Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has placed a 6-foot tall granite monument at the Old Whitestown Cemetery outside of Garland to honor the early patriots and settlers buried there.

A three-year project to memorialize several early patriots buried in Warren County has come to fruition.

A memorial was placed this week at the Old Whitestown Cemetery outside of Garland, one of the county’s earliest burial grounds where many of the county’s Revolutionary War veterans rest.

“On behalf of the General Joseph Warren Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, we would like to thank the chapter members, veterans, citizens and business who have so generously donated to the monument,” Sam Brawand, secretary for the DAR chapter said.

“The project took nearly three years of research,” she explained. “While we could not find the exact information on military service, for the men mentioned as ‘Early Settlers and Residents,’ some details of their service was mentioned in the history; therefore, we want to acknowledge them. The cemetery comprises approximately 50 graves, some marked and others not.”

Brawand said the monument was designed and installed by St. Marys Monuments and she thanked owners Susie and Donnie Bobenrieth who “patiently worked with our chapter to design the monument.

“Our design went through many changes over the three years, but artist Susie provided many possible designs before the final order was placed, mirroring the VA stones that flank it,” Brawand said, explaining that the design was also intended to “resemble the ‘table-style’ of the original stones of the 1800s.

“The monument, a granite tablet nearly 6 feet tall, we believe, will remain as a testament to veteran service for the centuries and millenniums to come.”

A formal dedication will be held in 2021 “with it is safe for everyone to come together, due to COVID-19.”

The cemetery sits on what was the farm of Giles White, one of the American Revolution veterans. That farm was the location of Johnny Appleseed’s first apple orchard.

“Records also have indicated that many families came with land grants given to them after their service to the American Revolution,” Brawand said. “Dates of burials in this cemetery range from 1807 to 1911.”

The Daughters of the American Revolution provided a little information on each of the veterans and early settlers buried there.

Revolutionary War

¯ George Long, who died in 1854, farmed in the area starting in 1811. Born in what is now West Virginia, the veteran of the Revolution was a witness to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.

¯ Darius Mead’s name is included on the monument but research indicates that the burial site has been claimed by the Brokenstraw Creek. He was born in Albany County, N.Y., and served in the Lancaster County Militia during the revolution. He died in 1813.

¯ John Mead, who died in 1819, was Darius’ brother and also served in the Lancaster County Militia.

¯ Hugh McGuire, Sr., who born in Chester County and served with the Chester County Militia. He came to the township with his wife, Patience Lyons, after his son, Samuel, arrived here. Hugh was noted as the first person to be buried at what is now the cemetery.

¯ Solomon Miles, Jr., born in 1764 in Massachusetts was a private, settling in Warren County in 1814 where he cleared land for a large farm.

¯ Giles White, who died in 1813, was the second owner of the farm and is the namesake. He was third great-grandson of Elder John White, who was a founder of Cambridge, Ma. and Hartford, Ct. It’s believed he was born around 1752 in Massachusetts and fought in that state’s militia as well as with the Vermont Militia. There may be a distant connection to the Bush family — George H.W. and George W. — as well.

War of 1812

Hugh McGuire, Jr., born in 1794 and son of Hugh Sr. discussed earlier, was a private, stationed in Erie in the Pennsylvania Militia.

Civil War

Daniel A. Long is believed to have served in the 5th Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia though his membership in the post-war Grand Army of the Republica social organization can’t be confirmed.

Early settlers

Military connections could not be confirmed for several individuals buried at the cemetery. The DAR decided to include their names on the monument.

¯ William Carpenter was buried in an unmarked grave around 1812. It’s believed he was a Revolutionary War veteran having served as a ranger on the frontier out of Washington Co., Pa. He came to this area before 1806 and worked in lumber.

¯ David Long, 1799-1826, was believed to be a veteran of the War of 1812 in the Pennsylvania Militia.

¯ John Long, St., who died about 1807, was also buried in an unmarked grave and is believed to have served in the Revolution with militia out of Cumberland County, Pa. and on the Continental Line.

¯ John McGuire, 1759-1807, was Hugh Sr.’s brother and is believed to have served in the Revolution with militia out of Chester County.

¯ Thomas Page lived well into his 90s but little else is known. He served on the Continental Line starting in 1779 for the duration before coming to this area. His grave is unmarked.

¯ William White, born in Connecticut, was Giles’ son and served in the War of 1812.

¯ Alexander Wilson has pension records that indicate his service in the War of 1812. While not much is known, one source indicates he lived a long life in this area.

Brawand wanted to thank a host of people that have assisted in the project — Pittsfield Township, Warren Times Observer, the Warren County Veterans Administration office — Ed Burris and Delores Stec, the Warren County Historical Society and the Brace and Son’s Farm as well as Rhonda Richards with the Department of Veterans Affairs and DAR Historians Genevieve Shichak and Briana Zeppa who “have been instrumental in helping our chapter research the military service and history of the cemetery and of those buried there.”