McCauley Lecture: Jacob Brumbaugh: A Washington County Dunker Farmer, Pacifist, and Patriot

Jacob Brumbaugh is recognized as a “Patriot” by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and The Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) not because of ever joining the militia or the Continental Army, but because he provided assistance to the cause of Independence by 1) contributing two blankets for the soldiers and 2) selling grains to the purchasing agent for the Continental Army, his neighbor Dr. Henry Schnebley, both facts well documented. This relationship with Schnebley and the other with Hager and also Conrad Hogmeyer and Andrew Rentch, along with his commercial success as a farmer all suggest that Brumbaugh was well connected in a thriving community.

Brumbaugh was likely one of the most successful Dunker farmers in Washington County at his death. In 2010, his farmstead was listed by the Maryland Historical Trust as the #1 endangered historic property in the State of Maryland. Recently, in connection with the demolition of his farm buildings, a 586-page archeological report was filed by the Maryland Historical Trust and that document is now on file with the Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown. That report tells only a partial story of this outstanding Dunker farmer, and it is the purpose of this lecture to add important facts to his story.

Unable to attend the lecture in person? Check out our YouTube livestream here!