Revolutionary War Soldiers Series: Remembering Captain Benjamin Arthur
Editor's note: Next year, the United States of America will celebrate its semiquincentennial, its 250th anniversary. The semiquincentennial marks the first nationwide celebration of America's birth since the bicentennial in 1976. Of course, America's independence cannot be celebrated without also honoring the efforts of the Revolutionary War soldiers that led to independence. The Waw-wil-a-way Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with the Southern Ohio Genealogical Society will be presenting a series of articles featuring Revolutionary War soldiers who lived and died within the borders of Highland County.
Courtesy of Jane Stowers
Waw-wil-a-way DAR Chapter
The 250th anniversary of America, also known as the semiquincentennial, will be celebrated on July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
A yearlong series of festivities, including events and activities across the country, will lead up to this significant milestone.
On July 4, 2026, American will celebrate 250 years of independence.
“With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures (see https://highlandcountypress.com/brave-and-noble-56#gsc.tab=0), America began the greatest political journey in human history,” said President Trump of this momentous anniversary.
The Waw-wil-a-way Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with the Southern Ohio Genealogical Society will be sponsoring a series of articles featuring Revolutionary War soldiers who lived and died within the borders of Highland County.
Betty Crum and Patricia Young, as members of both organizations, have been researching and writing articles featuring these former Highland County residents and individuals who were so impelled to take up arms to ensure our freedoms.
These articles have been previously published in the SOGS quarterly members' newsletter, "Roots and Shoot," and will be shared with you, the readers each week over the next year.
Benjamin Arthur was born April 27, 1737 in Virginia. He was married to Ann (unknown surname), who died in 1777. During the American Revolutionary War, he served as captain of a company of Bedford County militia. On March 9, 1782, he was commissioned a lieutenant of the Campbell County, Va. militia.
In 1781, Benjamin married Sarah Woodrow Terrill in Bedford County. They were the parents of 12 children. Sarah died about 1800, when Christopher, the youngest child, was about 2 years old.
Two of their children, Pleasant Arthur and his younger brother, Christopher, came to Highland County, Ohio a little after 1800 and lived in Fairfield Township.
In 1812, Pleasant and Christopher moved to Hillsboro, where they were skilled carpenters.
History tells us that Christopher Arthur was the architect who designed the Highland County Courthouse.
In 1818, Benjamin Arthur moved from Virginia and joined his sons in Highland County. Benjamin died March 27, 1820 at the home of his son, Pleasant. He was 83 years old and was buried in High Top Cemetery in Penn Township.
Research by Marianna Morgan, Bob and Joyce Patton. Published in SOGS newsletter, Spring 2014.