Program

Patriot Burials®

Subject

Cemetery, Event, People

Location

2 Center St, Bemus Point, NY 14712, USA

Lat/Long

42.162079, -79.391409

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 eight 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. 

Bemus Point Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the community’s early residents, with burials as early as 1799. Among those interred here between ca. 1830-1844 are at least six veterans of the Revolutionary War, including: William Bemus (NY), Lemuel Bacon (NY), John Rice (NY), Jonthan Babcock (NY), Luther Barney (CT), and Benjamin Parker (CT). 

William Bemus’ (alternatively Bemis) family’s land in Stillwater, NY is famous as a site of the Battle of Saratoga, a major turning point for colonial troops with the defeat of British General John Burgoyne. The American victory ultimately solidified the alliance with France to provide financial and military assistance for the rest of the war.