DAR chapter helps to preserve gravesite of Henry William Harrington
ROCKINGHAM — The mission of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. The local General Henry William Harrington chapter recently targeted historic preservation by cleaning the grave site of their namesake patriot, Henry William Harrington and his family. The graves are located a few miles south of Rockingham.
Submitted photo
DAR members assisting with clean up (left to right) Susanne McInnis, Mary Bowles, Jennifer Alcaraz-Cristobal, Brenda Baucom, Nancy Robbins, Betty McBryde and Lewellyn Gibson.
After many years of neglect, several members of the local DAR chapter removed leaves, vines and tree limbs from the site to make the tombstones and captions more visible. Members helping with this project were: Susanne McInnis, Mary Bowles, Jennifer Alcaraz-Cristobal, Brenda Baucom, Nancy Robbins, Betty McBryde and Lewellyn Gibson. Also assisting were Bobby Wilkes, Jimmy and Patrick Bowles.
Harrington, born in 1747, in London, England and came to the American colonies and later resided in Richmond County. He was a large landowner and farmer of indigo and cotton. In June 1777, Harrington was promoted to brigadier general and given command of forces in Fayetteville. He became the highest ranking officer of militia in the Carolinas during the American Revolutionary War. In addition, he served on the General Assembly. He helped, as a member of the General Assembly, to pass the act of June 2, 1784 which created the town of Rockingham and named it for the British Charles Watson-Wentworth, Marquis of Rockingham.
Submitted photo
Before the work.
The DAR chapter also participates in many local projects including the recognition of the DAR Good Citizen, participation in the Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs, recognition of the JROTC DAR cadet and providing a reception for them, promotion of Constitution Week and recognition of the local veterans in the nursing homes.
To become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, women 18 years or older must be able to prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information on membership, call Linda Pryce at 997-5179.
* DAR chapter members honor one of their own
Submitted photo
After the work
Discussion