Sons of the American Revolution co-sponsor Grave Marking Ceremony in Linden

On May 15, 2022, the Colonel James Wood II (CJWII) and Culpeper Minutemen (CMM) Chapters of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution co-sponsored a Revolutionary War Patriot Grave Marking Ceremony for John Harrell in Linden, VA.  The ceremony was held at the Harrell Family Farm next to the house that patriot John Harrell built in the 1770s.

Harrell was born in Charles County, Maryland and enlisted as a private in the First Maryland Regiment in 1778.  He was sworn in by Captain William Bruce and his regimental commander was Colonel Peter Adams.  The First Maryland Regiment was heavily involved in the southern campaign, participating in the battles at Camden Courthouse, Guilford Courthouse, Eutaw Springs and other skirmishes.

CJWII members, kneeling from left to right: Kelly Ford, Charles Jameson, Sean Carrigan and Thomas “Chip” Daniel.  Standing from left to right: Barry Schwoerer, Nathan Poe, Larry Johnson, Paul Christensen, Brett Osborn, Dennis Parmerter, Will Reynolds, Allan Phillips, Dave Cook and Bill Schwetke. (Photos courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel)

Harrell served during the war for five years, from 1778 to 1783, being discharged in Charles County.  In 1789 he met and married Martha Davis of Fairfax County.  They eventually settled in what is now known as Harrell Corner, Fauquier, Virginia, raising nine children on the family farm.  In 1818, he applied for and was given a pension for his service during the Revolutionary War.  Harrell died in 1837 with Martha applying for and receiving a widow’s pension in 1838.  She died in 1843.  Both were buried on the family farm.

The ceremony was co-emcee’d by CMM President Tom Hamill and CJWII President Thomas “Chip” Daniel with chaplain services provided by the Rt Reverend Larry Johnson.  Descendants of the patriots Ms Barbara Harrell and Mr Don Hakenson participated in the ceremony.  Ms Harrell provided greetings, uncovered the marker and presented a family wreath.  Mr Hakenson provided an in depth biography of his 4th Great Grandfather.

Color Guard preparing to march. 

SAR wreath presentations were presented Thomas “Chip” Daniel (CJWII), Tom Hamill (CMM), Ken Morris (George Mason), Dave Cook (Fairfax Resolves), John Lynch (Williamsburg) and Barry Schwoerer (Sgt Maj John Champe).  Michelle Phillips presented a wreath on behalf of the Pack Horse Ford DAR.

A combined Virginia State Color Guard was led by commander Brett Osborn.  Members of the guard included Sean Carrigan (CJWII), Dave Cook (FR), Jim Cordes (FR), Paul Christensen (CJWII), Thomas “Chip” Daniel (CJWII), Kelly Ford (CJWII), Charles Jameson (CMM), John Lynch (WMG), Ken Morris (GM), Paul Parish (General Daniel Morgan), Dennis Parmerter (CJWII), Allan Phillips (CJWII), Will Reynolds (CJWII), Bill Schwetke (CMM) and Barry Schwoerer (SJC).

Musket squad firing a salute.