Group honors once ‘forgotten’ Revolutionary War soldiers from New Milford

William Fothergill of Hartford, a descendant of Samuel and Jeruel Phillips, places an American flag at the grave sites.

“I’m humbled to think what the founding members of (DAR) would think if they could see this,” Doring VanBuren said, noting this is the 130th anniversary of the lineage-based membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the Revolutionary War.

In addition to honoring Jeruel Phillips and Samuel Phillips, the ceremony recognized Jeruel’s two brothers, Reuben and Shubel Phillips, who also served in the war.

“We’re here to honor the memory and spirit of these men,” Doring VanBuren said. “I cannot imagine a better illustration than those looking back at me.”

New Milford Police Captain Al Wilcox places a rose at the grave sites of the Phillips brothers.

DAR members joined William Fothergill, of Hartford, a descendant of the Phillips men, as guests listened closely while social distancing as the history of the men was shared by local genealogist Kathleen Zuris.

State Rep. Bill Buckbee, R-67, presented a a proclamation for the special occasion from the state General Assembly. It was signed by Buckbee, state Rep. Richard Smith of the 108th House District and state Sen. Craig Miner, R-30.

DAR representatives and William Fothergill, center, a descendant of Samuel and Jeruel Phillips, take a moment to have a photograph taken at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Buckbee shared his appreciation for being part of the occasion, saying the legacy of men like Jeruel and Samuel “tends to be forgotten” and now it isn’t.

“I think it’s outstanding,” he said.

Mayor Pete Bass issued a proclamation each for Jeruel and Samuel.

“I want to thank DAR for keeping history alive,” he said.

Other special ceremony offerings included the placing of the soldier’s accoutrements by Lt. Ross Kenney and the 6th Connecticut Regiment, a musket salute and the dedication of the grave markers.

The Roger Sherman Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held a grave marking dedication ceremony for the Revolutionary War services of two African-American soldiers from New Milford, Samuel Phillips and Jeruel Phillips Sunday at Center Cemetery in town. Above, a soldier’s accoutrements - a helmet, a cartridge box, a musket and a canteen - are placed in front of their gravestones by Lt. Russ Kenney of the 6th Connecticut Regiment.

State Rep. Bill Buckbee (R-67th) offers a few words of praise for the special day before presenting a proclamation from the State of Connecticut General Assembly.

Spectrum/The Roger Sherman Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held a grave marking dedication ceremony for the Revolutionary War services of two African-American soldiers from New Milford, Samuel Phillips and Jeruel Phillips, Oct. 11, 2020 at Center Cemetery in town. Above, Christie Hendrie, Connecticut DAR State Regent, extends her greetings to those gathered at the ceremony.

Spectrum/The Roger Sherman Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held a grave marking dedication ceremony for the Revolutionary War services of two African-American soldiers from New Milford, Samuel Phillips and Jeruel Phillips, Oct. 11, 2020 at Center Cemetery in town. Above, New Milford Mayor Pete Bass presents a proclamation for each of the soldiers during the ceremony that was attended by local and state DAR officials, local dignitaries and several guests.

Spectrum/The Roger Sherman Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held a grave marking dedication ceremony for the Revolutionary War services of two African-American soldiers from New Milford, Samuel Phillips and Jeruel Phillips, Oct. 11, 2020 at Center Cemetery in town. Above, the Rev. R. Randy Day of the First Congregational Church of New Milford shares a brief history about Roger Sherman before offering a closing prayer.

Spectrum/The Roger Sherman Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held a grave marking dedication ceremony for the Revolutionary War services of two African-American soldiers from New Milford, Samuel Phillips and Jeruel Phillips, Oct. 11, 2020 at Center Cemetery in town. Above, Jack Cossari of Boy Scout Troop 158 stands at attention as “Taps” is played to close the ceremony.

Spectrum/The Roger Sherman Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held a grave marking dedication ceremony for the Revolutionary Above is the proclamation for Jeruel Phillips from the Town of New Milford.

Spectrum/The Roger Sherman Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held a grave marking dedication ceremony for the Revolutionary War services of two African-American soldiers from New Milford, Samuel Phillips and Jeruel Phillips, Oct. 11, 2020 at Center Cemetery in town. Above is the proclamation for Samuel Phillips from the Town of New Milford.