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DNA Names 13-Year-Old Revolutionary Soldier John Pumphrey

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Advanced DNA genealogy identified the unknown Revolutionary War soldier John Pumphrey.
Allison Peacock matched the remains with three DNA types and family records, confirming he enlisted at age 13.
Archaeologists Jim Legg and Steve Smith uncovered shallow graves at the 1780 Camden battlefield, leading to the find.
Descendants who gave DNA gathered in late June as Pumphrey’s remains were reburied in Camden, South Carolina, with his name added to the tombstone.

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Story summary

Advanced DNA genealogy identified the unknown Revolutionary War soldier John Pumphrey.
Allison Peacock matched the remains with three DNA types and family records, confirming he enlisted at age 13.
Archaeologists Jim Legg and Steve Smith uncovered shallow graves at the 1780 Camden battlefield, leading to the find.
Descendants who gave DNA gathered in late June as Pumphrey’s remains were reburied in Camden, South Carolina, with his name added to the tombstone.