HICKORY CORNERS, Mich. — A soldier from the Revolutionary War was honored Saturday at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners.
Members of the Joseph B. Westnedge Chapter Sons of the American Revolution hosted the event, honoring Thomas Campbell, who also went by Camel.
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Campbell was born into slavery around 1760, but was offered freedom if he served in the Continental Army, which he did at Valley Forge and the Battle of Monmouth.
“We came to celebrate this American hero…He fought for his freedom, but he also fought for our country’s liberty and freedom, and the community has had just a tremendous outpouring of gratitude for him as well as for all the patriots,” Bob Craig, vice president of the Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, said. “Next year, America is celebrating its 250th anniversary on July 4 2026. 250 years. And it’s just an incredible time, an incredible year, and I think a wonderful celebration.”
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After the war, Campbell married and had at least four children. He settled down near Hickory Corners in Barry County after receiving a land grant, officials said…