Obituary
of Revolutionary War Soldier
Gideon
Bentley, Constantia, N.Y.
This was generously donated
by Jeff Brodrick, whose ancestor,
Gideon Bentley, was born in Exeter, Rhode Island on August 12, 1750, and
died in Constantia New York on January 22, 1858. These dates, of
course, prove he was 108 when he died. He is buried in the
West Monroe Cemetery in West Monroe, New York. I have visited
the cemetery twice and taken the picture of his tombstone. The inscription
on the stone reads:
GIDEON BENTLEY
A Revolutionary Soldier
of 76 was in the service of
his country by Land & Sea
Born in Exeter Rhode Island
Aug 12, 1750
Died Jan 22, 1858
Erected by his son
G. Bentley
|
Tombstone of Gideon Bentley at
W. Monroe Cemetery
|
Source: From the Syracuse Journal
January 23, 1858
Another
Revolutionary Hero Gone
The photograph
was taken when he was only 105!
Gideon
Bentley of Constantia, Oswego Co., who died
a few days since, was born in the Town of Exeter, August 12, 1750.
Served under Col. Barton in a Rhode Island regiment for one year, and as
a minute-man for three years. Was a volunteer in a company under
Capt. Barton, who crossed over to Long Island in boats and captured a body
of Tories, killing fifteen and taking seventy-five prisoners, making a
narrow escape--getting into boats just as the British came up and
fired a volley at them as they were pulling from
the
shore, but doing no damage. Has voted at every Presidential election
from Washington to Buchanan. Had at the time of his death thirteen
children; also, grand-children and great grandchildren numbering 255---all
of whom are now living.
The
Citizens Corp. under command of Lieut. Col. Walwrath left the city [Syracuse]
early yesterday morning in carriages and crossed Onieda Lake in sleighs
for the purpose of taking part in burial services of this aged Patriot.
The weather was clear and cold, imparting intensity to the feelings; and
the occasion, altogether, will long be remembered by all who participated
in it. After lunch at the Constantia House, the Corps, with Sutherland's
full band, marched to the late residence of the deceased, in
the
outskirts of the village, where a large concourse of citizens were assembled,
and received the remains with military honors. A procession formed
and proceeded on foot to the Episcopol Church, which was already filled
to overflowing. The march of the long procession from the house
to the church was a most imposing spectacle. The village was still
as the grave---the people, young and old, fell into line, as if all were
desirous of taking part in honoring the memory of their departed friend.
The exercises were conducted by the Rev. F. Hebbard of Cicero, who delivered
a most impressive discourse, and closed by alluding eloquently to the eventful
life of the deceased. He was represented as a man above reproach,
who gloried in the onward march of freedom which he and his compatriots
contended on the field of battle. Last year the "Corps" paid a visit
to the old man, which seemed for the moment to revive the fire of his younger
years. He accepted the appointment of honorary member of the company
and parted with them, expressing the wish that at his death they would
give him a military burial. The "Corps" have greatly honored themselves
in rendering service to this almost last relic of a memorable and sanguinary
struggle. From the church the body was escorted to the grave, five
miles distant, by the company and a long procession of carriages filled
with the people of the surrounding country. At the grave, Col. Walrath
remarked as follows:
Comrades----
A solemn call has summoned us together----it is the funeral dirge which
announces to us that one of the Veterans, a relic of the Revolution, has
gone to the receptacle of the dead.
Gideon
Bentley is no more with the living. On the 15th of last June we beheld
him for the first time. His head was white with the frosts of five
score and seven winters. And who is here, that was present
on that occasion, who was not struck with the remarkable preservation of
his health and intellect. Now he "Wraps the drapery of his couch
about him, And lies down to pleasant dreams."
It is
in obedience to the dictates of our hearts that we are now assembled to
perform the rites due the soldier of '76. Another link which bound
us to the past is broken. An old veteran full of years, and ripe
for the celestial harvest, is gathered to his fathers and sleeps in the
peaceful stillness of the grave:
"The
Veteran died as a Christian dies,
With
hope in his Savior, God,
And
now on that brave old heart there lies
The
heavy and fresh grave sod."
I do not
intend to add to the able and eloquent eulogy pronounced today. Let
us now proceed to perform the last duties, and pay the final tribute of
respect to the remains of a Revolutionary patriot, a kind neighbor, a true
friend and fellow-citizen.
At the
close of Col. Walrath's remarks, the surrounding hills echoed with volleys
of musketry, and the honored dead rested in his silent grave.
Back to Obituaries
Back to Oswego County NYGenWeb
Copyright ©
2000 Jeff Brodrick / Laura Perkins
All Rights Reserved
|