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Civil War Veteran's Lost Legacy Rediscovered
The story of a Civil War veteran's rediscovery and reburial, highlighting genealogy, family history, and the enduring legacy of Black soldiers.
English
United States
Us PoliticsFamilyResearchLegacyMilitary HistoryGenealogy
United States ArmyCbs News
Sandy WillsCheryl WillsEthan WestEdie MooreWillis Wills
- Who was Sandy Wills and why was his story significant?
- Sandy Wills, a Civil War veteran, was buried in an unmarked grave for over 100 years. His great-great-great-granddaughter, Cheryl Wills, discovered his military service and spearheaded efforts to locate and rebury him with full military honors.
- What larger themes or messages does the story of Sandy Wills convey?
- The story highlights the often-lost history of Black Civil War veterans and the resilience of their descendants in uncovering and honoring their legacy. It also demonstrates the power of family history research and inter-family collaboration.
- How did Cheryl Wills uncover her ancestor's military service and burial site?
- Cheryl Wills's search for her ancestor's burial site involved extensive genealogical research, collaboration with a distant cousin Ethan West, and connecting with the Moore family, who owned the land where Wills was buried.
- What role did the Moore family play in the discovery and reburial of Sandy Wills?
- The discovery of Sandy Wills's grave involved locating an unmarked African American burial ground on the Moore plantation. An archaeology team was hired to identify the remains, and the Moore family was instrumental in helping to locate the grave.
- Describe the events surrounding the exhumation and reburial of Private Sandy Wills.
- The remains of Private Sandy Wills were exhumed and reburied with full military honors at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Memphis. The event involved participation from both the Wills and Moore families and local veterans.