> BLACK___ HISTORY______NEWS & NOTES

FEBRUARY 2002 NUMBER 87 Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum Announces Teacher Lesson Plans Susan Tomlinson Camp Fremont Jan. 6th, 1864 Dear Brother, I left Charlottsvill on the noon train Thursday... and we came into the city and we were accommadated very well as the people gave us our supper free o f charge. I was examined on New Years morning and passed a bully examination, and am good for 90 years if I don’t die in less time. The camp is undoubtedly a curiosity, because there are presented to the observer, every grade, shade, disposition, dialect, conduct, and some one always talking, singing, dancing... going on Teachers Linda Grimes and Susan Tomlinson display lesson almost all the time, you ought to plans for study of the role of Indiana African-American soldiers come sometime and see it. during the Civil War. To see all our boys, in the suit available in Indiana through a set of and medical care, and African- “dres parade ” dancing, with their lessons developed for the Colonel American Hoosiers in the Civil War. countless number of shining buttons Eli Lilly Civil War Museum at the Locating information on Hoosier which diffuses a magnificent lustre Indiana War Memorial in India­ African-American involvement in over the gloomy aspect o f the camp. napolis. the Civil War was challenging. Staff One year ago today I had no idea Funded by a grant from the at the Abraham Lincoln Library and that this time I would be a U.S. Lilly Endowment, through the Museum and at several Indiana soldier.... „ Governor’s Hoosier Heritage Foun­ repositories were very helpful. Ben dation, a series of lessons for el­ Linda Grimes wrote the lesson for Thus begins the correspondence ementary and secondary teachers elementary students. Students are of Benjamin Trail, Sargent Major of have been developed to provide in­ provided with a booklet called To the 28th United States Colored formation concerning the role of Be a Soldier: You Decide. Readers Troops (USCT). Born in Rush Hoosiers in the Civil War. Under are asked to put themselves in the County, Indiana, Trail joined the 28th the direction of David Buchanan, shoes of a young African-American USCT on 24 January 1864 at the age Museum Operations Director for the male in making choices concerning of 22. These lines are excerpted Indiana War Memorial, Linda issues such as enlisting in the army from the first of twenty letters writ­ Grimes, Museum Educator of Piqua, or navy, staying in school, moving ten by Trail to his family. The Ohio, and Susan Tomlinson, Social to Canada, accepting pay that was Abraham Lincoln Library and Mu­ Studies teacher at Franklin Town­ less than promised, and preparing seum at Lincoln Memorial Univer­ ship Middle School in Indianapolis, for battle. sity in Harrogate, Tennessee, own were contracted to research and de­ Susan Tomlinson compiled the the Trail Family Correspondence. velop five sets of lessons for teacher lessons for secondary students. De­ Several additional excerpts from use. Topics include: camp life, signed for use in 8th and 11th grade Benjamin Trail’s letters will be Indiana’s role, home life, hospitals (Continued on page 8)

BHNN_2002-02_NO87 Index to Articles in Black History News & Notes (1995-2001) Compiled by Elizabeth Zellers ARMSTRONG, IRVEN Town Crier: Bill Garrett and the Language of Dear Sergeant Teacher: World War I Letters to Irven Democracy in the Postwar Indiana Press, by Rachel Armstrong, issue 85, pages 1,8. Cody, issue 84, pages 5-7. BANKS, BOLER B. GENEALOGY Boler B. Banks Biography Project, issue 67, page 2. African-American Genealogy Research, by Wilma L. Gibbs, issue 78, pages 6-8. BIOGRAPHY GRAY, MOSES W. Reference Sources: Researching African-American Biographical Materials, issue 66, pages 1-3. Moses William Gray Papers Donated, by Kisha Tandy, issue 75, pages 1-3. BROKENBURR, ROBERT L. INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Senator Robert L. Brokenburr: He Lived to Serve, by Stanley Warren, issue 83, pages 4-8. Indiana Historical Society to Open New Building, issue 76, pages 1-3. BROOKS, HARRY W., JR. INDIANA HISTORY Here Come the Generals, General Harry W. Brooks, Jr., Papers Donated, issue 84, pages 1-3. African-American Empowerment on the American Frontier, by Randy K. Mills, issue 79, pages 1-4, 8. BUCKNER, GEORGE W. Indiana Black History Challenge, issue 84, page 8. George Washington Buckner: Hoosier Physician, by Ronald L. Baker, issue 62, pages 4-6. The Indiana Colonization Movement, by Kisha Tandy, issue 69, pages 1-5, 8. CARTER, LAWRENCE B. INDIANA MID-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF Lawrence B. Carter Collection (Rush County), issue EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS 62, page 8. PERSONNEL CONN, HARRIETTE B. I-MAEOPP Collection, issue 60, pages 1, 8. Harriette Bailey Conn Papers Donated to Indiana INDIANAPOLIS HISTORY Historical Society, issue 70, pages 1-2, 8. Achievers Against the Odds: African Americans in DAVIS, JACKSON Indianapolis, 1917-1941, Part 1, by David MacLaren, Jackson Davis Collection, by Rebecca Yokum, issue issue 71, pages 3-8. 