Anne Arundel Revolutionary War Soldier Identified More Than 240 Years Later

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — A new investigation conducted by FHD Forensics has identified the remains of a soldier who died in combat during the Battle of Camden, a deadly conflict that took place during the American Revolutionary War. John Pumphrey, a teenager who was part of the 7th Maryland Regiment, has been identified as the soldier in question.

FHD Forensics employed three types of DNA evidence to identify Pumphrey’s body, which marks the first time that FHD has used DNA to identify a soldier. A gathering was held in Baltimore for Pumphrey’s family on June 18, offering closure many generations after his death.

Though he died in South Carolina, Pvt. John Pumphrey was originally from Anne Arundel County. He traveled from his home in rural Maryland to Baltimore to become a soldier in January 1777, as described in his biography. Pumphrey would go on to fight in the Battle of Camden, where he tragically died Aug. 16, 1780, cutting his service short.

The remains of John Pumphrey were discovered by archaeologists from the University of South Carolina in 2022. After receiving full military honors, Pumphrey’s remains were reburied in a historic cemetery.

Not much is known about Pvt. John Pumphrey of Anne Arundel County, and even his exact age remains a mystery. He was a teenager when he died, likely between 16 and 18 years old, and his remains point toward an average height of 5 feet, 8 inches.

The revelation of Pumphrey’s remains comes just weeks before America’s 250th birthday, a milestone being celebrated all across the country. Thousands of soldiers died during the Revolutionary War fighting for the nation’s independence, and many of their fates are still unknown.

“Our success at uncovering the story of this young American hero couldn’t have come at a better time as we’re celebrating our 250th anniversary as a country,” said genetic genealogist Allison Peacock, president of FHD Forensics. “It’s the ultimate gift to every American to get to know this boy who literally gave his life for the concept of freedom from tyranny.”

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to read up on the founding years of the United States. Want to learn more about America’s founding and Maryland’s rich history? Check out our previous coverage on the Treaty of Paris and some of the state’s most fascinating historical landmarks.

To learn more about Pvt. John Pumphrey, visit the FHD Forensics website.

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