Neighbor News
Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman chapter honors forgotten patriot
Known as a 'forgotten patriot', Nero Hawley was enslaved; his service in the Revolutionary War earned him freedom
Over fifty people assembled under sunny skies on Saturday, November 8 to mark Nero Hawley's grave with special marker. Nero was born a slave, and earned his freedom by taking his owner's place to serve in the Continental Army. He later established a business, bought land, and emancipated his children.
Members of the Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman chapter, the David Humphreys SAR chapter, and descendants of the Hawley family were among those who witnessed the plaque's unveiling. The ceremony included a proclamation from the Trumbull's First Selectman's office, and remarks from the Trumbull Historical Society, and the Hawley family.
The event was officiated by the Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman chapter's honorary regent, Jeaneen Buchanan. Chapter members raised the funds to install the bronze plaque.
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The historic Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman chapter, Inc was founded in 1893. The DAR is a non-profit lineage society; any woman who is lineally descended from an ancestor who aided the patriot cause during the American Revolution may be eligible to join. For more information, visit www.sarahriggshumphreysDAR.org or reach out to srhmsregistrar@gmail.com.
