Revolutionary War Colonel William Grayson Commemorated in Woodbridge

The Colonel William Grayson Chapter (CWG) Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR) sponsored a commemoration of their namesake, Revolutionary War Soldier, and Prince William County resident, Colonel William Grayson. The ceremony was held on March 15 at the tomb of William and Spence Grayson, brothers who both fought in the Revolutionary War. The tomb is located at what was once known as Belle Air Plantation overlooking the Potomac River.

William Grayson was born to Scottish immigrants in 1742 in what is now Woodbridge, VA. He was educated by a tutor, then at the University of Pennsylvania. Family stories say he received a degree from Oxford University in England. He returned to Prince William County where he opened a law practice that affiliated with George Mason and George Washington. As tensions between England and the Colonies increased he served on the Prince William County Committee of Correspondence and on committees for military preparedness. He was appointed by George Washington as his Assistant Secretary in June of 1776 and then as Aide-de-camp in June 1776 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He recruited what became known as Grayson's Additional Continental Regiment in June 1777 and became it's Colonel. His Regiment wintered at Valley Forge and in several battles after the Army broke winter camp. Grayson resigned his commission in 1779 to serve on the Congressional Board of war, and in 1781 returned to Dumfries.

After the war, Grayson allied himself with Patrick Henry against the ratification of the Constitution because it lacked a Bill of Rights. Despite his opposition, he accepted nomination for, and was elected one of the first two senators under the newly ratified Constitution. He served from March 4, 1789 to his death on March 12, 1790. He was the first, and only, United States Senator elected from Prince William County, and first senator to die in office. Grayson's will specified that his slaves born after the independence of the Untied States be manumitted (freed).

Five chapters of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in the event: Host Colonel William Grayson Chapter, Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Colonel Fielding Lewis Chapter, Colonel James Wood II Chapter, and the Sgt Maj John Champe (SMJC) Chapter representing Loudoun County. Participating for SMJC were past president Ken Bonner who presented the Chapter wreath and was Honor Guard Commander, and President Barry Schwoerer who carried the chapter flag in honor guard.

For more information on the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter please visit our website at https://johnchampe-sar.org