By Shannon Larson
Michigan Dunes Chapter
Historic Preservation Chair
The historic monument of War of 1812 veteran Bartow Underhill is standing straight and secure once again at Pentwater Township Cemetery.
The Michigan Dunes Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) recently hired Patten Monument Company to professionally reset Underhill’s more than 150-year-old monument. Taylor from Patten Monument carefully leveled the monument, properly oriented the obelisk so it once again faces forward, and resealed the sections to help protect it for generations to come.
Underhill’s grave has received special attention in recent years. In the summer of 2025, the Stephen Preston Chapter, National Society United States Daughters of 1812, held a rededication ceremony at his gravesite in recognition of his service during the War of 1812.
The project is part of ongoing efforts to preserve the historic monuments and stories found throughout Pentwater Township Cemetery.
For the Michigan Dunes Chapter NSDAR, funding the professional work provided an opportunity to put the DAR mission of historic preservation into action locally while helping ensure the monument of one of the community’s early veterans remains standing for generations to come.
