Wilson Daily Times, 11 August 1933.
In 1933, William Hines expanded his personal grooming business to include a beauty parlor at 130 South Goldsboro Street. Mattie Royal managed the shop, and my strong assumption is that, like his barber shop, it catered to a white clientele.
Wilson Daily Times, 13 March 1934.
I’ve been at this a long time, folks. And sometimes it takes a long time to make the dots connect.
In 1986, renowned local historian Hugh B. Johnston Jr. told me he believed (1) Willis Barnes had been enslaved by Joshua Barnes (or some of “that set” north of Toisnot Swamp; (2) he was “suspicious” of Toney and Annie Eatmon as Willis Barnes’ parents; and (3) Cherry Battle Barnes “no doubt” had been enslaved by Amos J. Battle and lived on a farm owned by Battle’s wife.
This week, I made the connection that supports (3). In 1860, as a result of litigation arising from the settlement of the estate of Weeks Parker, a wealthy Edgecombe County planter, a trustee purchased from Alexander Eatmon an enslaved young woman named Cherry, who joined a group of enslaved people bequeathed to Parker’s daughter Margaret H. Parker Battle — Amos J. Battle’s wife. I found the bill of sale in deed books at the Wilson County courthouse.
The jury’s still out on (1), as the only evidence I have at this point is the proximity of Willis Barnes’ household (#180) to Joshua Barnes’ (#188) in the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County. As to (2), I have discussed freeborn Toney Eatmon elsewhere, and the strong DNA links I have to descendants of both Theophilus Eatmon, his putative father, and Nelson Eatmon, his putative brother. Annie was an enslaved woman who apparently died before 1870 and about whom I have no additional information.
I’ve marked this 1926 map of Wilson to show contemporary and modern landmarks.
Blueprint courtesy of J. Robert Boykin III.
Deed book 1, pages 612, Wilson County Register of Deeds, Wilson, North Carolina.
Whereas at the Spring Term A.D. 1860 of the court of Equity for Wilson County NC a decree was made in the suit of Sabra Parker & others to the Court confirming the sale of Slaves Syphax Jim & Mose & ordering James W. Davis as trustee of the plaintiff another slave in the stead & whereas the said James W. Davis by & with the consent of the plaintiff has contracted with Alexander Eatman for the purchase of a slave by the name of Cherry as a substitute which bargain & purchase has been approved & confirmed by the said court of Equity Now therefore the said Alexander Eatman for & in consideration of the sum of twelve hundred Dollars in hand paid the receipt of which by the said Eatman is this day acknowledges has bargained sold & conveyed & by these presents doth bargain sell & convey unto the said James W. Davis trustee as aforesaid slave Cherry to have & to hold according to the decree of the court of Equity aforesaid & the said Alexander Eatman does hereby warrant the title to said Negroe & that she is sound June 19th 1860 Alexander Eatman {seal}
P.W. Barnes
The Execution of the foregoing Bill of Sale is proven before me by P.W. Barnes the subscribing witness thereto August 14th 1860 T.E. Davis Clerk of Wilson Court
Record for Registration August 14th 1860 A.J. Brown Regr
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Some context for this transaction is provided in this post and post, but it is difficult to fully understand what is happening here. Edgecombe County planter Weeks Parker died in January 1844, leaving a widow, Sabra Hearn Parker, and three children, Margaret H. Parker Battle, Simmons B. Parker, and Henrietta Parker Battle. (Another son, Dr. John H. Parker, who had migrated to Florida, died while his father’s estate was in probate. Syphax, Jim, and Moses were among the 30 enslaved people Weeks Parker bequeathed to Margaret Battle, wife of Amos Johnston Battle. The Parker heirs fought amongst themselves and with the estate’s administrators over the handling of the estate, and Emancipation eventually intervened to prevent a final distribution of all of Weeks Parker’s immense wealth. In the meantime, there were partial distributions here and there, as well as sales of unsatisfactory slaves and purchases of replacements. That appears to be what happened in this situation, though it’s not clear who Cherry replaced.
