Two eighth-grade students from Albion Middle School in New York, Kendall Peruzzini and Mary McCormick, have taken it upon themselves to commemorate Daniel Walterhouse, a Union Army veteran who died in 1910 without a proper burial. Walterhouse, who was born in Orleans County, New York, in 1823, spent the final years of his life at the Orleans County Alms House, where he was buried in an unmarked grave after his passing. The retired service learning teacher at Albion Middle School, Tim Archer, shared that Walterhouse had been injured during the Civil War and spent time in a Confederate prison camp before residing at the poorhouse.
Located in operation from the 1830s to 1960, the Orleans County Alms House was a place for those without anyone to care for them, including individuals with disabilities, infants, the elderly, immigrants, and blind people. Archer, who was contacted by a historian from Michigan about a Civil War veteran buried in the cemetery, presented the research opportunity to Peruzzini and McCormick. The two girls, passionate about history, dedicated their summer to researching Walterhouse, petitioning the Orleans County Legislature for a headstone request and waiting for approval from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Despite many of the poorhouse’s records being destroyed in a fire, Peruzzini and McCormick were able to uncover some details about Walterhouse’s life, including his injuries sustained during his service in the war. They expressed the importance of recognizing and respecting his service even so many years later. Both girls found the project interesting and consider it an honor to be able to pay tribute to Walterhouse and his contribution to the country. McCormick mentioned that the experience has taught them to appreciate what they have by understanding the hardships faced by Walterhouse and other residents of the poorhouse.
Archer emphasized the unique nature of Walterhouse’s service and the significance of the project as a learning experience for the girls. He praised their dedication to research and their initiative in taking on such a meaningful project. The interaction with community leaders and the hands-on approach to learning outside the classroom, according to Archer, helps students connect with history in a more engaging manner. He also highlighted the importance of recognizing forgotten individuals, like Walterhouse, for their sacrifices and contributions to society, even if they were overlooked in their own lifetimes.
The effort to honor Daniel Walterhouse has sparked interest in acknowledging other war veterans who may have been forgotten or overlooked. Peruzzini and McCormick expressed their desire to recognize more individuals like Walterhouse and raise awareness about the struggles faced by those without support systems. They hope that their project will inspire others to appreciate the sacrifices made by individuals like Walterhouse and learn from the past to create a better future. The project serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring those who have served their country, even if their contributions were not fully recognized during their lifetime.
