Freedom Township Historical Society recently concluded their bicentennial year activities by placing Christmas wreaths on the graves of three American Revolutionary War soldiers who are buried at Drakesburg Cemetery on Nichols Rd. in Freedom Township. The wreaths were provided by the Old Northwest – Aaron Olmstead chaper of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In between snow events here, Pete & Judy Thornton placed the wreaths on the graves of Ozias Hawley (1764-1836), Paul Larkom (1764-1843) and Ebbe Durkee (1768-1842). Two were born in Connecticut, while Paul Larkom came from Massachussetts, arriving in Freedom in 1825 or 1826. Ozias Hawley arrived a couple years later in 1828.
These wreaths will probably remain in place through the end of January depending on weather conditions. Unfortunately Ebbe Durkee’s headstone is broken in two pieces; we will investigate having it repaired. To date, I have not been able to locate much information on these three soldiers. I have found a little on Paul Larkom and almost nothing on Ebbe Durkee. Anyone with more information, please contact Judy at 330-527-7669 and leave a message, I’ll return your call.
As a reminder, the FTHS will not be having a program/public meeting in January.
