TWO VETERANS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND WAR OF 1812 HONORED AT FLINT HILL CEMETERY, OAKTON
On October 15, the Sons of the American Revolution and the Society of the War of 1812 placed markers and conducted a grave marking ceremony at Flint Hill Cemetery in Oakton. The event was planned by Paul Walden, George Washington Chapter Grave Marking Chair and Vice President General for the Society of the War of 1812. Several days before the event, GWSAR Compatriot Luc Chevalier assisted Compatriot Walden in placing the markers and flags on the graves (see 1st photo). The marker for John Chapman Hunter is unique in that it has the insignia of both the SAR and Society of the War of 1812 indicating his service in both conflicts. Compatriot Dale Corey, of the Col James Wood II Chapter, assisted in the design and procurement of this unique marker that will be used in future joint ceremonies with the Society of the War of 1812. Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution chapters participating included George Washington, George Mason, Col. William Grayson, Col James Wood II, Sgt Maj John Champe and Culpeper Minutemen. The Virginia Society SAR Color Guard included Chip Daniel, Richard Tyler, Paul Christensen, Ken Morris, Thad Hartman and, representing the War of 1812, Mike Lyman. The markers were officially dedicated by Thomas Roth, Historian, Virginia SAR and Mike Lyman, Past President, Society of the War of 1812 in VA.
The two veterans honored were John Chapman Hunter, who served as a Private in the 15th VA. Regiment during the American Revolution and as a Major in the 60th VA Regiment in the War of 1812. He was later promoted to Brigadier General. His home, “Contemplation”, stood where the current Mosby Landing condominiums are on Chain Bridge Road. Hunter, as a fellow Mason with George Washington, also participated in the laying of the cornerstone of the US Capitol in 1793. The second veteran honored was William Whitaker who served as a Captain in the Massachusetts 2nd Regiment in the War of 1812.
Submitted by Paul Walden, George Washington Chapter Virginia SAR
Tom Roth and Mike Lyman dedicate marker
Luc Chevalier assists Paul Walden in placing the marker
Front row, Paul McComb, Richard Rankin, Chip Daniel, Paul Walden, Bill Bland, Rand Pixa,
Back Row, Tom Roth, Mike Lyman, Richard Tyler, Paul Christensen, Pete Davenport, Ken Morris, Thad Hartman, Allan Phillips, Ernie Coggins, Gene Thomas, Bill Wilson, Mrs. Scott Bryant, Scott Bryant