Memorial Day

What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.
--Albert Pine (1861–1937) American author

Two Revolutionary War heroes to honor this Memorial Day...

Jacob Brown, born in Virginia in 1736, moved to the Nolichucky area of what was then North Carolina territory in 1754 on land leased from the Cherokees.  He established a trading company and provided blacksmith and gunsmith services. His home was located just three miles from Col. John Sevier's home -- who he followed into battle at Kings Mountain as part of the Overmountain Men.  He was a captain at the time of the Battle of Kings Mountain, and was later promoted to second Major of the Washington County militia when it was part of the short-lived State of Franklin.  Brown died in a hunting accident in 1785. The large monument you see here incorporates the original small stone (click photo to enlarge). The Brown Cemetery is said to be the oldest marked cemetery in Tennessee and is located next to the Nolichucky River in a remote area of Washington Co, TN.  More on Jacob Brown and his family here. Click here for directions to the cemetery and a listing of those interred there.

Hugh Harris, Sr. had the distinction of serving under George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Born in Virginia in 1749, he  enlisted in 1776 as a Private in the North Carolina Continental Line, being promoted to Corporal in 1778. He served in the Battles of Germantown and Monmouth, and was discharged in 1779. Around 1827 he moved to the Limestone area of Washington County, Tennessee. He did in 1855 at 105 years old. His grave is located at New Salem Church Cemetery on Lester Snapp Road in Washington County.