82, pages 7-8. Achievers Against the Odds: African Americans in DICKINSON, JESSE L. Indianapolis, 1917-1941, Part 2, by David MacLaren, Jesse L. Dickinson Collection, issue 67, pages 1-2. issue 72, pages 5-8. DuBOIS, WILLIAM EDWARD BURGHARDT Blood and Race: Challenges to Blood Donor A Spiritual Entity Grown Wider, by Arthur S. Meyers, issue 68, pages 6-8. Black History News and Notes is a quarterly W.E.B. DuBois at Your Public Library, by Arthur S. publication of the Indiana Historical Society Library. Meyers, issue 65, pages 1,8. Intended in part to highlight the activities of the library’s EDUCATION Black History Program, it is issued during the months The Blessing of Education: Mid-Nineteenth Century of February, May, August, and November. Essential African-American Education in Indiana, by Marian to the Black History Program’s success is community Carpenter, issue 68, pages 1-5, 8. involvement and commitment to the study of Indiana’s African-American heritage. Along with Black History The History of the Indiana School Desegregation Law, News and Notes, membership also includes the (Henry J. Richardson, Jr.), issue 59, pages 1-4, 8. quarterly Indiana Magazine of History, published at FLOYD COUNTY Indiana University; The Bridge, the Indiana Historical Floyd County Court Records, compiled by Pamela Society’s bi-monthly newsletter; and many of the R. Peters, issue 76, pages 4-7. special publications as they are issued - all for only FREETOWN VILLAGE $35.00 a year. To become a member or for further information, write the Indiana Historical Society, 450 Freetown Village Research, Part 1, by Amy Glowacki, West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 (317) issue 63, pages 2-8. 232-1882. Correspondence concerning Black History Freetown Village Research, Part 2, by Amy Glowacki, News and Notes should be addressed to Wilma L. issue 64, pages 1, 4-8. Gibbs, Editor ([email protected]). GARRETT, WILLIAM L. 2 Discrimination in the Black Community of Indianapolis, A Glimpse of a Past: Lyles and Weaver Settlements, 1941-45, by David MacLaren, issue 67, pages 3-8. 1850-1860, by Linda Weintraut, issue 77, pages 1- Gone But Not Forgotten Reception, issue 80, pages 3-4. 3, 8. Indianapolis and the Great Migration, 1900-1920, by Past and Future Directions for the Study of Indiana’s Carolyn Brady, issue 65, pages 3-8. Black Rural Heritage, by Stephen A. Vincent, issue 80, pages 5-8. Self-Help in Indianapolis, by Richard Pierce, issue 60, pages 3-7. Updating the African and Native American Legends Toward a History of the Indianapolis African - in the Roberts Genealogy, by Coy D. Robbins, issue American Community, 1821-1980, by Monroe Little, 61, pages 3-7. issue 59, pages 5-7. Was Freedom Dead or Only Sleeping? The Pre-1870 KING, MARTIN LUTHER, JR. African-American Rural Communities of the Kankakee River Valley, by Terry Goldsworthy, issue Martin Luther King, Jr. in Indiana, by Stanley Warren, 70, pages 3-7. issue 73, pages 3-8. When Folklore Shrouds History, by Roger A. LINCOLN GARDENS Peterson, issue 64, pages 3,8. Museum at Lincoln Gardens, issue 71, page 2. SLAVERY LOGUEN, JERMAIN Side Steps to Compromise: Expansion and the Issue Sheltering a Famous Fugitive Slave, Part I, by Thomas of Slavery in the Old Northwest, by Richard A. A. Hendrickson, issue 85, pages 2-7. Enochs, issue 82, pages 4-6. Sheltering a Famous Fugitive Slave, Part II, by TAYLOR, MARSHALL WILLIAM “MAJOR” Thomas A. Hendrickson, issue 86, pages 3-8. Racing into History, issue 82, pages 1-3. MARION LYNCHING UNDERGROUND RAILROAD French Students Study Marion Lynching, issue 81, Assistance and Resistance: Fugitive Slaves and Free page 1. Blacks on the Underground Railroad, by David Marion Lynching (research in progress), issue 60, Roberts, issue 66, pages 4-8. page 8. Indiana Freedom Trails Selects New Logo, by Malia MONTGOMERY, WES Savarino, issue 82, page 7. “Probably a Thousand Cats Are Using Their Our Underground Railroad Trip, by Carol Becker and Thumbs”: A Brief Biographical Sketch of Wes Erika Blinks, issue 74, pages 6-7. Montgomery, by Andrew M. Mills, issue 86, pages Researching the Indiana Connection to the 1-2, 8. Underground Railroad, by Wilma L. Gibbs, issue 78, MYERS, WILLIAM M.S. pages 1-5. William M.S. Myers Papers Donated, issue 83, pages UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND 1-3. United Negro College Fund Collection, issue 80, NEWSPAPERS pages 1-2. Eyewitness to a Century: The Indianapolis Recorder, UNITED STATES -HISTORY-CIVIL WAR, by Wilma L. Gibbs, issue 79, pages 5-7. 