Sylvenus Kelly to be Remembered for Revolutionary War Service

FLEISCHMANNS — On Sunday, November 9, there will be a dedication of a new gravestone for Revolutionary

War veteran Sylvenus Kelly in the Bedell Cemetery outside Fleischmanns.

The headstone, to be unveiled at 2 p.m., was hand carved by Michael A. Angelicola Stone

Carving of Connecticut, and produced with funds from a supporter of Delaware County

Historical Association (DCHA).

Bedell Cemetery is located on Little Redkill Road on what had been the Kelly farm. Sylvenus

and other family members were among the first to be buried there. The headstones for Sylvenus

(c.1750-c.1825) and his wife (name unknown) have long since disappeared.

Sylvenus Kelly served in the 3rd and 7th Regiments of the Dutchess County Militia at different

times from 1776 to 1777 and also with a regiment of levies (draftees) attached to the Second NY

Line in the Continental Army in 1782. Sylvanus’ cousins David, Edmund and Joshua Kelly were

also veterans of the Revolution and also migrated to Middletown and Roxbury following the

war.

Middletown Town Historian Diane Galusha and Dr. Samantha Misa of DCHA will offer remarks

at the headstone dedication, which is the first event in Middletown’s observance of the 250 th

anniversary of the Revolutionary War. The public is welcome to attend.

A reception will follow the unveiling in the nearby Advent Christian Church.

For more information, please call DCHA at 607-746-3849 or email dchadelhi@gmail.com.