Gen. Wooster statue dedicated at Wayne County Public Library
Jason Anderson, right, who spearheaded the project to erect a statue in honor of Wooster’s namesake, Gen. David Wooster, speaks at the dedication ceremony on July 24 at the Wayne County Main Library in Wooster.
A large crowd gathered in the heat in front of the Wayne County Public Library on Saturday, July 24 to witness the dedication of a bronze statue in honor of Maj. Gen. David Wooster, the city’s namesake.
The project to erect the statue was spearheaded by Jason Anderson, a social studies teacher at Akron Archbishop Hoban High School and a Wooster resident who has spent a lifetime researching Wooster’s contribution to America during the Revolutionary War and in particular his connection to the city of Wooster.
Gen. Wooster was an American hero, sacrificing everything for the cause of liberty, equality and freedom, according to Anderson.
Wooster was born in Connecticut in 1710 and was a prominent member of 18th century society. He was a graduate of Yale College and a lawyer, merchant, entrepreneur and soldier who was active in all aspects of Connecticut colonial life. He was a commissioned officer during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. In 1777 he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Ridgefield while driving an invading British Army from the town. Revolutionary War veterans who settled in Wayne County in the early 1800s named the county seat after the general.
Wayne County commissioner Becky Foster grew up in Wayne County near Marshallville. She is a direct descendant of the general.
“This is so exciting,” she said. “Jason is easily the most dedicated person I’ve ever met, and that’s why I wanted to be a part of this.”
Anderson had written a lengthy paper on the general while working toward his American history and government degrees at Ashland University.
“It was only supposed to be 30 pages, but I went 144 pages because I was just so blown away,” he said.
Anderson spent the last couple years writing, speaking to local organizations and fundraising for the project. The ultimate cost was over $70,000. The City of Wooster donated $12,000.
The 7-foot bronze statue was sculpted by master sculptor Alan Cottrill of Zanesville, who spoke at the ceremony.
“The general gazes into the distance with his drawn sword representing the battles of the Revolutionary War,” he said. “He is poised to defend liberty, and his clenched fists represent his strength, determination, sacrifice and victory.”
Wooster City Council President Mike Buytendyk spoke of the importance of Gen. Wooster and Anderson’s persistence in making the project a reality.
“Our city should be proud,” he said, “especially in this age where we have too many politicians and not enough statesmen.”
Buytendyk said he thought it was fitting the statue was near the children’s section of the library, hoping it will show children what leadership is about.
Speaking about Gen. Wooster, Anderson said the dedication was not just for the city, but also a national honor. Wooster is the only city with a statue honoring the general.
“I’ve received many phone calls and emails from across the country,” he said. “They are from people who are interested in learning more about the man.”
Anderson said Gen. Wooster was against slavery. “He bought a subscription to Phillis Wheatley’s new book of poetry in 1778, exemplifying his dedication to freedom and equality,” he said.
Despite spending much of her life enslaved, Wheatley was the first African American and second woman in America to publish a book of poems.
The Wayne County Historical Society band, directed by Randy Claes, performed "Amber Waves of Grain" and the "General Wooster March."
The Ladies of the Wooster-Wayne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution placed a memorial wreath at the statue. The group included representatives from the local, state and national branches of the organization and provided the invocation and benediction.
State Rep. Scott Wiggam said he could not believe what Anderson had accomplished with the statue and presented a commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives.
Jennifer Shatzer, director of the Wayne County Public Library, praised Anderson for his “tireless dedication” to the project and said he has enriched the community for years to come.