Sandy Wills was born into slavery circa 1840 in Tipton County, Tennessee. At age 10, he was sold to enslaver Edmond Wills  in 1850. 
On October 13, 1863 when he was 23 years old, he enlisted at Fort pillow as a member of the United States Colored Troops 4th Heavy Field Artillery. 
He enlisted with his best friends that he grew up with on the Wills plantation in Haywood County, Tennessee: James Wills, Andy Wills, Mack Wills, Richard Wills, Cary Austin and Dick Parker.
Sandy was honorably discharged in 1866.  In 1869, he married a former enslaved woman named Emma Moore West.  Together they had nine children.
Sandy died February 8, 1889. He was 50 years old.  He was buried without military honor on a  former slave plantation. 135 years later, his remains were rescued from that unmarked plot by his family and reinterred at West Tennessee  State Veterans Cemetery. 

United States Colored Troops Enlistment Record for Sandy Wills dated October 13, 1863

Enlistment record for Private Sandy Wills

Sandy Wills was buried on this hilltop of  a former slave plantation in West Tennessee in 1889.  A simple wooden cross that marked his grave disintegrated over time. Ohio Valley Archaeology used cutting edge technology to pinpoint his grave so his great-great-great granddaughter Cheryl Wills could have him recommitted with military honor at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on August 8, 2024.  

Pvt. Sandy Wills was in an unmarked grave in West Tennessee on a former slave plantation for decades

Private Sandy Wills laid in an unmarked grave on a former slave plantation for more than a century.  He now rests with his heroic comrades as of 8/9/2024. It's never too late to honor Civil War Heroes!

Sandy Wills Headstone - No More Unmarked Grave!

135 years after his death, his remains are recovered from an unmarked grave in Haywood County Tennessee, and given a proper military burial.

African-American Civil War memorial Washington DC

US Military salutes Private Sandy Wills 135 years after his death. 

West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery

What a beautiful yet tragic story, I loved hearing how the family considered it hallow grounds and wouldn’t allow peo to bulldoze the trees down
There are still good people around, and what a beautiful blessing to  Wills family
God Bless you all

Thank you for allowing us to witness Private Wills story and  bringing him home to rest.  As African Americans we should never forget the sacrifices our Great Grandparents were forced to endure for our freedom.  The freedom fight persists...

How did they know they found the correct grave. Was not mentioned on the show CBS Sunday  Morning 11/10/2024 
Frank A. Mascari

Just saw the story on CBS Sunday morning show,,awesome story ,inspiring and uplifting to know what happens when people don't give up on looking for ancestors. Thanks to the Moore Family for keeping the burial ground sacred.   

Civil War Veteran Sandy Wills no lies in an unmarked grave! 


I was so touched by Sandy Wills story. His journey to Jesus is now complete. The service to his country is far from unnoticed. My tears are for your family as you endured the anxiety of unanswered questions, but joy in your insistence and tireless efforts leading to the peace and proper final resting place for Sandy Wills. God bless you all.

Dear Great Great Great Grandpa Sandy Wills:
When you died 135 years ago, you were buried on the hill of a former slave plantation. 
Your wooden marker disintegrated over time. It was an honor to rescue your remains from private property and have you recommitted at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. Now you can rest in peace among your comrades. ThANK YOU for your service. You fought for freedom on two fronts and won!! 

I hope to find your wife EMMA Wills and your fellow soldiers James, Andy, Mack, Dick & Richard one day and bring them  home to you, too.  

You are our  Hero. .. lost no more!

Rest on. 

Your 3X granddaughter, 

Cheryl Wills




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