born in slavery, only Afro-American buried in this cemetery
Henry June was Reinbeck's first black resident. Some time later a man known as 'Charley Darky', born in slavery, came to Reinbeck from the south with a soldier, Captain Charles Merrill. Residents attached the name Charles Merrill to him, and he lived many years in this community. He played the violin, to the enjoyment of many, and worked for area farmers. He died in 1923, was given a public funeral, and a collection was taken for a marker for his grave in the Reinbeck Cemetery.
Charles Merrill of Reinbeck, known as Charley Darkey, passed away at the hospital in Independence las week and funeral services were held in Reinbeck. Only a couple of months ago, he was sent to Independence.
Grundy County Dispatch, 1-11-1923
A small monument was erected over the grave of Charles Merrill, "Charley Darkey', last week. A fund had been raised by subscription for him some years ago and a balance remained that was used in this way by his friends. The inscription on the stone reads 'Charley Darkey, Born in Slavery, Died 1923'.
Grundy Register, 6-14-1923
Henry June was Reinbeck's first black resident. Some time later a man known as 'Charley Darky', born in slavery, came to Reinbeck from the south with a soldier, Captain Charles Merrill. Residents attached the name Charles Merrill to him, and he lived many years in this community. He played the violin, to the enjoyment of many, and worked for area farmers. He died in 1923, was given a public funeral, and a collection was taken for a marker for his grave in the Reinbeck Cemetery.
Charles Merrill of Reinbeck, known as Charley Darkey, passed away at the hospital in Independence las week and funeral services were held in Reinbeck. Only a couple of months ago, he was sent to Independence.
Grundy County Dispatch, 1-11-1923
A small monument was erected over the grave of Charles Merrill, "Charley Darkey', last week. A fund had been raised by subscription for him some years ago and a balance remained that was used in this way by his friends. The inscription on the stone reads 'Charley Darkey, Born in Slavery, Died 1923'.
Grundy Register, 6-14-1923
born in slavery, only Afro-American buried in this cemetery
Henry June was Reinbeck's first black resident. Some time later a man known as 'Charley Darky', born in slavery, came to Reinbeck from the south with a soldier, Captain Charles Merrill. Residents attached the name Charles Merrill to him, and he lived many years in this community. He played the violin, to the enjoyment of many, and worked for area farmers. He died in 1923, was given a public funeral, and a collection was taken for a marker for his grave in the Reinbeck Cemetery.
Charles Merrill of Reinbeck, known as Charley Darkey, passed away at the hospital in Independence las week and funeral services were held in Reinbeck. Only a couple of months ago, he was sent to Independence.
Grundy County Dispatch, 1-11-1923
A small monument was erected over the grave of Charles Merrill, "Charley Darkey', last week. A fund had been raised by subscription for him some years ago and a balance remained that was used in this way by his friends. The inscription on the stone reads 'Charley Darkey, Born in Slavery, Died 1923'.
Grundy Register, 6-14-1923
Henry June was Reinbeck's first black resident. Some time later a man known as 'Charley Darky', born in slavery, came to Reinbeck from the south with a soldier, Captain Charles Merrill. Residents attached the name Charles Merrill to him, and he lived many years in this community. He played the violin, to the enjoyment of many, and worked for area farmers. He died in 1923, was given a public funeral, and a collection was taken for a marker for his grave in the Reinbeck Cemetery.
Charles Merrill of Reinbeck, known as Charley Darkey, passed away at the hospital in Independence las week and funeral services were held in Reinbeck. Only a couple of months ago, he was sent to Independence.
Grundy County Dispatch, 1-11-1923
A small monument was erected over the grave of Charles Merrill, "Charley Darkey', last week. A fund had been raised by subscription for him some years ago and a balance remained that was used in this way by his friends. The inscription on the stone reads 'Charley Darkey, Born in Slavery, Died 1923'.
Grundy Register, 6-14-1923
Gravesite Details
only Black person in cemetery
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