WHEREAS, Mathias Wilberger, a Swiss immigrant who served the nation honorably during the Revolutionary War, died 200 years ago on June 10, 1818; and

WHEREAS, the son of Heinrich and Ursula Wilberger, Mathias Wilberger was born in Neunkirch, Switzerland, and immigrated to the United States in 1737; he moved from Berks County, Pennsylvania, to Frederick County, Maryland, where he married his wife, Margaretha; and

WHEREAS, at the outset of the Revolutionary War, Mathias Wilberger was inspired to serve the young nation as a private in the Maryland Militia, taking the Oath of Fidelity in 1778; and

WHEREAS, after the war, Mathias Wilberger settled in Virginia, making his home in Rockingham County with his wife and their three sons; and

WHEREAS, Mathias Wilberger's son Heinrich stayed in Rockingham County and his grandson, Heinrich, Jr., relocated to neighboring Albemarle County; and

WHEREAS, successive generations stayed in the Shenandoah Valley for a time, until Winston Wilberger moved to Richmond; other branches of Mathias Wilberger's family moved as far as Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, and Texas; and

WHEREAS, Mathias Wilberger's descendants carried on his proud tradition of service and patriotism, including as members of the Texas Ranger Division and as soldiers during the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and World War II; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the life and legacy of Mathias Wilberger, who served the nation during the Revolutionary War, hereby be commemorated on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of his death; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Mathias Wilberger as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his service to the Commonwealth and the United States.