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.
