Cheryl Wills, an anchor for Spectrum News NY1, recently led a 15-year search to locate the unmarked grave of her great-great-great-grandfather, Sandy Willis, a veteran of the Civil War. Willis, who escaped slavery to join the United States Colored Troops in 1863, was finally given a military burial to honor his service. With the help of professional genealogists and archeologists, Wills was able to locate Sandy’s grave in Tennessee after discovering that he had not been properly honored by his country.
Wills began her investigation into Sandy’s background in 2009, feeling compelled to honor his service after realizing he had not received the recognition he deserved. After enlisting the help of genealogists and researching historic documents in the National Archive, Wills was able to trace Sandy’s grave site to a plantation in Brownsville, Tennessee. The same family that owned the plantation at the time still owned the land where Sandy was buried.
In 2017, Wills was granted permission by the family who owned the plantation to visit the property where Sandy and other former slaves were buried. A team of archeologists excavated his grave and confirmed his remains, revealing that Sandy stood at 5’9 and died at the age of 50. After a thorough investigation, the US military confirmed Sandy’s service, and he was laid to rest at a military cemetery on August 10, surrounded by relatives.
The emotional journey of uncovering Sandy Willis’ story culminated in a fitting military burial for the veteran, including the placement of a flag on his headstone for the first time in honor of Veterans Day. Sandy, who was sold into slavery as a 10-year-old boy before escaping and enlisting in the United States Colored Troops, was finally given the respect and recognition he deserved for his service and sacrifice. Wills expressed her pride in Sandy’s service and determination to ensure he was properly honored.
The process of locating Sandy Willis’ unmarked grave and uncovering his story was a long and challenging one for Cheryl Wills, who dedicated 15 years to honoring her ancestor’s memory. Through perseverance and determination, Wills was able to bring justice to Sandy’s legacy and ensure that he received a proper military burial. The emotional journey of discovering Sandy’s story and finally giving him the recognition he deserved is a testament to the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices of all veterans, regardless of race or background.
Sandy Willis’ story serves as a reminder of the often overlooked contributions of black soldiers in American history, particularly during the Civil War. His escape from slavery and service in the United States Colored Troops highlight the bravery and resilience of African American soldiers who fought for freedom and justice. Through Cheryl Wills’ efforts to honor Sandy’s memory, his story has been brought to light, and he has finally been given the respect and recognition he rightfully deserved as a veteran of the Civil War.
