[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING SGT./REV. JESSE C. TULL, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2023

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a special 
man, Jesse Commasel Tull, Sr. Mr. Tull fought for freedom as a soldier 
in the United States Colored Troops as a member of Company C, 119th 
U.S. Colored Infantry. Tull's Company C was 1 of 8 U.S. Colored Troops 
regiments assigned to various locations in Kentucky, including Camp 
Nelson, located in Jessamine County near the Kentucky River. Attaining 
the rank of Sargent, Tull performed guard, garrison, and recruitment 
duties at various points across Kentucky. He helped to enlist and 
emancipate many men and their families and thus aided his country to 
ultimate victory in the Civil War.
  In addition to his important military service, Mr. Tull became a 
Reverend in Jessamine County, ministering to many believers. He 
organized the Historic First Baptist Church of Camp Nelson, Ky. This 
church, located at the Camp Nelson Refugee Camp where soldiers' wives 
and children lived, was 1 of 3 African American churches organized in 
the area to minister to African Americans in their transition from 
slavery to freedom.
  Sgt./Rev. Jesse C. Tull served his country as a soldier and served 
God as a preacher. His descendants include his great grandson the Rev. 
R.P. Gates, Sr., current pastor of the Historic First Baptist Church at 
Camp Nelson. Rev. Gates has helped keep the story of Jesse C. Tull 
alive as he is remembered as an important part of our Nation's history.
  I am humbled to honor the memory of Sgt./Rev. Jesse C. Tull, Sr. 
before the United States Congress.

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