The Historic City Cemetery

As we stop here, we remember August Engel , whose story offers a glimpse into everyday life — and justice — in the late 19th century. In 1897 , August Engel brought a lawsuit against Fred Hamp , a local undertaker. The case did not involve property or money at first, but something deeply personal: wounded feelings . While removing the body of August’s mother-in-law from the family home, the undertaker made a remark that August found insulting during a moment of grief and vulnerability. Rather than letting the insult go unanswered, August sought justice through the courts. His case was heard, and the court ruled in his favor, awarding him $100 in damages . At the time, this was a meaningful sum — roughly equivalent to about $4,000 today — and it sent a clear message that dignity and respect mattered, even in moments of mourning. This story reminds us that cemeteries are not only places of loss, but also places connected to the lives, emotions, and values of the people left behind. A...

  Here rests Levi , a local man who served during the War of 1812 as a member of the 2nd Regiment, New York Militia , commonly known as Swift’s Militia . Unlike today’s professional armies, militia soldiers like Levi did not receive standard uniforms or reliable equipment. They wore whatever clothing they already owned— hunting shirts, frock coats, everyday trousers , and boots meant for farm work rather than marching. Weapons, ammunition, and supplies were often scarce, and many men brought their own firearms. Swift’s Militia played a vital role in defending the Niagara Frontier , a region constantly under threat during the war. Levi and his fellow militiamen would have drilled and camped at strategic locations such as Old Fort Niagara and Black Rock , standing ready to respond to British forces and their allies across the river. Though not always engaged in major battles, militia units were essential. They guarded roads and river crossings, reinforced forts, carried messages, a...

Side by side original to ai restored Co. H      The 26th Wisconsin  To survive seven wounds in a war fought with brutal weapons and limited medical care is almost unimaginable. Frank’s story reminds us that survival itself could be a long and painful battle, one that followed soldiers long after the gunfire faded. As you stand here, consider not only the courage required to face combat, but the resilience it took to return to it — again and again. Frank’s service reflects the quiet heroism of immigrant soldiers who fought for a nation they chose to call home. 

  At this grave we remember Oscar , a young man whose service to his country did not take place on a battlefield, but in a hospital ward. Oscar served as Chief Hospital Steward with the 3rd Infantry of the National Guard at Camp Alger in Virginia . His role would have been much like that of a pharmacist — preparing medicines, assisting surgeons, and caring for sick and wounded soldiers. It was work that demanded precision, long hours, and quiet strength. This service was not accidental. Before the war, Oscar had already begun his career as a pharmacist , and he willingly gave up a lucrative position to serve his country when he was needed. Tragically, it was not combat that claimed his life. While serving at the hospital, Oscar contracted typhoid fever , a disease that swept through military camps with deadly efficiency. He was sent home on furlough to recover, and upon arriving home, he went straight to bed. His mother , who depended on him as her only support after the d...

                                                                                              At this grave rests William , one of many young Americans who served proudly during World War II , preparing for a war that stretched across the globe. William was serving as a Second Lieutenant with the 3036th Base Unit in Arizona , where he worked as an instructor pilot . Rather than flying combat missions overseas, his role was to train other airmen — a responsibility that carried enormous weight. The lives of future crews depended on the skill, judgment, and calm leadership of instructors like William. While he served, William left behind his wife, Nora , and family in Tonawanda , all anxiously awaiting his return. Nora was herse...

       Otto Hintz was called "The man nobody knew too much about". Even now with access to so many records there is only basic info when it comes to his life before moving to the Tonawandas. He was born In Germany in 1842. That's about all we know.            In 1963 it was decided that during a memorial day service at City Cemetery that a rebel flag would be placed at Otto;s grave. It was such a big deal they had A representative of the governor of North Carolina come for the ceremony. A big deal of it was made of giving this man proper representation of his service.... but had they?      How could he had been a member of GAR if he had fought for the South?  The Grand Army Of The Republic was for Union veterans only. Could he have been captured and switched sides? It did happen... The answers were always right there in the census and military records of Private Hintz.       Somewhere, someone...

1895-1918 Our Willie the inscription on William Barron's grave tells a story all in it's own. One of a young man lost too soon and a family who sacrificed so much to defend the country they loved.  William and his brother Edward were some of the first young men in Tonawanda to enlist in WW1 in 1917. They were also some of the first Marines to land in France. They were proud American's and ready to defend the nation.  Both of the Barron brothers spent months in the trenches of France. Together they experienced the horrors of some of the bloodiest battles of the war. They always took the time to write home. One letter tells of the brother's guarding German Prisoners. Through it all they must have been thankful to have each other near. They were wounded around the sam time. Edward lost an arm to enemy fire. William was shot in the shoulder and his lung.   Both brother's found themselves recovering in the hospital at the same time. They remained strong and looked forwar...