Four Civil War soldiers were posthumously honored by those grateful for their service on Friday at the unveiling of a historic marker at Mount Calvary Cemetery on Summit Street.
At their gravesites, local dignitaries, armed services representatives, Boy Scouts, and a bagpiper recognized the four men who served in the Union Army between 1861 and 1865. Of the two soldiers born in Ireland, one lost his legs in the line of duty.
Hugh Gleason was drafted into the 140th NY Infantry at Wilson in 1863 after coming to this country as a youngster, said Cookie Butcher, who organized the event. Gleason was imprisoned at Salisbury, North Carolina, where he suffered gangrene resulting in the amputations of parts of both his legs, yet he survived until 1887.
Michael Slattery, born in Ireland, enlisted in the 105th NY Infantry at Lockport in 1861. He transferred to the ambulance corps of the 94th NY Infantry in 1863. Butcher said Slattery was wounded in 1864 near Petersburg, Virginia, and was discharged in 1865 for disability.
Michael Owens voluntarily enlisted in the 36th NY Infantry at Buffalo in 1861 and in the 2nd NY Mounted Rifles of Lockport in 1863. He was twice promoted to corporal. Owens died in his 20s the same year he was discharged.
James Morris enlisted in the 105th NY Infantry at Lockport in 1861, attaining the rank of private. He was discharged for disability and old age in 1862.
Speaking to those assembled, Butcher said, “I believe every person deserves to be remembered with dignity, and no one should be forgotten simply because time has passed. … These men answered their country’s call, and they deserve our respect and our gratitude. Their graves, along with all those who rest here, remind us that this cemetery is not just an old piece of land — it is a part of our history. Remembering them is one small way we can honor their service and ensure that future generations remember the sacrifices they made. … May this marker stand as a reminder that they, the four Civil War veterans and all who are buried here, will not be forgotten.”
Butcher and Ulrich Sign donated the sign that features the soldiers’ names.
Claudia Tenney’s office provided a flag that flew over the capitol for the occasion. Boy Scout Troop 40 and the Marine Corps League Devil Dog Detachment presented the flags.
Kathryn Fogle, 4th Ward alderman, said Butcher and David Darlow, a former Marine, have worked tirelessly to maintain the cemetery.
“Cookie started using a push mower,” Fogle said. “Over time, trees have been trimmed. This has been a labor of love for a long time.”