Welcome to our Henry Leavenworth SAR history page!  We're glad you found us. We hope you will look around and consider becoming a member.  Our membership benefits are numerous: amazing volunteer opportunities, great social events, educational history, genealogical research assistance, and wonderful relationships with kind, community-minded and patriotic individuals. We are members in good-standing with the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, through our local affiliation, the Kansas State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
 
This is your opportunity to contact us with inquiries, questions, or just to say hello!
 
 

Our History

 
The Henry Leavenworth Chapter was formed in 2008. Our chapter is named after Henry Leavenworth (December 10, 1783 – July 21, 1834) who fought during the War of 1812 and led early military expeditions against the Plains Indians. 
 
Both his father and grandfather were patriots of the American Revolution. (scroll down this page to learn more about Henry Leavenworth)
 
As a historical, educational, and patriotic non-profit corporation organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, we seek to:
  • Maintain and expand the meaning of patriotism,
  • Respect our national symbols,
  • Respect the value of American citizenship,
  • Respect the unifying force of “e pluribus unum” that was created from the people of many nations — one nation and one people.
The Henry Leavenworth Chapter strives to meet our historical and educational goals through its:
 
  • Monthly dinner meetings which center on a presentation by a knowledgeable person from the chapter, the community, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas University or Benedictine College.
  • Recognition of local good citizens, American History teachers and community service members.
  • Partnership with local veterans and patriotic organizations.
  • Recruitment of prospective members.
  • Educating youth in schools and youth groups.
  • Encouraging youth to participate in poster, brochure, essay, oration, Eagle Scout and JROTC programs.
  • Recognizing veterans and departed members annually.
  • Honoring our patriot ancestors annually at our Patriot Muster.
  • Color Guard which participates in local parades and ceremonies in colonial uniform.
 
Henry Leavenworth (10 December 1783 — 21 July 1834)
 
Leavenworth, Henry, soldier, was born at New Haven, Conn., Dec. 10, 1783, a son of Col. Jesse and Eunice (Sperry) Leavenworth. Soon after his birth his parents removed to Danville, Vt., where he was educated. He then read law with Gen. Erastus Root of Delhi, N. Y.; and upon being admitted to the bar formed a partnership with his preceptor which lasted until 1812, when he was appointed a captain in the Twenty-fifth U. S. infantry.
 
A few months later he was made major; was wounded at the battle of Niagara on July 25, 1814, and the following November was brevetted colonel. The next year he went to Prairie du Chien as Indian agent, and on Feb. 10, 1818, was made lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth U. S. infantry.
 
While on duty in the West he built several military posts, one of which is Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, now one of the leading military establishments of the country. In 1825 he was made brigadier-general by brevet, and in 1833 received the full rank of brigadier-general.
 
He died at Cross Timbers, Ind. Ter., July 21, 1834, while leading an expedition against the Pawnee and Comanche Indians.
 
His regiment erected a monument at Cross Timbers. Orders promoting him to permanent brigadier general would have gone into effect on that day.
 
Then, in 1902, the bodies of Henry, Electa, and their child were disinterred at Delhi and reburied at the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery on Memorial Day. Generals Arthur MacArthur and Frederick Funston were present along with 1500 veterans, all the regular troops at Fort Leavenworth, and a choir of 200 voices. Also attending the ceremony were Leavenworth’s four surviving grand-children, all the children of son Jesse.
 
Henry’s third wife, Harriet, died in 1865 and is buried in Newburgh, New York. His daughter by Harriet, Alida, was unmarried and passed away in 1839. Son, Jesse, by his first wife, Elizabeth Morrison, graduated from West Point in 1830.
 
Sources:
Dr. Rich Barbuto, Department of Military History, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth.
See: http://www.ftlvnhistsoc.org/Stories%20Henry%20Lvn.htm (excellent article)
Also see: Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, edited by Frank W. Blackmar, Standard Pub. Co., 1912
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