William J. CHRISTIAN, one of Durham’s oldest and most influential citizens, died suddenly in Maplewood cemetery, by the side of his wife’s grave, which he was visiting for the first time in several weeks, his condition being too feeble for him to go often. Medical aid was summoned but death was instantaneous. He was born December 13, 1839. He was a valiant Confederate soldier and was a prisoner for more than 18 months on Johnson’s island. He was a staunch Baptist in his Christian faith.
Source: Pender Chronicle (Burgaw, NC); 13 May 1920.