JAMESTOWN, NY – May 19, 2026 – As communities across the nation prepare to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, the City of Jamestown and the Jamestown Veterans Commission are recognizing the enduring legacy of the Revolutionary War patriots laid to rest within the historic grounds of Lake View Cemetery.
This Memorial Day, the Jamestown community is called not only to remember the founding of the nation, but also the individuals whose courage, sacrifice, and service made that founding possible. Buried within Lake View Cemetery are soldiers of the American Revolution whose contributions helped secure the freedoms and democratic principles that continue to define the United States nearly 250 years later.
Among the Revolutionary War patriots interred at Lake View Cemetery are Daniel Hazeltine, John Cowing, Cyrus Fish, Eliphlet Stewart, Benjamin DeLamanter, Joseph Dix, Isaac Staples, William Washington, Thomas Mathews, and Andrew Crawford. While portions of their individual stories and military service have faded through time and incomplete historical records, their collective legacy remains deeply significant both locally and nationally. Their final resting place in Jamestown serves as a powerful reminder that the story of America’s independence is not preserved only in monuments, battlefields, or history books, but also within communities like our own.
Following the Revolutionary War, many veterans journeyed westward into developing frontier communities across New York State, including Chautauqua County, carrying with them the ideals and freedoms secured through the struggle for independence. Their settlement in Western New York reflected the broader story of a young nation expanding and rebuilding in the years following the Revolution. These citizen-soldiers not only defended the cause of liberty, but also helped build the communities and civic foundations that would shape the region for generations to come.
Today, the Jamestown Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution continues the important work of preserving and honoring the memory of these patriots through commemorative ceremonies, educational outreach, historical preservation efforts, and the marking of Revolutionary War gravesites. Their dedication helps ensure that the sacrifices and contributions of these individuals are not lost to history.
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, it is important that we recognize and remember the individuals whose sacrifice and service helped establish our nation,” said Keith Ecklund, Chair of the Jamestown Veterans Commission. “These patriots were ordinary citizens who answered an extraordinary call during one of the most defining moments in world history. Their legacy continues to inspire us and reminds us of the enduring importance of duty, sacrifice, liberty, and service to country.”
Memorial Day remains one of the nation’s most solemn observances — a time to honor those who served and sacrificed in defense of American freedom across every generation. The quiet beauty and historical significance of Lake View Cemetery serve as a lasting reminder that Jamestown is connected to the earliest chapters of the American story. It also serves as a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through sacrifice, courage, and an enduring commitment to the ideals upon which the nation was founded.
As the nation prepares to commemorate 250 years of independence in 2026, the City of Jamestown and the Jamestown Veterans Commission encourage residents to visit Lake View Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend to pay tribute to these Revolutionary War patriots, reflect upon the sacrifices of the founding generation, and recognize that the legacy of America’s independence continues to live on within our community today.
In honoring these patriots, Jamestown not only preserves its connection to the nation’s founding, but also reaffirms the responsibility of every generation to carry forward the values of liberty, sacrifice, civic duty, and service that helped build the United States of America.
