Sponsor Resolution commemorating the cemetery’s addition to the NYS Historic Registry
Tyrone, N.Y.,- State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) recently helped celebrate the newly restored Six Nations Cemetery in the Town of Orange, Schuyler County, by recognizing its designation earlier this year on the New York State Historic Registry.
The cemetery has also been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The designation was announced in March. O’Mara and Palmesano sponsored a Legislative Resolution (J2276/K1486) recognizing the cemetery’s placement on the state registry. Their resolution was unanimously approved by the state Senate and Assembly during the closing days of this year’s legislative session.
On Saturday at the Six Nations Cemetery, as part of an event celebrating the cemetery’s restoration and America’s 250th Anniversary, Palmesano and Mike Rogers, Director of Community Relations for O’Mara, presented the Resolution to Town of Orange Supervisor Joanne Randell and other community leaders (see attached photo).
The resolution reads, in part,
“With a truly deep and storied history, the extant gravestones at Six Nations Cemetery mark burials ranging from the year 1818 up to 1910; more than half the gravestones at the cemetery are dated prior to the Civil War…This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to express its highest admiration for the committed organizations and individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to a place and time which merits recognition in the grand panorama of the history of our State and Nation.”
The O’Mara-Palmesano resolution also notes that Six Nations Cemetery is the resting place of 119 individuals, five of whom are veterans: David Bevier, who served in the American Revolution and the War of 1812; John Rappleye, War of 1812; George Shannon, Civil War; Zenas Preston, Civil War; and Isaac Potter,
Civil War.
During Saturday’s dedication ceremony, local representatives of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the War of 1812 Daughters, and the Union Civil War Daughters presented plaques recognizing each veteran’s military service.
O’Mara and Palmesano praised town leaders and local Boy Scout Troop No. 45 for spearheading the cemetery’s restoration and the effort to secure its place on the State and National Historic Registries.
In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “We welcome these opportunities and occasions to help honor and celebrate the rich history of the communities we represent, and the places, like the Six Nations Cemetery, that stand as enduring testaments to our region, our state, and our nation. We applaud the town leaders and workers, local boy scouts, and all of the volunteers who put forth this incredible effort to ensure the cemetery’s restoration and secure its place in the community for local citizens, visitors, and future generations.”
