Introduction
I am thrilled to share a fascinating story I uncovered while working on a family history research project for a client.
Join me in exploring the lives of two remarkable men – Barney and Russell Clem – a valet and a war hero, a father and son, who faced the challenges of two of America’s most turbulent historical periods, growing up during the Civil War and Jim Crow eras. Their lives reflect the complexities and struggles for racial equality in America. Despite living in very different times, they shared a legacy of courage, resilience, and service.
Barney Clem: The Father
A Southern Boy's Journey North
Barney Clarence Clem was born, almost certainly into slavery, on Christmas Day in 1856. He was born in Columbus, Georgia. A place that some consider the site of the last Civil War land battle. At the tender age of twelve, he was set on a path that would change the course of his life forever. During the war, he found himself "in the employ” of General John McConnell, a well-known figure from the Civil War era and a personal friend to President Abraham Lincoln. The relationship between the Union Army and the formerly enslaved was complicated during the war. Many young boys and men either volunteered as servants seeking protection, food, and shelter in exchange for loyal service, or were confiscated as "contraband" from supporters of the Confederacy. As a result, these young men and boys were referred to as "contrabands."
Over time, General McConnell developed a close bond with Barney, and when the war ended, he brought him along to Springfield, Illinois, the town that would become home to the young Southern boy. It’s unknown whether Barney ever saw his family again or had any family to see. Despite the obvious questions about the nature of his early relationship with Gen. McConnell, we know that Barney created an admirable life for himself in his new hometown.
From the Deep South to Elite Circles
Life Among Springfield's High Society
In Springfield, Barney's name became synonymous with two iconic establishments—the old Chenery House and the Leland Hotel. His reputation as a loyal and dedicated valet earned him a wide circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the city who held him in the highest regard.
Some of those acquaintances were prominent members of Springfield society. Three of them were mentioned in Barney's obituary, including F.K. Whittemore, who left an inheritance of $500 to Barney in recognition of his years of loyal service. Another was John W. Bunn, the most prominent man in Springfield in the early 1900s and also known to have been an "intimate friend" of Abraham Lincoln.
Although Barney never had the opportunity to meet President Lincoln, there’s no doubt Lincoln’s politics heavily influenced him because of his proximity to Springfield’s most influential citizens. They were lawyers, politicians, and businessmen, and most were also staunch Republicans. John McConnell, Barney's benefactor, once described Lincoln as a "perfect human being," and in those days, the community at large celebrated Lincoln as "The Great Emancipator." Many African American families even kept a photo of the slain President on their home walls.
Despite his status in Springfield, Barney was not immune to race-based harassment and mistreatment by those who resented his free agency. According to an 1878 article in the Illinois State Register, Barney was once provoked by two men who “did not seem to have heard that the War [was] over and the negro free and enfranchised.” Thankfully, a passerby came to his aid, and that particular situation was diffused.
In the era of Reconstruction (1865-1877), African Americans residing in the Northern regions of the United States had greater political opportunities as compared to their Southern counterparts. They were allowed to vote and participate in politics, and some even held public office. But, they still faced challenges like voter suppression and discriminatory practices.
A Driving Force for Progress
Barney Clem's Commitment to Community
In 1881, Barney married Amanda Jackson. Their union brought six children into the world: Clarence, Myrtle, Arthur, Helen, Hazel, and Russell. His family commitment also extended to his spiritual home, St. Paul's A.M.E. church, where he served for over four decades.
Barney's involvement in civic activities showed his determination to effect positive change. By dedicating himself to the "Colored Republican Club" and several community initiatives, Barney became a driving force for progress in Springfield, and contributed to the larger storyline of African American empowerment during a time of social and political change.
A Legacy of Resilience
Sunset on a Remarkable Life
As the sun set on Barney's remarkable life, he was surrounded by his legacy—eight grandchildren, along with countless other relatives and friends. His story was one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering service to his community and loved ones.
Russell Clem: The Son
The Formative Years in Springfield
Russell Henry Clem was born in Springfield — Capital city of Illinois, to parents Barney and Amanda. As the youngest of six children, Russell inherited his father's adventurous spirit, setting out on his life’s path against the backdrop of a nation in transition.
