#United States #FHD Forensics #Revolutionary War #Historic Camden #Camden, South Carolina

Historic Camden and FHD Forensics Unite

In an unprecedented collaboration, Historic Camden Foundation and FHD Forensics have come together to establish the Rev War Forensic Institute. This innovative partnership focuses on identifying the unknown soldiers who fought in America's Revolutionary War, specifically those who perished at the Battle of Camden in 1780. This initiative is inspired by the recent forensic genealogical investigation into the Camden Fourteen, a group of men who lost their lives during this pivotal battle.

Honoring the Fallen

According to Cary Briggs, the executive director of the Historic Camden Foundation, the commitment to honor these soldiers is just beginning. He stated, "The ultimate honor is the ability to thank the unknowns by name and fill in the missing pieces of a modern-day family tree, which is what the institute is working to do." This sentiment captures the essence of the Rev War Forensic Institute's mission: to provide identities to those who fought for liberty, giving them recognition that has been long overdue.

Leading the research is Allison Peacock, the president of FHD Forensics, who emphasized the uniqueness of this endeavor: "Nowhere in the world has a group come together to research, document, and name America's oldest fallen." Their collaboration is not merely an acknowledgment of the past but a significant step in uncovering the personal histories tied to these soldiers. Preliminary findings regarding the first two of the fourteen men from the Battle of Camden have already been shared, revealing fascinating insights.

Groundbreaking DNA Research

To aid in this quest, the Rev War Forensic Institute is utilizing various forensic DNA techniques. Ancient DNA experts from Astrea Forensics, based in Santa Cruz, California, are playing a crucial role in this process. They recently performed DNA extractions from bone fragments, executing whole-genome sequencing to create detailed profiles of these long-lost individuals. Dr. Cristina Verdugo, the lab director, remarked, "Two-hundred-year-old remains are young when compared to samples we often work with," showcasing just how significant these efforts are in the realm of forensic science.

The progress made so far has involved placing their genetic profiles into public databases, allowing for the possibility of discovering living relatives. As Peacock eloquently stated, "We believe that the genetic distance between these men and their living descendants has never been attempted before in a John Doe investigation." This multi-generational tracing spans over two centuries, underscoring the technical advance in genealogical research.

Preliminary profiles of the first two individuals have revealed intriguing details about their backgrounds. Camden Subject 9B is identified as a young male, approximately fourteen to eighteen years of age, hailing from Annapolis, Maryland. His relatives can be traced back to several significant founding families, including the surnames Beall, Browne, and Warfield. Meanwhile, Camden Subject 11A appears to have roots linked to the early Jamestown Colony, with connections to 18th-century Irish immigrant families. Notable surnames associated with him include Alexander, Boone, and Wilson.

Community Involvement and Future Research

As the project progresses, researchers are actively looking for male DNA test subjects from colonial families related to these combatants, specifically those with last names from Anne Arundel County, Maryland and colonial Virginia. This community involvement is crucial; as Briggs mentioned, “These combatants protected one thing, and that was the thought of liberty.” Their legacies deserve to be memorialized, and the work conducted by the Rev War Forensic Institute is a vital part of that narrative.

A dedicated space is set to be developed on the Historic Camden campus to share the DNA stories of these combatants and their descendants. Individuals interested in contributing to this important research are encouraged to sign up through the institute's website. For the latest updates and findings, visit RevWarForensicInstitute.org.

This partnership highlights the intersection of history, genetic science, and community engagement, leading us closer to understanding the sacrifices and stories behind America's fight for independence.