Living for a Healthy Heart, LLC
Jennie E. Johnson RN, PhD
This summer marks the 250th birthday celebration of the United States of America. It’s a time to reflect on the patriots who made it happen. Recently, I found out that I have 4 patriots who supported the revolutionary war and wanted to share one of those stories with my readers.
Johannes Eblinger and his wife Maria were young newlyweds when they sailed from Germany on the boat Dragon in 1749. Like many new immigrants his name was Americanized to John Eblin upon arrival. At that time many German immigrants settled in Berks County near Reading, Pennsylvania, about 60 miles from Philadelphia and 30 miles from Valley Forge. They became part of the Pennsylvania Dutch community, had 16 children and were farmers.
As tensions mounted with England, John and his son Ludwig joined one of the militias formed in Pennsylvania. Eblin was an outspoken critic of anyone serving in the Revolutionary War who had expressed any sympathy toward England, no matter how long ago. He didn’t think they should be allowed to serve. Later he apologized for those comments.
Privates John and Ludwig Eblin served in the 3rd Battalion under the command of Captain Daniel Deturk. This battalion was known to fight at battles in Long Island, Trenton, Princeton and Brandywine.
German immigrants who were successful farmers rotated their service between the army and raising crops to feed George Washington’s army. They also provided financial support.
On A Personal Note
My grandmother shared stories of our Pennsylvania Dutch family who were active in the Revolutionary War, Civil War and many others. Each generation sent someone to serve. Without the service and support of farmers such as John and Ludwig Eblin the revolutionary war would not have been won.
John Eblin was 51 years old on July 4th of 1776. Imagine what it must have been like to serve as an older man in George Washington’s army. Yet, he and many others did…
For 250 years the constitution and our service men and women like John and Ludwig have kept the American dream going. At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Elizabeth Willing Powel asked Benjamin Franklin “Well, doctor are we a republic or a monarchy?” He replied, “A republic if we can keep it.”
The original patriots who wrote the constitution and founded our nation believed that honorable Christian people would be the best to serve in government leadership positions to avoid corruption and greed that could permeate the system.
Finally, I began this journey a year ago after being invited to consider joining the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism across the United States…and dedicated to honoring the United States constitution and honoring veterans who served preparing to offer their lives if needed by the country.
If you think you descended from an American patriot and you’re a woman, you can contact your local DAR chapter via https://www.dar.org/.
Sometimes the issues of today seem daunting! We can’t seem to agree on anything. Few of us truly take the time to know the issues and vote. However, if Americans don’t get involved in politics and the foundation of the laws of this land, this American dream may parish.
It may be a small thing but on July 4th my daughter and I will put on colonial dresses and march in our local 4th of July parade with our DAR group to honor those who gave so much for our country. My grandchildren will be wearing red, white and blue proudly waving our flags and rejoicing in being Americans.
May God bless you and may God bless America. Happy 250th Birthday America!
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare.
References:
“Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary,” Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), https://www.dar.org/
“L. Smith Payne, “Benjamin Franklin on Keeping a Republic,” National Affairs, #68 (Summer 2026). https://www.nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/benjamin-franklin-keeping-republic
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