Forgotten Civil War Veterans Honored with US Military Headstones

In a significant recognition of their service, two American Civil War veterans buried in Derby, England are set to receive official US military headstones on their graves. Samuel Lander Hough, who served in the 2nd New Jersey Cavalry, and Henry Nathaniel McGuiness, who fought with the 65th New York Infantry, have long been forgotten, with their graves lacking any official US military markers.

However, this is about to change. The US government has agreed to provide headstones for these two soldiers, as well as over 600 other veterans who died in the UK without proper commemoration. This development follows the tireless research efforts of Gina Denham, who uncovered the stories of these forgotten heroes.

Both Hough and McGuiness had fascinating lives. Hough, the son of a Derby wheelwright, joined the Union Army at just 15 years old, lying about his age. He was later wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg. McGuiness, born in London to Jewish parents, served in the Federal Army and was awarded a US government pension before returning to the UK. The two men became close friends and were members of the London Branch of American Civil War veterans.

On October 4th, the graves of Hough and McGuiness will finally be marked with the same type of military headstones found at Arlington National Cemetery in the United States, ensuring their service and sacrifice are properly recognized and remembered.