Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
As America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, entities across Ohio are honoring the state's history and impact on the nation.
On May 17, the Ottawa County Historical Society recognized the sacrifices of its five Revolutionary War veterans during the Ottawa County Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) America 250 Patriots Marker Dedication Ceremony.
The patriots marker was installed at the gravesite of Benajah Wolcott at the Wolcott Family Cemetery in Danbury Township.
The marker honors all five veterans: Wolcott, Isaac Ambler, John Green, Israel Harrington and John Clemons, Jr. It was presented by the Sally De Forest Chapter of DAR, the Ottawa County Historical Society and the America 250 Ohio Commission in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Lisa Hossler of the Ottawa County Historical Society, who hosted the event, spoke about the men's bravery, sacrifice and character.
"We are grateful for their service," she said.
Ottawa County Commissioner Mark Coppeler, who was one of the featured speakers, said that some of the veterans were very young when they joined the war effort.
Wolcott was just 14 when he left home and served for seven years. His regiment encamped with George Washington and his army at White Plains, N.Y., and Wolcott's regiment wintered in Morristown, N.J. in 1779 in conditions considered worse than those endured at Valley Forge.
"I was struck by the ages of those who enlisted," Coppeler said. "That points out just how important this war was. It was a war for independence."
Danbury Township Trustee David Hirt also spoke at the event of the veterans' bravery and the impact their sacrifice had on America then and today.
"They secured our freedom so that we have 'one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,'" Hirt said. "Those are the exact same principles that Benajah Wolcott believed in when he chose to enlist to fight in the revolutionary army."
Jerilynn Scheele of the Norwalk Chapter of Sally De Forest DAR traveled to Danbury Township with members of the chapter to help honor Ottawa County's veterans. She said DAR supports many causes, including active duty military, veterans, Wreaths Across America, and educational programs for children. A key focus of the group is historic preservation initiatives like the dedication of the Patriot Marker at Wolcott Family Cemetery.
"We're here to honor the bravery and dedication of the men and women who sacrifice for our country," Scheele said.
The Ottawa County-America 250 Committee, under the direction of Linda Huber, helped organize the event. The committee was honored that AM-250 Ohio Commission Executive Director Todd Kleismit attended the event.
Like Coppeler, Kleismit was surprised at how young some of the veterans were when they enlisted.
"Many who rolled up their sleeves were very young," he said. "This shows how Ohio has contributed to the nation."
Other speakers included David Lupien of the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and retired Ottawa County Judge Paul Moon, a Wolcott descendent. Dave Wolcott, also a Wolcott descendent, and his wife, Cindy Wolcott, traveled from their home in Columbus to attend the dedication. Cindy said she is grateful that her family is a part of such an impactful era of American history.
"It's quite an honor that they purchased a plaque for the cemetery," Dave Wolcott said.
For more information on upcoming Ottawa County-America 250 events, visit www.ottawacountyhistory.org/america-250/ or www.shoresandislands.com/america-250/.
