Month: June 2024

The estate of Squire Coleman.

Years after his death, Squire Coleman’s children received their portions of the division of his land. On 1 June 1887, five of Coleman’s neighbors divided Coleman’s roughly 88 1/2 acres into equal shares among Margaret Bagley, wife of Nestus Bagley; Mary Atha Barnes, wife of Simon Morrison Barnes; Alphonzo Coleman; Gray Coleman; Della Coleman; Henry Coleman; Fannie Coleman; Amos Coleman; and Thomas Coleman.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Squier Coleman, 47, wife Nancy, 36, and children Gray, 18, Mary, 16, Afonzo, 9, Margret, 4, and Thomas, 2, plus Cassa Jordan, 70, Riley Jordan, 7, and Thomas Jordan, 25.

On 12 May 1875, Morrison Barnes, 23, married Mary A. Coleman, 23, at Squire Coleman’s in Wilson County.

Alphonso Coleman, 21, married Annis Barnes, 18, on 18 September 1878 in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer Nancy Coleman, 45, widow, and children Margaret, 13, Thomas, 12, Amos, 10, Della, 9, Henry, 7, and Fannie, 5.

On 6 February 1884, Washington Farmer, 55, married Nancy Coleman, 45 [Squire Coleman’s widow], at Nancy Coleman’s in Wilson County.

On 18 December 1884, Nestus Bagley, 22, married Margarett Coleman, 20, at Washington Farmer‘s with J.W. Turner, Oscar Jones and James Locus witnessing.

On 17 June 1887, Ossie Farmer, 20, married Dellar Coleman, 17, at Washington Farmer’s in Wilson County. J.H. Locus, N.T. Bagley, and Thomas Coleman witnessed the ceremony.

On 24 September 1890, Thomas Coleman, 21, of Oldfields, son of Squire Coleman and Nancy Farmer, married Mollie Woodard, 17, of Taylors, daughter of Ben and Clara Woodard, in Wilson township. Witnesses were J.W. Farmer, John Barnes and Annie Peacock.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Washington Farmer, 73; wife Nancy, 69; and stepdaughter Fannie, 23.

On 27 January 1913, William Harrison, 50, of Taylors township, married Fannie Coleman, 35, of Taylors township, at Fannie Coleman’s. Missionary Baptist minister William Rogers performed the ceremony in the presence of Howard Farmer, Nestus Bagley, and Thomas Williams.

Nancy Farmer died 22 December 1921 in Taylors township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 96 years old; was the widow of Washington Farmer; was born Wilson County to George and Forten Rountree; and Thomas Coleman was informant.

Thomas Coleman died 1 December 1933 in Oldfields township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born December 1862 in Wilson County to Squire J. and Nancy Roundtree Coleman; was married to Mollie Coleman; and worked as a farmer. Fannie Coleman of 115 West Walnut Street, Wilson, was informant.

Margret Bagley died 23 February 1934 in Bailey township, Nash County, North Carolina. Per her death certificate, she was 68 years old; was born in Wilson County to Squire Coleman and Nancy Dew; was married to Nestus Bagley; and worked in farming.

On 6 July 1936, John W. [Alphonzo] Coleman died in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 73 years old; was born in Wilson County to Squire Coleman and Nancy Johnson; was married to Annis Coleman; was a farmer; and was buried in the farmer cemetery. Squire J. Coleman was informant.

Amos Carroll Coleman migrated to Orange County, Florida. When he applied for Social Security in 1938, he gave his birthdate as 3 March 1874 and his parents as Squire Coleman and Nancy Roundfield.

Mary Barnes died 7 August 1941 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 13 February 1845 in Wilson County to Squire Coleman; was the widow of Silas Barnes; and was buried in Barnes Cemetery.

Fannie Coleman Harrison died 17 December 1961 in Taylor township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 20 May 1879 in Wilson County to Square Coleman and Nancy Coleman; was widowed; was engaged in farming; and was buried in Coleman Cemetery. Mary B. Rountree was informant.

Estate of Squire Coleman (1887), North Carolina, U.S. Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

Caroline Jones buys a lot on Mercer Street.

In 1913, Caroline Jones purchased Lot Number 12 of the Winona subdivision from Samuel and Annie Washington Vick. Winona, essentially, covered the 900 and 1000 blocks of present-day Mercer Street. As we learn below, Jones’ house was at 1009.

Deed book 97, page 20, Wilson County Register of Deeds Office, Wilson.

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In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 404 Mercer Street, Noel Jones, 50; wife Caroline, 51; and children Noel Jr., 21, Sarah, 18, Christine, 16, Elmer, 14, and Francis, 9.

