Second Photo: WM Richardson Grave Marking; Lance Beebe, Officer SAR; Troy Bailey, Presdent OSSAR (Ohio); Ken Dilmore, Member of John Hancock Chapter Ohio Society SAR; Steve Bennett, Member of John Hancock Chapter Ohio Society SAR; David L. Lupien, NW District Chrm. NW Territory Chapter SAR
By Caroline Wells Longardner
The Northwest Territory Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution from Bryan, Ohio, and the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter from Ft. Wayne, Ind. did jointly celebrate the ceremony honoring William Richardson on 12June2021. The public was invited to this SAR celebration of Patriotic Service. It was supported also by the DAR.
Patriot William Richardson is buried in Fought Cemetery in Washington Twp. Paulding Co. Ohio. His military marker states that he was born 20Sept1764 and died 12Nov1873. It also states that he was a private in the Ohio Militia, in the Continental Line, Serving in the Revolutionary War and also in the War of 1812.
The grave marking ceremony was Sat., June 12, 2021 at 10.:30 a.m. at Fought Cemetery. David Lupien, NW Dist. Chairman, Ohio State Sons of the American Revolution made the contacts and arrangements. The number of Patriotic groups that attended were considered very good as many came from as far as Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio. Re-enactors were in full Revolutionary dress uniform and military honors were given at the grave with a musket volley, taps and SAR Color Guard. Wreath presentations were given by 14 Patriotic organiza-tions including surrounding Daughters of the American Rev. Chapters and Sons of the American Rev. Chapters.
Ancestors of William Richardson were introduced. There was a formal Marker/Period Marker Presentation by the SAR.
The biography of William Richardson was given by Kurt Dahlberg. Richardson’s life was interesting as he was born in Montgomery Co. Va. 1763-65. Richardson was said to be a “double-cousin” of Anthony Wayne. He is said to have lived through the frontier Indian wars and the Rev. War before he came to Ohio and became part of the militia. In Dec. 1812 Richardson is said to have fought in the Battle of Mississinewa near Marion, Ind. He then moved to Ohio and eventually to Paulding Co. He had a full military life as well as many marriages and historians have written that he lost his life while breaking a horse at age 109.
Military Honors then included retiring Guard from Grave, the Patriot’s Prayer the Musket Volley and Taps. The Benediction was given by Chap. Douglas Vogelsong followed by the SAR Recessional.
Note: William Richardson’s grave has been recognized and marked by the Gen. Horatio N. Curtis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Paulding Co.) in April, 1977. The Chapter Regent was Caroline Longardner. (A picture is in the Paulding Progress 13Apr1977) Two descendents are in the picture: Mae Richardson and Landon Whetstone. Also, is the Regent of the Ft. Defiance DAR Chapter (Mrs. Donald Mansfield); Honorary State Regent (Mrs. Norman H. Dement) and Member, Mrs. Keith Baird of Paulding, Ohio.