1861-65 ORAL HISTORY Civil War Commemorations: Honoring the Forgotten, Home Videos in Words: African-American Oral by Wilma L. Gibbs, issue 74, pages 1-5. History Collections in Indiana Archives, by Jack S. Negative Racial Attitudes toward African Americans Blocker, Jr., issue 62, pages 1-4. in Indiana during the Civil War, by John Gunter, issue REDD, GEORGE N. 81, pages 3-8. Member Donates Materials, issue 63, pages 1,8. WALKER, MADAM C.J. RICHARDSON, HENRY J., JR. An African-American Historic Building: The Walker Henry Johnson Richardson, Jr.: The Politician and Theater, by Cordelia M. Payne, issue 77, pages 4-8. Civil Rights Activist, 1930-1936, by Terrance Joseph The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker, issue 84, Williams, issue 75, pages 4-7. page 4. RICHARDSON, ROSELYN Walker Stamp Ceremony, issue 71, pages 1-2. Roselyn Richardson Collection, issue 73, pages 1-2, 8. WHITESIDE, BIRDIE L. RURAL COMMUNITIES Birdie Lee Whiteside Collection, issue 61, pages 1,8. African-American Rural Settlements in Randolph Elizabeth Zellers, a history and psychology major at the County, Indiana, by Elizabeth Campbell, Rachel University o f Indianapolis, worked as a student intern Mancini, Deborah Rotman, and Aaron Smith, issue at the Indiana Historical Society during the fall semester, 72, pages 1,3-5. 2001. 3 AARON RICHARD “CAP” FISHER: A TRIBUTE K.L. Combs It took seven days for Aaron cadets how to be tough and resilient. intimidating, challenging, en­ Richard Fisher to ride a mule from He and his cadets became walking thralling, and enduring influence of Lyles Station, Indiana, to Jefferson testaments to pulling oneself up by “Cap” Aaron Richard Fisher. The Barracks near St. Louis, Missouri. one’s own bootstraps. They were old warrior was eighty-eight years When he arrived, accompanied by prepared to survive the waiting old, suffering from hypertension and his father Benjamin F. Fisher, he battlefields of Europe. blindness. However, the ailing completed his enlistment into the Wars come and peace is World War I hero and ex-military United States Colored Ninth established. Soldiers age and retire. instructor left the Greene Oak Cavalry. On 27 February 1911, a So it was with the ROTC instructor Nursing Home in Xenia, Ohio, and boy of fifteen became a soldier. That of Wilberforce. His cadets embarked upon his last great day set into motion a military career graduated. Many went to war. Some adventure. spanning almost four decades until failed to return. The survivors Every man assembled that night his retirement 31 December 1947.' moved on with their lives and had experienced to greater or lesser Over the ensuing four decades the careers. However, the men of degrees the uncertain boiling Indiana farm boy endured the ex­ Wilberforce have not forgotten the cauldron of the Depression. All had treme temperature and tedium of lessons of the parade ground. Aaron been subjected to the racial western outpost duty. He partici­ Richard Fisher had stood with his segregationist attitudes of the United pated in the effort to run to earth generation and defended the nation States Army, and America at large. Pancho Villa during the last great during the First World War. Twenty These aging ex-cadets possessed the crusade of the United States Cav­ years later he imparted that iron consuming drive of self-betterment. alry. Fisher witnessed a momentary resolve and sense of duty to a new Each burned with the desire for madness that gripped Texas and the generation of African-American knowledge. As a result of the drive United States Army following ra­ officers. These men admired, to better themselves through the cially charged shootings in Houston revered, and thought often of the old pursuit of knowledge the cadets in 1917. Just over a year later, he drill instructor. were exposed to “Captain Black.” served as part of the all African- During the 1982 Wilberforce Few men have held the emotional, American United States Army 92nd alumni gathering in Philadelphia, physical, and moral development of Division, with valor and distinction Elmore Kennedy suggested a special so many future combat officers upon the bloody battlefields of tribute be given to “Cap” Fisher. The within their hands. The character of France during World War I. idea was overwhelmingly accepted. many African-American combat Fisher was a true war hero, a self- Members of the ROTC class of 1942 officers who served in Italy during educated and determined individual. volunteered to serve as a committee World War II was shaped