Growing up in Springfield, Russell witnessed his father's dedication and steadfast work ethic. He learned the values of loyalty, determination, and service to others from a man who had weathered the storms of life. He grew up hearing his father's tales about the Civil War days and President Lincoln's liberation of enslaved African Americans. He even recited the Gettysburg Address during his elementary school graduation ceremony, and with five siblings to look up to, it's not surprising that Russell was an accomplished student-athlete with exceptional abilities in track and field.
Answering the Call to Duty
The Journey of the 370th Infantry Regiment
During the outbreak of the "Great War," Russell, who was only twenty years old at the time, was “anxious” to start a volunteer company of men who would train and be ready to respond when the call for volunteers came in, according to a 1916 Springfield Forum newspaper article. This display of eagerness and commitment marked the beginning of Russell's life of military service.
Less than one year later, in April 1917, the United States officially entered World War I. Like many African American soldiers of his time, Russell Clem answered the call of duty without hesitation. He joined the ranks of the 370th Infantry Regiment, a segregated unit and the only United States Army commanded by African American officers.
Russell's journey took him far from home, across the Atlantic to the battlefields of Europe. His unit and others were assigned to fight alongside the French military, who put the unit through intense training for trench warfare. However, despite their hard work, black soldiers within the U.S. military faced a severe lack of confidence in their ability on the part of the U.S. military and the American public. They were often given inferior uniforms and equipment due to a restriction on black soldiers wearing the official U.S. military uniform.
In the face of these challenges, African American soldiers showed incredible bravery and skill when given the opportunity to serve, and the 370th was no exception. They fought in several key battles, earning numerous accolades and recognition for their bravery, and were nicknamed the "Black Devils" by German forces for their fierce determination in battle.
For their actions during the war, the members of the 370th received 68 Croix de Guerre medals and 21 Distinguished Service Crosses, including one awarded to now Sergeant Russell H. Clem.
Homecoming
A Hero's Welcome and the Red Summer
In February 1919, Russell and his fellow soldiers returned to the United States to a hero's welcome. In New York. The city celebrated as they appeared on the deck of the Steamship La France, welcomed by a sea of cheering citizens. In Springfield, parades celebrated their heroism, and speeches praised their bravery.
The Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement in the 1920s, celebrated the achievements of African Americans in literature, music, and art. The movement was triggered by African American pride in their contributions to the war effort, and it marked a period of significant cultural growth.
However, the celebration was short-lived. Just five months after the close of the war, the atmosphere shifted as the Chicago race riots unfolded. The events that led to the riots were a reaction to perceived threats and anxieties stemming from the influx of African American migrants during the first wave of the Great Migration and intense racial tensions within the city. Chicago's riot was the most severe of approximately 25 race riots that occurred across the United States during the period known as the "Red Summer."
Russell Clem, and his comrades, like countless other African Americans who fought for their country, faced the heart-wrenching irony of having fought in Europe only to return home and find themselves entangled in the struggle for equality. The experience was frustrating, angering, and deeply saddening, affecting the lives of all African Americans during that time.
Continuing Service
Post-War Commitment and Ongoing Legacy
After the war, Russell remained active in the military and even registered for the WWII draft. He served as an officer of the Lt. Col. Otis B Duncan American Legion Post, a non-profit organization of United States war veterans, where he also acted as Post historian, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to his fellow veterans and the preservation of their shared history.
Time passed, and Russell married. He experienced the joys and sorrows of family life, becoming a father to a son of his own and grandfather to three boys and living out the remainder of his life in Springfield. Though his path was uniquely his, it will forever be intertwined with the determined spirit of his father, Barney.
Conclusion
Overall, the Clem family story demonstrates the enduring strength of the human spirit. Their collective story encourages us to delve into our own family trees, discovering and honoring the untold stories that shape our cultural and familial history. Their legacy lives on in their descendants, who have been strengthened by the knowledge of their ancestors’ stories.
Have you ever considered the remarkable stories waiting to be uncovered in your family's past? Now's the time to explore your family's history and discover the stories that helped shape your identity and make you who you are today.
Keep your family’s stories alive. Contact me at hello@tristathegenealogist.com or through the contact page on my website, and together, we can ensure that your legacy lives on for generations to come. Don't wait until it's too late.
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