3. Wilson Swain Caldwell, 1841-1898
Wilson Swain Caldwell was born into slavery, and spent his early years working for the university as a groundskeeper, waiter and janitor. Students affectionately called him “Wilz”, and thought very highly of him, often seeking him out when they returned to visit as alumni. At the end of the Civil War, Caldwell walked out with President Swain, Judge W.H. Battle and others to meet the incoming cavalry and claim protection for the town and University.
The most impressive monument in the African-American sections is the tall sandstone obelisk dedicated to Wilson Swain Caldwell and three other African-Americans "who served the university faithfully". The obelisk was first used to mark the campus grave of Joseph Caldwell, the first president of the University; however, a new marble monument was constructed for the president and the obelisk was moved here in 1907.
After the War, Caldwell was appointed a Justice of the Peace for a year, opened a free school for African-American children in Chapel Hill, and served as the principle of a school near Elizabeth City . When the University re-opened in 1875, Caldwell returned to work there. He eventually became the curator of South Building and the head of the labor corps. In 1886, he was placed without his solicitation on the Republican ticket for a seat on the Board of Commissioners, and was elected over Professor Ralph Graves.
Caldwell and his wife, Susan Kirby, had twelve children. Their son, Edwin Caldwell, became a doctor and developed the first cure for pellagra, a disease caused by niacin deficiency.
- Silent Sentinels of Stone
- Peele, W.J., "A Pen-Picture of Wilson Caldwell, colored, late janitor of the University of North Carolina," publication and date unknown. North Carolina Collection call number: CpB C145p. Digitized version available at www.lib.unc.edu.
- Battle, Kemp Plumer, "Wilson Caldwell," North Carolina University Magazine, v. 14, 1894-1895, p.315-318.)
