Funeral for a former slave to be focus of Civil War commemoration

Appomattox Court House. Image by Jim Bowen / CC BY 2.0

One hundred and fifty years ago on Thursday, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Unionists at Appomattox, Virginia. It was one of the key turning points which brought about the end of the American Civil War. In commemorations which are happening around Appomattox all this week, the funeral for a former slave will be taking place. Newly discovered records show that Hannah Reynolds, a slave who it was thought died at the Battle of Appomattox Court House, actually survived for a few days longer, meaning she died a free woman. On Friday night, a eulogy with a 100-strong gospel choir will be held over a plain wooden coffin to remember Reynolds and the 4600 slaves of Appomattox County who were freed after Lee’s surrender. Read more:  washingtontimes.com