This Soldiers Monument, the first Civil War monument in Pennsylvania, was one of the sites visited during a walking tour of Fairview Cemetery, West Catasauqua, offered Oct. 22 by Stephanie Tashner and Karen Gensey, with Whitehall Historical Preservation Society. The monument was officially dedicated Oct. 3, 1866, and contains the names, ranks and regiments of 167 soldiers, along with the battles they fought. The inscription reads, “To perpetuate the memory of those from this vicinity who with heroic valor and noble patriotism on many battlefields fought for freedom and to crush rebellion.”

John Kane was the first Civil War soldier to be buried in Fairview Cemetery. His burial took place April 27, 1862, and attracted many people. More than 200 Civil War soldiers are buried in this cemetery, many of whom are from the 46th and 47th regiments.

PRESS PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA SANTO James W. Fuller was mustered in as sergeant of the 47th Regiment in 1861. He resigned due to illness in January 1862. He served only 70 days. In 1866, he formed the partnership of McKee, Fuller and Company car manufacturer. Fullerton used to called Ferndale but was named after Fuller when the industry took off.

Samuel F. McKee came from a wealthy family. He was shot in the face at the battle of Chancellorsville and was presumed dead; however, he was taken prisoner and treated by the Confederates. McKee suffered from dizzy spells afterward but returned to serve as the 47th Regiment's captain. Later in the war, he was shot in the back by friendly fire and died.

Augustus Eagle was a second lieutenant who served with George Fuller and Henry Harte in the 47th Regiment. An Irish-born man, he came to America in 1855 and enlisted as a private for three years and was soon promoted to sergeant, then second lieutenant. Eagle was honorably discharged at Berryville, Va., in September 1864.

Richard Ravenswood Piers was born in Ireland and served in the English army for 18 years. He enlisted as an orderly sergeant with Company B. After suffering from frostbite in Virginia, which caused his feet to become painful and deformed, he was discharged. Piers later worked as a watchman for Lehigh Valley Railroad and was affectionately called “the old soldier.”