On Saturday, September 20, 2025, history came alive at Lakeview Cemetery in Clarkston during a moving Patriots’ Grave Marking and Plaque Dedication Ceremony. The event, held as part of the national America 250 commemoration, brought together local heritage organizations, descendants, and community members to honor the legacy of Revolutionary War patriots and their families.
A Community United in Remembrance
This ceremony was the result of over a year of careful planning and collaboration among several lineage and historical groups. The Jeremiah Clark Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), partnered with the Sashabaw Plains Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Elias Cady Chapter, Children of the American Revolution (CAR), and the Michigan Society Children of the American Revolution to ensure that the stories of these patriots continue to inspire future generations.
Adding to the solemnity and pageantry of the day were presentations by the MISSAR Color Guard, Revolutionary War reenactors, the 1st Royal Artillery (Seven Years War), and local Vietnam Veterans, who proudly displayed the flags of each branch of the armed forces.
Marking the Patriots’ Resting Places
The ceremony centered on the dedication of a new granite grave marker for Corporal Jeremiah Clark, Jr., as well as the unveiling of the America 250 Patriots’ Plaque honoring both Corporal Clark and Private Caleb Barton Merrill. Standing prominently near the cemetery’s flagpole, these memorials ensure that their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
The DAR’s contributions included the placement of two bronze plaques on granite markers in honor of Sarah Millington Clark, wife of Jeremiah Clark Jr., and their daughter Lydia Clark Brown. These dedications recognized not only the patriot himself but also the enduring strength of his family.
The Patriot Legacy of Jeremiah Clark, Jr.
Corporal Jeremiah Clark, Jr. fought in the Battle of Bennington in Vermont during the Revolutionary War. In the early 1830s, his sons Jeremiah and Nelson Clark moved westward to Michigan, followed by their father a few years later. Together, the Clark family became instrumental in shaping what would become the town of Clarkston—named in their honor.
Their contributions went far beyond military service. Jeremiah and Nelson established mills, opened a general store, ran a fish hatchery, planted the region’s first apple trees, served as postmasters, and helped lead local politics. In 1840, they platted the village itself, leaving a civic and cultural legacy that continues to this day.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Saturday’s gathering was more than a ceremony—it was a reminder of the deep roots of freedom in our community. With the flags waving, musket volleys echoing, and descendants gathered in respect, the event honored not just two patriots, but an entire family whose service and sacrifice helped build both a nation and a town.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, the dedication at Lakeview Cemetery stands as a testament to the importance of remembering our past. The plaques, markers, and heartfelt ceremony ensure that the stories of Corporal Jeremiah Clark Jr., Private Caleb Barton Merrill, Sarah Millington Clark, and Lydia Clark Brown will inspire generations to come.