THE SURPRISING STORY BEHIND THESE REVOLUTIONARY WAR GRAVESTONES 🪦

Come along with me and visit an 18th-century burying ground in Acton, Massachusetts, as I share the surprising and not widely-known story behind some Revolutionary War gravestones. We'll also discuss lesser-known events of the morning of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, April 19, 1775, before the Acton minute company responded to the North Bridge in Concord.
#americanrevolution
#revolutionarywar
#history
#americanhistory
Epitaph of Capt. Isaac Davis' tombstone under the monument in Acton:
"In Memory of Capt. Isaac Davis who was slain in battle at Concord April ye 19th 1775 in the defense of ye just rights and liberties of his country
civil & religious. He was a loving husband a tender father and a kind neighbour an ingeneous craftsman & serviceable to mankind. Died in ye prime of life aged 30 years 1 month & 25 days.
Is there not an appointed time to man upon ye earth? Are not his days also like the days of an hireling? As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away, so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more. He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more. --Job

[@KatieTurnerGetty]

Hi everyone! Just a quick note to clarify - at 1:25, I mention that Captain Isaac Davis led the militia down the road to the North Bridge. He and his company were at the front of the column, and he was in command of his company. But senior officers were present with him - Colonel James Barrett and Major John Buttrick, both of Concord, and Lt. Col. John Robinson of Westford. I also wanted to mention that Woodlawn Cemetery in Acton is extremely well-maintained. The lichen and moss on the gravestones shouldn't be taken as signs of neglect, but simply the passage of time. Thank you very much for watching! ☘

[@davestelling]

Thanks very much for these, Katie - sure enjoy your history lessons...

[@vet-7174]

yes thank you!!

[@johnholliday5874]

Maybe some D2 on those stones?

[@asticou]

Excellent job educating us.

[@analyzeit6882]

I loved this video. Watching on the Eve of our Declaration that we by right ought to be a free and Independent People.

[@mardyfisher693]

They performed these selfless acts for us. They paid the price of freedom for us. God save America and the constitution that makes her great!

[@MrDoyle07]

The tree. Must be fed from time to time. If it be mine too it is amoung that of many others who paid much greater a price. Farewell.

[@OverlandOne]

Amen.

[@Dan-dg9pi]

A beautiful memorial, Katie, to a man who died for his children, and for a country not yet born.

[@OverlandOne]

Very well said Sir.

[@azoutlaw1236]

Thank you for bringing us these heroic accounts Ms. Getty, the debt that we owe our forefathers is immeasurable.

[@WonderfulEagle-mm1vj]

If only this generation understood that. We owe it to the next generation to teach them what the founders of this nation sacrificed for the birth of this country before it was a nation what they risked for their freedom but that was taken out of school. 😢😢

[@OverlandOne]

​@@WonderfulEagle-mm1vjI have been saying the same thing for years. I have seen where recent college grads have no idea who George Washington or Thomas Jefferson was. They are not stupid kids, just ignorant as American history stopped being taught in schools in the '70s. Thankfully, I was in school in the '60s. I love American history and If I had a magic wand, all of the videos on this channel would be mandatory to watch...quiz later.

[@kayannahufford340]

Amen

[@kilcar]

Thank you for this edition ! My dad had scarlet fever as a child of 9 in 1918. He lost his hearing on his right ear . nonetheless faked his hearing test and enlisted in 1942, and was a decorated combat US Navy Seabee who passed in August, 1996 He could have avoided military service due to his ear, but he was a Patriot

[@kellyturner4571]

He sounds like a special man, thank you for sharing this 🇺🇸

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

YES HE WAS, GOD BLESS HIM!!

[@ursirius4878]

Born, and I still reside in Massachusetts. I remember going on field trips in elementary and junior high school to most of the places you highlight. The stories never get old. A great nation would arise from the spark that happened right here in Massachusetts. You do a fantastic job telling the history and stories of the revolution. Plus your accent is awesome, keep up the great work you are doing. Thank you

[@WonderfulEagle-mm1vj]

Thank you

[@rfletch62]

Without the bold actions of these men on April 19th, there would never be a July 4th! Thank you for this vid!

[@ES-lh1tj]

I love her because she reminds me of my history teacher in grade school, Mr. Johnson. He was so passionate, animated and excitable, and loved history. Good to see good people who love and respect our history, for the good and the bad. Great Job.