In the 1925 Wilson, N.C., city directory: Jones Christine, laundress h 1009 Mercer

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1009 South Mercer Street, owned and valued at $15,000 [sic], farm helper Noel Jones, 60; wife Caroline, 60; children Sarah Hines, 29, and Christine, 26, and Frances Jones, 18; and granddaughter Mildred P. Jones, 7.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1009 Mercer Street, widow Caroline Jones, 74, laundry worker, and daughter Sarah Jones, 38.

Sarah Hines died 22 September 1940 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 36 years old and was born in Wilson County to Noel Jones and Caroline Bynum. Almira Jones Wilkins, Richmond, Virginia, was informant.

In 1942, Noel Jones Jr. registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 17 September 1899 in Wilson County; lived at 411 Bank Street, Wilson; his contact was Carolina Jones, 1009 Mercer Street, Wilson; and he worked for R.P. Watson Tobacco Company, South Street.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1009 Mercer Street, widow Caroline B. Jones, 82; daughter Christine Jones, 43; daughter Alma Wilkins, 40, widow, and her children Mildred, 24, and William Jr., 14.

Noel Anderson Jones died 30 June 1952 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 12 July 1879 in Wilson County to Noel and Sarah Jones; lived at 525 Church Street; was married; and worked as a laborer. He was buried at Jones Hill Cemetery. Informant was Carolina Jones, 1009 Mercer Street, Wilson.

Caroline Jones died 3 June 1957 at her home at 1009 Mercer Street, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 1 January 1885 in Wilson County to Jack Bynum; was a widow; and was buried in Rest Haven. Amira Shelly, Rocky Mount, N.C., was informant.

Amos C. Coleman of Winter Garden, Florida.

Migrants streaming out of Wilson County headed in many directions. Amos Carroll Coleman headed south to Florida.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Squier Coleman, 47, wife Nancy, 36, and children Gray, 18, Mary, 16, Afonzo, 9, Margret, 4, and Thomas, 2, plus Cassa Jordan, 70, Riley Jordan, 7, and Thomas Jordan, 25.

In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer Nancy Coleman, 45, widow, and children Margaret, 13, Thomas, 12, Amos, 10, Della, 9, Henry, 7, and Fannie, 5.

In the 1900 census of Midway precinct, Gadsden County, Florida: cooper Amos Coleman, 35, born in North Carolina; wife Fannie B., 29, born in Georgia; and children John H., 9, Annie M., 6, Dora B., 4, and Connie B., 2. All the children were born in Florida.

In the 1910 census of Winter Garden township, Orange County, Florida: Amos C. Coleman, 38, born in North Carolina, truck [farm] laborer.

Doll Baby Coleman died 9 October 1918 in Winter Garden, Orange County. Per her death certificate, he was born 27 February 1917 in Florida to Amos C. Coleman and Leila Smith, both of North Carolina.

In the 1920 census of Winter Garden township, Orange County, Florida: Amos C. Coleman, 46, farmer; wife Lela, 33; stepchildren Nancie L., 15, Lila, 12, Albert, 10, and Samuel, 9; and children Ina M., 6, Fannie, 5, and Idella, 11 months.

In the 1930 census of Winter Garden township, Orange County, Florida: in a home owned and valued at $500, Amos Coleman, 54, truck and orange farmer, and children Inamae, 17, Fannie, 16, Beatris, 9, and Arthur, 2.

In the 1935 state census of Florida: in Winter Garden, Amos C. Coleman, 61, laborer, and daughters Fannie, 21, and Beatrice, 14.

When Amos Carroll Coleman applied for Social Security in 1938, he gave his birthdate as 3 March 1874 and his parents as Squire Coleman and Nancy Roundfield.

In the 1940 census of Winter Garden township, Orange County, Florida: on the north side of Black Lake, Amos Coleman, 65, widower, dock construction laborer; daughters Fannie, 24, and Beatrice, 17; and grandsons Arthur, 9, and Amos Jr., 3.

Per the Florida Death Index, 1877-1998, Amos Coleman died in Orange County in 1945.

Camillus Darden buys into the family business.

In March 1905, Charles H. and Diana Darden sold their son Camillus L. Darden a one-quarter interest in “the lot wherein is located the new shop and hall known as the Darden Shop” for $250, subject to Charles H. Darden’s life estate interest in the property.

It is not clear how this conveyance differs from the one described in another deed executed the same day but registered later.

