Middletown Patch: Eight Members of the "Samson" Poisoned by British During the American Revolution
Humane treatment of prisoners of war has been an issue that has bedeviled civilization for centuries. Laura Hillenbrand’s recent publication of Unbroken—the amazing story of endurance, courage, and perseverance exhibited by Olympic athlete and airman Louie Zamperini -- revisited the well-known inhumane treatment of POWS by the Japanese during World War II. John McCain’s remarkable courage and determination as a POW during the Vietnam War has been well publicized.
The sad story of the deliberate poisoning of eight members of the crew of the Samson during the American Revolution reminds us that mistreatment of prisoners of war has roots deep in our history and a strong connection to Middlesex County. The incident took place 229 years ago this coming week on June 4th off the coast of New York.
Built in Higganum, the sloop of war Samson, had a crew comprised primarily of men from Haddam and Chatham (now called East Hampton). Captain David Brooks, a native of Higganum, commanded the ship. The 1st lieutenant was Shubael Brainerd; Samuel Arnold was the master gunner onboard in charge of the 6-8 guns of from 9-12 pounders; other crewmembers included Jonathan Brainerd, Jr., Elihu Cook, and James and Nathaniel Stocking—both brothers of the captain’s wife, Jemima Stocking. The Stockings were from Haddam Neck. Timothy Clark, Elijah Green, and William Aikens were crewmembers from Chatham. According to the 1885 Beers History of Middlesex County, the Samson had “a sharp bow for fast sailing” and “gained quite a reputation among friend and foes as a strong fighter.” Her most famous engagement took place in Long Island Sound at night against the British sloop Swallow—a ship with 20 guns. Although out-gunned, the Samson held her own. After several hours, both ships retreated for repairs but soon re-engaged several hours later with the Samson as the aggressor. Having retired to Cow Bay near New York for repairs, the captain of the Swallow decided to scuttle his ship rather than fight the Samson again.
The Samson continued to plague British ships and even crossed the Atlantic to engage British ships in the English Channel! There she was captured and the crew imprisoned in the Jersey prison ship off the New York coast. Captain Brooks, Lt. Brainerd, William Aikens, Elihu Clark, Elijah Green, Jonathan Brainerd, Jr., and the Stocking brothers all died on June 4, 1782, after inadvertently ingesting poison. Some accounts say that their food was poisoned, as the master gunner, Samuel Arnold, did not partake of the food and survived. Dr. Dudley Field, author of a Brainerd genealogy, maintains on p. 106 that the crew of the Samson was poisoned with tainted liquor. Either way, Middle Haddam church records show that all died together under suspicious circumstances.
Jonathan Brainerd, Sr., whose son was among those poisoned, was so distraught at his loss that he sought desperate means to escape military service. When the drafting council came to Hog Hill to draft more men for war, the elder Brainerd leapt from a second story window to avoid the draft. Then he had his other son, Jeremiah, “declared a fool” by a magistrate in order to protect him from military service. Young Jeremiah, “smarting under the indignity, took his father down…and gave him a severe beating.” Jonathan Brainerd, Sr., born May 16, 1737, was married 3 times. He survived his son’s beating and lived to be 88 years old.
The history of the maltreatment of prisoners of war is grim. Prisoners captured during ancient times could expect enslavement or slaughter. Warfare during the Middle Ages brought prospects not much better for prisoners, especially in religious wars where heretics could expect almost certain execution. The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 brought a beginning of formal attempts over the next 3+ centuries to try to get all nations of the world to agree upon humane treatment of POWS, particularly in conventions held at both The Hague and Geneva. The results have been mixed. Clearly, however, British treatment of American POWS from Middlesex County in June of 1782 was shockingly barbarous, as at least 8 men from well-known families in Haddam and Chatham met their untimely death through poisoning.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
New Jersey - June 4 and 5: Mark the day!
NewJerseymonthly.com: Brigade of the American Revolution Weekend
http://ww.kean.edu/libertyhall
Brigade of the American Revolution WeekendSaturday & Sunday, June 4 & 5
In commemoration of the 231st Anniversary of the Battle of Connecticut Farms & the Bicentennial of the Kean Family’s acquisition of Liberty Hall, the renown Brigade of the American Revolution will encamp on the historic grounds of the LHM.. This will be a weekend of energetic, colorful activity. During Friday night and early Saturday the 18th century camps are set up, complete with soldier's tents, officer's marquees, cooking areas and craft displays. After reveille and officer's call (the entire day is run by period drum signals), the Brigade is assembled, inspected and drilled in maneuvers and firings.