[@tomc8115]

Same. Mr. Minor infused his lectures with stories of the "little" people who played pivotal roles in great events.

[@davestelling]

That's a beautiful epitaph for Capt. Davis. These forays into the old burying grounds are my favorites...

[@RodCleaves]

Having grown up in Maine (then Massachusetts) and now living in Chelmsford and a trained historian - I LOVE this channel. Wow! I didn't know Hannah Davis lived long enough to see the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War plus all the history in between.

[@mhutchins27]

Being from Maine originally gives you bragging rights when you go to Gettysburg. Those poor confederates had to learn why people from Maine are known as Maniacs the hard way!

[@Optimusprimerib36]

It said she died in 1841, Civil War won’t start for 20 years.

[@robertdwyer5486]

Katie-Thank you SO MUCH for these videos on the Revolutionary War. Clear and concise, easy to follow. As a fellow historian, I know what it takes to tell and explain a story so ALL can understand. Bless you….and GO SOX!

[@johncallahan2256]

Katie , you’re the best!

[@virgilcain8152]

Thank you for the excellent presentation

[@plantfeeder6677]

Thank you so much for these deep looks into our founding history. As a repeated sufferer of Strepp throat when I was a kid my heart goes out to those poor children of that time. Never knew that's what Scarlett Fever was so thank you for that also. What amazes me are hearing about so many people back then living into their 80s when average life expectancy wasn't even 40 years of age. You are giving us knowledge that would take years for us to find, if ever, and learn and I personally am truly grateful for all you do. Keep em coming Katie. We're all sponges out here soaking it all up.

[@Jerry-fn5nx]

Love old cemeteries like that. Very interesting history about Isaac, Hannha, and their children. Great vid 👍

[@asticou]

I loved this I knew about Isaac Davis being killed by the British volley at the North Bridge, but I didn't know his backstory. You've just added more information. to the lore of the revolution for all of us. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos. It brings these distant people back to life.

[@vet-7174]

Happy 4th of July Katie, thanks and Welcome Back 🇺🇸

[@PurposeSpeaker]

Very sad but informative. Hail these great soldiers. Happy 4th of July, too.

[@jucadvgv3449]

thank you so very much. i'm 70 y.o., love history, and i always have. i came across and subscribed to your channel a good while back. i sometimes get into a mood to watch a bunch of your videos, but then i won't watch anything for awhile after that. i love it when i'm able to learn something new, though. i hate it when i mention something that was common knowledge and taught in all schools, i presume, when i was young, but someone younger than me now has no clue. but then i watch one of your videos and realize that you're so far ahead of me that i'm left in the dust. anyway, thanks so much for teaching me these things.

[@bobjordan4016]

Love you are our teacher! Always wonderful lessons!

[@themeat5053]

Another well researched and excellently presented history lesson. Thanks, Katie.

[@Steve-qt9ce]

Thanks Katie, God Bless you ❤👍🇺🇸

[@keithrayeski6417]

WOW!! Your depth of knowledge, your delivery…cliff hangers!! Outstanding piece Katie!! Thanks again!!!

[@lawwdogg1digr]

Enjoyed the video. I appreciate your attention to detail. Good to see you out in the woods. You compliment nature’s beauty.

[@conniegaylord5206]

Hi Happy 4th of the July! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@whiskeymonk4085]

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

[@glenvalley4326]

Thank you Kathy. You are blessed with the gift of been able to bring history alive.

[@thesentinel5964]

Thank You Ma'am for the glimpse of the past and of a truly noble beginning.....Enjoy Your day and be safe.....

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

Katie I LOVE watching your videos I learn SO much! As a personal side note..my father was raised in Tennessee in a family of mostly boys,many children. Back then (20th century) scarlet fever was STILL a thing and he contracted it as a child. I never had the chance to discuss his illness with my two aunts and many uncles and they are all gone now. The scarlet fever damaged his heart which caused him to die in his early forties when I was only nine years old. The loss affected our family profoundly. People my age, 72, take these illnesses seriously.

