Jerry Robinson, great-grandson of Reuben Waller, will give an illustrated talk: American History Through Reuben’s Eyes, on Sunday, March 6, at 2 pm, at the Stephentown Historical Society’s Heritage Center, 5 Staples Road (corner of Garfield Road), Stephentown, New York. The program is free and the building is handicapped accessible. For directions, telephone (518) 733-0010.
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Waller was born into slavery in 1840. As a Confederate general’s body servant, Waller witnessed Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. After the Civil War, he enlisted in the 10th Cavalry, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, and served during western expansion and through the Plains Indian Wars.
Waller lived for 105 years and recorded many details of a life that spanned from the era of slavery, to western expansion, to the two World Wars. After his ten year service in the Buffalo Soldiers, he settled in Kansas.
As a child Robinson met his ancient ancestor. As an adult he was intrigued by the history of Reuben Waller and researched his story. He will tell a bit about this exploration as well as much about Waller’s experiences.
Robinson is a member of the Stephentown Town Board. He is retired from a career in health and human services management and was Commissioner for Children and Families in the Massachusetts Department of Social Services. He holds a Masters degree in public health from Yale University and a certificate in Senior Management from Harvard’s Kennedy School. [/private]