Assembly Resolution No. 1486
BY: M. of A. Palmesano
COMMENDING Six Nations Cemetery in the Town of
Orange, New York upon the occasion of its addition
to the New York State Historic Registry
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those organizations and individuals who seek to bring
recognition to historical places within the State of New York, and in
doing so, help to ensure that the complete history of our State and
Nation is preserved and shared with present generations of citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Six Nations Cemetery in the Town of Orange, New York upon the
occasion of its addition to the New York State Historic Registry in
March 2026; and
WHEREAS, Six Nations Cemetery is the resting place of 119
individuals, five of whom are veterans: David Bevier, serving 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; and
WHEREAS, A dedication ceremony to honor the aforementioned veterans,
in conjunction with the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, will
be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Six Nations Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, At this meaningful ceremony, the Daughters of the American
Revolution, the War of 1812 Daughters, and the Union Civil War Daughters
will present plaques recognizing each veteran's military service; and
WHEREAS, The Six Nations Cemetery occupies a prominent location in
the Town of Orange at the pinnacle of Kelly Hill, within a
rectangular-shaped parcel that extends southward from Kelly Hill Road;
the parcel is bounded to the south in large part by the Finger Lakes
Trail; to the west is an open field and to the east is County Road 22;
and
WHEREAS, The name Six Nations applied more broadly to the
surrounding community and was perhaps chosen to reflect the varying
nationalities of the settlers and to acknowledge the Seneca nation of
the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as The Confederacy of Six
Nations, who occupied the land prior to Euro-American displacement; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, The maintenance, restoration, and prosperity of Six Nations
Cemetery, as well as the remarkable efforts to secure its place in the
New York State Historic Registry, are due in part to support of The Town
of Orange, local Boy Scout Troop No. 45, and the Orange Town Supervisor;
and
WHEREAS, 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; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Six Nations Cemetery in the Town of Orange, New York upon the
occasion of its addition to the New York State Historic Registry.
