DNA from bones on a Revolutionary War battlefield solves the case of ‘America’s oldest John Doe’
DNA from bones on a Revolutionary – After nearly 250 years, the identity of Pvt. John Pumphrey has been finally uncovered. Through a combination of DNA analysis and traditional investigative methods, the Maryland teenager who perished in one of the final major engagements of the American Revolution now holds his place in history. This breakthrough coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary, marking a fitting tribute to the patriot he fought for. “It felt like a moment of serendipity, almost as if fate were at play,” remarked Allison Peacock, founder of FHD Forensics, which aided in the search. “I don’t know what else to call it.”
The Battle of Camden and the Search for Identity
Pumphrey fell on August 16, 1780, during the Battle of Camden in South Carolina. This clash represented a significant defeat for the Continental Army, as British General Charles Lord Cornwallis overwhelmed the forces led by Major General Horatio Gates. Over 900 soldiers lost their lives, many left unburied in the aftermath, exposed to the elements and scavenged by wildlife. In 2020, archaeologists stumbled upon human remains during a survey of the site. By the end of their investigation, 14 sets of bones were identified, with 12 belonging to Continental soldiers and the remaining two linked to the British.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office partnered with FHD Forensics for modern cases, but this project marked a unique challenge. Peacock referred to it as “America’s oldest John Doe,” highlighting its historical significance. “Our approach mirrors that of any other unidentified remains case,” she explained. “Yet, we were uncertain if the DNA from over 240-year-old bones would yield enough genetic data for a genealogy investigation. We were lucky, though.”
Overcoming Challenges in DNA Extraction
Unlike most remains, Pumphrey and four fellow soldiers were buried with minimal coverage, earning them the designation “Camden 9B” as the second set recovered from burial site nine. Their remains were analyzed and documented, with the 12 Continental soldiers later honored with full military rites. Camden 9B’s marker simply read: “UNKNOWN. REV WAR. BATTLE OF CAMDEN. AUG 16 1780.”
To extract genetic material, samples from two soldiers were sent to Astrea Forensics in California. While teeth are typically preferred for DNA preservation due to their protective structure, this case yielded no results from that source. “The DNA becomes contaminated by the soil and water microbes over time,” noted Kelly Harkins Kincaid, co-founder of Astrea and the company’s scientific advisor. “This was the oldest sample we’ve ever used for reconstructing a family tree, even though we’ve worked with remains dating back 10,000 years.”
Researchers managed to isolate three DNA types—autosomal, X, and Y—from the petrous portion of the temporal bone. Peacock’s team uploaded the findings to FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch, resulting in 20,000 potential matches. Among these, a maternal lineage connection emerged through Russ Hudson, a retired federal agent in Pennsylvania. Hudson volunteered for archival research, revealing a profile of a young Maryland orphan who likely enlisted in the militia at age 13. “He probably left home for Baltimore and joined the ranks,” Hudson said. “We still don’t know his full story or how he earned a place in the military so early.”
Uncovering a Patriot’s Legacy
Archaeologists now confirm that Pumphrey served with the 7th Maryland Regiment, which was part of George Washington’s forces during the Valley Forge winter. The unit also participated in key battles of the Northern Theater, including Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. Peacock estimates that Pumphrey had traveled over 1,000 miles by the time he died in the pine forests of South Carolina. “His cause of death remains unclear, as no definitive injury was found,” Peacock said. “It’s possible he suffered a soft tissue wound, such as a bayonet strike, but the exact circumstances remain a mystery.”
“We got 20,000 matches to work with. So, it was a lot to kind of comb through.”