What I am fairly certain of, however, is that Cherry was my great-great-grandmother.
In 1986, I wrote legendary local Hugh B. Johnston Jr. for help tracing my enslaved ancestors, Willis Barnes and Cherry Battle, who registered their six-year cohabitation in Wilson County in 1866. Johnston wrote back promptly, opining that Cherry had been “a slave belonging to the noted Reverend Amos Johnston Battle of Wilson, whose wife owned a small farm north of Wilson not far from the [Joshua] Barnes plantation.” [More about this letter later.]
Willis and Cherry Battle went on to have at least nine children, whose marriage licenses and death certificates list their mother’s maiden name as Cherry Battle, but just as often name her as Cherry Eatmon.
In 1860, Alexander Eatmon, a Nash County farmer, sold 18 year-old Cherry to Margaret H. Battle. The young woman went to live at Walnut Hill, Battle’s farm just north of Wilson. Shortly after, Cherry married Willis, who is believed to have been enslaved on Joshua Barnes‘ neighboring plantation. Their eldest child, Rachel Barnes Taylor, was my great-grandmother.
Seven-tenths of a mile down a curving dirt path off the intersection of Hornes Church Road and Old Bailey Highway lies a small family cemetery, black with ash from an unfortunate controlled burn. (I get it. The cemetery is choked with wisteria, but fire damages fragile headstones and other grave markers.) I don’t know the cemetery’s name, and it’s a mile into Nash County, but many of its dead had close ties to Wilson County.
Austin Williams Dec. 10, 1838 Oct. 27, 1907
Nelia Williams Sept. 24, 1842 Oct. 23, 1906 She now sweetly rests.
Austin Williams, son of Ben and Merica Williams, married Cornelia Taylor, daughter of Isaac Taylor and Lena Locus, on 10 May 1868 in Wilson County.
In the 1870 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: Austen Williams, 34, farm laborer; wife Cornelius, 24; and daughter Cora Lee, 1.
In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: Austin Williams, 41, farmer; wife Nobly, 30; and children Cora L., 11, Charley A., 8, Benjamin and Isaac, 4, and Minnie, 8 months.
Per Tinner Howard Ellis, “Hillard [Ellis] married Cora Williams. Cora’s parents were Nellie Locust and Austin Williams. Austin was a slave on the McWilliams farm and Nellie was issue-free.”
Ecabud Powell Died Feb. 27 19[11?] Age 61 Years.
In the 1880 census of Jackson township, Nash County, N.C.: farmer Ichabud Powell, 32; wife Mary A., 32; and children Beedy A., 9, Pheny, 7, John, 5, James W., 4, Henry G., 3, and Mary A.E., 11 months.
In the 1900 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Ichabod Powell, 50, farmer; wife Mary A., 50; children Mary A., 20, Martha, 18, Joseph, 16, Margarett, 14, Geneva, 12, Billie P., 11, Dempsey H., 9, and Paul J., 6; and nephew Henry Lassiter, 28.
Henry Powell, left, and father Ichabod Powell, perhaps circa 1910.
Mary Ann Powell died 5 April 1921 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was 74 years old; was born in Wilson County to Silas Lassiter and Orpie Lassiter of Wilson County; was the widow of Ickibuck Powell; and was buried in Powell graveyard, Nash County.
Henry Powell died 29 September 1928 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per his death certificate, he was born November 1877 in Wilson County to Ichabod Powell of Nash County and Mary Lassiter of Wilson County; lived on Route 1, Wilson; was married to Sarah Powell; and worked in farming.
William “Bill” Pharaoh Powell died 23 July 1963 at his home at 404 North Reid Street, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 February 1891 in Wilson County to Echabud Powell and Mary Ann Lassiter; was married to Margaret H[agans] Powell; and worked as a laborer.
Neverson Lucas Mar. 2, 1853 May 9, 1927.
