Henry L. Miller, Lost at Belleau Wood

He was supposed to be a farmer, like his father.  But when the United States entered the Great War, Henry L. Miller felt a patriotic duty to join the fight.  Henry enlisted in Co. M, 49th Infantry of the regular Army, on July 26, 1917.  Soon thereafter, he transferred into Co. M, 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division and began training in Syracuse.  Little more than one month later, young Miller shipped overseas.

Henry L. Miller was born in Perinton, New York, on April 23, 1895, but moved to Pittsford, New York, at an early age.  The third child of Charles and Reka Miller, he was their first son.  Three more daughters and another son, Norman, later joined the Miller family.  Dorothy, Henry’s youngest sibling, was just 9 years old when he went overseas.  She must have been so proud of her big brother.  Henry no doubt smiled as he received the packages of letters from his sisters and brother which sporadically reached him somewhere in France.

The letters Henry wrote home most likely inspired both pride and fear in his parents.  Henry wrote of life at the front.  He mentioned the six weeks he had spent in the trenches before being allowed a short period of rest.  He talked of going “over the top” of the trenches to pitch headlong into the thick, German artillery fire.  Somehow, Henry managed to survive.  Then came Belleau Wood.

On June 6, 1918, the Marines stationed with the 23rd Infantry sustained casualties of 31 officers and nearly 1,100 men.  The 23rd Infantry also lost many good men, including Henry L. Miller.  Four weeks after the Battle of Belleau Wood, the Miller family received official notification that Henry was missing in action.  It took another three weeks before Charles and Reka Miller were formally notified that their son, Private Henry L. Miller, had died at Belleau Wood on June 6.  Henry was buried in France and would remain there for three long years until his parents could bring him back to Pittsford.

Henry L. Miller

“Hero’s Body Arrives” touted the local papers.  Henry L. Miller was home.  On September 11, 1921, the remains of Henry Miller were interred at Pittsford Cemetery.  He was laid to rest beside his grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth Lussow Mueller.  The military honor guard that oversaw the burial were members of a one-year old American Legion Post known as Rayson-Miller Post 899, so named after Homer Rayson, who was killed in action in October, 1918, and Henry L. Miller.  This year, the Rayson-Miller Post celebrated their 90th anniversary. 

The Miller family of Pittsford has a proud history of military service.  Beginning back in the Civil War when Henry’s grandfather, Henry L. Mueller, fought for the Union with the 8th NY Cavalry, the Millers have had over 15 family members serve in the armed forces.  These Miller men have served in the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korea and in the Persian Gulf.  Something tells me Henry L. Miller would be extremely proud of such a legacy.

Picnic at the Polyandrium

Last week, my children asked to go on a picnic.  “Sounds like fun,” I replied.  So we packed up a picnic lunch and off we went.

“Where are we going for our picnic, Mom?  Are we going to the playground?” my son asked.  I couldn’t help but snicker.  Which child would be the first to guess our secret picnic location?  It turned out to be my oldest daughter.  As soon as we turned onto Golf Avenue she stated, rather timidly, “We’re going to the cemetery, aren’t we?”  I was surprised it took them so long to figure it out.

“You guessed it!  We’re going to Pittsford Cemetery for our picnic!  Won’t that be fun?”  The lack of an enthusiastic response hinted that perhaps a cemetery wasn’t their idea of a perfect picnic spot.  As we drove around the bend and parked on Maple Avenue beneath the shade of the large trees, their leaves swaying gently in the summer breeze, the kids perked up a little.  My original plan was to picnic by my Cook boys, Nathan and William, who died within weeks of each other in 1862.  However, their graves were in full sun so we settled in the shade just north of the boys, in front of the Knickerbocker plot.

As lunch and drinks were distributed, I told the kids about the time I met my Dad at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on Lake Avenue and how we lunched at the grave of his Uncle George.  That is one of my favorite memories because Dad really opened up and talked about his family.  In the Victorian era, it was common for people to picnic at cemeteries.  They would stroll the lovely grounds and picnic by their loved ones who had passed on.   It was not considered at all odd or morbid as it seems to most people today.

After lunch was over, we cleaned up and then made the rounds to water the flowers I had planted for Memorial Day.  As the kids fed the flowers, they learned a little about Edwin J. Armstrong of the 33rd New York Infantry and his brother, James, who was a brakeman on the railroad.  The graves of Buckley and Frederica Bacon were next, followed by their son, Lieutenant Colonel Howard R. Bacon, a veteran of both World Wars, and his wife Elisabeth.  I told my children about William & Nathan Cook and their young siblings – Charles, Hannah, Mary Augusta and Ella. 

