“Departed this life Sunday evening, December 10, 1882, of a complication of diseases, Henry Williams, at the mature age of about three score and ten years.
The deceased was born in slavery near Fredericksburg, Va., and continued in bondage until about thirty years of age. A change of masters then drove him to seek his freedom, and in company with two brothers and two others, he turned his face toward the north star. Traveling by the ‘underground railroad,’ he came via Harrisburg and Montrose, Pa., to Owego, in this state. In this vicinity he remained nearly four years and then came to Trumansburg. He worked for two years with Francis Creque as blacksmith, in which trade he was proficient. He then entered the service of the late Hon. Herman Camp, and continued in the employ of Mr. Camp and his family until death closed his labors. He was present and assisted at the breaking of ground for and the erection of the residence of Mr. Camp, and used frequently to refer to marks of his handiwork on that structure.
June 8, 1850, he was married in Ithaca to Miss Anna Maria Dennis, who survives him. He leaves one son and three daughters living, and five children have preceded him to the grave.
About fifteen years ago he joined the M. E. Church here, and continued to the end to live an earnest Christian life so far as light was given him. In all things he was upright and conscientious, and always strove, as he used to say, to ‘have a heart as white as anybody, even if his skin was black.’ As a servant he was a model of faithfulness and industry, and by his sterling qualities won the esteem and affection of his employers.
The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 13th, at the M. E. chapel, the Rev. M. Shaw officiating.”
“Memorial Notice: Henry Williams,” Trumansburg Sentinel, December 20, 1882, 3.