Discover Peterborough’s Military History on a Walking Tour of Little Lake Cemetery

By Scott Arnold

From a soldier who enlisted in the American Civil War under his brother’s name to a local woman who rose to the rank of colonel, Little Lake Cemetery holds some remarkable stories of military service.

Col. John Wesley Miller enlisted in the American Civil War in 1861 using his older brother’s name because he was underage. After being captured at the Battle of Gettysburg, he later joined the Peterborough Rifles. His story is among those featured in Trent Valley Archives’ upcoming walking tour of Little Lake Cemetery. (photo provided by trent valley archives)

On November 8th, Trent Valley Archives will host its final walking tour of the season, led by historian Don Willcock, exploring the lives of Peterborough residents who served in conflicts ranging from the War of 1812 to the Second World War.

Among the stories is Col. John Wesley Miller, who enlisted in the American Civil War in 1861 while underage, using his brother’s name. He was captured at the Battle of Gettysburg before later joining the Peterborough Rifles.

The tour will also feature Agnes Campbell Neill, who served during the Second World War and rose to become Matron-in-Chief and a colonel, as well as brothers Harry and Heber Rogers, who were taken prisoner during the First World War. One brother was even falsely reported dead in 1915, though both survived the war.

The tour begins at 2pm and runs rain or shine. Tickets cost $20 per person, with advance registration and payment required. Space is limited.

Tickets are available at trentvalleyarchives.com/events, by calling 705-745-4404 or emailing admin@trentvalleyarchives.com.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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