A Former Enslaved Person Passes Away

I have a feeling I am going to be sharing quite a few things from the new Willis collection! One of the things that was found was a newspaper clipping detailing the death of a former enslaved person who was living with the Willis family. There is no citation with the clipping, but it seems to be quoting an article from the Monroe Daily Star dated March 5, 1906. I’ll just summarize it, since the terminology would be considered offensive.

The man’s name was Edward Summerfield, known as “Old Pat”. he died at the home of Judge Willis on St. John street, 8 am on March 5, 1906. The article said he was a native of Virginia, but the 1880 and 1900 census records claim he and his parents were from Maryland. He was born in March, 1840 according to the 1900 census. He was bought by Samuel McRee, father of Judge Willis’ wife Martha when he was just 14 years old.

After the Civil War, he was declared “partially demented” and Judge Willis was made guardian. He is shown as “servant” on the census records where he was listed in the Willis household. One census record even recorded he was “idiotic”, which was a term for mentally handicapped then. The obituary article claimed he was considered “one of the family” and went with them everywhere. Part of the Willis collection was a letter from Judge Willis which has a line saying that “Old Pat” says hello.

The article states he was buried in the “New Hope grave yard” at 4:30pm the day he died. I don’t know where that was/is located. I’d like to make him a memorial on Findagrave, but I have to figure out the cemetery first!

Note Jan. 30, 2025: I am now thinking New Hope Graveyard may be another name for the St. James Benevolent Cemetery on South Grand. The church was in that area at the time. The church is now called Greater New Hope Baptist Church.

A receipt from J.E. Peters undertaking was also found in the Willis collection for $5.50. It was the cost of the coffin and Judge Willis paid it. You can see it here: https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-bho%3A35

Rest in peace Mr. Summerfield. Your work on earth is done.