Revolutionary War Veterans
Buried in Sangamon County;
A Comprehensive Overview
Information Includes:
Most Known Sources;
Grave Dedications and Markings;
Maps to Cemeteries;
& Pictures
Karl E. Reed, Jr.
Vice President General Great Lakes District
Sons of the American Revolution
4609 Bears Paw Ct
Springfield, IL 62711-7897
Revised
May 2010
Introduction
There are several reasons for writing the overview about the Revolutionary War Patriots
buried in Sangamon County. First, the two previous authoritative documents on the subject: Mrs.
Harriet Walker’s book, Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois, published in Los Angeles in 1917
and Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois, published by the Illinois Genealogical
Society as a Bicentennial project in 1976 don’t always agree. Obviously, both of these books can’t
include recent material since they were written years ago. In addition, both books are somewhat
limited in that they don’t fully address cemetery locations, the condition of the patriots’ tombstones,
family histories, recent grave markings, condition of previous Daughters of the American
Revolution/Sons of the American Revolution (DAR/SAR) grave markers and whether some of these
previous markers are missing or stolen.
In addition to the two books already mentioned, information regarding the Revolutionary War
Patriots buried in Sangamon County is scattered in many other documents including: 1876 History of
the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, the 1881 History of Sangamon County, The Index of
Revolutionary War Pension Applications, various state archives and individual cemetery records. I
thought it would help facilitate the honoring of Sangamon County patriots to have as much
information as possible gathered together in one document.
The Springfield Chapter DAR, the Sergeant Caleb Hopkins Chapter DAR, the Captain
William Penny Chapter DAR and the Springfield Chapter SAR are all working to help perpetuate the
memory of Revolutionary War patriots. To facilitate future grave dedications, I thought it would be
helpful to show which graves have been marked by which organization.
Finally, since we have entered the 21st Century, I thought it would be useful to computerize
the available information into a ‘working document’ that could be easily updated, modified and
shared as new information became available. For example: new grave dedications or using a Global
Position Satellite (GPS) to establish coordinates of grave site locations.
I have earnestly tried to make this portrayal as accurate as possible. Obviously, there are
inconsistencies or errors in this write-up. They are unintentional. If you have additions and
corrections, please share them so they can be corrected.
Karl Reed
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Acknowledgements
I (Karl) began this project of collecting all of the information regarding the Revolutionary
War patriots buried in Sangamon County to help facilitate my Springfield Chapter Sons of the
American Revolution (SAR) mark their grave sites. Our chapter seemed confused as to who was
identified as being a patriot, where the patriots were buried and which graves had been marked
previously. Many of us did not know the location of many Sangamon County Cemeteries. Originally,
I typed up a document combining material from Harriet Walker’s book, Revolutionary Soldiers
Buried in Illinois, published in Los Angeles in 1917 and Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried
in Illinois, published by the Illinois Genealogical Society as a Bicentennial project in 1976. However,
both sources didn’t always agree and they weren’t always clear about grave locations. Obviously,
neither source included any recent information.
In a discussion with Jacqueline and Harold Wright, I discovered they had already spent nearly
25 years collecting the very information I was looking to include. The Wrights had visited all of the
patriot graves in Sangamon County they could find and had taken pictures of the tombstones and
grave markers. In addition they had attended many grave dedications over the years and again taken
pictures and saved programs. Jackie had also researched the State Journal Register Newspaper (and
its predecessor) files and copied articles about long-ago grave dedications. Jackie had also spent
countless hours researching history books about Sangamon County and included that information.
The Wrights had collected three 4-inch binders of material relating to patriots buried in Sangamon
County and graciously allowed me to include their information. In addition, Jackie Wright had spent
years serving on the Sangamon County Historical Sites Commission. This project could not have
been completed without the Wrights knowledge, research, and dedication.
I want to give a special ‘thank you’ to my wife, Esther, who also helped to complete this
project. Her encouragement, proof reading and editorial help were essential to completing the
document and for improving the quality and accuracy of the information.
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Index
Patriots Buried Sangamon County
Archer, Bennett
Lucas, Abram
Baker, Absalom
* Massie, Thomas
*Baker, Isaac
* Maxcy, Joel
Brandt, Reuben
McDaniel, Luann
*Broadwell, Moses
Meredith, Davis
*Bryan, George
Miller, Christian
*Burton, John
* Millington, Peter
*Campbell, Enos
*Nance, Zachariah
*Carver, Christian
*Overstreet, John
Cassady, William
Owsley, Henry
*Clark, Bazel
Owsley, Thomas
*Clifford, Michael
Peake, John
Cooley, Jabez
*Penny, William
* Crowder, Philip
Pulliam, George
*Davis, Aquilla
*Purvines, John
Deardorff, Henry
*Ralston, William
*Dingman, James
*Royal, Thomas
Donner, George
Sayre, John
*Fisk, Robert
Shutt, Jacob
Foster, Nathaniel
Simms, Gideon
*Haggard, James
*Stringfield, John
Hail, Harley
Thomas, James W.
Haile, William
*Turley, James
*Harrison, Ezekiel
Turner, Archibald
Jones, William
Waddell, James
Kelley, Henry
*White, John
Lewis, Messenger
Young, John
*Lockridge, John
*Name on marker Old Capitol Plaza
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Marker on Old State Capital Plaza
for Revolutionary War Patriots in Sangamon County
SANGAMON COUNTY – Currently, best estimates conclude that between 52-54
patriots are buried in Sangamon County.
1) BENNETT ARCHER
According to the Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois, Bennett Archer is buried
in Old Salem Cemetery (aka Riddle Hill or United Brethren Cemetery). The Cemetery is located ½
mile W from 5.5W and 0.5S. W of Springfield. In W part of NW1/4 of SW ¼ section 34.
Source: 2, 9
2) ABSALOM BAKER
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Absalom Baker was a native of
North Carolina, where he enlisted in May 1775 under Capt. John Brannon, serving until 1781. He
was in the battle of Stono and Bacon’s (Biggin’s) Bridge; was taken prisoner at the siege of
Charleston and held thirty days; was in Buford’s defeat; the battle of Ramsour’s Mills; Sumter’s
defeat at Hanging Rock; was wounded in the battle of Gates’ defeat near Camden and was in the
battles of King’s Mountain, Monk’s Corner, Guilford Courthouse and Eutaw Springs, a remarkable
record for one man. He came to Illinois in 1824, settling in Sangamon County but removed to
Madison County where he died in 1833.” Absalom Baker was one of the first settlers in
Cartwright Township, Sangamon County where his wife died in 1820.
Absalom Baker was pensioned for service in April 23, 1824. His pension number is S35184 NC.
There is a question about including Absalom Baker in this list as he is probably buried in
Madison County, Illinois. His name appears on census records of Madison County 1818 and
1820. Jacqueline Wright wrote to the reference librarian in the Edwardsville Public Library in
1996. The librarian’s response reads in part “The Madison County Genealogical Society has
produced nine volumes of Cemeteries and Tombstone Inscriptions of Madison County, Illinois. I
checked all of those volumes and did not find a listing for Mr. Baker.”
Sources: 1, 2
3) ISAAC BAKER
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Isaac Baker was born in
Fredericktown, Maryland in August 6, 1758. He served as a fifer during the last two years of the
war. It is not known to what regiment he belonged. In 1787 he married Phoebe Waddell and
moved to Rochester Township in the fall of 1829 with the four youngest children. In all, they
(Isaac & Phoebe) had twelve children.”
In Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois, published by the Illinois Genealogical
Society we read “He came to Illinois in 1828; settling in Rochester Township. Here he died in
September 1848, at the age of 90 years. So imbued was he with the spirit of patriotism that during
the Harrison campaign in 1840, Isaac Baker, over 80 years of age (88) rode through the streets of
Springfield in a log cabin drawn by thirty-two yoke of oxen. The cabin was lined with deer and
coon skins, with a barrel of cider which quenched the thirst of the campaigners.”
There is a full family history of Isaac Baker on page 90 of History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon
County. Isaac Baker settled in the northwest corner of section 21 of Rochester Township. His wife,
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Phoebe died July 3, 1845. Both Isaac and Phoebe Baker are buried in the Rochester Cemetery,
Rochester Township, Sangamon County, Illinois. Isaac received a pension from MD R414.
No tombstone or marker for Isaac Baker is found in the Rochester Cemetery.
Isaac Baker’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
4) REUBEN BRANDT
In Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois, published by the Illinois Genealogical
Society, we read that: Reuben Brandt was a Sergeant from Virginia. He is buried in Crowder
Cemetery, located on the grounds of the Illini County Club, Springfield, Sangamon County,
Illinois. Reuben’s grave is reported to be on the west side of Chatham Road and adjacent to the
south side of the Illini Country Club and just north of Laurel Street.
