The Heritage Observer News from The Heritage Library Bringing the Past to Life Vol. 13, No. 1 March 2021 A Greater Sense of Self s a recent transplant from ed being posted on Hilton Head It’s stories like these that have really brought Florida, I’ve spent my Island and registered in the 34th Caesar’s experiences to life. He is no longer Alife, like most people, Infantry, US Colored Troops. just a name that was passed down through my wondering who I am. Especial- The 34th was organized in Beau- family. In addition to his life as a soldier, I have ly, where did my ancestors come fort and in Hilton Head from learned a lot of other fascinating information from and what character traits May 22, 1863 to December 31, about my background, including confirmation did I inherit that make me, well, 1864 before mustering out in that I am Gullah. My ongoing Gullah “edu- me. My oldest daughter began Jacksonville on February 28, cation” has given me new perspectives while to ask some of the same ques- 1866. living on Hilton Head Island, as well as experi- tions when she became a teen- During those times, soldiers ences that I would have never expected; things ager. So, to answer her questions were responsible for purchas- like the language and culture. as well as my own, we decided Luana M. Graves Sellars ing their own equipment. Even Recently, I recorded a video for The Heritage to start on a journey of self- Board Member though the Union enabled Library sharing Caesar’s story and my connec- discovery together. Through that Blacks to fight in the war, the tion to the Island’s historic places. Not that I self-discovery, I learned a lot about who I re- government issued substandard equipment hadn’t already known about the historic trea- ally am and where I came from and why finding to the Colored Troops, from used uniforms to sures that Hilton Head possesses, but I never my “self” in a place where being at home really sometimes broken and defective artillery. To expected that living here would be more than feels like home. add insult to injury, according to his military just a great place to live. Based on my grey eyes and reddish hair, for service records, at the end of his service Caesar In our day-to-day living, it’s easy to ignore years, I have been asked “what are you?” Most owed the US government $32.82, more than a what’s around you. However, this island is of the time, I have been thought to be Carib- month’s wages, for his equipment and gear. At packed with incredible historic Civil War bean. The actual answer is that I am a Nigerian that time, soldiers were supposed reminders like Fort Mitchel from the Yoruba tribe, with Gullah roots that to be paid $13 a month and a lot and Fort Howell; giving every include Irish, Scottish, Angolan, Seminole, and of the Colored Troops were actu- step that I take an extra special Cherokee. ally paid $7 a month which led meaning. Caesar’s commander, Colonel Since I have such a random combination of I don’t know where Caesar might DNA, I decided to do some family tree research Montgomery, to argue on behalf of the Colored Troops that they have been on the Island, but I do to discover more about my family. With the know that this is exactly where help of several online sources and the Heritage should receive equal pay. Look- ing deeper into Caesar’s war Caesar sought and fought for his Library, I’ve been able to uncover more about freedom. Places like Fort Mitchel not only what makes me into me, but also some records and that of his regiment, I was able to uncover even more may even be where he walked. fascinating information about my relatives that What I am sure about, is that came before me. It’s often said that generational fascinating information about the experiences that he had. it’s where my family’s struggles habits and traits are passed down and, based on and dreams of freedom came to some of the stories that I’ve learned, that old Learning about Caesar Ravenel’s fruition. saying is definitely true for me. Here are some Civil War experiences, the battles highlights I have uncovered. he encountered, as well as his Through my research on the Island’s history and my gene- So far, I’ve been able to go back in my family fortitude and obvious strong survival instincts, prove to me alogy, I have been on a very as far as 1847, the year that Caesar Ravenel, my Caesar Ravenel fascinating journey of discov- grandmother’s great-great grandfather, was born that he was an incredible fighter. He had the perseverance to live ery that I never expected to a slave on Johns Island. Caesar was 20 years old experience. Today, I have a clearer vision of my when he escaped, making his way to Charles- through a series of military campaigns that were daring, as well as dangerous. Historical infor- family’s struggles to make a life for themselves, ton where he enlisted to fight in the Civil War. but also their triumphs while facing amazing I believe that he must have lied about his age mation about the risks faced by the escaped slaves fighting for the South included the possi- odds against them. Now, I also know what so he could fight alongside of his father rather having a great sense of self, place and belong- than be assigned as a bugler. His orders includ- bility of torture, being returned to their previous owners and even death. ing really means. 2 The Heritage Observer March 2021 Officers: Executive Director: Barbara Catenaci From the Executive Director President: Ezra Callahan The Heritage Library is hap- Classic Foundation has developed a tournament Vice President: Richard Thomas py to welcome 2021. I think plan that includes a limited number of sponsors Secretary: Luana Graves Sellars most of us are pleased to see and fans in open air and socially-distanced settings. Treasurer: Peter Cooper 2020 in our rearview mirrors, Health and safety remain the number one priority, and with COVID-19 vaccines and the tournament has implemented a number of becoming available, we hope new protocols to keep everyone safe during the re- Board of Directors: to return to normal quickly. imagined event. We hope that our members and do- Class of 2022 Two significant things have nors will once again get involved with the tourna- Ezra Callahan By Barbara Catenaci happened at the Library that ment and support the charities that benefit from this Claudia Kennedy Executive Director we will help make this new event. For more information visit: www.heritage- James MacLeod year a great one. classicfoundation.com or www.rbcheritage.com. Barrett Riordan In December 2020, it was announced that The In good times and in tough times, like this past year, Richard Thomas Heritage Library was named as a finalist in the we are lucky to have even more friends that stepped PGA TOUR’s Annual “Best Of” Awards. We were up and helped us. Contributions from the follow- Class of 2023 nominated in the Charity of the Year category by ing helped make 2020 a successful year: Women Peter Cooper The Heritage Classic Foundation for our efforts in in Philanthropy, The Church Mouse, The Bargain Herbert Ford promoting the study of local history and ancestry Box, WAHHI, Captain William Hilton Chapter James Y. Robinson throughout the community. The award comes with NSDAR, Emily Geiger Chapter NSDAR, Dr. a $5,000 grant that we will use to continue to do George Mosse Chapter NSSAR, SOR, SC Society Luana Graves Sellars projects with our local schools. of Children of the American Revolution, Gaylord & Iva Roberts Welton We have a long standing relationship with The Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, The Cypress of HH, Class of 2024 Heritage Classic Foundation and that partnership is National Society Sons & Daughters of the Pilgrims, Laurette Doscher-Benfante one that we are particularly proud of. Being a rec- The Herb Society, MAJ Enterprises, Hilton Head Glidden, Boy Scout Troop 45, Espy Lumber, Italian Greg DeLoach ognized charity by the Heritage Classic Foundation provides us the opportunity to participate in their American Club, Town of Hilton Head Island, and Dodi Eschenbach Birdies for Charity and Champions for Charity pro- American Building Restoration Company. Nathaniel Jones grams. These programs have continuously helped The Library is also a recipient of SC Cares funds Sarah Takacs us to expand educational programming in our this year. These funds were made possible through community. In addition, they support many of our federal and state COVID-19 relief efforts. This partners so we benefit from their efforts that way funding helps us to keep the lights on and contin- Board of Advisors: as well. Since it was founded in 1987, the Heritage ue to provide services in our community. Raising Bill Altstaetter Classic Foundation has donated more than $44.6 funds is never easy but in these tough times, it is Dr. Emory Campbell million to people in need. a monumental task and we are grateful for every Earl S. Cooler The 53rd annual RBC Heritage Presented by grant and every donation that we have received. We Ed Dowaschinski Boeing will take place April 12-18, 2021 with also hope that we can count on your continued sup- Norman Harberger limited spectators on-site, and strict health and port.