PATRIOT BURIALS

Inscription

PATRIOT BURIALS
SAND RUN CHURCH CEMETERY.
BURIALS AS EARLY AS CA. 1828
AT LEAST FOUR REVOLUTIONARY
WAR PATRIOTS INTERRED HERE
BETWEEN CA. 1828-1864.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2025

The origins of the American Revolution can be traced back to 1775, when the first shots were fired between colonial and British forces at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Soon after, the American Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. As the newly formed United States went to war with Great Britain, hundreds of men across the Thirteen Colonies joined the fight. These men came from different walks of life; some were farmers, others were tradesmen, lawyers, doctors and merchants. Despite their differences they desired the same thing: freedom and independence. Colonial forces faced severe challenges, including lack of supplies and military training, however in the face of obstacles they were undeterred. After nearly eight years the colonies defeated Great Britain and successfully achieved their independence. It is important to remember the lives and sacrifices made by those who fought for American freedom.

Sand Run (Baptist) Church Cemetery is the final resting place for many of the community’s early residents, with burials as early as ca. 1828. Among those interred here between ca. 1828—1864 are at least four Revolutionary War patriots, including: Chichester Matthews, Thomas Mills, Cave Johnson, and Elizabeth “Betsey” Craig Johnson.

Patriots, as defined by the Patriot Burials program, are defined as those who were at all times unfailing in loyalty and rendered acceptable service to the cause of American independence. Elizabeth “Betsey” Craig Johnson, the wife of veteran Cave Johnson, provided water to the troops at the Battle of Bryan’s (Bryant’s) Station. Men, women, and children alike supported the call for American independence, serving in all capacities or providing aid in a variety of ways to the cause. Many women supported their family and, in a few instances, joined the war effort at great risk if discovered.