Lloyd Watts was a pioneer that history has mostly forgotten principally because his deeds were in the furtherance of education rather than battlefield glory. In 1834, the commonwealth legislature passed the Pennsylvania Free School Act, which provided free schooling for all children, including black children, ages 6 and above. This groundbreaking legislation marked a pivotal moment in educational reform, as it aimed to ensure that every child, irrespective of race, would have access to education. The bill was nearly repealed a short time later, but former Gettysburg attorney and abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens argued powerfully to keep it. His passionate advocacy underscored the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and equality. And with that, black children formally began attending school in Gettysburg, paving the way for future generations (though evidence suggests that some form of schooling was going on previously, highlighting the community’s commitment to education).

The first black school in Gettysburg (because segregation, of course) was established at 201 North Washington Street with Elizabeth Keetch as the first teacher. Elizabeth Keetch’s role was significant; she was not just an educator but a trailblazer for black education in a deeply segregated society. When she moved from Gettysburg, the school was relocated to the St. Paul’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, where it continued to serve the educational needs of black children. This church played a crucial role in the community, providing not only a place of worship but also a sanctuary for education. Two decades after the war, the Franklin Street Colored School opened with Lloyd Francis Asbury Watts as its first teacher. This represented a significant step forward in the quest for equitable education in Gettysburg, where Watts’ leadership would inspire generations of students.

By that time, Watts had established himself as one of the town’s best-known black citizens and a key figure in the community. He was born in 1835 in Carroll County, Maryland, and moved with his parents to Gettysburg in 1846, no doubt seeking both education and better employment opportunities in a non-slave state. His early life experiences shaped his beliefs about the importance of education for all. In early 1865, he enlisted as a private in the 24th USCT, where his leadership skills were quickly identified, and he was promoted to sergeant. The formation of the 24th happened late enough in the war that the regiment saw no combat action, though it helped guard prisoners in Virginia before it was decommissioned in October 1865. This military experience provided Watts with valuable leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the struggles that African Americans faced during and after the Civil War.

Watts purchased his rifle, sword, and other Army-issued items and returned home, where he found a renewed sense of purpose. He then married Philena E. Cameron, though their marriage was short-lived and bore no children: Philena died suddenly on July 29, 1870, a loss that deeply affected him. Lloyd then married Sarah Armstrong, with whom he had his only child, Laura Franklin Asbury Watts, who would go on to inherit her father’s passion for education and community service, furthering his legacy.

Watts’ contributions extended beyond education; he also participated in various community initiatives aimed at improving the lives of black citizens in Gettysburg. His commitment to social justice resonated with many, and he became a respected figure among both black and white residents. He often collaborated with abolitionist groups and participated in local discussions on civil rights, advocating for equal treatment and opportunities for all. His passion for education was complemented by a desire for social change, making him a pivotal character in the narrative of Gettysburg’s history.

Lloyd was active in the local chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic, the largest veterans organization of former Union soldiers. His involvement with the GAR not only connected him with fellow veterans but also allowed him to advocate for the rights of black veterans. He was an ordained deacon in the AME Zion Church, and as such, he performed weddings, conducted funerals, and ministered to local families (he is noted with some frequency in local papers for having officiated at weddings and funerals). His role within the church extended beyond religious duties; he was a community leader who provided guidance and support to families during tumultuous times. Additionally, he was also active in honoring fellow members of the USCT, ensuring that their sacrifices were remembered and celebrated. A local newspaper article captured this:

In 1897, Lloyd lost his beloved Sarah, who was 60 when she passed. This loss marked a significant turning point in Lloyd’s life, as he grappled with the pain of losing a partner who had stood by him through many challenges. Sarah’s influence in the community and their shared commitment to education and social justice left a lasting legacy that continued long after her passing.

He then moved in with his daughter and her husband, Richard Thomas, in Gettysburg, where he continued his ministry and work, imparting his wisdom to the younger generations. Lloyd lived to be 83, and when he finally passed, he was lauded with a long obituary in the local papers that celebrated his contributions to education and the black community. His efforts were remembered in the context of the broader struggle for civil rights and equality. He was laid to rest in Lincoln Cemetery, a place that would honor his legacy and service to the community, ensuring that future generations would remember the impact he had on Gettysburg.