Sons of the American Revolution sponsor Grave Marking Ceremony in Lovettsville, Virginia

The Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a grave marking ceremony cosponsored by Fairfax Resolves, Sgt Maj John Champe and Sergeant L. Everhart Chapters of the SAR.  The event was held at New Jerusalem Church, Lovettsville, Loudoun, Virginia on 10 April 2022.  This marking honored five Revolutionary War Patriots who are buried in the cemetery next to the church.  They are Frederick Belse/Beltz, about 1741-1831; John Compher, Sr 1740-1814; Michael Cooper, Sr 1742-1815; John Fawley 1719-1803 and Johann Michael Boger 1762-1822. All of these patriots owned land and paid supply and/or property taxes in Loudoun County in 1782 or 1783.

The Virginia State Color Guard. (Photos courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel)

The ceremony was emceed by Fairfax Resolves (Virginia) President David Huxsoll and Sergeant L. Everhart (Maryland) President Karl Woodcock.  There was a presentation of the colors by the Virginia State Color Guard commanded by Brett Osborn (CJWII).  Society greetings were given by Virginia State President Bruce Meyer, Maryland State President Mark Deeds, Virginia State DAR Vice Regent Laurie Nesbit, Virginia Society Children of the American Revolution President Sara Cox and Virginia Order of Founders and Patriots Governor Dr Michael Weyler.  Vice Mayor of Lovettsville, Christopher Hornbaker welcomed the audience and read a proclamation, with Mike Sapf providing a history of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church.  Wreath presentations followed a roll call and biography of the patriots.  Wreaths were presented by five State Societies, nine SAR Chapters, nine DAR Chapters, two CAR Societies and the Virginia OFPA.  A musket salute of three rounds was provided by the Virginia SAR Musket Squad.

The Musket Squad firing a salute.

The SAR Chapters who participated were Fairfax Resolves, Colonel James Wood II, George Mason, Sgt Maj John Champe, George Washington, Colonel William Grayson, Colonel Fielding Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, Sergeant Lawrence Everhart (MD) and John Paul Jones (MD).  DAR Chapters included Ketoctin, Mary Hemings Bell, Fairfax county, Bottony Cross, Lane’s Mill, Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill, Stone Bridge, Frederick and Pack Horse Ford (WV).  Children of the American Revolution Societies were Reverend John Marks and Colonel Alexander Spotswood.

Participating from the Colonel James Wood II Chapter were Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Doug Hall, Brett Osborn, Allan Phillips, Nathan Poe, Will Reynolds and Jim Simmons.  Dual members included Ken Bonner (Sgt Maj John Champe), Forrest Crain (Fairfax Resolves), Dave Cook (Fairfax Resolves), Leamon Duncan (Col William Grayson) and Mike Weyler (Col William Grayson).

Colonel James Wood II Chapter members. Front row left to right: Jim Simmons, Dale Corey, Sean Carrigan. Second row left to right: Will Reynolds, Dave Cook, Leamon Duncan, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Allan Phillips, Paul Christensen, Mike Weyler, Nathan Poe, Doug Hall and Brett Osborn.