SAR honors Revolutionary War patriot Casper Rinker

On October 22, 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution conducted a patriot grave marking ceremony to honor Hans Casper Rinker. The ceremony was held at the Back Creek Quaker Cemetery in Gainesboro, Virginia.

The color guard posting the colors, from left to right: Brett Osborn, Bill Schwetke, Thomas “Chip” Daniel (US Flag), Paul Christensen, Richard Tyler, Marc Robinson, Sean Carrigan and Doug Hall. Photos/Deborah Corey

Rinker was born 1727 in Switzerland and immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1743. He married Maria Schultz on April 11, 1757, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and started a family of seven children. In 1762, he settled in Winchester, Frederick, Virginia, where he was deeded Lot #104. Rinker began purchasing acreage in Hampshire County. Through the years, he ended up with more than 2,000 acres in Frederick County along Isaac’s Creek and Back Creek. Rinker joined the Virginia Militia prior to 1775, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He was recommended to replace Robert White as Company Commander on April 1, 1777, and promoted to Captain. He died April 17, 1804, and along with Maria is buried at the Back Creek Quaker Cemetery.

Wreath presentation, from left to right: Doug Hall, Bill Schwetke and Thomas “Chip” Daniel.

The ceremony was emceed by Dale Corey with Chaplain duties performed by the Reverend Jim Simmons. The Colonel James Wood II Chapter Color Guard presented the colors and fired a musket salute under the command of Brett Osborn. Guard members included Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Doug Hall, Marc Robinson, Richard Tyler and dual member from the Culpeper Minutemen Bill Schwetke.

The musket squad firing a salute, from left to right: Bill Schwetke, Paul Christensen, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Brett Osborn, Marc Robinson and Sean Carrigan.

Wreaths were presented by Thomas “Chip” Daniel (Colonel James Wood II), Doug Hall (Order of Founders and Patriots) and Bill Schwetke (Culpeper Minutemen) with the unveiling performed by descendant Marshall DeHaven.