Throughout the day there will be Field Music & Artillery Demonstrations, along with the “People of the Brigade” Clothing Program. In the afternoon a safe tactical weapons demonstration is staged with American Continentals & Militia facing the Crown Forces of British, Tories, & Germans. The day ends with a formal Retreat Ceremony with honors to the flags, accompanied by the Brigade's Field Music. Sunday begins with optional Church services, conducted by a Chaplain in proper vestments for the 18th century. The remainder of the day follows a similar schedule to that of Saturday. Camp is struck late on Sunday. (For Additional Information: www.brigade.org).Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
http://ww.kean.edu/libertyhall
Brigade of the American Revolution WeekendSaturday & Sunday, June 4 & 5
In commemoration of the 231st Anniversary of the Battle of Connecticut Farms & the Bicentennial of the Kean Family’s acquisition of Liberty Hall, the renown Brigade of the American Revolution will encamp on the historic grounds of the LHM.. This will be a weekend of energetic, colorful activity. During Friday night and early Saturday the 18th century camps are set up, complete with soldier's tents, officer's marquees, cooking areas and craft displays. After reveille and officer's call (the entire day is run by period drum signals), the Brigade is assembled, inspected and drilled in maneuvers and firings.
Throughout the day there will be Field Music & Artillery Demonstrations, along with the “People of the Brigade” Clothing Program. In the afternoon a safe tactical weapons demonstration is staged with American Continentals & Militia facing the Crown Forces of British, Tories, & Germans. The day ends with a formal Retreat Ceremony with honors to the flags, accompanied by the Brigade's Field Music. Sunday begins with optional Church services, conducted by a Chaplain in proper vestments for the 18th century. The remainder of the day follows a similar schedule to that of Saturday. Camp is struck late on Sunday. (For Additional Information: www.brigade.org).Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
DAR celebrates 90 years and welcomes newcomers
ENCToday.com: DAR celebrates 90 years and welcomes newcomers
Becoming a Daughter of the American Revolution is a birthright — attained through pride and research.
The local chapter of Richard Dobbs Spaight, signer of the Constitution and the first native-born governor of North Carolina, has been celebrating revolutionary heritage for 90 years.
The chapter now has more than 100 members and it welcomes new ones
“You have to prove bloodline descent from a patriot — man or woman — who assisted with the patriot side, the rebel side from the 13 colonies,” said Carolyn McCulley, outgoing regent for the group.
There are some misnomers — not all linage comes from the militia of the time or the Continental Army.
“A lot of people think you have to prove descent from someone who fought,” she said. “There is a lot of other patriotic service that DAR recognizes — people who fought with words or deeds — not just with arms.”
Donating horses, guns, money or crops count. Preachers who espoused the cause from the pulpit qualify.
The potential “Daughter” does have to document each generation leading back to the late 1770s, husband and wife.
The more recent generations are more easily attain through vital records such as birth and marriage certificates. These date to the early 1900s and usually cover about three generations. Obituaries and baptismal records are also recognized.
Earlier records include census reports, family Bibles and estate records.
“The real sticky part is when you go back before 1850, because that was the first census that included not only the head of household, but everybody in the household,” she said. “Before that it just had the head of household and (numbers) so many women, so many men and so many children.”
She said the most critical link is that between child and parent.
The local chapter, which began with 15 charter members in 1921, continues to grow. It is not by accident.
The group has a linage research team, including McCulley, and incoming regent Lou Walker of Oriental, who has undergone intensive genealogy training in the DAR national headquarters in Washington, D.C., and also in Durham.
She and Walker will be at Saturday’s Family History Fair at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, hosting a course on tracing ancestry to the American Revolution.
The national DAR has a public-access database to trace family histories.
On the web: ncdar.org/RichardDobbsSpaightChapter
Becoming a Daughter of the American Revolution is a birthright — attained through pride and research.
The local chapter of Richard Dobbs Spaight, signer of the Constitution and the first native-born governor of North Carolina, has been celebrating revolutionary heritage for 90 years.
The chapter now has more than 100 members and it welcomes new ones
“You have to prove bloodline descent from a patriot — man or woman — who assisted with the patriot side, the rebel side from the 13 colonies,” said Carolyn McCulley, outgoing regent for the group.
