Dear Friends and Supporters of CAMP, It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of another year, but here we are. This year has been marked by slow, yet steady progress on the rehabilitation of the Memorial Building. We thank all of you for your continued support of CAMP.
CATTARAUGUS GIVES
CAMP participated in Cattaraugus Gives Day on November 30th. It proved to be a very successful day, and we thank everyone for their generous donations!
ANNUAL MEETING
CAMP members met for the annual meeting at Top-A-Rise Campground in Falconer, NY on July 16. It was a memorable event for all those in attendance as a torrential storm descended on the campground as the meeting began. The rain, which was beating down upon the tin-roofed building, was so loud that it forced CAMP members to seek shelter in a small interior hallway to conduct the meeting in order to hear one another.
NEW BOOKKEEPER
CAMP has a new bookkeeper, Janice Rickermann. Janice has been a tax professional for 40 years, specializing in estates and trusts, and co-founder of Jae Tax, Inc. in Rochester, NY. Her firm also provides tax and accounting services to families, small businesses and corporations. In her free time she’s a self-described history huff, avid genealogist, whitewater rafter, and enjoys exploring New York State’s many wine regions whenever she can.
MEET THE BOARD
CAMP’s Board of Directors is made up of numerous hard-working volunteers. We’d like to introduce them to you in a new series, “Meet the Board.”
Jacquie Visker – Jacquie became aware of our efforts while working for Cattaraugus County’s Tourism Office, as well as serving as a member of the county Historical Advisory committee. After taking a new position with Chautauqua County, she joined CAMP, because she felt it important to honor our military service members and veterans, as the original purpose of the building was intended. She notes “…working with the historical advisory committee gave me a greater appreciation of knowing of knowing your local history and understanding the rich history our area has. It is important for us to have reminders of our local history and to move forward with the knowledge of where you have been.”
In addition Jacquie said that she “…thinks a lot about volunteering in this day and age when everyone is so busy and has so many things pulling them in different directions, it is vital that my generation, and younger, start getting involved in community service and building communities. The older generation has always done this but it seems to have gone to the wayside in my generation. Society isn’t always about the individual but rather coming together to share experiences and create spaces that will serve the community and also bring people together. The memorial building has those goals in mind and therefore it was the right fit for me. honoring those who served is the frosting on the cake.”
VETERAN PROFILE
One month after the bombardment of Ft. Sumter, Devillo McClease, of Allegany, NY, enlisted in Co. H of the 37th NY Infantry on May 15, 1861. While Cattaraugus County men hoped to have entire regiment of their own, the state’s quota only called for two companies. As a result, the two Cattaraugus companies (companies H and I) were mustered into service with seven companies raised in New York City, and another from Pulaski, NY. The 37th NYVI was dubbed the “Irish Rifles,” and participated in the Peninsula Campaign, 2nd Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and ended their service about a month and a half after their participation in the Battle of Chancellorsville. McClease appears to have served his entire enlistment unscathed and was mustered out at the end of June 1863.
After returning home, McClease pulled up roots in his native Cattaraugus County, and headed west, settling in Valparaiso, Indiana, where on September 14, 1864 Devillo and his wife Ellen welcomed their first child, Carry. McClease wouldleave them behind to once again enter the service, enlisting in Co. H, 151st Indiana Volunteer Infantry on February 15, 1865. The war was over within two months of his second enlistment, but he would not be mustered out of service until mid-September. The McClease family’s stay in Indiana was brief, and by the early 1870s they had returned to Western NY, settling in neighboring Chautauqua County, NY. Devillo McClease passed away on November 23, 1919 at the age of 81.
NEW WEBMASTER
In addition to a new bookkeeper CAMP also has a new webmaster—Karl Dunkelman. Karl is the great-great-grandson of Corporal John Langhans of the 154th New York, and son of CAMP founding member Mark Dunkelman. He is helping support the CAMP website https://cattcomemorial.org.
