Duplin County Revolutionary War hero honored

Fourth of July celebrations have come and gone across the country, but one Duplin County community is still paying homage to our forefathers.

A ceremony which Kenansville officials said was long overdue, was held Friday to honor James Gillespie.

A historical highway marker was unveiled at Routledge Cemetery along Highway 24.

Gillespie was a Revolutionary War hero serving as a Calvary Major and Colonel.

Gillespie was also a Congressman.

Among his contributions to the war, Gillespie was a part of the North Carolina Provincial Congress in 1776 where the state's constitution was written, as well as an attendee at the 1778 and 79 constitutional conventions where the U.S.Constitution was first rejected, but later approved.

Community members and many relatives of Gillespie's were on hand Friday to ensure his legacy lives on.

Kenansville attorney Charles Ingram says, "He's just a major founding father who has languished for far too long and now we hope more people we know about him and what he did."

Ingram also says they are looking to add a Revolutionary War monument to the town's courthouse grounds.