Civil War Veteran Finally Honored Thanks To Two Mid-School Students

A long-forgotten Civil War veteran who passed away without a proper burial is finally being honored with a gravestone, thanks to the dedication of two eighth-grade students from New York.

Kendall Peruzzini and Mary McCormick, both students at Albion Middle School in western New York, discussed their mission to memorialize Daniel Walterhouse, a Union Army veteran who passed away in 1910.

Walterhouse was born in Orleans County, New York, in 1823 and enlisted in the Fourth Michigan Infantry in 1861. He died at approximately 87 years old while residing at the Orleans County Alms House.

Both students expressed their love for history and how intriguing they found the project. "He was a war veteran, and he did suffer injuries," McCormick said.

"He was stabbed and captured, so I think it's really important that he gets the recognition he deserves." "I really enjoy history," she added.

"We studied the Civil War in school, and we've explained this project to our classmates. It's all very fascinating."

Peruzzini echoed her sentiment, saying, "I find it incredibly interesting to learn about both the past and present." On Friday, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed that Walterhouse’s new gravestone is set to arrive by early December.

"We are honored to play a part in ensuring this long-awaited tribute for a Union veteran who served our country. The VA deeply appreciates the extensive research done by Kendall and Mary, which made this possible," they said.

Mary McCormick, Kendall Peruzzini, and Tim Archer, a retired service-learning teacher

Tim Archer, a retired service-learning teacher at Albion Middle School, shared with Fox News Digital that the veteran spent about ten years at the poorhouse. Walterhouse had sustained injuries during the war and had also been held in a Confederate prison camp.

"The almshouse was a place where those without anyone to care for them would come," the teacher explained. "It was home to individuals with mental or physical disabilities, unwanted infants, the elderly, immigrants without nearby family, and the blind."

According to Archer, the Orleans County Alms House operated from the 1830s until 1960. Walterhouse was laid to rest in an unmarked grave within the poorhouse's cemetery, designated for those who could not afford a headstone.

Albion Central School District

For Archer, there were no better candidates for this summer research project than Peruzzini and McCormick

Archer had known about the cemetery for many years, but a recent inquiry from a Michigan historian regarding a Civil War veteran buried there reignited interest. He shared this research opportunity with McCormick’s mother, who works as a secretary at the school.

Albion Central School District

"I was confident they would excel in the research and be willing to participate, even during the summer."

"I had both of these girls as students a couple of years ago before I retired, so I knew they were dedicated students and exceptional individuals," Archer explained. After spending the summer researching the forgotten veteran, the girls successfully petitioned the Orleans County Legislature to approve the request for a headstone for Walterhouse.

Despite many records from the poorhouse being lost in a fire, they were able to uncover some key details about Walterhouse's life.

Albion Central School District

Historical Recognition and Education

Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, an education expert, emphasizes the importance of integrating local history into school curricula to foster civic engagement among students. He notes that projects like the one undertaken by Kendall Peruzzini and Mary McCormick not only honor historical figures but also teach students valuable lessons about responsibility and community service.

By engaging in such initiatives, students develop a sense of identity and belonging, which is crucial for their personal growth. Sahlberg advocates for educational systems to encourage similar projects as a means to connect youth with their local history.

Dr. John Hattie, an education researcher known for his work on visible learning, highlights how student-led initiatives can deepen understanding and retention of historical events. He notes that when students take charge of projects, they engage in critical thinking and problem-solving, which leads to greater educational outcomes.

Hattie suggests that schools should actively support such endeavors by providing resources and mentorship. This not only enhances students' learning experiences but also instills a sense of pride and accomplishment, as seen in the commendable efforts of these eighth-graders.

"I believe it’s a great honor for both Mary and me, as he deserves to be respected and appreciated for everything he did," Peruzzini expressed.

"I would love to see more people recognized… I truly believe there are more opportunities to honor other war veterans," McCormick shared.

"This whole experience has taught us to appreciate everything we have today. Learning about the almshouse made us realize how little these people had and how difficult their lives were.

It would be incredible for Daniel to finally receive recognition."

Albion Central School District

Archer explained that Walterhouse’s service to his country was "unique"

Archer also emphasized how valuable the project had been as a learning opportunity for the girls. "The poorhouse adds another layer of uniqueness to this, as these were people forgotten even in their own time, including a Civil War veteran who served his country in such a remarkable way for two years, only to be forgotten during his lifetime," Archer explained.

"That’s the extra element the girls have brought to light, and the community will truly acknowledge this if we can place the headstone."

"When students have the chance to conduct their own research and step outside the classroom, it can spark their interest in ways that simply reading from a textbook cannot," Archer explained. "Additionally, it gives them an opportunity to connect with community leaders, whether it’s through visiting the town clerk, consulting with the county historian, or presenting their findings to the county legislature."

Solutions & Coping Strategies

Honoring historical figures like Daniel Walterhouse is vital for fostering a sense of community and respect for our shared past. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist specializing in perseverance, notes, projects that require sustained effort and commitment can build character in young people.

Encouraging students to take on historical projects not only educates them about the sacrifices made by previous generations but also strengthens their civic skills. Educational institutions should provide opportunities for students to engage with local history, ensuring that these narratives are not forgotten.