Revolutionary War patriot Eli Coverdale honored

By Shirley Hunter Smith
Horseshoe Prairie Chapter, DAR

Horseshoe Prairie Chapter, DAR, commemorated the life and patriotic service of Eli Coverdale with a program and plaque at Bethel Church Cemetery last Saturday, Nov. 16. Special guests were Mr. Robert Goode, fourth great-grandson of Eli and Margaret Passwater Coverdale; and Mrs. Elaine Sholty, Indiana State DAR Regent, who delivered remarks at the ceremony.

Robert Goode, fourth great-grandson of Eli and Margaret Passwater Coverdale. (Photo provided by Horseshoe Prairie Chapter, DAR)

Volunteers from the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) posted colors, Mr. Don Vermillion played the bagpipes, an Honor Guard from The Noblesville Navy Club Ship 29 fired a rife volley salute, and Mr. David Bechtel played taps, followed by the audience singing “God Bless America.”

Eli Coverdale served our country at the age of 15. Born in Sussex, Del., he later became a resident of Hamilton County. Coverdale died of burns having fought a brush fire on his farm in Wayne Township in April 1853, when he was over 96 years of age.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, serving the community through service, education, and historical preservation. Do you have a patriot in your family? Visit dar.org or contact Shirley Hunter Smith at shirley1776@yahoo.com.