DNA Identifies Revolutionary War Soldier John Pumphrey After 246 Years

Pvt. John Pumphrey, a Maryland teenager who died at the Battle of Camden in 1780, has been identified after 246 years through DNA testing and genealogical research, solving what researchers called the case of 'America's oldest John Doe.' Source: AP

The Battle and Discovery

The Battle of Camden on August 16, 1780, was a devastating defeat for the Continental Army, with about 900 killed. Many bodies were left unburied. In 2020, archaeologists surveying the battlefield in South Carolina found human bones. Eventually, 14 sets of remains were recovered—12 identified as Continental soldiers and two as British. Pumphrey's remains, labeled 'Camden 9B,' had been given a cursory burial. Source: CNN, AP

DNA Identification

The Richland County Coroner's Office enlisted FHD Forensics, whose founder Allison Peacock called it 'America's oldest John Doe.' DNA extraction proved challenging due to age and soil contamination. Astrea Forensics in California successfully extracted DNA from the petrous portion of the temporal bone, using three types of DNA including autosomal. This allowed genealogists to trace Pumphrey's family tree. Source: CNN

Pumphrey enlisted at age 14 in 1777, signing with an 'X' as he could not write. He served over 1,000 miles before his death. The identification comes as the nation approaches its 250th birthday. Source: Ground News, AP