David Walton

This project explores the lives and legacy of the African American Union soldiers who founded Lincoln University of Missouri in 1866. As one of the first historically black colleges and universities of the Reconstruction era, Lincoln symbolizes Black self-determination and post-war empowerment. Using archival research, biography, and historical analysis, the study investigates the founders’ backgrounds, military service, and the vision that led them to establish a university for freed people. It also traces their post-war lives and descendants’ ties to Lincoln. By reconstructing their collective biography, this work contributes to African American history, Reconstruction studies, military history, and HBCU scholarship, deepening understanding of how Black veterans advanced racial uplift through education