The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently held its annual graveside memorial service in Garland Brook Cemetery, for Revolutionary War veteran Joseph Hart, the chapter’s namesake.

Originally from Virginia, Hart joined the military to take the place of his foster father who had been called up for service. During the war, Hart was seriously injured by a musket ball to the hip and discharged. After moving from Virginia and Tennessee to avoid slave-holding states, he and his family settled in Bartholomew County in October of 1820. Hart was a farmer and teacher and helped organize the Presbyterian Church of Columbus. Hart died in 1841.

During the ceremony, the Bartholomew County Honor Guard provided military funeral honors, including three rifle volleys, the playing taps and folding and presenting of the flag.

Next year is the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States. The Joseph Hart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are planning a campaign to celebrate all of the county’s Revolutionary War veterans in 2026. Hart’s contribution to the war effort will be recognized with the installation of a special informational marker, part of a national program by the Pomeroy Foundation that commemorates points of interest significant to the Revolutionary War.

Photo courtesy of Joseph Hart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.