Program

Patriot Burials

Subject

Cemetery, People, Site

Location

1450 Wellman Rd, Ashville, NY 14710, USA

Lat/Long

42.064107904276, -79.367385919415

Grant Recipient

Sons of the American Revolution - Empire State Society - Chautauqua 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.

Beginning as a family plot for the Wellman family, the Wellman Cemetery is the final resting place for many of those who share the last name. One of those interred in the cemetery is Barnabus Wellman, who served as a Drum Major during the Revolutionary War. Drum Major Barnabus was there for many of the major events of the War, including; the Battle of Trenton, the Battle of German Town, the 1777-1778 quarters at Valley Forge and the subsequent Battle of Monmouth.

Originally from Connecticut, Drum Major Barnabas would make his way to Chautauqua County York by the 19^th century, where he would live until passing away in Busti at the age of 91 in 1847. His obituary in the Friday, March 12, 1847 edition of the Jamestown Journal highlights his storied military service.

It reads:

“He was one of the remaining relics of the American Revolution Heroes. Maj. Wellman was born in Connecticut, Aug. 15^th, 1756. At the age of 19 years he entered the Continental Army in the state of Connecticut, as a soldier, in the regiment of Col. Thomas Swift. And in which service he continued two years, when he received the appointment of Drum Major in the same regiment, which corps was immediately under the command of Gen. Washington, of whom the deceased related many personal incidents. For three years he served as Drum Major, and obtained an honorable discharge.

The eventful struggles in which he participated were the battles of Long Island, Trenton, Germantown, attack at Red Bank, with Gen. Washington at Valley Forge, the evacuation of Fort Independence. In erecting the fortifications of Dorchester Heights, the first shovel of gravel was thrown by him. He shared in the distress at Valley Forge in the winter of 1778, where he was compelled by hunger to boil and eat his cow-hide shoes.”