OGDENSBURG — Swe-kat-si chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution help celebrate the life of Patriot Elkanah Billings, a Minuteman of Massachusetts and some of his Canadian descendants, with a graveside service in the historic Howard Cemetery in Ontario, Canada.

The two sponsoring chapters were Bytown Chapter NSDAR of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and the John Bartram Chapter NSDAR of The Villages, Florida, United States of America. Others in attendance were members of the Brockville and Ottawa branches of the Ontario Genealogical Society, members of the Swe-Kat-Si Chapter NSDAR of Ogdensburg, and some descendants of Elkanah Billings.

Elaine Hopper of the Swe-Kat-Si Chapter NSDAR shared greetings and presented a chapter wreath. Patriotism was evident as the National Anthem of both countries were sung by those attending, with the respective flags placed on either side of the over 5’ headstone of the American Patriot and his wife, Joanna Rogers.

Bytown Regent Susan Morrison welcomed guests at the graveside memorial service. "How good it is to be here on what is designated as Constitution Day in the United States, to honour Elkanah Billings. This was a man who was both a Patriot of the American War of Independence throughout the war, and after 1790 was a man seeking a livelihood and economic security for his family, becoming an early settler in the Brockville area of Upper Canada and making a lasting contribution to Canada through his many descendants."

John Bartram Chapter Regent, Cynthia Kolevar, provided support in the planning of the event. While she was unable to attend in person, sent warm greetings and a certificate which stated: John Bartram Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution presents this Ribbons of Service and Friendship Certificate to Bytown Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. In Recognition of Outstanding Chapter Camaraderie between the United States and Canada at a Wreath Laying Ceremony honoring DAR Patriot Elkanah Billings.

A Revolutionary War Patriot segment of the program was presented by Lisa Jane Billings Doan, a direct descendant of Dr. Elkanah Billings. She is a member of the John Bartram Chapter, an associate member of the Bytown and Swe-Kat-Si chapters, and a volunteer genealogist for the DAR with proven lineage to this patriot. Mrs. Doan shared history leading up to the War of Independence, including Elkanah’s journey as a Minuteman in Ware, Massachusetts and his enlisted service in the Continental Army for the duration of the war. Mrs. Doan had reviewed town minutes and land records, noting that Dr. Billings traveled north with his family and became the first Town Clerk of Essex in 1786, the first town physician and one of three highway surveyors. The 1790 US Census shows Elkanah Billings and his brother-in-law Prince Sherman living in Hinesburg, Vermont prior to their purchasing land near the St. Lawrence River in Ontario.

An interesting connection was made by Special Guest Speaker Mike More, who shared the history of some of Dr. Billings’ Canadian Descendants as Canada later became its own independent country. Mr. More is a Past Chair of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society. “Dr. Elkanah and Joanna Billings had seven children between 1774-1797 and those children produced 53 grandchildren. There have been about 4000 descendants of Elkanah and Joanna of which 2400 are alive today. Most notable were Air Marshall “Billy” Bishop, the noted First World War flying ace who won the Victoria Cross and numerous other medals for his exploits and grandson Elkanah Billings who became the first official palaeontologist of the Geological Survey of Canada.” Mr. More also noted that the well-known Braddish Billings (Billings Estate Museum) was a son of Dr. Elkanah Billings.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is recognized with chapters in 11 countries. The lineage of each member has been reviewed and proven to be directly connected to a patriot of the American Revolution. DAR members actively support their communities by preserving history and promoting education and patriotism. For more information about the DAR and to learn how to connect to an American Patriot, visit www.dar.org.