Program

Patriot Burials®

Subject

Cemetery, Site

Location

7824 Brickchurch Rd, Sodus, NY 14551, USA

Lat/Long

43.200016993569, -77.011260441033

Grant Recipient

Columbia-Mid Hudson Valley SAR Chapter

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.

The Brick Church Cemetery in Sodus, New York is the final resting place of many of the community’s early residents. Among those buried here between ca. 1832- 1835 are at least two Revolutionary War veterans: Amos Gilbert and Seba Norton.

Gilbert enlisted in 1781 and served as a private in the 2^nd Massachusetts Regiment. In 1818 he was granted a pension for his service, at which time he was already living in Sodus, New York. Following his death in 1832, his widow, Margaret, also received a pension for his service.

Seba Norton was also granted a pension while living in Sodus for his service in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War. He would pass away in 1835.

Additionally, a third individual, Thaddeus Bancroft, is believed by some to have served, and is also interred in the Brick Church Cemetery. However, as of 2024, definitive evidence linking the Thaddeus Bancroft buried in Sodus to a Revolutionary War service record have yet to be located.