[@lisaflint7027]

So glad I found this video! Both Capt. Isaac Davis and Abner Hosmer are my 1st cousins! My family has deep roots in MA, going back to the Mayflower and the Great Migration. Many of my ancestors answered the call starting on April 19 1775. I'm very proud and deeply grateful for their sacrifices and service, either by military service or just helping the cause, they all contributed to our country's fight for freedom and liberty. Let's keep it alive!

[@Mike-ux9qz]

Hi Katie, have a great 4th of July. Be careful and stay safe!

[@joanpellillo2981]

So glad the children lived - Lo9ved you tube channel - Thank you so much...

[@davem4193]

Another fantastic video Katie, thanks!

[@MrDodgerfred]

Nothing like a cemetery to tell a story and cause a mystery. Great idea!

[@getoffenit7827]

Yay!! New video!

[@mycreations2]

I love how much you love history as much as I do! Great story!

[@anabasis3144]

Another outstanding video - thank you from the Shenandoah Valley! We love y’all’s accent btw!!

[@imapatching09]

I am a76 year old family historian since 1964 and Just this 4th of July discovered another (3rd) 5x Great Grandpa who fought and lived through our War of Independence - Capt Oliver Drake, Jacob & William Roberts and Isaac Garrison. Now I have subscribed to your channel as a new reference - THANK YOU.

[@artbilladello1073]

Thank you once again, Katie. ...You are a delight to watch and listen to. ... I share your passion. Many people tell me that I am a reincarnated soul from the Revolutionary War period. Thats why they refer to me as the 18th Century Guy.

[@joanpellillo2981]

Wow - Amazing - Love your- you tube channel

[@jerryprovencher2047]

What a fabulous and well-made presentation. Inspiring

[@garyhotchkiss4207]

Mrs Getty is brilliant. Well researched and knowledgeable. Professional speaker as well.

[@lisalove8332]

The date April 19th caught my attention. My birthday. First time on this channel. I love history.

[@Hupernike45]

Hey Katie, I can't get enough of your channel. Before moving to Ft. Lauderdale, I grew up in Medford, just down the road from the Royal House, attending the parade and P.R,'s ride every April 19th at Gaffey's Funeral Home. My mother had my bedroom decorated with Revolutionary War memorabilia and minutemen figures. Keep up the great work. Love the accent.

[@Ivehadenuff]

I’m 66 and from Medford. We may know some of the same people. My mother used to tell everyone that I was the only person she knows who went to the Royal House museum, which I did on my own as a teenager. I too used to watch the usually drunk Paul Revere riding past Gaffeys😂

[@Hupernike45]

@@IvehadenuffMy father told me that the guy playing Paul Revere could barely stay on the horse by the time he got to Gaffey's. I lived on Corey Street until 1973 - move to Florida. Attended St. Joe's 1-4 grades, Dame School 5-6 grades, and then Lincoln Jr. High for 7-8.1 year behind you, I guess.

[@Sammysgrl22]

This is my first introduction to this channel. I immediately subscribed as soon as I heard, “all revolutionary war, all the time.”

[@trainerskulb00d]

3 seconds into this video, I knew I was in Massachusetts and I wasn't even looking at the screen. I live in the Midwest and I find the area in the Civil War areas of the USA very interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@Mikeman07825]

another great video Miss Katie - I will be visiting that wonderful area next month and plan to do my own investigating. Thank you for making these stories come more to life in the way you do ☺ - Mike in NJ

[@helenodonnell1011]

Thk u Katie! Nice to hear stories about the minute men! U bring them to life! Happy 4th!

[@mikes1097]

Hello Katie! Thank you for posting another great video. You always bring a postive outlook on historical topics. Have a very safe 4th of July

[@thenavylady4630]

Hi Katie. I just discovered your channel and I really enjoyed your historical video. I love American history so I will be watching more of your videos. Since I'm from Texas, I enjoy Texas history, too. I wanted to let you know that you said something that blew me away. You explained about strep throat and the connection to scarlet fever. Whoa. I am 71 years old, and from your comments, I realized that I probably had scarlet fever in 1971 when I was a senior in high school!!! For one week in April, I was sick with a fever that got up to 105. Then 1-2 weeks later (I don't really remember exactly), I got strep throat. Then 2 days later, I got a red rash on my chest. My aunt, who was a nurse, came over and looked at me from across the room and said that I had the measles. HAH! Wrong. From my online research, it appears that I really did have scarlet fever. Wow. Maybe that explains my heart murmur. I will be sure to pass this self-diagnosis to my heart doctor. Thanks, Katie.

