Westminster Chapter SAR Holds First Grave Marking
On Saturday, 16 May 2009, the Westminster Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), honored the sacrifices of Pvt. James Crawford, a patriot of the American Revolution, by marking his grave in St. Luke’s (Winters) Cemetery, New Windsor, Maryland. This was the first Grave Marking performed by the Westminster Chapter in its twenty-four year history. While weather reports threatened rain for the day, the ceremony itself was graced with sun and cool temperatures. Attendance was light, but included members of the chapter, representatives of the William Winchester Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, members of St. Luke’s church and the state Color Guard of the Maryland Society, SAR. Chapter vice president James F. Engler, Sr. served as master of ceremonies.
Following welcoming remarks, Vice President Engler read a message from a Crawford family descendant. The color guard, consisting of five members of the sate Color Guard in Revolutionary War uniforms, marched with three members of the Westminster Chapter as flag bearers to present the Colors to 
start the ceremony. Chapter President Cecil M. Massie, Sr. provided the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by VP Engler and the Pledge to the SAR led by Compatriot Marvin Devilbiss. Chapter VP Engler then read a short biography of Pvt. James Crawford, before pulling the cover off the new marker, which was then dedicated with a blessing by Compatriot William Hiatt. The Color Guard then fired their muskets three times, providing a 15 gun salute that echoed across the fields surrounding the cemetery. Following a benediction by President Dr. Cecil Massie, the colors were retired. Attendees then enjoyed a reception of light refreshments in the church’s hall that adjoins the cemetery.
James Crawford was born about 29 October 1761 and died 12 February 1839. He joined the revolutionary cause when he was but 16 years old and served until mustered out in 1783. During his service he fought in numerous battles, including Guilford Court House and Camden. At the Battle of Camden he was wounded; this wound would trouble him the rest of his life. He received a pension from the Federal Government for his services in the war. He lived most of his adult life in the New Windsor area. He was preceded in death by his wife Catherine (who died about ten years before him and is buried next to him) and survived by one daughter, Elizabeth, who died unmarried in 1872.
Special thanks are due to Charlotte Hollenbeck as well as the entire staff and committees of St. Luke’s for their help and support in helping make this event possible. Special thanks are also due to Compatriots James F. Engler, Sr., Marvin Devilbiss and Brian E. Gardner, for their work to obtain and place the marker and organize the ceremony itself.
Click on any of the pictures to enlarge them.
For more pictures from the event please see the Photo Gallery.
