Technician Fifth Grade James Johnson, drowned in Burma.

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In the 1940 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Columbus Ward, 20; mother Hattie Ward, 55, widow; brother Bill Ward, 28; and half-brother James Johnson, 19.

In 1941, James Johnson registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born1 November 1920 in Wilson; lived on R.F.D. #2, Wilson; his contact was Hattie Johnson; and he worked for M.L. Smith.

Image courtesy of Veterans of World War II Wilson County, spiral-bound volume, Wilson County Public Library.

The obituary of Cora Brown.

Wilson Daily Times, 18 May 1948.

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In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: John Brown, 34; wife Dora, 34; and children Cora, 15, David and William, 12, George, 9, Elmer, 6, and John Jr., 11 months.

In the 1940 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Dora Brown, 44; children Cora, 24, David, 22, George, 18, Elmer, 15, Baby Ruth, 11, Riley, 3, and Mary, 7; granddaughters Marjorie, 2, and Wilma Doris Brown, 3 months; and sister Penina Hilliard, 28.

Lane Street Project: giant steps at Vick Cemetery.

I agree with Castonoble Hooks. A corner’s been turned. Before today’s work started, I took a brief call from a city official with a run of show — an unthinkable courtesy just months ago. By day’s end, a monument proclaiming the identify of this sacred space stood on high ground, visible on the street from both directions. Two smaller monuments were placed at the western end of the cemetery, and the marble vault unearthed and damaged in December was re-interred. The granite pillars flanking the parking lot — inaccurately labeled and encroaching on Odd Fellows — have been removed, and the third corner marker will be installed later. Additional ground-penetrating radar has been delayed, but remains in the plan.

My thanks to everyone who had a hand in today’s respectful work. Your care is deeply appreciated.

Signal Boost: Lives of the Greene County United States Colored Troops.

Far fewer men escaped Wilson County to join the U.S. Colored Troops, but the close ties between southeastern Wilson County and western Greene County will make this talk by my friend Trisha Blount especially interesting to Wilson County researchers.

Register here From Enslavement to Reconstruction: Lives of the Greene County USCT before June 30.

Private Bruce Sutton, now at Fort Sam Houston.

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In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 716 East Green, rented for $14/month, Joseph Sutton, 61; wife Malissa, 60; children Beatrice, 26, James, 25, Fred, 23, Bruce, 19, Beulah, 17, and Mable, 16; and grandchildren Ivan, 8, and Geraldine, 7.

The 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory lists laborer Fred Sutton, maid Beatrice Sutton, CCC worker Bruce Sutton, tobacco worker James W. Sutton, laborer Levi Sutton and wife Josie, and Melissa G. Sutton at 716 East Green.

The 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory lists student Bruce Sutton, housekeeper Melissa G. Sutton, and domestic Rosa Sutton at 716 East Green.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 606 Green Street, Jane White, 48, laundry checker; son-in-law Bruce Sutton, 28; daughter Lucille Sutton, 20; and children William E., 2, and Bruce Jr., 1.