Brockport Rural Cemetery, Sweden. NY

Tower in 1995 (Excerpts from the Town of Sweden Sesqui-centennial Booklet - 1964)

One of the most unusual and certainly the most neglected monuments to our war veterans is the fifty-two foot sandstone tower known as the "Soldier's Monument." It stands in the center of an abandoned Rural Cemetery, just east of the new Owens Road in the Town of Sweden.

In 1882, the Brockport Rural Cemetery association was organized and incorporated as a burial ground primarily for veterans of the Civil War, who were beginning to "fade away" in increasing numbers. It was envisioned that this site might become something of a local Arlington with its more than twenty-three acres on a high knoll overlooking the village. A campaign was spear-headed by Horatio M. Beach, diplomat and publisher of the Republic, who conceived of the idea of an appropriate monument.

A special association was formed with representatives of the Cady Post, G.A.R., and work progressed under the supervision of Edgar A. Maynard. The stone was brought from Hulberton and the contract for drawing it was let to W. L. Conklin. Mason work was done by William Stevens and the interior iron work by the D.A. Morgan & Company. The dedication on September 1, 1893, was one of the grandest affairs ever staged in Brockport with several bands, entertainment of guests, orations and exhibition drills. In response to his introduction to the assembled audience, Mr. Beach reported that the monument association "has been incorporated under the laws of the State, and by the gift of the cemetery association on whose grounds it (the monument) stands has now a title to the plot encircled by the iron railing, and is made custodian of the land immediately south of it to the two avenues, for the free interment of all loyal soldiers who have died or may die in Brockport or the towns of the vicinity." A plaque was fastened on the wall just inside the door with the names of the association members.

When it was first erected the monument was a major attraction. The New York Central featured it in their travel guide over the Niagara Falls Road, entitled "Health and Pleasure on America's Greatest Railroad" - 1895. Thousands climbed the circular stairway for views of the countryside. The picture on this page (not available - the picture on right is from 1995) has been reproduced from the railroad bulletin and shows the monument with flag unfurled and surrounded by the iron fence.

Mr. Beach's death occurred on Sept. 21, 1898, and all incentive to complete the project went with him. Lightening set fire to the observation platform, the elements rusted away the iron spiral stairway, the plaque disappeared, the mortar around the battlements began to crumble. The stonework is so well built, however, that it may be another century before the old tower vanishes, sparing vandals or human wreckers.

A grass fire swept through the cemetery and destroyed both the chapel and the caretaker's cottage, before firemen from the village could save them. The cemetery vault also was destroyed.

Tower in 2021

Many lots were sold and there were numerous interments before the association became dormant and the grounds neglected. Thereafter, families sold their deeds and arranged the removal of bodies to other cemeteries, including Lake View which had just been developed. The remains of only three civil war veterans are believed to be on the premises: Daniel Castleman, John Ogden and Michael England (Editor's note: The name is more correctly spelled Engelauf), although there may be others.

In 1954 there were complaints about the hazards of the crumbling tower, and a a hearing was conducted by the Town Board. They asked that some patriotic group come forward with a plan of restoration, but there was little response.

In 1960 the issue again became paramount when the Owens-Illinois plant was erected, and desired a five-acre parcel of the old cemetery land. To meet legal requirements, the old Rural Cemetery Association was reactivated and the desired land conveyed with the assurance that this section did not have and never did have any graves upon it.

The tiny cemetery is about halfway up the hill to the monument on the north side of the path.

It is not sure if more veterans were buried in here and later removed. There isn't a tombstone for Pvt. David Ogden. The report of David Castleman being buried here is probably wrong as one of the two tombstones is instead for William H. Castleman. William died Nov. 17, 1897 at aged 42 years.

The other tombstone is for Michael Engelauf (not England) who was born in Baden, Germany. The inscription on the tombstone says he was born July 4, 1822 and died Feb. 11, 1879. On another side of his tombstone is his wife, Christine Engelauf. It gives her birth as June 22, 1821 but no death date is inscribed. Further research has her born as Christine Walmier or Waldmere in Württemberg, Germany. Her death certificate says that she died in Brockport on April 10, 1900 and she was, and probably still is, buried in this cemetery.

The tower was designed by Brooklyn architect Clarence Birdsall, who designed several monuments at Gettysburg. Sandstone for the tower was delivered by barge down the nearby Erie Canal. The window bars, doors and window hardware and interior circular stairway were made of iron provided by the Morgan foundry of Brockport.

In the 1990s the Soldiers' Memorial Tower Committee was formed to restore and preserve the tower, and to develop the surrounding 17 acres for community use. The tower has been listed in the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places, and acknowledged by the Town of Sweden as a historic site. In 1994, a celebration was held to mark the 100^th anniversary, and to rededicate the tower to ALL veterans. A list of all the Civil War veteran from the Town of Sweden is below.

The tower was partially restored but the missing top portion was not replaced. No spiral staircase was added back inside. An old iron fence surrounding the tower was repaired. Then in 2019 a historical marker was installed.

Access to the cemetery and the tower is from the parking lot of Brockport Fire District building at 80 Owens Road. Then follow the path eastward up the hill.

