Historical Researcher's Blog !: Confirmed African American Spanish American War Veteran from Onslow County, North Carolina.

I have researched dozens of Onslow County African American cemeteries, dating back to late 19th century. Many have been abandoned: an old African American tradition--do not disturb in order to have Ancestors rest in peace. And their descendants live for a better tomorrow--for the next generation.

I purged 1,500 names, plus or minus (more plus than minus), of my genealogy research in regard to local African American families, from pre-freedom to ca. 2010, only one, one, was a confirmed Spanish American War Veteran.

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James M. Blackwell, a distant relative of the Onslow County (N.C.) Petteway family (founders of the 1872 African American Edney Freewill Primitive Baptist Church and School) lived in the Bear Creek area of Onslow County, North Carolina. His parents were Grace and Thomas Blackwell. Both, at an early age, were former slaves. James had a younger sister--Caria--born January 1877; died May 1903.

Private James M. Blackwell, U.S. Army, served with honor during the Spanish American War. Family oral history records he fought in battle. Few African American veterans, from Onslow County saw military action. The majority remained stateside, serving primarily as security guardsmen.

James enlisted at Fort Macon, North Carolina (Morehead City). For the African American troops who did serve in Cuba there was more death from disease, than from the enemy bullet.

North Carolina Third Regiment troops (all African American) faced two enemies during the Spanish American War: The Cubans and the hatred towards the black race, back at home.

Racial tensions were at an all-time high. Black troops, especially in the south, were not allowed to socialize with white counterparts while out of the confines of their base camp. The Black servicemen who enlisted at Fort Macon were first reassigned to Knoxville, Tennessee.

Throughout this time period racial tensions caused the deaths of numerous black soldiers. The anger was so harsh against the black troop, the Army transferred the command from Tennesse to Macon, Georgia. Life and service at their new post was a continuation of severe negative actions.

More Info on the 3rd Regiment:

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I must point out this was a period of time in North Carolina racial tensions. On November 10, 1898, the Wilmington (N.C.) race riots (some refer to it as a coup d’état) occurred.

I have my own personal beliefs and have done extensive research on this issue.

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My initial research indicates Jame M. Blackwell, served in the “I” Company, 3^rd (N.C.) Infantry, with honor, during the Spanish American War. I know he served with honor because he has a “Veteran’s” headstone (Visualize Arlington National Cemetery) that marks his grave. Only honorable discharged veterans can obtain this headstone.

To my knowledge, James M. Blackwell is the only confirmed African American veteran of the Spanish-American War who lived and is buried within Onslow County.

I have visited, with direct descendants, the abandoned Blackwell family cemetery. James M. Blackwell is buried alongside his family, deep in a thick wooden area of Bear Creek, North Carolina.

They are resting in peace, undisturbed. Their descendants searching for their dreams of a better life, for their next generation.