Oberlin pastor connects great-grandfather’s story to Juneteenth history

AG Miller will give a historical presentation on his family’s roots, which date back to the Civil War, on June 20 at the Oberlin Public Library. (John Elrod – The Morning Journal)

Rev. AG Miller, pastor at Oberlin House of the Lord Fellowship, recently gave a presentation about some of his family’s history and how it relates to Juneteenth.

During an event at the Oberlin Public Library on June 20, Miller told the story of his great-grandfather Charles Wheeler, who fought in the 62nd Regiment of the U.S. Colored Infantry, based in Missouri, during the Civil War.

Part of Miller’s presentation focused on the role black soldiers played in the war, essentially fighting for their own freedom.

Miller explained how Wheeler and his regiment fought Confederate soldiers during the Battle of Palmito Ranch in Texas, which took place in May 1865, a month after the Confederacy surrendered. Miller said this was an example of the need for federal enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, which became the event that inspired Juneteenth.

Miller also told the story of his great-grandfather’s role in founding Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. The school was founded in 1866 by veterans of the Black Civil War, including members of the 62nd Regiment.

Miller said telling and learning the history of Juneteenth should always be part of the holiday’s celebrations.

“I think this is the most crucial part,” he said. “I think we can celebrate it and it’s great that we created this holiday, but I think a vast majority of people still have no idea what’s behind it.”

Miller said telling Black history is as important as ever with recent censorship-oriented political movements in the United States.

“We now have the whitewashing of this history with banning books, denigrating DEI and it goes on and on,” he said. “If we do not want to educate ourselves and our children and stand up to those who try to color history, we are doing ourselves a great disservice.”

Miller said for those who, like him, want to dive deep into their family history, it all starts with conversations.

“Go talk to the grandmothers, grandfathers, great-uncles and great-aunts,” he said. “Go back and talk to the elders in your family and ask them, ‘Where are you from, where is your mother from, where is your grandmother from? Did you grow up in the South or did you grow up in the North?’”

Miller’s wife Brenda Grier-Miller has also done genealogical work to learn more about her family. She said you never know what stories you’ll hear from family members will help you move forward with your research.

“When you talk to people, listen to their stories,” she said. “Sometimes they help you verify things later. It may have no rhyme or reason at the moment, but it may even be “so and so was walking funny.” Maybe you can validate something you discover later.