Pictured are Jeff Crossley, president of the Chautauqua County SAR, Bonnie Larkin of the Benjamin Prescott DAR, Paul Fardink of the Patriot Marker Program and SAR member, Gene Smith, SAR member, Loretta Smith, DAR member, Brenda Johnson, DAR member, Paul Johnson, SAR member, Jim White, SAR member, and Susan Sipos DAR member.

GERRY – The area’s newest memorial marker dedicated for Benjamin Mathews, a Revolutionary War soldier interred in the Gerry Hill Cemetery.

The American Revolutionary War was 250 years in the United States. Paul Fardink of the Chautauqua County Sons of American Revolution welcomed all visitors to the dedication. The invocation and opening prayer was given by John Sipos, Stockton and Cassadaga historian, who also led the Pledge to the American Flag. Jeff Crossley, county SAR president, spoke of the memorial. The marker was unveiled by Brian Mead and Becky Mead. Diman Smith spoke for the Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 Sons of the Legion. Daughters of American Revolution members present included Bonnie Larkin, Brenda Johnson, Susan Sipos and Loretta Smith.

The SAR rifle salute using old rifles was by Jeff Crossley and Jim White.

Benjamin Mathews was born in 1733 and died in 1842. Chautauqua County Clerk Larry Barmore and his wife Carol are direct descendants of Benjamin Mathews. The marker was furnished by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.