When we got in the van and started out of the cemetery, a smile lit my face as I heard my little one say, “Bye Nathan.  Bye William!”  These soldiers will be remembered, not only by me but by my children.  Mission accomplished.

Poppies Blow Beneath the Crosses Row on Row

On Memorial Day, please remember the soldiers and sailors who gave their lives for our country. 

“In Flanders Fields the poppies blow beneath the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky,

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below. 

We are the Dead.  Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie, in Flanders fields

Take up the quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high. 

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep,

Though poppies grow in Flanders fields.”

by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

Pittsford Cemetery Tour – Saturday, May 15, 2010 – 10:00 a.m.

Pittsford Cemetery Cannon and Flagpole

Pittsford Cemetery Tour – Saturday, May 15, 2010 – 10:00 a.m.

 

As I prepare for my upcoming tour of Pittsford Cemetery in Pittsford, New York, I am constantly amazed at the incredible lives led by the people who lived in our own neighborhoods.  Today, few Pittsford residents know the names of Major Harvey E. Light or John Buckley Bacon.  Yet these men were instrumental in shaping Pittsford into the village it is today.

On this year’s tour, we will once again discuss Harvey Light and John Bacon.  The Ambrose boys will also feature prominently.  Their rich Civil War history is too interesting to forget.  We will speak of some new soldiers as well.  The stories of Henry L. Mueller and his descendants, who fought in the Spanish-American War and World War I, will be told.  You’ll hear of Monroe County, New York’s “most decorated soldier” of World War II, Franklin Clarke Retchless, Jr.

Our tour begins Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the Pittsford Cemetery, which has two entrances on Washington Road, opposite Golf Avenue.  Please meet at the flagpole.  Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for rain.  I look forward to seeing some old friends, and meeting many new friends!

 

Civil War Nurses and Cemetery Tours

The East Rochester – Fairport Post just published a story about our Civil War nurse, Mary Jewett Telford.  Check it out at http://www.fairport-erpost.com/yournews/x1526472626/Civil-War-nurse-remembered-during-national-Women-s-History-Month.  After spending several hours interviewing me and Wilkinson family descendant Floris Lent, reporter Denise Champagne wrote a great article highlighting the incredible achievements of Mary Jewett Telford.  Photographer Jack Haley contributed a beautiful photo of Floris looking through the Jewett family bible.  Thanks to Denise, Jack and the Messenger Post newspapers for a nice tribute to Mary.

My Pittsford Cemetery tour has been scheduled for Saturday, May 15th, at 10:00 a.m.  Additional information can be found on the Town of Pittsford website, www.townofpittsford.org.  Pittsford Town Historian Audrey Johnson will discuss the local notables buried at Pittsford Cemetery, while I speak about some of the Civil War soldiers who rest there. 

Greenvale Cemetery in Fairport, NY, is the location of my June 8th tour.  Additional information about the tour will soon be available on the Perinton Historical Society website, www.perintonhistoricalsociety.org.  Many of the commanders of the G.A.R. Post #211 post are buried there.

Exciting Illuminations to Come!

Although it has been over a month since I last posted, don’t think I am slacking off.  If anything, I am busier than ever planning more illuminations!

• On Wednesday, I will interview a World War II veteran about his experiences during and after the war. 
• Thursday’s agenda includes a meeting with the Pittsford Town Historian to discuss various research avenues.
• I’ve been contacted by a local author who specializes in archives.  He wants to discuss the possibility of co-authoring an article with me about the Civil War.  My appointment with him is on Saturday. 
• My tour at Pittsford Cemetery, co-hosted with Audrey Johnson, has been scheduled for Saturday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m.  I’m looking forward to seeing some of my old friends, and meeting new ones as well, as we delve into the lives of our local Civil War soldiers and other Pittsford notables.
• Another cemetery tour, for the Perinton Historical Society, has just been scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, 7:00 p.m., at Greenvale Cemetery.
• I am hard at work writing an article about Civil War nurse and Woman’s Relief Corps charter member Mary Jewett Telford for an upcoming issue of the Perinton Historical Society’s newsletter, the Historigram.
• Genealogy is a daily part of my life.  If I am not researching my Civil War soldiers, then I am working on the genealogy of my friend, Floris A. Lent.  Amazingly, Floris has many Civil War soldiers in her family.  She is also related to Dr. Robert O. Wilson, a Methodist physician who was in Nanjing, China in the 1930s during the Nanjing Massacre. Not only that, Floris is also related to Susan B. Anthony on both sides of her family.   Some people have all the luck!

