When a Cavalryman dies, he begins a long march, to his ultimate destination. About halfway along the road, he enters a broad meadow dotted with trees and crossed by many streams, known as "FIDDLER'S GREEN". As he crosses the green he finds an old canteen, a single spur and a carbine sling. Traveling on he comes upon a field camp where he finds all the Troopers who have gone before him their campfires, tents, and picket lines neatly laid out.
All other branches of service MUST continue the MARCH without pause. The Cavalryman, though, are authorized to dismount, unsaddle and stay in the Fiddler's Green, their canteens ever full, the grass always green, and enjoy the companionship and reminiscences of old friends.
SOLDIER.........I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I ask nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness....should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained and hoped.... but most of all I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. AT LEAST SOMEDAY, I WILL BE ABLE TO SAY THAT I WAS PROUD OF WHAT I WAS.....A SOLDIER. (AUTHOR UNKNOWN)
Augustus Walley, who is buried in the cemetery of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Reisterstown, Maryland. He died in early 1900s in Baltimore City after serving more than thirty years in the military, beginning in the late 1800s.
While assigned to the 9th Cavalry Regiment on the Western Frontier, Augustus Walley was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving one of his fellow Buffalo Soldiers while the unit was under attack by the Native Indians. This recognition was not noted on his tombstone.
In the early 1990s, Houston D. Wedlock, through his research discovered the Congressional Medal of Honor was not display on Walley's Tombston. This serious ommision had to be addressed. In 1995, Houston Wedlock and John Craig made elaborate arrangements to have this fallen, neglected hero recognized. With all the glitter of the news media, Augustus Walley was formally recognized for his award of the Congressional Medal of Honor at a day of ceremonies in the Bond Avenue area of Reisterstown, Maryland were he is laid to rest.
.jpg)
Thomas Elzey Polk, Sr., the third child of free parents, James Morris Polk and Rebecca Carolina Black Polk, was born on June 11, 1860 in Allen, Maryland. He was born the year before the eruption of the Civil War. As a young man he had many interesting adventures in his life, Thomas expired June 24, 1940. In 1880, he became a sailor, but later enlisted in the army on March 2, 1882 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Thomas reached the rank of sergeant, with C/9th Cavalry. He was discharged from the army at Fort Robinson, Nebraska on March 1i 1887, Thomas's character was noted as excellent. polkThomas's second enlistment in the army was September 6, 1887 with A/9th Cavalry, which he also held the rank of sergeant. He was discharged from the army at Leavenworth, Kansas on September 5, 1892 with excellent character.
Thomas was unable to read and write at the time of his first enlistment in 1882, but when he re-enlisted in 1887 he signed his name himself on his recruitment certificate, With the assistance of the Chaplains, many black soldiers had the opportunity to become literate. While enlisted in the army, his tasks included garrison duty, escort duty, redirecting intruders, cook, marksman guarding troop property and miles of marching.
In 1887, Thomas married Alice King of Allen, MD. The children born to this union were Viola Polk Banks, Leila Polk Hayman, Ulysses Polk, Sr., Winifred Polk Dennis and Bicille Polk (twins). After Alice's death he married Hattie Boone of Trappe, MD. The children born to this union were Celestine Polk Church, Thomas Polk, Jr., and Everett Polk of Jacksonville, Florida, the only surviving child. Thomas was a proud soldier, who served his country well.
He was so proud of his country, that he gave the initials of U.S.A. to one of his children after our great country and the initials of three presidents. His military life has been of great interest to his descendants. Several family members have done extensive research into the history of the buffalo soldiers for the past three or four years. Some family members have also joined chapters of the Buffalo Soldiers and have given presentations on the famed Buffalo Soldiers.
