Revolutionary War Patriots Buried in Crawford County

Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Crawford County, taken from a note book compiled in 1924 by Miss Mayme Walters, member of James Halstead Sr. Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

George Baith was born in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1762. He enlisted in 1777 in the Pennsylvania Troops, and was taken prisoner; was removed to a hospital on account of severe wounds. After he recovered and was released, he again enlisted in Berkely County, Virginia, in 1780, for three months, serving as a driver for baggage wagons in Gen. Wayne's army. He removed to Crawford County, Illinois, settling in Palestine. He died on October 4, 1844, and is buried near Villas. He was pensioned.

Peter Barrack served in the Maryland Troops. He came to Crawford County, Illinois, and there applied for a pension. (Pension Department).

Silas Beckwith was born in Lynn, Conn., but served in the Massachusetts Troops. Was a First Lieutenant in Captain Lusk's Company, in the second Berkshire Regiment. He was commissioned February 14, 1780. He moved to Crawford County, Illinois, and is probably buried in the county. He was pensioned.

William Dunlap was born in Laurence County, South Carolina, in 1760. He enlisted March. 1780, for six months with Captain Joseph Pearson and Col. Casey. In 1781 he again enlisted for three months with Captain Duval and Captain Kennar Hudson. Again he served in 1782 with Captain Kennar Hudson. In 1818 he moved to Crawford County, Illinois, settling in Robinson Township. He died July 2, 1835, and is buried near Villas. He was pensioned.

William Fellows was born October 5, 1756 or 1757, about 28 miles from Boston, Mass. He served in the War for Independence from Massachusetts in Captain Samuel Taylor's Company and Col. Nicholas Dikes' Regiment in 1775. In 1777 he was with Captain Lawrence Kemp's Company and Col. Leeward's Regiment. Also with Captain Benjaman Phillips and Col. Elisha Porter. He again enlisted in 1778, serving till December 1779, and once again enlisting in 1779, serving till 1780. He moved to Indiana and from there to Crawford County, Ill., where he died January 18, 1840, very aged. He was pensioned November 20, 1824. Buried in Kitchell Cemetery.

Thomas Gill served as Captain in the South Carolina Troops. He was wounded at Savannah, October 9, 1779, and again at Eutaw Springs, September 8, 1781. He came to Illinois and for a time lived in Franklin County, but removed to Crawford County, Ill., settling four miles northwest of Palestine, where he died in 1840. He was pensioned.

Daniel Kenny served in the Virginia line of Troops. He came to Crawford County, Ill., and died there August 9, 1824. He was pensioned.

Adam Keplinger is said to have been a Revolutionary War soldier, but no official record of service has been found. He is buried in the Keplinger Cemetery. "Traditional Records."

Thomas Kincaid was born in Ireland and came to America with the British Army, but served in the Continental Troops. He was at the Battle of Bunker Hill, serving as Orderly Sergeant. He moved to Pennsylvania from New York, then to Ohio, then to Kentucky, and from there to Indiana. In 1840 he came to Crawford County, Ill., where he died at the advanced age of 105 years. "County History of Crawford."

Samuel Kincaid came with his father and served as a drummer boy at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was also in the War of 1812. He came with his father to Crawford County, locating in Montgomery Township, and is probably buried there. He died at the age of 103. "Crawford County History."

Othniel Looker was born in New Jersey, Morris County. in 1757. He enlisted in May 1776, for one month; again for five months, the same year, and again for one month under Captains Obadiah and David Bates, with Colonels Spencer and Epriam Martin. He served again from 1777 to 1782, in all 18 months, with Captains Kitchell and Jonas Ward under Col. Matthais Ogden. He was in the battles of Long Island and White Plains. He moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, and from there to Crawford County, Illinois. He died August 29, 1846, and is buried in the Kitchell Cemetery. His grave is marked and he was pensioned.

David McGahey served in the war from Virginia. He came to Crawford County, Illinois. to reside. He was a prominent citizen, was a member of the State Legislature. He died in September, 1851. For years David McGahey was a justice of the peace in Crawford County. He is buried on the Netherly Farm south of Palestine. "Virginia Records."

Constantine McMahon was from Pennsylvania, where he served with Captain John Brisbane's Co., Third Regiment. His period of service ended April 1, 1777. He came to Crawford County. Illinois. and died there.' is buried in the Keplinger Cemetery in Landes Township. His grave is marked. "Pennsylvania Archives."

Thomas Patton was from North Carolina, but was born at Marlboro, Pa., April 25, 1735. He enlisted in the North Carolina Troops in 1779, serving six months with Capt. John Hardy and Col. Joseph McMadowell. He served again for six months in 1780 with Col. William Campbell and again in 1781 for the same time with Capt. Neal and Col. Caimpbell. He served m the Battles of Ramsours Mill, Kings Mountain, Cowpens, and Guildfords Court House. He came to Crawford County and died m Palestine Township.

Asa Pifer was born in 1762 in Concord, Middlesex County, Mass., where he served in the war, enlisting when he was only 17 years of age. He served in Capt. Phineas Parker's Company from Concord, serving six months from June 5, 1780. Also from June 1781. He came to Palestine, Crawford County, Illinois, to reside and probably died there. His death occurred on August 10, 1834. He was pensioned.

David Shipman served in the War from Virginia. He came to Crawford County, Illinois, and died there.

John Taylor Is said to have served in the War from Virginia, but as Thirteen men from that state by the same. name are recorded it has not been determined which one came to Crawford County. "Traditional Records."

J. Mullins is buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and his grave 15 marked by a very small sandstone. It has his name and age on it. The grave is near the gate and on the left.

Benjamin Highsmith, a native of New Jersey, served in a Regiment from that state for seven years with Gen. Washington's army in the Revolutionary War. He emigrated to Illinois and settled in what is now Montgomery Township of Crawford County. He died there about 1832 and was buried in the vicinity of his home. His wife died about the same time and was buried by his side. This place is not a burying ground and these are the only persons buried there. Benjamin had a daughter called "Hopy," who married John Ford, and their daughter Elizabeth married John Miller Jones. Benjamin Highsmith's grave is located on what is called the "Alonzo Lindsay" farm in Montgomery Township.
[Note from Mary Kozy: While a Benjamin Highsmith did exist, he was not the father of Hopestill "Hopy" Highsmith. Her father was Thomas Highsmith, born in abt 1758, probably in North Carolina. Her mother was Sarah Woods, born 21 Apr 1751 who was from New Jersey. My understanding in having spoken with Chris Bailey, editor of Highsmiths in America, is that Benjamin is a composite ancestor, made up from a number of different men who came to the county early. The Benjamin Highsmith that I am aware of was a brother of Thomas' who was born about 1764.]

 

This page last updated on March 18, 2022.