York Corporation employee Robert W. Zercher became a Ball Turret Gunner during WWII in which a downed B-17 bomber led to his tragic murder by the Nazi SS.
Memorials Archives
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park along South Penn Street in York was dedicated on May 16, 1970. That evening Boston Celtic great Bill Russell spoke to a gathering at York High, following an appearance at the dedication. It was a coup in getting Bill Russell to attend; he
Interesting finds associated with Philip Livingston monuments in York evolved from a common family history query. Two signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried in York, PA; native son James Smith and New Yorker Philip Livingston. Philip’s prominent monument in Prospect Hill Cemetery notes: “This monument erected by his
President George H. W. Bush is first cousin, seven times removed to Philip Livingston; a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Philip Livingston is buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery, in Manchester Township, York County, PA. I created this chart several years ago for one of my family history talks to
George A. Wood is the only York County African-American killed in action during WWI. His grave in Spring Garden Township is unmarked, although he had a headstone at one time. His grave was not marked by a small American Flag this past Memorial Day; I wonder if it ever was?
Ervin Sheffer is among the 24 WWI York County Veterans buried in Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France (complete list at end of post). Corporal Sheffer was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions in the taking of Hill 253 during the Meuse-Argonne region offensive, occurring the
In 1832 Phineas Davis built the “Atlantic” an improved version of his 1831 “York” locomotive for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. While the “York” was the first successful coal burning locomotive in the United States, the “Atlantic” was considered the first commercially successful locomotive; finishing its active life as a
The walls flanking Gate 4 of the York Expo Center contain the names of York County’s fallen during World War I. In this and subsequent posts, their tales will be shared from seldom-used sources. Harry and John Withers served in the same unit and fought side-by-side. During German shelling on
The walls flanking Gate 4 of the York Fairgrounds contain the names of York County’s fallen during World War I. In this and subsequent posts, their tales will be shared from seldom-used sources.
The funeral cortege of WWI veteran George Wood was escorted by fellow comrades as the caisson proceeded to the Catholic Cemetery in Violet Hill, just south of York, PA. This is part 2 of the post: African-American George A. Wood killed in WWI. The portrait of George A. Wood is