At Third Creek: Merry Lauder of the Daughters of the American Revolution prepares a wreath at the grave of Elizabeth Gillespie Lowry. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

By Jessie Burchette

Salisbury Post

CLEVELAND — On a warm fall afternoon, a small crowd gathered in a cemetery to honor and remember the struggles and deeds of people who called western Rowan home more than two centuries ago.

Elizabeth Gillespie Lowry, William Lowry and James Marlin risked their lives in the war that set the American colonies free from England. Members of both families or served in the the Revolutionary War.

Elizabeth Lowry and her husband, William, could have been hung for treason if the British had won the war. "She gave oats to (American Maj. Gen. Nathanael) Greene's soldiers," said Grady Hall, a fourth generation descendant. "Giving feed for horses was a capital offense."

The Salisbury Chapter of the N.C. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution held a grave marking ceremony Saturday afternoon at Third Creek Presbyterian Church to honor the Lowrys and Marlin.

Representatives of chapters across the state and officials of the state society attended, including with Dr. Samuel C. Powell, state president.

Powell joined in the wreath laying and dedication of the markers.

Powell talked about the importance of patriotism and the potential tragedy if the suffering and sacrifice of our Revolutionary War heroes is lost to future generations.

Hall, who began tracing his ancestors while in high school more than 40 years ago, joined the organization in 1995 and has served as a state president.

He worked extensively to hold the ceremony at Third Creek and bring recognition to those who served their country and in many cases have been long forgotten.

Red, white and blue: Matthew Chilton unveils a marker. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

"In just about every conflict since before the Revolutionary War, there have been soldiers from Third Presbyterian Church who have served their country. Today there are five active members who are serving in Iraq."

"This little country church in western Rowan has made a significant contribution with sons and daughters serving in the military in both peace and war," Hall said.

According to his count, the cemetery has 173 veterans buried there including 28 from the Revolutionary War, 61 from the War Between the States, 16 from World War I and 28 from World War II.

This could be the first of more grave marking ceremonies to come.

Hall plans to continue his research and wants to locate other graves of those who served in the Revolutionary War and ensure their graves are marked.

"People like these risked everything to let us enjoy the freedom we have today. It's our responsibility to make sure that these freedoms are not eroded ... and that they are honored," said Hall.

Anyone who wants more information about the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the grave marking efforts may contact Hall at 704-639-9845.

Full regalia: Grady Hall of the N.C. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, speaks as Dr. Samuel Powell listens. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

For more information on the state society, check the N.C. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Web site.