Background
Joseph was born in Middlesex County to Joseph (1721–1792) and Judith (Segar, 1729–1806) Eggleston.
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Joseph was born in Middlesex County to Joseph (1721–1792) and Judith (Segar, 1729–1806) Eggleston.
Joseph was tutored at home and then attended William and Mary College where he graduated with honors in 1776.
He represented Virginia in the United States. Congress from 1798 until 1801. He was the uncle of William South. Archer. That same year he joined American in the cavalry commanded by Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee.
Eggleston became a captain when Lee organized his own irregular unit (Lee"s Legion) of the Continental Army in 1778.
He served with them throughout the war, but earned distinction in the Southern Campaign. He was cited for gallantry for his actions in the Battle of Guilford Court House on March 15, 1781.
The initial American success in the Battle of Eutaw Springs in September came from Major Eggleston"s attack of the British advance units. Unfortunately the outcome of the battle was indecisive, even though the British casualties were twice those of the American forces.
Eggleston was elected to the Virginia state House of Delegates several times as a representative for Amelia County.
In all he served thirteen years in the House (1785-1788 and 1791-1799). He was in the state Senate when United States. Congressman William B. Giles resigned that post on October 2, 1798. Eggleston declined to be nominated in 1800, so his service in Congress extended from December 3, 1798 to March 3, 1801.
He returned home, but was made a Justice of the Peace for Amelia County, and held that post until he died in 1811.
The church was also known as Saint John"s of Grub Hill, and the cemetery is now known as the Grub Hill Cemetery. The main house at Egglestetton still stands in Egglestetton Road (Route 630) about 4 km north of Amelia Court House.
The home is on the National Register of Historic Places but is a private residence. The Civil War general, Joseph Eggleston Johnston, was named for him, since Johnston"s father had served in Eggleston"s command in the Revolution.
Member Virginia; member Virginia. Member United States House