Revolutionary War Soldiers Series: Remembering Henry Countryman
By Betty F. Crum and Pat Young
Waw-wil-a-way Chapter Daughters
of the American Revolution, 250 Project
Note: This 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, is presenting a series of articles featuring Revolutionary War soldiers who lived and died within the borders of Highland County.
Henry Countryman was born in 1750, Washington County, Maryland, the son of George and Anna Maria (Haberman) Countryman.
He was married to Anna Maria “Barbara” (Ridenour) 1770 in Rockingham County, Virginia. She was born Dec. 13, 1755, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Adam and Wilhemina Ridenour.
Together, they had 11 known children: Martin 1771-1862, m-Margaret Mary (Stultz); John 1775-1883, m-Christina (Zetty); Elizabeth 1775-1870, m-John Washburn; Mary “Polly”, 1776-1857, m-John Setty; Christina, 1781-1879, m-Elias Williams, Barbara, 1780-1859, m-John Shoemaker; Susannah, 1790-1859, m-Anthony Ater; Henry 1791-1874, m-1 Catherine Miller, m-2 Sarah Arnold; Dolly, 1797, m-1 David Wetly, m-2 Tarron Welton; George, 1794-1864, m-Maria (Gall); and Catherine, 1782-1874, m-Leonard Reed.
Henry served during the Revolutionary War under Capt. Peter Asturgus and Col. George Rogers Clark in the Kentucky County, Virginia Militia. (Note: Kentucky County, Virginia no longer exists. It was abolished Nov. 1, 1780 when it was divided into Fayette, Jefferson and Lincoln counties.
Henry and three sons, Martin, John, and Henry, came from Rockingham County, Virginia in the spring of 1802 and settled in what is now Brush Creek Township of Highland County.
The Countrymans built the first grist mill in the township on Baker’s Fork in 1803. The mill, under various ownerships, was in operation until 1914. For 111 years, this mill provided the residents of Sinking Spring and Brush Creek Township a place to grind their wheat and corn.
Henry died Oct. 10, 1817 and was buried in the Countryman Cemetery, Brush Creek Township, Highland County, Ohio. His wife lived until 1836 and was buried beside her husband. His will was proven in Highland County, Feb. 20, 1818, with 10 of his children being referenced in his will, John was not included.