Emiline Criswell, was born about 1853 in Texas, probably Fayette County. She was a negro and she was a slave. She was bought at an early age by William V. Criswell for his wife, Polly. Polly raised Emiline and when the slaves were freed, Emiline stayed with Polly. Family tradition says that all the Criswells adored her and she adored them. She was called "Aunt Nig". When Polly died, Emiline lived with Polly's daughter Lillie Criswell Waddill, near Rochelle, Texas.
When Emiline died in 1919, their were people who objected to a black person being buried in the Rochelle Cemetery, even though she was well liked. A compromise was reached by placing her so she was facing West instead of the usual facing East. Her marker is still at the opposite end of her grave. In 2011, her headstone was placed in the proper position.
When Emiline died in 1919, their were people who objected to a black person being buried in the Rochelle Cemetery, even though she was well liked. A compromise was reached by placing her so she was facing West instead of the usual facing East. Her marker is still at the opposite end of her grave. In 2011, her headstone was placed in the proper position.
Emiline Criswell, was born about 1853 in Texas, probably Fayette County. She was a negro and she was a slave. She was bought at an early age by William V. Criswell for his wife, Polly. Polly raised Emiline and when the slaves were freed, Emiline stayed with Polly. Family tradition says that all the Criswells adored her and she adored them. She was called "Aunt Nig". When Polly died, Emiline lived with Polly's daughter Lillie Criswell Waddill, near Rochelle, Texas.
When Emiline died in 1919, their were people who objected to a black person being buried in the Rochelle Cemetery, even though she was well liked. A compromise was reached by placing her so she was facing West instead of the usual facing East. Her marker is still at the opposite end of her grave. In 2011, her headstone was placed in the proper position.
When Emiline died in 1919, their were people who objected to a black person being buried in the Rochelle Cemetery, even though she was well liked. A compromise was reached by placing her so she was facing West instead of the usual facing East. Her marker is still at the opposite end of her grave. In 2011, her headstone was placed in the proper position.
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