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By Jocelyn Torres, for the SNAP

The Stanly County Historical Society and Stanly County Genealogy Society, along with several other organizations, hosted a dedication ceremony on March 22 at the New London Cemetery to honor Revolutionary War patriot Thomas Biles.
The event was led by Wanda Gantt, president of the Stanly County Genealogy Society.
A commemorative marker was placed in Biles’ honor by his descendants.
During the event, an excerpt from Biles’ personal account of his service in the Revolutionary War was read aloud.

Biles detailed his enlistment in 1776 and his service under various captains, including Hugh Montgomery, James Craig and Gen. Rutherford. His military actions included marching against the Tories near Cross Creek (now Fayetteville), campaigns against the Cherokee Nation and battles such as the one at Ramsour’s Mill (Lincolnton), where he and fellow patriots defeated the British and Tory forces. Biles also described his contributions beyond combat, including supplying the military with salt and participating in scouting missions.
Colson’s Mill Chapter President Daniel Burleson provided additional context on the founding of Bilesville, a community named after one of Biles’ sons.
Biles was born in 1752 in New Jersey and later on moved with his family to Rowan County. By 1797, he and his family had settled in what is now Stanly County, near the Narrows of the Yadkin River and Mountain Creek.
Zelma Eudy, a member of the Yadkin River Patriots Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, shared her personal connection to Biles as her patriot ancestor. According to Gantt, Eudy ordered the commemorative tombstone about five years ago, and its installation was long-awaited.
“It took a long time for this to happen,” said Gantt.
Gantt addressed the significance of honoring Biles, noting that government regulations allow for tombstones to be provided for soldiers who do not have one. She mentioned that another Revolutionary War soldier in Stanly County, Samuel Carter, may be the next to receive such recognition, pending interest from his descendants.
Tate Daniels, mayor of New London, formally accepted the tombstone and collaborated with the Historical Society to ensure its placement. Due to high winds and a current burn ban in place, a planned cannon salute was canceled.
The event was made possible through the sponsorship of several organizations: The Yadkin River Patriots DAR, Colson’s Mills Sons of the American Revolution, Gen. John Archdale Colonial Dames 17th Century, Stanly County Historical Society and Stanly County Genealogy Society.
For more information on upcoming events, visit historicstanly.org.

Jocelyn Torres is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.