On Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 3 p.m., the Colonel Joseph B. Westnedge Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) will hold a moving Patriot Plaque Dedication at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan. The ceremony will honor Thomas Campbell, also recorded as Camel—a man born into slavery who went on to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
A Journey from Slavery to Service
Born around 1760 in Culpeper County, Virginia, Thomas Campbell was enslaved by Colonel Martin Pickett. He was promised freedom in exchange for his military service—a commitment that would forever shape his life. In 1776, Campbell enlisted in Captain Wilson’s Company of the 4th Virginia Regiment and joined General George Washington’s forces at White Marsh, New York. Serving under the Marquis de Lafayette’s division, he endured the brutal winter at Valley Forge, a chapter of hardship that tested the endurance of even the most seasoned soldiers.
During the 1778 Battle of Monmouth Courthouse, Campbell suffered a severe heat stroke that left him incapacitated. Though he recovered, he was discharged due to his weakened condition, closing one chapter of service but opening another in perseverance and resilience.
A Life of Labor, Family, and Hope
After his discharge, Campbell married his wife Louisa, and together they raised four children: James, William, Nicholas, and Sara Ann. Seeking to provide for his family, he later applied for a pension to recognize his service. Unfortunately, confusion over the spelling of his name—Campbell or Camel—led to the denial of his claim.
Undeterred, Campbell successfully applied for a land grant approved by President Martin Van Buren. He moved his family to Barry County, Michigan, settling near what is now the Gilmore Car Museum. There, he lived out his remaining years, passing away in 1849. His exact burial site remains unknown, but his legacy has endured quietly for generations.
Remembering a Multicultural Revolution
Saturday’s ceremony seeks to bring Campbell’s story back into the light. The Sons of the American Revolution, through events like this one, aim to remind communities that the fight for independence was waged by people of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Honoring patriots such as Thomas Campbell helps personalize American history, connecting local residents to the stories that shaped their nation.
As past Michigan SAR President David Van Hoof has shared, these dedications serve a greater purpose: to ensure that the principles of liberty and equality endure through remembrance. Campbell’s story exemplifies those ideals—his courage, sacrifice, and unrecognized struggles symbolize the multicultural roots of American freedom.
A Community’s Tribute
The dedication will take place on the Gilmore Car Museum grounds, near the very land once owned by Campbell himself. Supported by the museum and local community leaders, the event is open to the public. It stands not only as a tribute to one man but as a broader reminder that freedom’s story is written by many voices—some long overlooked, but never forgotten.
For those who attend, the ceremony offers a moment to reflect on the meaning of service, resilience, and the shared history that continues to unite generations of Americans.