(south face)
Paterson
(east face)
In memory of Major General John Paterson, son of Colonel John Paterson, born 1744, died 1808; and Elizabeth Lee his wife, born 1749, died 1841. He was born in New Britain, Conn. Graduated at Yale College in 1762. He entered the law in his native town. He was married June 2nd, 1766. In 1774 he moved to Lenox and was chosen a member of the Berkshire Convention July 1774.
Represented this town in the General Court, which became the first Provincial Congress in 1774 and also in the second Provincial Congress in 1775. Was made Colonel of a regiment he raised in 1775 and was one of the first in the field with it after the battle of Lexington and defended Boston from an attack in the rear during the battle. Was complimented by Washington in general orders, Nov 10. 1775. In April 1776 was ordered to Staten Island and from there to Canada. Was in the battle of the Cedars. Crossed the Delaware with Washington Dec 25, 1776 and was in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. Was made Brigadier General Feb 21, 1777.
Assisted in the capture of Burgoyne October 1777 and was in the battle and council of Monmouth, 1778. In 1780 he commanded West Point and was on the trial of Major Andre. He was in most of the decisive battled of the revolution and served during the whole war. He was one of the founders of the Society of the Cincinnati, May 1783, and on September 30, 1783 he was made Major General. After the war he returned to Lenox and was a most public spirited citizen. In 1786 he commanded the Massachusetts troops in putting down Shays rebellion. In 1790 he removed to Lisle, New York, where he died.
He was four years a member of the N.Y. General Assembly. In 1801 was a member of the committee to revise the constitution of New York State. Was appointed Chief Justice of Broome Col., N.Y.
He served in the U.S. Congress in 1803 to 1805. He died July 9, 1808 in the full vigor of manhood, in the pursuit of duty, in the service of the country he had so ably defended. He was a soldier, a patriot and a statesman.
His remains lie in the churchyard. In gratitude for his public services and in recognition of his private virtues this monument is erected.
(north face)Egleston
(west face)
In Memory of Major Azariah Egleston, born 1757, died 1822; and Hannah Paterson, his wife, born 1769, died 1803. On April 22, 1775, in anticipation of the breaking out of the Revolution, he enlisted as a private in the regiment of Col. John Paterson and was active in inducing others to enlist.
He marched with the regiment immediately after the battle of Lexington and went with it to Canada. When he enlisted for the whole war. He was in the battle of the Cedars. Crossed the Delaware with Washington Dec. 25, 1776 and was in the battles of Princeton and Trenton. In 1777 he served against Burgoyne and was in both battles of Bemis Heights, and was at Saratoga when Burgoyne surrendered.
He was promoted to the rank of Ensign May 18, 1776, by John Hancock. He was with Washington at Valley Forge, where he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1778 he was in the battle of Monmouth and the siege of Newport. On March 7, 1779 was promoted to the rank of Major and served on the staff of Gen. Ashley and Gen. Paterson. He was at the evacuation of New York Dec. 1783.
In 1784 he returned to Lenox. In 1786 he served in Shay's rebellion. He was Deputy Quartermaster General under Gen. Paterson in 1787 and afterwards under Gen. Ashley. He was a friend of Washington, Kosciusko and Lafayette and was one of the founders of the Society of the Cincinnati.
After the war he made Lenox a prominent centre of education. He was as public spirited after the war as he had been patriotic during it and was noted for his hospitality. His house was the headquarters for army officers and men of literature and learning. He was always identified with every movement for the good of the town or the state. In 1787 he was appointed Justice of the Peace and resigned in 1908.
In 1796, 1797, 1798 he was chosen Representative in Boston. In 1807, 1808, and 1809 he was elected State Senator. In 1808 he was appointed as Associate Justice of the Court of Sessions. Duty, whether to the country on the field of battle, to the State at the legislature, to the town in public service, to those visiting in his home, was never forgotten. His life was full of patriotic actions for the country and generous deeds to his neighbors.
His remains lie in the churchyard. In memory of his public services and his private virtues, this monument is erected.
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