Two eighth-grade students in New York, Kendall Peruzzini and Mary McCormick, have taken it upon themselves to ensure that Daniel Walterhouse, a forgotten Civil War veteran who died without a proper burial, receives recognition. Walterhouse, a Union Army veteran who died in 1910, spent a significant portion of his life at the Orleans County Alms House, where he was buried in an unmarked grave. The two teens attend Albion Middle School in western New York and were inspired to commemorate Walterhouse after learning about his life and service to his country.
Tim Archer, a retired service-learning teacher at Albion Middle School, played a significant role in guiding Peruzzini and McCormick in their research about Walterhouse. The former Union soldier had been injured during the Civil War and spent time in a Confederate prison camp, adding to the importance of recognizing his service. The Orleans County Alms House, where Walterhouse spent much of his life, was a facility for those who did not have anyone to care for them, including people with mental and physical disabilities, unwanted babies, the elderly, immigrants, and blind individuals.
The girls successfully petitioned the Orleans County Legislature to approve a headstone request for Walterhouse, and they are currently awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for the headstone. Despite challenges such as many of the poorhouse’s records being lost in a fire, Peruzzini and McCormick were able to gather some details about Walterhouse’s life, and they are passionate about ensuring that he receives the recognition he deserves. Both girls have a love for history and found the project to be interesting and rewarding, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who have served their country.
Archer commended the girls for their dedication to the project and the impact it has had on the community. By allowing students to conduct their own research and engage with community leaders, the project has not only provided a learning opportunity but also helped to bring attention to a forgotten veteran and the unique circumstances of those who lived in the poorhouse. The educator highlighted the importance of moving beyond textbooks and traditional learning methods to excite students and foster a deeper understanding of history and the community.
Peruzzini and McCormick both expressed their admiration for Walterhouse’s service, highlighting the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans, even 160 years later. They hope that their efforts will inspire others to commemorate war veterans and appreciate the challenges faced by people in the past. The girls found the project to be enlightening and believe that recognizing Walterhouse would be a meaningful gesture to honor his service and remember those who have been forgotten in history.
The project to commemorate Daniel Walterhouse has not only shed light on the life of a forgotten Civil War veteran but has also served as a valuable learning experience for the students involved. By delving into local history and engaging with the community, Peruzzini and McCormick have highlighted the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of individuals like Walterhouse. Their efforts have not only brought attention to a forgotten veteran but have also inspired others to appreciate the sacrifices made by those who have served their country in times of need.