Fileys Cemetery, Dillsburg, Pennsylvania
For nearly 100 years, the grave of union veteran Jackson Martin has remained unmarked. As a member of Company H, 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, Martin was taken as a prisoner of war at the Battle of Wilderness in May 1864. Together with his many comrades, the endured the horrors of Andersonville Prison in Georgia. Jackson was paroled in December 1864, and returned home a very broken young man.
He died in the poor house in 1923, and was interred at Fileys Lutheran Cemetery but for some reason, his plot was never supplied with a government marker – one that his service entitled him to.
Over memorial day weekend in 2026, the Society had planned to have a grand unveiling of his new headstone, but the wicked weather had other plans. While the ceremony itself was canceled, our mission was accomplished. Our motto has always been that, “The Only Way A Soldier Can Truly Die, Is To Be Forgotten.” With that, our aim was to bring his memory back into focus so that he may not be forgotten.
As we renewed efforts to recognize Jackson for his service and sacrifice, it went far beyond our own Society. We’d like to thank York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler for issuing a County Proclamation; State Senator Dawn Keefer (31st Senate District) for issuing a Senate Citation, and to U.S. Congressman John Fetterman for issuing a Congressional Citation – all in recognition of Jackson Martin’s service, sacrifice, and renewed effort to remember his contributions to the Cause. These items will be held in his file for educational and research purposes.
Julie Wheeler’s Interview on The Gary Sutton Show
The Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps Historical Society was organized in 2004 by August Marchetti and Justin Sanders.