Bee Line Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), recently donated copies of the book Genealogical, Burial, & Service Data for Revolutionary War Patriots Buried in West Virginia, authored by the West Virginia Society of DAR, to three local libraries.
Accepting the book on behalf of the Bolivar-Harpers Ferry public library was Sara Howle, Associate Director. Accepting for the Charles Town Library was Marcella Genz, Director, and accepting for the South Jefferson Public Library was Dana Jenkins, Director. Presenting the books in all three cases were Heidi Ware, chapter regent, and Darla Treat Courtney, chapter librarian.
The effort to create this volume was headed by then-West Virginia State Regent Cheryl Brown (served 2019-2022), who planned the research as part of her State Regent’s project. DAR members from across the state surveyed cemeteries and located the burial sites of Patriots of the American Revolution–that is, men and women who contributed to the cause of American independence during the years 1775 to 1783.
The resulting research was organized by then-State Historian Mary Johnson into book form. The volume she edited serves as a useful tool for those who have an interest in Revolutionary era genealogy in West Virginia. In addition to the hundreds of individual entries themselves, the book contains a foreword by Dr. John Stealey, Professor Emeritus of History, Shepherd University; an introduction providing background on the book’s origin and explaining the abbreviations used throughout; four appendices, each offering a specific area of extended information; plus a bibliography and an index.
Bee Line Chapter contributed several of the entries contained in the book, including those for three members of the Washington family who made their homes and were buried in what is now Jefferson County. Charles and Samuel Washington—who lived at Happy Retreat and Harewood, respectively—were the younger brothers of General George Washington. Thornton Washington, buried in the Harewood estate, was the son of Samuel and his second wife, Mildred Thornton. Charles Washington served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Spotsylvania militia during the Revolution. Samuel served as a County Lieutenant in what was then Berkeley County, Virginia. As a teenager, Thornton accompanied George Washington at his headquarters in Morristown and Philadelphia, and he carried messages and money for the Revolutionary cause back and forth between his uncle and his father.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a patriotic organization devoted to service, historic preservation, and education. Any woman 18 years or older – regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background – who can prove lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. If you are interested in learning more about the Bee Line Chapter or about its projects serving the local community, contact [email protected].
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