Silas Strickland Endowed Scholarship

The Donors, Kenneth Strickland and Dr. Ruth Infante, establish this scholarship to honor Ken’s great-grandfather, Silas Strickland. Silas Strickland was born in 1795 in Robeson County to Jacob and Mary Strickland. Silas, like many Native people, faced struggles with the injustices of his time. He mustered during the War of 1812, which was a conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain over British violations of U.S. maritime rights. Silas served with four other Lumbee Men in the First Brigade of the North Carolina Militia in the 11th Company, detached from the Robeson Regiment. In addition to his military service, he was a successful farmer. He raised his family along the east side of Bear Swamp, in the present-day St. Annah community. The family farm was located north of the Town of Pembroke. He and his wife, Charity, were parents to ten children: Flora, Catherine, Alexander, Jennett, Harris, John, Noah, David, Polly Ann, and Amanda. Silas passed away between 1850 and 1854, and Charity passed away in 1858.

Today, Silas is considered the progenitor, or founding ancestor, of the Lumbee Stricklands of North Carolina. Descendants of Silas and Charity continue to live on the same soil along Bear Swamp. Silas’ legacy of commitment to family, country, and community is carried on through his descendants. Many of his descendants pursued the tradition of farming and military service, and others went on to become entrepreneurs, educators, and even a judge.

In honor of Silas Strickland, the Donors have established the Silas Strickland Endowed Scholarship to provide scholarships for students from Robeson County majoring in Education.