Colonel Thomas Hughart Chapter
Organized November 27, 1925
Staunton, Virginia
Colonel Thomas Hughart was born in 1729. He died in Augusta County, Virginia in 1810. He was one of the largest landowners of the county and one of its wealthiest citizens. His fellow citizens seem to have recognized his ability and influence, for they kept him in office for nearly forty years. The Governor of Virginia appointed him one of the gentlemen justices of the county and he served in this office, or as high sheriff, almost to the time of his death.
He entered the army early where his first military duty was performed as Sergeant in the French and Indian Wars for which service he was awarded a land grant.
On September 19, 1780 he was appointed and qualified as Colonel of the Second Division of Augusta County Troops. In May 1781 he and his troops were ordered to join the army of General Lafayette in King William County and thus they became a part of the army which followed Cornwallis in his retreat.
Since many of the members of the Chapter trace their descent from Colonel Hughart, or from members of the Augusta County Rifleman, which he in part commanded, it seems very fitting that he be honored in the name of this Chapter.
Colonel Hughart and his wife, Rebecca Estill Hughart, are buried in the cemetery adjoining Rocky Spring Church, Augusta County, and a monument stands there erected to their memory.