The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: PA
Qualifying Service: Ensign / Patriotic Service
This cemetery is located on the grounds of the historic Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church founded in 1798
Author: Joshua Glen Savage
John McMurtry served in the American Revolution in the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment. He served in many strategic battles and distinguished himself, receiving several promotions during the war.
Enlisted in June-July 1775 in Captain James Chambers' Company, 1st. Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line, Commanded by Colonels Thompson and Chambers. Marched to Boston, New York, and Long Island. Fought in White Plains and York Island and was promoted to Sergeant.
He was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Paoli and Germantown and promoted to Sergeant Major.
He was sent to recruit troops in Pennsylvania and eventually promoted to Ensign in September, 1779.
In June, 1780 he left the army and went to sea as a privateer on the brig "Fair American" under Captain Decatur.
After his Revolutionary War service John McMurtry was married to his wife Margaret "Peggy" Gomer in her father's home in Somerset County, New Jersey, on January 29, 1781.
After the war, John was granted land in southwest corner of Sumner County, Tennessee where he moved. He was a farmer and, in 1799, he served as a magistrate. Some reports show that he died at Shackle Island, TN which is where he is buried in the Beech Cemetery, adjacent to the Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is listed as one of the founding trustees of that church.
He died at the age of 89 leaving his wife Margaret "Peggy" McMurtry his farm. After originally being denied a widow's pension on a technicality, she was eventually given a pension of $80 per month by an Act of Congress.
Many descendants of John McMurtry are living in Sumner County and Middle Tennessee today. His house was moved to a location which is near the Beech Cemetery and is still standing today.
For a full history of John McMurty and his family, see "John McMurtry Esq. of Sumner County, Tennessee" by Otis D. McMurtry, copyright 1986.
References: Revolutionary War Graves Register. Clovis H. Brakebill, compiler. 672pp. SAR. 1993. Also SAR Revolutionary War Graves Register CD. Progeny Publishing Co: Buffalo, NY. 1998.
DAR Ancestor # A078430
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