Why A Revolutionary War Monument? | Honoring Owen County Patriots

By: Teresa Swigert

“Why a Revolutionary War monument?” The simple answer is: “Because there isn’t one.”

There is no monument in Owen County, Kentucky, honoring the brave and determined patriots who fought for America’s freedom during the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783. A few individual grave markers are located throughout the county, but a single monument recognizing all of these patriots would provide a meaningful tribute.

The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is requesting community support to erect a monument at IOOF Cemetery in Owenton. The chapter has already purchased a double plot and raised $3,272 toward its $15,000 goal.

The monument will memorialize approximately 47 patriots who settled in the area now known as Owen County after serving in the Revolutionary War. That number reflects those who applied for war pensions or whose widows applied for pensions. Many others never applied for pensions, and documentation of their wartime contributions may not exist.

According to research notes compiled by the late Doris Shell Gill, a professional genealogist and former Owen County resident:

“The total number of pensions granted nationwide to soldiers of the Revolution and their widows was 62,069. Kentuckians account for more than 3,000 of this number. Taking into consideration the large number of soldiers who had not served long enough to become entitled to a pension, those who refused to apply and those who died before pensions became available, it is apparent that there must have been, by moderate estimation, at least three Revolutionary soldiers who never received a pension for every one who did.”

Although some Owen County patriots may not be included on the monument, their service and sacrifice still deserve recognition.

What better way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than by making a donation? Every dollar helps and is greatly appreciated.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Checks should be made payable to John Guill–Polly Hawkins Craig Chapter DAR. Please write “Monument” in the memo line.

Mail donations to:

Kitty Cammack, Treasurer

1820 Jonesville Road

Owenton, KY 40359-8251

Donations may also be given to any chapter member.

Local chapter officers are Sandra Bush, regent; Carol Shelton, chaplain; and Peggy Trinkle, registrar.

Additional opportunities to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial locally include attending programs hosted by the Owen County Historical Society. This year, the society has already presented several Revolutionary War-themed programs.

In March, Dallas Stafford presented “Fort Boonesborough During the Revolutionary War.” In April, Bonnie Strassell presented “Kentucky Women in the Revolutionary War.” In May, Tom Strassell and James French presented “Defending the Kentucky Frontier,” featuring a display of Kentucky weapons used to defend the frontier during the Revolutionary War.

On Oct. 10 at 10 a.m., costumed interpreters will lead visitors through IOOF Cemetery on a journey honoring Owen County Revolutionary War patriots.

Only a few patriots currently have markers in Owenton, but a monument honoring all would serve as a lasting tribute to their legacy.

The following list is not all-inclusive, but you may recognize one of your ancestors:

James Ball, Richard Bennett, John Berry, John Bond, Samuel Boone, Andrew Bourne, Robert Burke, Henry Carter, James Chandler, Samuel Cobb, Hugh Conway, William Dahoney, Isaac Ellis, John Garnett, Job Garvey, John Guill, John Hammon, Jacob Heddleston, Benjamin Holiday, Lawrence Hoover, Jacob Hunter, John Jamison, Edward Jennings, Solomon Jennings, Joseph Jones, Edward D. Kenny, John Kugel, William Lawrence, William Ligon, Sherwood Maddox, Alexander Major, James Mason, Alexander McClellan, Hugh McCormick, Joseph Minor, Thomas Parsley, Minus Radcliff, Benjamin Robinson, John Sanders, John Searcy, Henry Sparks, Jacob Stamper, Robert Stewart, Edward Stivers, John Thomas, Henry Toon, Louis Vallandingham, John Wade and John Wilhite.