Civil War hero honored in Derry
Jun. 8—DERRY — A local hero was honored during a graveside ceremony held at the historic Forest Hill Cemetery.
On Saturday, June 3, a gathering at the grave of William L.S. Tabor, honored the man's heroics while he served in the Civil War, a service that led to Tabor receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor.
The Methuen-born Tabor eventually moved to New Hampshire, enlisting with the 15th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry Regiment that took him south, fighting as an infantryman during the Seige of Port Hudson.
Tabor's actions and wartime heroics eventually earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor, but not until many years later, after he had come back to New Hampshire to serve in many capacities in local areas, including as a custodian at the Benjamin Adams Memorial Buidling where, at that time, the town's library was located.
Tabor was noted in many local history accounts as being the "retriever of lost books." He also served as a volunteer fireman and worked at a local diner.
His medal came in 1896. Following his death, Tabor was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Local historian and author T.J. Cullinane led the recent ceremony on Tabor and his military career and local life and has chronicled Tabor's story in his book, "Ready, Stay, Stay Cool!!"
Tabor's ceremony was held along with a Civil War encampment at nearby First Parish Church, along with other historical events and activities.
Tabor's family descendants attended and will be loaning the soldier's medal to the Derry Museum of History to put on display.
