he never felt satisfied nor thought he did a good day’s work but by drawing British blood & if that was not the case could not have a good night’s repose. After being in a number of scouting parties and serving the term of three years he bid adieu to the Northern states & came to Virginia, he then volunteered his services to go on with Gen’l. [Horatio] Gates. [7]

The 10th Virginia Regiment was reorganized and redesignated on May 12, 1779 as the 6th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies.

Storming of Stony Point

This was fought on 16 July 1779 at Stony Point, New York. [8]

June-July 1779: Smith's Cove, Highlands of New York Wayne's Corps of Light Infantry is organized; half of a company is drafted from the 1st/10th Virginia for service in the Corps. The 10th Virginia's compliment is 1 Lt. (Abraham Maurey), 2 Sergeants, 1 Surgeon, and 11 privates. The 1st Virginia sent 1 Captain (Claiborn W. Lawson), 1 ensign, and 10 privates. The 5th and 11th Virginia supplied the other half company to form Lawson's Company, which was assigned to Lt. Col. LeFluery's (or 1st) Bn, Febiger's (or 1st) Regiment of Wayne's Corps of Light Infantry. On July 15, Wayne's Corps successfully assaulted Stony Point; the 150 man vanguard force lead by Lt. Col. LeFleury, occupied the center of the Fort. LeFleury personally struck the British Colors. The 1st\10th Virginia was present as a reserve for this operation.

The attacking forces under Wayne were ordered into this action with fixed bayonets and muskets unloaded.

Francisco volunteered himself under Colo [Francois Louis de] Fleury to storm Stony point fort on the North river, He was the second man who scaled the walls at the enemies fort on the right wing, & received a wound slashing through the belly nine inches long, from thence carried up the North river to a place called the Fishkill & remained there about six weeks and recovered his wound.

Wayne was wounded in the head in the action and was carried into the fort by his men with the fall of the fort.

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/battle-stony-point

February to March 1780: The Virginia Line marches to relieve the besieged city of Charleston. Upon arrival, the three battalions and 2 detachments begin to reorganize based on the White Plains arrangement.

Peter purchased a horse in March of 1780 that would support his large frame and weight that he then used in the service during the battles in South Carolina and North Carolina. The following is found in his pension file. This to Certify that I was present when Peter Francisco Purchased a horse at the Price of 23000 weight of Tobacco and I became his security for the same; and to my certain knowledge when the Tobacco was settled it was settled at 42/6 Per hundred he served a faithful tower of duty under me in South Carolina and had the misfortune to have his horse shot from under him in a scrammaging Party Near Charlestown.

Given under my hand this 6th Mar 1780 Capt Charles Yerba

April to May 1780: The Siege and Fall of Charleston. The city of Charleston falls on May 12, 1780 after a 1 and a half month siege. Peter's 10th Virginia Regiment was captured at Charlestown in May of 1780.

Peter volunteered his services again with the Southern Continental Army under Horatio Gates and General Nathaniel Greene. . After being in a number of scouting parties and serving the term of three years he bid adieu to the Northern states & came to Virginia, he then volunteered his services to go on with Gen’l. [Horatio] Gates and then was detached into Colo. Mayo’s regiment [see endnote] & in a few days a general engagement took place between Cornwallis & Gates which action he was in [Battle of Camden SC, 16 Aug 1780], and being placed near the Colonel in the center of the regiment.

