Other Events:

• NSDAR Ancestor Number: A022963
• Military Service (Specific): American Revolutionary War Service: VIRGINIA Rank: PATRIOTIC SERVICE Service Source: CLEMENT, THE HIST OF PITTSYLVANIA CO,VA, PP 144-5 Service Description: 1) MANUFACTURER OF GUNPOWDER, 1775
• Miscellaneous: 24 Aug 1751, Williamsburg, Virginia; An advertisement was made concerning land survey's to be performed, one of these exercises was to be occur about the 2 November 1751 whereby those attending were to meet at Benjamin Clement's home for surveys down the Staunton river and its branches. Notice was given to warn interested parties to attend the meetings or risk losing their rights.
• Miscellaneous: Sep 1758, Lunenburg County, Virginia; Note, this reference is not confirmed as belonging to this Benjamin Clement and could refer to his son by the same name or perhaps another Benjamin Clement. In September of 1758 a Benjamin Clement was paid 3 shillings for caring for a wounded soldier.
• Miscellaneous: 16 Jun 1775, Williamsburg, Virginia; Article in The Virginia Gazette
• Miscellaneous: 11 Aug 1775, Williamsburg, Virginia; Article in The Virginia Gazette
• Miscellaneous: 13 Oct 1775, Williamsburg, Virginia; Article in The Virginia Gazette
• Miscellaneous: 26 Oct 1775; Record of saltpeter discovery discussed in congress.
• Miscellaneous: 20 Nov 1775; Charles Lynch to Thomas Jefferson, November 20, 1775, Saltpeter Deposits in Virginia
• Miscellaneous: 20 Nov 1775; Charles Lynch to Virginia Delegates in Continental Congress, November 20, 1775, Mining Saltpeter for Gun Powder
• Miscellaneous: 25 Jul 1937, Richmond, Virginia; Historical Newspaper Article
• Miscellaneous: 24 Jan 1954, Richmond, Virginia; Historical Newspaper Article

Notes:

Has private notes.

See the book titled: History Of Pittsylvania County Virginia by Maud Carter Clement

Miscellaneous:
The following article appeared in The Virginia Gazette describing the manufacture of gunpowder. This article only mentions Benajamin's partner, Charles Lynch, in this endeavor but additional letters and articles provide more details on the partnership between Benjamin Clement and Charles Lynch.

Williamsburg, June 16.
We learn from Bedford, that Major Charles Lynch, one of the representatives for that county, has brought the manufactory of gunpowder to very great perfection, and has erected a mill for that purpose. He has not yet made any great quantity, but what of it has been tried by the rifle-men is much approved of. He likewise makes saltpetre in abundance, as pure and good as ever was imported; and it is said he has discovered a sulphur mine about 50 miles from him, where more may be made than would serve the whole continent.

Miscellaneous:
To Mr. Alexander Purdie.
Sir,
Some time ago, my having made powder was mentioned in your paper; but, as I with for no more merit (should there be any in this) than I deserve, I inform the publick, that Mr. Benjamin Clement is a partner with me in making the powder, and that he was the first in the colony, I have heard of, who attempted to make it, although he did not bring it to perfection. Since our partnership, we have brought it to such perfection, with Saltpetre of our own making, that the best rifle-men approve of it; and, with the little mill we now have, we can make 50 lb. weight in a day. Saltpetre only is wanting, which may very easily be made, by observing the following directions; and when it is considered how much we want powder, and that saltpetre is its principle ingredient, it is hoped those who have the good of their country at heart will exert themselves in making it. Without it, we can have no powder, consequently no means of defence; but with it, we shall soon have both. I am, sir, your very humble servant,
Charles Lynch.

Following the letter from Charles Lynch was a more detailed set of instructions for manufacturing saltpeter for use in gunpowder.

Miscellaneous:
Williamsburg, October 13.
We hear it from the best authority, that major Charles Lynch, of Bedford, has just discovered many rocks of genuine saltpetre in that county; which will remove every obstacle to that gentleman's furnishing the county with gunpowder, he having had a mill for the manufactory thereof erected for some time, with which he has already made considerable quantities.

Miscellaneous:
Information being given to Congress, that there has been lately discovered, in the Colony of Virginia, a mineral containing a large quantity of Salt petre,

Ordered, That the delegates of Virginia send an Express to enquire into the truth of the fact, and to bring a sample of the mineral.

Benjamin Susanna Hill 1729Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Susanna about 1700 King and Queen County, Virginia; 19 Jan 1789Pittsylvania County, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• NSDAR Ancestor Number: A023018
• Military Service (Specific): American Revolutionary War Service: VIRGINIA Rank: PATRIOTIC SERVICE Service Source: ABERCROMBIE & SLATTEN, VA REV PUB CLAIMS, VOL 3, P 769 Service Description: 1) FURNISHED SUPPLIES

Notes:

Has private notes.