When Daughters of the American Revolution were told that the grave of one of the nation’s first veterans is in Oakwood Cemetery on Jackson Street in Tullahoma, they were skeptical. However, after much research the Tullahoma Chapter of DAR learned that a veteran of the Revolutionary War is indeed buried in Oakwood Cemetery. His gravesite was located and his family was researched through government documents that went back 250 years. That soldier was Sanford Berry, a private in one of the militias that fought and defeated the British in Augusta, Georgia.

To celebrate and honor one of the earliest veterans, DAR chose the Veterans Day weekend to gather and memorialize his grave with a special plaque. About 40 people joined in the event last Sunday in the cemetery with a special ceremony. Mayor Sebourn greeted the group. Lyle Russell represented the Sons of the American Revolution with the Pledge of Allegiance. Col. Warren “Eric” Withrow, Chief of the Air Force Base Test Support Division, spoke of all veterans and highlighted Private Berry’s life in Coffee County where he farmed a land grant and raised a family of 12 or 13 children.

DAR members Kathryn Hopkins, the chapter Regent, and Josephine Todd, the chapter Chaplin, led the dedication of the new marker at Pvt. Berry’s gravesite. Following the unveiling of the marker, Alexandria Tobitt, a student at Tullahoma High School, sang the National Anthem. The program concluded with “taps” played by Will Childers, also a student at the high school.

Berry’s grave can be visited in the older portion of the cemetery by entering the Wilson Avenue section. None of Pvt. Berry’s family can be located in the area. It appears that most of his family moved to Alabama and Texas. Some of his heirs were found to be members of DAR in Texas. Anyone with knowledge or kinship to Pvt. Berry is asked to contact the local DAR with their information.