There are some misnomers — not all linage comes from the militia of the time or the Continental Army.
“A lot of people think you have to prove descent from someone who fought,” she said. “There is a lot of other patriotic service that DAR recognizes — people who fought with words or deeds — not just with arms.”
Donating horses, guns, money or crops count. Preachers who espoused the cause from the pulpit qualify.
The potential “Daughter” does have to document each generation leading back to the late 1770s, husband and wife.
The more recent generations are more easily attain through vital records such as birth and marriage certificates. These date to the early 1900s and usually cover about three generations. Obituaries and baptismal records are also recognized.
Earlier records include census reports, family Bibles and estate records.
“The real sticky part is when you go back before 1850, because that was the first census that included not only the head of household, but everybody in the household,” she said. “Before that it just had the head of household and (numbers) so many women, so many men and so many children.”
She said the most critical link is that between child and parent.
The local chapter, which began with 15 charter members in 1921, continues to grow. It is not by accident.
The group has a linage research team, including McCulley, and incoming regent Lou Walker of Oriental, who has undergone intensive genealogy training in the DAR national headquarters in Washington, D.C., and also in Durham.
She and Walker will be at Saturday’s Family History Fair at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, hosting a course on tracing ancestry to the American Revolution.
The national DAR has a public-access database to trace family histories.
On the web: ncdar.org/RichardDobbsSpaightChapter
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
'The Battle of the Crooked Billet' Screened at Southampton Library
UpperSouthhamptonPatch: 'The Battle of the Crooked Billet' Screened at Southampton Library
The filmmakers hope to teach residents about a battle that happened in their own backyards
http://www.battleofcrookedbillet.com/
While many people may be aware of larger battles in the American Revolutionary War, such as Brandywine and Valley Forge, fewer may know about a significant battle that happened locally — the Battle of Crooked Billet.
The producers of one documentary film hope to change that.
"The Battle of the Crooked Billet" chronicles the events leading up to and surrounding the battle, which occurred in what is now Bucks and Montgomery counties on May 1, 1778. The film was screened at the Southampton Free Library Monday night, with a question-and-answer session following.
A screening in Southampton was apt, as one of the major historians whose research brought the Battle of Crooked Billet and militia Gen. John Lacey's work to light, Gen. William Watts Hart Davis, was a Bucks County native.
"It's great to have this shown here in Southampton in his own backyard," said director and executive producer Scott Randolph.
According to the film, at the time of the battle, the American militia, headed by Gen. Lacey, of Bucks County, was tasked by George Washington to keep supplies from getting into Philadelphia to be sold to the British. The British wanted to stop the militia's interference and capture Lacey, so British forces, including a regiment of American loyalists, marched from the city to Crooked Billet, present-day Hatboro, to achieve these aims.
However, Lacey foiled the British plans. Being familiar with the area, he led hundreds of militiamen to escape by heading north into the farmlands of Bucks County, saving many lives.
Ultimately, 26 militiamen were killed in the battle. Nine were wounded, and 58 were captured by the British.
Attendees learned many historical tidbits throughout the evening. Many may not know that in the mid-1930s, there was a failed effort to make the area from Byberry Road to Bristol Road, and from Davisville Road to Old York Road, a national military park similar to Gettysburg because of its role in the battle.
Another little-known fact is that the fallen militiamen were originally buried at one of two locations: one at the current site of Lacey Park in Warminster, and another on the grounds of Wolverton's Welding on County Line Road in Hatboro.
The Battle of Crooked Billet was also demonstrative of a sentiment among historians that the American Revolution was the nation's first Civil War, said Randolph. Brother fought against brother in the struggle for the nation's independence, and anecdotes go that one member of the militia was killed by his own neighbor, a loyalist, at Crooked Billet.
Randolph, a resident of the Burgundy Hills section of Southampton, had a natural interest in the battle. His father was a history buff, so he learned a great deal about all types of history.
"I grew up with the story," he said. "I grew up on the edge of the battlefield."
As a graduate of Crooked Billet Elementary School in Hatboro, named after the historic battle, Randolph thought he knew about the events that transpired that day. But once he began researching for the film, he learned that he was not correct.
"When I met with the historians, I realized that I didn't know the story," he said. "They wanted to make sure to clear up the misconceptions and present the story as it actually happened."
