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DANIEL & REBECCA BOONE DAR / SAR PATRIOT GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY

06/08/2023|Family Tree Nuts|, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The tattered face and torn clothes of an everyday civilian soldier standing next to the pristine youthful face in a clean blue uniform jacket of a Continental soldier stirs up an emotional response of our American Independence. Although I’ve seen many familiar scenes from the movies, this particular moment was from just 3 days ago as several hundred individuals came together to honor Daniel and Rebecca Boone. This was a once in a lifetime moment for the Frankfort Chapters of the Col. Daniel Boone Sons of the American Revolution and Susannah Hart Shelby Daughters of the American Revolution Organizations to officially mark these well-known Patriot’s burial site.

Mr. Charlie Scott lined up ready to begin the ceremony at the grave of Daniel and Rebecca Boone, in Frankfort, Kentucky

Daniel Boone, an iconic name across the world was a renowned pioneer, frontiersman, public servant, explorer, and entrepreneur. One of his lesser-known roles was that of soldier in the Revolutionary War.

As a highlight he served as a militia officer in the Kentucky frontier with American colonist against British allied Indians. During the war years he defended his fort and home, was captured, held captive, escaped, and fought in one of the last battles of the war for Independence at the Battle of Blue Licks.

A young boy participated as a drummer boy during the ceremony at the grave of Daniel and Rebecca Boone, in Frankfort, Kentucky

For over a hundred years the DAR (www.dar.org) and SAR (www.sar.org) have identified, cleaned, restored, and marked the graves of our Revolutionary War men and women who may otherwise have been forgotten. The placement of these markers is an observable way for members to honor and connect with their ancestors. It also is an opportunity to educate the public and raise awareness of the Patriot’s grave and legacy.

On a personal note, I am a documented descendant of 17 Revolutionary War Veterans and several more that I need to do further research on to confirm their status. One of those is my 5th great grandfather Nathaniel Hart whose daughter Susannah Hart Shelby married the first governor of Kentucky, Isaac Shelby. Hart who along with his brothers Thomas Hart (father-in-law of Henry Clay), John Hart and Richard Henderson hired Boone and his axe men to blaze a trail across the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky and settle at Boonesborough along the Kentucky River in Northern Madison County. This resulted in almost 300,000 people crossing through the gap into a wild and unknown frontier.

The Kentucky State Capitol Building served as the backdrop for the ceremony at the grave of Daniel and Rebecca Boone, in Frankfort, Kentucky

One of those who crossed was a young man named James Norton (my 4th great grandfather) in his early twenties who as his first tour of duty at seventeen served as an orderly sergeant in George Washington’s Guard and his last tour fighting beside Daniel Boone at the Battle of Blue Licks in Kentucky. He was witness to Boones son Israel being killed in this battle and turned to Boone to say’ “My God Daniel, it’s Israel”. These stories and ancestors are precious to me and makes me a proud 8th generation Kentuckian.

A view of the grave of Daniel Boone and his wife Rebecca Bryan-Boone, in Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Kentucky, taken from a drone

I am also a team member of Family Tree Nuts, a History and Genealogy Service who was pleased and honored to live stream and film the event on 4 June 2023. As every team member went about the business of documenting the momentous occasion, we were all a bit overwhelmed to actually be there and witness this honor for Daniel and Rebecca. The day was charged with excitement, and we were honored to be a part of this moment to remember a legendary Patriot and his equally important wife.

The video crew present from Family Tree Nut to document the ceremony at the grave of Daniel and Rebecca Boone, in Frankfort Cemetery, in Frankfort, Kentucky

The burial site marking event was celebrated with several re-enactors, numerous members of the SAR and DAR from several states including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Ohio, New Mexico, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, North Carolina, and New York. As well as a large number of spectators who braved the hot humid 90-degree Kentucky day. There were colorful wreaths, beautiful sashes, and well regaled uniforms worn by the presenters and spectators alike. 

A military tribute with the sound of multiple rifles being fired and canon shot across the Kentucky River to salute the Boones ended the presentation in a spectacular way.

Here at Family Tree Nuts we are proud and passionate to preserve the stories of our ancestors and document historical events. Be sure to see our video below of the ceremony.

Sue Castle, Genealogist & Historical Videographer, Family Tree Nuts