PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
LIBERTY TREE MONUMENT … The NWT Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Scout David Williams Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Williams County Commissioner Scott Lirot joined together Wednesday evening to honor Williams County patriots.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
brenna@thevillagereporter.com
Community members gathered Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Williams County Courthouse Square to commemorate America’s upcoming 250th birthday.
A Liberty Tree service recognizing local Revolutionary War patriots and their lasting legacy in Williams County was held.
The event was hosted by the Northwest Territory Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
Scout David Williams Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) also played a large role, with historical speeches given by local leaders and their community.
James Hamilton, president of the Northwest Territory Chapter SAR, presented the history of the Liberty Tree.
The Liberty Tree tradition dates back to 1765, when American colonists gathered beneath a large elm in Boston to protest the Stamp Act.
The tree became a symbol of liberty and resistance during the Revolutionary War, inspiring communities throughout the colonies to establish their own Liberty Tree.
Today, those ceremonies continue that tradition by honoring Revolutionary War patriots and America’s founding as the nation moves closer to its 250th anniversary.
The program highlighted three men from the Revolutionary War era with ties to Williams County: James Hagerman, Thomas Kent, and David Williams – the county’s namesake.
Hagerman, a private in the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment, endured the hardships of Valley Forge and later fought in several major Revolutionary War campaigns.
After relocating to Ohio, he eventually settled into Williams County with his son. Hagerman died at the age of 94 and is believed to have been the county’s only surviving Revolutionary War veteran at that time.
Thomas Kent served as a private in the Prince William County, Virginia militia during the Revolutionary War. Pension records indicate he served multiple enlistments beginning in 1780, participating in marches through Virginia and later helping guard Alexandria.
Following the war, Kent remained in Virginia before relocating his family to Ohio by 1830. He later died in Bryan in the mid-1840s.
Lastly, David Williams, the namesake of Williams County, played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War’s most consequential moments.
After serving in the Continental Army under General Richard Montgomery, Williams joined fellow militiamen John Paulding and Isaac Van Wert in capturing British Major John Andre in September 1780.
The capture was a major accomplishment, foiling the plot to surrender West Point to the British.
For their actions, the three men were awarded the Fidelity Medal by the Continental Congress and each received land grants in recognition of their service.
A reading of the Declaration of Independence was held, read by Steve Corbitt, Commissioner Scott Lirot, and two Bryan students: Emma Schlade and Elijah Cummins. Emma Schlade also performed the national anthem at the beginning of the program.
The Liberty Tree can be found at the Courthouse Square in Bryan, next to the Bard Centennial Fountain.
As the country moves closer to its 250th anniversary, locals can stop and honor those who fought for American independence from the very beginning.