Bethel Burying Ground Project

Fifty-four-year-old Ann Miller died this day, October 23rd, in 1840 of “Apoplexy” (stroke) and was buried at Bethel Burying Ground. The 1838 African American Census reported she was “free born,” a widow and employed as a domestic. Ms. Miller lived in a small room at #2 Elizabeth Street for which she paid $3 a month or approximately $88 in modern currency. Ms. Miller reported she owned $50 in personal property that might have included a stove and furniture. In modern currency, $50 would be the approximate equivalent of $1,480.

In 1838, Ms. Miller resided on Elizabeth Street with one hundred sixty African American men, women, and chldren. The adults were employed in the following occupations.

WOMEN                          MEN

Dressmaker                       Coachman

Laundress                         Hairdresser

Domestic                           Porter

Teacher                            Waiter

Nurse                                Shoemaker

Ms. Miller died on a fair day in late October. She was laid to rest, with dignity, by clergy, friends, and neighbors at Bethel Burying Ground.

NOTE: Ms. Miller is likely buried with her spouse. Board of Health burial records for the 1830s are very incomplete with entire years missing.