Source: 2
5) MOSES BROADWELL
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois, we read “Moses Broadwell was a native of
Elizabethtown, New Jersey. He was born in 1764 and entered the army when a mere lad, serving
but a limited time near the close of the war, in the 3rd New Jersey Regiment under Col. Elias
Dayton, enlisting September, 1780. Mr. Broadwell came to Illinois in 1820, settling near Pleasant
Plains, where he died in 1827.”
There is a family history of Moses Broadwell on page 142 of the History of the Early Settlers of
Sangamon County. “Moses Broadwell was born Nov 14, 1764 near Elizabethtown, New Jersey.
Jane Broadwell was born Feb 6, 1767 in the same neighborhood and was Moses’ second cousin.
They were married Nov 5, 1788 and soon after moved to Hamilton, Ohio to a fort situated where
Columbia now stands five miles from Cincinnati. In 1804, they moved to Clermont County, Ohio.
They had twelve children in Ohio, three of whom died young. They moved in a keel boat from
Cincinnati to St. Louis in the spring of 1819 and the next spring came up the Illinois River on a
steamboat, said to have been the first that ever ascended the latter stream. They landed in
Beardstown in June 1820 and came to Sangamon County in June or early July of that year settling
on the south side of Richland Creek about one mile east of where Pleasant Plains now stands.”
Moses Broadwell is said to have built the first brick house in Sangamon County where he settled in
the northeast quarter of section 5. Moses died April 10, 1827 and his wife died March 8, 1836.
Both were buried back of the house but in 1862 their remains were removed to Oak Ridge
Cemetery.
Moses Broadwell’s grave is located in Block 13 Lot 14 of Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield,
Sangamon County, Illinois.” He has a Government stone. Both the Springfield DAR and SAR
Chapters dedicated this grave on May 29, 1915. Any marker placed is missing.
Moses Broadwell’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield,
Illinois. The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
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Moses Broadwell -1764-1827
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 5 Wright photo
6) GEORGE BRYAN
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “George Bryan was a native of
North Carolina. He was born in 1758. When quite young, he removed with his parents to Virginia
and from there to Kentucky in 1780. Mr. Bryan was not a member of any organized company; he
yet rendered service in defending the Fort, which was named in his honor, against an attack by the
Indians. The bravery of one of the young maidens, Elizabeth Ragan, exhibited during this attack of
the Indians, won the heart of young Bryan, and a wedding followed in the early autumn. In 1834,
Mr. Bryan came to Sangamon County with his children and grandchildren, dying in 1845.”
There is a family history of George Bryan on page 154 of the History of the Early Settlers of
Sangamon County. “George Bryan was born Feb 15, 1758, in North Carolina. He went or was
taken by his parents to Virginia and from there to Kentucky with Daniel Boone about 1780. There
he either founded or by his bold daring as leader gave his name to a primitive fortification called
Bryan’s Station in what became Fayette County, Kentucky.”
According to the 1881 History of Sangamon County “When George Bryan came to Sangamon
County in 1834, he was in his seventy-sixth year, but he continued visiting Kentucky, riding each
way on horseback, annually for eleven years. He died November 22, 1845 and was buried near
Woodside station, Sangamon County. He was eighty-seven years, nine months and seven days
old.”
George Bryan was pensioned for service: S32142 NC
George Bryan is buried in the Harmony Cemetery in Woodside Township located between
Springfield and Chatham. The Springfield Chapter SAR marked this grave in June 17, 1921. In
May 20, 2001, the Mission Hills Chapter along with the Captain William Penny, the Sergeant
Caleb Hopkins and the Springfield Chapter of the DAR and the Springfield Chapter SAR
rededicated George Bryan’s grave.
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George Bryan grave marking May 2001
Ladies: L-R Betsy Heimke, Joyce Hinshaw, Gail Fixmer
Men: L-R R. Garey Hodge, Stephen Bradley, Karl Reed, Stephen Bradley II
George Bryan 1758-1845
On July 18, 2009 David Jackson, Springfield SAR member and direct descendant of George
Bryan, went to the patriot’s grave and found the original tombstone had become broken. That
tombstone had been moved to a pile of stones at the edge of Woodside Cemetery. The tombstone
placed by SAR in 1921 is the only stone still marking patriot Bryan’s grave.
George Bryan Gravestone July 2009
George Bryan original stone broken by 2009
George Bryan’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield. The
marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Reed Photos
7) JOHN BURTON
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “John Burton was born in
Mecklenburg County, Virginia, in 1761. He enlisted from that County in 1780, for three months in
Captain Asa Oliver's company, Col. Fleming's regiment, and again in 1781, for three months in
Stephen A. Berry's company, Virginia troops. He was at the siege of Yorktown. A pension was
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granted him in 1833, then a resident of Sangamon County. He died here in 1839. He is buried in
Chatham Township, Sangamon County, Illinois.”
John Burton’s name also appears on the list of Revolutionary soldiers buried in Illinois in the
Sangamon County History of 1912. However, a review of all the recorded deaths in Chatham
Township does not show John Burton’s name.
John Burton was pensioned for service May 3, 1834: His numbers are S32146 and S46831.
The History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County gives the biography of Edward Burton, born
Oct 13, 1796 on Roanoke River, Virginia and states he (Edward) moved to Rutherford County,
Tennessee and then in 1825 or 26 to Chatham Township, settling on Lick Creek, which lies on the
west edge of the township. His father is not named in the account but he had a son John A. Burton
who died in 1859 and is buried in McDevitt Cemetery, Maxwell (then Loami) Township, on Lick
Creek four miles west of Chatham Township. The plat map of 1858 shows J. A. Burton owning
land a half mile south of this old cemetery.
It is possible that John Burton, Revolutionary War soldier is the grandfather of this John Burton
and is buried in the old McDevitt Cemetery, especially since many of the gravestones are missing
in this old and abandoned cemetery.
Ed Burton (son of patriot)
McDevitt Cemetery
Ed Burton is buried in McDevitt Cemetery along with other members of Burton family
John A. Burton’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources; 1, 2, 3, 5 Wright Photos
8) ENOS CAMPBELL
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Enos Campbell, a Scotsman, early
espoused the cause of the Colonies. He enlisted in New Jersey, serving six years, for which service
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he was pensioned. After the war he removed to Pennsylvania and from there to Ohio, thence to
Sangamon County in 1835. Mr. Campbell lies buried in Salisbury Township.”
The History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County p. 170 gives the biography of Enos Campbell
“born about 1758, either in Scotland or near Trenton, N. J., soon after the arrival of his parents in
America. He enlisted in the Revolutionary army at seventeen years of age and served six or seven
years until the British army left the American shores. Mr. C. drew a pension to the end of his life.
Enos Campbell and Damaris Nowee were married in New Jersey and moved to Uniontown,
Fayette County, Penn., where they had nine children and moved about 1806 to Butler County,
Ohio where they had one child and the family moved to Sangamon County, Ill., arriving in the fall
of 1835 in what is now Gardner Township. Some of the children had arrived before and some
never came.” Enos Campbell died June 2, 1838.
Pensioned for service: S35205 NJ
Enos Campbell is buried in the Sackett Cemetery, Northeast of Pleasant Plains, Sangamon Co.
Location ¼ mile East and ¼ mile North from Rt 97 and 4.75N. Southeast of Salisbury. In E part of
Northwest ¼ of ¼ section 4. T16N R6W, Third P.M. Cemetery is on private property.
In Barringer’s Sangamon County Cemeteries 1971, it says “Gardner Township – Section 4 – about
100 yards north of the home of Max and Eleanor Tolan and north of the road. It is fenced but
completely overgrown in trees and weeds. Many of the stones are completely covered with grass
and other knocked down and broken by fallen trees. The cemetery is listed in the Illinois Veterans
Commission records as the Garrett Cemetery.
Thomas Sackett owned this land in 1858 and Thomas Garrett in 1894. The Cemetery is obviously
one of the oldest in this area. Buried here is Enos Campbell, Revolutionary soldier and probably
buried here, since he lived nearby and was related to Campbell was Barzilla Clark, Revolutionary
soldier, though his gravestone is missing.”
The Springfield Chapter DAR placed a grave marker on Enos Campbell’s gravesite on January 12,
1973 but apparently it is missing. The GPS reading: 39N 52’ 30.7 by 89W 47’ 07.7
Enos Campbell’s Grave Marker 1973
Enos Campbell Tombstone
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Enos Campbell’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 5 Wright Photo
9) CHRISTIAN CARVER
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Christian Carver was a native of
Northampton County, Pennsylvania. He was born in 1759 and entered the service in Surrey
County, North Carolina, serving three months from August, 1777, in Capt. Henry Smith's
company, and again for the same length of time, November, 1777, in Capt. John Crouse's company
reenlisting in the same company for another 3 months. Mr. Carver removed to Sangamon County
where he died and is buried in Clear Lake Township. Carver Cemetery is shown as Christian’s
gravesite. Nothing remains.”
