General Wooster statue erected at library
Jason Anderson spearheaded the campaign to erect a statue of Gen. David Wooster at the Wayne County Public Library’s main branch in downtown Wooster. The statue was unveiled on Dec. 23.
Although he never actually stepped foot in Wayne County, Gen. David Wooster — the city’s namesake — now stands at attention in front of the Wayne County Public Library.
A 7-foot, 2,500-pound bronze statue was installed on the north front lawn of the library’s main branch in Wooster on Dec. 23.
“It’s all come together nicely,” said Jason Anderson, an Akron Hoban social studies teacher and Wooster resident who managed the project. “It’s not every day you see a statue go up.”
The statue was the culmination of more than two years of work, talks, educational presentations and fundraising, according to Anderson. “Fortunately, I wasn’t the only one who became passionate about this project,” he said.
Zanesville sculptor Alan Cottrill was commissioned to create the 1:15 scale statue, which was installed at the library site by Bogner Construction.
“Usually, it would have cost $15,000 more for that extra foot, but he was so passionate about the project he did it for free,” Anderson said.
Sue Workman does Civil War re-enactments and attended the ceremony in full revolutionary garb. “With seeing so many monuments being taken down nowadays, it’s nice to see one go up,” she said.
Wayne County commissioner Becky Foster, whose maiden name is Wooster, was found to be a direct descendent of Gen. Wooster through lineage research Anderson had done, she said.
“After COVID-19, I know Jason hopes to do a more proper dedication, and he’s asked me to read the eulogy of the general,” she said. “I feel really honored to be a part.”
Anderson became intrigued by Gen. Wooster during the city’s bicentennial and focused his second master’s degree in American history and government from Ashland University on the subject.
Anderson found Wooster was involved in many aspects of colonial life. He was not a slave owner and actually helped Phillis Wheatley publish her first book of poetry in 1773. Wheatley was an enslaved African who had gained her freedom in 1773 and became a famous American poet.
Wooster had traveled to Great Britain, where he was received by aristocrats and royalty, becoming a favorite of King George, who presented the American with a captain’s baton in the regiment of Sir William Pepperell, with half pay for life.
“Through years of research, Wooster’s story is finally pieced together, told from his letters and his correspondence saved by those with whom he corresponded,” Anderson said. “Over 400 letters, maps and documents help to retell the story of a great American hero. Each letter and document researched only added to the richness of this man’s American experience. Gen. Wooster was a true patriot and felt it was his duty to continue fighting for liberty and equality, even at the advanced age of 65.”
Wooster was the oldest general in the Revolutionary War.
Born in Stratford, Connecticut, Wooster served valiantly in several campaigns in the Revolutionary War and was highly decorated. He died in 1767 of wounds suffered in battle, the highest ranking soldier to die in the war.
Of his country, Wooster had said, “My life has ever been devoted to her service from my youth up, though never before in a cause like this — a cause for which I would most cheerfully risk and lay down my life.’”
Wayne County, named for famed Revolutionary War Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, was organized largely within its present borders in 1812. The county was carved out of the huge Wayne County in the Northwest Territory, which originally took in parts of Ohio and several other states.
Wooster was established in 1808 by John Bever, William Henry and Joseph Larwill and named after the general. It is the only municipality known to be named after Wooster, although numerous streets, schools and other public places in his native Connecticut bear his name.