Jonathan Comer

I am a lifelong resident of Shenandoah (Page County), VA where I grew up working in my father’s hardware store. In elementary school, I won an essay contest from the local DAR chapter that first piqued my interest in ancestry history. I also knew my aunt was in the DAR growing up but never knew much more about it than that.

After graduating from Virginia Tech and starting my career in banking, one of my co-workers always talked about his ancestors which set me on the path of doing more ancestry research and learning more about my lineage. After looking through all the materials my grandmother had, as well as other more distant family members, I was able to begin building my family tree on Ancestry.com.

After my grandmother’s passing in 2016, I started the process of joining the SAR. Through this process I found that not only had my aunt joined the DAR through our lineage from Pvt. Michael Comer, but over 20 other cousins and distant family members had as well (even though I am the first SAR member from this ancestor).

Since joining the SAR, I have served the Fort Harrison Chapter as 2nd Vice-President, 1st Vice-President, Chapter President, and now Treasurer. In addition to these offices, I have received the Lafayette Medal for work with the Patriot Research System, and I am a Major in the 1st Virginia Regiment of the Virginia SAR. I have received the Eagle Scout Pin, Chapter Service Medal, and the Chapter Distinguished Service Medal. Lastly, I have proven 47 more supplemental SAR ancestors, including 20 forgotten patriots (of which 2 were women).

In addition to the SAR, I am also a member of the following lineage/ancestry organizations (descent from ancestor): Society of the Cincinnati (Lt. Elliot Rucker), Sons of the Revolution (Capt. Angus Rucker), Society of Colonial Wars (Pvt. Stephen Harnsberger), War of 1812 Society (Pvt. Samuel Comer), Sons of Confederate Veterans (Pvt. James J. Comer), and Ancient Heraldic & Chivalric Order of Albion (Lt. Elliott Rucker).

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