On a hilly patch overlooking the Potomac River in Williamsport, Maryland, rests George Woltz. Members from the Anna Maria Lane Chapter, NSDAR, Swea City, Iowa, Antietam, Conococheague and the Christian Ardinger SAR chapters of Maryland dedicated a marker on September 16, 2023.

Woltz was born September 16, 1744 in York, Pennsylvania to Dr. Peter and Elizabeth Woltz. The 31 year old, Woltz, was commissioned 2nd Major, Frederick County Militia, on Saturday, January 6, 1776. George took the Oath of Fidelity in 1778. Woltz was a well known cabinet and clock maker. After the war, he became a charter member of the Hagerstown Fire Company and helped establish the Hagerstown Board of Health.

Unveiling the marker were Woltz descendant Shelley Wells, 5th great granddaughter, and Regent of the Conococheague Chapter, NSDAR. A color guard musket salute was given by the Christian Ardinger SAR. Special guests in attendance were Iowa State Regent Edee Brunia, Maryland Honorary State Regent Ruann George, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Susan Barnes, Mayor of Williamsport Bill Green and councilmen.

After the dedication, we had a wonderful picnic in the park and toured various locations in the area of his clocks.

Jacob Petrie rests on a sunny patch in a quiet cemetery in Beaver Creek, Maryland. His grave is well-tended, and unlike those of so many Revolutionary War Patriots, his original slate headstone remains erect and in good condition. Nevertheless, it would be fair to say that his story had been largely forgotten — that is until now. Fortunately members of the Anna Maria Lane Chapter, NSDAR, diligently documented his service in order to place an official DAR grave marker at his final resting place, more than two centuries after he took up arms to help forge a new nation.

On September 17, 2022, the Anna Maria Lane Chapter, NSDAR, Swea City, Iowa, dedicated a marker at the grave of Jacob Petrie, who was born on September 13, 1735. The 43 year-old Maryland man joined the Militia of Washington County under Capt. James Smith of the 2nd Battalion. He died February 13, 1812, in Washington County, Maryland and is buried in the Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

The dedication was also made possible with the assistance of David Pryor, President of the Beaver Creek Cemetery, Richard Wilburn of Hammaker & Darner Memorial, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Conococheague and Antietam Chapters, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Maryland along with the Christian Ardinger Society, Sons of the American Revolution, of Maryland.

Members of Conococheague Chapter, NSDAR, Antietam Chapter, NSDAR, Anna Maria Lane Chapter, NSDAR,
Christian Ardinger Society SAR, an Honorary Maryland State Regent, NSDAR, the President of Maryland Society SAR
gathered for the dedication celebration.

The regent of the Anna Maria Lane Chapter, NSDAR, attended the dedication celebrating her Revolutionary War Patriot. Two new distant cousins were introduced. Both cousins helped commemorate the serendipitous event. Just a month prior, the Conococheague Chapter, NSDAR, held a Lineage Research workshop and one cousin was the first person through the door wanting information on how to become an SAR member and help with his patriot. When he told the Conococheague Chapter, NSDAR, that his patriot was “Jacob Petrie,” the mouths of every lady in the room dropped. He soon learned that a local grave marking ceremony for Jacob had already been scheduled and it was his turn to be awestruck.