Enfield To Restore Historic Memorial

ENFIELD, CT — A century-old monument marking one of Enfield’s best-known Revolutionary War stories is slated for restoration.

The Penelope Terry Abbey Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution said in a public announcement that it will lead restoration of the Captain Thomas Abbey Memorial in partnership with Enfield-based Rogers Memorial Studio.

The chapter said the project is part of Enfield Celebrates America’s 250th commemoration. Its announcement did not include a work scope, cost estimate or timetable, but said updates and photographs will be shared as the work progresses.

The memorial honors Thomas Abbey, Enfield’s town drummer and a militia lieutenant when word of the Battles of Lexington and Concord reached town on April 20, 1775.

According to the Enfield Historical Society, Abbey sounded the alarm because the town did not have a church bell. Men gathered at the meetinghouse and a contingent led by Nathaniel Terry left for Boston the following morning.

Abbey was commissioned a captain on Jan. 1, 1777. The Enfield Public Library notes that he also served in the French and Indian War before his Revolutionary War service.

The memorial, located in front of the Congregational Church on Enfield Street, was dedicated Nov. 4, 1916, according to the Historical Society.

Rogers Memorial Studio says it has designed and carved monuments since 1917 and provides professional cleaning and light-restoration services.

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