Hudson Vance, 90, Dies in Fire That Destroyed His Cottage, 1909

“Negro Burned to Death,” from The Farmer and Mechanic newspaper published in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1909

Was 90 Years Old and Was Consumed in Fire Which Burned His Home

Asheville, Dec. 25—Hudson Vance, a negro about 90 years of age, was burned to death some time last night when his cottage on the Alexander Road, about six miles from here, was destroyed.

The old negro, formerly a slave in the Ray family, and also an employee of the late Senator Vance, was living alone on a small farm, which the Rays had given him as his support for life.

When assistance reached the burning cottage, the charred remains were found in the dying blaze. The fire is supposed to be accidental.