Revolutionary War Patriots to be Honored in Lovettsville on July 24

Who: Sons of the American Revolution
What: Grave Marking Ceremony
Where: New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 12942 Lutheran Church Road, Lovettsville VA
When: Saturday, July 24, at 2:00 p.m.

On Saturday, July 24, at 2:00 p.m., a grave-marking ceremony will be held at the New Jerusalem Lutheran Cemetery in Lovettsville, to honor five Revolutionary War Patriots who are buried in that historical cemetery.  The church and cemetery are located at 12942 Lutheran Church Road, Lovettsville VA.

The event is being organized by the Sons of the American Revolution: the Fairfax Resolves Chapter of the Virginia SAR, and the Sgt. Lawrence Everhart Chapter of the Maryland SAR.  Local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapters from Virginia and Maryland will also be presenting wreaths, and Mayor Nathaniel Fontaine will represent the Town of Lovettsville.  In addition to the unveiling of SAR markers, the event will feature a Color Guard and a Musket Salute.

This will be the first of a number of such events to eventually honor as many as 15 or more Patriots who rendered military or other service in support of the American Revolution and who are buried at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church.  The church was founded in 1765 in what was then called the “German Settlement.”   Histories of Loudoun County describe the residents of the German Settlement as “intensely loyal” to the cause of freedom and to the cause of the American Revolution.

The Patriots being honored are Johannes (John) Axline, Adam Housholder, Conrad Roller, John Stoutsenberger, and Peter Philip Wirtz (Virts).  Descendants of these five Patriots are especially encouraged to attend.

The Sons of the American Revolution is a patriotic and education society whose members are direct descendants of the patriots who earned our freedom.  Its purpose is to honor the memory and sacrifice of those who fought or aided the American Revolution, including by locating and marking the final resting place of those who participated in the nation’s struggle for freedom.