IN Carlynton-Montour Fall 2017 | Page 17

“He’s our Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett and George Armstrong Custer all in one. He didn’t know what the outcome would be, but he fought for the birth of our country.” local soldiers as they gather together for a meeting. The monument costs about $50,000 and is being paid for with donations and grants. Monuments to veterans from early conflicts in American history are rare, and Martelli hopes the historical society’s efforts will inspire other communities to erect similar memorials. “This is something new, and we hope it will spin off to other communities,” he says. Robert Vance will be one of the veterans prominently featured on the Revolutionary War monument. Born in Virginia around 1747, Vance was an early pioneer who settled in western Pennsylvania in the 1760s or early 1770s and later served as an infantry officer during the Revolutionary War. He also served as a sergeant in the militia and fought against Native Americans during Lord Dunmore’s War shortly before the Revolutionary War began. “He’s our Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett and George Armstrong Custer all in one,” Martelli says. “He didn’t know what the outcome would be, but he fought for the birth of our country.” Vance eventually married and had 10 children. He is also thought to have built an outpost near Coraopolis that was later known as Fort Vance. He joined the Continental Army and served for at least five years. Vance was eventually promoted to the rank of captain and received almost 4,700 acres of land for his service during the Revolutionary War. After the war, he helped build Montour Presbyterian Church. Robert Vance died in 1814 and was buried near the church he helped to construct. His grave was temporarily lost but then rediscovered in the early 20th century. Martelli also hopes to secure an award honoring Vance’s service and will submit a petition to the federal government. Vance was tasked with protecting the settlers on the frontier and was often separated from his family for long periods of time. Martelli is in the process of collecting evidence that documents Vance’s military service and hopes to receive approval for the award before the monument’s dedication ceremony. He believes there’s an 80 percent chance of success if all the necessary documentation can be located. “We will jump hurdles and go through walls,” Martelli says. “We will do whatever it takes.” n Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2017 | icmags.com 15