July 11th 2024.
For decades, a man's gravesite has been resting in a rather unexpected location - right on a sidewalk next to a bustling park in Jacksonville, Florida. Thompson Williams' grave is etched into the pavement of a neighborhood sidewalk, right next to a community center and tennis courts. It's only recently that the story behind this unusual resting place has come to light, thanks to the efforts of local historian and urban planner, Ennis Davis.
According to Davis, Williams' gravesite is believed to be part of the Mount Herman Cemetery, which was once located in the historic neighborhood of Durkeeville. He explains that the cemetery was likely removed to make way for development, and Williams' grave was moved to its current location in the middle of the sidewalk. This is evident from an 1887 map of Jacksonville, which shows the cemetery situated right next to the railroad tracks, just a few feet away from where Williams' grave remains.
So who was Thompson Williams and why was he buried in such an unconventional spot? Well, according to reports from The Florida Times-Union, Williams was shot and killed in 1908 while protecting a woman from a dangerous assailant. He was buried in the cemetery, which was primarily for black citizens, owned by the family of Francis L'Engle, the first mayor of LaVilla. In the 1940s, the cemetery was donated to the city, and eventually, the Emmett Reed Community Center was built over it.
Even though Williams' grave remains in its original location, the fate of many other gravesites from the cemetery is still a mystery. This includes the plot for the Fagin family, who were buried in the 1800s. Jacksonville native Freddie Paney, a descendant of the Fagin family, remembers the cemetery from his childhood but is doubtful that he will ever be able to find where his ancestors were laid to rest.
As for the city, there has been no public comment on any efforts to uncover the lost gravesites. However, the story of Williams' strangely located gravesite has captured the attention of many, especially with the rise of social media and the sharing of historical maps. In fact, Williams' grave is not the only unusual object on a sidewalk that has drawn attention. In Chicago, a rat-shaped hole in the pavement went viral earlier this year, attracting tourists and eventually being removed and preserved.
In conclusion, the gravesite of Thompson Williams may seem out of place, but it serves as a reminder of the neighborhood's history and the sacrifices made by its residents. As Davis suggests, perhaps a sign should be put up to inform passersby of the cemetery's existence and to pay tribute to those who were laid to rest there. And as for Williams' grave, it will continue to be a unique and intriguing part of the neighborhood for years to come.
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