Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1904-06-23
THE MONUMENT
UNVEILED

/ \ ~ - . - - 3
The monument erected in Fairview
| cemetery to the memory of Lieutenant
Robert Curry aud other pioneers of
this section was unveiled Saturday at-
ternoon in the presence of a largo
number of descendants
The unveiling took place at > O. clock.
The exercises were simple, yet appro-
pirate Music was furnished by the
Mechanicsville Band, which discours-
ed several patriotic selections with the
! best of effect.
Prayer was offered by Rev. George
E. Limbett, pastor of Shiloh Reform
ed church. This was preceded and fol-
lowed with a selection of music.
Next came a brief address by Mrs.
Hahn, which embodied with a touch
ing tribute to the dead several boauti-
full gems of sentiment, The address
was as follows
ITO honor the memory Of those who
ware pioneers in blazing tho path Of
civilization, or who yielded up their
lives in defence of their country, is at
once duty and "a pleasure. In erect
ing this modest memorial TO the mem
ory of our kith and kin, whose houas
have long since turned TO dust, it is
not the desire nor intention to eXalt
them above their compatriots, for
whom no stone records their deeds and
sacrifices. 1t is rather to show cur
loyal veneration for our dead, who in
the long ago lived, labOred and achiev-
ed amid privations and dangers to
which their progeny are strangers
Others in the Colonial and Revolu-
tionary days, doubtless, were moro
brilliant, more conspicuous and more
highly honored by their fellows, but
these are of our blood. who were earn
est, true and patriotic, and their de-
scendants do honor and revere them.
Since the world began it has been for
women to recount TO the children the
sturdy virtues and valor OF their pro
genitors. This monument is simply a
woman story cut into granite, that
it may endure when she who has caus-
ed these tablets to be inscribed shall
have been gathered to her fathers, and
like them, shall be voiceless in the
tomb.
Following the address the ceremony
of uuveiling took place y beautiful
American flag concealed the monu-
ment from view. While the band play
cd America" the flag was drawn
aside by little Sydney Moll and Cert
rude Slider, great, great grandchildren
of Lieutenant Robert Curry. The eX-
ercises concluded with bcncdictiou by
Rev. George +. Limbert,
The monument is of the sarcophagus
order and is very beautiful piece OF
work. 1t was erected by I. L. Evans
Sons of this city and is solely the work
of their shops
On the eastern face is the following
inscription:
Lieutenant Robert Curry, Seventh
Company, First Battalion, Northum-
berland Association of the Penusyl-
vania Militia. Appointed March p,
l776; killed by the Indians near Fort
Meade, Pa, June 9th, 1850; born l5il
His wife Jane McWilliams, born
l75O-died 1928. "
On the west side the following is
inscribed:
"Thomas Lemon, judge of the
First Court of Common Pleas, North
umberland county, Pennsylvania, APP
POINTED by George III, l1I2. Born
1870; Died 1775.
His wife, Margaret Slough. Born
| 1875; died 1924
Originally buried in the Lemon
| homestead.
| James Lemon. Born 1857; died
/ 1912.
His wife, Rachel Fleming. Born
1865; died 1910. -
On the north face is inscribed:
Robert McWilliams. Born l115 !;
died 1923.
His wife, Jane Curry, first white
child born in the forks of the Susque-
| hanna river. Born 1773; died 1858. "
On the south side the inscription is
as follows: "These bodies were re-
moved from the Presbyterian grave
| yard and the Lemon homestead and
this monument erected in their honor
by their granddaughter, Auna r. Nc
Williams Hahn, 1903. "
Preceding the unveiling a luncheon
was served at the Heddons House.
Among the descendants present from
out Of town were noticed the follow
/ ing Hugh and Robert McWilIiams Of
/ Shamokin; Mrs Mary Alexander of
/ Wilkesbarre; Mr.. and Mrs. Charles a.
Sidler and three children, and Thomas
| Curry, Jr, and wife Of SuubUry; Mr..
and Mrs Luther Moll and two chill
dren, Mr.. and Mrs. John Voris, and
Mrs Gilbert Voris of Pottsgrove Miss
| Dorothy Burg of Northumberland ];
Mr.. and Mrs. James MCWilliams and
Mrs. Henry Simington of MoOrcsbUrg.