Battle of Camden

This battle was in South Carolina on 16 August 1780 between American forces under the command of Horatio Gates and British forces under Lord Cornwallis. The battle was a defeat for the American forces under Gates. It was in this battle that the legend of the great strength of the Virginia Giant came to the forefront in the minds of the Patriot soldiers of the Continental Army. In this battle he according to legend retrieved and carried an artillery field piece, a cannon barrel, on his shoulders so that it would not be captured by the British. Peter was in the Virginia Militia under General Stevens. He intervened during the battle and saved the life of Col. John Mayo during the retreat of the Virginia Militia. After Gates’ defeat Peter returned to the county of Prince Edward, he then volunteered himself under Capt Watkins to join Colo. Washington to the south. [9]

Battle of Cowpens

This battle was in South Carolina on 17 January 1781. Peter had joined cavalry under Col. William Washington. He was part of this battle and great victory. At the Cowpens, a frontier pastureland Daniel Morgan led his army of tough Continentals and backwoods militia to a brilliant victory over Banastre Tarleton's battle-hardened force of British regulars. Peter had joined the cavalry and was with Lt. Colonel Washington's Light Dragoons.

3rd Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons Virginia led by Lt. Col. William Washington with 82 men and the following known officers: - Major Richard Call - Capt. William Barrett - Capt. Robert Cook (Dobbs County, NC) - Capt. George Farragut (Dobbs County, NC) - Capt. Churchill Jones's Troop - Lt. Henry Bell - Capt. William Parsons - Capt. John Thompson (Wake County, NC) https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_battle_of_cowpens.html

Battle of Guillford Courthouse

This battle was in North Carolina on 15 March 1781.

Peter was engaged in this battle and was severely wounded in the leg from a bayonet.

William Barrett made the following statements about Peter Francisco in Bounty Land records from Library of Virginia. William Barrett was a Cpt of Dragoons also in the Battle of Cowpens serving with Lt. Col. William Washington.

I do certify that Mr. Peter Francisco was at the action of Guilford a volunteer Dragoon and distinguished himself, as a good & brave soldier as witness my hand Test [William Barret VAS1197] Nelson Berkeley Sen’r. late Capt of Dragoons November 15 1790

After the Guilford Courthouse battle, he defeated Tarleton’s Raiders in what was called “Francisco’s Fight” and made off with most of their horses. Peter was at Yorktown to see the British surrender. (Then) Colonel George Washington was so impressed that he offered him a commission, but Francisco declined (due to his lack of education), and stated that, ‘Without him, we would have lost two crucial battles, perhaps the war, and with it our freedom," and "He was truly a one-man army."[10]

Lt. William Evans formerly of the 10th Virginia Regiment made the following statements about the service of Peter Francisco.

This is to certify that Peter Francisco dec’d and myself served in the Revolutionary War together nearly six years, giving me an opportunity of knowing the prowess, heroism, and magnanimity of my old brother soldier. I am now the only surviving Officer of the 10th Virginia Regiment that I know of to which Mr.Francisco was attached. We fought together at the battles of Brandywine [11 Sep 1777], Germantown [4 Oct 1777], and the Storming of Stony point, at the latter Mr. Francisco displayed more being of uncommon strength and having to pass through the mbygores[?]. Francisco was the 2nd man who laid hold of the Flag Staff, which circumstance brought him into particular notice by the Officers and men. We served together under his excellency General Washington to the north three years and to the south under Gen’l Green nearly to the end of the war. I frequently heard of Francisco’s gallantry, he in the light horse and myself in the Infantry. Francisco was in the battles of Guilford and Seige of Ninety Six [22 May - 19 Jun 1781] Francisco served to my knowledge throughout the war. These are to the best of my knowledge & recollection facts the most prominent which I can now recollect in my present advanced age. Given under my hand this 30th day of July 1831 [signed] William Evans Lieutenant in 10th Virginia Regt [11]

Peter was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine, and was at Valley Forge with Washington and Lafayette. He was wounded again, in 1778, at the Battle of Monmouth, then in the big Battle of Cowpens, after starting his third enlistment. At Cowpens he was part of Lt. Col. William Washington’s troops.

He was at the Battle of Stony Point, where he was wounded again, with a British bayonet (that soldier he then killed, who had been under Lt. Col Basastre Tarleton). Further wounds were received at the Battle of Camden, and then, with Colonel Watkins, at the Guilford Courthouse Battle, where he was bayoneted again in the leg. In the various battles he killed 11 men.

