- SAR Patriot #224645
- DAR Ancestor #A062516
Lewis Jernigan exemplifies the quiet strength and patriotic commitment of North Carolina’s Revolutionary War supporters. Recognized as a verified Patriot Ancestor by both the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR Ancestor #A062516) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR Patriot #224645), his service helped sustain the fight for American independence through essential home-front contributions.
Born circa 1751 in colonial North Carolina (family roots trace to the Bertie and Johnston County area), Lewis was the son of Henry Jernigan III and Ann (Needham) Jernigan. His father’s will, dated March 5, 1781, and recorded in Johnston County, names Lewis among the heirs and bequeaths him two enslaved persons as part of the estate division.
In 1766, Lewis married Rachel Harrel in Johnston County. The couple raised a large family whose descendants continue to honor their heritage today: sons Kedar, Joseph, Wiley, Lewis Jr., and Needham; and daughters Ann, Winifred, Zilpha (m. Bizzell), Allie, and Charlotte.
While residing in Johnston County during the Revolution, Lewis rendered Patriotic Service by furnishing beef cattle and other critical supplies to the American forces. These contributions are documented in the North Carolina Revolutionary War Pay Vouchers (#184, Johnston County / New Bern District, Roll #S.115.102) and Revolutionary Army Accounts (Vol. VII, Page 2, Folio 4). Such logistical support was indispensable to the Continental Army’s success.
After the war, Lewis remained in Johnston County. In December 1804 he received a state land grant (Grant No. 1892) for 90 acres on the south side of the Neuse River, confirming his continued presence and prosperity as a landowner. He lived well into the early 19th century, passing away after February 1818 in Johnston County, North Carolina. His burial place is unknown.
Lewis Jernigan’s legacy endures through genealogical records, DAR and SAR databases, and the living descendants who proudly claim him. Among them is Fort Dorchester Chapter member Richard Daniel Miante (“Danny”), SAR National Number 223265, for whom Lewis is a 5th great-grandfather on his mother’s side. Danny originally prepared this biography on March 19, 2026; the Fort Dorchester Chapter is pleased to present this verified and expanded version for our membership and the public.