[@matthewtheriaque4413]

Born and raised in Massachusetts and Proud of my State and New England people/history

[@p51nion]

Excellent Katie, I'm passing this link on to the members of my SAR chapter. You're a great researcher and presenter. Much appreciated.

[@johngalt2506]

Thank you for this. History that needs to be remembered!

[@timp1051]

I couldn't wait to hit this video!!!!! This was awesome!!!!!! 😊

[@DeborahIsaacs-nx4dw]

Thank you for a lovely historical video. So glad I found your channel. I love getting all history I can about the Revolutionary War. Will keep watching.😊

[@neilwinchester9187]

Nice work. Very interesting back story. Too often we forget the other worries and cares of people involved in historic events. Thanks!

[@Zermatt2024]

You’re a beautiful intelligent lady giving interesting historical context. Than you.

[@MrLachlan09]

Just discovered Katie. Even though I am British (Scots) I love Katie's presentation, enthusiasm and knowledge. And oh, that accent, dreamy. So as someone fairly new to the history of The War of Independence could anyone recommend a well written, not too partisan book that details the events of the war. Many thanks.

[@user-oc1bq2mf3q]

Katie is so nice to find and watch your videos, you care about the generations of this country and respect the foundation. I’ve been really thinking on starting my own channel describing my own family roots and I will definately be describing and talking about my ancestors who are like east coast “royalty” never knew until a year ago

[@andrewpotter2285]

A pleasure as usual 👋🏻😎

[@monitor1862]

I recently found your channel and subscribed. Thank you so much for your hard work on these videos. I'm a history geek and truly enjoy them.

[@Sonny_Eclipse]

Hi Katie, as always, I’ve enjoyed your information and the presentation

[@kalicokathy1944]

Thank you for making this video,love to learn little known history

[@thormusique]

Wow, thanks so much for this episode! I found it incredibly moving. It's not possible to put a price on this kind of recollection that calls to mind important people and moments of the past, regardless of how long ago such events took place. We are them, and they are us. Cheers and Happy Independence Day!

[@AnthropoidOne]

Love your accent and enthusiasm (North Carolina)

[@charlesmckinley29]

Another wonderful video. Thank you.

[@user-ot3xl6zo8l]

I found a channel that is close to my heart!❤ thanks Katie!

[@MichaelSisley-fw3xr]

I really like your work. Thanks. Most Americans know little about the founding of this nation. Maybe that is why our country has wandered so far afield from the Constitution and the educated counsel the Founders tried to leave for us. I hope your 4th of July celebration is wonderful.

[@baileywright3113]

Hannah living to be 95 was such a “crowd cheering” moment for me👏👏

[@131maymay131]

Great story and presentation!!!

[@battack56]

My name’s Jose and I’m a first time subscriber. I really enjoyed watching and learning from this episode. Thank you! And, your accent is amazing!😅

[@saylortusk8489]

Always excited to see your newest video. My great(x4) grandfather was in the Natick militia and was killed at the Battle of White Plains --- fortunately for my sake after he had children. I don't know much about his life or his service but he always comes to mind when I hear your fascinating stories. Keep going! :)

[@johncatdaddy8895]

Very nice production! Incredible history lesson, on such a personable level, from centuries ago.🙂

[@jaytowne8016]

You probably know of Applied, I was an Appleseed instructor.. You video is beautiful.and that is an understatement.I believe my ancestors were on battle road that day, since they ( we) were living in Danvers at that time.And Danvers got beat up later that day. ..I believe that Major John Buttrick had the privilege of uttering the most important sentence in the history of the English Language " Fire good soldiers! For God's sake Fire! As fast as you can!!!" For those words resulted in The United States of America.

[@dayoungbro]

Awesome Katie, keep up the great videos please

[@StevenSmith-dc1fq]

Utterly fascinating! And so great to see Katie again, especially on the verge of 4th of July.

[@rickinmi]

Thank you for telling this story, Katie. For whatever reason, this is the story that hits me the hardest. I always struggled to present it when I was tasked with telling "the Second Strike of the Match"...

[@tomc8115]

Adventure pants on & ready to learn! Thanks Katie!

