Autauga County honors patriots with flags and flowers before July 4th

Flags and flowers marked the grave of Revolutionary War veteran Jeremiah Chancellor at Pine Level Methodist Church Cemetery as the Old Autauga Historical Society led a pre-July 4 tribute to the county’s early patriots. The June 29 observance came as Autauga County joined broader efforts tied to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Chancellor’s story reaches back before Alabama statehood. He was born in England, came to America with his father and brothers at age 16, and later fought on the Patriot side in South Carolina. He moved to what is now Autauga County in 1818, one year before Alabama became a state, and died in 1831. His grave at Pine Level Methodist Church Cemetery became the focal point of the day’s ceremony.

Old Autauga Historical Society President Larry Caver said the county’s earliest settlement included about 30 people who served in the American Revolutionary War. He said many of those veterans were likely already in their 70s when they came to Alabama Territory.

Before the Pine Level ceremony, members also placed patriotic wreaths at the graves of Clement Billingsley, Lewis Cookson Davis and William Kirkland, three other Revolutionary War patriots buried in the area.

Pine Level Mayor Zachary Bigley said the town holds a special place in America’s story and that the legacy of freedom is woven into the community. Autauga County received a Liberty Tree as part of the nationwide 250th anniversary effort.