The biography of Jacob Carver, the patriot’s son, is to be found on page 193 of The History of the
Early Settlers of Sangamon County. Christian Carver was born in Northampton Co., PA in 1759
and died in Sangamon Co., IL March 14, 1836.
His widow, a second wife, Mary Siegler received a pension at his death.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications lists Christian Carver – North Carolina –
Mary – Widow 27516: Bounty Land Warrant 73542-160-55.
Christian Carver was married to Magdalina Ziegler in 1785 in PA and two sons were born to this
union – Jacob and George. Christian’s second marriage occurred Nov. 19, 1798, where he was
united to Mary Siegler at Salem, Forsyth Co., NC. To this marriage were born five children –
Solomon, Moses, Abraham, Richard and Polly Carver.
At the age of 71 years, he came to Sangamon Co., IL in 1830 with his son Jacob and his grandson,
Felix Carver, then two years old. The family travelled with ox-team and horseback and settled in
what is now Clear Lake Township. The old Carver homestead stood in the southeast corner of
section 19 of Clear Lake Township.
Christian Carver was buried in a small family cemetery about one mile east of the homestead at a
spot on the north edge of the northeast quarter of section 29. It stood where now a large sand and
gravel pile is across the road and a few yards east of the home of Phil Springer on Route 36. This
information was obtained from Col. Arthur R. Carver, a descendant of Christian Carver, and who
lives at 208 S. 6th St., Riverton, IL.
Nothing remains of the old cemetery, though Mrs. Marguerite Mae Carver Newlin, another
descendant, recalls, “When I was a child I remember seeing bits of broken tombstones in nearby
Hoover Branch.”
Christian Carver’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield,
Illinois. The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
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10) WILLIAM (Cassidy) CASSADY,
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “William Cassady was said to have
served in the Revolutionary War and is buried in Rochester Township, Sangamon County, IL.”
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications lists: William Cassady – Pennsylvania –
Pvt. in the Artillery – Bounty Land Warrant # 9202, Issued November 5, 1789.
The County Directory of Sangamon County of 1877 shows Cassady and Cassity names listed in
this area. There are Cassity graves in the Rochester Cemetery. However, there is no marker of a
William Cassady. It would appear that it is probable that Revolutionary War soldier William
Cassady is buried in Rochester Cemetery though we have no proof of this at present.
Sources: 1, 2, 4
11) BAZEL, OR BARZILLA CLARK
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Bazel Clark was born in
Pennsylvania in 1750. He was married in 1773 to Nancy Wells, who endured peculiar hardships
during the war, being confined in a fort where for two weeks she subsisted on parched corn and
water. Bazel Clark acted as a private in Pennsylvania Militia, Washington County Pennsylvania.
They came to Sangamon County in 1821, settling in Salisbury Township.
“Barzilla Clark and his wife, Nancy, came to what is now Salisbury Township, Sangamon County
in 1821. They brought seven children, all of whom married and raised families. Their eldest
daughter, Phoebe married John N. Campbell, (son of Enos Campbell). Bazel Clark died Sep 23,
1840 and his widow (Nancy Wells) died April 19, 1843, both in Sangamon County”.
The Campbell and Clark families were therefore related by marriage, having apparently lived near
to each other in Pennsylvania where John and Phoebe were married. John and Phoebe Campbell
lived in the center of Section 32 of Salisbury Township, just half a mile north of Old Sackett
Cemetery and it can be assumed that Bazel Clark settled nearby.
It would seem likely therefore that on the death of Bazel Clark he would be buried in Old Sackett
Cemetery a half mile or so away and nearby the grave of his old comrade in arms, Enos Campbell.
The gravestone of Bazel Clark is not to be found in the Sackett Cemetery but the cemetery is
abandoned and many of the stones are down, broken or missing.
Bazel Clark’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911. Mr. Clark’s
name was added to the marker on October 19, 1914.
Sources: 1, 2, 8
12) MICHAEL CLIFFORD
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Michael Clifford was born in New
Jersey in 1759, enlisted in North Carolina in 1775, serving to the close of the war, was attached to
Capt. John Johnson's company in Col. Locke's regiment, was in the battle of Pedee River, and the
Expedition against the Cherokees in Tennessee. After his death in Sangamon County, Illinois, in
1835, his widow was allowed his pension.”
13
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications lists: Michael Clifford – North Carolina –
Elizabeth – Widow 25416 Bounty land Warrant 26975 – 160 – 55.
No other records have been found for Michael Clifford to indicate what township he settled in or
where he is buried.
Michael Clifford’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield,
Illinois. The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 4
13) JABEZ COOLEY was born 1729 at Springfield, Massachusetts. He served in Captain Gideon
Burt’s Company of Col. Timothy Danielson’s Massachusetts Regiment. He moved to Springfield,
Illinois about 1800 and died in 1800. He was married to Abigail Hancock. Source: 2, 5
14) PHILIP (PHILLIP) CROWDER
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Philip Crowder was born near
Petersburg, Virginia, on April 7, 1760. He was a true patriot. An elder brother was drafted for the
service, but as he had a family, Philip volunteered to serve in his place. Mr. Crowder was present
at the surrender of Cornwallis. He was pensioned while living in Sangamon County in 1833. He
died in February 1844, and is buried in a family burying ground west of the city.”
There is a full family history of Philip Crowder on page 237 of the History of the Early Settlers of
Sangamon County. It reads in part “Crowder, Philip was born May 1759 near Petersburg, Va. He
was married there to Susan Parish. They had five children born there. He then moved in company
with about forty families to Green County, KY. They all moved on pack horses and camped near
each other every night with armed men standing guard around them for protection against Indians.
Mrs. Susan Crowder died in 1794 in Kentucky and he was married to Rachel Saunders. She had
one child and died there. Philip Crowder then married Sally Chandler. They had nine children and
moved to Sangamon County, Ill arriving in Nov 1830 and settled three and a half miles southwest
of Springfield.” The article goes on to name Philip’s children and their families.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pensions Applications lists – Philip Crowder – Virginia –
Survivor 30974.
Philip and Susan Crowder Graves in Springfield
Philip Crowder Grave marked in 1993
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Description of Philip Crowder’s Revolution War Service near Chatham Road at Illini Country Club.
Philip Crowder’s grave is near Chatham Road and on the edge of the Illini Country Club. Philip’s
grave was marked with a government marker October 17, 1970.
Phillip Crowder’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Philip Crowder’s grave was marked by the Springfield Chapter DAR on July 4, 1993.
Source: 1, 3, 4, 5 Wright Photos
15) AQUILLA DAVIS
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Aquilla Davis was born in St.
Mary's County, Maryland (in 1756). His parents early took him to Fauquier County, Virginia. He
enlisted March 19, 1781, under Lieutenants Robert Craddock and Luke Cannon, with Colonel
Thomas Posey, in the Virginia line of Troops. Aquilla Davis and his wife, Isabella Briggs, came to
Illinois in 1820, settling near Elkhart; they removed to Fancy Creek Township, then back to
Elkhart, where he died August 1831. From the family records, it appears that he was buried in
Wolf Creek Cemetery.” The History of Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois shows Aquilla
Davis’s death date as August 23, 1832.
Wolf Creek Cemetery is in Williams Twp. in Sangamon County which is not far from Elkhart very
near the Logan County line. 1, 2, It is also 3 ½ miles East of Sherman.
There is a short family history of Aquilla Davis on page 246 of the History of the Early Settlers of
Sangamon County. It reads “Davis, Aquilla was born in 1756 in St Mary’s County Maryland and
taken to Fauquier County VA when a youth. He was a soldier in the Revolution and married in the
Larrer County to Isabella Briggs. They had six children in Virginia namely Edward, William B.,
Alexander B., Thompson, Hezekiah and a daughter, Marion. They immigrated to Kentucky where
they had two children (Benjamin and Judith). In 1820 they move to Illinois, settling first where
Elkhart now is, which was then in Sangamon County. Aquilla Davis laid out the town of Elkhart.
In 1822 or 3 they moved to Fancy Creek ten miles from Springfield. After several years, Aquilla
Davis and family returned to Elkhart.
15
The Captain William Penny Chapter of DAR marked Aquilla Davis’ grave on Oct 30, 1999.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications list – Aquilla Davis – Virginia – pension
#S35882
Aquilla Davis’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911. Aquilla’s
name was added to the marker on October 19, 1914.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
16) Henry DEARDORFF
Possible patriot
There is no mention of this man in Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois or the Index
of Revolutionary War Pension Applications.
There is a biography of an Anthony Deardorff (1786-1834) and his brother Peter Deardorff on
Page 284 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County. Both came from Pennsylvania to
Sangamon County in 1823 and 1824.
Reportedly, Mr. George B. Brunk, grandson of old George Brunk was interviewed a short time
before his death in 1965 at age 85. He claimed that the father of Anthony and Peter Deardorff was
reported to be a soldier in the American Revolution and came with his sons to Cotton Hill
Township in Sangamon County. Mr. George Brunk claimed that as a boy he had seen the
gravestone of the patriot. Anthony Deardorff is buried in the old part of Brunk Cemetery.
