Daughters of the American Revolution honor country’s first veterans

In anticipation of Memorial Day, the Saint Charles Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) honored some of the country’s earliest veterans by placing flags at their graves in St. Charles County.

These men served their country when it first began by becoming soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Later, they moved west to St. Charles County and were buried in the local area.

Many descendants of these men live in the area today and some are even members of the Saint Charles Chapter of the NSDAR. Joan Koechig, member and former Chapter Regent who is a descendant of Samuel Wells, commented, “Not only did Samuel Wells serve during the American Revolution, but he served honorably during the War of 1812. It is important to remember our ancestors and recognize their heroic efforts in establishing our country.”

Revolutionary War Soldiers with known graves in St. Charles County include Samuel Wells, Joseph Baugh, David Bryan, James Bryan, Warren Cottle, John Castlio, David Darst, Zachariah Moore, Adam Zumwalt
Christopher Zumwalt, Jacob Zumwalt, John Zumwalt and John Pitman.

According to the Saint Charles Chapter of the NSDAR, Matthew Farmer, William Hays and Ebenezer Ayre are assumed to be buried in Saint Charles County but their exact burial sites are unknown.

“The Saint Charles Chapter has marked the graves of seven Revolutionary War patriots in the last five years,” Registrar Patti Dickherber said. “We feel it is a privilege and an honor to be able to mark their graves and decorate them for Memorial Day. We would especially like to thank the cemeteries and landowners who care for the grave sites of our heroes. We met a few of them Monday and they understand the privilege and responsibility of their charge.”

Anyone knowing of other Revolutionary War soldiers buried in St. Charles County can contact Dickherber at pdickherber@yahoo.com.