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.**
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, George
In Memory of George servant of Mr. William Cranston who died November the 13, 1772 aged about 63 years