Background
- The son of Scots-Irish immigrants, Andrew Pickens was born in September 1739, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
- As a teenager, his family moved to the Waxhaws region of South Carolina.
Early Service
- Fought in the Cherokee War (1760-61) in a provincial regiment.
- Moved to Abbeville County in 1764 and one year later married Rebecca Calhoun (aunt of JCC)
Revolutionary War
- 1775: Pickens was made captain of militia Took part in campaign against loyalists in SC backcountry and fought in siege of Ninety-Six Autumn
- 1776: Destroyed dozens of Cherokee towns Spring
- 1778: Victory at Kettle Creek (GA backcountry) as colonel of regiment of SC militia Important to note that in the Battle of Kettle Creek, the 420 Colonists faced off against 700 Brits In the end, 31 Colonists were killed or wounded while the number for the British was 145
- 1780: Accepted parole after the British captured Charleston, but then returned to battle after loyalists burned down his home.
- 1781: Commanded a brigade of SC militia at the Battle of Cowpens, a decisive victory for the Patriots Then promoted to Brigadier General.
- 1781 Battle of Eutaw Springs: Wounded
