"Blind Charley" Epperson Dies In Flames At His Tiny Shack In North Athens;
Was Familiar Character Here

Athens Review
Feb 04,1937
Flames which were believed to have spread from a fire which he had built in a
tub in his shanty home in North Athens, Wednesday night claimed the life of Charlie
Epperson, aged negro known as "Blind Charley". Epperson had been a familiar figure
on the downtown streets of Athens for many years.
The negro was dead when neighbors broke in the door after being attracted by the
flames which had burned a hole in the roof of the small dwelling. They found Epperson's
lifeless body with clothes aflame. The small structure was not badly damaged. The fire
was extinguished by negroes attracted to the scene.
An inquest was held by B. C. Hall, Athens Justice of the Peace, who Thursday morning
had returned no verdict. A theory that the aged negro had been robbed of his pension
money, however was discounted when four silver dollars, two quarters and two dimes
were found in his pockets.
Justice Hall interviewed Clara Griffin and Laney Clakeley, negresses living nearby, and
Phoebe Brown, daughter of Epperson, at the inquest but none could give information as
to how the fire started. All sai that they were attracted to the house by the flames shortly
before 11:00 o'clock Wednesday night. A group of officers which included Sheriff Jess
Sweeten, Deputy Elton Corley and Constable Pete Wood aided in the inquest inquiry.
Fire Chief Wiley Pennell who conducted in inquiry said that portions of Epperson's
clothes were burned from his body, and that volunteer fire fighters extinguished the flames
before any alarm was sounded. He said that the small structure was not badly damaged.
"Blind Charley" whose age was estimated at 75 years, had spent his life as a resident
of Henderson county, having lived in both Malakoff and Athens. He will be buried here Friday.
Charley had been blind for approximatelyfifteen years. For many years he had a faithful
dog that guided him about the city but someone poisoned it. Later he learned to traverse
the town simply by the feel of his cane. Before telephone poles were removed from the square
the aged negro had little trouble in getting about the business district by himself. But when the
light lines were placed under ground and the poles removed fromm the aquare he had to "learn"
the town all over. Usually he could be found reaching with his cane to locate where the poles had
been sawed off. With this as a guide he was able to make it across streets.
It is considered remarkable that the aged negro had never been hit by a car, even though he
crossed the streets frequently by himself.
Living to himself the aged negro managed to keep his own house and was able to live by
contributions from his friends. Each recurring birthday was a "big day" for Charley and his
contributors were unusually liberal on that day.

Thanks to Laura Gregory Roberts

Old Newspaper Articles of Henderson County

Back To Henderson County TXGenWeb

This site is owned and maintained by the Henderson Co. TXGenWeb Co. Coordinator. Content of this site has been gathered from many sources and transcribed records. Therefore, errors may occur. When in doubt as to the accuracy of data contained herein, go to the actual records yourself.  If you find any inaccurate data, please let us know.  The information contained in this website is for your personal use only.  All pages, compilations, transcriptions and abstracts are protected by copyright law and may not be published in whole or in part without written consent of the author, contributor and/or webmaster.

© Copyright 2001 - Present