Dr. John Lynch of Williamsburg, president of the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, is in the process of laying down the groundwork for the chapter to become a “go-to” entity for local Revolutionary War information, as well as an important player in the Virginia 250th anniversary celebrations.
Lynch and his family settled in Williamsburg after his 30-year career in government service, mostly overseas. His expertise was in public health care, biosecurity and emergency planning. He holds a post-graduate degree in physician assistant studies and is a doctor of medical science.
I asked Lynch, what made him choose Williamsburg as a place for retirement?
“I have deep interest in history,” Lynch said in an interview with The Gazette. “I value education and enjoy learning. The combination of Virginia’s significant history, the presence of Colonial Williamsburg, and the opportunities offered by the College of William & Mary, made retiring to Williamsburg an easy choice.”
In addition, accepting the position of president of the Williamsburg chapter of the SAR provided him with an opportunity to make a difference in the Williamsburg-James City County community.
“The Williamsburg chapter is the perfect vehicle to accomplish this goal,” he said. “It is one of the largest in Virginia, with membership roster approaching 180 members.”
Lynch pointed out that the chapter has an excellent relationship with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Historic Virginia Land Conservancy. This cooperation enables SAR to commemorate the July 6, 1781, Battle of Green Spring, as well as the commemoration of the Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary, which took place on June 26, 1781. The commemoration is held in Freedom Park in cooperation with James City County.
I asked Lynch, what does SAR represent that resonates with him and made him become a member?
“Continuity,” he said. “It represents the continuity of our American ideals. Like the United States Military Academy’s Long Grey Line, the SAR has its own long variegated line. Each member of SAR is a descendant of someone who supported the patriot cause during the Revolutionary War. Also one of SAR’s functions is educating people about the Revolutionary War and the formulation of the idea leading to the foundation of the United States.”
Lynch believes that the educational component is a vital part of SAR’s mission. He is determined to lead the way.
The Williamsburg chapter of SAR has established working relationships with other chapters, including the Thomas Nelson Jr. and Richmond chapters of SAR, the Ann Wager and Williamsburg chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the George Wythe Society of the Children of the American Revolution.
“My intention,” Lynch said, “is to increase public awareness of the Battle of Green Spring and tell the story of the Virginia militiamen who fought there. Too often these men, members of units raised in numerous Virginia counties are ignored or swept to the side in the histories of the cattle. The VA250 celebrations provide an opportunity to tell their stories.”
According to Lynch, so far, the Williamsburg chapter of SAR had identified 161 men confirmed or with highly probable presence at the battle. In addition, the local SAR chapter has identified 68 State Line or Virginia Continental Line physicians, as well as 51 doctors in the Virginia Navy.
“We will soon begin writing their stories. They won’t be forgotten,” Lynch said.
Although Lynch‘s main interest is the study of American history, he cherishes the opportunity to have lived overseas and be exposed to different cultures.
“I believe my family and I am the better for it,” he said.
In fact, at family reunions, Lynch is never short of amusing stories from his overseas stays. One of them describes his family’s visit to an old castle in Germany.
“One of my young children was wearing plastic knight armor. He ran up to a man and demanded to know if he had seen any bad knights. The man, who spoke broken English, paused and then solemnly acknowledged, “I indeed had some bad nights.”
Frank Shatz is a Williamsburg resident. He is the author of “Reports from a Distant Place,” the compilation of his selected columns. The book is available at the Bruton Parish Shop and Amazon.com.
