Morris County gathers, documents names of veterans who fought in U.S. wars
Historians are working to preserve Morris County's military history by compiling the names of veterans who have ties to the area.
The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation launched the project in 2012 and is soliciting names of veterans who fought or died in the Spanish-American War, among others. Their efforts were inspired by a World War II who fears "history will forget us."
"So many veterans have returned to the county after service and contributed to the building of their municipality," said Jan Williams, cultural and historic resources specialist for the Office of Planning & Preservation. They opened businesses, became teachers, physicians, etc., "making enduring contributions to this county no matter what decade their service was rendered," Williams said.
The wars
On Feb. 15, 1898 an explosion sank the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor, Cuba, killing 268 of its crew and sparking hostilities between Spain and the United States. Of the 200 bodies recovered only 78 were identified. Some researchers suggest that the explosion may have been accidental, caused by a spontaneous combustion fire in the coal bunker.
On April 21, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain, marking the first military conflict wholly fought overseas by the country.
"Veterans' histories add so much to the community that we live in," Williams added. "Quite a number of Morris County families have a history of military service going back generations."
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By Dec. 10, 1898, an armistice was signed that freed Cuba from Spain and left dominion of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines to the United States, triggering a second conflict known as The Philippine-American War. From February 1899 into 1902, American soldiers fought to suppress many of the same Filipino insurgents who had been revolting against Spain, losing far more troops in those battles than in its conflict with Spain.
Williams said her office has compiled several names from old news clippings on local sailors and soldiers who served in the Spanish-American war but they hope to learn of other veterans and documents about them.
"This was a notable and interesting era in our nation, as well as in Morris County, and we hope to document it as thoroughly as possible," Williams added. "We invite everyone to help us.”
Finding the names
Most recently, the office celebrated the 75th anniversary of the official end of World War II by releasing a list of 3,075 Morris County veterans who served, from Pearl Harbor to VJ Day. The document lists hometowns, medals, photos and other details.
The office is also compiling a list of names of former United States Colored Troops of the Civil War, Philippine War troops and WWI and WWII veterans. Names are added on a rolling basis.
The massive undertaking is done by gathering documents from a search of 20 major contributors such as local historical societies and cemetery associations, military archives, major museums and Pearl Harbor’s Naval Command and National Park Service to populate their lists. More than 20 families have contributed information on their loved ones and they expect more will help.
If you have any additions or corrections for veterans born in Morris County or who have lived in the county for 10 years, email Jan Williams at jwilliams@co.morris.nj.us.
Jessie Gomez is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com and NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: jgomez@gannettnj.com
Twitter: @jessiereport
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Morris County NJ: Veterans of US wars documented by name
