LEO-CEDARVILLE – Clutching two red roses, Charlotte Rogers, 62, sat in front of the grave of her forefather and Revolutionary War soldier, William Berry.
About a year ago, a member of the Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution confirmed Berry’s Revolutionary War service.
The find is now commemorated with a new marker placed beside Berry’s gravestone that was dedicated Saturday at Old Leo Cemetery in a service led by Betsy Slagle, regent of the Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter.
Though it’s believed that 28 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried in Allen County, Berry’s is one of only a few whose graves have been located, according to one of the ceremony’s speakers, Roger Barnhart, past vice president general of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution.
Most of the county’s Revolutionary War soldiers are believed to be buried along the banks of the Eel, Aboite and Maumee rivers, Barnhart said.
In front of more than 100 people, officials talked about the important service performed by Berry as well as all the men and women who have served their country.
The crowd was reminded that these members of the armed services, both men and women, have preserved freedom for all to enjoy.
About 20 of Berry’s descendents, including Rogers, of Kendallville, attended the ceremony.
Before she placed the roses on Berry’s grave, Rogers explained to those gathered that in addition to Berry, eight of her relatives have served in wars dating from World War II to Operation Desert Storm, in which her son served.
Rogers said she is a “proud” descendent and mother of the United State’s military. “We have a very, very good, warm, caring family and this started from (Berry),” Rogers said.
