Henry DuRant Chapter DAR patriot marker dedication ceremony held Nov. 10

LEE COUNTY - On a perfect Sunday afternoon in November, members of the Henry DuRant Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a marker dedication ceremony for the American patriot their DAR chapter is named for.

The marker, which is on Britt Rowe's farm near the intersection of Highways 341 and 401 near Lynchburg, was presented by the Henry DuRant Chapter and Lee County 250 Commission in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Funding for the marker was provided by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

On Nov. 10, Frances Kelley, Henry DuRant Chapter regent, welcomed and recognized guests, including the fourth great-grandson of Henry DuRant. DuRant Ashmore, who is an historical consultant and battlefield preservationist, entertained the crowd with several stories about his ancestor, who owned land and lived in the Lynchburg area of Lee County.

Henry DuRant's Revolutionary War service records show he served under Col. Archibald McDonald, who was under the command of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion, in the Kingstree Regiment. Durant held the rank of private and also served as a scout and spy. He belonged to a group of militiamen known as "Marion's Men," patriots who were available at a moment's notice to aid Gen. Marion in his quest to end British domination of South Carolina.

Court records show that DuRant was an extensive landowner and farmer. His home site and plantation were 10 miles south of Bishopville on the highway to Lynchburg. His grave is in St. Luke Cemetery near Wisacky, where DAR members held a dedication ceremony and placed a marker in 2012.

In 1917, several of his descendants - 13 granddaughters and great-granddaughters - organized the local Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in his name. The Henry DuRant Chapter of the DAR remains active today.

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the National Society DAR and William G. Pomeroy Foundation launched a new historic marker program to commemorate points of interest significant to Revolutionary America.

The multiyear marker program, named Revolutionary America 1775-1783, coincides with the celebrations leading up to and during the nation's 250th anniversary, the United States Semiquincentennial, in 2026. The DAR will receive funding from the Pomeroy Foundation for at least 250 historic markers for sites across the country through 2027.

The Revolutionary War patriot marker reads, "Henry DuRant, Revolutionary War Patriot. Served as a Private under Colonel Archibald McDonald, 21 May 1780 - 1 July 1782. Lived near here. Henry DuRant Chapter, NSDAR, William G. Pomeroy Foundation 2024"

Other DAR members who participated in the marker dedication ceremony included Christina Cashion Ewing; Frances Drayton, Flag Committee chair; Annie McIlhenny, Public Relations Committee chair and Lee County 250 Commission chair; Dot Smith, registrar; Nancy Corbett, District V director, South Carolina NSDAR; and Barbara McElveen, treasurer.

Linda Kellenbenz provided special music for the occasion.