by Fisher. A soldier who in the years following that would plan, organize, and Rarely has one man had such an World War I steadily rose through conduct the tribute the following influence upon the fighting spirit the ranks of the enlisted men. It was year. Colonel David Colter (United and effectiveness of whole not until 29 June 1936, however, States Army retired) acted as divisions. On this night many years that his true potential and calling are committee chairman and the effort later the cadets gathered one last realized. That day signaled Fisher’s was set into motion.3 time with “Cap” Fisher. appointment as Reserve Officer Over the course of the next year Claude Davis (Dixie), Wilber­ Training Corps (ROTC) Instructor letters and telephone calls canvassed force class of 1942, approached the of Military Tactics at Wilberforce the nation in search of Wilberforce podium and struck a gavel. Those University.2 Aaron Richard Fisher ROTC cadets. Solicitations on gathered fell silent. What followed served in this capacity for eleven and behalf of the Fishers were requested was a loving and respectful tribute. one half years, far longer than any and received. Awards were designed Davis opened the proceedings with man served before or since. He and produced, and brochures were the following remarks. established a high benchmark of printed. Travel arrangements were “This tribute was first thought of discipline and an espirit de corps made for the Fishers and their a year ago, almost to the day, by Dr. rivaling the prestigious, mostly companions. Ex-cadets from all Elmore Kennedy. Some of us took white, military academies. Fisher over the country were notified of the the ball and went from there. We are personally sat the example of preparations to fete the man they here this evening to speak our military spit and polish. He cajoled honored so deeply. tributes to retired Chief Warrant and grinded the cadets through hours On a sultry night in Chicago (22 Officer Aaron R. Fisher, United of formation exercises and military July 1983), the graduates of States Army, who most of us refer field problems. Fisher’s attentive Wilberforce University gathered to to as “CAP” or Captain. Of course, eyes watched each cadet, and his render their tribute. These former formally, the correct address is heavy bass admonishments boomed military cadets from the years 1936 Mister Fisher.”4 out across the campus. During the to 1947 all shared the common bond “I’m speaking of him as a source hard prewar years he taught his of surviving the demanding, of inspiration to many fortunate men 4 heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for the it in stride, as all soldiers of our gifts you give us everyday. The food caliber would. we eat. The clothes we wear. The First we want to thank you and homes we are provided with. The Mrs. Fisher for making the long trip family and friends whom with we to Chicago. We know it wasn’t easy. find support. Above all else we As a matter of fact it was very rough. thank you for your love. We give We spent more time yesterday you thanks for the opportunity to afternoon in the airport than they share in your will for our lives. spent flying from Dayton, Ohio. Thank you for your patience. A However, we made it. Didn’t we? patience that bids us to follow. A I want to thank you for proper patience, which does not force us to education, providing information limit our freedom. Lastly, oh and materials that will help make heavenly father, we give you thanks this tribute successful. for granting us this opportunity of The general plan was for a cen­ sharing our love as an expression of tral tribute today at the alumni appreciation for “Cap” Fisher, who awards and financial luncheon. Un­ was, and is, an inspiration to us all. fortunately, we were informed the These blessings we ask in your conference schedule was too tight name. Amen. to allow the necessary time for full Davis: As is the case with honors. We are glad of that. We have Aaron Richard Fisher bringing of the days, someone has more time tonight to present this who later adopted a military career to be the taskmaster. Someone has tribute, as it should be done. We are or became professionals in other to lead the way. In most cases, do going to take our own good time and phases of life. The program this the lion’s share of the work. That do our own thing right here and now. evening will be conducted by certain someone in this particular case is Last year at the national alumni of the officers who were Colonel David Colter who really conference in Philadelphia a group commissioned after completing spearheaded the effort. He will carry of individuals suggested we band ROTC training at Wilberforce. We the program from