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Peter Dudley

Well Known Resident of Wellsville for 44 Years, Died March 8, 1918 – Funeral Sunday

Peter Dudley, a well known colored resident of this city, having resided here for 44 years, died at 11:40 am March 8, 1918 at his home, 58 West State Street.

The deceased was about 69 years of age.  Very little is known of his early life.  He was born a slave in the South and was picked up during the War of the Rebellion in the South by the late Colonel Stephen Moore, acting in the capacity of a valet for the Colonel. When Col. Moore came North, he was stationed at Elmira in charge of a detention camp and brought Peter with him.  After the war, deceased went to Grove Springs with Col. Moore and with him and the Moore family came to Wellsville in 1876 and did porter work for the latter at the Hotel Fassett.  He remained with Col. Moore until the latter’s death and continued to drive the ‘bus and perform a porter’s duties until six years ago when he gave up his position with Geo. M. Fox in the Hotel Fassett and engaged in the baggage delivery work.  He continued in the work until about a year ago when he sold out that business on account of ill health.

Mr. Dudley was united in marriage with Mary A. Huff in 1900 and she died in October 1915.  He leaves no relatives.

Peter Dudley was the color bearer for the Macken and McEwen Hose Companies for a great many years and always took great pride in leading his company with Old Glory when they were on parade.  He was a favorite of the commercial men who visited Wellsville and they always had a good word for him.

The funeral service will be held tomorrow Sunday, at 3:00 pm at the Methodist church, Rev. W. W. Robinson officiating.  Interment at Woodlawn.  Friends desiring to view the remains may do so at the home Sunday from 2 to 3 pm.

Unnamed Newspaper Article – 1918 (Found in the Files of the Thelma Rogers Historical Society)