Two eighth-grade students in New York, Kendall Peruzzini and Mary McCormick, have taken on the task of commemorating Daniel Walterhouse, a forgotten Civil War veteran who died in 1910 without a proper burial. Walterhouse, a Union Army veteran born in Orleans County, New York, had spent around ten years of his life at the Orleans County Alms House after being injured during the war and spending time in a Confederate prison camp. The alms house was a place for individuals without anyone to care for them, including those with disabilities, unwanted babies, immigrants, and the elderly.
The Orleans County Alms House operated from the 1830s to 1960, and in 1910, Walterhouse was buried in an unmarked grave in a section of the cemetery reserved for those who couldn’t afford a headstone. Retired service learning teacher Tim Archer brought the case to eighth-grade students Peruzzini and McCormick, who had both been his students previously and were known for being dedicated and willing to participate in research. The girls took on the challenge of researching the forgotten veteran over the summer, uncovering details about his life despite many of the poorhouse’s records being lost in a fire.
After conducting extensive research, Peruzzini and McCormick successfully petitioned the Orleans County Legislature to request a headstone for Walterhouse. They are now awaiting a response from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to approve their application for the headstone, which is likely to be granted. The girls expressed their love for history and their interest in the project, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring the service of individuals like Walterhouse, even 160 years later.
Both girls see it as an honor to be involved in commemorating Walterhouse and hope to inspire recognition for more war veterans in the future. The project has been a valuable learning experience, teaching them about the past and present, as well as the challenges faced by individuals like Walterhouse who were forgotten in their own time. Tim Archer, the retired educator who initiated the project, highlighted the unique service Walterhouse provided to his country and the significance of the girls’ efforts in bringing attention to his story and securing a headstone for his grave.
The project has allowed the students to engage in hands-on research outside of the classroom, highlighting the importance of community involvement and leadership. Archer emphasized the value of experiential learning in exciting students and fostering connections with community leaders. Peruzzini and McCormick expressed their hope that recognizing Walterhouse will lead to greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by individuals like him and shed light on the challenges faced by those who were forgotten in their own time. The girls’ dedication to honoring Walterhouse’s memory exemplifies their commitment to preserving history and honoring those who have served their country.
