PATRIOT BURIALS

Inscription

PATRIOT BURIALS
INDIAN OPENING CEMETERY
AT LEAST NINE PATRIOTS OF
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
INTERRED HERE BETWEEN
CA. 1816 – 1849.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2024

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.

Located in Madison, New York, the Indian Opening Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the area’s early residents. Among those buried here between ca. 1816 and 1849 are at least nine individuals who supported the Revolutionary cause during the American Revolution, including both veterans and civil servants. Those include: Uriah Alverson, Jared Blakeslee, Israel Bond, John Brown, Abner Burnham, Samuel “Sam” McClure, Ebenezer Howard, Mathias Lanckton and Nehemiah Thompson. With service during the War from multiple states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont, the final resting place of these patriots in central New York highlights the impact of the former Great Western/Cherry Valley Turnpike—now Route 20—which provided access to this region from the east.

In addition to these nine men, Phineas Brigham, Abijah Parker, Ebenezer Richardson and David Lucas are potential patriots who are believed to be interred in the Indian Opening Cemetery; however, as of 2024, definitive evidence of burial and/or service has not been located.