Waterloo in Seneca County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Scythe Tree
Specie - Balm of Gilead
Photographed By Bruce Kelly, July 1, 2019
1. The Scythe Tree Marker
During the Civil War, James Wyman Johnson, came from the field one morning, hung his scythe in the crotch of a small tree and said, “Leave the scythe in the tree until I return.” He enlisted in the Union Army, Company G, 85th New York Volunteers on October 29, 1861. He died from wounds received at Plymouth, North Carolina in 1864.
His parents, refusing to believe the report, left the scythe in the tree where it remains today completely enveloped.
In 1918, World War 1, two brothers placed scythes in this same tree; Raymond L. Schaffer when enlisting in Company F, 33rd Engineers, and Lynn E. Schaffer when enlisting in the United States Navy. Both men returned, but their scythes remain embedded.
Plaque furnished by the Waterloo Rotary Club
Erected by Waterloo Rotary Club.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 29, 1861.
Location. 42° 53.756′ N, 76° 54.538′ W. Marker is in Waterloo, New York, in Seneca County. Memorial is on Waterloo Geneva Road (U.S. 20) 0.2 miles west of Brewer Road (County Route 114), on the right when traveling
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Early History of Waterloo (approx. 1.4 miles away); Robert S. Duncanson (approx. 2.1 miles away); General Murray Residence (approx. 2.2 miles away); Memorial Day (approx. 2.2 miles away); Celebrating 100 Years of High School Education in Waterloo (approx. 2.2 miles away); Skoi-Yase (approx. 2.2 miles away); Bear Cemetery (approx. 2.2 miles away); General Sullivan’s New York Campaign Trail (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waterloo.
Photographed By Bruce Kelly, July 1, 2019
2. The Scythe Tree and Marker
Photographed By Bruce Kelly, July 1, 2019
3. The remaining tip of a scythe not yet completely enveloped by the tree.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2020, by Bruce Kelly of Perry, New York. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2020, by Bruce Kelly of Perry, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
