On any given beautiful day in downtown Fort Myers, you'll find folks soaking in the sights, sounds, and sunshine at Centennial Park.
However, some stroll by the one sight that makes Richard Wilder and H.L. Williams stop and stare.
"You have to wonder," said Richard. "Is he looking towards the future? Is he reminiscing about the past? Is he thinking about where he is, right now, at that period?"
These are questions that intrigue Richard's curiosity as he admires the bronze memorial of St. Clayton, a Black soldier who served during the Civil War.
"I see a strong man," said Richard's friend, H.L. Williams.
The sacrifice of men like St. Clayton led Richard to join H.L. in a brotherhood: Buffalo Soldiers of Florida. The group preserves the history of the first army units led by all Black men.
Richard expected to quickly become friends and learn the intricate history of the Civil War. What he didn't expect was to learn the history that uncovers the fabric of his family.
Research revealed that Richard's great, great uncle, Asa Sanderlin, served aboard the U.S.S. Miami during the Civil War.
"I joined the Army, and he joined the Navy, but I forgive him for that," laughed Richard.
The discovery leaves Richard with questions. What did Sanderlin look like? Who was he?
But there's a photograph that leaves Richard with his biggest question yet.
"You see all of these Black faces, but there are no names," said Richard. "Each time I look at it I say, 'one of you gentlemen is my ancestor. I don't know which one, but it's one of you.'"
Richard is currently contacting other family members to find Sanderlin's grave. His determination won't let him stop digging until he finds it.
"I know where I come from," said Richard. "In that time in that place. I'm not only looking at my ancestor. I'm looking at the ancestors of others. How many of them know their ancestors are aboard this ship?"