It would appear that many persons, particularly those who settled the
South Asheville Community were related. There is evidence that there
were large family clans who were buried in the cemetery. The descendants
who live nearby, today, say that they are related thusly: the Pattons
to the Millers, the Millers to the Hemphills, the Hemphills to the
Averys, the Averys to the Williams, the Williams to the Harpers, and the
Harpers to the Paynes.
Illegitimacy appeared to be widespread, or, perhaps, information about
black deaths was recorded haphazardly, or many blacks who were born into
slavery did not know who their fathers were.
The writer saw only one instance supported by written documentation, of a
burial in the South Asheville Colored Cemetery. That was the funeral
program of David B. Shields, the father of Mrs. Saint Ola Mapp of
Asheville.
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