Remembering Them Forever (RTF)!

Military Information:

• US Army
• Deceased
• QR Code
• PVT (Private)
• Indian Campaigns
• Cemetery: Seminole Indian Scouts, Brackettville, Kinney County, Texas
• 1-Alpha List
• US Indian Scouts

Bio:

Renty Grayson was a Seminole Negro Indian Scout who was born in Mexico. He had black eyes, black hair, and a black complexion. He stood 5’7”. He was 19 when he first enlisted.

He completed 11 enlistments, serving from October 7, 1871 to July 13, 1893. He was stationed at Fort Duncan, Fort Clark, Fort Ringold and Cp. Supply. He served under Maj. Bliss, Cpt. Beyer, Lt. Land, Lt. Cranston, Lt. Parker, Lt. Bullis, and Lt. Shanks.

In May 1873, Private Grayson captured Lipan Chief Costillito during Mackenzie’s raid in Remolino.

Grayson was involved in the Kickapoo Spring Skirmish with Lt. Hudson in December of 1873.

In 1874, he detached from the Scout Detachment and was a guide for Troop A, 4th Cavalry, and was on-duty during the Palo Duro Canyon skirmish.

In August 1875, Grayson killed an Indian during hand-to-hand battle while at Palo Duro Canyon.

Renty Grayson claimed to be negro without Indian blood; however Grayson is a Creek name.

In the 1880 census, Grayson is listed as a 27 year old black male. His daughter Louise is listed as a 9 year old black female, and his son Anel is listed as a 6 year old black male.

He was authorized to remain and reside on Fort Clark after July 10, 1915 (Refer headquarters, 14th Cavalry letter To Whom It May Concern, July 10, 1914). Later (1920-1923), poverty required him to live out of garbage cans. R. Stratton, Brackettville ex-trooper, obtained his records and a pension for him as an Indian War veteran, backdated to March 11, 1917 up to November 1923 ($1,600) with $20 per month pension.

Private Renty Grayson died on May 31, 1929