African Burial Customs
One surviving aspect of African custom and culture in early America is the custom of funeral and burying rituals. In Newport, both the enslaved and free African community, largely coming from what is today Ghana, would provide elaborate funerals for their dearly departed. The funeral was as much a celebration of life as it is a bid farewell to the dead. Most importantly it signified the departure of souls in their next journey to join their ancestors.
On May 18th, 1770, 70 year old Quash Dunbar died. In his diary on May 20th of that same year, Rev. Ezra Stiles wrote:
“A Negro Burying, the Church bell tolled (all our Bells sometimes toll for Negroes), a procession of Two Hundred Men and One Hundred & Thirty Women Negroes.”
The funeral often included dancing, singing and public recognition of the relevance of the life of the departed. In an African funeral in Newport, the leaders of the community would lead a procession with the body on a wagon from the center of the town to the burying grounds. The procession would be organized by a ceremonial undertaker, a well-respected position within the African community.
Click here to learn about Mintus the “Last Colored Undertaker” of Newport and how he presided over 18th century burials in God’s Little Acre.
Burial Markers in God’s Little Acre
Coggleshall, Jane
In Memory of Jane Coggleshall wife of Pompe Townsend died March 12th 1760 in 24th year of age
Collins, Edward
Here Lieth Edward Negro Servant To Henry Collins Died February 26, 1773 "He Was Faithful & Well Beloved" *For the most part, slaves and masters shared the same home in Colonial Newport. In 1774, prominent merchant Henry Collins owned 13 slaves.*
Collins, Mehitable
In memory of Mehitable died January 25, 1860 age 77 years *Stone broken and buried, inscription unknown* **Mehitable is the wife of Hannibal Collins, a Veteran of the War of 1812 and participant in the Battle of Lake Erie.**
Cook, Ceasar
Ceasar Cook died June ye 6, 1764 aged about 40 years
Cranston, Amy and Cudjo
In Memory of Cudjo & Amy son & daughter of Peter Cranston & Phillis his wife Cudjo died March ye 3 1772 aged 10 months -- Amy died Nov ye 5th 1769 aged 12 months
Cranston, Caesar
Caesar, son of Cato Servant to Thomas Cranston who died March 19, 1753 in the 6th year of his age
Cranston, Cato
Cato CRANSTON 1766
Cranston, George
In Memory of George servant of Mr. William Cranston who died November the 13, 1772 aged about 63 years
Cranston, Jack
In Memory of Jack Cranston Died 3rd of April 1772 Age About 45 Years
Cranston, Margaret
In Memory of Margaret Cranston Servant to Governor Cranston of Newport died 15 May 1779 age 82 years
Cranston, Peter
In Memory of Peter Cranston Who died August 12 1787 in the 64 year of his age
Cranston, Peter Jr
Peter son of Peter Cranston & Phylis his wife was drowned Sept 7 ye 1771 to loss of his parents & Ms (Master) A. Lopez
Davis, Fanny
In Memory Fanny Widow of Jack Davis who died April 24, 1843
Davis, Jack
In Memory of Jack Davis who died October 17 1836 aged 80