"Pumphrey is the oldest John Doe identified using genetic genealogy."
Discovery of Remains
In 2022, archaeologists from the University of South Carolina uncovered 14 sets of skeletal remains at the site of the Battle of Camden in South Carolina, which occurred in August 1780. The excavation was led by James Legg and Steve Smith.
Two of the remains were partially exposed above ground due to shallow graves, approximately 14 inches deep. According to Rick Wise of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, the graves were likely dug by Continental soldiers taken prisoner by the British, using only their hands and sticks.
DNA Identification
The remains were submitted for DNA analysis. FHD Forensics, a company specializing in matching DNA with historical genealogy records, analyzed the genome sequencing results.
They identified one set of remains as Private John Pumphrey of the 7th Maryland Regiment, Continental Army. Three different types of DNA analysis were used. Approximately 20,000 modern relatives were matched, including Nancy White, 71, who lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. White had opted into a DNA database and had been researching her family's genealogy.
Background of John Pumphrey
Pumphrey enlisted in January 1777 as a teenager. He participated in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth, and endured winters at Valley Forge and Morristown. He was killed at the Battle of Camden.
According to Nancy White, Pumphrey and his siblings were orphans, and he re-enlisted, which was uncommon.
The FHD president noted that Pumphrey is the oldest John Doe identified using genetic genealogy.
Battle of Camden
The Battle of Camden was a significant American defeat. The Continental Army had a numerical advantage, but many militia fled during a British bayonet charge.
Pumphrey's unit was on the right side of the line and was overwhelmed. Wise described that the men likely fought back-to-back, with the oldest being in his 30s or 40s.
Ongoing Work
FHD Forensics is working to identify a second set of remains from Camden. One employee was found to be related to both soldiers.