In the pension application made by Peter in 1818 Philemon Holcombe and Francis Smith attested to his service in the Northern and Southern American Army.

We hereby certify that Peter Francisco, early in the revolutionary war entered into the Continental service, that he continued in the said service until about the year 1779 or 1780 at which time he entered the state service and enlisted in the troop of Cavalry (of which I Philemon Holcombe was Lieutenant) in Prince Edw’d [Prince Edward] County, and was in the battle of Guilford. We know that the said P. Francisco rendered important services to the Country, and that just before the action of Guilford he sold what little property he had and having rec’d paper money for the same, he lost much of his little by the depreciation of the currency of the Country. The said P. Francisco has a large family to support, and he must labor hard for that purpose — Given under our hand this 24th Septemb’r. 1818 — Philemon Holcombe

I hereby Certify that Peter Francisco in the year 1777 entered into the Continental Service with me, that we continued in the said service until the year 1780 in the Northern Army, I know him to be in the Battle of Guilford & also that he said P. Francisco rendered important services to his Country, which is well known by many others Given from under my hand this 5th day of October 1818. Francis Smith Late Lt. C. A. NB Peter Francisco was in every Battle that was was fought in the above mentioned service.

Life after the Revolutionary War

After the war Peter returned to Buckingham County, Virginia.

About the year 1783 Peter was married to Susannah Anderson of Cumberland County, Virginia. Susannnah was one of the five daughters of Cpt James Anderson. Susannah inherited land in Cumberland County from her father's estate in October of 1787.[12] She inherited 60 acres along with a negro man, some livestock including a horse and cattle, household items, and tools.

Peter and Susannah had a son born in about 1786. Susannah died about 1790.

Peter was living in Charlotte County, Virginia when he made an agreement with D. M. Randolph on 13 December 1790 for purchase of land in Cumberland County, Virginia. The land was 500 acres on both sides of Dry Creek from Woodson's survey. Randolph agreed to give credit to Peter for repayment of 800 pounds in Virginia money of the cost of the purchase over 10 years.

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4H-8Q7W-9

Peter was married a second time on 8 December 1794 in Virginia to Catherine Fauntleroy Brooke. Peter and Catherine had four children.

Peter attended a reunion of veterans of the Revolutionary War in early December of 1805 in Maysville, Buckingham County, Virginia at the courthouse there. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5513959?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a224238342f5176516b6f505054714f4b4a3276387938434931354e4f7434534f3930574177744979416c2b6b3d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d

His third wife mentions in her pension application in 1854 that her husband was also a veteran soldier of the War of 1812.

Peter Francisco and wife Catherine purchase 209 3/4 Acres in Buckingham and Cumberland from Henry Rives of Cumberland County in 1815.

https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/6131/images/VGS_1967_01_01_0070?ssrc=&backlabel=Return&queryId=11f3a53e36542641dd67328343895aa7&pId=507020358&rcstate=VGS_1987_01_01_0299%3A761%2C396%2C889%2C429%3B573%2C647%2C695%2C680%3B1223%2C647%2C1345%2C680%3B192%2C772%2C311%2C805%3B192%2C980%2C319%2C1013%3B361%2C980%2C488%2C1013%3B425%2C1231%2C550%2C1264

Peter filed for a pension for his services in 1818 and started receiving a pension in January of 1819. [13]

Peter was living in Buckingham County, Virginia in New Canton in 1820. [14]

After the death of his second wife in 1821 Peter was married a third time to Mary Beverly Grymes in July of 1823 at her home in Buckingham County, Virginia.

After the war he became a wealthy store owner and was named the Sergeant-of-Arms for the Virginia House of Delegates. He was a national hero in the 1800s with children's books written about him and several states setting aside March 15th as "Peter Francisco Day."

At war’s end, in 1783, Peter went home to Buckingham, Virginia. He had inherited a farmhouse and land, named “Locust Grove”, in Richmond, Virginia, from his first wife, Susannah.

