William Cabell (American Revolution)

William Cabell (1730-1798) was a prominent Virginian planter, physician, and patriot who served in various political and military roles during the American Revolution. Born in Albemarle County, Virginia, he was the son of Dr. William Cabell, Sr., and Elizabeth Burks Cabell, and a member of a large and influential family.

Cabell's public service began well before the Revolution. He served as a justice of the peace for Amherst County (formed from Albemarle) and represented the county in the Virginia House of Burgesses. His medical training, a common secondary profession among prominent planters, made him a valuable resource to the community.

As tensions between Great Britain and the American colonies escalated, William Cabell became a vocal advocate for colonial rights. He was elected to the Virginia Convention of 1775, which declared independence from Great Britain. Throughout the Revolutionary War, Cabell actively supported the patriot cause. He served as a county lieutenant for Amherst County, responsible for organizing and equipping the local militia. This involved procuring supplies, recruiting soldiers, and overseeing the defense of the area against potential British incursions.

Cabell also served on the Committee of Safety for Amherst County, a body responsible for maintaining order and suppressing Loyalist activity. He played a crucial role in securing gunpowder and other essential resources for the Continental Army. After the war, Cabell continued to participate in Virginia politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and remaining a respected figure in Amherst County. He is considered a significant, though not nationally famous, figure in the Virginia theater of the American Revolution.