VETERAN BIOGRAPHIES
We are always eager to highlight Civil War soldiers from Cattaraugus County. If you had an ancestor that served from the county, we would like to add them to the “Veterans Biographies” section of our website. Please reach out to CAMP board member Kyle Stetz at kmstetz@gmail.com if you would like to have your ancestor added to the roll.
2022 ON THE HORIZON
A 2021 comes to a close we look forward to another year of progress in 2022. CAMP I always seeking active volunteers to assist our efforts in a variety of ways great and small-anything from on the ground maintenance of the site to behind the scenes work is needed. Since 2013, when the Memorial was slated for demolition, a small group of individuals have led and sustained the effort to save and rehabilitate the Memorial Building. Without these individuals, the corner of Court and 7th Streets in Little Valley might be a grassy lot today, but it is through their efforts that the ONLY all-county veterans’ memorial in Cattaraugus County, NY still stands. However, we need your help to continue CAMP’s efforts as we approach our second decade of work. Whether you’re located near or far, your active participation is greatly needed. What experience and skills can you bring to CAMP?
CAMP wishes you and yours a joyous holiday season! We thank you for your continued interest in the preservation and rehabilitation of the Civil War Memorial Building in Little, Valley, NY.
Visit the CAMP website: https://cattcomemorial.org Follow and “Like” the CAMP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cattcomemorial
Spring 2021 CAMP Newsletter
Dear Friends and Supporters of CAMP,
Since our last “Chronicle,” CAMP has been hard at work in our effort to preserve the Civil War Memorial Building in Little Valley, NY.
GRANTS, GRANTS, GRANTS
CAMP continues to seek funding for the rehabilitation of the Memorial Building from a variety of sources. In addition to your generous donations, CAMP continues to explore grant-funded opportunities to continue our work. In March CAMP submitted a grant application to the Preservation League of New York State for a Cultural Resource Survey, which would help to establish a “Courthouse Square” historic district to include the Memorial Building and adjacent historic properties. This could lead to future grant opportunities for the Memorial site. CAMP is continually on the lookout for appropriate grant-funded opportunities, and appreciates any leads in this sector of our fundraising initiatives.
STRATEGIC PLAN
CAMP’s Strategic Planning Committee worked diligently throughout the fall and winter to finalize a strategic plan that will focus the organization’s efforts through 2024. The plan focuses on three targeted goals:
Fundraising–In order to rehabilitate the Civil War Memorial Building with former Board of Elections addition, CAMP must build its relationships and seek philanthropic support through individuals, corporations and Foundations.
Membership–CAMP must expand current membership and explore new avenues to grow active membership, as well as promote CAMP’s rehabilitation efforts throughout the region and country.
Buildings— In order to achieve the rehabilitation of the Civil War Memorial site, CAMP will develop a plan of action to include multiple short-term and long-term objectives. In addition, when rehabilitating the site CAMP will consider and utilize environmentally friendly “green” methods whenever feasible.
SPRING WORK DAY
CAMP board members and volunteers gathered at the Memorial Building in mid-May for a work day to conduct some spring cleaning of the site. Many thanks to those that turned out. CAMP is always seeking on-the-ground help with routine maintenance of the site—if you can drive a nail, swing a paintbrush, or mow a lawn, CAMP needs your help
MEMORIAL DAY
CAMP members met at the Civil War Memorial Building in Little Valley on Monday May 31st to observe Memorial Day. Wreaths were laid at the site to honor the memory of those that gave their lives in defense of the Union during the American Civil War, as well as those in subsequent wars.
JAMES S. WHIPPLE, DEDICATION DAY ORATOR
By Mark H. Dunkelman
When the Civil War Memorial in Little Valley was dedicated on September 7, 1914, James Spencer Whipple delivered the main oration. (A complete transcript of his speech can be found under “Memorial History” on the CAMP website.) Why was Whipple chosen to make such an important speech on such a solemn occasion?
