Atlas Twp.-Patriot John Britton battled for our nation’s independance and lived long enough to reap the freedoms gained. Now, 160 years after his death, Britton is being honored for his contribution to our country; fighting for its establishment.
A memorial rededication ceremony will take place at the grave of the Revolutionary War veteran at 1 p.m. on June 11, at Horton Cemetery in the township.
‘I’m really excited to do something like this for a Revolutionary War patriot,? said Joyce Ernst, vice regent of the Genesee chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. ‘They were here at the beginning of America and deserve to be recognized.?
Britton’s grandson, fourth removed William ‘Larry? Miller, agreed.
‘I think it is important that we recognize our patriot ancestors, ‘said Miller.
A resident of Arlington, Va., Miller will make the trek to the township for the rededication.
‘I’ve been asked to represent the family and to give a few remarks at the time of ceremony,? Miller said.
As a genealogist for the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Millers interest in the rededication has been two-fold. It is Miller’s job to verify information and review applications for DAR.
‘Quincidentally, I was asked to verify this information and because I am a direct descendant of John Britton,? said Miller.
Through research, Miller has learned much about the life of his ancestor.
Born on Long Island, NY, Britton first served as a private in the New Jersey continental line, explained Miller. ‘That service saw some action in the Canadian campaign,? Miller added.
Later, Britton joined the Second Regiment of the Somerset County militia in New Jersey, still as a private.
Britton married Lydia Pitts Harris following the death of his first wife, Isabel Rice, in 1809. Rice had at least six children with Britton.
During his lifetime, Britton lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and various parts of New York before moving to the township nearer his son.
Britton farmed in the township before his death on May 20, 1846.
Aside from Miller, one other descendent of Britton is expected to attend the ceremony.
‘I think it’s wonderful for this family who had never seen their grandfather’s grave and never been to Michigan,? said Ernst.
Ernst said her involvement with the rededication began after she was notified there were two Revolutionary War veterans buried in Horton Cemetery without tombstones.
Information regarding residency is not yet sufficient for a NSDAR rededication for the second veteran, William Britton. However, a new tombstone has been obtained for his grave as well.
‘We’re hoping with the publicity some relative of William Britton’s will see that and think ‘hey, I might be able to help provide that,?? said Ernst.
Included in the rededication ceremony will be: the Davison American Legion Honor Guard; Goodrich Historical Society; Boy Scout Troop 108; township officials and reenactment groups.
Goodrich High School junior Tim Burr is using the rededication as a means to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Burr,17, has adopted a clean up of the Horton Cemetery as his Eagle Scout project. Eagle Scout candidates must perform a project for the benefit of the community before being promoted from the rank of Life Scout.
‘It really sort of fell into my lap,? said Burr. ‘I was looking for a project to do and one of the assistant scout masters told me that the township wanted this done.?
Burr, along with other scouts from troop 340, will clean up the cemetery, mow the lawn on the grounds, set some gravestones, and replace the grave yards weathered fence.
While not all of the improvements will be completed by the June 11 ceremony, Burr hopes to have a majority of the work done.
‘I’m glad to have the opportunity to help,? said Burr.
The teen said he hopes his efforts earn recognition for his troop and other scouts.
‘I’m glad to be here to do it,? said Burr.
Britton’s grave was previously dedicated with a marker by the Genesee Chapter of DAR in 1917. Horton Cemetery was established in 1836.
For Miller, the entire process of rededication has been an both interesting and engendering of his gratitude toward everyone who assisted in making this ceremony a reality.
Miller expressed particular appreciation to members of the Genesee Chapter of NSDAR. Ernst said this is the very situation for which the society exists.
‘Our mission is to preserve history and promote patriotism,? said Ernst.
Though he is grateful for the work of all involved in the ceremony, Miller said he had not yet experienced the full effect of the ceremony honoring a veteran from the war that birthed a nation.
‘When I come to Atlas,? said Miller, ‘it will really bring it closer to home.?