THE NEW Jersey MiRROR Death Notices

Note that death notices were not segregated. The first three individuals listed are White; only Hezekiah was Black. Here we learn that that Hezekiah had been enslaved by Charles Carroll of Carrollton who was the first elected Senator from Maryland and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  From other sources we know Hezekiah Hall was a also community leader, serving on trustee boards for the African Union School, as well as the “Schoolhouse and Place of Divine Worship.”  

David Parker was by far the most prominent Timbuctoo resident of his lifetime.  He was associated with multiple land transactions and was the first listed trustee of Zion Weleyan Methodist Episopal African Church of Timbuctoo. He was also the founder of the Beneficial Society of the United Sons and Daughters of Timbuctoo and Vicinity, and led his neighbors in the Battle of Pine Swamp.

This article is part of of a series called "The Villages Among us," in which a journalist profiles  various settlements in the area. The writer describes Timbuctoo as “the colored settlement about a mile form Mount Holly,” that “has proved a haven of rest to many weary wanderers, who had grown under the yoke of slavery for half a lifetime and had at last escaped and breathed the pure air of liberty.”  The writer adds that slave catchers sometimes came in search of escapees, but none had visited recently,” and that inhabitants had their schools and meetinghouse, and “enjoy themselves as colored folks only can.” However, the writer also calls Timbuctoo residents “darkies” in the same sentence as a purported compliments. In brief, this piece begins as a seemingly objective review, paying compliments, while occasionally delving into insults and stereotypes.