George Titlar (1753-1839)

George Titlar (1753-1839). Revolutionary War Veteran, Deacon of the First Baptist Church. George Titlar was born in Ireland. Like thousands of other Europeans in the 18th century, his parents immigrated to this country for new opportunities. They landed in Orange County, almost directly across the river from Sing Sing (Ossining). George grew up at the end of English rule. In March of 1776, at age 23, he volunteered to serve a three-month term in Captain James Smith's Company, then part of a regiment of New York troops fighting the British. , Titlar volunteered again in July of 1776 and joined Colonel Nicoll's Regiment, stationed in the Bronx. He retreated with the American Army to Westchester and fought in the Battle of White Plains in October of that year. He then moved with the Army to Peekskill, concluding his five-month enlistment at the end of 1776. After returning home, he joined the local militia operating on the west bank of the Hudson, fending off landing parties from two British ships anchored in Tappan Bay. , After the war, Titlar lived in New York City and Yorktown before settling in Sing Sing around 1800. Titlar married Mary Cargill and had a large family. A deacon of the First Baptist Church for many years, he was buried in the churchyard there upon his death. Years later, his remains, along with other congregants resting there, were moved to Dale Cemetery upon its opening in 1851. This headstone was erected by a relative in 1942.