Black Hannah Gone, article obituary, transcription (Tonawanda Herald, 1883-06-28).jpg
Dublin Core
Title
Black Hannah Gone, article obituary, transcription (Tonawanda Herald, 1883-06-28).jpg
Description
**Black Hannah Gone**
Early last Friday morning, at a few minutes after one o'clock, Hannah Johnson, familiarly known as "black Hannah," and "aunt Hannah," departed this life, aged about 82 years. She was born in bondage in this State, lived at one time in the family of Governor Yates, we are informed, and came to this county many years ago. She has lived on the farm now owned by John Chadwick for the past 49 years. Her hut or home was located on the edge of the woods in which the well-known sulphur spring is, and was visited almost every week by dozens of women and young people who had great faith in her powers as a fortune teller. She and her former husband, John Johnson, lived on the farm a number of years with Dr. Locke and family. Subsequent owners attempted to eject black Hannah, but in John Chadwick the old woman found a friend who protected her interests even at a high cost before the courts. The good Samaritan at last provided for the ancient dame a very respectable burial. The services were conducted by Rev. W. W. Browne, pastor of the Free Methodist Church, who delivered an interesting discourse at the house in the presence of a number of acquaintances of the deceased. At the Sweeney Cemetery a large gathering assembled to take a last look at the aged soothsayer, and much regret was manifested at her departure. No more will the winsome maidens repair to the old shanty near the woods to learn their fate on future Fridays, for Hannah's work is done. She is represented as having been a very exemplary old woman, continually reading her well-worn Bible, and always giving good advice to those who consulted her. In her younger days she was noted as a most excellent cook, and many an old-time festivity will be remembered for the part she took in making it a success. In the death of Aunt Hannah the town of Wheatfield has lost an ancient landmark and one of its most widely known characters. May her spirit rest in peace.
Early last Friday morning, at a few minutes after one o'clock, Hannah Johnson, familiarly known as "black Hannah," and "aunt Hannah," departed this life, aged about 82 years. She was born in bondage in this State, lived at one time in the family of Governor Yates, we are informed, and came to this county many years ago. She has lived on the farm now owned by John Chadwick for the past 49 years. Her hut or home was located on the edge of the woods in which the well-known sulphur spring is, and was visited almost every week by dozens of women and young people who had great faith in her powers as a fortune teller. She and her former husband, John Johnson, lived on the farm a number of years with Dr. Locke and family. Subsequent owners attempted to eject black Hannah, but in John Chadwick the old woman found a friend who protected her interests even at a high cost before the courts. The good Samaritan at last provided for the ancient dame a very respectable burial. The services were conducted by Rev. W. W. Browne, pastor of the Free Methodist Church, who delivered an interesting discourse at the house in the presence of a number of acquaintances of the deceased. At the Sweeney Cemetery a large gathering assembled to take a last look at the aged soothsayer, and much regret was manifested at her departure. No more will the winsome maidens repair to the old shanty near the woods to learn their fate on future Fridays, for Hannah's work is done. She is represented as having been a very exemplary old woman, continually reading her well-worn Bible, and always giving good advice to those who consulted her. In her younger days she was noted as a most excellent cook, and many an old-time festivity will be remembered for the part she took in making it a success. In the death of Aunt Hannah the town of Wheatfield has lost an ancient landmark and one of its most widely known characters. May her spirit rest in peace.
Date
1883-06-28
Collection
Citation
“Black Hannah Gone, article obituary, transcription (Tonawanda Herald, 1883-06-28).jpg,” North Tonawanda History, accessed July 4, 2025, https://nthistory.com/items/show/1037.