here. I bring on together and give you appropriate want to give credit to Dr. John our own Colonel David Colter. recognition for the positive Holland for having the vision to Colter: Thank you very much. I influence you made on the lives and suggest this tribute. We also want would just like to be Dave Colter. I professional careers of the young to thank the Chicago alumni chapter have been out of the army a long men you taught and counseled at for their assistance in arranging the time and [have been] a civilian for Wilberforce University. These presentation.” a long time. Thank you anyway for people generally having been in the “In keeping with the theme of the the courtesy. My remarks now are ROTC department. Also you had a evening we intend to inject things going to be directed to Captain and strong influence on other individuals that will arouse memories of the Mrs. Fisher. Especially to Captain who attended our summer training past. I don’t plan to dwell on the Fisher. Mrs. Fisher just happens to camps from other universities. details of Captain Fisher’s be along as a supporter. Our color guard committee are background. That is all summarized Captain Fisher, we are assembled [sic] scattered all over the nation, but in the biographical brochure, which here this evening to bring you and we managed to get the word out. The has been passed out.” your charming wife Mary a well- response has been better than we “If you were in this room you deserved tribute. As you may well ever expected. We received probably heard the strains of some remember, the general of Julius numerous conscriptions in addition of Cap’s favorite military tunes. We Caesar, Brutus, made a famous to letters, cards, and phone calls. We hoped to play the appropriate statement, “Friends, Romans, and can’t begin to relate to you Captain military calls, drum rumbles, and countrymen, lend me your ears. I Fisher all the fine compliments that flourishes, which normally precede come to bury Caesar, not to praise have been given to you. Arguably a military awards ceremony. him. The evil that men do lives after they describe in a nutshell the Unfortunately we were not able to them. The good is oft interred with gratitude for the inspirations and the arrange for a band or other musical their bones.” Conversely, we are development of maturity you renditions. However, now that we here to praise you while together on personally instilled in your cadets are properly assembled we will this very important occasion. We and others. Many persons have proceed with the honors of the day. want to give you full credit here and attributed their success to the effect We will ask everyone of you to rise now. In the short time ahead we plan you registered on their lives. To read again as Mr. Thomas E. Leigh, class to toast you. We also plan to slip in the many messages submitted we of 1943, leads us in prayer.” a little roasting and broasting. have compiled a memory scrapbook Leigh: We will now bow our However, we know that with the that we are presenting to you. This heads please. Dear Lord, we come good sense of humor and wit you book captures a personal military before you tonight with deep have always displayed, you will take background, messages, and extracts 5 from the ROTC and portions of the OK. Captain Fisher among the on those mornings when we would Wilberforce University yearbooks many organizations in which you have the battalion out and make a from 1936 to 1947. We hope you served was the 366th infantry in glaring mistake. When he finished will have other things you will want World War One. chewing us out he would say “Ever to insert into the book. In your Fisher: Yes, it was. tub.” We knew what he meant. I defense, you would be pleased to Colter: That’s right. You were know Benjy remembers it, and some note that we did not include any then with the 92nd Division. Right? of the older gentlemen in the room information on your educational Fisher: Yes. remember it. With great pleasure, escapades in Nogales, Mexico, or Colter: In World War Two, the and with Bill Brown because he was Bisbee and Tucson, Arizona. We 366th was still a black division and probably the reason for this also omitted any reference to your we were attached to the 92nd memory, I present this to you amorous parley vous experiences in Division. You are from the first tonight Captain. Ever tub. France during World War One. So 366th Infantry Corps and some of Fisher: Thank you very much. much for the giving. Let’s get down us here are from the second one. The Colter: Next four commissioned to business. 