The Life and Times of Maj. Simon Sommers
By Jamie Callendar, GW Chapter SAR
June 8, 2013
Simon Sommers, born 23 Nov 1747 in Fairfax County, Virginia, was the eldest son of John Summers and Susannah Adams and had two brothers, John and William, and two sisters, Mary and Sarah. He died at his homestead, “Sommerville”, in Alexandria County, 02 Dec 1836, and was buried in the Falls Church Episcopal Church cemetery.
Simon Sommers Grave Marker
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Sommers, of the Virginia Line, was appointed Lieutenant and Adjutant in the 6th Virginia Regiment, Continental Line, on 01 Mar 1776, transferred to the 2nd VR, CL, on 14 Sep 1778 and retired 12 Feb 1781. The regiments would see action at the Battle of Trenton, Battle of Princeton, Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston. Sommers was ill throughout the war and he was on extended medical furlough at least twice. But, he still maintained his relationship with the 6th and 2nd Virginia Regiments throughout the war, retired in 1781 and was pensioned.
Of historical note, Sommers served at Valley Forge for the winter of 1777-78 and was thus one of the officers who signed the congressionally mandated Oath of Allegiance in the Spring of 1778. An updated version of this oath is still taken today by all immigrants that want to become US citizens.
After the war, Sommers was actively involved with the Methodist church, attending the General Conferences in 1796 and 1800, where it is noted that he “was a Christian educated gentleman” and the he was “socially intimate with [General Washington]. ” He also became a bonded surveyor for Alexandria County and court records show he was active in that role over a 20 year period. Summer’s primary task for Alexandria County was to survey parcels of land to be bought and sold.
The life and times of Major Simon Sommers highlights his service to Virginia and the American Republic. Accordingly, this final resting place of Major Simon Sommers, citizen and patriot, is being proudly recognized today by The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
The Simon Sommers grave marking was a joint ceremony between the George Washington and Fairfax Resolves Chapters of the SAR. Chapter and Color Guard members from both chapters are shown at The Falls Church cemetery in Falls Church, VA. C.A.R. was also represeted at the event.