[@user-ch6lc1gs9x]

Love your authentic Boston/Massachusetts accent! I know it well, because I was born in Boston, Ma. @ Boston City Hospital, 1000th baby born , August, 1964, parents born & raised in Boston, from the 1940s until they moved west down the Old Boston Post Road,(US Route 20),33 miles to Northborough, Ma. (Where surveyor Benjamin Franklin ordered the "33 Miles To Boston", mile marker, placed there during his time as Postmaster General! I absolutely love our American History, which is probably why your channel came up in my feed! I grew up primarily in Northborough/Westborough, area, incorporated in 1766 & 1716, respectively, about a mile outside of town, where one of many of those old, granite Tribute Stones, comemorating Revolutionary War General Henry Knox's passage through the town with his army, and the cannon/artillery pieces which hed collected from fort Ticonderoga, NY, to deliver to General George Washington @ Bunker Hill, Boston, along with as many of the troops, ammunition, and powder, which Gen. Knox inevitably came across during his journey to reinforce Gen.Washington, as ordered by the Commander in Chief of The Armies of The (newfound), United States. Our Northborough Militia was led by one Captain Samuel Wood, whod sent for all Northborough Militiamen to muster @ The towns Musterfield, immediately after recieving the alarm of April 19, 1775! I know all this wonderful history because I was fortunate to grow up in a VERY Patriotic little suburban town, and just wanted to tell you that if you get the chance to drive down there on any given weekend during summer, you are bound to find so very much of each towns natural history, - on plaques, granite Tribute Stones, and EVEN the Revolutionary War Cemetary, which is right beside a beautiful, iconic, old Church, with a broken Paul Revere Bell, which was probably hanging in its bell tower, ringing its beckoning call to the areas Militiamen, that very night! (That Church is only about the length of a modern football field away from the original muster field, so, its not too far fetched to believe. In any case, enjoy your personal journeys through Our History! Thanks

[@DaleSpaulding-wt9fy]

Katie thank you for this. Stories like this tie history to family and make history interesting. I love history and genealogy and putting my family in a historic event. This is what you've done with this family. You are an awesome teacher/storyteller. Waiting on the next video.

[@ghostmost2614]

You live in an AMAZING place! Love history

[@k.a.l5478]

I just found your channel and subscribed. So looking forward to this journey.

[@oneida41859]

Excellent episode Katie! Well researched. I learned a lot. Thank you for sharing. Take care now.

[@henrysanchez7977]

greetings and salutations from Texas Kiddo, loved your delightful explanation about our Patriots and their personal histories. Am planning a road trip for next spring to visit some of the sites where America was forged with the sacrifice made by the real heroes Men and Women who loved freedom enough to give their all for it, Lords blessings on you and yours.

[@JohnSmith-nt3ud]

Very good video and how apropos for Independence Day! Thanks again for another good one!

[@kengiorlando7119]

Excellent!

[@rickhaddix6847]

Enjoy your videos Katie. Hope you have a wonderful 4th.

[@thickwristmcfist3399]

I love this channel so much!!!

[@jamesmonahan1870]

Wonderful video. 😊

[@Harley123466]

Informative and emotional. Love the content, and love your passion, Katie!

[@troykauffman3963]

Hello Katie, thank you very much for yet another great history lesson about Captain Davis and his family. I absolutely love the content you provide for us. Happy fourth to all my fellow Americans, may we never forget about these brave patriots who paved the way for this great experiment called The United States of America. 🫡🇺🇸

[@joanhamilton2651]

New subscriber. Your channel popped up in my feed. YAY! Love history

[@floydgail8816]

I love your videos! Your are the best

[@brucelovenite]

very informative { nice}

[@tnbigfoot5752]

Great content Katie. Thanks for sharing your research.

[@barbaradzitko1826]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@DavidLavery-h6p]

Thank you, Katie. New subscriber!

[@patjohnson3100]

Very appropriate video for the 4th of July with a real personal touch. Look what our forebears accomplished even while struggling under the toughest family challenges. My thanks for this really interesting historical detective work. I wondered if there would be information about Hannah and the four surviving children and there was. Thanks for completing the circle, and happy 4th of July.

[@thomasparker8449]

Great Job!

[@marymoar287]

Hi Katie! Thanks for the amazing video.

[@jimplummer4879]

Katie cemeteries are some of the best paces to discover history.