DNA Analysis Identifies Remains of Maryland Soldier Killed at Camden in 1780

Battlefield archaeologists have identified the remains of a Continental Army soldier killed in the August 1780 Battle of Camden as John Pumphrey of Maryland. CBS News reported that the discovery was made at the Camden, South Carolina, site where British forces defeated American troops, resulting in roughly 2,000 Continental soldiers killed, wounded or captured.

Archaeologists Jim Legg and Steve Smith found several sets of remains in shallow graves.

Metal buttons recovered with the bones indicated the men were Continental soldiers. One set, previously labeled only as 9B, was matched to Pumphrey through three types of DNA testing combined with biographical data, according to genetic genealogist Allison Peacock. Pumphrey enlisted in the 7th Maryland Regiment as young as 13.

Historic records show his family owned sawmills and real estate in Maryland before losing the estate in a court dispute after his father's death. He likely marched more than 1,000 miles with the regiment and fought in battles under Gen. George Washington in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

DNA samples used in the identification came from Pam Donahue, Karen Pumphrey Etchison and Nancy Pumphrey White. Donahue, Pumphrey's fourth-great-niece, said she is proud to know her relative fought for the United States. "To find out that we do have a young man that sacrificed his life for the development of our country, it's amazing, absolutely amazing," she said.

In late June, members of the extended Pumphrey family gathered to hear his story. Pumphrey's remains are interred in South Carolina. The tombstone previously marked "Unknown" will have his name added.