Harris Ferry Chapter came to be in 1940, when a group of gentlemen approached the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the American Revolution requesting a charter to form a new chapter after the Harrisburg Chapter was closed due to inactivity.  The charter was granted, with John McIlhenny Smith elected as its first President.  Fast forward to 2025, Harris Ferry has finally returned the favor to its first president by honoring him with a Compatriot Grave Marking Ceremony at Grantville Cemetery, located at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Grantville, PA.

Smith was a veteran a World War One, achieving the rank of Captain in the Quartermaster Corps.  During World War II, he served as director and deputy director of the Pennsylvania Selective Service.  In the National Guard, he was awarded the rank of Colonel.  Outside of the military, he was an accomplished attorney and senior partner of Nauman, Smith, Shissler and Hall law firm.  He married Mabel I. Stoner and had one daughter, Anne.  John was also the first commander of the Robert H. Hoke Post 272 American Legion in Linglestown.

The ceremony also honored Smith’s patriot ancestor Peter Ensminger.  Ensminger served in Captain Baltzer Orth’s 1st Company of the 2nd Battalion of the Lancaster County Militia between 1781-1782 and Captain John Orth’s 7th Company of the 2nd Battalion of the Lancaster County Militia in 1783.

The chapter also recognized all members both past and present of the United States Armed Forces in commemoration of Veterans Day.  Many of the attendees stepped forward for recognition of their service.

In commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, it felt appropriate to mention that Smith, due to his service to the country and the society, as well as his Patriot ancestor’s service and of those in attendance, helped to defend and keep this nation strong to the point of celebrating such a momentous occasion.

President Lemon conducted the ceremony and led the Color Guard, which consisted of Washingtonburg compatriots.  The ceremony was well received and was also accompanied by Marine Corps League member Tony on the Bugle to play Taps.  Harris Ferry’s Coburn and Boyarski were in attendance.  Washingtonburg’s Leppard, Troutman, Mowery, Beaver, Dyckman, and Ptaszek served in the Color Guard, and compatriot Scarazzo was also in attendance.  Carnations and flowers beautifully decorated Smith’s grave following the ceremony.

Here is a pdf of the event program.  Lemon read the following dictation.

Harris Ferry Chapter SAR Attendees: (3) Jacob R. Lemon, John R. Boyarski, Gary L. Coburn
Medal Opportunities:  250^th Anniversary Medal, Color Guard, Compatriot Grave Marking Medal