Fourth of July More than Fireworks and Food

      I remember past fourth of Julys at my mother and dads home . We would gather early evening for a meal and visit with family members.  As the clock ticked away the excitement grew for the evening delight of fireworks. My parents had bought a house on the skyline in Duluth Minnesota. It overlooked Lake Superior harbor.  They had a beautiful view watching the big ships and sailboats on the lake and coming through the harbor.  The ariel bridge would go up for the ships to pass through. I know live on Park point and cross that bridge at least twice a day. I still get excited at seeing the big ships and the sail boats. 

     As the sky darkened we grew even more excited since soon the city would begin to set off the  fireworks over the harbor. Lots of yahs, oohs and wows were  said.  I have wonder memories with my family who now have passed on. Parents , uncle and aunts and a cousin. My children are grown and their children are grown. My husband has now passed on the glory of the universe. 

    I still get excited at seeing the fireworks but the fourth of July means so much more to me. Tonight I will gather down by the bay with residents in my apartment building to watch the fireworks. I am making friends and will not be alone. My view from the bay will be better than the view at my parents home but will be bittersweet because I am not with my family,

     Little did I know all those years ago that the fourth means so much more to me than the fireworks and a meal. Since starting my family research I have enjoyed tracing our history back the revolution and further.  I have now become a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and have four direct ancestors plus uncles or sons who fought along side of my grandfathers.  

     My main patriot is James Woodmansee born August 1732 New Jersey to Thomas Woodmansee and Mary Ware daughter of Thomas Ware. He married the 5th of October 1758 to Hannah Worden in New Jersey. They had nine children. 

     James resided at Cedar Creek , Monmouth, New Jersey. He assisted in establishing American Independence while acting in the capacity of Lieutenant for the state of New Jersey. He served under  Captain John Stout, 2nd Reg, Monmouth Co Militia. I am .busy reading about that time and the 2nd New Jersey Regiment. 

     After the war James and his wife moved to Liberty Township, Butler County , Ohio.  He died the 29th of January 1818 and wife hannah passed away 18th of April 1824. They are buried in their Butler County farm cemetery

     My other three patriots are Joseph Cheuvront paid Supply tax 1783 Virginia, Moses Ellsworth Furnished supplies Rockingham Co Virginia and Ebenezer Coleman who has just now been approved. I am waiting on his certificates. 

     I know I have more patriots to find and prove. Have a wonderful fourth of July and say a thank you to our past and present patriots.