Our nation’s 250th birthday may be two years away, but the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is ready to celebrate and remember those who fought for the country’s independence.
Debra Politte, co-chairperson of the Louisiana Purchase Chapter’s America 250 Celebration Committee, said local DAR members have worked diligently to identify 13 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Jefferson County.
The public is invited to a ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Jefferson County Administration Center, 729 Maple St. in Hillsboro, celebrating the dedication of stone monument bearing the names of the 13 soldiers who helped to achieve America’s independence.
Lynne Jackson, regent of the Louisiana Purchase Chapter that organized in 1916, said the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, started an America 250 Special Committee to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The committee created a Stars & Stripes Forever America 250 Celebration Grant which awarded funding to the local chapter for its monument project.
“With added funds from the chapter and generous donations from businesses and individuals in the county, a monument naming those 13 patriots has been created,” Jackson said.
During the Nov. 9 ceremony, descendants of the veterans will be recognized. Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon will offer remarks and State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman will be the guest speaker.
Politte said each attendee will receive a paperback copy of a book the Louisiana Purchase Chapter has compiled on the 13 soldiers who are confirmed to be buried in the county.
“The book lists all the patriots, what battles they fought in and descriptions of the battles they fought in, as well as information about the committee,” Politte said.
She said they plan to give hardbound copies of the book to libraries in the county.
“The hardback copies will be printed after,” she said. “We want to include a picture of the stone.”
Politte said at the ceremony, they will sell commemorative coins for the America 250 event. There will be refreshments.
Revolutionary Veterans
Lawrence Angell was born in 1760 in North Carolina. In 1775, he was drafted into the North Carolina Militia and later enlisted in the Continental Army. He died on Nov. 25, 1836, in Herculaneum.
Elijah Baker was born circa 1759 and was living in Virgina when he volunteered as a private in 1779. He died after July 16, 1836, in Jefferson County.
William Drennen was born in 1757 in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in 1775. He was injured in the Battle of Germantown during his first enlistment. He died on Oct. 20, 1840, in Jefferson County.
Bartholomew Herrington was born in 1740 in Pennsylvania. He served seven years in the war and was a prisoner of war. He died in Jefferson County on Sept. 28, 1821.
John Hildebrand was born in 1762 in Pennsylvania. He served as a soldier in Virginia. He died in Jefferson County on Jan. 1, 1849.
Peter Hildebrand was born in Pennsylvania in circa 1744. He served as a soldier in Virginia. He settled in the Cedar Hill area after being discharged. He died in Missouri in August 1784.
Thomas Johnston was born in Pennsylvania circa 1753. He served as a volunteer private in 1776. He died in 1830 in Jefferson County.
Jesse Knighton was born in Virginia in circa 1750. He served as a captain in North Carolina. He died after March 24, 1831, in Jefferson County.
Stephen Mapes was born in 1756 in New Jersey. He enlisted at the age of 15. He died on July 9, 1829, in Jefferson County.
James McMeans was born circa 1766 in Maryland. He was living in the Kentucky District of Virginia when he enlisted in 1780. He died in 1836 in Herculaneum.
Joseph Moore was born in 1767. He died July 20, 1869, in Pevely at the age of 102.
William Moss was born in 1770 in Virginia. He served in Virginia during the war. He died in Jefferson County after 1850. An area between Pevely and Imperial is named Moss Hollow after him.
John Stewart was born in 1750 in Scotland. He enlisted while living in Virginia. He died in Jefferson County circa 1847.
Politte said not all the veterans are buried in a cemetery.