Source: 2, 3, 5
17) JAMES DINGMAN
James Dingman was born in 1758. In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read
“James Dingman was born in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. He entered the service there in
1778, in Captain John Van Etten's fourth company, Col. Jacob Stroud's Regiment, sixth battalion.
A marble shaft marks his last resting-place in a family burying ground, which is near Riverton in
Sangamon County. The marker bears the following inscription: "James Dingman died September
3rd, 1836, aged 79 years, 11 months and 3 days; a Revolutionary patriot who fought the battles of
this country without reward save a consciousness of duty well done."
16
James Dingman Tombstone in Dingman Cemetery Clear Lake Township, near Riverton
The Dingman Cemetery is an old family cemetery located in Section 10, center of the section in
Clear Lake Township. It is on a hill about 100 yards east of the Grigiski Bros Slaughterhouse. It is
fenced but the stones are all fairly modern and standing. The County plat map of 1858 shows the
land to belong to Thomas A. King; the plat map of 1894 indicates the owner to be the Riverton
Coal Co. Neither map shows a cemetery.
James Dingman’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
The Sergeant Caleb Hopkins Chapter DAR marked this grave marked on November 3, 1968. The
marker is missing.
Sources: 1, 2, 5 Wright Photo
18) GEORGE DONNER, SR.
Arrangements were made to place an engraved memorial marking stone (cenotaph) to honor
George Donner, Senior, and place a Sons of the American Revolution plaque upon an engraved
headstone in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Springfield, Ill. George served in the militia of North
Carolina before coming to Illinois by way of the Cumberland Gap, and then through Kentucky and
Indiana. He died in Sangamon County, Illinois in 1844. His interment is noted to be in The Old
German Cemetery. There are no records from that cemetery and it is not marked on any of the
county cemetery listings.
17
There is little doubt that he was buried very close to his home, as many of his grandchildren and
their families are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, very close to the Donner properties of those times.
His son, George, the Captain of the Donner-Reed Party, died in the snowbound Sierra Mountains
in early 1847. The Springfield SAR Chapter proposed to place a similar cenotaph in an adjacent
plot in memory of Captain George and his families.
The Oak Hill Cemetery board gave their consent and the ceremony took place at noon on
September 3, 2006. The Springer brothers, Don, Bill, and Phil, fifth great-grandsons of George
Donner, Senior made all arrangements, including securing the space under the large Oak tree that
currently shades the graves of George’s lineal descendants, William Donner, Joseph Donner,
Linnie Bell Donner (Black), and Velma B. Black (Springer).
18
19) ROBERT FISK
Reportedly, Robert Fisk was born in 1758 and died April 19, 1824. In Walker’s Revolutionary
Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read Robert Fisk was one among those who heard the alarm that
sounded April 19, 1775, at Lexington, Mass., his place of residence. Serving as a Minuteman, he
later enlisted for the entire war, was a Sergeant in Captain Joshua Walker's company, David
Green's regiment. He was given 200 acres of land, a sum of money, and was granted a pension
while a resident of Sangamon County.” His wife was Elizabeth Jones.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pensions Applications lists Robert Fisk – Mass – Elizabeth Jones–
Widow pension 9438 – Bounty Land Warrant 2332-100
A review of the directories and cemeteries of Sangamon County reveals no records of Robert Fisk.
However, buried in old Canterbury Cemetery in Fancy Creek Township is a J.M. Fisk (18221922). His biography indicates that he came with his father, Eli Fisk, to Illinois in 1835 and settled
in Mason County then Sangamon County, until 1841.
Robert Fisk’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 4, 5
20) NATHANIEL FOSTER
Nathaniel Foster was born June 23, 1761 in New Jersey. He served as a private in Virginia. He
enlisted August 1779 and served under Captain Hugh Brent of Col. Garrard’s Regiment. Enlisted
October 1, 1780, served five months under Captain John Brent, Col. Williams and Col. Lucas.
His wife was Nancy Mauzy.
Nathaniel Foster was pensioned for service S32253 VA. Died September 14, 1837 Buried
Sangamon County, Illinois.
Sources: 2, 4
21) JAMES HAGGARD
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “James Haggard was born in
Albermarle County, Virginia, 1759. He enlisted from that County in 1780, and again in 1781, in
Col. Lindsey's regiment, Capt. John Henderson's company. A pension was granted him while
living in Sangamon County; he died here in August 2, 1843, and is buried in Gardner Township,
Sangamon County, Illinois.” His wife was Elizabeth Gentry.
James Haggard was pensioned for service: S31109 VA
James Haggard’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911. Sources: 1, 2
22) HARLEY HAIL
Buried in Sangamon County
Source 2
23) WILLIAM HAILE
19
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “William Haile served in the war
from Virginia, Richmond County. He was retained in the service after the war, and was killed by
Indians in 1832. He came to Sangamon County and is probably buried there.” “Virginia and
Pension Records” The Index of Revolutionary Pension Applications list William Haile – (not
Revolutionary War) instead Northwest Indian War of 1797- O WI 2 24608.
Unfortunately no one has found any mention of William Haile in any cemetery records of
Sangamon County.
Sources: 1, 2, 4
24) EZEKIEL HARRISON
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Ezekiel Harrison, the son of
Thomas, the founder of Harrisonburg, Virginia, was an active soldier in the Virginia line of troops.
He was wounded at the battle of Point Pleasant. He came to Illinois with his wife, Sarah Bryan,
three sons and one daughter in 1822, he settled in Cartwright Township where he resided till his
death in 1836. He is buried on the farm where he settled.”
There is a full family history of Ezekiel Harrison on page 358 of the History of the Early Settlers of
Sangamon County. Ezekiel Harrison was born October 6, 1752 in Rockingham County, Virginia
and married Sarah Bryan in 1775. They moved to Sangamon County November 4, 1822, settling
north of Richland Creek, Cartwright Township where Harrison died April 17, 1836. Ezekiel’s
tombstone shows his death date as 1834. He is buried in a little cemetery beside the road where his
grave is marked.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pensions Applications includes: Ezekiel Harrison – VirginiaSarah- widow 23211
Ezekiel Harrison is buried in the Harrison Cemetery located in Cartwright Township; Section 25
southeast quarter near Salisbury, Sangamon County. The Cemetery stands on the south side of a
blacktop road. The County plat books of 1858 and 1894 both show this property to be the property
of John H. Harrison.
The Springfield Chapter DAR marked grave October 9, 1969. The DAR marker is missing.
Ezekiel Harrison Tombstone 1752 – 1836
20
Ezekiel Harrison’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield,
Illinois. The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Wright Photo
25) WILLIAM JONES
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read that William Jones was born in
Danbury, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on March 13, 1744 but enlisted in the New Jersey line of
troops in 1774 for one year with Captain John B. Scott. He again enlisted in 1775 with Captain
John Seward and Col. Ephraim Martin for five months and he also served as waiting man for
General Putnam. He was in the battle of White Plains. He came to Sangamon County, Illinois.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications reveals – William Jones - New Jersey
R5758 – born March 13, 1744 in Bucks County Pennsylvania - residence in Sussex, New Jersey;
residence in 1834 in Sangamon County, Illinois. Reportedly, he died March 5, 1837.
No records have been found in Sangamon County to tell where William Jones settled or where he
is buried.
Sources: 1, 2, 4
26) HENRY KELLY (KELLEY)
No mention of Henry Kelly is made in Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois.
There is a family history of Henry Kelly on page 423 of the History of the Early Settlers of
Sangamon County. In addition, family records indicate “Henry Kelly was born 1742 in Rutherford
County, North Carolina. He enlisted in 1775 and served as a Corporal in Captain Augustin Spain’s
company, Second Regiment, North Carolina. He also served in Col. Samuel Jarvis’ First
Regiment, North Carolina. Reportedly, Henry fought in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. His
wife was Mary Whiteside, born 1756, died 1840. He came to Illinois about 1819 from Rutherford
County, North Carolina with his sons. His son, John Kelly is reported to have built the first log
cabin in what was to become Springfield, Illinois.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications reveals – Henry Kelley- North Carolina –
Mary - Widow 20290.
Henry Kelly died on June 13, 1832 and is buried in the Kelly Cemetery, Curran Township,
Sangamon County, Illinois.” There is a government marker on Henry Kelly’s grave which reads.
Corpl Henry Kelly – 2 NC Regt Rev War”
21
Kelly Cemetery in Curran Township, Sangamon County
Henry Kelly Tombstone
The Springfield Chapter DAR is known to have marked Henry Kelly’s grave. However, various
dedication dates (1922, 1926 and 1928) are shown. Kelly’s grave was rededicated September 13,
2003.
Sources: 2, 3, 5 Wright Photos
27) MESSENGER LEWIS served five campaigns in both Connecticut and New York.