James S. Whipple. History of Cattaraugus Co., New York, 1893
James was the son of Sgt. Henry F. Whipple of Co. H, 154th New York, who was captured at the battle of Gettysburg and died as a prisoner of war at Andersonville, Georgia. James, who was born in Steamburg in 1852, was eleven when his father died. During his boyhood he attended the common schools in Salamanca, and as a teenager he apprenticed as a steam-fitter. As a young man he held a succession of jobs with the Erie Railroad in Salamanca—as a switchman, car dispatcher, office clerk, and ticket agent. During that time he was studying law. He was admitted to the bar in 1881 and opened a practice in Salamanca. Whipple was active politically. He served as Salamanca’s justice of the peace and police justice, and was elected to several terms as a state assemblyman. He was also elected supervisor of the Town of Salamanca, and
made chairman of the Cattaraugus County Board of Supervisors. He served briefly as a United States commissioner, was clerk of the New York State Senate, and headed the state’s Forest, Fish, and Game Commission.
James Whipple was, in short, a prominent citizen of Cattaraugus County with a profound tie to her Civil War veterans. As such, he was often called on to deliver addresses on commemorative occasions. He was a frequent speaker at reunions of the 154th New York and Companies I and H of the 37th New York. After he gave the main address at the 11th Annual Reunion in Randolph in 1898, a reporter wrote, “Mr. Whipple always has something interesting to say, and he found inspiration for flights of eloquence in the achievements of the armies and navies of our country in the Civil War.” After his address at the 16th Annual Reunion at Salamanca in 1903, an observer wrote, “Mr. Whipple is known all over the state as an eloquent orator, and he is never more eloquent than when addressing the old soldiers. He was at his best Tuesday, and the veterans present have rarely heard a more able speech . . . It was a splendid address, and the veterans showed their appreciation of it by frequent and hearty applause.” Whipple gave the main oration at the dedication of the monument to the 154th New York at Gettysburg in 1890, and the following day was called on to make some remarks at the dedication of the 64th New York’s monument. A decade before the dedication of the Memorial in Little Valley, in 1904, he accompanied a New York State commission to locate monuments on southern battlefields, during which he found his father’s grave at Andersonville. He wrote a lengthy account of the trip that was published serially in a Salamanca newspaper.
Whipple was one of the incorporators of the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Society, which led the drive to build the Civil War Memorial in Little Valley. As he was finishing his address at the Memorial’s dedication ceremony, Whipple declared, “As we dedicate this beautiful structure to the purposes for which it was erected, let us resolve to cherish the memories of the past with deeper respect.” Surely Whipple would heartily approve of CAMP’s achievement in saving the Memorial from destruction and our work to rehabilitate it.
James Whipple died in 1941 at age 88 aboard a train as he traveled from St. Petersburg, Florida to Salamanca. He is buried in Salamanca’s Wildwood Cemetery.
35TH ANNUAL REUNION OF THE DESCENDANTS OF THE 154TH NEW YORK
The 35th Annual Reunion of Descendants of the 154th New York Infantry will take place from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the Nannen Arboretum, 28 Parkside Drive, Ellicottville, NY 14731. The reunion program will commemorate the regiment’s first regimental reunion, which was held in Ellicottville in August 1888. On that occasion, the main address was delivered by Capt. Alfred W. Benson of Co. D, and a letter describing the regiment’s service was read from absent comrade First Lieut. John F. Wellman of Co. G. Both of those reminiscences will be delivered once again at the reunion. Dunkelman will read Benson’s address, and John Fadden of Verona, New York, a collateral descendant of Cpl. Orange J. Abbey of Co. H, will read John F. Wellman’s letter. All those that have an interest in Civil War history are welcome to attend!
Allen Williams, Co.D, 154th NYVI and family. Image courtesy of Cynthia Whited.
CAMP ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting for Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation, Inc. (CAMP) will be held Friday, July 16, 2021 starting at noon. The meeting will be held at Top-A-Rise Campground, 4267 Dean School Rd. Falconer, NY 14733-9742 (phone 716-287-3222)
The meeting will be held for the purpose of electing Board Directors and Officers of the Corporation; receiving annual reports from the Board and Officers; and for the transaction of such other business as may be brought before the meeting. Contact the CAMP website www.cattcomemorial.com for additional information. Anyone interested in CAMP’s efforts is encouraged to attend.
