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Chase County Kansas Obituaries
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Aldrich, Charley
CHARLEY ALDRICH DEAD Charley Aldrich, the first colored man to come to Chase county and who has spent most of the time since 1866, when he first came here, as a, resident of the city, passed on to his reward last Friday at the age of about 81 years.Charley was never quite sure just how old he was but his best judgement was that be was 19 years old when he entered the army in 1862.
Charley was of the type of the southern negro slave. He was always polite and respectful in his manner and retiring in disposition. He was truthful and honest and always practiced economy.
We never remember of catching him without money and more than once we have seen him throw a surprise into a bunch of white associates by producing a roll of bills as large as your wrist, and that was before the days of the $1.00 biIl too. He didn't do this to make a display but because the occasion forced it.
Charley was always slow of movement but he was always faithful. When I was a boy in school in the 70s and 80s I remember Charley taking T. W. McWilliams' horses to the river to water. This was one of his regular duties and it was one of the pastimes of tbe school boys to stop him going or coming at noon and engage him in conversation. Charley always seemed to enjoy it as much as the boys.
For years Charley was in the service of Mr. McWilliams and he was as faithful to his master as was Mr. McWilliams' dogs which is a real tribute. He acted as valet houseman, and chore boy.
Charley Aldrich was one of the real characters of Cottonwood Falls. We have never heard of even one time when he gave any human being reason to feel unkindly toward him. He was a good listener but at times he would come forward with a remark that would brand him a humorist and a philosopher.
His wants were few and he was forehanded enough to have the means to supply them. Being an old soldier he drew a pension sufficient for his needs in later life.
Charley Aldrich had a very black skin but he was a very white man.
Charley was born in Arkansas, where he lived until he joined the Union army in 1862. After being mustered out he did nor return to his native state but came to Kansas.
He knew nothing of his brothers or sisters until about five years ago when the urge became strong upon him to go back to the place of his birth and try he could to find them. He had a friend write to the son of his old master and fortunately he was still living at the old home. From him Charley learned of most of his living relatives.
His start back to the old home was a great adventure and he acted like a school boy, and when he came back he declared he had a wonderful time and that he was in better condition to die now that he had been back home once more.
Charley leaves three children to mourn his loss: Mrs. Nettie Lewis of Coring, Arkansas; Mr Sidney Aldrich of Coring, Arkansas; Miss Stella Aldrich, who was living with him here in Cottonwood Falls.
Chase County Leader-News, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, Jan19,1923.
by your Chase County Host, Lorna Marvin.
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