1778 Captain Knapps Company in Colonel Palmer’s Connecticut Regiment.
1778 Reenlisted and again served under the same officers
1779 Captain Edward Oakley’s Company in Colonel Phillips New York Regiment
1780 Captain Isaac Springer’s Company in Colonel Phillips New York Regiment
1781 Captain Joseph Langdon Company in Colonel Phillips New York Regiment
The following information was researched by Anna Vasconcelles and presented at the Messenger
Lewis Grave Dedication on October 6, 1996: Messenger Lewis was born in August 17, 1752 in
Greenwich, Conn. While a resident of Connecticut, he enlisted in 1778 and served three (3)
months in Captain Jeremiah Knapp’s Company in Colonel Palmer’s Connecticut Regiment.
He enlisted again in 1778 and served three (3) months under the same officers as in his previous
enlistment. While living in Duchess County, New York, he enlisted in 1779 and served three (3)
months in Captain Edward Oakley’s Company in Colonel Phillips’ New York Regiment.
He enlisted in 1781 and served two (2) months in Captain Joseph Langdon’s Company in Colonel
Phillips New York Regiment.
In his affidavit for a Federal Pension, dated 29 October 1833, he stated that he had served no less
than 14 months in actual service. Pension: S31207
Messenger Lewis was granted a pension of $46.66 per annum and was put on the pension roll 4
March 1831. He resided in Clay County, Kentucky until December 1834.
Abraham Martin, son-in-law of Messenger Lewis, moved Messenger Lewis, his wife and three
children to Sangamon County, IL. They left Kentucky in 8 December 1834 and arrived in
Sangamon County on May 5, 1835. Messenger Lewis and his family resided in the home of
22
Abraham and Melinda Lewis until 20 May 1835. According to his tombstone, Messenger Lewis
died July 28, 1836. Probate records show death date as July 8, 1835.
Messenger Lewis purchased 40 acres of Public Domain land on May 5, 1835. The property he
purchased was the Southwest quarter of the Northeast quarter of Section 5, Township 14 North, 3
West of the 3rd Principle Meridian). The property is close to where Messenger is buried.
Location: From Springfield I-55, take Exit 96A Southeast on Route 29 through Berry to 10 East
(At FS Store). Turn right (south) to 8 South sign. Turn left (east) and go to the first brick house on
the left. (Residence of Jim and Pat Funderburk in 2009) “Martin Cemetery” is behind the barn.
Much of Anna Vasconcelles’ information was taken from the July 13, 1935 letter from the
Commissioner of Pensions and the probate records of Messenger Lewis.
Messenger Lewis’ Grave Dedication October 1996
Messenger Lewis Tombstone
The Springfield Chapters of DAR and SAR marked Messenger Lewis’ grave on October 6, 1996.
Sources: 1, 5, 6 Wright photos
2In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “John Lockridge was a native of
Augusta County, Virginia, early enlisted in the service, was in many battles, principally Guilford
Courthouse and the Cowpens. In 1835, he came to Sangamon County with four sons and four
daughters, settling in Ball Township. According to his head stone, John Lockridge died October
11, 1851 at age 89 years.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications reveals – John Lockridge, Virginia Survivor 31218
23
John Lockridge Grave Dedication 1997
John Lockridge Tombstone Chatham Cemetery
On page 462 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County we read “John Lockridge was
born about 1758 (actually 1762) in Augusta County Virginia. He enlisted about 1775, in the
revolutionary army and was in the battles of Guilford Courthouse, the Cowpens and many others.
For his service, he drew a pension the end of his life. Mr. Lockridge married in his native country
and moved to Montgomery County, Kentucky raised a large family and came to Sangamon
County, Illinois with his son, William A., arriving in 1835. He died in 1848.” Lockridge’s death
date of 1848 conflicts with his tombstone showing 1851.
John Lockridge’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
John Lockridge is buried in the Chatham Cemetery. The Captain William Penny Chapter DAR
marked his grave September 27, 1997.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Wright photos
29) ABRAM LUCAS
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Abram Lucas was born in 1761 in
Pennsylvania. He enlisted in Captain Brinton’s Company, Col. Lachlan McIntosh’s Regiment
serving four months on the frontier in Pennsylvania and also during an expedition against the
Indians. He served as an Indian spy. He removed to Sangamon County, Illinois and in 1836 he
applied for a pension which was not granted as he had served less than six months.” His wife was
Marcy (Martha) Kelsey. Abram Lucas died July 2, 1841.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications lists – Abram Lucas, Pennsylvania – S 6503
24
Abram Lucas Tombstone in Steenbergen Cemetery, Logan Co.
Abram Lucas’ name is on a plaque on the Logan County Court House placed by the Abraham
Lincoln Chapter DAR on June 27, 1975. The Abraham Lincoln Chapter DAR also marked
Abram’s grave in the Steenbergen Cemetery, Mt. Pulaski, Logan Co.
Sources: 1, 4, 5 Wright Photo
30) THOMAS MASSIE
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Thomas Massie was born
December 26, 1759, in Albemarle County, Virginia, where he entered the service. After the close
of the war he removed to Kentucky, and from there came to Sangamon County, Illinois, settling in
Curran Township, where he died in 1835. Thomas Massie is buried in the Old Salem burying
ground (aka Morgan Cemetery) near Curran north of Riddle Hill.”
On page 478 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says Thomas Massie was
born 1759, in Albermarle County, Virginia. He was a soldier in the Revolution for which he drew
a pension near the close of his life. He went to Kentucky after the Revolution and there became
personally acquainted with Simon Kenton, one of the associates of Daniel Boone in the early
settlement of Kentucky. Thomas Massie married Fanny Hudson, either of Kentucky or Virginia.
They had four children, none of whom ever came to Sangamon County. Mrs. Fanny Massie died in
Kentucky and Thomas Massie married Rebecca Collyer a native of Virginia. They had eight
children all born in Montgomery County, Kentucky. The family moved to Sangamon County,
Illinois arriving in 1828 in what is now Curran Township. Thomas Massie Sr. died Aug 19, 1835
and Mrs. Rebecca Massie died Sept 7, 1835 both in Sangamon County
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications reveals – Thomas Massie - Virginia survivor S31235
25
Thomas Massie Tombstone
Thomas Massie’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
The Springfield Chapter DAR marked Thomas Massie’s grave in January 12, 1973
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Wright Photo
31) JOEL (Maxey) MAXCY
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Joel Maxcy was born in
Rockingham County, Virginia, in 1762. He enlisted in the Virginia line of troops and was in the
battle of Guilford Courthouse. He removed to Kentucky and from there to Sangamon County,
Illinois, where he died on December 27, 1844, aged 83 years with his memory of distinguished
officers and events clear. He is buried in the Old Salem burying ground where a government
marker was placed at his grave.” Old Salem Cemetery is located north of Riddle Hill, in Sangamon
County.
On page 484 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says Joel Maxcy was born
about 1759 in Rockingham County Virginia. He was a soldier in a Virginia Regiment in time of
the Revolution, and was in the battle of Guilford Courthouse. He remembered having seen
generals Marion, Morgan, DeKalb and Gates. He was married after the war in Prince Edward
County (VA) to Mrs. Susan Hill whose maiden name was Davis. She had five children by her first
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Maxcy had three children in Virginia and in 1798 moved to Warren
County, near Bowling Green, Kentucky where one child was born. Mrs. Susan Maxcy died there
on August 27, 1812.
Joel Maxcy was married in Butler County, Kentucky to Mrs. Betsy Ann Brown Howard. They had
five children and the family moved to Sangamon County, Illinois arriving November 1827 at
Springfield and soon after moved to Island Grove Township, north of Spring Creek. Joel Maxcy
died December 27, 1844. Mrs. Betsy Ann Maxcy was born February 14, 1795 and died February
11, 1856.
26
Joel Maxcy Tombstone
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications shows – Joel Maxcy - Virginia – Betsy Ann
– Widow W5331 Bounty Land Warrant 26968 – 160 – 55.
Joel Maxcy’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
The Springfield Chapter DAR marked his grave January 31, 1975.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Wright Photo
32) LUANN (McDonnell) McDaniel
Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois indicated Luann McDaniel served as a nurse at
Valley Forge. Her spouse was Robert McDaniel born 1757, died July 4, 1826. He served in the
Revolutionary War and is buried in Bracken County, Kentucky. She is buried in the
Mechanicsburg Cemetery, near Dawson, Sangamon County, Illinois.
Luann McDaniel was born somewhere in Pennsylvania on October 8 1759. Her maiden name is
uncertain, possibly McDonnell. The DAR Patriot Index shows the following entry “Robert
McDaniel, Pvt Pa. born 1757, died 7-4-1826, m Luann McDonnel.” McDonnell however may be a
misspelling for McDaniel. The couple later moved to Clark County, Kentucky. Here Robert
witnesses the will of one, Isaac Baker on September 24, 1792. The will was copied by a Mrs.