VETERAN BIOGRAPHIES
We are always eager to highlight Civil War soldiers from Cattaraugus County. If you had an ancestor that served from the county, we would like to add them to the “Veterans Biographies” section of our website. Please reach out to CAMP board member Kyle Stetz at kmstetz@gmail.com if you would like to have your ancestor added to the roll.
Guy C. Lewis of Farmersville, NY, a member of The 64th New York Infantry. Image courtesy of Kyle M. Stetz
VOLUNTEERS
Just as our ancestors before us volunteered to put down the rebellion, CAMP seeks volunteers to preserve their memory and sacrifice. The Civil War Memorial Building in Little Valley, Cattaraugus County remains the only county-wide memorial to the County’s Civil War participants Active participation in our efforts is the only way to sustain our cause to preserve their memorial. Whether it’s through membership, financial contributions, or on-the-ground maintenance, we need your continued support and assistance.
BOOKKEEPER NEEDED
CAMP is seeking a bookkeeper to record the financial affairs of the organization. If you or anyone you know is interested in taking a more active role in our organization, please contact CAMP president Tom Stetz through the CAMP Contact Page.
ONWARD!
As spring marches onward to summer, we wish all of you good health and an enjoyable summer. We look forward to updating you on our progress again in the fall.
Autumn 2020 CAMP Newsletter
Dear Friends and Supporters of CAMP,
Since our last “Chronicle,” CAMP has been hard at work in our effort to preserve the Civil War Memorial Building in Little Valley, NY. Most significantly, the Memorial Building has a new roof!
NEW ROOF
July 3, 2020 marked a significant date in CAMP’s efforts to rehabilitate the Civil War Memorial Building. A leaky roof plagued the Memorial Building within years after its dedication, and contributed to the eventual removal of one of the Memorial’s signature architectural elements in 1956–the glass dome. Water infiltration did not cease with the dome’s removal, and until recently, the problem persisted. Through the tireless effort and financial support from CAMP members and supporters, the Memorial Building received a new roof this summer! CAMP contracted with Top Choice Roofing to install a new spray foam roofing system on the Memorial Building and adjoining former Board of Elections Building. The roof work began on June 30, and was completed within the week.
Removal of gravel from former roof.
Spray foam application
Blue base coat, and white top coat.
Close up of top coat, showing common wall between the Memorial and former BOE building.
SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR GRANT
Towards the end of CAMP’s fundraising efforts for the new roof, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War awarded CAMP a $2000 grant. The grant application was made through The Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544, Department of New York. CAMP is especially grateful to Dennis J. Duffy, the Secretary-Treasurer of Baldwin CAMP for his assistance and efforts to secure this grant from the Sons of Union Veterans Preservation Fund grant.
CAMP WORK DAY &“WILMA FALL CRAW
CAMP members met at the Memorial Building on Saturday October 3rd for a fall work day.
Additionally, on the same day, CAMP participated in the W.I.L.M.A. (We Invite Local Manufactures and Artisans) Fall Crawl event.
DEDICATION DAY PHOTOGRAPHS By. Mark H. Dunkelman
A special event occurred on September 7, 1914 in Little Valley: the dedication of the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building. Chilly, cloudy weather did not stop a large crowd from gathering for the celebration. In a tent pitched next to the Memorial, 217 Civil War veterans registered and were given badges and dinner checks. Fifteen automobiles and the Little Valley Boy Scouts helped to shuttle the veterans, accompanied by 57 members of the Sons of Union Veterans and about 100 of the men’s wives and daughters, to a dining hall under the grandstand at the county fairgrounds, where the crowd enjoyed a dinner of chicken and sweet potatoes. At 1:30 p.m. a procession formed, led by the marshal of the day, followed by the Little Valley village board, the village band, the uniformed and armed Franklinville Sons of Union Veterans, and about 75 of the Civil War veterans who felt fit enough to make the trek. The Little Valley fire department brought up the rear. The other Civil War veterans were shuttled back to the Memorial by automobile.
