Steve O’Rear had no idea about his connection to Northwest Georgia when he moved there from Forsyth County, Ga., in 1997.
But his family roots run deep and today the Sons of the American Revolution will hold a grave marking ceremony for one of Mr. O’Rear’s ancestors — his great-great-great-great-great-grandfather and great-great-great-great uncle — in the Macedonia Cemetery, located about 10 miles from his house.
“It makes me proud,” Mr. O’Rear said Friday.
Virginia-born Daniel O’Rear fought in the American Revolution under Patrick Henry before he was taken prisoner when the British captured Charleston, S.C., according to Sons of the American Revolution. His son Benjamin was born in North Carolina and fought in the War of 1812.
Both are buried in Chattooga County where they moved after the Cherokee were removed from the land in the 1830s.
Bob Evans, secretary of the Rome Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, said it’s rare to find a Revolutionary War veteran and a War of 1812 veteran buried next to each other, much less a father and son.
“It’s really an unusual thing to find two graves like that,” Mr. Evans said.
Mr. Evans’ group, along with the Georgia Society of the War of 1812, will mark the graves with bronze markers during today’s ceremony, which will feature a drum and fife corps and a color guard in Revolutionary War uniform.
IF YOU GO* What: Historical grave marking ceremony* When: 11 a.m. today* Where: The Macedonia Cemetery on Georgia Highway 337 near Summerville.* Who: Open to the public
Sons of the American Revolution, along with the Daughters of the American Revolution, have located veterans’ grave sites across the country for similar ceremonies. Mr. Evans’ group discovered the O’Rear graves early last year.
Mr. O’Rear said he has heard that several extended family members are coming into town, some of whom he has never heard about.
“It will be interesting to meet all of these people,” he said.
Jo Carson, who is Daniel O’Rear’s great-great-great-great-granddaughter, will drive over from DeKalb County, Ala., for the ceremony. She said she has visited the grave a few times over the years but is glad to have it marked.
“I’m proud of whatever they are going to do,” she said.