Joseph Beard as Robert McDonnell, while a Mrs. J. Estelle Stewart King copied it as Robert
McDaniel.
That being as it may, Luann married Robert McDaniel of Pennsylvania in the winter of 1777-1778
and served as a nurse at Valley Forge. Illinois Veterans Commission Honor Roll of Sangamon
County (1956) list Luann as a nurse in the Army Nursing Corps at Valley Forge. Her descendants
also state this tradition in the family though no written records remain to confirm this claim.
There are no specific records in the Valley Forge Historical society of Luann McDaniel or nurses
who served there. In Valley Forge – A Chronicle of American Heroism by Frank V. Taylor, it
reads: “Many of the ladies of the vicinity assisted the women army nurses in the hospital.”
27
Woodamen’s History of Valley Forge adds “The Friends and Baptists meeting houses were made
into hospitals. Smallpox struck and the huts were built beyond the edge of the camp.” It seems
certain that there were nurses at Valley Forge and certain that they were sorely needed.
Robert and Luann McDaniel both apparently served at Valley Forge, Robert as a private in the
Continental Army and Luann as a nurse. When Robert and Luann married is not known. Robert
served three years, six months and was at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered.
Robert and Luann were the parents of five sons, all of whom are buried near their mother in the
Mechanicsburg Cemetery. Henry was born May 20, 1781 near Harrisburg, Penn and James a short
time later. The family moved to Stroude Station, Clark County, Kentucky in1786 and here were
born William in 1786, Jonathan in 1796 and Robert in 1799.
William McDaniel moved to Sangamon County, Illinois in 1833, the other two brothers following
later. The aged mother, Luann McDaniel arrived here with her youngest son, Robert in 1835. All
settled just west and north of Mechanicsburg within a few miles of each other. Robert settles in the
south edge of Buffalo Hart Township presently the J. R. Cravens farm. Here Luann McDaniel died
January 11, 1850 at 90 years of age. She is buried in Mechanicsburg Cemetery and the inscription
on her old tombstone reads “Luann wife of Robert McDaniel – died Jan 11, 1850, age 90 years, 2
months and 25 days.”
On October 19, 1969, the Sangamon County Historical Society placed a bronze marker on her
grave: “Luann McDaniel – 1759-1850 Served in the Revolutionary War as a nurse at Valley Forge
– emigrated to Sangamon County in 1835.”
Historical Society Marker Placed 1969
DAR Marker Placed 1975
28
Luann McDaniel Tombstone
The Sergeant Caleb Hopkins Chapter DAR marked her grave on May 3, 1975.
Sources: 1, 2, 5, 7 Wright Photos
33) DAVIS MEREDITH
According to the Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois, published by the Illinois
Genealogical Society as a Bicentennial project in 1976 served as a private in the Virginia Militia. He
was born in 1750 and died after May 24, 1825.His third wife is believed to be Ann Pritchard. He is
buried in Joe Brunk Cemetery, East Lake Drive, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.
Source: 2, 5
34) CHRISTIAN MILLER
Possible Patriot
Christian Miller is not listed in Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois. He is also not
listed in The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications.
Christian Miller is listed in Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois, published by the
Illinois Genealogical Society as a Bicentennial project in 1976 as having served in the American
Revolution. That document said Christian Miller died September 14, 1842. He is buried in Oak
Hill Cemetery, Buckhart, Sangamon County, Illinois.
The Honor Roll of Sangamon County published by the Veterans Commission of Illinois of 1956
lists buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Cooper Township – Christian Miller – Revolutionary War –
died September 14, 1842.
On page 528 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says “Christian Miller was
born Jan 12, 1771 in Loudon County, Virginia. Sarah Neer was born June 28, 1786 in the same
County and they were married there in 1807. They moved to Sangamon County arriving in
Springfield Jan 20, 1835. Mr. Miller entered two thousand one hundred acres of land in the vicinity
of the mouth of Buckhart Creek in what is now Cooper and Rochester Townships. On the 19th of
March 1835 his family moved to what is now Cooper Township. Christian Miller died Sept 14,
1842 and Mrs. Sarah Miller died August 20, 1864 both in Sangamon County.”
29
There is no mention in the other histories of Sangamon County that Christian Miller was a
Revolutionary soldier. Since Christian would have been only 12 years old at the end of the war, it
seems unlikely that he was a soldier though boys as young as 9 years old often did serve as
drummers, messengers and even soldiers in the militia.
Christian Miller Tombstone in Oak Hill Cemetery
Source: 2, 3, 5 Wright Photo
35) PETER MILLINGTON
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Peter Millington was a native of
far-away Vermont was in the service from that State, accompanying Ethan Allen and Benedict
Arnold on their expedition to Quebec, was taken prisoner, but when released, he again enlisted in
Captain William Hutchin's company, was made Sergeant, then Lieutenant. He came to Ohio and
from there to Sangamon County.”
On pages 524 and 525 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says Peter
Millington was born July 6, 1737 in Vermont. He was married in Boston, Mass in 1759 to
Henrietta Boulden of that place. She died within two years and Mr. Millington was married in
1769 to Mehetible Glass a native of Massachusetts. Mr. Millington was Captain in the
Revolutionary army and accompanied Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold on their expedition into
Canada. He was taken prisoner at Quebec and remained in captivity until the close of the war. Two
years later he moved to Millington Spring, New York where a son Marcus was born March 14,
1801, he being the youngest of five children and the only one who came west. Marcus
accompanied his father to Ohio and was married June 3, 1827 at Worthington (OH) to Jane Justice,
a native of the state (OH). They had two children there and came with his father to Sangamon
County, Ill arriving Oct 1839 and stopping for a short time at Mazeppa, in Cotton Hill Township
where one child was born. He soon after moved to Springfield.
Peter Millington died in August 1839 at age 102. His widow died the same year both in Sangamon
County. No tombstone.
Peter Millington’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield,
Illinois. The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 5
30
36) ZACHARIAH NANCE
Zachariah Nance was born May 5, 1760. In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we
read Zachariah Nance enlisted at New Kent County, Virginia, in Col. Harrison's Regiment. He was
in the battles of Monmouth and Stony Point. He died in Sangamon County, Illinois December 22,
1835 but Menard was set apart from Sangamon in 1839 and the place of burial is now in Menard
County. He was pensioned.
Wives were Jane Wilkins and Elizabeth (Morris) Bingley.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications shows Zachariah Nance – Continental –
Virginia- S31272 – Elizabeth – Who was a widow of Revolutionary soldier Lewis Bingley of
Virginia. She received a widow pension W 24325
Zachariah Nance is buried in Farmers Point Cemetery, Menard County, Illinois. The Pierre
Menard Chapter of DAR marked the grave October 23, 1932.
Zachariah Nance Tombstone – Front
Zachariah Nance Tombstone - Back
Elizabeth Nance - Tombstone
31
Zachariah Nance’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield,
Illinois. The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 4, 5 Wright Photos
37) JOHN OVERSTREET
John Overstreet was born 1760. In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read John
Overstreet was born in Virginia where he enlisted in the First Virginia Cavalry, when only fifteen
years of age. He enlisted again in 1777, for three years in the Fourteenth Regiment. He was in
many battles; Monmouth, Stony Point, Brandywine, and Germantown, and was at the siege of
Yorktown. He endured great hardships at Valley Forge. After the war was ended, he removed to
Ohio, and from there to Sangamon County, settling in Fancy Creek Township.” John died July 7,
1848 in Fancy Creek Township but was buried across the line in Athens, Menard County. He was
buried with military honors. He was pensioned. His wife was Nancy Dabney. The History of
Soldiers in Menard County indicate John Overstreet died July or August 8, 1848.
John Overstreet is listed on Page 960 of the 1912 History of Sangamon County as a Revolutionary
War soldier buried in Sangamon County.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications shows John Overstreet – Virginia – S40231.
John Overstreet is buried in Athens West Cemetery, Menard County. The Pierre Menard Chapter
DAR marked the grave. A direct descendant of John Overstreet, Carrol C. Hall asserted that the
DAR grave marking occurred in 1933.
John Overstreet Tombstone – Front
John Overstreet Tombstone - Back
32
John Overstreet Tombstone
John Overstreet’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Sources: 1, 2, 4, 5 Wright Photos
38) HENRY OWSLEY
Probable patriot.
According to the Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois, published by the Illinois
Genealogical Society as a Bicentennial project in 1976 Sangamon County a Henry Owsley served
in the American Revolution and is buried somewhere in Sangamon County.
In Oak Ridge Cemetery on the north side of the Bissell Mound in Block 12 and on Lots 8, 9, and
10 are two very old stones lying on the ground. A Henry Owsley is buried in this location and has
a tombstone. He is buried next to Thomas and Mary Owsley. According to Oak Ridge Cemetery
records, this Henry Owsley was born March 1755 and died Jan 1811.
Source: 2, 5
39) THOMAS OWSLEY
Thomas Owsley was born 1731. He served as a private in the North Carolina Continental Troops.
He enlisted in 1779 from North Carolina serving six months in Captain John Hardy’s company,
Col. Joseph McDowell’s Regiment; in 1780 for six months in Col. William Campbell’s Regiment;
in 1781 for six months in Captain William’s Neal’s Company, Col. William Campbell’s Regiment.
He was in the battles of Ramsour’s Mill, King’s Mountain, Cowpens and Guilford Courthouse. He
died November 1, 1796. His body was moved from the Owsley Plantation in Crab Orchard,
Kentucky and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois.
In Oak Ridge Cemetery on the north side of the Bissell Mound in Block 12 and on Lots 8, 9, and
10 are two very old stones lying on the ground. These are stones of Thomas and Mary Owsley.
Thomas and Mary were married in Virginia and migrated to Crab Orchard, Kentucky. Here they
had a large plantation and raised twelve children. In 1890, the plantation was sold and one of the
descendants of Thomas and Mary had their bodies and gravestones brought to Springfield and
reinterred at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Reportedly the stones were carved by a slave who worked as a
blacksmith on the plantation. The stones read” In memory of Thomas Owsley who deceased
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November 1st 1796 in the 65th year of his age.” “M. Owsley – who deceased September 16, 1808
in the 78th year of her age who had at the time of her death: 191 children & grandchildren and 35
of adoption – total 226.”
The Springfield Chapter DAR marked the grave on October 15, 1970.
Thomas Owsley Tombstone & Historical marker
Thomas Owsley Tombstone & DAR marker
Sources: 2, 5 Wright Photos
40) JOHN (Pease) PEAKE
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “John Peake was born in December
28, 1756 in Fairfax County, Virginia. He enlisted for six months with Captain Henry Lee. Owing
to ill health, he was discharged, but having recovered his health, he again enlisted in September
1777 for three months under Captain Benjamin Harrison and Major Martin Pickett. He removed to
Kentucky and was granted a pension there in 1833. He removed to Sangamon County, Illinois in
1830 settling in Salisbury where he died in December 21, 1841 and was buried in the Old
Salisbury Cemetery where his grave can still be (1917) seen.” He was pensioned. John Peake kept
a diary for many years, which is of great interest. He never married.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications shows John Peake – Virginia – S32439.
The various histories of Sangamon County make no reference to John Peake. The old Salisbury
Cemetery has gravestones showing burials there in the early 1840s though John Peake’s
gravestone can no longer be found.
Sources: 1, 2, 4
41) WILLIAM PENNY
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “William Penny was born in North
Carolina in 1751. He served Captain of a cavalry company, and passed through great privations
during the war. He removed to Pope County, Illinois, and from there to Sangamon County, settling
on Richland Creek, where he died, and is buried in the Richland Cemetery, Cartwright Township.”
A stone marks his grave. His wife was Elizabeth Barkley (1755 - 1822).
On page 563 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says “William Penny, the
father of Hiram was born in 1751 and was Captain of a company from North Carolina in the
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Revolutionary army. He moved to Pope County, Illinois and from there to Sangamon County and
died March 15, 1821 aged 70 years.”
Captain William Penny Tombstone
William Penny’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
The Springfield Chapter DAR marked the grave October 13, 1970.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Wright Photo
42) GEORGE PULLIAM
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “George Pulliam came from
Virginia where he served in the war. He was granted a track of land for his services. He came to
Sangamon County and is doubtless buried there.
On page 584 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County is says “the first settler of
Sangamon County was Robert Pulliam born April 12, 1776 in Henry County, Virginia the son of
John Pulliam and came to Sangamon County on October 20, 1817. Robert Pulliam died July 31,
1838 and is buried in Cumberland Cemetery in Ball Township. The histories of Sangamon County
make no mention of George Pulliam. If he did come to Sangamon County it would seem he was a
relative of Robert Pulliam and he is most likely buried in Cumberland Cemetery, Ball Township
near Glenarm.” His wife was Nancy.
George received bounty land for his service 13724-160-55. Nancy received a widow’s pension
W8539.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications shows six Pulliams – Drury, Joseph, Joseph,
Mosby, Thomas and Zachariah but no George.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
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43) JOHN (Purviance) PURVINES
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “John Purvines was a native of
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, born in June 19, 1760, enlisted in North Carolina, serving three
years under Cols. Davis and Wade Hampton, with Captains James White, William Penny, and
Robert Burns. He was in the battle of Camden and in the last skirmish of the Revolution, at Stono
Ferry, South Carolina. He was given a pension after residing in Sangamon County.
On page 586 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says John Purviance was
born 1760. The place he was born is not known but he went from Pennsylvania to the vicinity of
Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina. He was a soldier in the colonial army that achieved
American Independence. John Purviance and Nancy Ferguson were married and had three sons
and three daughters in North Carolina. John came to Sangamon County after nearly all of his
children had settled here. He died September 27, 1833, and is buried in Richland Baptist Church
Cemetery, Cartwright Township.” John’s second wife was Elizabeth Lisenby.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications shows John Purvines – NC/SC – S32459.
John Purvines’ name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
John Purvines’ Name On Veteran Group Memorial Tombstone
John Purvines’ Tombstone
The Springfield Chapter DAR marked this grave May 12, 1970.
Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Wright Photos
44) WILLIAM RALSTON, SR
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “William Ralston was a native of
Virginia, enlisted there when young, was present at the surrender of Cornwallis; he removed to
Kentucky, and in 1828, came to Gardner Township, Sangamon County, Illinois.
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William Ralston, Sr. died in July 7, 1835 and his wife, (Nancy McClure) eight or nine years later,
both in Sangamon County. They are buried in the Morgan Cemetery, Gardner Township one-mile
south of Farmingdale. In this cemetery is a row of stones marking the graves of members of the
Ralston family. At the end of this row are the remains of a base of two stones. Most likely this
location is the site of the graves of William Ralston and his wife. Reportedly, Spizz Springer, a
great, great-grandson of William Ralston, recalls seeing William’s stone at this location when he
was a child. On the other side of these two graves is the stone of Thomas Massie, another
Revolutionary War soldier from Virginia.
William Ralston was pensioned for service.
On page 591 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says “William Ralston born
in 1759, in Virginia was a Revolutionary soldier enlisting near the end of the war. He then was
quite young for a soldier but was at the siege and capture of Yorktown, and was present when Lord
Cornwallis surrendered to Gen. Washington. He was married in Virginia to Nancy McClure and
soon after removed to the vicinity of Crab Orchard, Kentucky and later to the vicinity of Mt.
Sterling, Montgomery County in the same state (KY). They had twelve children in Kentucky and
moved to Sangamon County Illinois arriving in 1828 on Spring Creek accompanied by five of his
children and the sixth came a year or two later. The others (children) remained in Kentucky.”
William Ralston’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield,
Illinois. The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911. It is
possible that the gravesite that is marked is William Ralston’s grandson (John H. Ralston) near the
patriot.
John H. Ralston’s Gravesite
Damaged and Misplaced Tombstones in Morgan Cemetery
The Springfield Chapter DAR marked the grave November 24, 1973.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 5 Wright Photos
45) THOMAS ROYAL, JR
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “Thomas Royal was born in
Manchester, England, March 27, 1754. Coming to America, he, with a comrade, enlisted in the
War for Independence. The friend was instantly killed in battle and Mr. Royal was wounded in the
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ankle. At the close of the war, he removed from Virginia to Ohio, and from there to Ball
Township, Sangamon County, Illinois, where he died in August 16, 1834, is buried in the Brunk
Cemetery, Ball Township. He was pensioned.”
On page 630 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says “Thomas Royal was
born about 1758 in Manchester, England. He came to American with a comrade about his age near
the beginning of the War for Independence. They both volunteered in the army of the colonists and
his comrade at his side had his head blown completely off. About the same time Mr. Royal was
severely wounded by a charge of buckshot entering his ankle some of which he carried to his
grave. After the Revolution he married a Miss Hannah Cooper in Virginia and raised a family.
Mrs. Royal died and he married Rebecca Matthews. They moved to Franklin County, Ohio where
Mrs. Rebecca Royal died leaving one child. Mr. Royal married Mrs. Ellen Brunk. They had one
child in Ohio and moved to Sangamon County, Illinois in the company of her sons, George and
David Brunk, the Newcomer family and others, numbering in all sixty-three persons arriving in the
fall of 1824 in what is now Ball Township. Mr. Royal died August 1834 and his widow died
September 1844 both in Ball Township, Sangamon County Illinois.”
In the old Brunk Cemetery stands a stone “Thomas Royal 1758-1834 – served in the War 1777.
Ellen, wife of T. Royal died Sept 2, 1843 aged 70 years.”
Thomas Royal’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
Thomas Royal Tombstone
The Francis Scott Key Chapter DAR, Baltimore, MD marked the grave in June 1967.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 5 Wright Photo
46) JOHN SAYRE
According to the Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois, published by the Illinois
Genealogical Society as a Bicentennial project in 1976, John Sayre served in the American
Revolution and is buried in the Anderson Cemetery (aka Sayre Cemetery) in Sangamon County.
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On page 641 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says “John Sayre was born
October 12, 1762 near Bridgeton, Cumberland County, New Jersey and was married there August
20, 1792 to Catharine Teel who was born May 3, 1774 near Bridgeton also. They had eleven
children in New Jersey and the family moved to Green County near Xenia, Ohio in 1822 and from
there to Sangamon County, Ill arriving in the fall of 1834, in what is now Cartwright Township
south of Richland Creek. Mrs. Catharine Sayre died Sept 18, 1835 and John Sayre died Dec 27,
1835 both near Richland Creek Sangamon County, Ill.”
The Anderson Cemetery is located in Cartwright Township – Section 1 – Northwest Quarter. It
stands on the north side of the east-west road and is fenced but many of the stones have been
knocked down. The County plat book of 1858 shows the property to belong to Sayre and Anderson
with a church and school there.
Broken Tombstones in Anderson Cemetery
Thomas Sayre’s Tombstone b Dec 1803 d Jan 1861
No marker can be found for John Sayre.
Source: 2, 3, 5, 9 Wright Photos
47) JACOB HENRY SHUTT
There is no mention of this man in Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois or the Index
of Revolutionary War Pension Applications. However, descendants of this patriot have joined
SAR. Currently (2009), DAR does not recognize this patriot
In the old Wimmer Cemetery in Auburn Township, there is a new looking tombstone which reads
“Elizabeth Shutt 1768- 1840 and Henry Shutt – 1763- 1852 Veteran of the Revolutionary War.”
On page 657 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County it says “Henry Shutt was born
July 1763 in Pennsylvania. His parents dying when he was a child, he went when he was a young
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man to North Carolina and was married there to Elizabeth Groves. They had four children and
about 1810 moved to Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, where they had three children and moved to
Sangamon County, Illinois arriving October 1829 in what is now Auburn Township. Mrs.
Elizabeth Shutt died in 1840 and her husband Henry Shutt, Sr. died in 1852 both in Auburn
Township, Sangamon County, Illinois. He was in his eighty-ninth year.”
A July 4, 1999 State Journal Register newspaper stated the National Archives in Washington, DC
showed that Jacob Shutt served in the Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment during Jan-Nov 1776 at Fort
Ticonderoga, NY and that Jacob had reenlisted May 15, 1777. His date of discharge is unknown.
Jacob and Elizabeth Shutt Tombstone
Source: 5 Wright Photo
48) GIDEON SIMS
Possible patriot
In 2009, Sharon White of Pleasant Plains wrote “Not much is known about Gideon Sims. He is
believe buried in Old Salem Cemetery. I did not find his grave. There are two Civil War veterans
by the name of Sims buried in Old Salem Cemetery …. “
When Dr. Floyd Barringer was working on his book of Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in
Sangamon County, he talked with members of the Sims family. They had been told that they had
an ancestor in the Revolutionary War and the soldier’s name was Gideon Sims.
Gideon Sims is recognized as a Revolutionary War veteran by the Sangamon County Genealogical
Society. For this reason we have listed him (Gideon) on the Pleasant Plains Veterans memorial.”
Source: 2
49) JOHN STRINGFIELD
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “John Stringfield was born in North
Carolina February 13, 1762. He served in the North Carolina troops, and was in the battle of King's
Mountain, October 7, 1780. He came to reside in Sangamon County in December 1821, but only
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lived nine days, dying January 5, 1822. He lies buried nine miles northeast of Springfield in the
Kern Cemetery.” His wife was Sarah Boydston.
On page 695 of the History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County is a biographical account of a
James Stringfield born 1765 in North Carolina and moved to Sangamon County in 1820 but no
mention of John Stringfield in other histories of Sangamon County.
Reportedly, Mr. Arthur Stringfield, a ggg-grandson of John Stringfield, said that he remembered
seeing a grave of John Stringfield in the Kern Cemetery nine miles northeast of Springfield.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications does not include the name of John
Stringfield.
John Stringfield’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911. John
Stringfield’s name was added to the marker on October 19, 1914.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
50) JAMES W. THOMAS (This Patriot is aka Thomas James)
Mrs. Harriet Walker’s book, Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois says “James Thomas was
born in Baltimore, MD in1750. He married Rebecca Logston on April 8, 1793.”
During the Revolution, James Thomas enlisted in the State of Maryland, city of Baltimore, in the
summer of the year 1776 in the Company commanded by David Plunkett Captain in the Regiment
commissioned by Colonel Stephen Mayland of Dragoon in the Continental Line of the state of
Pennsylvania. He continued in said company until the close of the war in 1782. He was discharged
in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was wounded in the Battle of Germantown and Savannah. He was
in the Battle of Brandywine, Monmouth and at the taking of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.
After the war, James removed to Indiana, them to Kentucky, coming to Illinois in the year 1831,
Sangamon (now Menard) County to live with his son, William Thomas.
James Thomas died November 2, 1833 in Sangamon (now Menard) County, Illinois. He is buried
in Old Concord Cemetery, Menard County, Illinois.
James Thomas Tombstone
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Sources: 1, 2 Wright Photo
51) JAMES TURLEY
James Turley was born in 1761. In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois it says
“James Turley served in the war from Virginia in 1777, in Capt. Thomas Pollard's company, Col.
Rumsey's regiment. He again enlisted in 1781, and again for four weeks in Col. Lyon's regiment.
He was in the battle of Germantown. A pension was granted him after coming to Sangamon
County, Illinois.” His wives were Agnes Kirby and Sarah (Hoblit) Lucas.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications lists – James Turley – Virginia – S11585
He died June 4, 1836 and is buried in the Carlyle Cemetery which at that time was known as the
Turley graveyard. That portion of Sangamon County is now part of Logan County.
James Turley’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
His name is also on a bronze plaque on the Logan County Court House placed there by the
Abraham Lincoln Chapter DAR on June 27, 1975.
Sources: 1, 2, 4
52) ARCHIBALD TURNER
Possible patriot. There is no mention of this man in Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in
Illinois or the Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications.
The Illinois Veteran Commission Honor Roll of Sangamon County, 1956 lists Archibald Turner –
Revolutionary War- Died June 9, 1855 – Old Salem Cemetery. The tombstone reads June 29th.
The Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois published by the Illinois Genealogical Society as
a Bicentennial project in 1976 lists Archibald Turner as serving in the Revolutionary War and cite the
Honor Roll of the Illinois Veterans Commission as their source.
His wives were Rachel (unknown) and Catherine White. Catherine White died May 10, 1870.
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Archibald Turner Tombstone
Sources: 2, 5 Wright Photo
53) JAMES WADDELL
In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “James Waddell was said to have
served in the war and is buried in Rochester, Illinois.”
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications lists James Waddell – South Carolina –
S39114
Sources: 1, 4, 5
54) JOHN WHITE
John White was born 1739. In Walker’s Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois we read “John
White was in the Pennsylvania line of troops in Capt. Benjamin Loxley's company. He enlisted in
1776, was pensioned while a resident of Sangamon County, Illinois.” He died here October, 1835,
age 96 years. His wife was Elizabeth Gordon (1749 – March 15, 1835).
John White moved to Sangamon (now Menard) County in 1819. He died March 23, 1835 and is
buried in the White (formerly Union) Cemetery in Tallula, Menard County, IL. Note that the death
dates for John White don’t agree.
The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications lists John White – Pennsylvania – S46678
John White’s name is on the bronze marker in the Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois.
The marker was first erected by the Springfield DAR and SAR on October 19, 1911.
The Pierre Menard Chapter DAR marked this grave on September 1, 1940.
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John White Tombstone
John White Tombstone and DAR marker
Source: 1, 2, 4, 5 Wright Photo
55) JOHN A. YOUNG
Reportedly buried in Sangamon County
Source: 2
Documentation Sources:
1. Mrs. Harriet Walker’s book, “Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois”, published in Los
Angeles in 1917
2. Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in Illinois, published by the Illinois State
Genealogical Society as a Bicentennial project in 1976.
3. History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois “Centennial Record” by John Carroll
Power, Springfield, Illinois 1876
4. The Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications
5. Mrs. Jackie Wright, noted Springfield historian
6. Springfield Chapters DAR and SAR Dedication of Messenger Lewis Marker Program 06
October 1996
7. The Illinois Veterans Commission Honor Roll of Sangamon County, 1956
8. Pennsylvania Archives, Philadelphia: J. Severns & Co
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9. Cemetery Names and Locations in Sangamon County Illinois 1776 Bi-centennial 1976,
Sangamon County Genealogical Society
10. Floyd S. Barringer’s Revolutionary Soldiers of Sangamon Co.
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