Peter and his wife Mary were living in Buckingham County, Virginia in 1830. [15]

Peter died of appendicitis Jan. 16, 1831 in Richmond, Virginia.

Peter made a death bed request to the Virginia House for burial with full military honors.

Public funeral with military honors for Peter Francisco, Jan 1831, Richmond, VA. Southern recorder. (Milledgeville, Ga.) 1820-1872, February 03, 1831, page 3.

Family

Marriages
  1. Susannah (Anderson) Francisco (1763-1791), by some reports, they married when she turned eighteen and she died five years later[16]
  2. Catherine Fauntleroy (Brooke) Francisco (abt.1773-1821), whom he married two years after Susannah died[16]
  3. Mary Beverly (Grymes) West Francisco (abt.1782-abt.1858), whom he married in 1823[16][17]

On 17 Feb 1854 in Botetourt County, Virginia Mary B. Francisco, 68, applied for a pension stating that she married Peter Francisco on 3 Jul 1823, and he died 16 Jan 1831. A letter dated 19 Jan 1854 refers to her as the “last wife” of Peter Francisco. With her application was a copy of a bond signed in Buckingham County on 29 Jun 1823 by Peter Francisco and Francis Moseley for the marriage of Francisco to Mary B. West. Samuel J. Walker stated that he witnessed the marriage, which occurred in the residence of Mary B. West in the part of Buckingham County that is now Appomattox. On 24 Mar 1855 Mary B. Francisco, 70, applied for bounty land, adding that Peter Francisco had also been a Private in the 5th Regiment of US Infantry during the War of 1812 and had died at Richmond. According to a typed summary, in 1848 she was living in Botetourt County with a son-in-law, Joseph V. Carp[18]

Children of Susannah Anderson
  1. James Anderson Francisco, who was an heir to his mother's Cumberland County land that she had inherited from her father[16]
  2. Polly Francisco
Children of Catherine Fauntleroy Brooke
  1. Susan Brooke Francisco
  2. Benjamin M. Francisco
  3. Peter Francisco, II
  4. Catherine Fauntleroy Francisco

Legacy

He was a legend in his own time. Several monuments and parks are named in his honor and in 1975 the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp to celebrate his service to his country. An original eighteenth century engraving of this soldier is on display at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Research Notes

Possible Sources

LOST BUCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA MARRIAGES by Randy Kidd & Jeanne Stinson, 1992, xii, 251 pages, photos, index. Records of this county were burned in 1869. The authors have recovered valuable marriage records for this county from a missing register of 1854-1868, as well as abstracting marriages from various earlier newspaper sources and W.P.A. inventories and private sources. Over 1,100 marriages are reproduced here.

There are page references to Peter in this work.

BUCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA LAND TAX SUMMARIES & IMPLIED DEEDS, Volume 1: 1782-1814 by Roger G. Ward, 1993. 343 pages, index. The author has thoroughly researched the land tax records for this important "burned" county and has constructed abstracts for each landholder, bringing disparate records together into a single abstract. Subsequent volumes will continue this series.

There are references to Peter in this work.

Francisco Peter 38, 41, 60, 165

Uncertain Family

The American historiography[19][10][20], associates Peter Francisco with a Pedro, that was born on 9 July 1760 in Porto Judeu, Terceira, Açores, Portugal, he was the godson of his uncle Pedro Francisco, and son of Francisco Machado Luís and Maria da Ascenção.

This document names Francisco Machado Luis and Maria da Ascenção as his parents.

Transcription of the baptism record:[21]

“PEDRO, son of Francisco Machado Luis and his wife Antonia Maria, natives and parishioners of this parish of St. Anthony of the place of Porto Judeu, was born the 9th day of the month of July of the year of 1760, and was baptized on 20th of the same month by me, Antonio Gardoso de Castro, the Vicar of the Parish. Godparents: Pedro Francisco, son of Francisco Machado Luiz (grandfather of the baptized) and Marianna de St. Joseph, daughter of Pedro Pacheco and his wife Maria de St. Joseph natives and parishioners of this said parish; to state made this record on the same day, month, and year above
Vicar Antonio Gradoso de Castro
Joao Roiz da Costa
Joao Joseph Machado"

This document suggests that Francisco Machado Luiz and Marianna de St. Joseph were his grandparents.