In the coming weeks and months, many changes will occur on Illuminated History.  Although my heart remains with my Pittsford Civil War boys, I will begin to illuminate other local history as well.  My research into the Perinton Civil War soldiers will be shared, as will my interviews with local World War II veterans.  I’m very excited to illuminate local history for you, and I welcome your comments and suggestions.  Please feel free to post a message on Illuminated History, or email me directly at vprofitt@rochester.rr.com.

Illuminations

Thank you to everyone who attended my Illuminated History:  The Civil War Soldiers of Perinton presentation last night at the Fairport Library.  I was overwhelmed by the positive response, and the genuine interest in my Civil War boys and our Civil War nurse, Mary Jewett Telford.

Mary Jewett Telford, courtesy Floris A. Lent

It was a pleasure speaking with so many of you before and after the presentation:  Brian Burkhart, who is diligently tracking the men of the 108th New York Volunteer Infantry;  Herb Swingle, who created quite a stir with his connection of John Wilkes Booth to the Rochester area;  Gary Maybee, who shared with me the story of his own Civil War treasures; and Melissa Talma, who took the time to write me an eloquent email expressing her enthusiasm for my project and for learning more about our Civil War heroes.

The heroes illuminated last night included:

George B. Wiltsie, courtesy Jason Puckett

George B. Wiltsie (1837-1865), 4th New York Heavy Artillery.  Died of typhoid fever contracted as a result of starvation at Salisbury Prison.  Buried at Pittsford Cemetery.

Kingsley Brownell (1845-1924), 21st New York Cavalry.  Seriously wounded outside Martinsburg, WV and forced to ride 9 miles as a POW before being paroled 8 months later.  Buried at Pittsford Cemetery.

Major Harvey E. Light (1834-1921), 10th Michigan Cavalry.  Major Harvey survived the war and became a prominent citizen in the Pittsford community.  Buried at Pittsford Cemetery.

Mary Jewett Telford (1839-1906), Civil War nurse.  Served at Hospital No. 8 in Nashville, TN.  Nurse, author, suffragette, editor and charter member of the Woman’s Relief Corps.  Buried at South Perinton Cemetery.

Other Civil War soldiers mentioned during the presentation were:

William B. Lyke (1839-1904), 4th New York Heavy Artillery.  Captured, along with George B. Wiltsie, at Reams Station.  Died in 1904, age 65.

Kingsley Brownell, courtesy Mark A. Lannan

Albert E. Lyke (1841-1933), 4th New York Heavy Artillery.  Shot through the jaw at Spotsylvania.  Took his first plane ride in 1928, at age 87.  Died at age 92.

Edward H. Lyke (c 1843-1864), 4th New York Heavy Artillery.  Brother of William B. and Albert E. Lyke.  Mortally wounded at Petersburg.

Henry Root (c 1845-1899), 4th New York Heavy Artillery.  Drummer boy.  Drowned in 1899 after suffering a seizure and falling into the water while fishing.

Jerome Brownell (1843-1921), 108th New York Volunteer Infantry.  Brother of Kingsley Brownell.  Wounded at Gettysburg.

Jacob Telford (1833-1905), 15th Indiana Infantry.  Husband of Mary Jewett Telford.  Wounded at Murfreesboro, TN.

John H. Thurmon (1843-1919), 2nd Missouri Cavalry.  The only Confederate soldier buried at Pittsford Cemetery.

Harvey E. Light, courtesy Doug Light

Special thanks to descendants Martha Jewett, Evan Marshall, Clay Feeter, Floris A. Lent, Jason Puckett, Mark A. Lannan and Doug Light for supplying me with photos and information about their heroic ancestors.  I very much appreciate the services of Laurie T. Hall who taped the presentation, Charles Profitt as tech guy, Margaret Pilaroscia of the Fairport Library and Alan Keukelaar of the Perinton Historical Society.

There are many more illuminations to come!  Please check my “Cemetery Tours and Presentations” page for information about upcoming events.

Happy Holidays from Illuminated History!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and best wishes for the upcoming new year from Illuminated History!

2010 promises to be a busy year for me.  My Illuminated History:  The Civil War Soldiers of Perinton presentation for the Perinton Historical Society is scheduled for January 19th.  In the month of May, you will once again find me at Pittsford Cemetery discussing Pittsford’s Civil War soldiers and other local notables, with the date and time to be announced.  And I am working on a cemetery tour for the Perinton Historical Society to be given some time in late spring or early summer.  More information about these events can be found on my “Cemetery Tours and Presentations” page.

