The Colonel George Waller Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) recently inducted Charles G. Anthony, Jr. and Charles Graves Anthony, III, both descendants of Colonel Abram Penn, one of the most distinguished Revolutionary War leaders associated with the region that would become Henry and Patrick Counties.
Colonel Abram Penn was a prominent early settler of southern Virginia. Before the American Revolution, he served under General Andrew Lewis during Lord Dunmore’s War, commanding a regiment while on campaign. When Pittsylvania County was partitioned in 1777 to form Henry County, Penn became an influential civic figure and was elected as a Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly in both 1777 and 1779.
In 1779, Penn was appointed a captain and began organizing militia forces in support of the Revolution. During the harsh winter of 1780–1781, he raised the only regiment of troops from Henry County and the surrounding frontier. He maintained active communication with Governor Patrick Henry and other leaders, ensuring that local forces were prepared, provisioned, and ready to march when called. After the formation of Patrick County, Penn became one of the original members of its first county court.
Penn died in 1801 and was buried at Poplar Grove in Patrick County, leaving to his descendants a legacy of leadership, patriotism, and enduring public service.
The Sons of the American Revolution is a civic organization dedicated to the preservation of history and genealogy relating to the era of the American Revolution. Membership is open to any male who can prove descent from an individual who provided patriot service—whether military, governmental, or documented acts of defiance against Great Britain.
Any gentleman interested in joining may contact Andy Doss at andydoss@vt.edu.
