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

Two mid-school students didn’t just do a summer project, they dragged a forgotten Civil War veteran back into the light. Kendall Peruzzini and Mary McCormick spent weeks digging through the history of the Orleans County Alms House cemetery, where Walterhouse was buried in an unmarked grave.

Here’s the messy part, Walterhouse spent years at the poorhouse after injuries from the war, and he was also held in a Confederate prison camp. The Orleans County Alms House, which ran from the 1830s to 1960, was basically a last stop for people with nowhere else to go, including the elderly, disabled, infants, immigrants without family, and the blind. Even worse, records were damaged in a fire, so the girls had to piece together what they could.

And by the end of it, they didn’t just uncover a story, they helped get a headstone approved for him.

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

Tim Archer had known about the cemetery for years, but a Michigan historian’s inquiry is what finally kicked this whole Walterhouse mystery into motion.

Once Kendall Peruzzini and Mary McCormick started researching, the lost records from the poorhouse fire made every detail feel like it mattered more.

Historical Recognition and Education

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.

And just like the argument over splitting the bill, friends refused to pay evenly after ordering expensive dishes.

He notes that when students take charge of projects, they engage in critical thinking and problem-solving, which leads to greater educational outcomes.

He 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."

After they found enough about Walterhouse’s injuries and Confederate prison camp time, they took the bold step of petitioning the Orleans County Legislature for a headstone.

When the request got approved, the unmarked grave in the poorhouse cemetery stopped being a footnote and became a real, honored place for Walterhouse.

"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."

Honoring historical figures like Daniel Walterhouse is crucial for cultivating a sense of community and respect for our shared past. The initiative taken by Kendall Peruzzini and Mary McCormick exemplifies how projects that require sustained effort can build character in young individuals. Their commitment to ensuring that Walterhouse, a long-forgotten Civil War veteran, receives a proper gravestone reflects the profound impact that such endeavors can have on young minds.

Engaging in historical projects not only educates students about the sacrifices made by those who came before them but also enhances their civic skills. The actions of these eighth graders serve as a reminder that educational institutions should actively promote opportunities for students to connect with local history, thereby ensuring that these important narratives are preserved and honored.

That unmarked grave didn’t just get a stone, it finally got a name people could say out loud.

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