​The 26th USCT Regiment in formation 

​​​​​The story of David Carll, as preserved and shared by his descendants, offers a compelling account of one man's journey through one of the most transformative periods in American history. Born in 1845 in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, David worked as a boatman in nearby Oyster Bay before enlisting in the Union Army during the Civil War in 1863.
Leaving behind the familiar shores of Long Island, David entered a world far removed from the life he had known. His service in the Southern states exposed him to the hardships and realities of war, experiences that would profoundly shape the course of his life.

Drawing upon years of meticulous research, historical records, and family history passed down through generations, David Carll's descendants have brought his remarkable story to life in the books Footsteps of a Forgotten Soldier and Who We Are. From his early years in a small Long Island village, through military training on Rikers Island, New York, and into the battles of Johns Island and Honey Hill, South Carolina, the narrative follows David's journey before, during, and after the Civil War.

The story also explores his controversial interracial marriage, his return home following the conflict, and the lasting impact of his wartime experiences. Rich in historical detail and personal insight, this true account invites readers to walk in the footsteps of a forgotten soldier and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, sacrifices, and resilience that defined his life.

The Life and Times of David Carll

Book Series Available on Amazon.com

​​​​​Interview by Archie Snowden

​​​Footsteps of a Forgotten Soldier

Story by Francis S. Carl and Denice Evens Sheppard

ABC interview by Ebony Roundtree