The Dillon herald. [volume] (Dillon, S.C.) 1894-????, 1911-04-20
READS LIKE FICTION.
The Passing of An Old Time Negro
Has Interesting Life.

The Morganton, n. c., News pub
fishes the following concerning the
life and character of an old time
slave negro who died in that place a
few days ago and we reproduce 1t
with hope that his upright life
and the high esteem in which he
was held may be an incentive to
the younger generation of his race.
Uncle Rufus Alvey died on We'd
nesday morning after weeks illness
of pneumonia. He was about SO
years of age and from the beginning
it was seen there was no chance for
recovery.
In the death of this old man there
passes one of the most remarkable
and unique types of the old antebel-
ium slaves. He was the slave and
trusted friend of Col. w. w. Avery,
who purchased him several years be.
fore the war from the Carson fam
lily of MCDr well cop--..- There was
very little negro blood in his veins.
Col. Avery soon recognized his abil-
ity and faithfulness and made him
overseer of his slaves. He sent him
to California in charge of a squad of
slaves to work for gold in the mad
rush about 1S49. Capt. Mark Win
ters, Mr.. Hamilton Erwin and Mr.
Lenoir Avery Joined forces in this
expedition. Mr.. Lenoir Avery died
of cholera and his slaves, with those
of Col. Avery, deserted, being in a
age Avery who died about a year
ago. These two came back into
voluntary slavery.
Col. Waightstill Avery was killed
in 1865 by Kinks raiders. Rufus
promised him on his death-bed to
remain faithful to his widow and
widow and young children. 1t is
common knowledge in this country
how well he has kept his promise.
With scarcely enough education to
write his name, yet he possessed un-
usual business ability, especially as
to the value of real estate. He
made the property of the WV
Avery estate bring handsome re-
turns to the heirs, who had per-
feet confidence in him. Mr. More
head Avery, leading lawyer of
Dallas. Texas. Waightstfll Avery, of
Mrs. j. H. Scales all joined in
general power of attorney giving,
him full power and ample authority
manage and sell the lands as he
saw fit. He openEl up Avery
avenue, one of the leading residence
sections, and the deed to every lot
on Moreheda street is signed by
him
Up to his death he could never
mention his old master, Col Avery,
or Miss Corinna," as he called her,
without tears coming into his eyes
He was the trusted friend and coun-
selor of the family and Mrs. Avery
after her husbands death, consult
Cd him and relied upon his judg-
nent in everything relating to the
estate
One of the proudest moments of
this old slaves life was when Miss
Addie Avery. the youngest daugh-
ter, married Hon. John Hemphill, of
South Carolina, and he was called
upon to give way" the bride. He
considered himself a part of the
family and what touched them al
ways affected him. He scolded and
fused at "Marse Waightsill's" chill
children butSloved them as a father
and would have cheerfully died for
them if need be.
he was the soul of honor and
honesty and a gentleman, and II
have heard the expression so often
that Rufus word was as good as
MS bond" He never went back on
his word and he was trusted implic-
lily by the best people of this com
munity.
he leaves property worth five or
six thousand dollars, which he has
willed to Willie, Joe and Maggie
Moffatt, naming Mr.. w. w. Avery.
or Plnmtree, executor.