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Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Local veterans honored with historic markers
KEESEVILLE — Ezra Pond's eternal rest is in the tranquil Evergreen Cemetery in Keeseville. He will have visitors today at 10 a.m. as his grave site will receive a historic marker. MILITIA When he was a young man, Private Ezra Pond (1758–1843), served in the Massachusetts Militia before settling in Keeseville. 'We sent some of that information to a representative of the Daughters of the American Revolution who helped also further research and provided documents and then we submit those documents through another middle man to the Pomeroy Foundation for validation,' Nancy Sucharski, president of the Evergreen Cemetery Association, said. 'It was several people gathering details to prove his authenticity to verify that he was in the Revolutionary War. We're trying to bring history present and honor the individuals that stood in defense of freedom, values, and way of life. It's going to be a small ceremony. Our historical marker only lists Ezra Pond because at the time we had to apply for that on advance, and that's all we had the documentation on. and since then, we have discovered two other Revolutionary War veterans (Dr. Reuben Jones and James Woodbury), but we still have to go through the process of having the Pomeroy Foundation approve research it and approve those types of historical markers.' FOUNDING FAMILY Pond descends from Robert Pond of Edwardstone, Babergh District, Suffolk, England, came to the New World accompanied by his wife, Mary, and his brother, William, and sister-in-law, Judith. The Ponds set sail from Southampton on the Arbella, flagship of John Winthrop, governor of the Massachusetts Bay Company. On June 14, 1630, they landed in Salem, Massachusetts and became a founding family of America, according to AMERICAN ROOTS Ezra Pond was born May 28, 1758 in Wrentham, Norfolk, Massachusetts and died December 16, 1843, in Keeseville. 'He was the son of Ezra Pond and Sarah Morse, and he was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Clinton County,' June Venette, a member of the Anderson Falls Heritage Society, said. 'He was married to Permelia Hubbell. He was a Pvt. in the Massachusetts Militia. He enlisted in 1777 in Capt. Wm. Henry's Co., Capt. Houghton, and Col. Whitney's Regiment in the Militia. He was in service off and on through 1780. He received a pension of $41.66 per annum for service in Massachusetts Militia from 26 April 1834 at the age of 74.' Venette notes that Ezra was drafted three times during the Revolutionary era. 'He volunteered twice and served as a substitute for his father for a total of 12.5 months of service,' she said. 'He was present of the Battle of Bemis Heights at Saratoga in October of 1777. He resided in Worcester, Ma. and Vermont before removing to Keeseville, the Town of Chesterfield, Essex Co., NY. By 1820, he had married Permelia Hubbell, and 25 of his descendants have become DAR members.' Venette surmises that Permelia's family was from Keeseville. Pond's grave is in the Clark family plot, and beside him is the grave of his daughter, Almena Clark. 'There is a flag by his grave,' Venette said. 'Apparently from what I'm finding, Cephus Clark installed the headstone for him. It was erected by his son-in-law.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Larned DAR chapter plans Tuesday program on Ash Valley
Jun. 6—ASH VALLEY, Kan. — The history of settlement in Pawnee County predates the county's official organization in 1873, as the eighth of 65 counties organized in that year. As an official township, Ash Valley was organized in 1881, with a community of the same name first opening a post office in 1877. Settlers arrived as early as 1875 and the Pieschl family arrived in 1877; while the original homestead no longer exists, Marc Pieschl still farms in the area roughly 15 miles north of Fort Larned, which actively operated until 1878. Remains of several buildings may still be viewed, as well as a well-maintained cemetery; Ash Valley Methodist Church is a well-maintained edifice, as it continues in non-profit status as the Pleasant Hill Community Center. While residents of Ash Valley are now few in number, there are plenty of surviving stories among the old-timers still living nearby. These and other moments in history will be explored Tuesday, June 10 as the Larned Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution hosts a special program featuring a historic narrative delivered by Pawnee County resident Tom Giessel at the church. A piece of history? One such story centers on a concrete marker erected in 1917 at a bridge close to the church near the intersection of 160th Ave. and West Road in Pawnee County. The marker contains an etched limestone fragment that, according to local legend, was unearthed by former Ash Valley resident Cliff Line as he was digging a posthole. Etching on the stone indicates that in June 1841, W.D. Silver was shot with an arrow in what was suspected as an Indian attack. The site is 30 miles from the Santa Fe Trail, and so it is possible that the person could have been out hunting before he was attacked. History notes that a small caravan of Trail travelers reached Ash Creek on June 1, 1841 on their way to Santa Fe, but little else remains extant about the trip. The concrete marker encasing the stone (which used to be behind glass that is now missing) was erected by workers for what was to become the Wichita Northwestern railroad line in the county. Local historians have doubted the veracity of the marker, but many Ash Valley residents recall being told about the incident while in their childhood. Larned DAR's program begins at 2 p.m. at the church and is free to the public.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mount Olivet Cemetery ceremony honors veterans entombed at mausoleum complex
