The stories of Buckland’s John Love and Ravensworth’s William Payne remind us that the history of Northern Virginia is woven into the fabric of our nation’s founding. Their intertwined paths, from the battlefields of the Revolution to the halls of government and the development of our communities, offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of our local history.
In 1777 at just 17, John Love enlisted as a Private in the 1st Virginia State Regiment, under the command of Captain William Payne. Payne, 26 years old, organized and recruited to fill the ranks of his new company in the regiment. It’s important to note that this regiment was distinct from the 1st Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army; the state regiment was initially intended for local defense but was swiftly thrust into the broader conflict in the Continental Army.
Love and Payne found themselves in the thick of the fight at the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown in the Philadelphia Campaign. They witnessed firsthand the devastating loss of the 9th Virginia Regiment at Brandywine. This loss underscored the urgent need for the state regiment’s continued service within the Continental Army.
After the harsh winter encampment at Valley Forge, Captain Payne was forced to leave active duty due to severe wounds sustained in battle. However, his dedication to his country didn’t diminish; he continued to serve in the Fairfax County Militia.
Love’s service continued in the New York and New Jersey campaigns in 1778-79. Then his regiment returned to Virginia, as the focus of hostiles moved to the southern colonies. Love’s journey culminated in the pivotal Battle of Yorktown in 1781. Serving under the command of General Lafayette, the state regiment played a role in the decisive victory that paved the way for American independence. By the war’s end in 1783, Love had risen to the rank of Sergeant, a testament to his courage and resilience through six years of war.
Their postwar lives reflected their dedication to their communities. William Payne became a respected figure in Fairfax County, rising to the rank of Colonel in the Militia, serving as County Surveyor and operating Payne’s Mill on Accotink Creek. He was a pallbearer at George Washington’s funeral; Alexandria’s Payne Street is named in his honor.
John Love pursued a law career, practicing in Alexandria and surrounding counties. A significant landowner and grist mill owner, he was instrumental in establishing the town of Buckland, which became a hub for technological innovation. He also served in the Virginia General Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives.
The stories of John Love and William Payne illustrate the deep connection between Northern Virginia’s history and the American Revolution. Their contributions, both on the battlefield and in their communities, are an integral part of the region’s rich history.
For more
- about William Payne see https://ravensworthstory.org/people/leaseholders/leases-parcel-1-1/payne-family/payne-william-colonel-1751-1813/
- about John Love see https://bucklandva.net/history/19th-century/ and Helping Build America: The Love Family of Buckland, Virginia