366th infantry had several veteran officers of the class of 1942 wish to I want to play a little thing here associations throughout the United present you with a special tribute. It as an introduction. See if anybody States in major cities. I found out is a tribute with a soldier on top. recognizes this... Anybody in the recently most of the chapters have Harold “Stubb” Jenkins is going to audience recognize that? folded. There is still one strong and present. He will read the inscription. Audience: Yes sir. active chapter, and that is the Jenkins: Cap this trophy with a Colter: What is it? Washington, D.C., chapter. soldier standing erect as you always Audience: The theme music from In a letter to you, Dennette did, is presented as a special salute, The Bridge Over the River Kwai. Harrod, the president of the D.C. “From four faithful followers. Class Colter: Yes, but does it have any chapter, appointed me to present you of 1942. John W. Holland, Jr., particular significance to anyone? with the following. First, that Harold A. Jenkins, Claude C. Davis, Audience: Yeah. association contributed one hundred and David Colter.” Cap, this is Colter: Who said that? Collette? dollars for your tribute fund. presented not only from us, but on Collette: Yes boss. Secondly, they donated a lifetime behalf of all of your boys who came Colter: The story behind this is membership in the association. I through ROTC. Some went to war the Colonel Bogey March to “The have here a plaque, wallet, and and were unable to return, and then Bridge Over the River Kwai” John membership cards you can carry there were those of us who were Letts, Sidney Thompson, and some always. Also the 366th infantry fortunate enough to come back. I of us were in the new 366th infantry. necktie, which the fellas wear at heard Mayor Washington speak We had a black commander. He was ceremonies and social occasions. In today. He spoke of role models. We called Colonel “Boopsie”5 because this booklet is a roster of the 366th had ours. You, Cap, were ours. This he resembled the comic strip members with addresses. is for you. character in the old Chicago Fisher: Thank you. Colter: What Harold neglected to Defender. Colonel Harvard B. Colter: Incidentally upon the say is the four faithful followers Queen was originally our crest of the 366th infantry, you will hold the following positions in life. commander and decided that was find the current motto of the One is a retired U.S. army colonel the marching tune of the 366th regiment, which is, “Labor conquers and public servant. One is a dentist infantry. Wherever we had a parade all trials.” We thought you would and an anesthesiologist. One is a or a ceremony that was played, we appreciate that since it is typical of retired U.S. army lt. colonel and called it Colonel Boopsie’s March. the overall philosophy, which you university vice president for I want you to know that because it have departed to all of us. business and finance. One is a ties in with the main thing I want to Down the line some of us remem­ successful real estate broker. These do. We were up at Fort Devons two bered your constant expression of are examples of your products, Cap. years ago at a reunion for the 366th “Ever tub.” Meaning, of course, ev­ Now I have a very distasteful task infantry. The band really did a ery tub was going to stand on its own to perform. Someone sneaked some­ magnificent job with this tune. bottom. This is sound advice for any thing up here. It is an award and it Don’t you think so Tom? person seeking to achieve success in goes like this. Cap, do you remem­ Tom Kelly: Yes. life. In consideration of this, we ber when upperclassmen gave an Colter: Fantastic. That was the searched everywhere and finally innocent unsuspecting person the year where we honored John Fox found an old brass tub. Plus a small fictitious name of a person to report from the class of 1940. Lt. Fox was galvanized backup tub. Both which to at the ROTC office? You remem­ killed in combat in Italy. It took stand on their own bottoms. Frank ber that, huh. After knocking at least many years, but with the work of Dr. Bolden is the guy who suggested this, twice on the door and finally get­ Hanlon Hargrove they finally so I am going to let him present them. ting a bully, “Come in,” the poor awarded the Distinguished Service Bolden: Captain Fisher. Ladies fellow would go in, deliver his sa­ Cross to his wife.6 The ceremonial and gentlemen. This expression was lute and say, so and so reporting to presentation v/as so sentimental. one Cap used to ream us out with Captain Black.7 A very terrible 6 thing. Whoever it was that contrib­ Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, reference. Then the indomitable uted this presentation would not Dayton, Ohio. I could go on with spirit that has always been his identify himself. We don’t know if some of the sage advice