Derrickson - Charley
There are few more picturesque pioneer characters in the state than "Uncle Charley" Derrickson, who lives on the line between Montgomery and Boone Counties. "Uncle Charley" will be remembered here as one of the chief witnesses in the James murder trail, which took place a couple of years ago. James shot the old man after having killed Pannel Beckner. Charley's description of his experience was pathetic and very tragic to him. A special from Darlington says: "Uncle Chrley" was born a slave nearly a century ago but unlike old "Uncle Ned" he has still "Woold" on the to po fhis head. His aged wife who died two years ago was also born in slavery. Uncle Charley not only bought his own freedom but that of his wife, long before the emancipation proclamation was issued. "I paid $400 for that old nigger," he was fond of saying during the lifetime of his wife. WHen he came north he chose to be a farmer, and for many years he has lived on one spot, making frequent visits to surrounding towns. It is a familiar sight here to see him walk down the middle of Main St, singing a hymn, his dog following closely behind, as witnessed by 2 or 3 generations of Darlington and Thorntown citizens. Although he is 98 years old or more he is still given to song, while he is possessed of a religious fervor rarely ever found outside the colored camp meetings of 40 years ago. He has been a preacher in his day and he is one of the best entertainers because of his naive way of putting things. After coming north and settling in a Quaker community, a white woman taught him to read the Bible when he was 40 years old. He is a pronounced Democrat in politics, one of his Democratic neighbors through continued kindness having much influence over him. Some years ago, he was an unwilling figure in a murder scrape and he carried some of the shot from the gun which killed another man while 'Uncle Charley" was standing near. His testimony proved to be the richest intellectual feast ever provided in the Montgomery County courthouse. Uncle Charley now lives with his son-in-law and he frequently walks to town about four miles away ........ (sorry, it was cut off) - kbz
From a family tree on Ancestry
Job Derixson 1794-1851 & Phebe 1795
Wife: Matilda Thomas 1816-1906
Children: Emeline 1845-1922marr Levi Hall – children: Alfred; Frank; Herb and Clinton P – she died in Boone Co born April 1845 Nicholas co KY died 8-14-1922 colored widowed – died Thorntown father Charley Derrickson b KY Mother Matilda Stout b KY;
Casandra 1848
buried: Thorntown
Polly 1851
Phoebe 1852
Note: They definitely had more children than this
CHARLES had a son Charles but don’t think he had a son Elva or Alva or anything like that plus they’d not be all that young – hmmm
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 29 Sept 1899 p 9
Last spring Elva and Charles Derrickson, a couple of young negro thugs assaulted Uncle John Churchill, an aged colored man and beat him almost to death in the hope of obtaining the money he was supposed to have. Churchill all but died from their infamous attack and the boys made good their escape leaving at once for parts unknown. The police kept a sharp lookout, however, well knowing that the fellows would show up here in time. Last Sunday Elva arrived in town and went at once to his mother’s home near the Monon station. The police were quickly apprised of his home coming and as soon as possible proceeded to the Derrickson dive. Alva was found sitting there as big as life and gave up without a struggle. He was taken at once to jail and refuses to talk. The police endeavored to get him to tell where he had been but a surly growl of refusal was all they were able to obtain from the ugly beast.
Source: Crawfordsville Review 30 Sept 1899 p 8
In answer to the charge of assaulting Hiram Churchill, an aged colored man last winter, Elva Derrickson has entered a plea of not guilty. It will be remembered that the Derricksons, two negro toughs assaulted, almost killed and then robbed old man Churchill last winter. The evidence is abundant to send them up and the plea is only to give the court the trouble of a trial. 99 years would be about the proper time for these young desperadoes to serve but they will get justice.
Source: Crawfordsville Star 26 Aug 1897 p 1
Charles E. Davis has just retired from a four years’ term of office as sheriff of Montgomery County. He was not only an able and energetic official but he took good are to surround himself with a competent force of employees. His term of office has not been affected by any scandal or dereliction of duty. In the whole four years of service not a prisoner has escaped h8is custody, something that can be said of no other sheriff in the history of Montgomery County. Mr. Davis can well afford to feel proud of the record he has made. He has moved into a neat little property on south Walnut street, owned by him before he entered office, but recently greatly improved. He will engage in business of some kind this fall.
Source: Boonville Standard Friday 13 Nov 1896 p 3
Rev. Charley Derrickson of Thorntown, colored, 90 years of age, took part in several Bryan parades during the campaign.
Rev. Charley Derrickson of Thorntown, colored, 90 years of age, took part in several Bryan parades during the campaign.
Source: Sheridan News Fri 8 Nov 1912 p 4
Charley Derrickson, a well known colored man of Boone County
is dead at the age of 106. He paid $400 for his wife’s freedom from slaver when
both were young people in old Kentucky.
Pension: Co I 3rd US Inf. – Lawyer to get pension
John R. Bullock
Nov 13, 1911 – Ind – Charles Derrickson
Nov 13, 1911 – Ind – Charles Derrickson