Page 9

TRIMMIGAN

            Trimmigan (sometimes spelled with only one "m") Thompson was born March 1, 1746, and the place of his birth is uncertain, but it is thought to have been in the neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia, the port from which his father sailed and never returned. He was an expert blacksmith and his custom extended over a considerable portion of Robeson County, North Carolina, and Marion County, South Carolina. The Thompson Township near Rowland, Robeson County, North Carolina was named after him. His trade kept him from active service in the Revolutionary Army, as he was needed to keep the wheels rolling and horses shod.

            Trimmigan married Sarah Bridgers (born July 20, 1755), daughter of Samuel Bridgers, Jr. and Elizabeth of Nash County (later of Robeson County after the Revolution). It is though that Trimmigan and Sarah were married either in 1773 or 1774 since no exact date can be found. Trimmigan and Sarah were living in Bladen County before 1777/78 until that part of Bladen County became Robeson County. They left Robeson County and returned to nash County to be with her people where they remained until the end of the Revolutionary War, at which time they returned to Robeson County and settled for life in their former home.

            They had six sons whose birthdates are not all known:

            (1) John (called Jack)                                 (see chart on page 13 & 14)

                      born April 17, 1777                    died Dec. 9, 1874

            (2) Trimmigan, Jr.                                     (see chart on page 11)

                      born 1785                                    died 1850

            (3) Samuel (Bridgers?)                                (see chart on page 15)

                      born 1797                                        died Dec. 9, 1881