Civil War Captain Who Fought At Gettysburg Honored In Nesconset

NESCONSET, NY — A new historical marker at W.S. Commerdinger Jr. County Park honors a Civil War cavalry captain who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg and later made his home on the property.

Town of Smithtown and county officials joined the W.S. Commerdinger Jr. County Park Preservation Society, local historians and community members for the marker’s unveiling on July 23.

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation marker was installed near the park’s main entrance at 2 Edgewood Ave. It recognizes George W. McCormick, who served as a captain in the 7th Michigan Cavalry during the Civil War.

The marker reads:'G. W. McCormick, 1838–1909. Civil War captain in 7th Michigan Cavalry. Fought at Battle of Gettysburg July 1863. Honorably discharged. Lived on this property.'

McCormick was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1838 and enlisted in the Union Army as a private in 1862. He rose through the ranks to captain and fought at Gettysburg under Gen. George A. Custer.

McCormick was later captured at Buckland Mills and wounded near the Rapidan River, according to the Town of Smithtown. After the war, he remained active in the 7th Michigan Cavalry Association.

He and his wife, Nellie, moved to the Lake Ronkonkoma area in 1901. McCormick lived there until his death in 1909.

“This 100-acre landscape, with its legendary trails, woodlands and waterways, has been pristinely preserved for the public to explore and appreciate,” Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said, thanking the preservation society

Preservation society Chairman Paul Albert appeared dressed as McCormick during the unveiling ceremony and discussed the veteran’s life and the history of the Edgewood Avenue property. Albert’s daughters, Paula Albert Franz and Sandra Albert Cassera, also participated, along with flag bearer Julian Franz.

Society Vice President Marie Gruick, who wore period clothing, spoke about the research and application process required to obtain the marker. Society President Ed Quaranta discussed plans to preserve the property as a destination for education and recreation.

The ceremony also featured performances by Ariana Franz Mele and student singers Jamyson Ochoa and Saylee Ruth.

Other participants included Norma Dispenza of Nesconset Living and Ann Smith and Evelyn Vollgraff of the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society.

The Edgewood Avenue homestead was built around 1810 and was originally owned by Isaac Smith and his family. It passed to Jacob Newton in 1816 and later had several owners, including members of the Hallock, Blydenburgh and McCormick families.

Walter S. Commerdinger Jr. and his wife, Elva, purchased the homestead in 1953.

The W.S. Commerdinger Jr. County Park Preservation Society now works to maintain the homestead and surrounding parkland while educating visitors about the property’s historical and natural resources.