Discover Local Revolutionary Soldiers
July 4 falls on Thursday this year and as we reflect on the birth of our nation, we can also remember our local ancestors who fought for our independence.
Located in Old Kingsborough Church Cemetery, 53 E. State St., are many memorials and grave sites, several of which are for soldiers who fought the British. Visit https://fulton.nygenweb.net/cemeteries/KingsBCem.html for a list of all interred there. Also visit https://fulton.nygenweb.net/military/darglov.html for information. Visit in person and you can see the American Flags and Revolutionary War marketers that note the soldiers. There are also soldiers from the War of 1812 buried at the cemetery. One headstone of note shows the original burial site of Nicholas "Nick" Stoner, an outdoorsman known throughout Fulton County for his Adirondack hunting and trapping skills.
According to the U.S. National Park Service (https://www.nps.gov/people/private-nicholas-stoner.htm), Nick was a veteran of both the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Born in Maryland, his family eventually moved to New York State and in 1777, he and members of his family enlisted in the regiment stationed in Johnstown that was under the director of Colonel James. As he was only a teenager, he was a fifer, playing in the military band.
“Stoner’s first active service occurred as part of General Benedict Arnold’s force that relieved Fort Schuyler (Stanwix). He witnessed Han Yost Schuyler preparing to leave on his disinformation mission to St. Leger’s camps. Marching through the aftermath of the Oriskany ambush and witnessing the state of those left behind made for many gruesome impressions on his young mind that he remembered even in old age ... Stoner served with Livingston’s Regiment during the Rhode Island campaign in 1778. As part of a guard detachment, he was captured during a nighttime skirmish with British troops and spent several months in captivity before being exchanged. In 1780, Stoner was the fifer for the guard detachment that escorted British Major John Andre from his prison to the gallows and witnessed him being hanged for his part in Arnold’s treasonous West Point plot. Stoner participated in the siege of Yorktown,” according to the National Park Service.
Stoner died in 1853 and is currently buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery, located near the corner of East Fulton Street and South Kingsboro Avenue in Gloversville. His headstone can be found as part of the Soldier’s Memorial, dedicated to soldiers who fought for our country, particularly in the Civil War. A list of individuals interred there can be found at https://fulton.nygenweb.net/military/PHillSoldierscem.html.
To learn more about Nick and his interesting life beyond his war service, visit https://www.americanheritage.com/man-whose-praise-we-sing and his ties to Caroga and Stoner Lakes at https://www.adirondacklife.com/2019/12/03/nick-stoner/.
When out visiting the cemeteries, be sure to make a stop at the Fulton County Museum, located at 237 Kingsboro Ave. In addition to the military exhibit, this year the local museum has an exhibit known as “Road to Revolution: Exploring the People, Places and Events of Tryon County, 1763-1776.” This display explores the life in upstate New York when settlers made the Mohawk Valley their home and learn of the experiences of the people who had to decide if they were going to stay neutral or fight against (or for) the British. This exhibit is on display through December 2024.
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