A common false belief about the battle was that it was a win for the British. However, Randolph said that, in talking with historians, he learned that "it was a British failure" because they did not achieve any of their goals. The British did not capture Gen. Lacey, and within 48 hours of the battle, he and his remaining troops were back to disrupting the flow of British supplies into the city.
Other misconceptions, said Randolph, were that Lacey was court-martialed and that the militia "just ran away."
Executive producer Trey Crease also got an education while putting together the documentary. A Civil War buff, Crease knew little about the Revolutionary War.
"It was an actual learning experience for me," he said.
Crease added that the Battle of Crooked Billet was indicative of the brutality of war. The loyalists and British troops killed the militiamen in barbaric ways, even setting some of the wounded on fire in buckwheat straw, burning them alive. The sacrifice of these soldiers is rarely discussed, Crease said.
"People know about the suffering that went at Valley Forge, but there were men being shot at and killed at Crooked Billet," he said. "History overlooks them. Our solders have been forgotten. We believe it's good to give a little recognition to them."
Randolph shared these sentiments.
"We have something that happened right here," he said. "It makes it special. People gave their lives for the founding of our nation. You don't have to go far to find it."
Along with the film, other efforts have been made to commemorate the battle. Crooked Billet Elementary School, where much of the fighting occurred, has a ceremony with its students every year. And, two years ago, Sen. Stewart Greenleaf and Rep. Tom Murt introduced a resolution officially marking May 1 as "Crooked Billet Day" in Pennsylvania.
Besides the Southampton Library screening, the film has been shown at the Union Library of Hatboro and the Upper Moreland Free Public Library. A screening is scheduled for this evening at 7 p.m. at the Horsham Township Library.
"This is what we call our 'grand library tour,'" said Randolph.
The showing at the Southampton Library, which drew close to 25 people, was in the works for about a year, according to reference librarian J.L. Garner.
"It finally gelled, and I was really happy with the turnout," Garner said. "It was really very well attended."
Garner was impressed with the quality and subject matter of the documentary, and he thought screening the piece would be a great addition to the library's adult programming.
"The film is just stupendous; it's History Channel quality," he said. "It's really interesting. It's local history, and it's so professionally done."
The library has been expanding its adult programming to include such events, Garner said. Other adult events at the library include Friday movie screenings of recent DVD releases and bracelet-making workshops.
The filmmakers hope to teach residents about a battle that happened in their own backyards
http://www.battleofcrookedbillet.com/
While many people may be aware of larger battles in the American Revolutionary War, such as Brandywine and Valley Forge, fewer may know about a significant battle that happened locally — the Battle of Crooked Billet.
The producers of one documentary film hope to change that.
"The Battle of the Crooked Billet" chronicles the events leading up to and surrounding the battle, which occurred in what is now Bucks and Montgomery counties on May 1, 1778. The film was screened at the Southampton Free Library Monday night, with a question-and-answer session following.
A screening in Southampton was apt, as one of the major historians whose research brought the Battle of Crooked Billet and militia Gen. John Lacey's work to light, Gen. William Watts Hart Davis, was a Bucks County native.
"It's great to have this shown here in Southampton in his own backyard," said director and executive producer Scott Randolph.
According to the film, at the time of the battle, the American militia, headed by Gen. Lacey, of Bucks County, was tasked by George Washington to keep supplies from getting into Philadelphia to be sold to the British. The British wanted to stop the militia's interference and capture Lacey, so British forces, including a regiment of American loyalists, marched from the city to Crooked Billet, present-day Hatboro, to achieve these aims.
However, Lacey foiled the British plans. Being familiar with the area, he led hundreds of militiamen to escape by heading north into the farmlands of Bucks County, saving many lives.
Ultimately, 26 militiamen were killed in the battle. Nine were wounded, and 58 were captured by the British.
Attendees learned many historical tidbits throughout the evening. Many may not know that in the mid-1930s, there was a failed effort to make the area from Byberry Road to Bristol Road, and from Davisville Road to Old York Road, a national military park similar to Gettysburg because of its role in the battle.
Another little-known fact is that the fallen militiamen were originally buried at one of two locations: one at the current site of Lacey Park in Warminster, and another on the grounds of Wolverton's Welding on County Line Road in Hatboro.
The Battle of Crooked Billet was also demonstrative of a sentiment among historians that the American Revolution was the nation's first Civil War, said Randolph. Brother fought against brother in the struggle for the nation's independence, and anecdotes go that one member of the militia was killed by his own neighbor, a loyalist, at Crooked Billet.
