Charles Dibrell was born in Buckingham County, VA, on October 24, 1757, a son of Anthony Dibrell and Elizabeth Lee. His paternal lineage is of Huguenot origin. Charles’ grandfather, Dr. Christoffe du Breuil (du Bray), was born about 30 miles from Paris on the Marne River. As things became too hot for Protestants in France, the du Breuils fled to England and ultimately to Virginia.

Charles Dibrell’s mother, Elizabeth, was from the well-known Lee family of Virginia. Her grandfather, Charles, was a brother of Richard Lee from whom are descended such famous names as Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot Lee, both signers of the Declaration of Independence, and Gen. Robert E. Lee of Civil War fame.

Charles Dibrell was married twice, first to Martha Burton and second to Lucy Patterson. In 1782 he moved his family to Kentucky and stayed there until about 1822. The family then removed to White County, TN. It was there that he applied for a pension on Sept. 5, 1832. He stated in his Application Declaration that his first service during the Revolution was in 1775 and his duties included guarding Scots Highlanders. This was followed by a tour of duty in 1776, in Lewis and Christie’s Campaign. In 1777 he received a commission as an Ensign and joined the Marquis de Lafayette at Raccoon Ford. The fall of 1781 found him at Yorktown. His purpose in going to this small village on the banks of the York River was to relieve his brother, Anthony, who was in poor health. Since it was apparent that Lord Cornwallis would be surrendering very shortly, they both remained and were able to witness the British stacking their arms.

Ensign Dibrell lived to the age of 83. Illness overtook him while visiting his married daughter, Lee Anna Gibbs, in Union City, TN. He died on July 16, 1840 and is buried in Beulah Cemetery in Union City.

(See also DAR MAGAZINE, October 1981, pages 846 and 847)

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