Sources

  1. "United States Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QL6Y-W9LV : Thu Nov 09 01:47:47 UTC 2023), Entry for Peter Francisco, 15 Dec 1776.
  2. https://revwarapps.org/w11021.pdf
  3. https://www.historynet.com/peter-francisco-american-revolutionary-war-hero/?f
  4. "United States Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGXT-35HW : Wed Nov 08 22:40:33 UTC 2023), Entry for Peter Francisco, Oct 1777.
  5. https://www.historynet.com/peter-francisco-american-revolutionary-war-hero/
  6. https://valleyforgemusterroll.org/soldier-details/
  7. https://revwarapps.org/w11021.pdf
  8. https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/battle-stony-point
  9. https://revwarapps.org/w11021.pdf
  10. 10.0 10.1 "Peter Francisco: American Revolutionary War hero", by Michael D. Hull; Military History magazine; History.net; July/August 2006 issue.
  11. https://revwarapps.org/w11021.pdf
  12. Cumberland County Virginia Will Book 2, p. 432-433, FHL 30738, Oct 1787, images are here https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9TH-G3VM-W?i=493&cat=367904/
  13. "United States Revolutionary War Pension Payment Ledgers, 1818-1872", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q24Q-VBVF : Sat Dec 09 06:50:36 UTC 2023), Entry for Peter Fransisco, 01 Jan 1819.
  14. "United States Census, 1820", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHLT-VVW : Fri Oct 06 04:23:00 UTC 2023), Entry for Peter Francesco, 1820.
  15. "United States Census, 1830", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH5F-PQT : Wed Oct 04 16:32:14 UTC 2023), Entry for Peter Francisco, 1830.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 W Edwin Hemphill, ed. Daniel, J. R. V. The Giant of Virginia [Peter Francisco, Alias the Hercules of the Revolution]. Vol. 1. Issue 2. Virginia Cavalcade: History in Picture and Story. 1951, p. 39. Richmond, Virginia: Virginia State Library.
  17. See also (no direct source identified): Wikipedia: Peter Francisco.
  18. https://revwarapps.org/w11021.pdf
  19. Moon, William Arthur. Peter Francisco, the Portuguese Patriot. Colonial Publishers, 1980. pp 49,52,53,. https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/662661-peter-francisco-the-portuguese-patriot .
  20. Ornelas Mendes, António, and Jorge Forjaz. Genealogias da Ilha Terceira. Vol. V. Lisboa: DisLivro Histórica, 2007. p551,552. https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/145262-genealogias-da-ilha-terceira-v-05
  21. "Batismo de Pedro", 1760/7/20. Açores, Terceira, Angra do Heroísmo, Paróquia do Porto Judeu 1643-05-03/1911-03-31, Batismos 1643-05-03/1911-03-29, PT/BPARLSR/PRQ/AGH06/01-001/0005, fl 70v. Biblioteca Pública e Arquivo Regional Luís da Silva Ribeiro, Angra do Heroísmo, Açores, Portugal. (Centro de Conhecimento dos Açores: TER-AH-PORTOJUDEU-B-1751-1770): http://culturacores.azores.gov.pt/biblioteca_digital/TER-AH-PORTOJUDEU-B-1751-1770/TER-AH-PORTOJUDEU-B-1751-1770_item1/index.html?page=72

See also:





Memories: 5
Enter a personal reminiscence or story.
At Guilford Court House, he was gravely wounded and "left for dead" on the battlefield, but was recovered and recuperated by a local farmer.

