Another freedomfighter discovered in Mt. Olive Cemetery! Meet Pvt. Ephraim Rees (ca. 1844-1928), of Company A, 14th Regiment, United States Colored Heavy Artillery. He was born enslaved in Pitt County, North Carolina, and enlisted on March 9, 1864, at New Bern (Craven County), North Carolina. He mustered out on December 11, 1865, at Fort Macon (near Beaufort, NC).

After the war, he returned to Greenville, Pitt County, North Carolina, and remained there most of his life with his first wife, Mary. After her death, he relocated to Portsmouth, and met and married Lizzie Parker (ca. 1888-1939), daughter of Robert Parker and Jane Riddick. Ephraim passed away on November 28, 1928, and was interred in Mt. Olive Cemetery by funeral director William Grogan.

Interestingly enough, I discovered Pvt. Ephraim Rees by accident; I came across him while researching his brother, who also served in the 14th Regiment, U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery. He’s buried in a historic African American cemetery in Greenville, North Carolina (more on him in a bit). Glad to have found you, Pvt. Rees! ♥