East Greenbush (New York) Town Historian Hears from U.S. Army About Soldier's Burial Site

From the June 7, 2024, Times Union by Kenneth C. Crowe II.

Town historian Bobbie Reno has a letter from the U.S. Army showing a ground penetrating radar scan where War of 1812 soldier Samuel Helms is perhaps buried.

Private Samuel Helms was executed during the war and is believed to have been buried in an unmarked grave behind Red Mill Elementary School.

Reno thought she was facing a roadblock from the Army over its policy not to disturb a soldier's buried remains if possible.

The Army's Office of Army Cemeteries told her to contact the New York State Historic Preservation Office and work with that agency regarding Helms.  She is doing just that.

Reno has spent the last 14 years researching Helms in an effort to clear his name after he was executed and buried at the Army's Greenbush Cantonment during the War of 1812.  He was absent without leave in October 1812, then returned.  In July 1813, he was ordered tried for desertion.  He was convicted and executed by firing squad in late August or early September 1813.

--Brock-Perry

Betsy Doyle and Battle of Fort Niagara-- Part 6: After the Battle and Death

Although one man was killed and five wounded loading hot-shot, Betsy survived the artillery barrage and her bravery was mentioned in several battle reports.  The story of her actions spread quickly among the American troops at the fort and the whole region. 

In December 1813, Betsy fled the Fort Niagara area when the British invaded and captured Fort Niagara.  Withn her children at her side, she fled 300 miles to the East Greenbush Cantonment near Albany, New York.

This journey took nearly four months.

Betsy Doyle then served for six years as a nurse and  laundress at the cantonment.  Sometimes, she did not receive pay from the Army.

Betsy fell ill  and was bedridden for  a month before her death in April.

According to one officer:  "Her death was accelerated by the want of necessities which her pay would have procured."

Despite her service, Betsy Doyle became  a victim of the war long before it ended.

--Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Heroine Betsy Doyle

While doing research about the Greenbush Cantonment I came across the name of this woman in connection to her role in the War of 1812 and to Greenbush, New York.  I decided to follow up on her.

Historical Marker located in Youngstown, Niagara County, New York.

BETSY DOYLE

Heroine of Fort Niagara.  Carried hot shot to cannon, stood  sentry duty.

Fled  310 miles to Greenbush, NY when enemy attacked fort in 1812.

--Brock-Perry