In "Francisco's Fight" at West Creek Tavern in Nottoway County, VA, he "... single-handedly subdued nine of Tarleton's feared Dragoons in hand-to-hand combat" (a scouting or "recon" party), while his cohort stole off to warn Gen. Horatio Gates of Tarleton's whereabouts. One of the Dragoons attempted to shoot him, but the pistol mis-fired. Should be Banastre Tarleton (erata in story above).

posted 5 Jan 2011 by Chuck Shorter
His modest (but restored)"Locust Grove" house is on Locust Grove Rd (local Rt. 626) off of U.S. Rt 60 in Buckingham County, VA (not Richmond).

He is buried in Shockoe Cemetary in Richmond, VA, which grave site has an impressive monument with freemason symbology (although there is no record that he was a mason - possibly an honorarium).

posted 5 Jan 2011 by Chuck Shorter
The above story does not mention Peter's wounding in the heroic taking of the Trenton Redoubt (NJ), one of three survivors of a 25-man force under indirect command of Gen. George Washington (NO Redcoat survivors). After recuperating in Virginia, Peter went South to join the forces of Gen. Horatio Gates (Guilford Court House, NC), where he complained of his swords "breaking like toothpicks" when he cleaved Redcoats. Upon hearing word of this in Pennsylvania, Gen. Washington had a 6-foot broadsword especially forged and sent to Peter, so he could "cleave Redcoats from brow to breastbone".
posted 5 Jan 2011 by Chuck Shorter
Life story sources cited: "Peter Francisco, Portuguese Patriot" by William Arthur Moon, related to China missionary Lottie Moon, late of Crewe, VA (site of "Lottie Moon's Tomb").
posted 5 Jan 2011 by Chuck Shorter
The monument to Patriot Peter Francisco was erected at the site of Guilford Courthouse by Peter Francisco Pescud, a grandson of the Revolutionary hero. It was unveiled in 1904.
posted 18 Nov 2008 by Alice Luckhardt
Login to add a memory.
Sponsored Search by Ancestry.com

DNA
No known carriers of Peter's DNA have taken a DNA test.

Have you taken a DNA test? If so, login to add it. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA.



Comments: 12

Leave a message for others who see this profile.
There are no comments yet.
Login to post a comment.
I am very interested in contributing to improvement of Peter's profile. Has anyone seen the prevues of a planned 9 part mini series on Peter? I have seen this posted on Instagram.
posted by John Simmons Jr.
In the May 1814 court session for Cumberland County (Order Book 1811-1815, p. 412), a Charles Smith, son of Letty Smith and aged 23 (thus b. ca. 1791), proved satisfactory completion of indenture to Peter Francisco and thus established his own freedom. I have several questions:

1. Where was Peter Francisco in the 1810 Census? I cannot find him. 2. Is there a body of papers attributable to Peter Francisco that might detail his personal and financial dealings? 3. Are there records of who was bound to Peter Francisco while in Cumberland or Buckingham? 4. Does anybody have any leads on these Smiths? Were they possibly related to the James Anderson family?

posted by Robert Smith
US Southern Colonies Project adding project management (PMP) and project protection (PPP) as co-manager—historical figure.

Please review US Southern Colonies Project-Managed Profiles for more information.

Please continue to manage normally, and review US Southern Colonies Project Editing Guidance before editing.

posted by Ken Spratlin
edited by Ken Spratlin
The bio states "At war’s end, in 1783, Peter went home to Buckingham, Virginia. He had inherited a farmhouse and land, named “Locust Grove”, in Richmond, Virginia, from his first wife, Susannah" This statement is incorrect.

