September 20th, 2025
On September 20th, 2025, Compatriots from Harris Ferry as well as Washingtonburg gathered at Dauphin Cemetery to honor the legacy of Patriot Timothy Green. With phenomenal weather to accompany the day, a dozen men gathered together on land with many Patriots interred nearby. Harris Ferry Chapter President Lemon organized the event, led the Color Guard, and provided the day’s prayers. Washingtonburg members also assisted with the Color Guard for the ceremony. Alongside Col. Green’s tombstone is his original Revolutionary War Grave Marker and now his new SAR Patriot Grave Marker. This marker was funded by a grant from Pennsylvania Skill.
The ceremony was followed by lunch at the nearby Dauphin-Middle Paxton Community Park. Jonathan Miller, “The Hometown Historian,” was the guest speaker and presented on the life of Timothy Green. In the past, Jon has presented on the Hanover Resolves, which were headed by Green and expressed Hanover Township’s grievances prior the Revolution in 1774.
In honor of the 250th Anniversary of America, it was made clear that with the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence next year, Timothy Green had advocated for these same rights before pen met paper in Philadelphia. His ideas and fame were that important that he was on a subcommittee in 1776 to represent Hanover Township regarding the Declaration. This gathering was also for the celebration of Constitution Day, which was an original idea of the SAR around the turn of the century.
Timothy Green first appears in historical records during the Pontiac War, already holding the rank of Captain. Stationed in Hanover Township, he was ordered by Governor Hamilton to reinforce Fort Augusta against Native hostilities along the Susquehanna. In the summer of 1763, Captain Green commanded the Provincial Forces at Fort Hunter.
During the decade preceding the Revolution, Green emerged as one of the leading patriots in Pennsylvania. On 4 June 1774, he presided over the adoption of the Hanover Resolves, a declaration condemning British oppression and asserting the rights of free men. He and other local leaders soon met in Lancaster to coordinate handbills in support of the Continental Congress. In 1775, Green organized the Hanover Rifle Battalion, one of the earliest militia formations to rally for the patriot cause. John Harris once remarked that “all the men of Paxtang and Hanover Townships were off to war [with Green].”
After the Revolution, Green retired to his farm on Manada Creek. He later served as Senior Justice for Dauphin County, appearing frequently in county records and continuing his leadership role in civic life. He is buried in Dauphin Cemetery.