In the 1860 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: Martin Locas, 45, farmer; wife Eliza, 30; and children Isham, 16, Edith, 10, Ervin, 8, Neverson, 6, Cedney, 5, and Susan Locus, 2, all mulatto. Martin claimed $250 in personal property.
In the 1870 census of Chesterfield township, Nash County, N.C.: farmer Martin Lucus, 52; wife Eliza, 42; and children Irvin, 19, Neverson, 16, Sidney, 13, Eliza, 7, Westray, 6, Anne, 4, and Mary, 2.
On 8 February 1877, Neverson Locust, 23, of Wilson County, married Margaret Taylor, 30, of Wilson County, in Wilson County.
In the 1880 census of Jackson township, Nash County: farmer Neverson Locus, 25; wife Margaret, 35; and son Boston, 1.
On 16 December 1885, Neverson Locust, 32, of Wilson County, married Sarah Locust, 37, of Wilson County, at A.M. Thompson’s in Wilson County.
In the 1910 census of Jackson township, Nash County: farm laborer Mary Jane Ellis, 44, and children Henry, 16, Louise, 13, and Charles, 6; and brother Neverson Lucas, 56.
In the 1920 census of Jackson township, Nash County: widower Neverson Locus, 65, farmer, and Liddie Joyner, 57, servant.
The last will and testament of Neverson Locus, alias Lucas.
Newson Lucas died 12 May 1927 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per his death certificate, he was born 29 April 1853 in Wilson County to Martin Lucas and Liza Martin; was a farmer; was a widower; and was buried in a family cemetery. Ed. Williams was informant.
Robert Eatman Died Nov. 24, 1916 Age 52 Years
Edith Eatman Died Mar. 15, 1911 Age 63 Years
In the 1860 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: Martin Locas, 45, farmer; wife Eliza, 30; and children Isham, 16, Edith, 10, Ervin, 8, Neverson, 6, Cedney, 5, and Susan Locus, 2, all mulatto. Martin claimed $250 in personal property.
On 28 April 1883, Robert Eatman, 25, of Wilson County, married Edith Howard, 30, of Wilson County, ate Wilson County Courthouse.
In the 1900 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer Robert Eatmon, 43; wife Edith, 50; and servant Mary Eatmon, 9.
In the 1910 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: Willis Ellis, 22; wife Mary, 20; and aunt Edie Eatman, 52. Nearby, living alone: Robert Eatman, 52, farmer.
On 9 March 1911, Edith Eatmon made out a will in which she bequeathed $200 to Mary Jane Ellis; $100 each to Neverson Locus and James Ross; $50 to Eliza Howard, wife of George Howard; and the remainder to be divided among them all. She also paid for headstones for herself and her late husband.
The first provision of Edith Eatmon’s last will and testament.
Mariah Wife of Jesse Perry Born Dec. 27, 1893 Died Sep. 14, 1920 She was ready to every good work.
On 26 December 1915, Jesse Perry, 21, son of Charlie and Assie Perry, married Maria Eatmon, 18, daughter of Dallas and Flora Eatmon, in Jackson township, Nash County.
In the 1920 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Jessie Perry, 22; wife Mariah, 19; and daughter Doretha, 1.
Lucy Jane wife of Johnny Morgan
On 10 March 1922, John Morgan, 21, of Nash County, son of Jim and Senora Morgan, married Lucy Eatmon, 19, of Nash County, daughter of Dollis and Flora Eatmon, in Wilson.
Lucy Morgan died 23 October 1925 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was born 16 December 1903 in Nash County to D. Eatmon and Flora Lucas; was married to John Morgan; and was buried in [Bunn?] cemetery.
Henry Lucas Born A.D. 1845 Died Dec. 30, 1915 Gone but not forgotten.
In the 1850 census of Nash County: Delany Locust, 28, and Lucy, 25, Nathan, 12, Henry, 8, Goodson, 6, Nelly, 4, and Mary J., 5.
On 29 March 1868, Henry Locust, son of Isaac and Laney Taylor, married Nancy Williams, daughter of Ben and America Williams at John Thompson’s in Wilson County.
