"Uncle Charlie" Williams Buried from White Church, Nov. 28, 1924

Unusual Tribute to Faithful Negro Man. . . Former Slave Is Buried from White Church with White Pastor in Charge of Services

Fayetteville, Nov. 27—An unusual tribute to a negro of the old school was that paid to “Uncle Charlie” Williams, former sexton of the First Presbyterian church of this city, when he was buried from the church he had served faithfully for many years. The services were conducted by Rev. W.E. Hill, D.D., pastor of the church, ad three negro ministers. The full church choir assisted in the service and one of the cities’ most prominent women sang a solo “I’m Bound for the Promised Land.”

Charlie Williams was a slave in the Knott family and regularly attended the First Presbyterian church from early childhood. He became a member of the white church, but 24 years ago united with the Congregational church (colored), of which he was a deacon, superintendent and trustee.

As a slave he was never sold nor traded and was never whipped. It is said that his grandfather fought in the Revolutionary war. He was 81 years old and was the father of 14 children. He is survived by his wife, with whom he lived happily for 57 years.

From the front page of The New Bernian, Nov. 28, 1924

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn96086034/1924-11-28/ed-1/seq-1/#words=NOVEMBER+28%2C+1924