Isaac Huger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac Huger
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| Born | March 19, 1743 Province of Carolina, British America |
| Died | October 17, 1797 (aged 54) Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch |  Continental Army |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Unit | 1st South Carolina Regiment |
| Commands held | 5th South Carolina Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Stono Ferry Siege of Savannah Siege of Charleston Battle of Guilford Courthouse Battle of Hobkirk's Hill |
Isaac Huger (born March 19, 1743 – died October 17, 1797) was an important military leader during the American Revolutionary War. He owned a large farm and became a Continental Army general.
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Isaac Huger's Early Life and Military Start
Isaac Huger was born on a big farm called Limerick plantation. This farm was located on the Cooper River. He was the second son of Daniel and Mary Cordes Huger. His family was wealthy, which meant Isaac and his brothers could study in Europe.
Isaac began his military journey early. In 1761, he served as an officer. This was during a conflict against the Cherokees. It was part of the Anglo-Cherokee War.
Joining the Fight for Independence
As the American Revolution began, Isaac Huger became a leader. He represented his local areas in the First Provincial Congress of South Carolina. This was an early government body.
On June 17, 1775, he was made a lieutenant colonel. This was in the South Carolina militia. Later, he joined the 1st South Carolina Regiment. He was promoted to colonel on September 16, 1776. He then took command of the 5th South Carolina Regiment.
A big promotion came on January 9, 1779. Isaac Huger became a brigadier general in the Continental Army. This was the main army fighting for American independence.
A Special Friendship with Lafayette
In 1777, a young French nobleman named Lafayette arrived in America. He was only 19 years old. He landed near Isaac Huger's home in Beaufort. Lafayette came to help the Americans fight the British. He and Huger became lifelong friends. Years later, Huger's son even tried to rescue Lafayette from an Austrian prison.
Key Battles and Military Service
General Huger was involved in many important battles during the war.
Fighting for Freedom
He fought in the Battle of Stono Ferry on June 20, 1779. He was wounded during this battle. Later, on October 9, 1779, he led the South Carolina and Georgia militia. This was during the Siege of Savannah. A siege is when an army surrounds a city to try and capture it.
During the siege of Charleston in the spring of 1780, Huger had a key role. He commanded the light horse (cavalry) and militia outside the city. However, his troops faced a surprise attack. Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton's forces attacked them. This happened at Monck's Corner on April 14, 1780. Huger's troops were scattered.
Luckily, Isaac Huger was ill. This illness kept him from being captured when Charleston surrendered. He later joined the Southern army. This army was led by Major General Horatio Gates in North Carolina.
Working with General Greene
In December, Major General Nathanael Greene took command of the Southern Department. Huger became his second-in-command. Greene sent some of his light forces to western South Carolina. He moved his main troops to a camp in the Cheraws.
After the American victory at Cowpens, Huger had an important task. Greene trusted him to lead the troops from Cheraws. They had to rejoin the other forces in North Carolina.
At the Battle of Guilford Court House on March 15, 1781, Huger commanded a group of Virginia soldiers. He was slightly wounded in this battle. He commanded the same group at the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill on April 25. He held his ground even when part of the American line unexpectedly pulled back.
After the British retreated from the interior to Charleston, General Huger was reunited with his family. He returned home, ending his active service in the war.
Life After the War
After the war, Isaac Huger continued to serve his state.
He represented St. George Dorchester in the Jacksonborough Assembly in January 1782. This was a legislative body. He served there until 1785. That year, he was elected Sheriff of Charleston District.
Because of his family connections, he received another important job. In 1789, he was appointed the first federal marshal for South Carolina. He held this position for five years.
Isaac Huger married Elizabeth Chalmers on March 23, 1762. They had eight children together. He passed away in Charleston on October 17, 1797.
