During the 1850s, streets in Bristol were filled with horses, wagons, and buggies. But, only one man owned a beautiful carriage, and it belonged to the Reverand James King, the pastor of Paperville Presbyterian Church.
The carriage was pulled by four horses and driven by an enslaved man named Shadrack Wisdom. Typically, the Reverand would ride horseback, but during the summer, he would trade his horseback rides on Sunday and use the carriage, as he made his way to church.
The route from Reverand King’s residence to the church involved going through the Fairmont Forest, up old Route 421 to the Jonesboro Road, before turning left, until it reached the brick church.
Some believe that they met their fate along this path, and today, people have reported seeing a ghostly carriage driven by a black man, the four horses, and even Reverand King in the back.
Like many years ago, it seems the carriage is heading to the Paperville Presbyterian Church, which can be seen coming down the road, turning into the parking lot, and then disappearing as it reaches the church wall.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.