If Peter Francisco was in Buckingham County in 1783, he was NOT living on land he inherited from Susannah Anderson. Her land was never in Buckingham County. Peter Francisco, still a resident of Cumberland County, on 8 September 1791, sold this 60 acre parcel in Cumberland County to George Walker. Deed confirms that this is "the land that James Anderson deceased devised to his daughter Susannah Anderson who afterwards married Peter Francisco and since died". Prince Edward County Virginia Deed Book 1789-1812, p 26-27, FHL 33221, images are here https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9PX-L9XY-3?i=217&cat=378306

Susannah Francisco was not allotted this 60 acre parcel located in Cumberland County until October 1787. Cumberland County Virginia Will Book 2, p. 432-433, FHL 30738, Oct 1787, images are here https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9TH-G3VM-W?i=493&cat=367904

The update just completed added the WikiTree ID web interlinks for his spouses, and a source that actually names all three marriages (I can reexamine the article to see if it contributes dates for all three, which I seem to recall that it does).

Another user identified that the profile for his 3rd wife exists: Mary Beverly (Grymes) West Francisco (abt.1782-abt.1858). She is sourced in the cited article that was added. Can you please add her or let me know when profile protection is lifted long enough to add her as his documented spouse?

Thank you!

Porter

posted by Porter Fann
I was able to add the 3rd spouse. So far as PPP status, the person who placed it has been contacted. I went ahead and added the US SoCol project box, as this seems a reasonable project to which Francisco should be affiliated. 1776 Project might be an alternate, as is Notables Project.

Given the question about whether he is attached to parents vs. grand-parents, a project management that best represents him seems to be needed.

posted by Porter Fann
An unmarried Susannah Anderson is among the legatees of James Anderson of Cumberland County Virginia in his will written 16 May 1782 and proven in court 25 November 1782, Cumberland County Virginia Will Book 2, p. 304-305.FHL film 30738, images begin here https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9TH-G3VX-T?i=429&cat=367904

No marriage record has yet been located for Peter Francisco to Susannah Anderson. The marriage took place sometime after the will was written in 1782 but prior to March 1787 when Peter Francisco and wife Susannah, along with two of her siblings, filed a chancery court case for division of James Anderson's estate. James Anderson et al vs executor of James Anderson Sr, Cumberland County Virginia Chancery Court case (1787-001), published by The Library of Virginia images begin here https://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=049-1787-001

This will left a 300 acre tract of land in Cumberland County to be divided equally between the five daughters of James Anderson. While it is possible that Peter Francisco and wife Susannah, after their marriage, may have lived somewhere on her father's land, Peter did not legally own any of this land until October 1787 when a 60 acre parcel in Cumberland County was allotted to Susannah Francisco. Cumberland County Virginia Will Book 2, p. 432-433, FHL 30738 Oct 1787, images are here https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9TH-G3VM-W?i=493&cat=367904

If Peter Francisco was in Buckingham County in 1783, he was not living on land he inherited from Susannah Anderson. Her land was never in Buckingham County. Peter Francisco, still a resident of Cumberland County, on 8 September 1791, sold this 60 acre parcel in Cumberland County to George Walker. Deed confirms that this is "the land that James Anderson deceased devised to his daughter Susannah Anderson who afterwards married Peter Francisco and since died". Prince Edward County Virginia Deed Book 1789-1812, p 26-27, FHL 33221, images are here https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9PX-L9XY-3?i=217&cat=378306

You may find this of interest:

http://www.worldfamilies.net/surnames/sisco

4. The family of Peter Francisco, the "Virginia Giant", who was a hero in the Revolutionary War. His origins are obscure -- some say he may have been Portuguese. Click on the following link for the Society of his descendants: http://www.peterfrancisco.org/

posted by Jeanne (Lunn) Aloia
Francisco-1 and Francisco-38 are not ready to be merged because: Conflict of spouse
posted by [Living Woodhouse]
Francisco-1 and Francisco-38 appear to represent the same person because: Same dates of birth/death
posted by Albert Colbert II
According to marriage records in my grandmother's (Flossie Virginia Shorter, nee Hobbs) family bible, I'm a 5th great grandson of Peter Francisco. I'm related to other great grand-children in the Shorter/Hobbs lineage as well as Bobby Lloyd of Virginia and Travis Bowman of Charlotte, NC. With 3 wives and 8 children, there's likely many more descendants.
posted by Chuck Shorter