On 9/9/1775, James Kenan was commissioned as Colonel/Commandant over the Duplin County Regiment of Militia, a position he retained until the end of the war. He led the Duplin County Regiment of Militia at the battles of Moore's Creek Bridge (2/27/1776), Briar Creek, GA (3/3/1779), Stono Ferry, SC (6/20/1779), Heron's Bridge (1/30/1781), Cohera Swamp (5/11/1781), Myhand's Bridge #2 (5/13/1781), and Portevent's Mill (5/16/1781). During May of 1780, he led part of his regiment towards the Siege of Charleston, SC, but they learned of the town's surrender before they arrived, so they went back home.

On 7/1/1781, James Kenan was commissioned as Brigadier General (Pro Tempore) for a fairly short duration (less than two months) over the Wilmington District Brigade of Militia while Brig. Gen. John Alexander Lillington had to take care of some personal business. He led the Wilmington District Brigade of Militia at the battle of Rockfish Creek on 8/4/1781.

In 1818, the County Seat of Duplin County was named Kenansville in his honor.

James Kenan was born on 9/23/1740, and was elected Sheriff of Duplin County in 1762. He married Sarah "Sallie" Love on 3/13/1770, and they had eight (8) known children. James Kenan was elected to the House of Commons in the Colonial Assembly during 1773 and 1774. He was also elected to all Provincial Congresses from 1774 to 1776. He was then elected as a State Senator for ten terms between 1777 and 1793, and he was appointed as a brigadier general over the Militia after the American Revolution. James Kenan died on 5/23/1810. Originally buried at his plantation in Turkey, North Carolina, his remains were later moved to Liberty Hall in Kenansville.

Click Here for another brief online biography of James Kenan as provided by NCPedia.org.