MONTEZUMA - Few people are aware of the ties that many Cayuga County residents have with the Civil War.

People became aware of just how strong those ties are Saturday afternoon at the Historic Mentz Church.

Civil War Connections, a presentation that featured John Lamphere of Weedsport, portrayed the history of area residents that fought in or were otherwise involved with our nation's bloodiest war.

Lamphere, a retired lieutenant of the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office and a self-described “Civil War geek,” discussed the Battle of Gettysburg and other topics of interest to the Montezuma Historical Society.

“Many men from Montezuma and the surrounding areas fought at Gettysburg,” Lamphere said.

He explained that a local regiment, the 111th of New York, was recruited by Secretary of State William Seward.

“The 111th was extremely instrumental on two different days in Gettysburg, and a lot of those men are buried right here.”

Lamphere was referring to the small cemetery outside the Mentz Church, which dates back hundreds of years.

“Montezuma still has names - Smith, Helmer, Gary and some others - whose ancestors were all members of that regiment,” Lamphere added.

Lamphere said he has traveled to Gettysburg more than 100 times.

The Historic Mentz Church, which was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was erected by early settlers of the area prior to its incorporation as a First Methodist Episcopal Church in 1825.

In 2003, the town of Montezuma acquired the church, and has since committed to preserving and restoring it.

Inside, the sanctuary was adorned with Civil War memorabilia. Several remarkable jigsaw puzzles, donated by Society trustee Bob Melvin, depicted famous Civil War scenes, such as Lee's surrender in 1865.

Also in the church was a photo display of Charles S. Higgins, a Union soldier who is also buried outside the church.

In attendance at Saturday's presentation was Camillus resident Gary Spicer, Higgins' great-grandson. “My great-grandfather enlisted in Auburn in 1863, and he served with the 9th New York Heavy Artillery Unit,” Spicer said.