Grave Marking

Research

Many Patriot graves are locally known and have little to no historical evidence to back the claim that the individual buried in that grave was a Revolutionary War Patriot.  With modern tools and websites, as well as libraries and research centers, the goal will be to add or update as many new or existing Patriots to the SAR Patriot Research System.

Patriots Bios added/updated in 2025:

  • George Stroh
  • Christian Stucky
  • Johannes Bock

Grave Markers

Many Patriot (and Compatriots) graves lack SAR or Revolutionary War Veteran grave markers.  These can often be stolen for the scrap value of bronze, unfortunately.  In an attempt to thwart theft, staked markers will be placed in concrete and have the recipient’s name, SAR number, and presenting chapter engraved on the back of the marker.  The Chapter will try to represent as many Patriot (and Compatriot) graves as possible with these markers.

Grave markers added in 2025:

  • George Stroh (Patriot) – Stroh’s Cemetery, Harrisburg
  • Christian Stucky (Patriot) – Stroh’s Cemetery, Harrisburg
  • Oscar H. Stroh (Compatriot) – Stroh’s Cemetery, Harrisburg
  • Johannes Bock (Patriot) – Buck Cemetery, Harrisburg

Medals & Awards

Listed here are medals and awards the can be awarded by any compatriot and the chapter, as well as the state society with contributions from the chapter and its members.

  • Patriot Grave Marking Medal – A Compatriot may be awarded this medal for helping to document and identify Patriot graves for the SAR database.  A specific set of criteria is required, including having participated in at least fifteen grave marking events as the event planner, financial supporter of at least $60 per SAR Patriot marker, or being a Speaker/Presenter.
  • Compatriot Grave Marking Medal – A Compatriot may be awarded this medal for helping to honor fellow SAR members as well as those members’ Patriot ancestors.  A specific set of criteria is required, including having participated in at least fifteen grave marking events as the event planner, financial supporter of at least $60 per SAR Compatriot marker, or being a Speaker/Presenter.
  • Colonel Stewart Boone McCarty Award – A compatriot may be awarded this medal for preserving the history of the United States and the American Revolution through traditional teaching in schools.  Submission is made by the chapter or state society by May 1st, and recognizes service during the most previous year.  More information.
  • MNSSAR Stephen Taylor Award – A compatriot may be awarded this medal for preserving the history of the United States and the American Revolution through his research and writing.  Submission is made by the chapter or state society by May 1st, and recognizes service during the most previous year.  More information.

Resources

Grave Marking Manual

Patriot Grave Biography Report

Patriot Grave Marking Medal Form

Compatriot Grave Marking Medal Form

Patriot Records Committee


Harris Ferry Chapter
Patriot Records Committee Chairman
Jacob R. Lemon

The mission of the Patriot Records Committee of the Harris Ferry Chapter is to identify and report data on Revolutionary War graves to the SAR and historically preserve them.