There is an old saying that history is written by the victors. Another truism is that it is easy to only concentrate on the leaders of such a cause. In the case of the Revolution, Adams, Jefferson, Hancock, etc. The revolution was a success because of local participation. This includes setting up of state governments, creating resolutions of fundamental freedoms such as religion and the contribution of those who fought on the battlefield and at home. Many who served in the military or served on the homefront are easily forgotten with the absence of newspapers. In the case of Fredericksburg they only appeared after the Revolution.
Fredericksburg contributed to the war over all in munitions cast by Fielding Lewis, the distribution of supplies and the use of the old market square building for housing troops. The Rising Sun Tavern was a place to distribute news and was owned by General Gustavus B. Wallace who served and is buried in the Masonic Cemetery.
Between St. George’s graveyard (1752 or earlier ) and the Masonic graveyard (1784) a block apart on Charles Street, there are at least 6 Revolutionary war graves at St. George’s (though 2 stones are missing) and 12+ at the Masonic. Several were native born (Barton, Strother, Smith), others were British or foreign born (Rose, Duncanson) . Here are a few details from St. George’s cemetery so these individuals are not lost to history:
| SURNAME | GIVEN NAME | BIRTH DATE & PLACE | DEATH DATE & PLACE | RANK/TITLE | SERVICE DATA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BARTON | Seth | 1755 | 1813 | Lieutenant | |
| DUNCANSON | James | 1735 | 1791 | Colonel | |
| FOX | Samuel | 1729 | 13 Mar 1801 | Patriot | Gave material aid to cause |
| ROSE | Alexander | Britain | 28 Nov 1800 Fredericksburg | Major/ Captain | VA. Retired as Major 14 Sep 1778 |
| SMITH | William | 25 May 1746 prob Gloucester England | 7 Oct 1802 Fredericksburg | Patriot | VA. On Committee for Articles of Confederation 1774. Gave beef to cause and use of stable 1781. |
| STROTHER | French | 1733 | 3 Jun 1800 Frederickburg | Colonel | VA militia, received pension. As patriot gave to the cause in Culpeper Co |
Additional Data
| SURNAME | GIVEN NAME | DATA |
|---|---|---|
| BARTON | Seth |
Born near Warren, Rhode Island July 29 A.D. 1755, and died at his seat near Fredericksburg, December 29 . 1813, Aged 58 years and 5 months. Barton purchased Fielding Lewis estate 1799 and brought 5 children to live them. Originally from RI and served in the Revolution War army and afterwards became a successful shipping merchant in Baltimore. In 1802 tried his “immediate grounds as a subdivision", including the mansion itself. 1812 – helped develop Liberty town at the intersection of Barton and Liberty Street. Then he developed a 3rd subdivision intersection at Hanover and Kirkland Streets, including both sides of Hanover Street extended and included the 10 acre tract which became the Brompton estate |
| DUNCANSON | James | |
| FOX | Samuel | |
| ROSE | Alexander | |
| SMITH | William | "An honest man is the noblest work of God.” [1] “Dry goods merchant selling for for cash or country produce [2] participated in the meeting of the “subscribers of the Protestant Episcopal Church”. Electing 12 trustees for 3 years.” [3] "gentleman much respected by his acquaintance" [4] Former postmaser died age 64 [5] Church Warden |
| STROTHER | French | George French Strother represented Culpeper County in the General Assembly for more than 25 years from before and after the Revolutionary War. Until 1791, he served as a Delegate moving then to the Senate where he served until his death. He was a member of the VA Conventions of 1776 and 1788. In the latter, he opposed Patrick Henry, George Mason and others in the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. One problem in his mind was maintaining religious freedom as he was wary of a strong central government. He was County Lieutenant and presiding justice of the County Court of Culpeper. He lived on a 1,500 acre estate lying on Mountain Run on the Fredericksburg Road between Culpeper and Stevensburg. He was a vestryman and warden of St. Mark’s Parish, He was married to Lucy Coleman, daughter of Robert Coleman. He died in Fredericksburg on his way home from the Senate in Richmond and is buried in St. George’s churchyard there. Two of his descendants, George French Strother II and James French Strother, represented the Culpeper district in the U.S. Congress. The former received a letter from John Quincy Adams regarding the Constitution which may be seen at the Burgandine House in Culpeper. |
Pictures
| SURNAME | GIVEN NAME | GRAVE |
|---|---|---|
| BARTON | Seth |  |
| DUNCANSON | James |  |
| FOX | Samuel | Gravestone has diasappeared |
| ROSE | Alexander |  |
| SMITH | William |  |
| STROTHER | French | Gravestone has disappeared |