Program

Patriot Burials

Subject

Cemetery, People

Location

661 State Hwy 235, Harpursville, NY 13787, USA

Lat/Long

42.190417, -75.648861

Grant Recipient

Binghamton Chapter, ESSSAR

The origins of the American Revolution can be traced back to 1775, when the first shots were fired between colonial and British forces at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Soon after, the American Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. As the newly formed United States went to war with Great Britain, hundreds of men across the Thirteen Colonies joined the fight. These men came from different walks of life; some were farmers, others were tradesmen, lawyers, doctors and merchants. Despite their differences they desired the same thing: freedom and independence. Colonial forces faced severe challenges, including lack of supplies and military training; however, in the face of obstacles they were undeterred. After nearly 8 years the colonies defeated Great Britain and successfully achieved their independence. It is important to remember the lives and sacrifices made by those who fought for American freedom.

Pratt Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Colesville’s early residents. One of the earliest—if not the earliest—buried there was Ezra Pratt, who was interred in 1825.

Pratt was a veteran of the American Revolution who served in regiments in both Massachusetts and Vermont, before making his way to New York, and becoming an early resident of Colesville.

After his death, the Pratt family maintained and operated the family burial ground, which grew to include burials from members of the community as well as those in the family. In 1911 it was incorporated by the Pratt Cemetery Association, who would own the cemetery into the 21^st cemetery, at which point the Town of Colesville took over ownership.