Betty, Robert William

Robert and Annie Betty's final resting places

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

6th Pioneer Infantry WWI

Place of Birth:

Rutherford County, Tennessee

Date of Birth:

May 19, 1895

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee

Date of Death:

December 19, 1948

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Robert William Betty was born on May 19, 1895, in Rutherford County, Tennessee. He worked as a farmer in the Rutherford County area. At the age of 23, he enlisted with the US Army on September 1, 1918, at Camp Sherman, to serve during World War I. His draft card recorded his appearance as tall and slender with dark hair and dark eyes. At the time of his enlistment, he was unmarried.  

Robert Betty was assigned to the 6th Pioneer Infantry as a private. Pioneer infantry regiments, often composed of African American soldiers, were trained in both infantry tactics and combat engineering. They provided support on the front lines with road building, clearing obstacles, and general construction work. Their work was vital in supporting the army’s movements through Europe.  

Private Betty enlisted a little over a month before the end of WWI. He spent three months in service before he was honorably discharged on December 28, 1918. After being discharged, he returned home to Tennessee. Robert Betty married Annie E. Betty and the two lived in Rutherford County.  

At 53 years old, Robert Betty died on December 19, 1948; specifics of his death are unknown. He was laid to rest in Stones River National Cemetery in plot Q-6508. His wife, Annie E. Betty, was interred beside him in plot Q-6509 after her death on February 4, 1963.  

Tags: stones river national battlefield, stones river national cemetery, world war i, wwi, african american u.s. army, u.s. army