THE LEGACY CONTINUES

The First Black Pioneer Family of Butler Pennsylvania

Daughter of POTTS and HOLMES, Minerva Holmes Waters

Spanish American War Soldier of the National Guard

CHARLES ALBERT WATERS and MINERVA POTTS HOLMES WATERS

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                Mrs. Minerva Holmes Waters, was one of thirteen children born to Mrs. Euphanius Potts Holmes, of Germany and Mr. Robert Holmes, of African descent. She was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, on November 15, 1873. She was the last pioneer to survive of the first negro family, of Butler, Pennsylvania. She passed on July 17, 1965, at the age of ninety-one. In her younger years, Mrs. Waters was in such demand as a day worker, she was employed by a total of one-hundred, sixty-five, Butler families. She was the widow of Charles Albert Waters, who died in the line of duty, serving his country in the Spanish American War. Mrs. Waters was amongst the first women in United States of America to receive a military war pension. They married May 28, 1891.

Charles Albert Waters, was an ambitious young black man who was determined to move north and make an exceptionally bright future for himself. Once settled in Butler, Pennsylvania, he obtained a good position as a servant in the household of prominent attorney, John M. Thompson.

In 1881, Waters volunteered for the National Guard of Pennsylvania in Butler’s 15th Regiment, Company E. At that time Waters could not enlist as a ‘soldier’ because only white men were permitted to serve in the National Guard.

Waters, immediately started a champaign to break through that barrier. He began by accepting the only job men of color were to permitted to in the guard-cook/orderly. The day after he reported to duty, Waters begin petitioning Company E’s captain to enlist him as a soldier. While he worked on persuading the officer, Waters set about winning the admiration of every solider in his unit by working longer, harder, and more willingly than any of them.

His efforts paid off – the captain eventually relented on one condition; all of Company E had to agree on Waters’ enlistment. When every single man voted to admit him, Waters became the first (and for decades the only) black solider in Western Pennsylvania, National Guard.

Over the next seventeen years, Waters continued to make his mark in Butler. He became an active member of and teacher at the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1891, he married Minerva Homes.

He ran for county coroner as “C. Albert Waters in 1896. He did not win, but by unanimous vote “showing the goodwill prevailing in the company,” Waters was elected to Company E’s board of directors (Butler Citizen, Jan. 13, 1898).

Later that year, the United States went to war with Spain over the control of strategically located Caribbean and Pacific Islands. Pennsylvania’s Governor Daniel Hastings called for state militia men to muster and prepare to assist regular Army troops.

                Company E answered, including Pvt. Waters, whose age (thirty-eight) and status as a married man with four children, would have legitimately excused him had he chosen to stay home.

                “August 9, 1898, Charles Albert Waters, died active duty, of typhoid fever while in the hospital. He was a faithful and efficient soldier, true and companionable comrade, and an upright righteous man.”

                That evening his comrades and officers conducted a memorial service for Pvt. Waters, then a special guard escorted his remains to Fort Washington’s river landing to begin his journey home. They, and the people of Butler who received his body, regarded Waters with the highest esteem. Mr. Waters received an Honorary Letter from the President of United States of America, Lyndon B. Johnson. He was recognized for his devotion and selfless consecration, to the service of our country.

                Waters was born with no social or economical advantages, but he did posses a fierce determination to succeed on this own terms. Many men he served with were privileged sons of Butler’s professional class; certainly not one of them had to think twice about his right to serve in the National Guard.

                Eventually they, and so many others, understood how much strength of will and character it took for Waters to create a place for himself in their ranks, their community, and their affections.

                The Butler County Historical Society continues to honor Mr. Waters, for his outstanding, courageous military service and the first black pioneer Butler, Pennsylvania family.

Written by: Donn Waters

Reference

Ford, PhD, Jennifer, “Charles Albert Waters,” Butler Eagle, 14 February 2023

Ford, PhD, Jennifer, “Butler Man was the first Black to join Pa National Guard,” Butler Eagle, 18 June 2022