Tribute to a Remarkable Man

On Sunday, November 8, 2020 at 1:30 PM, members of the George Taylor Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, dedicated a bronze and granite marker at the grave of my six times great grandfather, Colonel Peter Kichline (1722-1789) to honor his service during the American Revolutionary War. The Colonel, who had twice been elected Northampton County Sheriff, served as Colonel of the First Battalion of Northampton County and led the Northampton County Flying Camp at the Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776. He had also served in the Pennsylvania Assembly and on the Committee of Safety. He was wounded at Brooklyn and imprisoned with most of his remaining men. In addition to further civic service after the war, he became Easton’s first mayor, also known as “Chief Burgess,” in 1789.

The ceremony took place at the Historic Easton Cemetery, hosted by George Taylor Chapter Regent Donna Schrantz. Participants included PSSDAR State Regent Elizabeth Watkins, Mayor Sal Panto, State Representative Robert Freeman, Dr. Rebecca Price Janney, Descendant of Colonel Kichline, Jeffrey Kichline, collateral descendant of the Patriot, and Chaplain Vivian Noblett. Also participating were Kichline’s Flying Camp Re-enactors, Phoenix Rising Patriots flag line group, and Bugler Tim Ghebeles. Members from several DAR Chapters were also in attendance, including dignitaries State Vice Regent Marguerite Fritsch, State Chaplain Christyn Olmstead, former Southeast District Director Sara Jane McCurdy, and Alice Keiner, PSSDAR Sate Chair of DAR Service for Veterans Committee. Numerous Kichline family members were also in attendance.

The service included greetings from the dignitaries, the Pledge of Allegiance, a biography of Colonel Kichline, the dedication of the marker, a demonstration of the 18^th century “Mourn Arms” by Kichline’s Flying Camp, the laying of a wreath, and the playing of Taps.

A reception was held afterward at the First United Church of Christ in Easton, the church Colonel Kichline helped to build and of which he and his family were active members.