Randolph, a resident of the Burgundy Hills section of Southampton, had a natural interest in the battle. His father was a history buff, so he learned a great deal about all types of history.
"I grew up with the story," he said. "I grew up on the edge of the battlefield."
As a graduate of Crooked Billet Elementary School in Hatboro, named after the historic battle, Randolph thought he knew about the events that transpired that day. But once he began researching for the film, he learned that he was not correct.
"When I met with the historians, I realized that I didn't know the story," he said. "They wanted to make sure to clear up the misconceptions and present the story as it actually happened."
A common false belief about the battle was that it was a win for the British. However, Randolph said that, in talking with historians, he learned that "it was a British failure" because they did not achieve any of their goals. The British did not capture Gen. Lacey, and within 48 hours of the battle, he and his remaining troops were back to disrupting the flow of British supplies into the city.
Other misconceptions, said Randolph, were that Lacey was court-martialed and that the militia "just ran away."
Executive producer Trey Crease also got an education while putting together the documentary. A Civil War buff, Crease knew little about the Revolutionary War.
"It was an actual learning experience for me," he said.
Crease added that the Battle of Crooked Billet was indicative of the brutality of war. The loyalists and British troops killed the militiamen in barbaric ways, even setting some of the wounded on fire in buckwheat straw, burning them alive. The sacrifice of these soldiers is rarely discussed, Crease said.
"People know about the suffering that went at Valley Forge, but there were men being shot at and killed at Crooked Billet," he said. "History overlooks them. Our solders have been forgotten. We believe it's good to give a little recognition to them."
Randolph shared these sentiments.
"We have something that happened right here," he said. "It makes it special. People gave their lives for the founding of our nation. You don't have to go far to find it."
Along with the film, other efforts have been made to commemorate the battle. Crooked Billet Elementary School, where much of the fighting occurred, has a ceremony with its students every year. And, two years ago, Sen. Stewart Greenleaf and Rep. Tom Murt introduced a resolution officially marking May 1 as "Crooked Billet Day" in Pennsylvania.
Besides the Southampton Library screening, the film has been shown at the Union Library of Hatboro and the Upper Moreland Free Public Library. A screening is scheduled for this evening at 7 p.m. at the Horsham Township Library.
"This is what we call our 'grand library tour,'" said Randolph.
The showing at the Southampton Library, which drew close to 25 people, was in the works for about a year, according to reference librarian J.L. Garner.
"It finally gelled, and I was really happy with the turnout," Garner said. "It was really very well attended."
Garner was impressed with the quality and subject matter of the documentary, and he thought screening the piece would be a great addition to the library's adult programming.
"The film is just stupendous; it's History Channel quality," he said. "It's really interesting. It's local history, and it's so professionally done."
The library has been expanding its adult programming to include such events, Garner said. Other adult events at the library include Friday movie screenings of recent DVD releases and bracelet-making workshops.
First vets: Revolutionary War markers dedicated
Beaver Dam Daily Citizen: First vets: Revolutionary War markers dedicated
BURNETT – The Wisconsin Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will host two grave marker dedications on Saturday.
The group will have a ceremony at the grave site of Gershom Noyes, in the Clyman Center Cemetery, at 10 a.m.
After a break, the group will reconvene at the grave site of Levi Holcomb, in the Burnett Corners Cemetery, at 2 p.m.
Aaron Krebs, WISSAR 1st vice president and secretary, said he believes the dedication ceremonies should take around 45 minutes each.
He said this will be the last year that the group does the ceremonies, as they will have finished dedicating the grave markers at all 41 of the graves of Revolutionary War veterans buried in Wisconsin.
Krebs said that since Wisconsin wasn’t a state until 1848, the veterans would have settled in the area when it was still a territory.
“It seems a bit odd that we would have 41 of these people that fought in the revolution buried here,” Krebs said.
He said East Coast states like Massachusets and Virginia have thousands of Revolutionary War graves.
Debra Woldvogel, who has been assisting with the Burnett ceremony planning, said the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has found over 100,000 graves, and only 41 of them are located in Wisconsin.
“It’s pretty rare,” Woldvogel said. “I would imagine most of the people were either killed in the war or stayed on the East Coast. This gentleman [Levi Holcomb] was from Connecticut and ended up moving eventually to Wisconsin.”
