The Cecil Whig., 1882-06-24
PERRY VEAZY.

/ Many of our readers will remember Perry
/ NeaZy, a colored man, 4 slave, the pr"perrv Y
of Mrs. Mitchell, now Mrs. w. Writ, OF
this town, and who lived here with his own
er until about 1862. Since the year 1862
I Perry has been Il resident of Wilmington
Del, whittier he Went, it is said 10 escap,
the draft. Perry was Il protcge OF Judge
/ DAVID Davis, acting Vice President of the
/ tnited States, they having been boys to-
gether, the one n master the other a slave,
and the Judge has ever taken lively in
terest in him. Up to the time of his death,
which occurred last week, Perry has been a
resident of McDowellviie, near Whining
ton, occupying No. 104 Ford street, Il house
erected for him by Judge Davis, who has
always exercised care over him, amply pro-
viding for his wants, and keeping him III
| comfort
Perry Neazy was born in 1894 and was
consequently about IS years of age when lie
died. He was the child Of slave parents
who We're the property of gentleman
named Mercer, who was an uncle to the
boy who afterwards became Judge Davis.
The Judge and Perry We're boys together,
one a freeman, the other Il slave. David
Davis went West in 1888 and settled per-
manently at Bloomington, Illinois, where
he still resides. He wanted Perry to 90
with him, but at that time he said it was
too far out of the world, and there We're no
Ethiopians there. Mr.. Mercer died and
the widow in the meantime married Mr..
Writ, who removed to this town in 1851,
and Perry being the property of Mrs. Writ,
removed with them. In 1862 the rebellion
having commenced in right earnest Perry
left this town and Went to Wilmington, but
his mistress never made any attempt to
capture him or to induce him to return.
Judge Davis for sometime lost sight of
Perry, and when on visit to see his rela-
tives here was surprised to find that he had
left home, but soon discovered that he had
removed to Wilmington. In 1875 the Judge
came to Wilmington and hunted up Perry
finding him in one room in Il house near
the Jackson n Sharp Company'S works
He offered to take Perry back TO Elkton,
him COW and a horse and ground enough
on which to raise all he needed to live on.
but Perry declined the offer and preferred
remaining in Wilmington where he had
had become local preacher and Il leader
amongst his people. The Judge then told
him to pick out Il lot and build himselfa a
four roomed house and he would pay for it.
This advice Perry took and purchased Il lot
20 by 10 feet on Ford street, McDowel!viile,
where he has been residing until his death
Perry was taken sick last December with a
tumor on the stom ach and the Judge was
notified of his Sickness since which time he
has been very solicitious for Perry's we'll
fare and authorized friends to attend to all
his wants.
Last Friday afternoon 1T > o'clock he was
buried from his residence in the Zion Gene
terry on the Lancaster Pike. The funeral
services We're held in Moores chapel near
Perry residence and the church was crowd
ed. The remains We're very tastefuly ar
rayed in black and encased in Il silver
mounted walnut coffin. \ floral design,
representing cross and Il Sheaf of wheat,
was the present of Judge Davis. Rev Mr.
Baker of Enron NJ. +. Church made an af-
tecting address giving an interesting sketch
of Perry's life and reciting the kindness of
Judge Davis to the playmate of bis youth.
The Judge cauld not attend the funeral i'll
person but vas represented by his private
Secretary, Mr.. Head.
John $. Writ, Esq, Of this town, was al
SO present at the funeral.