Author / Historian J. A. Buscaglia

Author / Historian
J. A. Buscaglia

J. A. Buscaglia

Joseph Anthony Buscaglia

Historian & Author of, Finding Jonas Williams, Williamsville and the War of 1812, and Ancient Fort’s, Mound’s and Burial Grounds of WNY.

J. A. Buscaglia's roots run deep in Western New York, he found himself drawn to the whispers of history echoing through its corners. It was this childhood fascination that ignited his lifelong passion for uncovering the tales of Western New York's pioneers and the tumultuous era of the War of 1812. His expertise, primarily lies in historical research, with a focus on the early settlers of Western New York, the Holland Land Company, and the events surrounding the War of 1812 on the Niagara Frontier.

In his debut work, "Searching for Jonas Williams," Buscaglia delves into a mystery that has long plagued historians-the final resting place of Williamsville's founder. When human remains were unearthed in 1969 during construction in the Village of Williamsville, speculation ran rampant that they belonged to Jonas Williams himself. Yet, Buscaglia's meticulous research challenges this assumption, offering compelling evidence that Williams' true grave remains undiscovered. With divergent opinions clouding the truth, Buscaglia courageously shares his own insights, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the subject and urging respect for private property.

His subsequent book, "Williamsville and the War of 1812," unravels another chapter of local history. Amidst the chaos of war, Williamsville played a pivotal role, hosting thousands of soldiers and witnessing both triumph and tragedy. From makeshift barracks to the somber grounds of a military hospital, the landscape bore witness to untold suffering and sacrifice. Buscaglia's narrative weaves together accounts of heroism and hardship, shedding light on forgotten landmarks and honoring the memories of those who served.

In his third endeavor, "Ancient Forts, Mounds, and Burial Grounds of WNY," Buscaglia ventures further back in time. Inspired by the writings of T. Apoleon Cheney and others, he embarks on a journey to unearth the remnants of a forgotten civilization. Drawn to the enigmatic earthworks and burial sites scattered throughout Western New York, Buscaglia seeks to preserve their legacy and unravel the mysteries they hold. With reverence for the sacredness of these sites, he emphasizes the importance of obtaining proper permission before exploring them, mindful of their significance to both the past and present.

In his latest work, "The Garrison Burying Ground" In this meticulously researched account, Buscaglia uncovers the forgotten legacy of the War of 1812 Cemetery on Aero Drive in Cheektowaga, New York. Drawing from archival deeds, military hospital records, and rare photographs, Buscaglia traces the evolution of this solemn site from its origins as a burial ground for soldiers who died of illness at the General Military Hospital near Williamsville, to its quiet transformation into a historical landmark.
The book explores the cemetery’s complex land transactions, its ties to the Holland Land Company, and the efforts of local citizens like Col. John Bliss and John R. Evans to preserve the sanctity of the site. Through aerial overlays, eyewitness accounts, and poignant reflections, Buscaglia brings to life the stories of over 300 American and British soldiers buried beneath unmarked soil. With reverence and precision, The Garrison Burying Ground invites readers to rediscover a chapter of local and national history that has long been overlooked and to honor those whose names may be lost, but whose sacrifice endures.

Other Research by J. A. Buscaglia

J. A. Buscaglia delves into the historical context of the War of 1812, with a specific focus on military activities in the Williamsville area. His research centers around three websites:

War of 1812 Hospital Cantonment and Soldiers Huts at Williamsville New York:
This website investigates the location of the Cantonment, including barracks, huts, and a hospital. Clues from historical accounts and documents help pinpoint the site near present-day Lehn Springs Development.The hospital cantonment was not directly within the Village of Williamsville but in its vicinity.
War of 1812 Hospital Cantonment and Soliders Huts at Williamsville New York

War of 1812 Rifle & Artillery Cantonments at Williamsville New York:
This website explores the Rifle and Artillery Cantonments in the Williamsville area. Soldiers were housed in log barracks along Ellicott Creek, and the site likely included an arsenal and parade grounds. Major Mordecai Myers' account provides insights into the location, including a sally port leading to the nearby Long family graveyard (now Williamsville Cemetery).
War of 1812 Rifle and Artillary Cantonmnets at Williamsville New York

War of 1812 Cemetery (Cheektowaga, New York):
Also known as the Garrison Cemetery, it contains the graves of American and British soldiers who died in an American military hospital during the War of 1812.
The cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this historic conflict.
War of 1812 Graveyard at Creek Road

Upcoming Events & Presentations

Sunday March 22, 2026 @ 3PM

Williamsville and the War of 1812
Presented by Joseph Buscaglia

Joe Buscaglia will present on his research of the War of 1812 encampment in Williamsville, the Cantonment.
This presentation explores the forgotten history of Cantonment Williams Ville, a major War of 1812 encampment in the Village of Williamsville.
Drawing on letters, legal records, and early land-ownership, it reveals how U.S. Infantry troops built huts on private property, leading to lawsuits from landowner Jonas Williams.
The research also identifies the area in the Village of the Cantonment and a previously unknown War of 1812 burial ground connected to the site the lost Cantonment Burial Ground.
Together, these findings restore an important but long-overlooked chapter of the region’s wartime past

@ The Meeting House Village of Williamsville
5658 Main Street Williamsville, New York 14221

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=913244317764046&set=a.143813481373804

HOLLAND LAND OFFICE MUSEUM GUEST SPEAKER SERIES
DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026
TIME: 7PM
Presents: Joe Buscaglia, "Williamsville in the War of 1812"
Joe Buscaglia of Buffalo will present on his research of the War of 1812 encampment in Williamsville, the Cantonment.
This presentation explores the forgotten history of Cantonment Williams Ville,
a major War of 1812 encampment in the Village of Williamsville.

Admission is by suggested donation, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or [email protected] if you would like to attend.
https://hollandlandoffice.com/event/guest-speaker-series-joe-buscaglia-williamsville-in-the-war-of-1812/

Please direct all questions to: [email protected]