March 17, 1806 is Wilkes-Barre's official birthday as an incorporated political unit under the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Initially, the flag of the Colony of Connecticut flew over Wilkes-Barre when John Durkee arrived with 240 settlers in 1769.  It was the second generation of the early settlers who provided the leadership to incorporate the Borough of Wilkes-Barre.  Ever wonder who would be considered the leaders of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth generation?  Who else made their mark on Wilkes-Barre over the years?  Who would you consider a town father and mother?  [ email suggestions here ]

The following list presents a chronological order of some of Wilkes-Barre's town fathers and mothers (both past and present) and others who made their mark on the Diamond City.

 

1769	Major John Durkee (later Colonel)
1770	Capt. Lazurus Stewart
1	Capt. Zebulon Butler
2	Jabez Sills
3	Rev. Jacob Johnson
4	Major Ezekiel Pierce
5	Captain Samuel Ransom
6	Christopher Avery
7	John Abbott
8	Col. Nathan Denison
9	Major General John Sullivan
1780	Captain Obadiah Gore

Additions to the list will be posted.