Representatives from local and state chapters of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), SAR (Sons of the American Revolution), and C.A.R. (Children of the American Revolution) along with members of the Tate family gathered at Tate United Methodist Church on December 15, 2024, to honor local Revolutionary War Patriot John Tate and dedicate commemorative markers to be placed near his gravesite at the Old Tate Cemetery. Sequoyah Chapter Regent Suzanne Harman presided over the dedication ceremony.
John Tate is one of only two identified Revolutionary War veterans buried in Pickens County
The DAR marker, a project of the Historic Preservation Committee of the local Sequoyah Chapter of the NSDAR, was dedicated in a ceremony featuring a presentation of wreaths, speeches, and a musket salute by the Elijah Clarke Militia. The colors were presented by an SAR color guard under the command of Scott Collins, National Color Guard Commander, NSSAR. The pledge of allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 20. State Regent Helen Powell brought greetings from the Georgia State Society, NSDAR; First Vice President William Floyd brought greetings from the Georgia Society, SAR; and First Vice President Noah Tindall brought greetings from the Georgia State Society, N.S.C.A.R. Descendants of Patriot Tate were in attendance for the standing room only ceremony. The ceremony was moved from the cemetery to Tate United Methodist because of inclement weather. The markers have since been placed in the Old Tate Cemetery.
John Tate (1758-1838) came to the colonies in 1763 from Ireland. In December 1776, he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Militia. He fought in the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, and in 1781, joined the Light Horse under Captain Johnson.
After the war ended, he settled in North Carolina and then made his way to North Georgia. He and his wife Anne had seven children, their son Samuel being the first member of the family to settle in Pickens County. After John’s death in 1838, Anne resided with Samuel until her death in 1841. Both John and Anne are buried in the Old Tate Cemetery.
If you are interested in learning more about the DAR or membership in the organization, visit http://sequoyah.georgiastatedar.org/ or contact sequoyahchapterdar@gmail.com.
