Submitted Photo Members of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR from Fredonia and the Mary Varnum Platts-Peterborough Chapter NSDAR from Jaffrey, New Hampshire, came together to celebrate Colonel Benjamin Prescott at a grave-marking ceremony in Jaffrey.

JAFFREY, N.H. — A grave-marking ceremony of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution namesake Revolutionary War patriot — Colonel Benjamin Prescott (1754-1839) was held on July 29 at Conant Cemetery in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR from Fredonia dedicated a bronze Revolutionary War marker and placed a wreath at the grave of Colonel Prescott in a moving ceremony. Fourteen ladies traveled from Fredonia to Jaffrey to conduct the ceremony with members from the Mary Varnum Platts Peterborough, New Hampshire Chapter NSDAR, the Jaffrey Historical Society, John Humiston American Legion Post 11 and the Jaffrey community. Also attending were many distinguished guests from the New York and New Hampshire NSDAR.

Franklin W. Sterling, the New Hampshire legislator from Jaffrey was one of many that welcomed the local delegation at a reception on Friday evening hosted by the Jaffrey Historical Society. It was a wonderful time to get to know each other.

The ceremony on Saturday, July 29 was brief. Regent Brenda Johnson of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR welcomed all the guests. Kathleen Weibel, acting chaplain, Mary Varnum Platts Peterborough Chapter NSDAR lead the prayer with the Invocation. The Presentation of Colors was by the John Humiston American Legion Post 11 Color Guard. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Myra Johnston, Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR, followed with the American’s Creed lead by Barbara Pietro, Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR. A biography of Prescott and the western New York link was presented by Bonnie Larkin, Benjamin Prescott Chapter, NSDAR. A dedication of the NSDAR marker and flag by Brenda Johnson, regent Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR, assisted by Julina Harris, Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR. Linda Kuzara, Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR, read a poem to commemorate the service to country and sacrifices for independence. The laying of the wreath was performed by Antoniette Sherman and Mercy Warren, past regents Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR. Taps was played by Boy Scout and the grandson of Kathleen Weibel, acting regent, Mary Varnum Platts Peterborough Chapter NSDAR.

After the ceremony, many visited the 1775 meeting house in Jaffrey that was being built as gunshots were heard from Bunker Hill. On Sunday the group was treated to a guided tour at the Cathedral of the Pines, a solemn and beautiful place in the nearby mountains. The site is in trust in the memory of a son killed in WWII. Almost every religion has held services at the stone altar on the hill in the pines, with many presidents in attendance. The altar is constructed from stones gathered from every state in the country. The bell tower has four beautiful bronze plaques made by Norman Rockwell and son.

The entire trip was very inspirational. Martha Jane (Jennie) Prescott was the great-granddaughter of Colonel Benjamin Prescott and lived in Fredonia when she started the local chapter in 1899, naming it after her great-grandfather. She was also instrumental in starting the Barker Library, Fredonia Opera House, Shakespeare Club and many other charitable and civic organizations.

This trip and link to Prescott’s home and community completed a circle and expanded their network of friends.