James O’Rorke, 92nd Illinois Soldier,
Honored With First Grave Marker
After One Hundred Fifty Years
A graveside dedication service was held recently in honor of one 92nd Illinois soldier who finally received his very own grave marker after one hundred fifty years. Before discussing this solemn, yet heartwarming occasion, however, let’s briefly turn back the calendar to September 1864.
The 92nd Illinois Mounted Infantry was currently embroiled in a brutal campaign through Georgia. The Confederate stronghold, Atlanta, had just been captured by Union forces. While members of Co. H, including Private James O’Rorke, were detailed on a foraging expedition near Mt. Gilead Church, they came under Confederate fire. Many were captured.
These captives, O’Rorke included, soon found themselves confined to notorious Andersonville Prison. For months, they endured horrific squalor, heat, and disease. Thousands died.
Finally, five months later, O’Rorke was paroled and placed aboard the steamship General Lyon. Sadly, this vessel, burdened with hundreds of paroled Union soldiers, burned at sea off Cape Hatteras in late March 1865. Hundreds were presumed drowned, and among them, James O’Rorke.
Now, let’s fast-forward one hundred fifty years, to September 2014.
The setting: Saint Patrick Cemetery, Rochelle, Illinois. (In 1862, this community and surrounding area generously contributed hundreds of their finest young men in response to President Abraham Lincoln’s appeal.)
The event: James O’Rorke’s graveside dedication service. Thanks to some diligent detective work by descendants of Private O’Rorke, James’ heroic story came to light, resulting in the first-ever grave marker placed in his memory. At last, James was about to gain recognition for his supreme sacrifice.
The attendees: a large gathering of family and friends, all eager to witness something very special.
It was a nearly perfect autumn morning. A gentle breeze wafted over the burial grounds. The sun shone brightly, warming the hearts of all who attended. The descendants who had contributed so much to making this day possible offered some appropriate remarks. Then, a fully-costumed Sons of Union Veterans group presented an authentic Grand Army of the Republic funeral ceremony.
A dedication service such as this honoring a Civil War soldier’s first grave marker is so rarely witnessed in the twenty-first century. Surely everyone in attendance recognized and cherished its significance. There we all stood with heads bowed, four generations and a century and a half removed. Yet for one brief moment, we were transported back to an earlier time in American history, a time in which our Boys in Blue received and so richly deserved our reverence and deep respect.
Indeed, James O’Rorke richly deserved this day. His life was tragically cut short, depriving him any chance of enjoying accolades of family and friends upon returning home. Yet, even after all these years, his family still cared enough to acknowledge his contribution to the Union cause.
From this day forward, anyone who visits Saint Patrick Catholic Cemetery and gazes upon James’ beautiful new grave marker will read the following inscription:
In Memory Of
James O’Rorke
Born October 1842 in Ireland
Member of 92nd Illinois Infantry
perished at sea
aboard steamer General Lyon
on or about 3-31-1865 after release
from andersonville prison.
In a much larger sense, we honored not only Private James O’Rorke’s life, but also, that of each and every Union soldier who perished at sea on that fateful day in March of 1865. So very much was sacrificed for the sake of Rochelle, for the sake of Illinois, and for the sake of our nation.
On a personal note, I would like to thank James O’Rorke’s descendants for researching his military career, installing the grave marker, and inviting everyone to share in this dedication service. Hopefully their marvelous efforts will provide inspiration to others curious about their own family’s Civil War heritage.
Respectfully,
Rob
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Van Buskirk
Finally Receives First Grave Stone After 108 Years
In May, 2009, I traveled to Iowa Falls, Iowa’s Union Cemetery, where I attended Memorial Day services.
It was a special ceremony. Among the honored dead was the 92nd Illinois Infantry’s very own Matthew Van Buskirk. He was originally mustered in as Captain of Company E. Within months, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership skill and was promoted to the lofty rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
What made this event so very special? After lying in an unmarked grave for 108 years, Van Buskirk finally received his very first grave marker – and what a grand marker it is! It was only through the perseverance of his great grandson and his wife that this historic event became possible.
Here’s our story, from the beginning:
As noted on the Main Page of this website, I have an ancestor in the 92nd Illinois. Attached to his discharge document is a statement listing the battles in which the 92nd Illinois was engaged. This statement is signed by Lt. Col. Matthew Van Buskirk. Because of this personal connection, I have frequently visited the site of Van Buskirk’s burial in Union Cemetery, nestled within the rich, black soil of north-central Iowa. Standing over his unmarked grave, I often lamented the fact that this fine soldier was not receiving the eternal recognition he richly deserves.
Then, quite unexpectedly, one cold winter day, I received an astonishing email. Van Buskirk’s grandson and wife shared the exciting news that they were in the process of requesting a grave marker for their great grandfather, who happened to be a soldier in the 92nd Illinois. And who was that great grandfather? None other than Lt. Col. Matthew Van Buskirk!
I had never met them. But after exchanging emails, we soon discovered that although we lived a thousand miles apart, we shared a common bond through his ancestor. In the ensuing months, they kept me posted as their grave marker application was being processed. Then came the exciting news – their application was accepted and a marker was on its way! It was to arrive in Iowa Falls in time for Memorial Day. Furthermore, Van Buskirk would be honored during the community’s Memorial Day festivities.
They informed me of their intention to travel to Iowa to attend this ceremony. I knew I must attend, also.
Never before had it entered my mind that some day I would actually have the privilege of attending the dedication of an original grave marker for a 92nd Illinois soldier. As an added bonus, I would enjoy the company of his descendants.
Memorial Day finally arrived. We sought each other out at the cemetery. Accompanying them were other descendants of Van Buskirk, including a great grandson and his wife and son. We had a delightful conversation. We stood together as the dedication was read. It was a truly moving and satisfying experience. These descendants are wonderful people who recognize and appreciate the incredible sacrifice of the 92nd Illinois, who deserve recognition for initiating the process of requesting a headstone, and for seeing it through to fruition.
Now, whenever I visit Matthew’s grave, I catch the sun’s rays glistening upon the newly-installed marble stone and proudly read the glorious message imprinted upon its face:
MATTHEW VAN BUSKIRK
LIEUT COL
92 ILL INF
JAN 1 1835
JAN 10 1901
Thank you to these family members for a job well-done! I will cherish these memories for a long, long time…