Many KFM members know about the small marker stone near the road in our cemetery, etched with the words “Ye Hessians 1777” and often adorned with a German flag. Thanks to funding from Kennett Township and research conducted by South River Heritage Consulting, we now have a much fuller picture of its history.

Researchers combed through our meeting minutes, treasurer’s accounts, and historical archives dating back centuries. They found no record of who placed the stone or when, though evidence points to sometime between 1915 and 1928.

It also turns out the stone’s label may be historically inaccurate since the soldiers who skirmished here on September 11, 1777 were British riflemen and Loyalist Queen’s Rangers, not Hessians, despite being under the command of the Hessian General von Knyphausen.

Whether an actual burial lies beneath the currently visible stone remains unknown. Researchers are recommending a ground-penetrating radar survey of the site to find out without disturbing the ground.

Old Kennett Meeting committee is grateful for this research as we mark America’s 250th anniversary. More updates to follow as the investigation continues!