According to an account in the Salamanca Republican Press, “Upon arrival at the memorial building the veterans formed in a large half circle and were photographed, after which the national emblem was unfurled at the head of the new staff on the building. The band played the Star Spangled Banner, and County Superintendent of Highways Alexander Bird [former first lieutenant in the 154th New York Volunteer Infantry] led the veterans in three cheers for the flag and the Franklinville Sons of Veterans fired a salute.”
- L. Harper of Salamanca took the panoramic photograph of the assembled Civil War veterans. The finished prints, including borders, measured 35” x 10”. Despite the small size of the veterans in the photo, the image is so clear that they can be distinctly seen. According to the Library of Congress, the panoramic photo format was at the height of its popularity at the start of the twentieth century. They were taken with special cameras, which were widely available in 1914, sold by Eastman Kodak and Sears, Roebuck & Co., among others. Panoramic photos were popular souvenirs for people attending events like the Memorial dedication. “Large group portraits almost certainly guaranteed many sales,” states the Library of Congress website. How many copies of the Memorial dedication panoramic photo were sold is uncertain, but only a few are known to survive.
The Harper panorama was not the only photograph taken that day. At least two surviving photos show the building decked out with the flags and bunting that adorned it that day, with one of the automobiles that ferried the veterans parked in front.
One shows a young girl behind the steering wheel, in the other two gentlemen sit in the car. Those two pictures provide the clearest view of the glass dome that topped the building until its removal in 1956. Did C. L. Harper also take those photos? It seems likely, but we don’t know for certain.
Nor do we know if Harper was the photographer who made a rare tintype that was given to me by a descendant of Private Ashbel Bozard of Company C, 154th New York. After being discharged for disability, Bozard reenlisted and served as a corporal in Co. A, 188th New York. Tintypes were out of date by 1914, making this image all the more curious. Tintypes presented a mirror image, so the reproduction here (below) has been flipped to correct it. In it Bozard appears on the right. In the center is Private John Anderson of Company A, 188th New York, and on the left is Sergeant Allen Williams of Company D, 154th New York, the regimental color bearer. The presence of the bunting and the bench reveal this image was taken on dedication day. The fellow in the background wearing the boater and trench coat is unidentified.
It seems likely that other veterans posed for tintype souvenirs on that September afternoon. Are surviving examples out there somewhere awaiting discovery?
CAMP PARTICIPATES IN “CATTARAUGUS GIVES DAY”
The Tuesday following Thanksgiving is Giving Tuesday, an international day where donors make an online gift to their favorite charity or cause. This year, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation has developed a county-wide initiative as part of Giving Tuesday: Cattaraugus Gives.
CAMP is proud to participate in Cattaraugus Gives, which will occur on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. For more information about this 24-hour online giving day, visit www.cattaraugusgives.org. Mark your calendars now to participate! You can donate to CAMP during Cattaraugus Gives online on our special webpage at: www.cattaraugusgives.org/organizations/camp
“MEMORIAL MEMORIES”
Artist and 154th New York Infantry historian, Mark H. Dunkelman has created an original work of art depicting the Civil War Memorial Building in Little Valley. Inspired by the Memorial, two aged Civil War veterans reminisce about their days during the war, remembering a friend that didn’t make it home. Stay tuned for ways in which you can purchase a copy of Mark’s work of art to support CAMP.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
CAMP is always seeking additional volunteers and active members for a variety of projects, tasks, and activities. Are you handy with a hammer, broom, or paint brush? CAMP can use your help. Do you have experience with website design/management or grant writing? CAMP can use your help. Can you stuff an envelope or push a lawnmower? CAMP can use your help. For ways to volunteer or get involved, send a message to CAMP President Tom Stetz at twstetz@verizon.net.
