Program

Patriot Burials

Subject

Cemetery, People, Site

Location

574 S Market St, Cape Vincent, NY 13618, USA

Lat/Long

44.12258837537, -76.334538421387

Grant Recipient

Empire State Society Sons of the American Revolution Thousand Islands 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.

With burials beginning by 1820, the Market Street Cemetery is the final resting place for many of the community’s early residents, including Corporal Samuel F. Mills who served from 1776 to 1780. From 1776 to 1779 Mills was enlisted as a private, his final stint in service during the Revolutionary War began in July of 1779 when he served 8 months as a Corporal under Captain John Yates. Corporal Mills passed away in Cape Vincent in 1759, and was described in his obituary included in the Thursday, November 26^th edition of the New York Reformer as:

“One of those men of iron constitutions and patriotic valor which the war of the Revolution brought into notice, and through this long struggle Samuel F. Mills was prominent in the de[fens]e of his county.”