Holcomb was born in 1763 in Granby, Conn. He was 16 or 17 when he enlisted as a substitute for his brother. He served for two months at Stratford in Connecticut. In 1781, he enlisted again as a substitute for his other brother, this time for six months guarding British prisoners. He enlisted for a final time after his six months were up, spending 13 months stationed in Stratford, Conn. After the war he moved to New York, then Pennsylvania, before moving to Wisconsin Territory with his daughter and son-in-law. He died in Dodge County in 1854.
Noyes was born in Connecticut in 1764 and grew up in Vermont. At age 17 he enlisted for nine months in Vermont. After the war he moved to New York and spent 50 years with his childhood friend, Nancy. They raised nine children and when she died in 1845, he moved to Wisconsin Territory with his son. He died in 1850.
For more information, visit www.wissar.org.
BURNETT – The Wisconsin Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will host two grave marker dedications on Saturday.
The group will have a ceremony at the grave site of Gershom Noyes, in the Clyman Center Cemetery, at 10 a.m.
After a break, the group will reconvene at the grave site of Levi Holcomb, in the Burnett Corners Cemetery, at 2 p.m.
Aaron Krebs, WISSAR 1st vice president and secretary, said he believes the dedication ceremonies should take around 45 minutes each.
He said this will be the last year that the group does the ceremonies, as they will have finished dedicating the grave markers at all 41 of the graves of Revolutionary War veterans buried in Wisconsin.
Krebs said that since Wisconsin wasn’t a state until 1848, the veterans would have settled in the area when it was still a territory.
“It seems a bit odd that we would have 41 of these people that fought in the revolution buried here,” Krebs said.
He said East Coast states like Massachusets and Virginia have thousands of Revolutionary War graves.
Debra Woldvogel, who has been assisting with the Burnett ceremony planning, said the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has found over 100,000 graves, and only 41 of them are located in Wisconsin.
“It’s pretty rare,” Woldvogel said. “I would imagine most of the people were either killed in the war or stayed on the East Coast. This gentleman [Levi Holcomb] was from Connecticut and ended up moving eventually to Wisconsin.”
Holcomb was born in 1763 in Granby, Conn. He was 16 or 17 when he enlisted as a substitute for his brother. He served for two months at Stratford in Connecticut. In 1781, he enlisted again as a substitute for his other brother, this time for six months guarding British prisoners. He enlisted for a final time after his six months were up, spending 13 months stationed in Stratford, Conn. After the war he moved to New York, then Pennsylvania, before moving to Wisconsin Territory with his daughter and son-in-law. He died in Dodge County in 1854.
Noyes was born in Connecticut in 1764 and grew up in Vermont. At age 17 he enlisted for nine months in Vermont. After the war he moved to New York and spent 50 years with his childhood friend, Nancy. They raised nine children and when she died in 1845, he moved to Wisconsin Territory with his son. He died in 1850.
For more information, visit www.wissar.org.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Five Things To Know Today
Groton Patch: Five Things To Know Today
Of these five things, only one concerns the American Revolution.
Maurice Barboza, who wants to create a national memorial in Washington D.C. honoring black soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, has asked the Groton Town Council for its support. Barboza wants the council to approve a resolution that recognizes local black soldiers and supports a national memorial. Of the black soldiers known to have fought in the American Revolution, 24 came from Groton.
Of these five things, only one concerns the American Revolution.
Maurice Barboza, who wants to create a national memorial in Washington D.C. honoring black soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, has asked the Groton Town Council for its support. Barboza wants the council to approve a resolution that recognizes local black soldiers and supports a national memorial. Of the black soldiers known to have fought in the American Revolution, 24 came from Groton.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
SAR marks grave of Revolutionary soldier
TroyMessenger.com: SAR marks grave of Revolutionary soldier
On a brisk Sunday afternoon beneath the towering oaks at Pea River Cemetery near Tennille, three fifth-generation grandsons of John Griffin unveiled the headstone that marks the final resting place of the patriot of the American Revolution.
The Grave Dedication Program for John Griffin, a Revolutionary War soldier from Pike County, was conducted by the Wiregrass Chapter, Alabama Society Sons of the American Revolution.
Dr. David Billings, president of the Alabama Society Sons of the American Revolution, told the large gathering of family members and friends that John Griffin was a true patriot who was willing to fight gain the independence and freedoms that Americans enjoy today.
