WILLIAMSBURG— The Williamsburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), along with members of the public, gathered at Cedar Grove Cemetery on Nov. 17 to honor Thomas Griffin Peachy with a grave marker that commemorates his Revolutionary War contributions.
Peachy was born in 1734 in Richmond County, and according to Amelia County deed books, served as the county clerk from 1757-91. Records also show he was a member of the Committee of the County of Amelia and that he had a hand in storing 100 pounds of powder and 400 pounds of lead at the courthouse.
Peachy and his first wife, Elizabeth Gilliam, had three children. Thomas Griffin Jr., born in 1760, John Tayloe, born in 1761, and Williams Samuel, born in 1763. When Elizabeth died in 1781, Peachy married Elizabeth Mills in 1783.
In 1799, Peachy moved to Williamsburg and resided in the Peyton Randolph home. He also owned several properties in Williamsburg and in 1805 he acquired four lots fronting Scotland Street. He died in Williamsburg on March 6, 1810.
After doing research on Peachy to prove him as a patriot, the Williamsburg DAR had to receive permission for the grave marker from the family, the City of Williamsburg, and Cedar Grove Cemetery. The Williamsburg DAR Chapter received a grant from America 250 to help fund the cost of the marker.
“Mr. Thomas Griffin Peachy served Amelia County for many years as the county clerk including during the Revolutionary War. He moved to Williamsburg where he outlived all of his children and his wives. He owned several pieces of property in Williamsburg and his family remained in this area after his death,” Debbie Misiag, Williamsburg DAR Chapter historian, said. “He is now recognized by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Williamsburg Chapter as a Patriot of the Revolutionary War almost 250 years later. Thank you Mr. Peachy for your service to our colony and country. We are honored to have received the DAR America 250 Celebration Grant for the purpose of honoring him.”
Peachy’s remains are the oldest interred at Cedar Grove.
On hand at the ceremony were members of the Peachy family, Williamsburg elected officials, and Virginia state officials of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Williamsburg Sons of the American Revolution provided the color guard for the ceremony.