In the 1870 census of Chesterfield township, Nash County: Henry Lucas, 35, farmer; wife Nancy, 32; and children Margaret, 11, Turner, 7, Susan, 2, and Horace, 5 months.
In the 1880 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Henry Locus, 38; wife Nancy, 37; and children Margaret, 23, Turner, 16, Harriet, 11, Franklin, 10, Adlonia, 8, Henry K., 5, Emma L., 4, Mollie, 2, and Palmer, 10 months.
In the 1900 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Henry Locus, 60; wife Nancy, 55; children Eliza H., 27, Adlone, 25, Henry C., 23, Mollie M., 20, Halma, 19, Ben, 15; and grandson Willie J., 11.
In the 1910 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Henry Lucas, 69; wife Nancy, 68; and sons Palmer, 28, and H. Katie, 30.
Mary Pearson 1838-1925 Her life was hid with God’s.
In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: Mary Pearson, 40, and children Jerry, 17, “hired out,” Mourning, 13, “hired about,” Dora, 8, and Flora, 6.
On 16 January 1895, Jerry Battle, 26, of Nash County, son of Armstead and Patsey Battle, married Mourning Pearson, 24, of Nash County, daughter of Nathan Locus and Mary Pearson, in Taylor township, Wilson County. John Locus applied for the license, and he, Joseph Eatmon, and Branch Flowers were witnesses.
In the 1900 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Dallas Eatmon, 32; wife Flora, 26; children Simean, 4, Mary C., 3, and Mariah, 1; and stepmother Mary Pearson, 63.
In the 1910 census of Jackson township, Nash County: farmer Dallas Eatmon, 49; wife Flora, 35; children Duncan, 14, Dolly, 12, Mariah, 11, Mira, 9, Lucy Jane, 7, Nola, 5, Myrtle, 3, Lessie, 2, and Cleora, 2 months; and mother-in-law Mary Pearson, 70.
Mary Pearson died 28 October 1925 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was 88 years old; was born in Nash County to James Flowers and Charity Flowers; was a widow; and worked in farming for Haywood Brantley. Flora Eatmon was informant.
Mourning Battle died 16 March 1934 in Taylors township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 63 years old; was born in Wilson County to Nathaniel Lucas and Mary Flowers; was the widow of Jerry Battle; and was buried in Sandy Fork cemetery. Flora Eatmon was informant.
Flora Eatman died 6 December 1949 in Bailey, Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was born 23 January 1876 in Wilson County to Nathan Lucas and Mary Pierson; was widowed; and was buried in Sandy Fork cemetery. Carse Eatmon was informant.
Lottie High Jan. 6, 1868 May 9, 1918 She hath done what she could
On 7 July 1887, Arch High, 22, of Nash County, son of Peter and Mary High, married Lottie Dew, 19, of Wilson County, daughter of Vol Dew, at George Barnes’ in Wilson County.
In the 1900 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Archy High, 40; wife Lotter, 24; and children Peggie, 19, Nora, 11, Ardiclear, 11, Henry, 6, and Izell, 1.
On 25 July 1908, Manning Wiggins, 36, of Nash County, son of J. and E. Wiggins, married Lottie High, 36, of Nash County, daughter of Silvia Barnes, in Taylor township, Wilson County. Missionary Baptist minister William Rodgers performed the ceremony at his home.
In the 1910 census of Jackson township, Nash County: odd jobs laborer Lottie High, 38; son Henry, 16; and grandson Isaiah, 12.
Lottie Wiggins died 10 May 1918 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was born 6 January 1868 to Vara Dew; was divorced; and worked in farming.
Henry High died 29 December 1951 in Bailey, Jackson township, Nash County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 February 1894 in Nash County to Arch High and Lottie Dew; was a World War I veteran; worked as a tenant farmer; and was buried in West [Rest] Haven cemetery, Wilson.
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Others buried in this cemetery include Tom Lucas (1872-1920), Cornelia Williams (1900-1918), Isadora Lucas (18[illegible]-1917), Anis Lucas (1860-1927), and Nannie Williams Lucas (1879-1908).
