Joel Leftwich was an American planter and politician, who served as brigadier general of the Virginia militia in the War of 1812 and twice represented Bedford County in the Virginia House of Delegates.
12 Facts About Joel Leftwich
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Joel Leftwich's father had moved westward from New Kent County in Virginia's Tidewater region into the Piedmont after securing a royal land grant, and married at least twice.
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Joel Leftwich had several older brothers and half brothers, most of whom distinguished themselves in the military, but the most accomplished politician of the lot was the youngest brother Jabez Leftwich, who served under him during the War of 1812 and would later serve two terms in the US House of Representatives as well as in the Virginia House of Delegates and Alabama House of Representatives.
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The family included two daughters who married: Ann Petross Joel Leftwich Hackworth married a veteran of the French and Indian War, and Mary Elizabeth Joel Leftwich Early married Joshua Early and had a son Rev John Early who became a Methodist preacher and for 19 years of bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
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The youngest brother, Jabez Joel Leftwich, served under him during the War of 1812, as described below, then continued a political career that included terms in the US House of Representatives and Alabama House of Representatives.
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Joel Leftwich married Nancy Turner and had a son John Leftwich who became a tobacco broker in Lynchburg.
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Joel Leftwich fought at the battles of Germantown, Camden and Guilford Court House, where he was wounded.
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Jabez Leftwich 8.
Joel Leftwich became an officer, and ultimately rose to the rank of Brigadier General of the Virginia militia, after serving under General William Henry Harrison during the War of 1812.
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Joel Leftwich's promotions continued after the conflict, when he became major general in charge of the state militia.
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Bedford County voters elected Joel Leftwich to represent them twice in the Virginia House of Delegates, in 1792 and 1793.
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Joel Leftwich served as a justice of the peace in Bedford County, the justices jointly administering the county in this era.
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Joel Leftwich farmed using enslaved labor, as did his father and brothers.