The Rock Island Chapter, NSDAR, conducted a marker dedication ceremony on April 25, 2026 in Versailles City Park. At the ceremony, three Morgan County American Revolutionary War Patriots, John Chilcoat, John Kelsay, and Benjamin Letchworth were honored. Descendants of two of the Patriots were in attendance. This commemorative marker was placed near a maple tree that was planted in May of 2025 and an inscribed America 250! granite bench. The placement of the marker completes this Rock Island Chapter’s triad tribute to America 250! and to those Patriots who served in the cause of freedom. The ceremony was conducted by Chapter Regent Sandra Pope and Chaplain Diana Moore. Chapter Recording Secretary Carrie Ginchereau joined the color guard from the Marine Corps League Detachment #1137, Kaiser, MO. Chapter Historian Joan Mason assisted Patriot descendants in unveiling the marker. 250 U.S. flags were placed near the ceremony site by the Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) of Ver ailles High School and JAG sponsor, Allison Walters.
2026-09-03