By far the most celebrated – and one of the most curious- of the interments at Oaklawn, William and Nancy Ashley are buried in a common grave.  William Ashley was a prominent white civic leader, serving as City Clerk.  Nancy, the African – American servant who bore his surname, was also William’s longtime companion and, it was presumed, his wife outside the law.  Following instructions left to William’s executor John Jackson (another prominent white Tampan), the Ashley grave was opened to receive Nancy upon her death and, “to commemorate their fidelity in each other,” a headstone was erected.

< Back    Next >

< Cemetery Home