In 1941 on George Washington’s birthday February 22, a bronze plaque bearing the names of the 158 soldiers of the Revolutionary War who settled in Montgomery County and are buried in the same was unveiled and dedicated at the Old Dayton Courthouse. The Richard Montgomery Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) were in charge of the dedication and were assisted by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution, Sons of Union Veterans, and Montgomery County Commissioners.
According to Curt Dalton of Dayton History and Lori Rotterman of the Dayton Metro Library, the plaque was removed during the Courthouse renovation between 2003 and 2005 and was taken to Memorial Hall for storage. It was rediscovered in January 2019 and Dayton History transferred the plaque to The American Veterans Heritage Center in October of the same year. Through their efforts and in conjunction with Richard Montgomery, SAR, the plaque was restored in 2020.
“In 2022, The American Veterans Heritage Center transferred the plaque to Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum where all parties then worked together with Morrison Monuments in Bellbrook to have the plaque adhered to a granite monument,” stated Bob Neff, project chairman, SAR. “The monument will be placed in the Soldier’s Section at Woodland Cemetery where all who visit can honor the men who fought for our independence.”
Of the 158 soldiers listed on the bronze plaque, Woodland has 20 of the soldiers resting peacefully among its 200 verdant acres of rolling hills and valleys. Most notably are Colonel Robert Patterson, grandfather of John H. Patterson, founder of National Cash Register (NCR) and Major David Zeigler, a German immigrant who served as Senior Captain of the First Pennsylvania Continental Regiment and later became the first mayor of Cincinnati.
Steve Kaplan, president of SAR, said, “All of the members of the Richard Montgomery Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution are very excited to once again have this plaque on display in the public area. Our chapter’s three goals are to work on historical, educational, and patriotic projects. This plaque fulfills all three.”
The unveiling of the restored plaque on the granite marker will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum located at 118 Woodland Avenue in Dayton. The dedication is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
with distinction in the Revolutionary War. In 1808, John ran a tavern on the east side of Main Street near Monument and First streets. It was a log building, one and one half stories high with a log barn and feed yard located near the back alley. The large living room of the house became the popular place for many of the socializing events of that day. The bell in the belfry rang twice for meals as was the custom at taverns in those days. When the town meeting was called to discuss building a free-bridge across the Mad River, the meeting was held at Col. Grimes tavern on January 27, 1816. At that time, the town’s people were crossing the river by ferry boats. The building of the bridge was a major advancement in early Dayton history. Col. John Grimes died on June 13, 1836 at the age of 81. Col. Grimes was originally buried in the old 5th St. burial grounds and later was re-interred at Woodland Cemetery on June 12, 1855. His final resting place is in Section 77 Lot 135.
This industrious son of Col. John Grimes, Alexander Grimes, served in the War of 1812. Alexander was a Dayton merchant who worked in close association with Steel and Peirce under the name of Grimes & Company. In 1828, Alexander was one of Dayton’s fire wardens and formed the fire-guards to provide protection and security around fire areas. Mr. Grimes was elected to the State Legislature in 1827 and 1830 and was cashier from 1831 to 1843 of Dayton’s first bank. He also served as the Auditor of Montgomery Country. Mr. Grimes was married twice. His second wife was the sister of Charles Russell Greene, Marie Antoinette Greene. Alexander Grimes died January 12, 1860 at the age of 69. He is located in Section 77 Lot 136.
P.F.C. Charles Greene Grimes – Ohio Militia Civil War