Photo credit: Julie Raupp
Trent Valley Archives (TVA) is offering a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts to explore the rich military heritage of Peterborough citizens with a special walking tour of Little Lake Cemetery. The tour, scheduled for Sunday, November 5th, at 3 pm, will be led by historian Don Willcock and will delve into the stories of local individuals who served in various conflicts throughout history.
The tour will have a special emphasis on the experiences of Peterborough citizens in different eras, from the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812 to the Second World War. Among the notable figures to be discussed is Col. John Wesley Miller, who enlisted in the American Civil War in 1861 under his brother’s name and was later captured in the Battle of Gettysburg. Col. Miller also joined the Peterborough Rifles to counter the Fenian threat to Canada.
Another key figure, Col. Alexander McDonell, served in the War of 1812 at Sackett’s Harbor, New York. He played a crucial role in the settlement of Peter Robinson’s Irish settlers and was involved in raising troops to suppress the Rebellion of 1837 in the Ontario legislature.
Participants in the tour will also hear the remarkable story of Agnes Campbell Neill, who enlisted in World War II, rising through the ranks to become Matron-in-Chief and eventually achieving the rank of Colonel. The tour will also feature the intriguing tale of the Rogers brothers, Harry and Heber, both sons of Richard B. Rogers, who were taken as prisoners during World War I. Their story includes an astonishing twist involving a mistaken report of one brother’s death in 1915. To uncover which brother was falsely reported as deceased and how both brothers fared in the end, attendees will need to join the tour.
The tour is the last of the season for TVA and will proceed rain or shine, so participants are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. Tickets for the tour can be purchased in advance through TVA’s website, by calling TVA at 705-745-4404, or by emailing admin@trentvalleyarchives.com. Given the need for effective communication, there is a limit on the number of participants per tour, and the cost is $20 per person. Registration and payment in advance are required to secure a spot on this engaging historical exploration.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
