Joseph B. Westnedge SAR Chapter Hosts American Revolution Patriot Plaque Placement for Thomas Campbell at the Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI!

Photo by Karola G

The Joseph B. Westnedge Chapter Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in cooperation with the Gilmore Car Museum, will host the placement of a Patriot Plaque to honor Thomas Campbell/ Camel, an African American Revolutionary War Soldier serving as a horse handler who was buried in an unknown location in Hickory Corners, Michigan, near the Gilmore Car Museum. The ceremony will take place on Saturday November 8, 2025, at 3 pm on the Gilmore Car Museum property at the corner of M-43 and Hickory Road.

Thomas Campbell/Camel (c. 1760 – 1849)

was born in Culpepper County, VA, as a slave of Colonel Martin Pickett, who later offered him his freedom if he would serve in the Continental Army. In September 1776 he enlisted in Captain Wilson’s Company of the 4th Virginia Regiment, joining Washington’s Army at White Marsh, NY, and was placed within General Marquis de Lafayette’s Division. They were quartered at Valley Forge during the winter of 1778, enduring extreme deprivation. The following summer the Continental Army engaged the British Army under General Burgoyne at Monmouth Courthouse. During the battle, Campbell endured severe heat stroke, from which he barely survived. After weeks of recuperation at a local farm, he was discharged by a physician who diagnosed his condition as so debilitating that he could no longer serve.

Afterwards, Thomas Campbell married Louisa, and together they had at least four children: James, William, Nicholas, and Sara Ann. In 1832, while residing in Madison County, NY, Thomas Campbell sought a pension, claiming he could not do hard labor due to the deleterious effects of his stroke. Given the confusion concerning his last name, Campbell or Camel, the federal government denied his claim. Subsequently, he filed for a land grant, which was approved by President Martin Van Buren. With his wife and children, William, Nicholas, and Sara, he moved to Michigan, living on 160 acres located near Hickory Corners in Barry County. His son James remained in NY. After conveying his land to his children, Thomas Campbell passed away on May 6, 1849, and was buried in an unknown location.

David Van Hoof, past president of the SAR said,

“The mission of the SAR is to create a lasting impact on society by connecting individuals to their historical roots. The SAR serves as a platform to honor the legacy of the American Revolution, and this plaque presentation does just that. We appreciate the support of the Gilmore Car Museum and our local community leaders in recognizing this Patriot and his service to our country.”

The plaque presentation is open to the public.

About National Society Sons of the American Revolution

The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), formally the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR), is a federally chartered patriotic organization headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. It was formed in New York City on April 30, 1889. Its objectives are to maintain and extend “the institutions of American freedom, an appreciation for true patriotism, a respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship and the unifying force of ‘e pluribus unum’ that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation and one people.”

The members of the society are male descendants of people who served in the American Revolutionary War who contributed to establishing the independence of the United States. It is dedicated to perpetuating American ideals and traditions, and to protecting the United States Constitution. The official recognition of Constitution Day, Flag Day and Bill of Rights Day were established through its efforts. The society has members in the United States, Canada. France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Contact us to learn more about your ancestor National Society Sons of the American Revolution – Since 1889.

About the Gilmore Car Museum

The Genevieve and Donald S. Gilmore Foundation dba Gilmore Car Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution, dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the American Automobile. The organization’s mission is to educate visitors about the history of America through the Automobile.