DAR honors Revolutionary War patriot in Hampton

Looking forward to 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, more than 40 people gathered Nov. 9 to honor Pvt. John Walter, a Revolutionary War patriot.

The Kushkushkee Trail Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution organized a grave-marking ceremony at his little-known grave site on Wyland Avenue in Hampton.

Leading the ceremony was Pine resident Stacey Shaffer, regent of the NSDAR chapter, along with numerous other chapter members. Delivering remarks were Mark Hieber, American Legion Hampton Post 296 commander, and Susan Gillette Meer, Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution vice regent.

The Pine-Richland/Mars Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps provided the color guard. Hannah Koontz, Parkinson’s Ferry Children of the American Revolution president, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pine-Richland High School junior Jarah Casciani performed the national anthem, and Mars Area High School students Nathan Deemer, Alayna Renton and Christopher Fagely performed music on strings.

During the ceremony, Kushkushkee Trail displayed information about Walter and other local Revolutionary War patriots. The display boards were posted at Hampton Community Center for one month prior to the ceremony to engage community members who are interested in local history.

Kushkushkee Trail member Ginny Campbell researched and delivered John Walter’s biography. Born on January 20, 1761, in Berks County, he enlisted at the age of 15 in 1776 and was discharged in 1779 after serving in the Pennsylvania 8th Regiment of the Continental Army for three years.

The 8th Regiment served under Gen. George Washington marching over 300 miles to New Jersey. Walter saw action in multiple battles, and he survived the brutal Valley Forge encampment.

After his military service, Walter married Ann Catherine Freund on Oct. 9, 1783, and became a farmer. In 1794, John and Ann were among the first settlers in Pine Township, but his farm became part of Hampton Township in 1861 after his death.

Both John and Ann are buried at the Wyland Ave grave site, which is just a few feet from the road.

Founded in 1890, the DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing the nation’s future through education for children.

For more information about the Kushkushkee Trail chapter, visit www.kushkushkeetrailnsdar.org.