Private Richard Gentry was born in the Colony of Virginia on Sept. 26, 1763 is a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/jeffersonbarracks.asp. A Private in the Continental Army at the age of 17, he was present at the capture of Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown on Oct. 19, 1781. After the Revolution, he moved westward, fighting in the various Indian Wars. He died Feb. 12, 1843 near Richmond, Ky. He was removed to Jefferson Barracks on June 20, 1958.   The son of David Gentry (son of Nicholas, son of Nicholas) and Mary Estes (dau of Richard Estes and Mary Yancey/Yancy). He was a Revolutionary soldier, enlisting from Albemarle Cty., Virginia, and serving first for two months as a private under Capt. William Dalton, at the age of 17. He was present at the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Married (1) Jane Harris (in 1784)(daughter of Christopher Harris and Agnes McCord); (2) Nancy Guthrie (in 1821)(daughter of Nathaniel Guthrie and Nancy Jane Johns); had 19 children (seven with second wife), 16 of whom were sons. He was 'wealthy in lands and slaves' after the 1786 move from Virginia to Kentucky via the Cumberland Gap. His wife is said to have ridden the trip on horseback carrying her son Reuben in her arms. They settled at Boone's Fort, then established a plantation in Madison County. He boiled down salt water to salt and became wealthy in Kentucky, where salt was like money. Died on his estate in Madison County.

*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 



Newspaper account of Richard Gentry's re-interment at Jefferson Barracks.

RICHARD GENTRY

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