Commodore Abraham Whipple was the leader of the first open, armed opposition to the forces of Britain's King George III, during which the first blood was shed in the Revolutionary War. Visit the Commodore's Page for more information, including more information about the gravestone. (Photo courtesy of Ralph W. Lange.)

The gravestone reads:

Sacred to the memory of Commodore Abraham Whipple, whose naval skill and courage will ever remain the pride and boast of his country. In the Revolution he was the first on the seas to hurl defiance at proud Britain, gallantly leading the way to wrest from the mistress of the ocean her scepter and there to wave the Star Spangled Banner. He also conducted to the sea the first square rigged vessel built on the Ohio, opening to commerce resources beyond calculation.

Born September 26th A.D. 1733,
Died May 27th, 1819,
Aged 85 years