Michael B. Gunn, Ph.D.
Past President, Patriot Graves Chair CCSAR
Photos By Mrs. Carole Gunn and Compatriot Gary Duffield
At 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2019 the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (Cincinnati SAR) began a presentation of historical proportions, literally. Our Drill Master John Bradley Jarard lead a demonstration to an audience of more than 60 attendees gathered at the Baker Family Cemetery, 1743 US Highway 22/3 Morrow, OH.
He was assisted by 11 members of our Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard (NCMCG) wearing various uniforms of the era. They presented Revolutionary War tactics and field movements, a Bayonet Charge and a blank musket/rifle firing. Members then mingled with the audience for a short time to answer questions and give a closer look at uniforms, weapons, etc. We returned to the field and prepared for the Remembrance and Grave Marking of Patriot Darby Shawhan.
Cincinnati SAR President Turner Lee Wilkerson as Emcee of the ceremony opened with a direction to Color Guard field commander Brad Jarard to post the colors, followed by Gregg Ballman leading the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag; an Invocation by Chaplain Dr. Ed Boniwell and our pledge to the SAR led by Michael Blum.
President Wilkerson then welcomed and introduced:
- DAR Regent Wanda Langdon of the Clough Valley Chapter, DAR.
- The attending Descendants of Darby Shawhan: Jay D. Pruden, Amy Pruden Snodgrass, Jacob Snodgrass, Seth & Karen Pruden, Jans Pruden Kiphart and Gayle Heath.
- Ms Sami Baker Smith who gave us permission for the ceremony at this place.
- Nan Cahall, Staff Assistant, Southwest OH Dist. Dir. to Senator Ron Portman.
- Mr David McCandless, Representative of U.S. Congress Steve Chabot presented a 50 Star US Flag for Darby Shawhan to his descendants.
Next, Compatriot Gary Duffield was called to unveil the Grey Granite SAR Marker lain to show the Respect of the SAR for this Revolutionary War Patriot; Compatriot Michael Gunn was asked read the Dedication for the Memorial; President Wilkerson read the abstract of Darby Shawhan’s life and service to the
USA.
Wreaths were Presented to the gravesite by:
- Lee Wilkerson, V.P. OH Society on behalf of OHSSAR President Shawn Cox.
- Shaun Smith, Webmaster Cincinnati SAR for the Cincinnati Chapter SAR.
- Regent Wanda Langdon for the Clough Valley Chapter DAR.
- The 9 attending Descendants of Darby Shawhan on behalf of all Patriots.
- Camp Followers Emmie Blum (CAR) and Macey Smith then presented long stem red roses to all descendants, Sami Baker Smith and her daughter.
President Wilkerson requested the NCMCG commander to give the musket salute. The nine flintlocks then fired three rounds in honor to patriot and all veterans who have enabled the freedom and liberty we enjoy here in these United States of America.
Bagpiper Gerry Kelly Fritsch concluded the ceremony with the piping of “Amazing Grace.” Emcee Wilkerson then gave the SAR Recessional, called for the Benediction by Chaplain Bonniwell and then declared the Colors were to be retired in place and As we were dismissed by Emcee Turner Lee Wilkerson at about 3:30 PM.
Everyone was cautioned to cross the highway with the guidance of the Hamilton Township Police who provided the traffic direction to all in attendance and to the heavy flow of vehicles on US Route 22 through the courtesy of Township Administrator Brent Centers.
The attendees were all of a single mind that the pageant was unique and the historical information new to most and well worth the climb up the hill and the time to learn of the activity and circumstance of the Revolutionary War era.
Grave Marking Ceremony
Living History Presentation
