A recent ceremony at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery honored the service of a War of 1812 veteran.
Hosted on Sept. 25 by the National Society United States Daughters of 1812, General John Baytop Scott Chapter, members of several other organizations were in attendance, including the Tomochichi Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution; Jamestowne Society-First Georgia Company; National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century; Bartram Trail of the Georgia State Society Daughters of the American Colonists; Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard; Georgia Branch National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims.
Matthew Rhodes was once noted as a veteran of the Revolutionary War, but recent research has confirmed Rhodes was a veteran of the War of 1812.
According to Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation, Inc. Historian Virginia Gorday, Rhodes was a private in Captain John Keys company in the South Carolina Militia, serving under Major John McClure and Colonel Austin, and served in the War of 1812. He served at different points during the time period between December 1813 to March 1815.
Rhodes’ grave restoration was made possible by an Eagle Scout project led by Clarkesville BSA Troop No. 5 member Mitchell McGahee.
“Thanks must be given to Mitchell for the undertaking. Mitchell’s entire family and the members of the Clarkesville BSA Troop No. 5 have supported Mitchell in his efforts and have supported the cemetery by undertaking various projects,” Gorday said.
For more information on the historic cemetery, visit oldclarkesvillecemetery.com
