Program

Patriot Burials

Subject

Cemetery

Location

97 Grove St, Union Springs, NY 13160, USA

Lat/Long

42.840124453795, -76.687129255892

Grant Recipient

Sons of the American Revolution

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.

Quaker Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Union Spring’s early residents. Among those buried here is Revolutionary War veteran James Carr, who was captured at Fort Anne in October of 1780 and held as a prisoner of war in Montreal by the British until November of 1782 when he was included in a prisoner exchange between British and American forces. According to secondary sources, Carr also served in the French and Indian War as well.

Following his service in the American Revolution Carr spent time in Johnstown, New York where he’d been granted acreage in payment for his service during the American Revolution; however, while living there with his family he also purchased property near Union Springs, which was an area that had left an impression on him. Carr was familiar with the region from his time as part of the Sullivan Expedition: a scorched-earth campaign against British loyalists and the Haudenosaunee throughout New York.

Carr spent time between Johnstown and Union Springs managing the farmstead of the former and establishing one in the latter. When his farm in Cayuga County was complete, Carr relocated his family to their new home around 1800. For those familiar with the area, “Carr’s Cove” on the coast of Cayuga Lake is where the family reportedly settled.

This marker commemorates Carr’s service and is located at the Quaker Cemetery in Union Springs which was established circa 1803, though earlier unmarked burials sites may exist. Carr passed away in May of 1839 in his seventies.