Monument to 74 Black Patriots Dedicated in Warsaw, VA

Years of research came to fruition on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in front of the Richmond County Courthouse when a monument honoring 74 black patriots of the Northern Neck of Virginia was dedicated. The dedication ceremony was hosted by the James Monroe Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution. Research documenting Patriotic Service was provided by members of the Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society, James Monroe Chapter VASSAR, Richard Henry Lee Chapter VASSAR, Henricoplis Chapter DAR, and the Leedstown Resolutions Chapter DAR. Dedication of the monument on the first day of Black History Month was appropriate.

The ceremony was attended by National Society Sons of the American Revolution Secretary General Michael Elston who gave remarks. Also attending was President of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution William "Bill" Greaf. Guest speaker was Charles Jameson of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR. Charles is a descendant of a black patriot who fought in the Revolutionary War with the Culpeper Minuteman. He has largely been responsible for identifying 20 black Patriots serving in the Culpeper County area and contributing to research documenting the 74 Patriots named on the monument in Warsaw..

Surnames of Black Patriots listed on the monument include: Ailstock, Boyd, Cary, Cassidy, Causey, Davis, Davise, Day, DeBaptist, Fry, Haws, Hinton, Hughes, Joyles, Knardy, Laws, Lee, Lewis, Lucas, Mahorney, McCoy, McGee, Morrison, Needham, Nickens, Oats, Payne, Peebles, Pinn, Ranger, Rich, Richeson, Shavers, Shaw, Sorrell, Tate, Thomas, Weaver, Welch, Whitson, Wood.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter based in Loudoun County was represented by President Barry Schwoerer. Mr. Schwoerer presented the chapter wreath, marched in color Guard and fired a three shot volley as part of the Virginia Society SAR Combined Firelock Squad. For more information on the John Champe chapter visit our website at: https://johnchampe-sar.org