BOYD, Charles – (d. 1917)

Charles Boyd, better known in Maryville as ‘Uncle Charlie’ died at his home on Cemetery street last Wednesday night.  Uncle Charlie was 86 years old.  He had been in feeble health for several months and the end was not unexpected.   Born in slavery, Charlie was taken into the civil war by his master, W.Y.C.  Hannum, and it was the slave’s heroism that gave to Maryville one of her foremost citizens.  When Captain Hannum was wounded in the battle of Cedar Run, Va., the slave carried his wounded master through the darkness to safety and although the injured leg was amputated, Captain Hannum was a useful citizen for half a century following.  Uncle Charlie was known to all of the traveling men coming to Maryville because for years he met every train that entered the city.  The family consists of Dr. Charles, Knoxville, William, Asbury Park, N.J.; Dr. Luther, Knoxville; Robert, Chattanooga; Harry and Herman M. of Maryville; Delia Green, Dalton, Ga.: Maggie Whitley, Hendersonville, N.C.; Susie Boyd, Knoxville, Bertie Brown, St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Hazel White, Maryville.  The funeral was held from the Colored Presbyterian Church Sunday morning.

Source: Maryville Enterprise newspaper, 26 Apr 1917