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SARAH BELK GAMBRELL UNVEILS HISTORIC
GRAVE MARKER
HUNTERSVILLE, NC: On Saturday, October 13,
during an historic ceremony at the Davidson Family Cemetery at Rural Hill,
Sarah Belk Gambrell unveiled the rededicated grave marker for Major John
Davidson. Sarah Belk Gambrell is a descendant of Major John Davidson.
The Grave Marker Rededication Ceremony and
reception were hosted by the National Society of the Daughters of the
American Revolution, Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Chapter of
Charlotte. Under the helm of Regent Pat Autry, the ceremony included a
presentation of the Revolutionary Guard, dedication by Chaplain Elizabeth
Gallagher, and the grave marker unveiling by Gambrell. “When Rural Hill’s
last living resident, May Davidson, was unable to attend, Ms. Gambrell
stepped in,” commented Rural Hill Executive Director Ed McLean. “We are
honored that a descendent of Major Davidson was able to unveil the marker.
Sarah is a beacon in our community, and also here at Rural Hill where she
serves on our Board of Directors.” The ceremony continued with laying of
wreaths at the grave marker and a reception at the nearby Hopewell
Presbyterian Church.
Major John and Violet Davidson, their
descendents and extended family have played an important role in the
development of Mecklenburg County and the surrounding region. John
Davidson and Violet Wilson married June 2, 1761, and it is believed the
newlyweds received their homestead, Rural Hill, through a gift of land from
Violet’s father. In 1775, a delegation in
Mecklenburg County gathered to write a declaration of revolutionary
resolves. Major John represented the Hopewell district on the committee
that is believed to have drafted what is now known as the Mecklenburg
Declaration of Independence.
Major John and Violet
Davidson had 10 children. Violet passed away in 1818 and was the first to be
buried in the
Rural Hill Burying
Ground. The Davidson Family Cemetery,
Major John Davidson’s grave marker, and all of the grounds of Rural Hill are
open to the public. For more information on Rural Hill, its hours of
operation and events, please visit
www.ruralhill.net.
PHOTO L-R: Tom Phlegar
(Color Guard), Ann Williams as Violet Davidson, Jim Williams as
John Davidson, Sara Belk Gambrell
(descendant of John Davidson), LD Bass (cousin of Sara Gambrell and
descendant of John Davidson), and Ray Maxson (Color Guard and President of
the Sons of the American Revolution).
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Rural Hill is located at 4431 Neck Road (off
Beatties Ford Road) in Huntersville, 28078. The former homestead of Major
John and Violet Davidson, the 265 acre site is maintained and promoted by
The Catawba Valley Scottish Society (CVSS). Rural Hill features annual
events such as The Lock Norman Highland Games, The Amazing Maize Maze, The
Spirit of the Hornet’s Nest (battle reenactments) and The Rural Hill
Sheepdog Trials. CVSS is a non-profit organization supported through
membership and donations. For more information on events or for financial
support accepted securely online, please visit
www.ruralhill.net. |
