The grave of Ambrose Taylor, an original member of the Pawtuxet Rangers, thought to be lost to history has been found, repaired and rededicated thanks to the efforts of volunteers from throughout the state.

Located in a small plot on Tiernan Avenue in Warwick, the grave of the chair maker and Revolutionary War soldier had been “missing” for nearly 100 years. Taylor passed away in 1831, and historical archives, which mapped the locations of cemeteries about a century ago, did not list his grave in registries. With the nearly two dozen gravestones at the site toppled, broken or buried due to vandalism and time, the location of Taylor’s grave became a mystery.

Pegee Malcolm, chair of the Warwick Commission on Historical Cemeteries and the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries, had a friend who lives near the plot contact her about the condition of the cemetery last August. Malcolm then rounded up volunteers, including members of the Pawtuxet Rangers, the Warwick and Johnston Historical Societies to clean up the site and restore the stones.

“I started to poke, and I was all by myself in the cemetery poking and poking with a six foot tool, and I found Ambrose,” said Malcolm. “I was so excited and couldn’t tell anybody because no one was there.”

Taylor’s stone was broken into four or five large pieces and scattered throughout the area. Other larger stones, most belonging to members of the Taylor family, were either buried or covered with vegetation. Over several months, stones were painstakingly reset and reconstructed, trees cut and briars removed.

“There were two large stones, and we have a tripod that was made by one of our members, Everett Cogswell, and we helped erect the large stones that couldn’t be done manually,” said Pat Macari, a member of the Johnston Historical Society Cemetery Committee. “We clean cemeteries, repair the stones, and help bring cemeteries back to life.”

Taylor’s headstone was found buried in four to six inches of dirt, according to Malcolm.

“We were very happy to do it because we’re all volunteers, and to be able to help out another group is very satisfying,” said Steve Merolla, who is also a member of the Johnston Cemetery Commission. “The work done is a credit to Pegee and her dedication. Our part was easy; I give her team such credit.”

During a solemn rededication ceremony held last Saturday, members of the Pawtuxet Rangers saluted one of their own.

“It’s great to honor someone who was an original member of our unit. We are pale imitations of this gentleman, absolutely pale imitations,” said Sgt. Jonathan Ryder. “He actually took part in fighting for our freedoms, that’s just amazing. He stood ready to defend his village.”

“It’s a true connection between us and them, we’re carrying on the tradition that they started,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ken Gilbert. “We are a chartered militia company and our heritage does go back to that day in 1774, October 29 when we were first chartered.”

Following a brief historical background presentation and a moment of silence, Colonel Ron Barnes offered a prayer for Taylor.

“Almighty God, we remember before thee today with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision risked their honor, their fortunes, and their lives to give us the liberties we enjoy,” he said. “We especially recognize the service of Ambrose Taylor, soldier of the Revolution. We rededicate this grave marker in recognition of his service to God and country and to honor his memory."