Musket fire boomed behind the mausoleums at Mount Olivet Cemetery on Monday. Members of the Maryland State Society of Sons of the American Revolution pulled paper cartridges without projectiles from their leather, hip-mounted cartridge boxes to pour the powder down the barrel. The three-volley salute — a tradition at military funerals — rang out as part of an event that honored the 160 veterans entombed in the mausoleum complex at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick. All 160 names were read out by members of the Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Members of the organizations that hosted the Memorial Day commemoration and wreath-laying ceremony spoke about the sacrifices of soldiers and presented the colors in the mausoleum, which was enveloped in light from windows on all sides. The event also featured readings of Abraham Lincoln's letter to Mrs. Bixby and of "In Flanders Field," a poem inspired by a veteran attending the funeral of a friend who died during the first World War. The poem references red poppies in the titular fields, which have since become a memorial symbol for those who died at war. The annual event began in 2014 to recognize those entombed in the mausoleums at the cemetery, rather than buried in the ground. Elizabeth Deering, regent of the Maryland State Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, said the idea came to her when she noticed the American Legion was only laying wreaths on tombstones. Deering's father, Ira Henry Gardner, served the Army as a radio technician during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Gardner is entombed in a mausoleum at Mount Olivet. His was one of the 160 names read aloud on Monday. Deering said she recognized that her father, like many other veterans, were not receiving the same recognition for their service as those buried in the ground for their final resting place. "That was the real catalyst," she said. "On Memorial Day, I realized my father wasn't being honored." The annual event started with just the Daughters of the American Revolution, but has since grown to include state and national chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution, as well as the Antietam Camp #3 of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Deering said they now have a "good partnership" with the American Legion to ensure all veterans at Mount Olivet Cemetery are recognized on Memorial Days. "It makes my heart sing to watch this grow," she said. "We're very proud we are able to honor our veterans." Deering added that such events are in line with the goals of the DAR as one of the largest women's service organizations dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. She said organizing the event shows that DAR is more than about dressing up, but actually getting "in the trenches" to "serve our communities." Shane Shanholtz, from Frederick, attended wearing an American flag-themed Hawaiian shirt and U.S.A. hat. Shanholtz said his wife, Melinda Shanholtz, is part of the DAR, but they would anyway "because we're patriotic." He said the musket fire was one of his favorite parts of the event, though he also enjoys the camaraderie and the songs. Ruth Parmerlee, a member of the Frederick Chapter of the DAR, led the attendees in singing both "America the Beautiful" and "The Star-Spangled Banner." Francis Scott Key — who wrote the words that became the national anthem — is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Shanholtz said he "couldn't imagine" the harrowing scene in which American troops defended the Baltimore harbor from the British Navy during the War of 1812, which inspired the song. Parmerlee's husband, David Parmerlee, was a veteran of the war in Vietnam and died in January 2023. He was awarded a bronze star for his work to help improve communications between troops deployed in Vietnam and the U.S. Ruth Parmerlee said she thought about him when raising the flag to half-mast on Monday at the home and 10-acre farm they shared in Keymar — an unincorporated community in Carroll County that derives its name from the man who penned the national anthem. She said events like that on Monday or getting to sing songs in Normandy, France, or at Pearl Harbor have helped her commemorate history, while also mourning the loss of her husband. Though David is buried in his hometown of Edinburgh, Indiana, Ruth said she enjoys being able to honor him and other veterans in the shadow of the Catoctin Mountains that they cherished. "I just love the people here in Frederick," she said.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fort Concho continues Memorial Day event
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — It's a time old tradition at fort Concho, and every year the fort puts together a Memorial Day event. It is a day, Fort Concho Site Manager Bob Bluthardt said is one of the worthiest places to honor Veterans. 'San Angelo is a military town. It was founded in 1867 as the little town across the river from Fort Concho. We are still here a hundred and 165 years later,' he said. 'On the ground that we now stand, hundreds, if not thousands soldiers and civilians served the nation defending the frontier.' The event started with the Pledge of Allegiance and featured Army veteran Charles Anderson, who recounted stories depicting the sacrifices military personnel made and continue to make when enlisting to fight on behalf of the United States. Military Veteran King Walker said Memorial Day can be a difficult day filled with emotion, for both Veterans and their families. 'Well, if you know more than zero people who that have served our country, and died for our country, that's too many,' he said. 'Unfortunately, most Veterans know people that have perished.' Joyce Grey is with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Pocahontas Chapter, with two ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. 'There are so many different wars, and we only thing of the previous ones, like Desert Storm, Gulf storms or things like that. You got to think back to World War II, World War I, The Korean War, The War of 1812, The American Revolution,' she said. The Vietnam War included, are all important to think back on, she said. And always remember the men and women who fought for the country. Bob Bluthardt is thankful for those who attended. 'We just appreciate the community's support, and we will be doing this every year as long as the fort is here,' he said. 'And I hope that's forever.' The memorial salutes were performed by the Fort Concho Living History Program and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Centre County plants sapling from a Liberty Tree ahead of America's 250th birthday
