Buffalo Soldier and former slave Reuben Aaron Waller was born January 5, 1840 in Kentucky. Trained in the brewery trade, he and his father were “sold South” at the start of the Civil War to provide whiskey to the troops. He later served as body servant to a Confederate general, among those serving with Stonewall Jackson. He was present at Appomattox Courthouse as General Robert E. Lee surrendered his sword to General Ulysses S. Grant.

 

Following the war, Waller joined the U. S. Army as a member of the 10th Cavalry, one of the newly formed all-black regiments sent to fight in the Indian wars of the plains. These soldiers became known as Buffalo Soldiers.

 

Discharged after ten years of service, he came to Butler County to live, first settling in Fairview Township and later in El Dorado.

 

Living to the remarkable age of 105, Waller died on August 20, 1945 following an illness of only a few hours.