Historical marker will be dedicated Saturday for Revolutionary War soldier in Clarendon
Provided photos: An eventual settler of Clarendon, Lemuel Cook would earn the distinction of the oldest pensioner of the Revolution at the time of his death on May 20, 1866 at the age of 107.
Press Release, Orleans County History Department
CLARENDON – This Saturday at 10 a.m. the Orleans County Department of History in conjunction with the Orleans County Historical Association and Clarendon Historian will host a dedication ceremony for a new historic marker at the Cook Cemetery in Clarendon.
The Orleans Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will participate with a wreath laying ceremony following the unveiling of the marker – the Rochester Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will offer a primitive gun salute dressed in patriot attire.
Lemuel Cook, a young man from Connecticut, enlisted with the 2nd Connecticut (Continental) Light Dragoons to serve for the duration of the American Revolution. During his service, he met Gen. George Washington on at least two occasions and saw action at the Battle of Brandywine and Yorktown. Cook migrated to North Bergen in 1821 and later to Clarendon around 1832, eventually settling on the South Holley Road near Munger Road, just a short distance from his final resting place.
Upon his death in 1866, Lemuel Cook was regarded as one of the oldest pensioners of the American Revolution, a title that genealogists and historians have challenged over the years. What is known for certain is that Cook was the last official pensioner of the war, the last surviving veteran of the war whose service was proven with discharge papers signed by Gen. Washington himself.
The marker for Lemuel Cook will be dedicated at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Recently toppled by the massive windstorm in March, the Orleans Chapter DAR has generously supported efforts to reset Cook’s headstone, working with the Town of Clarendon and Brigden Memorials in Albion.
The program is free and open to the public.
The Department of History will begin the process for selecting the next spot for a historic marker following this program. Input from the community is appreciated and more information will be made available about the process.
Mount Albion tour planned for May 28
The Orleans County Department of History also will host a tour of Mt. Albion Cemetery over Memorial Day weekend on May 28th, starting at 2 p.m. The group will assemble at the cemetery chapel, departing at 2:05 p.m.
Although the tour will spotlight local veterans, not all of the stories will focus on military service. The tour is a prelude to the regularly scheduled series taking place Sunday afternoons in August. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; guests should expect the tour to last approximately 90-120 minutes and cover several sections of the cemetery.The tour is free and open to the public with no tickets required.
