Notes for: William Lowther

After settling in Harrison County in 1773, Col. William Lowther figured in the building of Simpson's fort, about eight miles below Clarksburg, and West's fort, near Jane Lew. He played an important part, too, in the construction of the "Old Nutter" fort, near Clarksburg, ruins of which still mark the site. He soon became distinguished for his fearlessness as a frontiersman, and for his unselfish devotion to the welfare of the colonists. He was one of the most capable defenders of the settlement in the war of 1774, and later, and he led many successful expeditions against the enemy. He was the first Justice of the Peace in the district of West Augusta; the first Sheriff of Harrison and Wood Counties; and was at one time a member of the General Assembly at Richmond, Virginia. Having served in all the subordinate ranks of military life, he rose to that of Colonel. His military record was such as to admit his descendants to membership in the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.