CMM Mark the Grave of Patriot William Clarke

21 Aug 2021                            Elkwood, VA

Musket Salute for Patriot William Clarke. picture courtesy of Doug Graves

See a video of the ceremony here.

     William Clarke was a free black man who served in the Continenetal Army from the earliest days of the war until the end.  The CMM placed a brass SAR Patriot Marker in the cemetery where it is believed that William Clarke was buried, a cemetery on land owned by his daughter, Kitty's, husband, Willis Madden.  Virginia SAR President Jeff Thomas, four other Virginia SAR chapters (Fairfax Resolves, George Mason, Col James Wood II, and Col William Grayson), one DAR chapter, the Governor of the Virginia OFPA and descendants of WIlliam Clarke, joined the CMM in this marking ceremony.
     CMM President Charles Jameson was the master of ceremonies, and Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander, Ken Bonner, commanded the Color Guard.  William Clarke descendant William Madden unveiled the marker.
     After the ceremony participants were treated to BBQ at the home of William Madden, courtesy of Charles and Michele Jameson.

All pictures below courtesy of Doug Graves

CMM President Charles Jameson, the Master of Ceremonies.

Virginia SAR President Jeff Thomas addresses the gathering as Charles Jameson looks on.

Evelyn Madden reads the biography of William Clarke.

Descendant William Madden unveils the marker.

Information for your Patriot Grave Marking Medal Reporting Form.