Enslavement to freedom |
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Vibrant Black communities arise |
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Study Areas |
"Ex-Slave, Once City Patrolman, is Dead at 89"From the Harrisburg Telegraph, August 6, 1927 Afrolumens is grateful to David W. Houseal, local historian, for the submission of the following old newspaper clipping from his files. Mr. Houseal is a firefighter with the Harrisburg City Bureau of Fire, and actively collects items relating to and researches the history of firefighting in Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania. William C. ("Uncle Bill") Williams, 89, born a slave on a Virginia plantation, whom the fortunes of war brought north to this city during the retreat of General Banks in the Civil War, died yesterday afternoon after a long illness at his home at 1332 Williams street. On Virginia PlantationAs a chattel of Colonel Joseph H. Hoerner on a plantation in Fauquier county, Virginia, Uncle Bill made his way about the estate pulling up post fences for the master and doing stone mason work. Named PolicemanWith his freedom, the former slave became a hod carrier in this city until he was appointed as the first Negro city policeman by Mayor Cameron Wilson.1 He later became chief contractor in unloading coal boats that plied up the old canal from Steelton as far up as the State Hospital. Janitor at Calder SchoolHis last employment was as janitor of the Calder school, from which position he resigned seven years ago because of failing eyesight. Widow SurvivesHis survivors are his widow, Mrs. Eliza Williams, three sons, Newton, of Pittsburgh; Clarence and Robert, city; two daughters, Mrs. Lillie Crummel, and Mrs. (?Eli)za Alexander, also of this city. Son Ball PlayerClarence, the eldest son, who is popularly known as "Waxey," played baseball in the early nineties as a catcher with the Cuban Giants and the Philadelphia Giants. He served one season with the Harrisburg Ponies as catcher when they played on the old Sixth street grounds. Notes1. Mayor Simon Cameron Wilson served from 1883-1886. Further ReadingRead about the Negro Baseball Leagues in Harrisburg Interesting fact: |
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