HURLOCK, Md. - A Union soldier from the Civil War was laid to rest once more in what his family says is his rightful home among fellow veterans.
Nicholas Waters, who served in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War, was originally buried in Tyaskin in 1911. However, his family recently had his remains relocated to the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock. They said Waters had been buried alone on non-familial land, a situation they wished to rectify.
“He was a colored soldier. He was with Ulysses S. Grant when Robert E. Lee surrendered,” said Vera Chesley, Waters’ great-great-granddaughter.
Waters enlisted in the Union Army on Nov. 26, 1853, at the age of 27. He served for three years in the 19th Infantry Regiment of the United States Colored Troops, fighting in several significant battles, including the Battle of the Crater in Petersburg, Virginia.
“Can you imagine being stuck in a hole for hours and hours and hours and not knowing if you were going to survive it,” Chesley said.
After the war, Waters returned to the Eastern Shore and settled in Tyaskin. He died in 1911 from a hernia. When the property where he was buried was set to be sold, his family took action to ensure his final resting place would be among his fellow veterans.
“Nicholas is on the hill. What are we gonna do?” Chesley recalled.
On Tuesday, his remains were officially reinterred at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery.
“But now we’re here witnessing history being made, that after 75 years, his dream that may have once been deferred has now come back to life,” said Gary Waters, another great-great-grandson of Nicholas Waters.
His new resting place also holds another significant connection for the family.
“My father is buried here. He was a veteran in the Navy,” Gary Waters said.
Waters’ legacy is recognized by the African American Civil War Museum, which provides some information about his service. According to historical records, he listed his occupation as a farmer when he enlisted and later rose to the rank of corporal before returning to the Eastern Shore.
Family members said they are proud to see him honored properly and given a place among his fellow veterans, ensuring his service and sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.
Orlandus Waters Jr., Waters' great-great-grandson, added, "What better resting place than an overgrown, unkempt cemetery to one that has beautifully trimmed lawns and fellow Americans resting beside him?"