Back in 2023, we started spicing up our monthly Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution meetings.
We initially invited outside speakers to share history of the Revolutionary War as well as Cincinnati / Ohio history.
In 2024, we decided to have our members share knowledge they have gained during their SAR and ancestral research. This gave our members and opportunity to share with the group the stories of tied to their past (i.e. Nathan Chester’s Ft. Griswold) , or address areas of interest (i.e. DNA genealogy).
Nathan Chester describes the location of his ancestor’s land and the placement of Ft. Griswold
Both efforts have added value to our monthly meetings.
For our September 4th membership meeting, Nathan Chester shared the history of his patriot ancestors in a presentation titled “Chesters in Connecticut – Fort Griswold”.
Below is attached is an article published in July of 1912 in “The American Monthly Magazine“. The article was titled “A Naval Affair of the Revolutionary War – The Story of Rebecca Chester” written by C. M. Chester. This article outlines the history of the Chester family and the impacts on the Revolutionary War cause.
Nathan has performed a great deal of research. He has a rare book which outlines the Chester family in Connecticut. Samuel Chester settled the property in 1663. Samuel became close friends with the local Indian tribe (Chief Uncas) and was able to acquire sizable tracts of land for his family homestead.
Nathan shared his slides for the presentation. They are attached below:
Nathan Chester Presentation SAR
During the Revolutionary War, it was determined that the Chester homestead property was well suited for a fort called Fort Grizwold. Captain John Chester deeded land to the new colonial government to be the site of Fort Griswold.
Fort Grizwold became an active fort and operated until the British captured the fort. After the murder of the Continental leader Colonel Ledyard by the British, the remaining Continental army troops who were stationed at the fort were massacred. The British then burned the fort and razed the surrounding property.
Still standing through the 20th century was the Chester homestead which remained intact into the early 21st century, only to be torn down for the building of a new corporate business facility.
Nathan also shared that one of his relatives also had a hand in designing the early American flag. Look below at the similarities (13 stripes, blue star field, stars …).
Nathan Chester shares the story of his ancestors contributions to the design of the new American Flag
This was an excellent presentation, well researched and very interesting for the members in the meeting.
Thanks to Nathan for sharing this very interesting historical account of his patriot ancestors.
We welcome members to share with others their ancestor’s stories, or share experiences or knowledge. Please reach out to Scott Freeman with any suggestions or to sign up for a future meeting.
