At 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at the corner of Cooper & Plainfield Roads in the Carpenters Run Cemetery the Blue Ash Historical Society welcomed about 80 visitors to an event.
After a demonstrated two line Musket firing of blanks by the Color Guardmen: Sgt. Michael Gunn, Lee Wilkerson, Jack Bredenfoerder, Ed Bonniwell, Cpl. Bob Bowers, Bob Hill, OHSSAR Color guard Commander and Al Gummere with Hocking Valley OH Chapter. Also present in formation were Ensign Mike Blum with Flag; Gary Duffield, Highlanders Chapter; Al Manning-Clifty Falls Chapter, Indiana; Elwin Spray, Montgomery Chapter OH SAR & Bart Hendershot, Drummer.
We then approached the audience to perform how the flint lock weapons work, both Muskets and Rifles. They were able to examine the finest weapons of the 18th century by those of us dressed as they did at that time.
Everyone walk to the display of 14 flags (50 star US, Betsey Ross, eight Regimental flags used by these Patriots to locate their troops back 250 years ago), Germany Society, Hocking Valley Chapter and the SAR 250 anniversary colors.
At about 2:15 PM Emcee Larry Collins, Cincinnati SAR called for the Color Guard to post the Colors. Bruce Bennett led us in a pledge to our flag, Emcee led the Pledge to the SAR [“We the descendants of the heroes of the American Revolution who, by their sacrifices, established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend them against every foe.”]. Next, an Invocation by: OHSSAR Chaplain Dr. Reverend R. E. Bonniwell.
An Introduction and Welcome of Guests: Larry Collins welcomed the Officers of the Blue Ash Historical Society who had brief remarks. Emcee Collins then identified Descendants of Francis Nicholas one of the 4 Patriots we honored there, James Bingham & Betsey Zajac, a father and daughter who just recently learned of their ancestor Francis Nichols.
The highlight of this part of the ceremony followed with Jim Houston revealing the SAR Grey Granite Marker, which was laid at each Patriots gravesite. Michael Gunn than gave the dedication: “We, the members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution reveal and dedicate this marked Memorial to the glory of God and in the recognition of the memory of these honorable Patriots of the American Revolution.”
Emcee Collins then read the names of our honorees, followed by a ring of a bell:
JOHN EMANS, (1755 – 1821) served with New Jersey as a Private in the Revolutionary War.
NICHOLAS JOHNSTON, (1754-1821) a British soldier who deserted to serve as a Private with New York in the Revolutionary War.
FRANCIS NICHOLS, (1765-1808) served in the Continental army.
PRICE THOMPSON (1755-1842) served with New Jersey in more that five major battles in the Revolutionary War.
Ten wreaths were laid at the foot of the marker by the following Compatriots to further honor these Patriots and all the Veterans who have courageously served to continue our Freedom and Liberty: Compatriots led by Bob Bowers – Cincinnati Chapter, OH, Jack Bredenfoerder – Ohio Society SAR, Turner Lee Wilkerson – TN Society, Gary Duffield – Highlanders Chapter, Alan Manning – Clifty Creek Chapter, IN, Gordon Stokely – Germany Society, Bruce Bennett – State Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, Al Gummere – Hocking Valley Chapter, Janet Gummere & Elizabeth Scherman – DAR Chapter, and Kimmie Blum – Fort Hamilton CAR Chapter
Emcee Collins led us in a recessional: “Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our forefathers, who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, an independent Supreme Court, and a Nation of Free Men.” Followed by a Benediction by: OHSSAR Chaplain Dr. Reverend R. E. Bonniwell.
The Color Guard fired a Musket Salute, them assumed the Mourn position as Gordon Stokely played TAPS. Emcee Larry Collins then dismissed all.
