On March 15, 1781, the battle at Guilford Courthouse began with a formation of three American lines, the first consisting of North Carolina Militia, who for the most part were wholly untrained and entirely without battle experience. The fierce battle continued for two and one half-hours, but the British were just too much for the Americans. Even though the Americans lost the battle, the British suffered greatly with a loss of nearly 600 men while the Colonists suffered only about half as many casualties. In the words of Charles James Fox, a British statesman in the 1700's, "Another such victory would destroy the British Army."
This victory for America was accomplished not by a mighty military force of trained soldiers, but rather by the sturdy pioneers, the farmers, that was the real backbone of our country. Inscribed on the Nathaniel Greene monument at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park located outside of Greensboro, North Carolina, is this statement on the significance of the battle by C. Alphonoso Smith:
"In the maneuvering that preceded it, in the strategy that compelled it, in the heroism that signalized it, and in the results that flowed from it, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse is second to no battle fought on American soil. Over the brave men who fell here their comrades marched to constitutional se1f-government to assured triumph at Philadelphia. To officer and private to Continental soldier and volunteer militiaman, honor and award are alike due. They need neither defense nor eulogy but only just recognition.” 22
Wooldrich served as a Private in General Greene's Army and fought at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse as did his son, John (1762) and also his neighbor and comrade in arms Valentin Leonard and his son, Jacob. After the battle in March 1781, Greene's Army was partly disbanded. Wooldrich like others returned home and to the business of living.
This was the last military involvement of the area for those settlers, but a private war in this area was still being waged between Patriots and Tories. This was a war between friends and neighbors, and as a result of these bitter fights tragedy struck two Patriots on November 2, 1781. Valentin Leonhardt (Leonard), while resting after supper in the doorway of his home near the fireplace, was shot by a band of Tories, possibly headed by Col. Farmon. Valentin Leonhardt did not die from his wounds until November 13, 1781. On that same night another band of Tories, also went to the neighboring farm of Wooldrich Fritz, and shot him dead.
According to Jacob Leonard's pensions application in 1834. He was in a company of light horsemen under Captain John Lopp, who marched up through the State from Wilmington and Fayetteville to attack Col. Fannon and his men, who had killed his father, having a small skirmish and putting the Tories to flight.”
The following was taken from the Centennial History of Davidson County, North Carolina, by Rev. Jacob C. Leonard in 1927, pp. 249-250.
"The bodies of these two soldiers lie side by side in the old Leonhardt's Church graveyard. [Pilgrim Reformed UCC Cemetery] Fritz, who was killed on the second day of November, was buried first. When Leonhardt died of his wounds on the thirteenth, his body was buried by the side of his comrade. Soapstone slabs mark the graves of these two Patriots. On the stone at the head of Fritz's grave is the inscription:
