On a beautiful fall day on the crest of a hill in Williamstown Kentucky, friends, family and members of the Lafayette Kentucky & Cincinnati Ohio Chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) gathered at the Barnes family cemetery to honor American Revolutionary War patriots John Barnes and George Wolfe.
Both of these men were pioneers in settling the surrounding rolling hills of Kentucky.
Prayers for the fallen and living
Representatives of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Children of the American Revolution (CAR) also participated.
Children of the Sons of the American Revolution representative presents a wreath and salute those fallen Patriots
Barnes and Wolfe Families were present at this event. All together there were in excess of 40 members of the two families in attendance. There were approximately 20 members of the two SAR chapters in full period correct uniforms of the day.
Stone Markers installed at the graves of Wolfe and Barnes by the SAR
These two Revolutionary War Patriots both have a significant number of descendants, including Cincinnati SAR member Michael Gunn, with many residing nearby.
Mike Gunn with opening remarks to the crowd
Barnes and Wolfe were each was awarded a land grant in this area as a payment for their service American Revolutionary War service to our new country. The two original plats of land conveyed were visible from the rear of the cemetery.
Color Guard “Shoulder Arms”The Color Guard commander was Patrick Wesolosky, with Brad acting as his adjutant. Mike Blum acting as flag bearer.
The Color Guard Commander was Patrick Wesolosky, with Brad Jarard acting as his adjutant.
The Color Guard commander was Patrick Wesolosky (on right).
To start the event, the Cincinnati SAR Color Guard Commander Brad Jarard gave a brief and informative living history presentation to the family and visitors.
Cincinnati Color Guard Commander Brad Jarard gives presentation
Mr. Jarard provided a reality lesson about the conflict, how the opposing forces fought, the weapons they used, how they operated and answered a number of questions from the visitors.
Color Guard Members at Order arms
Color Guard members on the march
The SAR participants mingled with the crowd to address questions. It was a moving experience for the SAR participants to share stories and knowledge to help Americans understand those times and how our ancestors lived.
Members of the Barnes family
Members of the Wolfe Family
Members of the Kentucky SAR
Many wreaths representing a number of patriotic organizations were presented and their representatives saluted the tombstones of Mr. Barnes and Mr. Wolfe.
Ohio Society President Jack Bredenfoerder salutes during wreath presentation ceremony
The audience was addressed by representatives of the SAR chapters, DAR and family members who participated in this moving event.
Representatives in attendance at event
Flags of the American Revolution flown and swayed actively in the breezes flowing up from the valley below the cemetery. They were beautiful all lined up and looking alive.
Flags need a stiff breeze to come alive!
The Color Guards from Ohio and Kentucky joined together to present colors and honor these two fallen patriots.
Kentucky and Ohio SAR members in attendance
A three round musket volley was fired, followed by a mourning salute to these fallen patriots.
Three Round Musket Salute
Mourning salute to our fallen Patriots
Taps was played to complete the program.
Taps played by Master Bugler Gordon Stokely
The GPS coordinates for the cemetery are: GPS [38.4688395 –84.4449202]
Ceremonial Wreaths in foreground, Barnes Family member greets crowd
There was plenty of pomp and formality to the ceremony, however the most rewarding was watching the grateful family members and guests mingle with the engaging SAR participants. Lots of information and stories were shared.
Lee Wilkerson, Chaplin for the ceremony addresses the large crowd
Cincinnati SAR Jerry Knight ringing bell to remember fallen Patriots
Sharing the newspaper article in the Cynthiana Democrat (KY) Newspaper on October 20th https://www.cynthianademocrat.com/content/revolutionary-war-vets-honored
Sharing the newspaper article in the Falmouth Outlook (KY) newspaper on October 25th, 2022. Sorry the quality is not great. Tried to locate and link to article within newspaper, unsuccessful. The event was newsworthy!
What was my biggest takeaway is that these two patriots who died almost 200 years ago are honored and their sacrifice recognized by family and friends who live very different lives than those of our forefathers.
We hope their efforts are never forgotten.
