LILLINGTON, John Alexander, soldier, born in Barbadoes, W. I., about 1725; died in North Carolina in 1786. His grandfather, Alexander, came to Albemarle county, North Carolina, from Barbadoes, and was deputy governor of North Carolina in 1693. His father, Colonel George Lillington, an officer in the British army, was a member of the royal council of Barbadoes in 1698, and came to North Carolina about 1734. His son, who accompanied him, early became a decided Whig, and in August, 1775. was appointed by the Provincial congress colonel for the Wilmington district. He was second in command under Colonel Richard Caswell (q. v.) in the defeat of the Scotch Tories at Moore's Creek Bridge, 27 February, 1776, and had charge of the field before Caswell's arrival. On 4 April he became colonel of the 6th North Carolina regiment of the Continental army. He was afterward promoted to brigadier-general, and served under General Gates in 1780. He is described as a man of herculean frame and great courage. At the close of the war he retired to his house, Lillington Hall, which is still standing, about forty miles above Wilmington, North Carolina. It was partially burned by Cornwallis on his march to Wilmington. The town of Lillington, North Carolina, was named in his honor.--His son, John, was a colonel in the Revolutionary army, and served through the war.