SAR honors forgotten patriots

On February 4, 2023, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a ceremony to honor African American Patriots of the Revolutionary War.  The ceremony was conducted at the Culpeper Museum in Culpeper, Virginia with five Sons of the American Revolution and two Daughters of the American Revolution chapters participating.  In 1775, the Virginia Convention divided Virginia into 16 Districts to raise military forces to resist the abuses of the King.  In September 1775,  from the district comprising Culpeper, Fauquier and Orange Counties (which today include Greene, Madison and Rappahannock), the Culpeper Minutemen Battalion was organized.  The unit fought in the Battle of Great Bridge, near Norfolk, Virginia, defeating the British and securing Virginia place in the War of Independence.

Colonel James Wood II participants. Kneeling from left to right: Forrest Crain, Sean Carrigan, Dale Corey. Standing left to right: Ken Bonner, Will Reynolds, Chip Daniel, Richard Tyler, Mike Weyler, Mike Dennis, Marc Robinson, John Kuvakus, Dave Cook, Paul Christensen,Barry Schwoerer and Bill Schwetke. (Photo courtesy of Barry Schwoerer)

Katherine Slaughter gave a presentation on Spencer Slaughter, an African American who fought for the colonists during the Revolutionary War.  Philip, the son of Colonel James Slaughter enlisted in the Culpeper Minutemen in 1775.  His father sent an enslaved man, Spencer to accompany Philip throughout the war.  Spencer carried messages from the battlefield, cooked for the Valley Forge Encampment, most worked with the horses and was present for the surrender at Yorktown.  Charles Jameson then gave a presentation on “Forgotten Americans”, African and Native Americans who fought during the Revolutionary War.  They fought for varying reasons.  All based there reasoning on their circumstances and what they hoped for in life.  Most hoped for better lives and this led them to participate on the side in which they felt would bring them a brighter future.  For most, it did not turn out that way.

Wreath Presenters and muskets at Present Arms, from left to right: Mike Dennis, Will Reynolds, Barry Schwoerer, Mike Weyler, Tom Hamill, Forrest Crain, Chip Daniel, Ken Bonner and Cat Schwetke. (Photo courtesy of Dave Cook)

The ceremony was emceed by Tom Hamill of the Culpeper Minutemen.  The Virginia State Color Guard posted the colors, led by Bill Schwetke.  Wreaths were presented by Virginia State 3rd Vice President Michael Weyler, Tom Hamill (Culpeper Minutemen), Thomas “Chip” Daniel (Col James Wood II), Forest Crain (Fairfax Resolves), Ken Bonner (Sgt Maj John Champe), Cat Schwetke (Fauquier Court House DAR) and Michael Weyler (Order of Founders and Patriots of America).  A musket salute was fired to honor those who had served.  Color Guardsmen who participated also included Sean Carrigan, Dave Cook, Dale Corey, Mike Dennis, Will Reynolds, Marc Robinson, Barry Schwoerer and Richard Tyler.

Firing of a musket salute, Bill Schwetke and Sean Carrigan. (Photo courtesy of Dave Cook)