James Thomas Chapter DAR

Patriot Spotlight: Private Benajah Gill (Ancestor )
This week we honor Private Benajah Gill (c.1761–1843), a Revolutionary War patriot who served with distinction in the Delaware Line. Born around 1761, Gill later moved west, spending his final years in Williamson County, Illinois, where he died on September 28, 1843.

Gill’s service is documented under Pension No. SW416*, which records his time under Captain George Handy in Lee’s Legion, one of the most renowned and active units of the Revolutionary War. His legacy continues through his daughter Katherine Gill, who married David Phillip Upchurch, extending this patriot’s line into future generations.

He is recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution under Ancestor #: A204973.

May we always remember patriots like Private Benajah Gill, whose courage and sacrifice helped secure the freedoms we cherish today.

🇺🇸 Celebrating Excellence in Citizenship!

The James Thomas Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, proudly honors Ethan Curling, our 2026 Good Citizens Award Winner! 🎉

Ethan exemplifies the values we hold dear — Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism — inspiring others through his dedication to community and country. 💙❤️

Join us in congratulating Ethan for his outstanding achievement and commitment to making a difference! 👏

🇺🇸 Honoring Excellence and Patriotism 🇺🇸

Congratulations to Makenna Southwick, First Place Winner, and Alexis Starcher, Second Place Winner, in the Special Veterans Award Contest presented by the James Thomas Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution during Trigg County High School’s Scholarship & Awards Day on May 19, 2026.

We’re proud to recognize these outstanding students for their dedication to honoring our veterans and preserving the spirit of patriotism in our community.

⭐️ Their hard work and heartfelt essays remind us all of the importance of service and remembrance.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day in Trigg County 🇺🇸

Today’s Memorial Day Program was proudly sponsored by the James Thomas Chapter DAR, with participation from all patriotic organizations of Trigg County, the City of Cadiz, and the Trigg County Fiscal Court.

So many members of our community came together to create a meaningful and heartfelt ceremony honoring the lives of those who sacrificed everything for the freedoms we enjoy. Their legacy lives on in our remembrance and gratitude.

Happy Memorial Day.
May we never forget the cost of our liberty.

Patriot Spotlight: Thomas Addison (Ancestor )
This week we honor Thomas Addison (c.1740–before October 10, 1786), a Revolutionary War patriot who served the cause of independence through civil service in Northampton County, Virginia. Born around 1740, Addison lived during a formative period in Virginia’s early legal and civic life.

Addison’s Revolutionary-era contribution is recorded in Northampton County Minute Book 29 (1777–1783, pp. 385–386), where he served as a Grand Juror—a trusted role that supported local governance and justice during the war years. His legacy continues through his son Thomas Addison, who married Patience X, extending this patriot’s line into the next generation.

He is recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution under Ancestor #: A000816.

May we always remember patriots like Thomas Addison, whose civic duty and service helped lay the foundations of the freedoms we cherish today.

Honoring the Fallen: Memorial Day Ceremony

This Memorial Day, please join the James Thomas Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), as we gather to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military.

We also stand in support of the families they left behind. Let’s come together as a community to remember, reflect, and pay tribute to those who gave everything for our freedom.

📅 Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m.
📍 Location: Cadiz Farmers Market Pavilion
🏢 Address: 21 Spring Street, Cadiz, KY

All are welcome to attend this meaningful dedication. Please feel free to share this post and invite your friends, family, and neighbors.

Patriot Spotlight: Private John Whitney (Ancestor )

This week we honor Private John Whitney (bapt. 1760–1799), a Revolutionary War patriot who served in the Massachusetts Line during the fight for American independence. Baptized on March 30, 1760, in Harvard, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Whitney later moved south, where he died in Creek Indian Territory, Georgia, in 1799.

His service is recorded in Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War (Vol. 17, p. 227), documenting his time under Captains Sawyer, Hill, and Brown, and Colonels D**e and Bigelow of the Continental Line. His legacy continues through his daughter Sarah Whitney, who married James Chaplin, extending this patriot’s line into the next generation.

He is recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution under Ancestor #: A125128.

May we always remember patriots like Private John Whitney, whose dedication and sacrifice helped secure the freedoms we cherish today.

Patriot Spotlight: Captain William Larkin (Ancestor )

This week we honor Captain William Larkin (c.1730–before May 1807), a Revolutionary War patriot who served in New Hanover County, North Carolina. His contributions included both militia leadership and civil service, reflecting the essential roles local citizens played in supporting the cause of independence.

Larkin served in the New Hanover County Militia and also acted as a juror, demonstrating trusted standing within his community during a turbulent era. His service is documented in the Pension of Benjamin Larkin (S8821) and the New Hanover County Court Minutes (1771–1785).

He is recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution under Ancestor #: A066808, and his legacy continues through his son Roger Larkin, who married Susanna Portervent, extending this patriot’s line into the next generation.