SAR chapter to dedicate marker for Revolutionary War patriot

The Sons of the American Revolution Ebenezer Zane Chapter will hold a memorial grave marker dedication ceremony May 31 at 3 p.m. at Rehoboth Pioneer Cemetery outside Adena.

The chapter also will dedicate a QR code Revolutionary War veteran information post during the ceremony.

The memorial grave marker is for David Belknap, who enlisted at age 17 Jan. 13, 1778, in Capt. Grant’s Company of Col. Johnson’s Regiment of the Connecticut Militia, which fought in the American War for Independence.

After the war, Belknap filed a land claim Feb. 2, 1807, at the Steubenville Land Office for 640 acres in what is now Short Creek Township, around the Blairmont Road area. The area still is referred to as the Belknap Section on Harrison County maps. Belknap died in 1832 and was buried somewhere on his acreage. His grave is unmarked.

The memorial marker placement was supported by the Smithfield Township trustees, with Trustee Vince Pastre serving as coordinator with the Zane SAR Chapter. Belknap’s marker will be placed alongside three other Revolutionary War veteran memorial markers at Rehoboth Pioneer Cemetery.

Descendants of Belknap will attend, and color guard honors will be presented by the Zane SAR Chapter. A local bagpiper will provide music. The Adena American Legion provided Belknap’s marker and also will participate in the service.

Remarks will be made by Jeff Turner, Zane SAR Chapter president; Jamie Price, Zane SAR Chapter member and event coordinator, who also will represent the Belknap family; and local historian Tammy Hosenfeld. Hosenfeld will provide background on the cemetery and the Belknap family in early Harrison and Jefferson County history.

The public is invited. Event assistants will direct attendees to parking and seating areas. The ceremony is outdoors, and those attending should bring an outdoor chair.

The ceremony is one of many in which the Zane SAR Chapter will participate during the United States’ semiquincentennial celebration in 2026.

Rehoboth Pioneer Cemetery is on Smithfield Township Road 130 outside Adena. Township Road 130 is off Smithfield Township Highway 10 in Jefferson County. The address is 610-1598 Township Road 130, Adena.

For more information, email event coordinator Jamie Price at williamjprice@msn.com or visit ebenezerzane.com.