George Washington’s Bodyguard’s Grave

In a small cemetery down by the railroad tracks in Montgomery, southeast of Williamsport, is the grave of George Washington's bodyguard.

Here lies Michael Sechler, one of the “Pennsylvania Dragoons,” who rode on horseback and were tasked with staying close to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. (The troop’s full name was Van Heer’s Pennsylvania Dragoons, Independent Troop of Horses.)

Next to his headstone sits a marker placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution that reads, “Michael Sechler A Body Guard of George Washington Buried Here.”

Michael Sechler was born nearby in 1762, to parents who had immigrated from Germany. Michael trained as a potter, and sold his handmade crockery on his farm while also serving as a justice of the peace. He enlisted in the revolutionary army at age 19. 

All told, there were 350 men who were tasked with guarding and supporting General Washington during the war. The job of the Dragoons was to protect the general as well as the Continental Army’s money and official papers.

Sechler was discharged on in 1783, three months after the war was won. As a reward for his loyal service, Washington’s army allowed Sechler to keep his arms, horse, and "accoutrements." He spent the rest of his life in the area with his wife, Rebecca Lowe, and in 1802, they settled on a farm in what is now Montgomery. He was laid to rest in 1847.