This seemed like a good story to share as we get into Independence Day celebrations and the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Sometimes I actually get out from behind the keyboard and that was the case this week when I went exploring and visited Bethesda Methodist Episcopal, a country church and old cemetery near Laurel, Delaware. Built in 1879, the church is now part of Trap Pond State Park. One of the park staff shared that Alexander Lecates was a Civil War veteran, having enlisted in the Union army as a substitute in 1864. He was paid $300 or about $6,000 today. Mr. Lecates lived to the age of 90 and the three wives that he outlived are buried beside him. I’m glad that his story is still being told nearly 100 years after his passing.
