Other than being in Gone With the Wind, she was the child of former slaves and her father had fought in the Civil War in the 122nd U.S. Colored Troops.
Hattie McDaniel was born June 10, 1895, in Wichita, Kansas, to former slaves. She was the youngest of 13 children. Her father, Henry McDaniel, fought in the Civil War with the 122nd USCT
Oh the shame - Wikipedia in haste! Off to the Metro in minutes to go to NARA and research the General Lyon!