IMAGES, ARTIFACTS, MEMORABILIA
Do you have any images, artifacts, or memorabilia from your Cattaraugus County Civil War ancestor? CAMP is always seeking images of these items to add to our digital archive. Our website features a section of short biographies of Cattaraugus County soldiers, and we are always seeking to expand our “archives” of stories and war-time experiences of these soldiers. If so, please reach out to CAMP board member Kyle M. Stetz at kmstetz@gmail.com
TAKE GOOD CARE
This year has brought many challenges for all of us. As we wrap up 2020, CAMP wishes you the best of health, an enjoyable holiday season, and we look forward to our continued efforts in 2021.
Spring 2020 CAMP Newsletter
Dear Supporters and Friends of CAMP,
On behalf of CAMP we hope that all of you are in good health and good spirits during the current coronavirus pandemic.
Since our last edition, in late November 2019, CAMP has been hard at work in our effort to preserve the Civil War Memorial Building in Little Valley, NY.
NEW SIGN AT MEMORIAL BUILDING
In early December CAMP installed a new sign in front of the Memorial Building detailing our efforts to restore the Memorial. Thanks to all CAMP members who helped make this happen as well as to the Village of Little Valley officials, the Dwyer Program veterans, contractor Brent Moritz and Home Depot for their help and donations. The production of the sign was a joint effort between Citizen Printing of Allegany and Register Graphics of Randolph.
Left to Right: Gail Bellamy, Jim Taft, Jim Ried, Jessica Wilson(Dwyer Program Coordinator), Juanita Ried, Tim Higgins(Dwyer Veteran)
ROOF WORK
A leaky roof appears to have plagued the Memorial Building within years after its dedication, and contributed to the eventual removal of one of the Memorial’s signature architectural elements in 1956–the glass dome. Water infiltration did not cease with the dome’s removal, and to this day, the problem persists. As a result, CAMP has made it a priority to tackle this century-old problem by having a new roof installed as well as proper roof drainage. We have secured several proposals and bids for the work to be completed, and are making the final decision on the most cost effective, durable, and watertight roofing system. Thanks to your support, a new roof will be a significant step in our efforts to rehabilitate the Memorial Building.
A 2017 photo shows the condition of the current Memorial Building roof and pooling water due to improper drainage.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
CAMP continues to seek grant funding to assist in the rehabilitation of the Memorial Building. Currently we are applying for a Preserve New York grant. Launched in 1993, Preserve New York makes grants for historic structure reports, building condition reports, cultural landscape reports, and cultural resource surveys, and are a signature grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts and the Preservation League of New York State. Keep your fingers crossed, and stay tuned for news on this front.
SEEKING DEDICATED VOLUNTEER
CAMP is seeking a dedicated part time volunteer (15 hrs./week) to: coordinate Volunteer Development, implement and coordinate Fundraising Projects and to assist in Membership/Volunteer Development.
Email: camp202013@yahoo.com or call (716)-904-0333 to apply.
JUDGE OF THE ASSASSIN
The final section of each newsletter is devoted to an historical aspect of either the Memorial Building or a soldier to which the Memorial was dedicated. Truman C. White a native of Perrysburg, Cattaraugus County, enlisted as a private in the 10th New York Cavalry in September 1861. White rose through the ranks, eventually being promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He was wounded at Stony Creek, VA on December 1, 1864. Recovering from his wounds he served with the regiment until his discharge in June of 1865. After the war, White became a lawyer passing the bar in 1867, and by 1891 was elected to be a judge on the Superior Court of Buffalo in 1891. With the abolishment of that court, White took on the role of judge on the New York State Supreme Court in 1896.
On September 6, 1901, avowed anarchist Leon Czolgosz shot President William McKinley while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo—the president dying of those wounds on September 14, 1901. Czolgosz’s trail began on September 23 and swiftly concluded the following day. The presiding judge of the trail was Truman C. White. Czolgosz was sentenced to death by electrocution, which occurred on October 29, 1901 at Auburn State Prison.
Judge White passed away on February 7, 1912 and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.
Wartime image of White. Kyle M. Stetz Collection