[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO PRIVATE AMOS McKINNY

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                          HON. PARKER GRIFFITH

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Private Amos 
McKinney. Private McKinney was a Black Soldier who served the United 
States Army in a White Regiment during the Civil War.
  Amos McKinney started his service to our country at Rome, Georgia on 
December 15, 1863 as an Undercook in Company C of the 1st Alabama 
Calvary. Enlisting as a cook was the avenue to combat for many African 
American soldiers during the Civil War, and Private McKinney was no 
different. During his service, he was shot below the knee and also 
suffered several wounds to his chest before being mustered out of 
service on October 20, 1865 in Huntsville, Alabama.
  Unfortunately, history has forgotten many Black Soldiers who served 
the Union White Regiments during the Civil War. Driven by a firm belief 
in the Union's purpose, Private McKinney and others were willing to 
work their way up the ranks so they could fight for the cause. Their 
perseverance and courage should not be lost. In recognition of Private 
McKinney's service, there will be a dedication ceremony on July 11, 
2009 for a memorial established in his honor.
  Amos McKinney married Melissa Ann McAfee Pearson after the war, and 
together they had 9 children. Private McKinney's courage is surely an 
inspiration to the family he left behind, and his bravery is a 
testament to the power of an unyielding American spirit and personal 
resolve.
  Madam Speaker, I stand to recognize an American soldier and to extend 
my gratitude for the service of Private Amos McKinney and those who 
served beside him. I commend the McKinney family and the historians of 
my district whose efforts made this recognition possible.

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