Fitting tribute
US Veterans Department donates headstone for local War Of 1812 veteran
The final resting place of a Revolutionary War hero has received a proper headstone.
The National Society United States Daughters of 1812, Celea Sampson Cole Chapter 507, conducted a ceremony to honor Private Richard Strickland by installing a new headstone and presenting a grave marker recently. Richard Strickland, a pioneer of Pine Grove Township, passed away on May 15, 1849, and was laid to rest in Foster Cemetery, Lander, Pa.
Strickland served in the Militia, NY State 77th Regiment, during the War of 1812. Following the war, he and his family lived in Arkwright in Chautauqua County, N.Y.,before relocating to Lander, Pa., around 1840.
The U.S. Veterans Department donated a veteran headstone to commemorate Strickland’s service.
Members of the Celea Sampson Cole Chapter, friends, and family were in attendance at the event.
The event included a presentation by Gail Dash, Secretary, and Elaine Rissel, Chaplain. Lilly Johnson, Strickland’s fifth great-granddaughter, performed the National Anthem, and President Sandra Johnson, Strickland’s third great-granddaughter, shared insights about his life and military service.
Honors were also presented by the Youngsville American Legion Post 658.
Those who have a War of 1812 veteran they want to honor with a grave marker or who would like membership information, get in touch with Sandra Johnson at startubing@hotmail.com or Gail Pugh Dash at gaildash@yahoo.com.