PIERREPONT--A small historical site featuring two War of 1812 soldiers’ graves along County Route 24 will now be officially deeded to the town of Pierrepont.

Town attorney Charles B. Nash told the town board a parcel of land near the site was recently surveyed and the people interested in the adjacent lot wanted to make sure it is deeded to the town.

Nash noted the land probably belonged to the town at one time, but by signing the deed, the town’s ownership would be official.

Town Supervisor William Ford signed the necessary documents to ensure the town legally owns the historic property, which is now badly overgrown with waist-high weeds and brush. The cost of filing the documents is $65. Nash said it was basically a matter of cleaning up the ownership issue.

The town will now be responsible for taking care of the 0.95 acre plot near the telephone tower base, which will initially entail clearing out brush and making paths. Once the preliminary work is done, the upkeep will consist of keeping the site mowed.

The graves are located near the back of the property, about 280 feet off the road. Town Clerk Norma V. Casolara said people would probably enjoy walking back to view the graves if there were clear trails and definite grave markers. Now the only way a person can tell the graves are even located at the site is by the blue historical sign by the road.

Nash suggested a Boy Scout looking to earn his Eagle Scout badge might want to consider taking over the project. He said it would be a great way to research some local history and serve the community.

"There’s probably an interesting story behind the soldiers," Nash said.

Ford noted he had stopped at the site many times to view the graves, but had no luck finding them because he didn’t realize they were so far back.

Nash included a record map of of the grave sites with the deed so future generations would always be aware with their exact location.

(This article appeared in the Daily Courier-Observer, Friday, August 2, 2002, on pages one and two).