Rededicated in 1994 to those from the Town of Sweden who fought for the Union during the American Civil War:

Adkins, Robert; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Allen, David W; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Armstrong, Charles B.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Ashley, Lucius W.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY

Bangs, Edward; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Bante, William C.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Barnes, Issac Jr.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Barnhardt, John; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY
Barre, Fredrick; 1Lt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Barre, George H.; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Beedle, Almon; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Beedle, James; Sgt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Beedle, Randle; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Bendel, William
Bennett, James; Pvt., Co H, 105^th NY
Berry, James
Berry, Robert
Billington, Edward H.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd Cav
Blain, James B.
Boop, George
Borrodale, William M.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Bourne, George; Pvt., 94^th Regiment?
Bowen, George; Pvt., Co F, 8^th NY Cav
Bowles, James; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Bowles, William; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd Cav
Bowman, Samuel
Boyd, Andrew; 2Lt., Co C, 108^th NY
Brewer, James; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Brockway, Hiel; 2Lt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Brockway, Lorenzo; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Brower, Samuel; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Brown, DDS; Major
Brown, George G.; Pvt., Co K, 8^th NY Cav
Browne, George
Brownyar, Joseph; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Buchanan, John; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Buckley, Thomas; Sgt., GCdts, 140^th NY
Burch, Albert; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Burns, John A.; Pvt., Co D, 140^th NY
Burroughs, Augustus; Pvt., Co A, 13^th NY
Butler, Jewett
Butler, David J. Co H, 21^st Cav

Cain, Patrick; Pvt., Co F, 105^th NY
Cladwell, James; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd Cav
Cladwell, William; Pvt., Co G, 151^st Regiment?
Carrington, Eugene; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Caswell, C.E.
Chapman, Franklin; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Chase, Oscar; Pvt., Co F, 105^th NY
Church, Orin; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Church, Samuel; BlackSmith, Co K, 8^th NY Cav
Clark, Edward; 2Lt., Co K, 13^th NY
Clark, Francis, T.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Close, Thomas; Pvt., Co F, 105^th NY
Clow, Edward
Coats, Cornelious; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Coats, Francis; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Coats, Martin; Pvt., Co H, 21^st Cav
Colen, John; Pvt., Co H, 21^st Cav
Collins, Patrick; Pvt., Co G, 105^th NY
Comstock, Henry; Pvt., Co F, 108^th NY Cav
Conklin, W. L.; Pvt., Co H, 108^th NY Cav
Connor, Thomas; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Connor, Wesley, W.; Captain, Co K, 13^th NY
Cook, W. C.
Cooley, Franklin; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Cooley, Herbert A.
Coon, George W.; Pvt., Co A, 13^th NY
Cooney, James; Pvt., Co C, 4^th NY Art
Cooper, John; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Copeland, Andrew; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Cornes, James P.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd Cav
Cotter, Edward; Dvr, Co C, 108^th NY
Courtney, Lewis B.; Sgt., Co A, 140^th NY
Coward, Richard; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Coy, Levi; Sgt., Co C, 108^th NY

Dailey, A.D.
Dauchy, Orville; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Davis, Daniel
Davis, Waterman
Day, Edwin Y.; Pvt., Co G, 140^th NY
Dayton, Edwin A.; Major, 105^th NY
Dean, John; Sgt., 151^st Regiment?
Dean, T.S.
Deyo, Harry
Dingman, George W.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Dodge, Frank E.; Pvt., Co F, 105^th NY
Dodge, John; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Dolph, Francis G.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd Cav
Dolph, John W.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd Cav
Doran, Barney; Pvt., Co G, 105^th NY
Doty, Orin; Pvt., Co F, 105^th NY
Draper, Duane
Draper, Jerome; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Dudley, George W.; Pvt., Co D, 1^st US Vol Cav
Dunham, A; Pvt., Co B, 2^nd Mass Hvy Art
DuPlanty, Albert; Pvt., Co D, 13^th NY

Ebler, Edward; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Edmonds, James; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Edwards, Charles D.
Edwards, Franklin; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Effner, B. C.; 1Lt., 8^th NY Cav
Eggleston, George W.

Farnham, John T.; Pvt., 6^th Co, Sharpshooters
Flynn, Patrick; Cpl., Co A, 140^th NY
Fordham, Milton; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Fosbender, Frederick; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Fox, Michael; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Freeman, Philander; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Frost, S. P.
Fuller, Eugene P.; Cpt., 108^th NY
Fuller, Herbert; Sgt., Co K, 13^th NY

Gardner, Walton
Gartley, Charles
Genther, George; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Gifford, Jerome; Pvt., Co K, 108^th NY
Gillespie, Isaac
Gommell, Henry; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY
Goodell, E. H.
Gordon, Robert J.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Green, Darwin; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Green, Henry; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Gridley, George E.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Griffin, Charles H.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Grunwell, Joseph; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Guelph, Peter
Guyon, Francis; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY

Hack, William; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Hallenbeck, J.
Halstead, Caleb
Hammond, Henry C.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Harris, Harvey; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Hartigan, Mathew; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY
Harvey, Thomas; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY
Hart, Ezra Y.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Haley, John; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Hewitt, Thomas; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Himes, Daniel
Hinman, Byron; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Holbrook, Silas H.
Hollenbeck, Chester
Holmes, Homer
Holmes, Ira; Captain, Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Hopkins, James D.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Hopkins, Robert; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Hoskins, John
Howard, Lucius A.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Howard,Orville L.; Capt., Co M, #rd NY Cav
Howes, George; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Hoyt, George; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Hunt, Marrryatt; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY
Hyler, Thomas A.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav

Jenner, Charles H.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Joslyn, William H.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY

Kelly, William; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Ketchum, Byron C.
King, T.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Knowtton, Eli S.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav

LaDue, James; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Langdon, Harvey; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Larkin, James W.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Lathrop, Henry; Pvt., Co E, 8^th NY Cav
Lawler, Peter
Leeper, Joseph M.; Captain, Co A, 140^th NY
Losee, Edward
Luce, Oscar C.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Lynd, John A.

Mann, William B.
Markey, Thomas; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Mason, C. H.
Maxon, George; Pvt., 105^th NY
Maybee, David
Maynard, Edgar
McBride, Edward; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
McCarty, John; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
McCullough, Albert; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
McDonald, William C.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
McIntyre, William; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
McKee, Robert; Pvt., Co G, 105^th NY
McKinney, John; Pvt., 3^rd NY Cav
Meinhardt, Peter; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Merritt, Allen W.
Millard, William
Miller, Chris
Miller, Spencer; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Minot, Bartlet; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Minot, James; Pvt., CO A, 140^th NY
Mockford, William S.
Mirch, Hiram; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Moffat, Thomas
Monroe, James; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Moore, Abram; Pvt., Co F, 105^th NY
Morehouse, Alonzo; H.S., Co A, 140^th NY
Morgan, Charles; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Mosher, Amos; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY
Mowers, Henery; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Mowers, John; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Mullen, Alexander
Mulvaney, James; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY

Nelson, Charles W.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Newel, Joseph; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Newel, Robert
Nichols, Henery H.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Nobles, George A.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY

O'Brien, Patrick; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
O'Brien, Thomas; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY
Ogden, Frank; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Osborn, Stephen; Pvt., Co H, 21^st NY Cav

Page, Thomas; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Parker, William J.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Peachy, Charles; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Peachy, Noah; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Pear, Peter L.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Pease, George R.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Peck, Erastus
Perry, Charles A.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Perry, Joseph A.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Peterson, William H.
Pierce, Darwin; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Pond, Nathan; Captain. Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Purcell, Edward; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY

Raymond, Almond; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Reed, Jay F.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Richardson, David; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Richardson, John W.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Robinson, John; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Rockafellow, George W.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Rodgers, Joseph; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Rodgers, Thomas; Pvt., Co K, 140^th NY
Rood, Benjamin
Root, Charles W.; Sgt., Co A, 140^th NY
Root, Reuben; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Rosevelt, George; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Rowan, John
Rowe, George H. Sr.; Pvt., Co G, 15^th U.S. Volunteers

Sanford, Joseph; Pvt., Co C, 13^th NY
Sanford, Willard; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Saunders, Rowland; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Schouton, Henry W.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Secor, Orlando; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Sedgwick, Franklin; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Shannon, Richard
Shaw, Patrick; Pvt., Co H, 21^st NY Cav
Sheffield, Thomas; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Shelton, Hunt; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Shorey, Wilber; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY
Simmons, A. C.
Sloan, David; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Sloan, James; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Sloan, Robert; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Sloan, William; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Smith, Edward; 1Lt., Co K, 98^th NY
Snyder, Albert; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Snyder, John B.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Soules, Alonzo J.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Soules, George H.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Soules, Jebediah; Cpl., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Soules, Joel H.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Spartin, Alanson; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Spears, John W.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Spring, Charles E.; Pvt., Co C, 108^th NY
Stafford, Stephen R.
Starks, Milo L.; Major, Co A, 140^th NY
Steves, John W.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Stoddard, Wesley; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Straight, William
Stone, Elephas
Stuphen, John

Taylor, Charles L.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Taylor, Edwin; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Taylor, Herbert C.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Thomas, Henery; Captain, Co A, 140^th NY
Thomas, Horace J.; Capt., Co A, 140^th NY
Thompson, Joseph
Toofe, Samuel; Pvt., , 6^th Cav
Tozer, James; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav

Vanderhoef, J. B.; Pvt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
VanTine, Chester W.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Vayo, Charles; Pvt., Co k, 13^th NY

Ward, George
Ward, Dwight
Warren, Charles; 2Lt., Co H, 8^th NY Cav
Webb, Charles M.; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Webb, Frank J.
Webb, William C.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Webster, Jerome; Pvt., Co C, 22^nd NY Cav
Whipple, T. B.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Whitney, George W.
Williams, George H.; Pvt., Co K, 13^th NY
Wilson, John; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY
Wood, Enos B.; Pvt., Co M, 3^rd NY Cav
Wright, George A.; Pvt., Co A, 140^th NY