that came decided he had not come to France you smoke a pipe, but we are going to me even knowing him in those to die. That kind of courage led to to have one of the ladies in the au­ days. Cap Fisher would come into him being awarded the Dis­ dience give you this. She was not my office, sit, and reflect over some tinguished Service Cross. I think an ROTC cadet. of the fun, the memories at that is extraordinary enough for us Colter: Janet Holland. Wilberforce and some of the other to give him a special round of Fisher: Oh, what is this? occasions that had passed during our applause. I want to take just a Colter: Well the brand on the can lives. moment to read the citation. At the says Captain Black. Good tobacco I want to make one reference to a time Captain Fisher was a second incidentally I am told. comment and to a lesson I learned lieutenant having completed the Cap, we have other fonder while a student at Wilberforce from officer’s candidate school during the memories of you. Most of us this man who sits here tonight. Dave course of World War One. It reads, remember how you disrupted referred to the fact Cap was the “Second Lieutenant A. R. Fisher classes and sent students and fastest two-finger typist in the army. distinguished himself by extra­ instructors scurrying to the windows It was my luck to disrupt that zeal ordinary heroism in connection with when you barked out your drill at one time. I was fortunate enough military operations involving commands marching cadets around in my senior year to be the student conflict with a large hostile force on the campus. Who could forget your who went into Cap’s office, hauled 3 September 1918. Second Lieutenant sharp uniforms, your glistening trash out, and things of that sort. I Fisher showed exceptional bravery insignia, your high polished boots looked at the typewriter. I’m not in action when a superior force of and belts? admitting to disturbing anything but the enemy raided his position. By Also we recognize that you surely the typewriter. I broke the carriage. directing his men and refusing to held an incredible typing record. Well I didn’t know if I’d rather leave leave his position, although he was You were certainly the fastest two- school, leave home, or face Captain severely wounded, he and his men fingered typist known to mankind. Fisher the next morning. I faced continued to fight the enemy until So much for the levity. After our Captain Fisher and he said to me, the latter was beaten off by a tribute there will be plenty of time “Well Kennedy get it fixed.” I counterattack. Second Lieutenant for others to share their respective struggled with that typewriter the Fisher’s extraordinary heroism and memories with you and Mrs. Fisher. rest of the day and all night. I grew devotion to duty were in keeping At this point we are pleased to more and more desperate and with the fine military tradition of the present you with a specially frustrated. Popeye asked if I needed United States Army.”8 designed plaque reflecting the help. Well he took all of about two The campaigns were over. The gratitude of former students and minutes to set the carriage. So I flags furled. The rifles stacked. friends. While I am not going to brought the typewriter back very Aaron Richard Fisher returned to describe it, I am going to ask Dr. proud to report to Captain Fisher I Xenia, Ohio, and awaited the final Elmore Kennedy to make the had carried out this chore. Only to call of the roll. On 22 November presentation and to describe the have him remind me I could have 1985, the ninety-year-old soldier plaque to you. Dr. Kennedy. taken it next door to Fundy Hall and heard and acknowledged the Kennedy: Thank you Dave. Let gotten the supply store to fix it. bugler’s call of “Taps.” The grizzled me set the record straight. I was Let me return to the seriousness old soldier was laid to rest amid known as “Wimpy” on the campus. of the occasion. The plaque before volleys fired in Valley View This year I ran for the alumni board you is a display of the medals Memorial Gardens outside of Xenia and they had this business of a Dr. awarded to Captain Fisher during on 26 November 1985. A loving Kennedy on the ballot. I am sure that the course of his military career. I wife was presented the flag of a is the reason I lost the election. won’t mention all the medals here. grateful nation and the ceremony Cap and I go back a number of However, I do want to make concluded. The journey that had years. Aside from four years of particular reference to one. The first started in Lyles Station, Indiana, so exposure to this wonderful man as medal here, the Distinguished many years before was over. a student at Wilberforce, I was Service Cross. The Distinguished