Photo of the Powells courtesy of Ancestry.com user bpatterson80; cemetery photos by Lisa Y. Henderson, March 2023.
Bennett Bullock lived in an area of Edgecombe County, North Carolina, now in Wilson County. Bulluck died in 1836, and his estate entered probate. In November Term 1838 of Edgecombe County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, widow Martha Bullock petitioned the court for the apportionment of three enslaved people — Dave, Rose, and Milly — that she and her minor children inherited as tenants in common.
Eighteen years later, in Wilson County court, William and Bennett Bullock Jr. received their shares of their father’s enslaved property. Bennett Bullock drew Dave; William Bullock, Milly.
Bennett Bullock Estate File (1836); Bennett Bullock Estate File (1855), Edgecombe County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org.
Wilson Commercial Realty Company commissioned a survey in November 1925 of three commercial buildings it owned at 418, 420 and 422 East Nash Street between South Pettigrew Street and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, adjacent to the African-American-owned Commercial Bank.
The labels on the buildings — grocery store, clothing, barber shop — were perhaps intended to suggest suitable uses for the spaces, as they do not correlate with the businesses listed at those addresses in 1922 or 1925 city directories.
I have not been able to identify businesses for 418, which stood closest to the railroad.
In the center building, James Henry Barnes operated a barbershop at 420 1/2, which perhaps was a second floor space. Cutt Davis and James Mack operated the Baltimore Shoe Repair Shop at 420.
At 422, next to the bank, Leroy G. Hemingway operated a second-hand furniture dealer and repair shop, The Furniture Exchange.
Blueprint courtesy of J. Robert Boykin III.
The Artises were a large extended free family of color with roots in late 17th-century Tidewater Virginia. They began to migrate individually into North Carolina in the mid-1700s, and John Artis Jr. is the earliest Artis recorded in Edgecombe County. In 1765, Artis bought a parcel of land on the south side of Toisnot Swamp in what is now Wilson County. He sold it in 1782. His deed reflects the earliest known land purchase by an African-American in the county.
In his groundbreaking (and often conjectural) study of colonial free people of color, Paul Heinegg posited John Artis Jr. as the ancestor of several Artises who appear in Edgecombe County records in the late 1700s and very early 1800s, including Absalom Artis, who died in Wayne County circa 1864. However, the links, if any, between John Artis Jr. and the Artises featured elsewhere in Black Wide-Awake is not known.
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North Carolina } To all persons to whom these presents shall come I Jesse Blackwell send Greeting This Indenture made the 10th day of June Anno Dom. one thousand seven hundred & sixty five Between Jesse Blackwell of the County of Edgcombe Planter of the one part & Jno. Artiss Jr. of the County afs’d of the other part Witnesseth that for the consideration of this sum of ten pounds [illegible] money to him in hand paid by the sd. Jno. Artiss before the sealing & Delivery of this Presents the Receipt thereof Is hereby Acknowledged & the sd. Jno. Artiss thereof & every part thereof acquitted & Discharged hath given granted Bargained Sold Aliened Enfeeofed Conveyed & Confirmed & by these Presents do fully & absolutely give Grant bargain sell convey and Confirm assigned [illegible] over all that tract of parcel of Land unto the sd. Jno. Artiss his heirs & assigns Forever Lying & being in the County of Edgcombe & Province aforesd. Beginning at a maple in the mill Branch then North to Arthur Dews line to a pine & by the sd. Dews line and Hickmans Line So. a pine then along sd. Hickmans line to the mill Branch to a live Oak it B part of a Grant granted to the sd. Jesse Blackwell bearing date the third day of Nov’r Anno Dom 1761 To have & to hold the sd. Land & Premises with all Liberties Privileges prophets Benefits & Comodities thereto belonging to gether with the woods Meadows waters & timbers & the Impertinances belonging to the same unto him the sd. Jno. Artiss his hairs for ever he & they Subject to pay the Quitrents Due to his Lordship & the sd. Jno. Artiss his heirs & Assigns forever Shall & may from time to time & at all times for ever here after by Virtue of these presents Lawfully peaceably & quietly have Hold Occupy & Injoy the sd. Land & Premises & all the Appertainances pertaining there to against the Lawfull Claim & Demand of him the sd. Jesse Blackwell against all & every other person or Persons, whom so ever shall & will For ever warrant & Defend & Secure unto him the sd. Jno. Artiss his heirs & assigns forever firmly by these presents in Witness whereof the sd. Jesse Blackwell hath set his hand & assigned his seal the day and the Year first above written Jesse X Blackwell
Signed seald & Delived in presence of Jesse Pitman Nath’l Hickman Sen’r
October Court 1765 The above deed of sale was duly proved in Open Court & on mo[illegible] Ordered to be Regis’d Test Jas. H[illegible]
Deed Book C, page 369, Edgecombe County Register of Deeds Office, Tarboro, North Carolina.
