June Event First In Over 50 Years
The Natural Bridge- Frontier Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has announced that it will be conducting a grave marking ceremony on Monday, June 23, at 10 a.m. at the McKee Big Spring Cemetery located at Big Spring Farm in Kerrs Creek. The public is welcome to attend.
Joining the DAR in co-sponsoring this event is the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard (VSSAR).
‘It has been more than 50 years since a marking ceremony of a patriot has been held in Rockbridge County,” said Garnette Teass, chapter regent. “The application and approval processes are rigorous, and takes up to six months to approve and verify the historical accuracy of the patriot’s service.
“Fortunately,” she continued, “two highly qualified historians wrote lengthy letters verifying James Logan McKee’s service: Tom Camden, retired associate professor and head of Special Collections at Washington and Lee University, and Eric Wison, executive director of the Rockbridge Historical Society. Our application was approved in three days by the DAR general historian.”
The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, support historic preservation, and advance education. Now as we near the 250th anniversary of American independence, Teass said she wants to create more interest in the organization.
“We are moving forward with renewed purpose,” said Teass. “Promoting patriotism never gets old.”
The marking ceremony, which is steeped in tradition, will take a slightly different approach, she said, involving younger descendants in telling his history, sixthgreat- grandchildren and nephews reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, along with a musket salute, bagpipes, and more.
James Logan McKee (17541832) was the son of John McKee, a pioneer who came to Rockbridge with his brothers Robert and William, and other settlers who came down the Wagon Trail from Pennsylvania and settled in Kerrs Creek in 1754. His mother, Jane Logan McKee, was killed in the Indian Raids of 1763.
In the Rockbridge County Virginia Militia, James Logan McKee served in the French- Indian War, at the Battle of Yorktown, and at Donnelly’s Fort. James acquired the present-day Big Spring Farm in Kerrs Creek from his father, and the farm passed on down though McKee descendants for more than 130 years.
Sponsors and donations are needed to help support a light lunch/reception to be held at New Monmouth Presbyterian Church, printing, or decorations. For more information on making a donation, the ceremony or DAR membership, contact Tess at garnetteteass@ gmail.com or (914) 714-8381.
