Wilkes County Revolutionary War soldier Austin Dabney was honored recently with a memorial headstone in Pike County, Georgia. On January 30, Wilkes County patriot Austin Dabney was honored at a grave dedication sponsored by The Sons of the American Revolution. Austin Dabney was honored as a freed slave and patriot of the American Revolution – one of the few slaves recognized to date. The ceremony took place at the Dabney- Harris Cemetery in Zebulon in Pike County.

“The story of Austin Dabney touches your heart,” said Washington Mayor Willie Burns. “Austin was a Patriot who fought at the Battle of Kettle Creek and the Battle of Augusta. His wounds left him crippled for life. The Harris family cared for him during his recuperation and a lifelong bond developed. The son of Giles Harris was named for Austin and Austin and Giles are buried side-by-side.”

SAR Member Bob Galer noted during the ceremonies that Austin Dabney is the first black patriot to be recognized in Georgia with a grave dedication ceremony. The presence of National SAR Genealogist General Joe Dooley underlined the national stature of this ceremony.

The story of Austin Dabney was told by Robert S. Davis, M.Ed., M.A. of Wallace College, who is considered the world expert on the Battle of Kettle Creek. His concentration on this Battle has spanned over thirty years.

Another highlight of the grave dedication was the talk of Genealogist General Joe Dooley, who spoke of a print brought from the SAR National Office showing George Washington crossing the Delaware and drawing attention to the black Patriot next to General Washington. Genealogist General Dooley stated that research shows that there were from 5,000 to 20,000 black Patriots fighting for freedom and liberty during the Revolutionary War.

The texts of Davis, Giles Harris descendant Carl Voelker, and genealogist Dooley are being acquired for possible inclusion in the Washington Historical Museum.