Hanover in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Mother Loses Two Sons to War

Photographed By Henry T. McLin, July 31, 2009

1. Mother Loses Two Sons to War Marker

Inscription. Mother Loses Two Sons to War - Within the span of one year, Elizabeth Hoffacker of West Manheim Township received the news of her two sons' deaths in combat during the Civil War. John, 24 years old, was promoted to corporal after being in the army for two months. Riding though Hanover, he was shot and killed instantly upon the first encounter with the Confederates on June 30, 1863. William was mortally wounded at Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia, May 12, 1864. The bodies of both men were buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Hanover, in a lot purchased by their father.

Americans sought ways to soothe their grief over a fallen generation. Hanover residents gathered each May 30 at local burial grounds to decorate soldiers' graves with flowers. A monument at Mt. Olivet Cemetery bears the names of Civil War veterans from Hanover and surrounding areas.

Erected 2009 by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, www.visitPA.com.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 12, 1974.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 47.827′

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N, 76° 59.268′ W. Marker was in Hanover, Pennsylvania, in York County. Marker was on Frederick Street (Pennsylvania Route 194), on the right. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 267 Frederick Street, Hanover PA 17331, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Center of the Storm (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Forney Farms (about 500 feet away); The Winebrenner House (about 500 feet away); Search and Destroy, Hide and Seek (about 600 feet away); Fisher Place (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hanover (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Nace (Neas) House (approx. ¼ mile away); Hospitality Before Hostility (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanover.

Photographed By Henry T. McLin, July 31, 2009

2. Mother Loses Two Sons to War Marker

Marker is in the center of photograph looking south.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,384 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on December 19, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.