As part of a statewide project ahead of America's 250th birthday next year, a sapling descended from a historic 'Liberty Tree' — a meeting place for American revolutionaries — was planted Saturday on the grounds of Centre Furnace Mansion during a formal ceremony. The tulip poplar will eventually grow to more than 70 feet tall, with leaves that turn a vibrant golden-yellow in the fall. But, for now, organizers hope guests visit the waist-high sapling in the State College area for the history it represents and the principles it embodies. 'The planting of the Liberty Tree is not just a celebration,' Centre County Historical Society executive director Mary Sorensen said, reading a statement from the Bellefonte chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 'It is a profound reminder of our nation's revolutionary beginnings from 250 years ago ... and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who fought for our freedoms.' Before the United States was united, back in the 1760s when the country was still an English colony, American patriots like the Sons of Liberty met beneath a large elm along a main road in Boston. It was there, at this 'Liberty Tree,' the first major act of defiance against the British government took hold, when colonists opposed the Stamp Act by hanging an effigy of the appointed Stamp Act collector. The idea of a Liberty Tree, where the common man could meet to rally or discuss resistance, quickly spread to other areas — such as Annapolis, Maryland; Newport, Rhode Island; and Charleston, South Carolina. They became a symbol of the American Revolution, with Boston's iconic tree appearing in famous engravings from Paul Revere. One historian, John Higham, even later said the Liberty Tree should replace Uncle Sam as 'a compelling symbol of American identity.' And local speakers on Saturday afternoon alluded to that importance in front of about three dozen attendees. 'What better way to honor the Revolutionary principles upon which our nation was established than by planting these living, tangible connections to our country's roots?' asked John Segursky, a local leader with the Pennsylvania Freemasons. To celebrate America's upcoming 250th birthday, two main organizations — the Pennsylvania Freemasons and America250PA, the commonwealth's official commission for America's 250th birthday — partnered to plant a Liberty Tree of sorts in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. Some neighboring counties have already held similar ceremonies: Blair County's Liberty Tree was planted at Altoona's Fort Roberdeau, and Clinton County's is located at Montoursville's Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. Boston's famed Liberty Tree was destroyed by British forces in 1775 and turned into firewood. Charleston's was burned and destroyed five years later. Both were targeted because of their symbolic importance. But one of the original Liberty Trees in Annapolis, Maryland — also used in 1765 — was spared because the British never occupied the city. That 124-foot-long tulip poplar, planted around the same year (1599) William Shakespeare's Globe Theatre opened, was the last surviving colonial Liberty Tree until 1999, when it suffered irreparable damage from Hurricane Floyd. Centre County's sapling can trace its literal roots to that specific Liberty Tree. That tree in Annapolis grew on what is today the campus of St. John's College. Even a century ago, college officials there recognized the tree's importance. They created a clone of the tree in 1889 by planting a scion, or branch, grafted onto a young root system — and America250PA organizers believed Centre County's sapling was taken from that 1889 clone, which still stands on campus and shares identical DNA with the original. Annapolis' Liberty Tree does not boast the acclaim of Boston's, but it still shares a rich history. Two signers of the Declaration of Independence, Samuel Chase and William Paca, both held meetings beneath the tree. Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who volunteered for George Washington's Continental Army, spoke there in 1824. And U.S. President Calvin Coolidge delivered remarks there in 1928. Centre County's Liberty Tree sapling is appropriately placed just outside the shadow of the property's 'Constitution Tree,' a large Sycamore certified to have lived there at the time of the signing of the Constitution. It's also about a football field away from the historical marker commemorating the birthplace of Penn State, within walking distance of the intersection at Porter Road and East College Avenue. 'I couldn't think of any better grounds within the county that is a central, pivotal location to recognize our ties to the history of the United States,' said Edward Stoddard, the county adviser to America250PA and the communications director for Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. 'This is the right spot.' More is planned locally — and statewide — for America's 250th birthday, or semiquincentennial. And more plans will be revealed as that birthday creeps closer. One signature statewide project that has already been revealed, besides the planting of Liberty Trees, involves replicas of the Liberty Bell. According to organizers at America250PA, the goal is to place a fiberglass Liberty Bell replica that's painted by local artists in each of the state's 67 counties. Some counties will have more than one; Centre County is expected to have several. Each bell will be 3 feet-by-3 feet, and the initiative is called 'Bells Across PA.' Artists will be paid a $1,250 honorarium, and all bells are required to be in place by the end of this year. Based on information shared by Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, more than 20 county stakeholders — from the American Philatelic Society to the Philipsburg Heritage Society — are also partnering to collaborate on a theme of 'Then & Now' to celebrate America's 250th. The aim is to show how Centre County has contributed to the nation's growth from 1776 until today. That means tours, exhibitions and workshops, in addition to other key focus areas that include community engagement and tourism development. For more information on how Pennsylvania plans to celebrate the semiquincentennial, go to or
