Preston officials and community members gathered at Fly Meadow Creek Cemetery to unveil a new historical marker provided by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation marking the grave of Revolutionary War veteran Silas Champlain. Champlain, a Revolutionary War soldier born in Stonington, Connecticut in 1748, who served as an orderly sergeant in Rhode Island. (Submitted photo)

PRESTON – In a moving tribute to Revolutionary War veteran Silas Champlain, members of the community gathered at Fly Meadow Creek Cemetery to unveil a new historical marker provided by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Thanks to the dedication of local historians and preservationists, this quiet cemetery has been brought back to life, revealing stories of early American patriots and local residents long forgotten by time.

The event celebrated Champlain, a Revolutionary War soldier born in Stonington, Connecticut in 1748, who served as an orderly sergeant in Rhode Island. Champlain later settled in Preston, New York, where he chose Fly Meadow Creek as his final resting place. The Pomeroy Foundation’s marker honors his contributions to the country. The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) chapter in Binghamton played a vital role by initiating the application process.

“This is the fifth patriot burial sign we’ve placed with the help of SAR’s Mark Burdick,” shared one of the lead organizers, Dale Utter, who has tirelessly worked to uncover the cemetery’s hidden history. “These markers mean so much to us because they help preserve the names and stories of those who sacrificed for our freedom.” Dale, along with co-organizer and wife Tina, dedicated years to researching Champlain’s legacy and meticulously clearing overgrown brush that once hid the cemetery.

Rediscovering Fly Meadow Creek Cemetery

Established in 1808 with its first known burial, Fly Meadow Creek Cemetery had become nearly unrecognizable, hidden under years of growth and neglect. In 2013, Tina and Dale began a painstaking restoration process, clearing dense honeysuckle and other invasive plants that had overtaken the site. Their commitment over ten years transformed the space into a peaceful, park-like setting where visitors can reflect on the area’s history.

“This project was about reclaiming not just land but our local history,” said Tina. “It’s not just about the names on the stones—it’s about connecting with the past and honoring those who came before us.” Working alongside a small group of volunteers, including family and friends, they cleared and restored the land, uncovering six inscribed stones along with around 80 primitive markers believed to signify the graves of early residents.

The Complex Legacy of Chenango County’s Poor House

Fly Meadow Creek Cemetery is more than just a burial site for early settlers. In the mid-1800s, it became the final resting place for residents of the Chenango County Poor House, established to care for indigent community members. The Poor House burial area is marked by about 150 simple marble stones, each engraved with a number instead of a name, hinting at a time when society often overlooked the dignity of its less fortunate members.

“Our work here has also been about uncovering these untold stories,” said Dale. “These marble markers are an important reminder of the past and the value of every life. Each number once corresponded to a person with their own story, and through our research, we hope to reconnect some of these graves with their names.” Recently, the Preston Town Historian Cindy Branham, is contributing her efforts to discover the names of the forgotten souls buried there.

Honoring Historical Craftsmanship and Local Artistry

Dale and Tina’s journey has also inspired a deep appreciation for the artistry of early gravestone carvers. Through their work, they discovered that Chenango County is home to a unique “melting pot” of gravestone artisans, whose distinct carvings can be seen throughout the area. The cemetery itself includes stones carved by Roswell Hubbard, a prominent 19th-century artisan whose work is found from New York to Pennsylvania. His legacy, along with those of other carvers, represents an intersection of artistry and local history that Tina and Dale are passionate about preserving.

“Each stone is more than a marker; it’s a piece of art,” Dale said. “We’ve followed Hubbard’s work as far as Kentucky, learning about his journey and craftsmanship. These gravestones reflect a forgotten but vital aspect of our heritage.”

The Importance of the Historical Marker

For Tina and Dale, the newly installed marker at Fly Meadow Creek Cemetery holds a special significance. Not only does it acknowledge Silas Champlain’s life and service, but it also formally names the cemetery, providing an enduring identity for a place that holds over 250 unmarked graves. “This marker establishes this cemetery in the community’s memory,” said Dale. “After all the years of clearing, mowing, and honoring the people buried here, it’s incredibly meaningful to see the cemetery recognized.”

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

As they continue their work at Fly Meadow Creek, Tina and Dale are committed to documenting more of the cemetery’s history and preserving its beauty for generations to come. With plans to further research unmarked graves and document gravestone carvings, they are building a bridge to the past for their community.

Fly Meadow Creek Cemetery now stands as a testament to the dedication of preservationists like Tina and Dale, who have devoted countless hours to unearthing history and preserving the legacy of those who contributed to the community and the country. The unveiling of the historical marker for Silas Champlain is not only a celebration of one man’s service but an enduring reminder of the power of remembrance and the importance of preserving local history.

-Information from the Town of Preston