Gravestone honoring Revolutionary War soldier restored for Memorial Day

NEW CARLISLE, Ohio — A Revolutionary War soldier’s memory will endure with the dedication of a new gravestone.

A special ceremony honoring William Henry Brandenburg, Jr. in New Carlisle Cemetery capped the annual New Carlisle Memorial Day parade and service Saturday.

The ceremony included contributions from members of the New Carlisle Historical Society, George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, Lagonda Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, New Carlisle Boy Scout Troop 27 and the American Legion/Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard.

Historical Society members Scott Suther, Dave McWhorter and Hugh Schiller collaborated to see Brandenburg’s marker was restored.

“We like to keep track of the soldiers who served,” Suther said. “We needed to see what we could do for Brandenburg.”

They do readings of the various sections of the cemetery and keep track of the Revolutionary War soldiers. While markers for Adam McPherson, Thomas Wallace and John Boltenhouse are easily identifiable, Brandenburg’s wasn’t.

The Brandenburg family’s markers had fallen and were worn; the only one clearly marked was his son, Frederick.

“It’s a process,” McWhorter said. “We want to acknowledge these soldiers and what they’ve done.”

Brandenburg was born Oct. 8, 1758 and joined the Continental Army in 1781, and served in several regiments. He pursued the Tories, those who remained loyal to the British during the war, and guarded British prisoners of war.

Brandenburg and family moved to Montgomery County in 1816, then to Bethel Township.

A cholera outbreak claimed Brandenburg and several family members in 1834. He died on Aug. 17 of that year.

One of the things the new stone corrects is the year of the family’s passing. Two of the remaining markers incorrectly indicate 1831 as the year of death.

Suther was surprised how quickly the plan for the new marker happened. They worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which paid for the new marker and had it by December.

In addition, Frederick’s stone and another, possibly Brandenburg’s wife, have been reset in new concrete flanking Brandenburg’s new marker. The city of New Carlisle dedicated the new concrete to support the markers.

The Memorial Day weekend seemed to be the perfect time for the ceremony.

Brandenburg is the great-great-great-great uncle of Sharon Maingi of Tipp City, who attended the ceremony.

“I was so impressed with the turnout. It was above expectations,” she said.

Maingi described herself as a patriot and was inspired to join the Daughters of the American Revolution and awaiting her confirmation.

“It’s part of who I am; he set an example for me,” Maingi said. “I’m hopeful the younger generation will realize what a wonderful heritage we have.”

Other Brandenburg descendants sent emails applauding the honor, which Suther shared at the ceremony.

While there are currently four known Revolutionary War soldiers identified in New Carlisle Cemetery, a fifth’s grave location is still undetermined.

William Serviss is being sought next by the historical society.

“I live at the library on the weekend,” Suther said, smiling.

McWhorter had reassurance of the Brandeburg effort when he met a Vietnam veteran before Saturday’s ceremony.

“He talked about how important it was for him to witness the ceremony, and as a combat veteran he had appreciation for what they went through and what an honor it was to be here,” McWhorter said.

“It makes me feel good we can honor military heroes of all eras.”

Cox Media Group