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Authorizing an Amendment to the Placement of a Historical Marker and Liberty Tree to Honor Revolutionary War Patriots Buried in Kane County
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WHEREAS, the Elias Kent Kane Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) seeks to recognize and honor the Revolutionary War patriots who later settled in Kane County and whose graves remain within its borders, to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America in 2026. This includes:
• William Bennett (1758-1846), Private from Pennsylvania, buried in God’s Little Acre, Campton Hills;
• John Finley (1760-1846), Private from New Hampshire, died in St. Charles (exact burial location unknown);
• John Gowdy (1759-1854), Private from Connecticut, buried in East Batavia Cemetery, Batavia;
• Abner Powers (1760-1825), Corporal from Massachusetts, buried in Lily Lake Cemetery, Lily Lake;
• Frederick Vaughn (1766-1845), Private from Connecticut, buried in Spring Lake Cemetery, Aurora; and
WHEREAS, the Elias Kent Kane Chapter, NSDAR, proposes the planting of a Liberty Tree, a historic symbol of freedom and unity during the Revolutionary era, alongside a historical marker to provide a visible and lasting tribute to the values of liberty, independence, and civic duty; and
WHEREAS, the proposed site for the marker and Liberty Tree was originally the historic Kane County Courthouse, located at 100 S. Third Street, Geneva, Illinois, providing public visibility and historical significance while complementing existing commemorative features on the courthouse grounds; and
WHEREAS, the Kane County Board recommends a new proposed site for the marker and Liberty tree at the Kane County Judicial Center, 37W777 Illinois Route 38, St. Charles, Illinois providing public visibility and historical significance while complementing existing features on the Judicial Center grounds; and
WHEREAS, the historical marker is proposed to include the wording: “Revolutionary War Soldiers & Patriots of Kane County, Illinois” and will measure approximately 15”w x 19”h, while the Liberty Tree will be an American Elm, grown from seed since Spring 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Elias Kent Kane Chapter, NSDAR, will cover the cost of the marker and tree, and Kane County is respectfully asked to provide site preparation and cement work necessary for the installation; and
WHEREAS, the Elias Kent Kane Chapter, NSDAR, believes this initiative will provide educational value, foster community engagement, and honor the legacy of Kane County’s earliest patriots.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Kane County Board that:
1. The Kane County Board approves the placement of a historical marker and Liberty Tree at the Kane County Judicial Center, St. Charles, Illinois, to honor Revolutionary War patriots associated with Kane County.
2. The location of the tree shall be in the designated location as presented in Exhibit A. Location of Liberty Tree.
3. Kane County shall provide the necessary site preparation and cement work for the installation of the Liberty Tree and marker.
4. The placement of the marker and tree shall be coordinated with County staff to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and public accessibility.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the Elias Kent Kane Chapter, NSDAR, and the relevant County departments to facilitate planning and implementation of the project.
Passed by the Kane County Board on September 8, 2026.
____________________________ ____________________________
John A. Cunningham, MBA, JD, JD Corinne M. Pierog MA, MBA
Clerk, County Board Chairman, County Board
Kane County, Illinois Kane County, Illinois
Vote: