Austin Dabney
By
John C Abercrombie
Austin Dabney, born in Wake County, NC moved with his owner to Georgia and distinguished himself during the American Revolutionary War. As we view this information, clarification is in order. “Moved” with his owner does not imply any decision making on the part of the slave. Moved is more like a piece of furniture. The owner decided to take him with along.
Dabney was owned by Richard Aycock and when Aycock was called to fight, he sent Dabney in his stead. To avoid problems with this arrangement, Aycock claimed that Dabney had been born free. Thus, Dabney fought in place of Aycock.
It is not unusual for an owner to send a slave to fight in their place. In many such cased, the pay of the soldier was given to the owner. Slaves were not considered as humans, they were considered as property, much like a kitchen table or tool, nothing more.
Dabney fought in the Battle of Kettle Creek, one of the most significant battles in Georgia. He was severely wounded and was cared for by Giles Harris, a White soldier. Dabney remembered this kindness and worked for the Harris family for the remainder of his life.
Dabney was the only African American granted a pension by the State of Georgia in recognition of his military service. The Georgia state legislature also provided funds to emancipate Dabney from his owner, Richard Aycock. Remember, although Dabney distinguished himself in war, he was still owned by Richard Aycock.
Because of the gratitude that Dabney had for Giles Harris, the soldier who nursed him back to health, he supported William Harris, the son of Giles Harris to attend what is now the University of Georgia. He continued to support him while William read for the Georgia Bar.
Although Dabney was a veteran and fought with valor, he was unable to participate in the Georgia land lotteries. William Harris son’s law partner, by then a state legislator offered a resolution that provided land to Dabney. The land was granted to Dabney in 1821.
Land being granted to a Black under any circumstances raised the ire of many White people and this was no exception. There was resentment among the White residents at land being given to Dabney. They did not feel that Whites and Blacks should be regarded as equals in terms of land allocation.
We see the long standing and deep-rooted resentment directed towards Blacks even when they distinguish themselves, showing bravery and dedication under the most difficult circumstances possible.
In 2010 the Sons of the American Revolution dedicated a new tombstone for Dabney. This is believed to be the first time the grave of a Black patriot received this honor.
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John C Abercrombie
Amazing Black History
Austin Dabney fought with Elijah Clarke and was awarded land and a pension for his injuries by The Stater of Georgia
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/austin-dabney-ca-1765-1830
https://allthingsliberty.com/2013/07/austin-dabney-georgias-african-american-hero-of-the-revolution/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Dabney
The story of Austin Dabney is a fascinating one, however there is little information readily available. We are continually looking for sources and would appreciate any information you can send to complete what is available here.
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