Headstone of Enoch Donaldson
Item
- Legacies Classification
- Memorial Type
- Memorial Context
- Memorialized Subject
- Title
- Background and Context
- Physical Description
- Memorial Inscription
- Creator/Participating Person(s)
- Date created, installed or dedicated
- Date Modified
- Historical Period
- Funded by
- Campus Location
- Location: Institution, City, State
- Learn More About this Subject
- Tags
-
Memorial Artwork
-
Sculptural Memorial
-
Headstone of Enoch Donaldson
-
Enoch Donaldson’s grave is located in the Christian Aid Society Cemetery in Davidson, North Carolina adjacent to the college. Enoch served the college for over 80 years and was one of the most well known individuals by Davidson College faculty, students, and alumni at the time². Following his death on February 25, 1962, the college sent a letter on October 31, 1962 to Davidson “Old Timers,” which included faculty and trustees, asking for a $2 donation towards his grave marker³. This letter stated “this is the last time Enoch’s hand will be out,” in reference to Enoch frequently holding out his hand on the Chambers’ steps. Shortly after this letter was sent, Dr. F. L. Jackson found a tombstone-maker who was able to refurbish an old $300 mis-lettered stone for $100. A letter announcing the grave’s installation was sent from Chalmers G. Davidson to the “friends of Enoch” on November 13, 1962. The grave is made from stone, with the inscription “ENOCH DONALDSON BORN AFTER FREEDOM DIED FEBRUARY 25, 1962 AGE ABOUT 95 YEARS FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF DAVIDSON COLLEGE ERECTED BY HIS FRIENDS OF THE FACULTY AND TRUSTEES.”
On March 7th, 2018, an unidentified individual drove through the fence into the Christian Aid Society Cemetery, damaging several headstones, including Enoch Donaldson. This burial site is essential in preserving the history of African Americans in Davidson from the time of slavery. Today, the Christian Aid Society collects donations to upkeep this burial site, which funded the repair of the headstones.
-
Rectangular granite headstone covered with some moss and a crack on the bottom left corner.
-
“ENOCH DONALDSON BORN AFTER FREEDOM DIED FEBRUARY 25, 1962 AGE ABOUT 95 YEARS FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF DAVIDSON COLLEGE ERECTED BY HIS FRIENDS OF THE FACULTY AND TRUSTEES.”
-
Davidson College Faculty
-
Davidson College Trustees
-
1962
-
7 March 2018
-
Family of Enoch Donaldson
-
Davidson College Alumni and Faculty
-
"Enoch Donaldson," The Charlotte News, February 26, 1962.
-
“Oldest College Servant Dies, Ends Early Era,” March 2, 1962, Clipping, D-file Enoch Donaldson, E. H. Little Library, Davidson College, Davidson, NC.
-
“Notice to Faculty and Trustees,” October 31, 1962, Clipping, D-file Enoch Donaldson, E. H. Little Library, Davidson College, Davidson, NC.
-
“Chalmers G. Davidson Letter” November 13, 1962, Clipping, D-file Enoch Donaldson, E. H. Little Library, Davidson College, Davidson, NC.
-
Niara Webb, “Reckless Driving Incident Sheds Light on Life and Service of Mr. Enoch Donaldson.” Around The D, March 29, 2018.
Position: 555 (13 views)