Wilson honored in grave-marking ceremony

By Martha F. Ballard / Chronicle contributor

June 05, 2008 04:50 pm

— Greenberry Wilson, a Revolutionary War patriot and one of the early settlers of Cumberland County, was honored with a grave marking ceremony held by the Crab-Orchard Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. Over 150 descendants and friends attended the grave marking at the Wilson family cemetery on Saturday, May 24.
Helen Donan, Elizabeth Robnett and Sue Robnett, Crab-Orchard Chapter members, and prospective member Joyce Yaeger, all descendants of Greenberry Wilson, were in attendance.
J.C. Davis, a descendant and history teacher at CCHS, dressed in his Revolutionary uniform, saluted Greenberry Wilson with a three-round volley fired from his revolutionary era rifle over the grave of his ancestor.
The color guard of the 2nd Squadron 278th Armored Calvary Regiment of the National Guard posted the colors at Greenberry's grave site. Bagpiper Beth Morgan played "Amazing Grace" at the beginning of the ceremony followed by a welcome speech by Emmy Edwards, Dedication Committee chairman and a member of the Crab-Orchard Chapter DAR. Will Swafford, a descendant, led in the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was given by the Tennessee Society DAR Chaplain Drama Silver Robeson. Also in attendance were Tennessee Society DAR First Vice Regent Linda Brown Jones and National Society DAR Vice President General Martha Summers Willis.
Honored descendants were introduced by Shasten Agee Rasmussen, a descendant. Greenberry Wilson's family history was given by Elizabeth Robnett, a descendant and chapter member. The Ritual of Dedication was performed by the Crab-Orchard Chapter DAR Regent Martha F. Ballard and Chaplain Liz Clark.
The plaque honoring Wilson's contribution to the Revolutionary War was unveiled by Shea Agee and Jennifer Greehalgh, both descendants of Greenberry. The dedication ceremony ended with the benediction by the Rev. Warren Kerley, a descendant and pastor of Parham Chapel Church, and the playing of taps by Beth Morgan on the bagpipes.

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