Aaron Richard Fisher’s grave, privileged to serve with him at Service Cross is the second highest and that of his wife Mary Mayall Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. honor a man in combat can achieve Fisher, sat east of Xenia and My retirement has been enjoying for outstanding valor. That in and Wilberforce, Ohio, atop a gentle time with Captain Fisher, who of itself in these times might not sloping hill. Unassuming bronze, assisted me as an employee during seem to be so significant. For a black ground-level plaques mark the his retirement. Cap accumulated man in 1918, in an all-black unit, graves. over fifty years of service to the U.S. facing an enemy within and without, government for which the then that was extraordinary. Severely ENDNOTES commander of the Air Force wounded and left in no man’s land 1. Personnel records of Aaron Richard awarded him logistics command at to die according to his personal Fisher, United States Army (National 7 Archives, National Personnel Records Richard Fisher followed. The author was included. Excerpts from the letters Center, St. Louis, Mo.). allowed to make a copy of the tape in the of Sargeant Major Benjamin Trail 2. Ibid. possession of David Colter. Colter’s tape supplement an overview of the 28th 3. Interview with David Colter conducted now resides in the archives of the National USCT and the Battle of the Crater. 28 December 1998. African-American Museum and Cultural Entitled Voices o f the 28th USCT, 4. Warrant Officer is the top grade specialist Center on the campus of Wilberforce this lesson is designed to provide within the United States Army. The University. students insight into the personal accepted formal address is Mister. A less K. L. Combs, an employee o f experiences of the soldiers. An ex­ formal address is Chief. Aaron Richard First American Title Insurance cellent complement to the excerpts Fisher during the course of the tribute and Company, is a history student at of the letters of Sargeant Major Trail over his career was often referred to as Indiana University /Pur due Uni­ “Cap” or “Captain Fisher.” Both titles were is an “interview” with Chaplain strictly semiformal and respectful in nature. versity at Indianapolis. Garland H. White. Chaplain (Interview with David Colter.) Teacher Lessons White’s life experiences with the 5. “Boopsie” was a comic strip character 28th USCT come alive through the featured in many African-American (Continued from page 1) efforts of reenactor Charles newspapers during the 1930s and 1940s. United States history classes, stu­ Poindexter of Indianapolis, who was The character was a black man of short dents are first provided with a back­ interviewed in character. The script stature, bald, and potbellied. (Interview with ground of African-American history of the interview is included in both the David Colter.) and settlements in Indiana prior to elementary and secondary lessons. 6. First Lt. John R. Fox, Wilberforce class the Civil War, the Underground These and other Civil War lesson of 1940, killed in action 26 December 1944 Railroad, and Article XIII of the In­ plans will be available this year at in Sommocolonia, Italy, after calling in U.S. diana Constitution. Reproductions the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War artillery upon his position. While his actions of a recruiting poster and the Gen­ Museum website or by contacting proved fatal he helped route a German attack. On 15 May 1982 he was eral Orders for organizing a battal­ the museum at P.O. Box 44159, posthumously awarded the Distinguished ion of black troops in Indiana are Indianapolis, IN 46204. Service Cross. Later, on 13 January 1997, his widow received the Medal of Flonor in Hawkins Receives Sagamore his name. (Telephone interview with Governor Frank L. O’Bannon Dennette Harrod, 20 November 1998. has awarded Pompey Hawkins Interview with David Colter and website of (left) the Sagamore of the the 366th infantry.) Wabash. Bill Sweeney, 7. “Captain Black” was an in-house term Executive Director of the of poor taste used by Wilberforce cadets. Indiana War Commission Aaron Richard Fisher was an African (right), presented the coveted American of extremely dark skin. This term honor to Hawkins, a Tuskegee involved a form of hazing and rite of Airman and World War II passage for the uninitiated and misinformed veteran at a Veteran’s Day within the cadet ranks. (Interview with banquet at the Indiana Roof David Colter.) Ballroom on 11 November 8. The tape of the tribute is damaged and 2001. Photo courtesy of ends here. Kennedy wrapped up his address. Michael Krieg, Indiana Army Perfunctory remarks of thanks by Aaron National Guard.

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