On Saturday, Sept. 26, descendants of Hermanus Brugh and his son, Daniel, along with members of five Daughters of the American Revolution chapters, gathered at the Brugh-Simmons Cemetery on Route 11 to honor two patriots of the American Revolution. Hermanus and Daniel are buried in this cemetery and played important roles in settling Botetourt County. For the Brugh descendants, the event was both a tribute to their ancestors’ Revolutionary War service and a family reunion that brought together relatives from several states and allowed them to gather in the county where their ancestors settled.
Hermanus Brugh and his wife, Catherine, were living in York County, Pa., during the Revolution. Their fourth son was Daniel and, in 1790, Daniel traded land in York County for property along Looney’s Mill Creek in Botetourt County. Daniel’s family, including his aging parents, packed their belongings and traveled down the Great Wagon Road to Botetourt County. There, they established a thriving farming operation and later expanded their activities by establishing the Brugh Tavern. The tavern became an important stop for travelers heading south into lands they had received for their Revolutionary War service.
The Botetourt County Chapter NSDAR joined with the Adam Thoroughgood Chapter from Virginia Beach to plan and host this special ceremony. Brugh descendants traveled from several states to honor their ancestors, with many meeting one another for the first time. Obtaining approval for a DAR patriot grave marker is a detailed process that requires extensive documentation and approval from NSDAR headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Family members participated in a special ceremony titled “A Patriot’s Empty Chair: The Price of Freedom.” Using a Brugh family chair and Bible, as well as a lantern, tricorn hat, and Betsy Ross flag, the ceremony told those present a story of sacrifice, represented by the empty chair; courage, represented by the tricorn hat, a reminder that not all who fought were soldiers; hope, represented by the lantern’s flame; faith, represented by the Bible; and unity, woven into the flag. The freedoms enjoyed today were not always freely given; they were earned through the bravery and dedication of those who came before.
Brugh descendants read biographies of their ancestors. Anne Wagner told the story of Hermanus Brugh and Catherine, from their arrival in America to their eventual settlement in Botetourt County. Fran Brugh Hamilton shared the story of Daniel Brugh and his wife, Elizabeth, who welcomed countless families traveling along the Great Wagon Road to their new homes.
Special plaques were unveiled at the graves of Hermanus and Daniel. The plaques note their names, how they supported the Revolution, the names of the chapters that participated in the ceremony, and the date of the unveiling.
Others who participated included Botetourt County Regent Betty Holt; Adam Thoroughgood Recording Secretary Tara Harl and her daughter, Navy Chaplain Lt. Ailsa Harl; U.S. Army veteran Seyward McKinney; District VII Vice Director Cynthia McKinney; and U.S. Air Force veteran Joe Osburn, who played “Taps.”
After the service, everyone was invited to Mill Creek Baptist Church for a luncheon prepared by two Brugh descendants, Pat Shotwell and Nancy Epperly, as well as a cake made by DAR member Michelle Cook. Several descendants brought family items to share, while others told stories from years past. The gathering gave family members an opportunity to connect, honor their ancestors, and learn more about their family history.
The Brugh Tavern, built by Daniel and Elizabeth, is currently located at Explore Park, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115 in Roanoke.
~ Botetourt County DAR
Photo courtesy of Botetourt DAR
