Eight Patriot Monument dedicated at Old Potts Graveyard

On a beautiful Fall morning on 28 October at the Old Potts Graveyard near Hillsboro, Potts family members and members of Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution gathered to dedicate a monument honoring eight Patriots of the American Revolution. Research over several years uncovered records establishing that each of the eight men honored rendered service in support of the Revolution. Several served in military units, others gave material aid, or purchased the services for another man to serve in their place.

Patriots honored were: Ezekiel Potts, Peter Gideon, Thomas Purcell, Samuel Pursel, John Campbell, Nathan Potts, John Conard, and David Williams. A short biographical sketch for each Patriot was presented. The sketch included a description of Patriotic service each Patriot gave to the cause of Independence and Liberty.

Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter President Ken Bonner was master of Ceremonies. Compatriot Mark Sink acted as Color Guard and Musket volley commander for presentation of Colors and the rendering of a three-shot musket volley honoring the Patriots. Wreaths were presented by: Michael Wyler-2nd Vice President Virginia SAR, Kecia Brown-Chair Virginia DAR/SAR/SR Relations, James Cordes-Virginia Brigade Society of the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge, Ken Bonner-Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter VA SAR, David Peters-Fairfax Resolves Chapter VA SAR, Ken Morris-George Mason Chapter VA SAR, John Lynch-Williamsburg Chapter VA SAR, Rick Abbott-John Paul Jones Chapter MD SAR, Jim Whitworth-Col. Alexander Lillington Chapter NC SAR, Anita Bonner-Lanes Mill Chapter VA DAR, Paula Schwoerer-Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter VA DAR, Stacey Bassett-Ketoctin Chapter VA DAR, Margaret Stromberg-Cameron Parish Chapter VA DAR.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter performed the research identifying patriots identified on the monument, coordinated with the Virginia Society SAR contact for Patriot Graves to order the Monument, and supervised installation of the monument. All the work was coordinated with the Potts family, trustees of the Cemetery and descendants of David Potts, founder of the Cemetery and progenitor of the Potts family in Loudoun County. David Potts, a quaker from Pennsylvania, settled the land in 1746. The land is still occupied by the descendants of David Potts. The SMJC Chapter gives a Revolutionary era cheer "HUZZAH" to Edwin "Eddie" and Marty Potts for their cooperation.