Program

Patriot Burials

Subject

Cemetery, Site

Location

4536 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA

Lat/Long

41.801121287394, -73.93871475051

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.

Saint James Churchyard in Hyde Park, New York is the final resting place of the community’s early residents. Among those buried here in between 1821-1848 are at least six Revolutionary War veterans: Frederick Bancker, Joseph Dennis, Titus Dutton, Morgan Lewis, Isaac Russell and Nathaniel Pendleton.

An interesting note regarding one of the six Revolutionary War veterans buried in St. James; Nathaniel Pendleton also served as the second in one of America’s most infamous personal and fatal squabbles—the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, which resulted in the former’s death. Seconds, as was expected by dueling customs, served as in-betweens between the two aggrieved parties and decided the rules of the confrontation: from distance, pistols selected, to covering the fleeing duelist with a blanket or umbrella so those in attendance could claim they never saw the guilty party, the second played a crucial role in the antiquated practice soon to fall out of favor with Hamilton’s death. In fact, Pendleton helped row the fatally wounded Hamilton back to New York City where he would soon pass.

In addition to Pendleton, Revolutionary War veteran Morgan Lewis served as New York’s 3^rd Governor.

Along with the Revolutionary War veterans buried in St. James Churchyard, the adjacent church are also known as the place of worship attended by President Frederick D. Roosevelt and his family.