Stories of Courage: Revolutionary War Heroes Laid to Rest in Racine County

RACINE — The first shots of the Revolutionary War rang out on the morning of April 19, 1775 in Lexington, Mass. The treaty of Paris was signed eight years later in 1783, officially ending the war and recognized American independence.

Wisconsin is the final resting place for 40 of these early patriots, including 10 in Racine County. Here is your chance to get a history lesson on these brave people, and read their life stories:

PHINEAS CADWELL, Corporal, Webb's Connecticut Line

Buried Yorkville Cemetery, Union Grove, Racine County

RUFUS CARVER, Private, Bigelow's Massachusetts Regiment

Buried Mound Cemetery, Racine, Racine County

SALMON CHILD, Private, Col Willett's New York Regiment

Buried Honey Creek Cemetery, Rochester Township, Racine County

JOHN COLEMAN, Ranger, New York Rangers

Died in Southport (Kenosha) Racine, County (Grave site not located)

HELMONT KELLOGG, Private, Connecticut Militia

Buried Sylvania Cemetery, Kellogg's Corners, Racine County

ANDREW LYTLE, Major, New York Militia

Buried Presbyterian Cemetery, Union Grove, Racine County

ELISHA RAYMOND, Private, Rhode Island Militia

Buried Mound Cemetery, Racine, Racine County

LOT SEARCH, Private, Col. Beaver's New Jersey Troops

Buried Mound Cemetery, Racine, Racine County

AARON SMITH, Private, Marquis De Lafayette's Mass. Militia

Died Burlington, Racine County (Grave site not located)

EBENEZER WHITING, Private, Ward’s New York Regiment

Reported to be in Root River Cemetery, Racine County (Grave site not located)

It is believed that more than 200,000 U.S. troops participated over the course of the war. Accounts of the loss of life on the American side vary greatly due to illness and starvation. It is widely believed that at least 25,000 American Patriots died during active military service: 6,800 in battle; 17,000 from disease, including about 8,000–12,000 who died of starvation or disease brought on by deplorable conditions while prisoners of war.

The Wisconsin Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (WISSAR) has verified that 40 soldiers had relocated to the Wisconsin Territory after the war and were buried in Wisconsin at their death.

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