At this festive time of year, please remember our current troops who are serving in the Armed Forces.  I think of them often, wondering how much has changed since our local boys marched off to join the War Between the States so many years ago.  The heroes of today are still away from their families at the holidays.  They still suffer hardships.  They still need to feel appreciated for the jobs they are doing.  If you see a member of the Armed Forces, thank them for their service.  It will make their day and will let them know that they are not forgotten.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy holiday!

I Feel Dead People

“I see dead people,” I exclaimed to my husband.  I could immediately see the concern on his face as his eyebrows drew up and his eyes crinkled in slight disbelief.  After assuring him I was speaking metaphorically and that I probably wasn’t crazy at this particular time, he relaxed a little.  What I probably should have said was that I feel and appreciate the history of the cemetery and its inhabitants.  To me, a cemetery is an outdoor museum and not just a park containing headstones.

I can’t remember a time when I haven’t been fascinated with cemeteries.  When I was young, my Gram and I would go to Riverside Cemetery and to Holy Sepulchre to visit her mother and her sister, Nellie, who had died as a child.  As a pre-teen I’d ride my bike to the little cemetery near my home, buy a Coke from the pop machine at the fire hall across the street and spend time reading the headstones.  And every summer during my teen years, I’d head to the St. Lawrence River where my friend Laurie and I would walk through the Morristown cemetery looking for unusual monuments and monikers.  Now that I am an adult, my interest in these outdoor museums has grown and sharpened.

The conversation occurred as we discussed my upcoming Civil War soldiers presentation for the Perinton Historical Society.  What was my theme?  What did I hope to accomplish?  Why did I choose these specific soldiers to discuss?  My husband hit upon the theme first.  My goal, not only for the presentation but for my entire Civil War project, is to illuminate the lives of the Civil War soldiers who lived in our neighborhoods.  Everyone has heard the stories about General Ulysses S. Grant and General Robert E. Lee.  Multiple books and movies tell their stories.  But who tells the stories of the regular citizens who helped in the war effort?  The men who left their families behind.  The women who tended the children, balanced the books and ran the farm while their husbands fought many miles from home.

The cemeteries hold the keys to many mysteries.  I find comfort in the fact that so many soldiers are buried beside their loved ones.  It serves as a reminder that they were loved and remembered in death, as in life.  I feel sorrow for the soldiers who are buried in single graves.  Where were their families?  Did they marry?  Were they fathers?  The first time I walked through Pittsford Cemetery photographing the graves of these men, those thoughts occurred to me.  I felt a force drawing me to them.  “Our stories must be told.  We were important, too.  Bring us to light.”

I suppose I should have said, “I feel dead people”.  That would have been the truth.  So, while the soldiers I decided to discuss at my presentation were chosen because they were Perinton residents who had interesting stories to tell, they aren’t the only ones.  I will continue on the path that was chosen for me by the soldiers of yesterday.  I will tell all their stories, one by one.

A Salute to Our Soldiers of Yesterday and Today

Laying the wreath at Port of Pittsford Park on Veteran's Day 2009

Before attending the Veteran’s Day ceremony at Port of Pittsford Park this morning, I stopped by Pittsford Cemetery to pay my respects to some of my Civil War boys.  It is difficult to believe that the Civil War came to an end 144 years ago.  So many things have changed in those years and yet some things remain the same.  We are still losing soldiers. Although most of them are lost on foreign soil, thirteen soldiers were killed at Fort Hood recently by one of their own.  America mourns these heroes just as she mourns the soldiers lost in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Civil War was not our first war, nor was it destined to be our last.  Our great country has gone to war many times since the War of the Rebellion.  Spanish-American War.  The Great War.  World War II.  Korean War.  Vietnam War.  Gulf War.  War in Afghanistan.  War in Iraq.

Today I give thanks to those who currently serve, and those who have previously served, our country during wartime and during times of peace.

• Thank you to my Civil War boys for helping to shape our country into what it has become today. 
• Thank you to the veterans of World War II, many of whom I am privileged to know personally through American Legion Rayson-Miller Post 899. 
• Thank you to the soldiers of the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Thank you to my family members and friends who served –  my husband, U.S. Army during the Gulf War – my father, a paratrooper in the Vietnam years – my paternal grandfather, WWII Civilian Air Patrol – my maternal grandfather, WWII Army Corps of Engineers who served at the Battle of the Bulge – and my friend G. Jeff Hall, U.S. Airforce medic who served in Iraq during the Gulf War. 

My gratitude also extends to someone whom I have never met, my friend Karen’s cousin, Staff Sgt Nekl “Nick” B. Allen.  Nick was killed in Afghanistan in September 2009.  He served with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team and was a Rochester, NY native.

We remember you today, and we thank you for your service.