Eliza Dyer, affectionately known as "Aunt Eliza," left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she encountered throughout her remarkable life. Born into servitude, Eliza was a former slave of Isham R. and Elizabeth A. Hall Dyer. Despite the constraints of her circumstances, Eliza's life story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she served.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Elizabeth A. Hall Dyer, Eliza learned to read and discovered a love for literature. She cherished the opportunity to share her newfound knowledge by reading to the Dyer children, forging a deep bond with the family she served. When emancipation finally came, Eliza faced a pivotal decision. Despite the newfound freedom, she chose to remain with the Dyer family, offering her steadfast support to Mrs. E.A.H. Dyer, who was widowed with small children after Isham Dyer's passing during the Civil War.

Eliza's nurturing spirit extended beyond the confines of the Dyer household. Renowned for her compassion and skill, she eventually lived a life apart for thr Dyer family and became a trusted midwife in her community, delivering countless babies with care and expertise. Her reputation as a pillar of support and comfort earned her the respect and admiration of all who knew her.

As the years passed, Eliza's legacy continued to grow. Even in her advanced age, she remained a beloved figure in Goldsboro, North Carolina, universally admired for her kindness and grace. In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the community rallied around Aunt Eliza, eager to ensure her comfort and well-being in her twilight years.

Through the generosity of individuals like Mr. L.H. Castex and the support of organizations such as the National Biscuit Co., Eliza found solace and joy in her later days. Her resilience, dignity, and unwavering faith served as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

As Aunt Eliza approached her centennial milestone, her spirit remained undimmed. With unwavering optimism, she looked toward the future, confident in the Lord's plan for her life. Though her physical presence may have departed, the memory of Aunt Eliza lives on, a testament to the enduring power of love, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Elizabeth A. Hall Dyer.

Bio contributor: Adrienne S. Stanley, Secretary

Willow Dale Cemeteryy Preservation Society

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Census Report

Eliza Dyer, Widowed, born March 1820 in North Carolina, aged 80, occupation nurse. Six children with two living.

Children & Grandchildren

1)Elias Dyer, son, born May 1854, age 46, single, occupation- Cooper- can read and write

2) Thomas Dyer, son, born May 1852, age 48, Widowed, occupation- Day Laborer, cannot read or write.

3) Eliza Dyer, granddaughter, born Aug. 1882, age 18, single, born in Georgia, father born in NC, mother born in Georgia, student.

4) John Dyer- Grandson, born May 1884, in NC, age 16, father born in NC, mother born in Georgia, student

5) Robert Dyer- grandson, born Jan 1887 in NC, age 13 student

6) Rachel Dyer- grandaughter, age 10, born Aug 1889 in NC, student.

7) Eligh Dyer- grandson, age 5, born May 1894 in NC, student.

8) Kate Dyer- granddaughter, age 1, born 1898

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The News and Observer ( Raleigh, N.C)

21 Aug 1906, Tue page 1

Two well-known and highly respected old colored " landmarks", "- "Aunt " Eliza Dyer and " Uncle" Isaach Odum- " crossed over the river" Saturday night." " Aunt Eliza, who was 100 years of age, was a faithful old soul and was liked by all our people. She has nursed many of our people.

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Goldsboro Daily Argus at Newspapers.com

03 Jun 1907, Page 1

We were shown a photograph today of Aunt Eliza Dyer, aged 94 years. Eliza belongs to the aristocratic circle of antebellum darkies and is universally liked by all classes of our people. She is "too" old to work and too proud to beg." Mr. L.H. Castex has interested himself in behalf of aunt Eliza and to help make her declining days more joyous, he thought of the idea of having her sit for a picture which she was to offer for sale. This she did and has already sold one hundred of them at .25 each. When the picture was made she held a package of Uneeda Biscuit, a popular product of the National Biscuit Co., in her lap, and when Mr. Castex wrote them and sent one of the photographs, explaining the situation, they at once sent a check for $5.00 to be applied as a contribution to her comfort. Mr.A.O. Clement made the pictures at actual cost and they are a perfect likeness. Aunt Eliza will be glad to receive a quarter from any kind person in exchange for a picture. She is worthy of your charity. Her post office address is Goldsboro, N.C. and she says the Lord is going to let her live six years longer when she will be 100 years old.

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