Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1867-01-30
from the Ohio State Journal.l
The Last Man OfThe ReVOlu-
lion

TiOH.
The last man of Washington's army
is John Gray, who at the advanced age
of one hundred and FIVE years. nov
lives in Noble county, Ohio. He wal
born at Fairfax c. H, Va, in l76l, anc
at the age of sixteen, he enlisted in thC
Continental Army, and continued il
active service to the close of the wal
for our independence.
On visiting him some time ago,
asked him why he had enlisted at such
an early age. why" replidd he,
with simple earnestness, 81 lived in the
same county with Washington and
that was enough to rouse the patriot
ism of any one"
His father fell at White plains while
serving in the army.
This old veteran has been married
three times. He has survived his three
wives, and only one of his children are
yet living.
He is very poor. and lives with his
only living daughter, who is also very
old. and in poverty.
The old hero is an object of much in
terest to all who know him. As he is
the only man living now of Washing
toms army, his stories are of special
interest, and attract the attention of
all who visit him. Remarkable for
truth and candor, his recollections of
the war clear and unequivical, and
told in a manner at once INTEREST," ng
and simple, John Gray's house is the
resort of MANY curious and patriotic
people. And it is no wonder. He is
the only one left to tell the story of the
Revolution-the only link left unbro-
ken in the chain that binds US to the
past.
No one can hear his story, and see
him sitting there, poor and deserted,
without feeling a pang of sympathy,
and letting fall a tear of pity.
His proud spirit would Scorn to beg
or even to take aims. One of Wash
ington's legion of honor, and the last
one on this side of the grave, should
not be neglected by the nation. Ohio
should take him tenderly in her care.
Ohio, the home of Grant, Sherman
and Sheridan, surely will not let the
last revolutionary soldier die in want.
He is an honor to Ohio. 1t is an hon
or of which any State in the Union
might feel proud.
New York would make a prince of
him if they had him in their State.
Ohio knows how to be grateful toher
soldiers, and the writer beseeches her
noble Legislature to take up old John
Gray's case, and make provision for
him. When his gray hairs fall into
the grave. every Ohioan will reproach
himself with ingratitude, if old John
Gray is not provided for. Let US not
neglect the last soldier of the revolu-
tion.
His case has been before Congress,
but they have made no provision for
him. Doubtless when the last soldier
of the revolution is in his grave, the
people will rear above his ashes beau
titul and enduring marble,-but then
it will be too late to help the poor old
soldier. He needs help now. While
his life remains he should be made hap
py by the people, for whose sake he
fought and marched and suffered for
many long years. The evidence of bis
claim is as convincing as that we en-
ploy to frame the truth of any histor-
ical fact, Any one who doubts it, can
have such an array of argument and
testimony from old John Gray's neigh |
bors as will convince him, if he is sane |
man. ANY one who disputes it, denies
the possibility of any past event hav-
ing occurred.
Ohio can never have this honor, this
sacred honor, again. Honor, charity, |
Justice, all speak trumpet-tongued for
Did John Gray's relief; and he who is
deaf to the plea, has ''the head of an
IDIOT and the heart ola pirate"
What picture for some future West
or Rembuant, to paint the last soldier
If the Revolution, bending under the
weight of one hundred and FIVE years,
stricken with poverty, dying of want,
n a nation of plenty the gaunt
pecter of poverty pursuing him to the
gates of death, while America is dan
ling in her star -bespangled dress, the
vine cup in her right hand, and her
old eye flashing pridel The genius of
history will stand appalled, before that
.wful picture. Nothing but the cruci-
ixion can excel it in cold blooded hor-
or. The dead army of Washington
nay well reveal themselves to mortal
ye, lowering in fearful groups in the
mpyrean. Washington may indeed
Ell fall a tear of sorrow and shame, if
he immortal ever weep. The marble
f Mount Vernon, and the cold, polish
d column at Washington, may well
low with the blush of shame.
The nation, with its wanton and cru
forgetfulness of its last and noblest
ero, will be reproached by the great
nd good of every land. Other nations I
-ould crown the old hero with laurels,
nd almost defy him. A less thing I
lade kings in the elder day.
Republics are ungrateful," mutters !
he soldier, with a satanic sneer at ra-
onal liberty. Men love to be honored i
hen they deserveit. But if the last {
oldier of the Revolution dies ueglec I
I'd, what boy in after times will feel s
Ike leaving his home to do battle for 1
nation that suffers its last and no G
lest hero to go down to the tomb neg I
scted. The echo of John Gray's dy- q
lg groan will ring in sad tones
trough all lands where young men as
ire for liberty and honor. 1t will dam
en- the ardor of the young Mexican on
le TERRA Calientes, and paralyze the
oung Swiss on the Alps. The pale :
ice, the gray hair, the gaunt ghost of !
le neglected hero, will haunt America q
all her coming days, if she do this
,eat wrong. Ohio will surely relieve '
lie old age of this worthy veteran. c
HOS fame. already illustrious, will l.
len shine with brilliancy which will Ii
her in the constellation OF e
lie Union. il