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This Indenture made this twenty first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two John Artis Jun’r of the State of North Carolina & County of Edgecombe planter of the one part & Thomas Vivrett and Thomas Vivrett of the said Place of the other part Witnesseth that I the said John Artis for & in consideration of the sum of Twenty Five pounds Specie to me in hand paid but the said Thomas Vivrett before the Sealing & delivery of these presents the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge & myself to be fully satisfied and contented therewith, Hath granted bargained & Sold aliened enfeoffed conveyed and confirmed & by these presents do grant bargain sell alien enfeofe convey & confirm unto him the said Thomas Vivrett his Heirs and Assigns forever one certain Tractor parcel of Land situate lying and being in the County aforesaid and South side of Tosneot Swamp Viz. Beginning at a maple in the Mill Branch and runs thence down to Arthur Dews line to a Pine, then by the said Dews & Nathaniel Hickman jun’r to a Pine then along the said Hickmans line to a live Oak in the Mill branch, being part of a Tract of Land granted to Jesse Blackwell bearing date the 3rd November 1761, To Have and to Hold the said Land and Premises, together with all Houses, Orchards, buildings ways water & water courses tenements, priviledges and all other profits and priviledges whatsoever belonging to the said Land or in any wise Appertaining to him the said Thomas Vivrett his Heirs and Assigns & to their only proper use benefit & behoof of him the said Thomas Vivrett his Heirs & Assigns forever & I the said John Artis for myself my Heirs Exec’s Admr’s and Assigns doth Covenant & agree to and with the said Thomas Viverett his Heirs Exrs Admires & Assigns that the said land and Premises with the appurtenances to the sd Thomas Vivrett his Heirs Executors Admors and Assigns and I the sd John Artis for myself my Heirs Admrs Admrs & assigns shall and will warrant & forever defend the sd Land and Premises from all Persons whatsoever laying any claim or claims in any wise hereof to him the said Thomas Vivrett his Heirs & Assigns forever, the Taxes of the State only excepted. In witness whereof I the said John Artis have hereunto set my hand and fixed my Seal the day and year above written John Artis {seal}
Signed Sealed & delivered in the presence of Jas Cobb Stephen Cobb Natha’l Hickman Junr. Benj’a Cobb
Edgcombe County February Court 1783. The execution of the within deed of sale was duly proved in open Court by the Oath of Jas. Cobb a subscribing witness thereto. Ordered ti be registered Test Edward Hall Cl[erk]
Deed Book E, page 256, Edgecombe County Register of Deeds Office, Tarboro, North Carolina.
My thanks to Kiwanis Club of Wilson for the opportunity to share the history of Rountree, Odd Fellows, and Vick Cemeteries and the important work of Lane Street Project.
This lovely little tripartite funeral fan, with a bucolic thatched cottage scene printed across its cardboard panels, was a handout of Charles H. Darden & Sons Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Based on the company’s name, address, and telephone numbers, the fan likely dates to about 1940.
Courtesy of J. Robert Boykin III.