John Fauntleroy was born in Schenectady, New York about 1889, but his parents came from South Carolina. He was married to Margaret Fauntleroy and they rented a home on Miller Street in Plattsburgh, New York. Margaret would reside in this home for 20 years. John was literate and his World War 1 Draft Registration Card lists his race as Ethiopian. Per his draft card, John had black hair and eyes and was tall and slender. He was a wage earner working as a Waiter at Witherill House Grill and was employed nights at the Plattsburgh Club.
John had a harrowing near death experience prior to his death in 1921. He was playing in a card game and got into a fight. He was slashed from the right to the left side of his neck by another negro, John Robinson. Three negro card players took him to Dr. Thompson’s office, who sent him to the Physicians’ Hospital. The doctor told the sheriff that he could have died, if he hadn’t been brought to him. This incident occurred October 1917. But unfortunately, four years later, John would meet an untimely death that was surrounded with a hint of mystery. Learn More