Colonel George Waller Chapter SAR

The Colonel George Waller Chapter SAR was chartered in August 15, 1958 and is one of seven chapters in the Frontier Region. The chapter draws its membership from Martinsville, Henry County and Patrick County area, but also serves parts of Franklin County, Floyd County and Pittsylvania County. Membership is open to any male descendant who can prove lineal descent from someone who aided in the American Revolutionary War.

Members gather at locations along the southern border of Virginia in and around the Martinsville-Henry County area, which is home to the Martinsville Speedway, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, and beautiful Philpott Lake.

Colonel George Waller was a notable figure during the American Revolutionary War. Born in Stafford County, Virginia, around 1734, he became a landowner, patriot, and early settler in Henry County, Virginia. Waller married Ann Winston Carr, who was the first cousin of Patrick Henry, in 1760. During the Revolutionary War, Waller trained militia on a drill field near the Smith River as part of Penn's Regiment, named for Abram Penn. He was made an ensign in the regiment on September 25, 1775. In March 1781, he marched a detachment of three companies from Henry County militia to Hillsborough, North Carolina, to support General Edward Stevens in the Battle of Guilford Court House. After the battle, Waller was promoted and commissioned as a colonel of militia.

Colonel Waller (SAR Patriot P-312723) was also present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, which marked a significant turning point in the war. After the war, he returned to his home in Henry County and lived out his life as a gentleman planter. Waller's contributions to the war effort and his leadership in training militia were crucial in supporting the Continental Army's cause. His legacy is remembered in the region, with places like Waller's Ford (now Fieldale) named in his honor.