General Society of the Sons of the Revolution
Member jure William Cornett (Virginia Line)
Member jure William Cornett (Virginia Line)
The Sons of the Revolution in the Commonwealth of Virginia is a constituent society of a national hereditary organization established in 1876, at the centennial of American independence. Its founding purpose was to preserve the memory of those who served in the cause of liberty during the Revolutionary War, soldiers, sailors, and civil leaders whose commitment helped secure the creation of the United States. The Society draws its membership from their lineal descendants, offering a framework not only for genealogical recognition but also for civic engagement rooted in historical continuity.
The Society is committed to fostering public understanding of the American Revolution and its lasting impact. Through historical education, public commemorations, scholarship, and the preservation of historic sites and documents, it ensures that the sacrifices and ideals of the founding generation remain part of our national consciousness. Its members support and participate in ceremonies, research initiatives, and community programs that promote an informed reverence for the past.
Beyond the historical mission, the Society cultivates among its members a sense of inherited duty, an obligation to preserve the values of liberty, self-governance, and national unity that were secured at great cost. In doing so, it affirms the idea that remembrance is not passive: it is an active form of citizenship. The Sons of the Revolution thus serves as a living bridge between the struggles of the eighteenth century and the civic responsibilities of the present day.
While similar in purpose, the Sons of the Revolution (SR) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) are distinct organizations. The SR was established first, founded in New York City by John Austin Stevens as a centennial commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. The SAR, founded in 1889, emerged in part due to disagreements over membership eligibility, SR traditionally limited eligibility to direct descendants of military and naval officers and civil officials, while SAR allowed broader descent from rank-and-file soldiers and others who contributed to the cause. Today, both societies uphold the legacy of the American Revolution, but they differ in traditions, scope of activities, and governing structure. Membership in the SR often reflects an older, East Coast lineage culture and a closer affiliation with the original 13 states.
I was admitted to the Sons of the Revolution in the Commonwealth of Virginia based on my descent from William Cornett, a Virginian by birth and a Revolutionary War veteran whose postwar migration into Kentucky helped shape the early history of the Appalachian frontier. His life, documented through military records, pension applications, and local histories, offers a window into the war’s long reach and the sacrifices that built the early Republic.
Born in April 1761 in Henrico County, Virginia, William Cornett was the son of William and Lucy Cornett. In 1779, while residing in Buckingham County, Virginia, he enlisted in the Revolutionary War, serving six months in Captain Anthony Winston’s company under Colonel Skipp. After his initial term, he re-enlisted in 1780 under Captain Saunders, Major Garnaway, and Colonel Patterson, serving until shortly before the British surrender at Yorktown in October 1781. His service was later recognized with a pension, granted on August 12, 1833.
In 1796, William Cornett and his friend Gideon Ison embarked on a hunting expedition from Virginia to Kentucky, seeking the abundant game reported in the region. Despite concerns about Native American presence, they ventured into the area and set up camp at the mouth of Beech Fork on Big Leatherwood in what is now Perry County, Kentucky. The fertile land and plentiful game convinced them of the area’s potential for settlement.
William eventually settled at the mouth of Bull Creek in Perry County. His contributions to the early development of the area were significant, and the town of Cornettsville was named in his honor. His original log cabin and burial site remain as historical landmarks in the community.
William married Rhoda Gilliam on May 7, 1790, in Washington County, Virginia. They had several children, including Archibald, William Jefferson, John, Elizabeth, and Lucy. After Rhoda’s death in 1796, William married Mary Ann Everage in April 1796 in Sullivan County, Tennessee. Mary had two daughters from a previous relationship, Sarah “Sally” and Mary “Polly.” Together, William and Mary had additional children: Robert Bustard, Margaret (who died in infancy), Roger, Rachel, Nancy, Nathaniel Woolery, and Joseph Enoch.
William’s descendants continued to play significant roles in the region’s development. His son Archibald, for instance, married Judy McDaniel and settled in Kentucky, contributing to the community’s growth. The Cornett family’s legacy is evident in the area’s history and the numerous descendants who have continued to reside in Kentucky and beyond.
William Cornett passed away on November 26, 1836, in Perry County, Kentucky. He is buried in the Cornett Cemetery in Cornettsville. His life as a Revolutionary War patriot and pioneer settler left an indelible mark on the region. The town of Cornettsville stands for his contributions, and his story continues to inspire those who value the pioneering spirit and dedication to community development.
Additional memberships will be added as they are approved.