“Let us remember our obligations to our forefathers,” Billings said.
The family of John Griffin gathered to remember their obligations to their “great” grandfather, a true American patriot.
Dr. John Pugh of Atlanta said that he was humbled by the sacrifice of his great grandfather and all of the others who fought and died for America’s “freedom.”
“We owe everything to our ancestors,” Pugh said. “We stand on their shoulders.”
Pugh’s ties to Pike County are through the Pugh and Griffin families. He had a strong desire to locate the final resting place of John Griffin. He wanted to “make it right.”
“But for a long time, it seemed that it would never be,” he said. “I resigned myself to not knowing where he was buried.”
However, information surfaced that placed John Griffin’s final resting place next to that of his son, Isaac, in the Pea River Cemetery.
“It was almost as if ol’ John had reached out his hand to us with the grit and determination of a true patriot,” Pugh said.
As the headstone was unveiled, the wind swept through the cemetery causing the limbs of the giant oaks to bend, almost as a salute to John Griffin, American patriot, and, as an indication that the century oaks will be the sentinels for the American Revolutionary War soldier.
Floral tributes were made. “Amazing Grace” was played on the bagpipes and the SAR Color Guard gave a final musket salute to Griffin. An obligation had been paid. Perry Vickers, president of the Wiregrass Chapter SAR, said Griffin was born in either Virginia or North Carolina. He fought in the American Revolution and carried British lead in his body to the day of his death. “John Griffin came to Alabama before it was admitted as a state and settled in Greene County,” Vickers said. “He came to Pike County in 1822 and settled on the Mulkey place, close to where Bethel church now stands.
“He remained there until 1826 when he went to Columbus, Georgia, with his son, Isaac, but returned to Pike County in 1832. He died in 1840 at the Carpenter’s mill place, about two miles east of Troy at the advanced age of 110 years. “Griffin was one of many Revolutionary War soldiers who, following the war, went westward”
On a brisk Sunday afternoon beneath the towering oaks at Pea River Cemetery near Tennille, three fifth-generation grandsons of John Griffin unveiled the headstone that marks the final resting place of the patriot of the American Revolution.
The Grave Dedication Program for John Griffin, a Revolutionary War soldier from Pike County, was conducted by the Wiregrass Chapter, Alabama Society Sons of the American Revolution.
Dr. David Billings, president of the Alabama Society Sons of the American Revolution, told the large gathering of family members and friends that John Griffin was a true patriot who was willing to fight gain the independence and freedoms that Americans enjoy today.
“Let us remember our obligations to our forefathers,” Billings said.
The family of John Griffin gathered to remember their obligations to their “great” grandfather, a true American patriot.
Dr. John Pugh of Atlanta said that he was humbled by the sacrifice of his great grandfather and all of the others who fought and died for America’s “freedom.”
“We owe everything to our ancestors,” Pugh said. “We stand on their shoulders.”
Pugh’s ties to Pike County are through the Pugh and Griffin families. He had a strong desire to locate the final resting place of John Griffin. He wanted to “make it right.”
“But for a long time, it seemed that it would never be,” he said. “I resigned myself to not knowing where he was buried.”
However, information surfaced that placed John Griffin’s final resting place next to that of his son, Isaac, in the Pea River Cemetery.
“It was almost as if ol’ John had reached out his hand to us with the grit and determination of a true patriot,” Pugh said.
As the headstone was unveiled, the wind swept through the cemetery causing the limbs of the giant oaks to bend, almost as a salute to John Griffin, American patriot, and, as an indication that the century oaks will be the sentinels for the American Revolutionary War soldier.
Floral tributes were made. “Amazing Grace” was played on the bagpipes and the SAR Color Guard gave a final musket salute to Griffin. An obligation had been paid. Perry Vickers, president of the Wiregrass Chapter SAR, said Griffin was born in either Virginia or North Carolina. He fought in the American Revolution and carried British lead in his body to the day of his death. “John Griffin came to Alabama before it was admitted as a state and settled in Greene County,” Vickers said. “He came to Pike County in 1822 and settled on the Mulkey place, close to where Bethel church now stands.
“He remained there until 1826 when he went to Columbus, Georgia, with his son, Isaac, but returned to Pike County in 1832. He died in 1840 at the Carpenter’s mill place, about two miles east of Troy at the advanced age of 110 years. “Griffin was one of many Revolutionary War soldiers who, following the war, went westward”
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