Civil War In Wayne County
Wayne County Honors our Civil War Soldiers
Three years ago, the descendant of a Union soldier from the 111th NYS Volunteer Infantry came to us looking for information about his ancestor. What he discovered was an untapped collection in the County of information, photos, diaries, and artifacts relating to this unit, and others that enlisted from Wayne County to serve the Union from 1861 to 1865.
Join us as we continue to explore the stories of the men and families and that were engaged in the "War of the Rebellion", the American Civil War.
Projects associated with this history include: the "True Valor at Gettysburg" bronze monument installation and dedication in summer 2026;
Articles about the 111th regiment, its soldiers, and many other 19th and 18th century soldiers from Wayne County.
Coming Soon. A Database of Wayne County Soldiers.
Names, photos, and service history.
The NYS 111th Volunteer Infantry mustered in on Aug 20, 1862 with over 1000 men from Wayne and Cayuga Counties. They were present at a dozen or more battles, including Gettysburg.
The bottom row, from L to R is Capt Holomus Dodt, 7th NY Inf; Brig Gen. Clinton MacDougall; Lieut. Roland Dennis, 111th NY Inf. Back row L to R is Capt. Edgar Heutson, 111th NY Inf; Major L.L. Rose; Surgeon Edwin Cooper; Capt. William Reid, Inspector General, 57th NY Inf. (Photo from 111th New York Volunteer Infantry, Facebook Page)
About “True Valor” Monument
There were nearly 1,100 soldiers in the 111th Regiment, drawn predominantly from Wayne County and neighboring Cayuga County. Many of the soldiers were young boys who, alongside brothers, uncles, and fathers, volunteered to defend a moral choice for personal freedom and national unity.
They would go on to fight in every major battle in the east, from the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, to the siege of Petersburg and the end of the war at Appomattox in April 1865. When the men returned home as heroes, little more than 100 of those who originally joined in 1862 were left in the ranks. Many more Wayne County residents served in the Union Army beyond the 111th, including former slaves who served in the United States Colored Troops.
The monument scene depicts an infantryman protecting a color bearer as he retrieves the flag from a fallen soldier. Two flag bearers who fell at Gettysburg are depicted — Sgt. Judson Hicks of Company A and Corporal Payson Derby of Company G.
The third soldier is an infantryman who represents the other 111th soldiers. Sculptor Gary Casteel used photographs of Hicks and Derby to create their facial likenesses in clay, to be ultimately cast in bronze. Casteel has created dozens of bronze sculptures, several of which are installed at Gettysburg National Military Park.
“This monument reveals the valor of local men who were willing to leave home to defend a nation. This monument may only depict three soldiers, but it actually represents and pays tribute to thousands of soldiers from Wayne County who have valiantly served our country, from the Revolution to current active-duty engagements.”
— Deb Hall, Executive Director
Wayne County Historical Society
Funding for “True Valor” and related events is made possible through a donation to the Wayne County Historical Society by the Isaac Mullie Foundation.
Soldiers of the 111th Regiment returned to Gettysburg and posed
with a monument erected there for their unit, among many others on the battlefield.
(Pictured on the left is the 30th anniversary and to the right is the 20th anniversary).
Civil War Inspired - New Art
Drawn in conte format (chalk on colored paper), Gary Casteel also created this limited-edition print titled "A Hero’s Burial" Click here for more info on the story. The image was created to capture the emotional weight of lives lost in the Civil War. 40 prints are available to purchase.