These adventuresome black men used the military to avoid the overt racism experienced by the general black population. They thought that their glorious and victorious performance during the Indian Wars would win them equitable treatment and had no hesitation in joining the Cuban expedition. I found the roster of the nine companies of the Ninth United States Volunteer Infantry listed on a Spanish-American War website. I searched the list of 984 men. Private Johnny Sanders, my grand-uncle, was listed in company “M” of the Ninth Regiment.
This was how I found out why my grandmother, who wanted to be buried next to her brother, had admired him so much. He was a soldier and a man of honor among men of honor, and he must have embodied the best of the company he kept.
Article comments
1 - Ruvy
Horace,
Great read. I was fascinated and am jealous at the same time. I have my father's tools, his naturalization papers, and his favorite items, two gavels, a union constititution and Roberts' Rules from the days when my father was a shop steward.
But a sword? That is a weapon of war, a weapon of honor, and its successful user teaches his enemies respect - or sends him to the other side of the veil.
You are lucky to have this keepsake to remind you of your roots, and of what your family has given proudly to your country.
2 - Ted Mungin
Horace,
Now I know why our grandmother is buried next to her brother Johnny Sanders. I have heard your story about who the sword belong to but I did'nt know the rest of the story in regards to our grandmother revence for her brother. Now I know...good read.
Ted