Saturday, August 2, 2008

'Colored Confederate' Has His Day in Monroe, NC


By Donald W. Patterson, Staff Writer
Friday, July 18

Pictured at Right: Earl L. Ijames and Mattie Clyburn Rice

Mattie Clyburn Rice of High Point will take part in an unusual ceremony today, but then, she’s an unusual woman.

She’s the 87-year-old daughter of Weary Clyburn, a “colored Confederate,” a slave who served in the Civil War.

“His is a hero’s service,” said Earl L. Ijames, a curator at the N.C. Museum of History. “Him serving is really an incredible story.”

Rice feels the same.

That’s why she’s agreed to allow the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the town of Monroe to honor her father’s memory this afternoon.

Full Story:

http://www.news-record.com/content/2008/07/17/article/colored_confederate_has_his_day_in_monroe