The Daily Southerner, Tarboro, NC

Local News

February 18, 2011

Buffalo Solider dies

CALVIN ADKINS SPORTS EDITOR

PRINCEVILLE — The Town of Princeville is mourning the death of one of its most celebrated heroes.

Martin Carney, 89, died Wednesday due to complications of cancer. Town officials recently recognized Carney for serving in World War II as a Buffalo Soldier during a reenactment of the Civil War encampment on the grounds of the Museum and Welcome Center in November. Carney, who was slightly ill during the  event, was given an arousing applause when his name was mentioned as "a Buffalo Soldier."

"Mr. Carney became somewhat of a celebrity in our town when the museum opened and we started giving him the recognition of being our very own Buffalo Soldier," said Commissioner Ann Howell, the longest tenure politician on the board. "That was something that he was proud of and we were proud that he existed in our community. He will be missed."

In April, Carney was also honored by the doo wop rock-n-roll group, The Drifters, when they performed in Tarboro at the Keihin Auditorium. Lead singer Rick Sheppard called Carney on stage and introduced him to the audience.

Being a Buffalo Soldier was one of Martin's greatest accomplishments. He often boasted about his experience and how important his unit was to America while they fought in World War II.

For many years Carney proudly hung a picture of his unit in the front room of the house that he built in Princeville. During the latter stage of his life, he took the picture off the wall and carried it around and showed it to anybody who had the time to look at it and listen to his story.

"They never gave us the credit that we deserved," he said during an interview by The Daily Southerner in 2005.  "The black soldiers won World War II. I'm proud that I went over there and was able to come back. "A lot of people don't know it, but I am a Buffalo Soldier."

The Buffalo Soldier was drafted in 1942 and for three years he helped manned the 105 howitzer as a member of the 92nd Infantry Division. After the war was over in 1945, Carney, returned home where he helped farm in the Conetoe area. He would later marry his wife Dorothy and they had three children, Annie Carney, Alton Carney, and Harold and Garfield (deceased).

In 1957, Carney built his family a house and they moved to Princeville. Carney lived in the same house until his death.

He left the farming business and was employed by Glenoit Mills, where he retired after 25 years.

His daughter described her farther as a kind and loving man who was filled with a lot of pride. She said he will be missed.

"I live in New York and I know that things won't be the same when I come back home now," said Annie Carney. "This is a bitter pill to swallow."

His son Harold said, "He was a good person. His love love for being a Buffalo Soldier inspired him on just about everything he did."

Funeral services will be Wednesday at Mayo Chapel Baptist Church outside of Tarboro.  

 

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