Sections A and B
ections A and B (the westernmost sections next to
Alexander and Joyner
Dorms) are the African-American sections of the graveyard. Many of the
graves are those of University laborers and servants, some of whom were
slaves or former slaves.
Some of the oldest graves are marked by uncarved
field stones so it is difficult to tell exactly where and how many graves
are in this section. These stones at one time may have held names and dates,
but weathering has worn away any traces. These are probably the graves of
slaves owned by people at the University and residents of Chapel Hill.
Although some may simply be home burials. The oldest grave which can be
dated belongs to Ellington Burnett (1831-1853). His grave has been
toppled onto the ground and broken in multiple pieces. Many of the older
graves in this section have similarly been vandalized.
The newer graves dating from 1880 and after are made
of either concrete or marble, and there are several family memorials made
out of granite.
Click here to view a map of the cemetery.
Wilson Caldwell was born into slavery in 1841 and spent most of his life
working as a servant at the University. He established the first school for
blacks in Chapel Hill and served as a Town Commissioner in the 1880's.
- Thomas Booth, Sr., 1887- 1955. Stone and brick mason; with
brother Lewis, built some stone walls on campus and some houses on
- Rev. Lewis H. Hackney, 1854-1937. Pastor, Rock Hill Baptist
Church (now First Baptist) for 60 years.
- Charlotte Hargrave, 1847-1924. A nurse for 50 years.
- Annie Harton, 1843-?. Example of 'home-made' concrete stone.
- Jesse Jones, 1858-1912. Well-known chef at Pickard Hotel. Later
ran The Coop, a popular student eatery located behind Ackland Art Museum.
- George Kirkland, 1899-1948. First black dentist in Chapel Hill.
- Fannie McDade, 1861-1964. Laundress for students; died at age
- Henry Merrett (Merritt), 1871-1943. Long-time employee of Kappa
- Dovard O'Kelly, 1888-1945. Ran dry cleaning plant for UNC and
the town in 1920's-30's.
- Nellie Strowd Strayhorn, 1850-1950. Died at the age of 100. Toney Strayhorn.
- George Barbee, mid-19th century. One of the oldest stories in this
- Ellington Burnett, ?-1853? Another very early stone.
- Dr. Edwin Caldwell, 1867-1932. Son of Wilson Caldwell. Received medical degree at Shaw U. in Raleigh;practiced for many years in Chapel Hill.
Developed cure for pellagra.
- Dilsey Craig, 1802-1894. A slave for over 60 years in the home
of the prominent Phillips family (see Sec. I).
- George Trice, 1838- 1915.
Ran oyster restaurant and shoe repair shop on Franklin Street.
- Nannie Weaver, 1871 - 1971. Died at the age of 100.