Robert S. Craigo/Craig was born around 1757 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania Continental Army at Carlisle in July or August of 1781. Robert served as a private under Captain Thomas Campbell and Colonel Thomas Craig. He also served as a wagoner under Quartermasters Samuel Matthews and Patterson, as well as Colonel Canington. He would later serve as a private under different captains and colonels, including Captain Thomas Doyle and Colonel Butler, among others, eventually finding himself at the Siege of Yorktown. He was discharged in June of 1783 at Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Robert had at least two wives, possibly three. If he was married three times, the name of his first wife has never been located. It appears he was married to Sarah Butler (name is unsure) for about 20 years, and later married to Elizabeth Good for nearly 14 years. Some believe that his wife, Sarah, may be buried in Lemon Township in Butler County, Ohio. That assumption is due to the fact that Robert is listed in Butler County in the 1810 U.S. Census.
He was also the father to many children, some apparently step-children who took the Craig name.
Many believe Robert to be the son of Thomas Crago/Craigo of Green County, Pennsylvania. Based on DNA findings, it seems there was also a relationship with Thomas Crago, who was killed by American Indians in southwest Pennsylvania in 1771.
Robert received a Veteran’s Pension for his service in Preble County in 1819. Therefore, we know that he moved to Preble County before 1820 when he married Elizabeth Hood. We know that Robert died in Somers Township, Preble County, Ohio, on the seventh day in either April or May of 1834. However, we do not know where his remains are located. [Works Progress Administration] Burial Records (which are official) indicate that he was buried at the Orchard Hill Cemetery in Camden, Ohio, in an unmarked grave. The Fairmount Cemetery records, also located in Camden, indicate that Robert’s remains rest in an unmarked grace located in lot 356, though we must remember that some believe he was buried in Butler County next to his wife Sarah, in an unknown location.
Still, one has to wonder if Robert’s remains could have been relocated to Fairmount along with those of many others in 2006 when the Orchard Hill Cemetery underwent a restoration project.
Robert S. Craigo/Craig was a hero, serving us well during the American Revolution. He was also one of the early settlers of southwest Ohio. It is time for us to locate his final resting place and provide an appropriate commemoration for a job well done.
Commodore Preble Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
