Bee and Sharon McCallum, descendants of a Buffalo Soldier, as they shared the story of what it meant to be Black in Vermont. Photo by Mary Comiskey, The Northfield News Sharon and Bee McCallum, residents of Winooski, shared the story of their Grandfather, Sergeant Willis Hatcher. He had been part of the famed 10th Calvary Regiment, known as the Buffalo Soldiers. He came to Vermont on July 28, 1909, after his unit had served in the Philippines from 1907-1909. Sargeant Hatcher traveled with the other men in his Regiment by ship through the Suez Canal to New York City where they were honored at a parade. From there the soldiers traveled north to Fort Ethan Allen by train. Sergeant Hatcher was one of 750 men to be stationed at the new Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester, Vermont from 1909 to 1913.

Several of the Buffalo Soldiers remained in Vermont or returned to Vermont after their retirement from the Army. They married, purchased homes and formed a small, tight, black community in Winooski on the trolley line to the Fort. There the wives became sisters and the children were raised as cousins. This special society continues today.

For Sharon and Bee McCollum, the knowledge that their grandfather had been a Buffalo Soldier was an integral part of their family history. Their Grandmother had been born in Tennessee and moved to Vermont as a child. Her parents wanted her to receive a better education than was available to her in the South. She was 19 when she married 48 year old Sergeant Hatcher. The family thrived surrounded by their “extended” family ties. “Uncle” George Osborne, another Buffalo Soldier, stepped into the role left vacated by Willis Hatcher’s death. The women always knew many details of the soldier’s military careers from the stories that were repeated over and over. Family members collected books, articles and artifacts to keep their stories alive. They learned about the soldier’s sacrifices, and learned to appreciate and respect their legacy. The families were given roots, freedom, an extended family and the opportunity for an education.

They spoke of prejudice. They were Protestant in a city with two Catholic Churches and staunch Republicans. Black people did not always have the same opportunities as white people. There were times when the Blacks were refused service in a restaurant or opportunity to advance in a job. The women have learned that each generation can be a bit more, and can dream a bit more than the generations before them. This family knows where it came from. They are rooted in their proud heritage.

Sharon McCollum spoke of Rose Mary Graveline, mother of the speaker at the earlier program. Rose Mary had a different story. She grew up in rural North Carolina and learned about her African-American ancestry for the first time as an adult when visiting her family in Vermont. An uncle told her that her maternal grandfather, John Lyons, had been black. This was surprising since her family appeared to be white. Some members of her family denied that their Grandfather was black. She researched her personal history. Rose Mary proved that she descended from her Grandfather, John R. Lyons, a Buffalo Soldier. Her Buffalo Soldier ancestry is a source of tremendous pride and inspiration to everyone.

Sharon and Rose Mary have worked together to bring the story of the Buffalo Soldiers alive. They worked to organize the celebration of the 143rd Anniversary Reunion that took place at Fort Ethan Allen last July.

Rose Mary was instrumental in pulling together an exhibition at the Fleming Museum focusing on the Buffalo Soldiers' service in Vermont. Parts of the exhibit may be seen in the Sullivan Museum this summer.