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Sometime in 1792, a law is passed restricting colored men from participating in war, however, the start of the Civil War brough forth many African soldiers who wanted to be a part of the Union militia.
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Born in Norfolk, Virginia
Born in Norfolk, Virginia as a slave -
Congress passes Confiscation Act that frees all slaves if they come into union lines
Before this Act was passed, a law stated that colored men were not permitted to join the army. Later on, the number of white men joining the Union decreased, therefore leaving them with no other option but to allow colored men. the 1792 law was repealed by congress as well. -
Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation, which now denies no man (white or colored) the oppurtunity to fight
Before this, Lincoln was scared that allowing too many Blacks to fight would result in border states now turning their heads from the Union. -
Period: to
Sometime during 1863, Carney spoke for an 1863 edition of The Liberator (Abolitionist newspaper)
"Previous to the formation of colored troops, I had a strong inclination to prepare myself for the ministry; but when the country called for all persons, I could best serve my God serving my country and my oppressed brothers. The sequel in short—I enlisted for the war." -
Charles Sumner (senator from Massachusetts) proposes the idea of having 300,00 Black troops serve for the Union
The bill is not passed, however, John A. Andrew (governor of Massachusetts) recieved permission to organize a regiment of volunteers. -
Sometime in March, the 54th regiment was organized
-The first black regiment in the northern states organized in Readville, MA by Robert Shaw -
William Carney enrolled in Company C of the Massachusetts 54th
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54th Regiment leaves Boston, MA to fight for the Union
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The soldiers of the 54th regiment attack Fort Wagner
During the battle, about 1,500 black troops died. After seeing another wounded colored soldier with the flag in his hands, Carney went to take the flag, never letting the flag touch the ground. He was shot several times and wounded severely. It was only after more than 3 decades that his services were rewarded. -
Released from the army after severe injuries
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Carney marries Susannah Williams
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Sometime during the year of 1869, he was given the job as a letter carrier
He kept this job for 32 years before retiring -
Carney is awarded Medal of Honor for services at Fort Wagner
"I only did my duty" -
William Carney dies in an accident that traps his leg in an elevator door
Before, he was given the job as a messenger for the Massachusetts State House