South and his companion traveled through the woods for two days to find the men, who were engaged in the defense of Estill's Station.
When the men returned to the fort on March 21, 1782, the Indians attacked in what became known as the Battle of Little Mountain or "Estill's Defeat".
Following this battle, South enlisted as a private in his father's company, serving until the end of the Revolutionary War.
He represented the county in the Kentucky General Assembly for thirteen years, serving at various times in both houses.
On one occasion, he fell just one vote short of becoming Speaker of the House, losing the position to Henry Clay.