Forgotten Patriots

Practically invisible to the world, nestled in barely a half acre plot of land surrounded by tall maple trees, bushes and wrought iron fencing – nature harbors a small treasure within. Only those who seek it, or walk the road by happenstance, find it. Fewer still are those who have the key to unlock its secrets.

Once you step through the entrance where the gate once stood, you find yourself transported to a time long, long ago. You no longer hear the constant rush of cars or occasional lawn mowers that break the silence, but experience a calm, quiet and peace all around that transcends the modern world.

Their gravestones scattered about revealing their births and deaths, some barely legible, broken and weathered by time, are the only tangible links to their lives. I am speaking mainly of my 5^th great grandfather, Ebenezer Ward Finney, and my 4^th great grandfather, David Sprong.

Ebenezer is the founder of Finneytown, a city just minutes Northwest of Cincinnati. He inherited the land to the sum of 10,000 acres from his grandfather, Reverend Ebenezer Ward. He and 16 members of his extended family (including his son-in-law David Sprong) traveled from Albany with ox teams by covered wagon across New York State, down the Allegheny River to Pittsburgh. Here they camped and built large flat boats, fitted with wagon covers over the after part to shelter the women and children. These boats were made of green oak planks fastened with wooden pins to a timber frame and caulked with tow or any other pliant substance that could be procured. Then they loaded all their belongings and proceeded down the Ohio to settle on what is now the city of Finneytown.

Ebenezer served in the American Revolution in the 4^th regiment, under Colonel Thaddeus Crane as well as the 5^th regiment, 3^rd company. He joined in the fight for freedom at age 20 and served for 8 years (1775-1783). His 2^nd great grandfather, John Phinney, settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was appointed Constable of Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1642.

So strong was his desire for the cause for freedom that David Sprong enlisted as a child at the tender age of 13, and fought for 5 long years (1776-1781). He served as a private in the 4^th regiment of Albany County, New York militia, under Colonel Kalliane Van Rensselaer, Captain Nicholas Star's Company, second Van Rensselaerwick Battalion, New York. His father, Cornelius, served in the French and Indian War in 1746, was captured in Quebec and held captive until the French exchanged prisoners.

Their selfless sacrifice and deep desire along with countless others, provided the very glue this country needed to form a strong nation and survive. The very soil we stand upon and take for granted are owed in part to these men of valor.

On the 4^th of July, we will celebrate the birth of our nation once again like so many others, but this time perhaps it will be heartfelt, and carry a little more meaning.

Joseph M. Prell
Ohio SAR Webmaster