Local Hero Honored: Revolutionary War Patriot Captain Jeremiah Smith Remembered in Gore

A centuries-old legacy came to life on March 22, 2025, when the Col. James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution held a solemn and stirring grave-marking ceremony in honor of Revolutionary War Patriot Captain Jeremiah Smith. The event took place at the Smith Family Cemetery in Gore, Virginia, where Smith is buried near the home he built almost 300 years ago.

The ceremony was led by Chapter President Paul Christensen, who served as master of ceremonies. A presentation of the colors by the Col. James Wood II Chapter Color Guard, commanded by Dale Corey, added a formal and patriotic tone to the gathering. Randy Atkins, 3rd Vice President of the Virginia Society SAR, delivered greetings on behalf of the state organization. Corey also offered a tribute highlighting Captain Smith’s courageous service and his lasting impact on Virginia’s frontier.

The unveiling ceremony, l. to r. Rev Jim Simmons, Chip Daniel, Deborah Corey and Anne Simmons.  (Photos courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel.)

After the unveiling of a commemorative marker by Deborah Corey and Anne Simmons of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a series of ceremonial wreaths were placed at Smith’s grave. This was followed by a musket volley fired in tribute to the patriot, echoing across the peaceful valley where he once defended settlers from frontier threats.

Participants in the ceremony represented several chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution from across the state, including the Virginia Society, Col. James Wood II,

Participants in the ceremony represented several chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution from across the state, including the Virginia Society, Col. James Wood II, Sgt. Maj. John Champe, Col. William Grayson, Fairfax Resolves, George Mason, and Fort Harrison chapters. Those taking part included Bryan Buck, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Marshall DeHaven, Richard DeHaven, Chip Daniel, Doug Hall, Ray Hawkins, Phil Hunter, Ron Miller, Ken Morris, Brett Osborn, Will Reynolds, Clay Robinson, Eric Robinson, Marc Robinson, Jon Rymer, Barry Schwoerer, Jim Simmons, Mark Sink, and Steve Van Deusen. Deborah Corey and Anne Simmons represented the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Color guard presenting the colors, l. to r. Bryan Buck, Brett Osborn, Will Reynolds, Paul Christensen, Barry Schwoerer, Ray Hawkins, Chip Daniel, Eric Robinson, and Clay Robinson.

Captain Jeremiah Smith’s story is one of bravery, leadership, and deep roots in the Shenandoah Valley. Born in New Jersey in 1711, he moved to Virginia’s Back Creek region in the 1730s. In 1736, he settled on 806 acres of land and worked with Colonel James Wood I to survey the area. Over time, Smith expanded his holdings to more than 1,000 acres in what would become Frederick County.

In 1742, Smith helped chart a road from a local mill to what is now Capon Bridge, West Virginia. This route would later evolve into U.S. Route 50. He built his home along this road on elevated land, offering a clear view of both Great North Mountain and Little Timber Ridge—a strategic choice that helped protect his family from potential threats. The original house still stands today as part of an existing farmhouse and is considered one of the oldest in Frederick County.

Smith’s courage became legend during the French and Indian War. After General Edward Braddock’s defeat in 1755 left the frontier exposed, Captain Smith organized a militia of 20 men to defend the area. In 1756, they faced a raiding party of about 50 Native Americans led by a French officer near the Capon River. Smith and his men fought fiercely and forced the attackers to retreat. Among the items recovered from the battlefield were secret plans to attack Fort Frederick in Maryland.

Though older during the Revolutionary War, Smith still served the cause by contributing essential supplies. He provided pasture for Continental Army horses, donated over a bushel of corn, and gave 100 pounds of hay—critical resources for the time. These acts of support earned him the distinction of Revolutionary War Patriot.

Captain Smith was married three times and fathered nine children. He died on March 25, 1786, and was buried in the family cemetery that still overlooks the valley he once helped defend. Saturday’s ceremony was a testament to his lasting legacy and the enduring respect for those who fought to shape early America.

As Paul Christensen noted, events like this one ensure that the bravery and sacrifice of America’s early patriots are never forgotten, keeping their stories alive for generations to come.