JEFFERSON – With the 250th anniversary of the United States looming, members of the Sons of the American Revolution Northeast Ohio Chapter #12 and the Daughters of the American Revolution Stanley-Harper-Redmond Chapter gathered in front of the Old Ashtabula County Courthouse in Jefferson to dedicate a Revolutionary War memorial marker on Tuesday, June 30.
This marker is the only marker dedicated to Revolutionary War soldiers in Ashtabula County, said OHSSAR Registrar and NEO Chapter #12 Registrar Troy Bailey.
The marker is located at the front right corner, when facing the building, of the Old Courthouse, located at 25 W. Jefferson St.
Along with members of SAR and DAR, and the NEO Chapter #12 Color Guard, the Ashtabula County commissioners, Ashtabula County Auditor Scott Yamamoto and other interested parties attended the dedication ceremony, led by Bailey and DAR Stanley-Harper-Redmond Chapter Regent Karla Gadley.
Installing a marker for the Revolutionary War soldiers was a desire of Bailey’s for a long time, and this year he thought it would be especially appropriate, as America celebrates its semiquincentennial.
“For about 25 years, I have been working in locating and marking the graves of Revolutionary War veterans buried in Ashtabula County,” Bailey said. “While there are numerous memorials throughout the country recognizing the veterans of the Civil War, World War I and II and others, however, in no part of Ashtabula County is there a Revolutionary War marker.”
Bailey said there are nearly 200 Revolutionary War veterans buried in Ashtabula County with their wives and children.
Hundreds more who lived here continued westward, Bailey noted.
“On the eve of our Country’s 250 Anniversary, it is appropriate to dedicate this memorial marker and officially recognize them and their contributions to our 250 years of independence and freedom,” Bailey said.
Also as part of the ceremony, Gadley led guests in the singing of “America the Beautiful” before giving remarks.
“Today we dedicate this Revolutionary War marker in honor of soldiers whose courage, sacrifice and devotion helped secure the freedoms we continue to cherish,” Gadley said.
She said they’re grateful to the commissioners for their support and commitment “to this tribute.”
“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Sons of the American Revolution. Daughters of the American Revolution Stanley-Harper-Redmond Chapter dearly loved our Revolutionary War soldiers. We’re so very happy that we’re here to dedicate and preserve our nation’s history,” Gadley said. “May this marker stand as a lasting tribute to those who served and as a reminder of the courage and fortitude upon which our nation was built. May this marker serve as an enduring reminder of our duty of honor and preserve the freedoms for which they sacrificed.”
The marker reads:
“REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOTS
This marker commemorates the Ashtabula County Ohio men and women who achieved American Independence. These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation.
1775-1783
Presented by Northeastern Ohio Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
The Stanley-Redmond-Harper Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution
In honor of the 250Th Anniversary of the United States 2026”
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