FORGOTTEN HEROES PROGRAM

FORGOTTEN HEROES PROGRAM

Honorees

For nine years, Civil War re-enactment groups have hosted events to recognize and remember various soldiers who fought in the Civil War, and six local service members were honored during Sunday’s program in Oak Hill Cemetery. Honored were:

Ferdinand Wellendorf: Born in Germany on July 2, 1842, Wellendorf came to the United States at age 18 and served in the Union Army from 1861-64, where his duties included working as a hospital nurse. Wellendorf was captured and imprisoned Aug. 5, 1861, and released 13 months later. Re-enlisted in 1864 and returned to Youngstown after discharge, where he worked as a contract foreman and a contractor. Wellendorf and his wife, Rachel, had eight children.

John Wellendorf: A brother of Ferdinand, he also was a prisoner of war and later married a Youngstown woman. Joined the Union Army six months after arriving in the U.S. from Germany. Re-enlisted and drove an ammunition wagon. Wellendorf and his wife had 11 children and owned a farm near South Avenue before his death in 1909.

Emanuel Guthmom: Was a member of the Confederate Soldiers of America. Later became a prominent businessman in the area.

James Johnson: He and two brothers, Matthew and Thomas, served in the United States Colored Troops. Johnson also sang in troupes that entertained at carnivals and traveled by wagon across the country selling tin before he died May 13, 1905.

Matthew Johnson: Was born in 1845 and fought with the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Co. A. Was often described as industrious and was known for his contributions to the local community.

Thomas D. Johnson: After his military service, Johnson worked with local architect P. Ross Berry, who trained him as a bricklayer. He and Berry were responsible for the construction of numerous area buildings. He also had eight children.