The Colonel Hardy Murfree and Shelby Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted a grave marking on Saturday to honor Revolutionary War veteran David Osteen at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Chapel Hill.  

According to Shelby Chapter regent Lila Beasley, a headstone appeared at Cedar Grove, marking the grave of Osteen. It was placed there by Osteen’s descendant, Mary Stephens, of Nashville. NSDAR dedicated an official marker over the grave.    

Several of Osteen’s relatives from around the country, including those from East Tennessee, Texas, and Arkansas, attended the event.    

What is known about their distant relative is that he was born in Cateret County, N.C., in 1761. He became a soldier in the War in 1778 at 17 and joined Gen. Benjamin Lincoln in S.C. They marched to Augusta, Ga., in an unsuccessful campaign. He also served under General John Ash, Captain William Denis, Lieutenant Eli Wet, and Ensign Belshaser Fullen.  

Private Osteen returned home in April of 1779. He later moved to Onslow County and lived there for 12 years to raise a family.    

Before moving to Bedford County, Osteen also lived in Davidson and Maury counties as well as Limestone and Morgan counties in Alabama.  

The event featured a presentation of wreaths, a three-volley salute, and a performance of taps to finally lay to rest a veteran who, according to chapter registrar Karen Maynard, “risked everything for the founding of Tennessee and of the country.”  

“We have the responsibility to remember what they did―their courage, faith, and sacrifice,” she said.