Deed book 68, page 414, Wilson County Register of Deeds Office, Wilson.

The last will and testament of Rev. Fred M. Davis Sr.

Rev. Fred M. Davis‘ will was … particular.

With five adult children and a second wife who was the mother of none of them, Rev. Davis  set out to delineate with startling exactitude the division of his property.

First, he gave his children — Bertha E. Davis Bullock, Ruth E. Davis Potter, Addie L. Davis Butterfield, William B. Davis, and Fred M. Davis Jr. — one-sixth each of the value of the “homeplace” at 621 East Green.

Second, he provided his wife Minnie J. Davis a life estate in “her bed room (The one that we lived in during my life time)” and the right to use the kitchen to prepare her meals and to sit in the dining room to eat. The other heirs could also use the kitchen and dining room — “in their turns, each day, as they did during my lifetime.” “Also, I give her the privelege to to use the Toilet when ever needed, and a Fourth part of the garden, to use for her convenience.”

Third, if Minnie Davis were to remarry, her inheritance would pass to Rev. Davis’ children. (as it would upon her death.)

Fourth, the children received the right to live anywhere in the house except “the one that Minnie J. Davis, my Widow, occupies, on the front, South West corner.” Again, they could use the kitchen and dining room. And also the toilet and three-quarters of the garden.

Fifth, to daughter Ruth Potter, the hall hat rack and the furniture in “Grand Ma Judy’s Room.” (Grandma Judy was Rev. Davis’ mother, Judy Davis.)

Sixth, to son William Davis, half Rev. Davis’ books and the furniture in William’s room.

Seventh, to daughter Addie Butterfield, his Coble piano, parlor furniture, and pictures.

Eighth, to daughter Bertha Bulluck, all the furniture in “Mamma Dinah’s Bed Room,” the dining room table, and one-fourth of Rev. Davis’ books. (Mamma Dinah was Rev. Davis’ first wife, Dinah Dunston Davis, who died in 1917.)

Ninth, to daughter Eva Bland, the dining room side board.

Tenth, to Fred Davis Jr., the desk in Grandma’s room, a quarter of Rev. Davis’ books, and his Ford sedan.

Hugh Shepherd, a white real estate dealer, was named executor.

Will of Fred M. Davis Sr. (1937), North Carolina, U.S. Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

Historic Black Business Series, no. 26: Braswell R. Winstead’s livery stable.

The 500 block of East Nash Street is justly remembered as the 20th century epicenter of Wilson’s African-American-owned businesses. However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Black entrepreneurs and tradespeople also operated across the tracks. As Wilson’s downtown experiences a resurgence, let’s rediscover and celebrate these pioneering men and women.

Check in each Sunday for the latest in the Historic Black Business Series!

Braswell R. Winstead attended Lincoln University with Samuel H. Vick and returned to Wilson to teach and work under Vick as assistant postmaster. Winstead later worked as a barber and briefly tried his hand at operating a livery stable at 129 South Goldsboro Street, now the site of Gig East.

1908 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory.

Detail from Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson, N.C. (1908). John H. Aiken operated a stable at 125; it is not clear how he and Winstead divided the space.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, March 2024.

Funeral Program Friday: Nannie Pearl Barnes (1899-1999).

Nannie Pearl Barnes passed away just a few months shy of her 100th birthday.

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In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson township: Rosa Bennett, 23, cook, and children Lizzie, 7, Howard, 5, and Nannie, 10 months.

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bennett Nannie P (c) dom h 401 Grace

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Lizzie Haskins, 40; daughters Willie M., 20, Rossie, 11, Stella M., 8, Elizabeth, 5, and Catherine, 3; sons William H., 6, and Rudolph, newborn; and roomers [Lizzie Haskins’ sister] Nannie P. Barnes, 28, widow, and daughter Connie, 2.  

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Ninna Barnes, 40, widow, laundress, and children Connie, 11, and James, 8.

In 1942, Eddie Hazel Bennett registered for the World War II draft. Per his registration card, he was born 13 October 1901 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina; lived at 403 Stantonsburg Street, Wilson; his contact was Nannie Pearl Bennett, 507 Stantonsburg Street; and he worked for R.P. Watson Tobacco.

Colored Baptist churches.

The 1908 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory listed six “colored” Baptist churches in the town of Wilson:

  • First Baptist, whose pastor was Rev. Fred M. Davis, was one of the predecessors of today’s Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church. Its location was described as Barnes Street near Spruce, but these streets do not intersect, and “Spruce” was perhaps a misprint for Spring Street.
  • Rev. H.H. Neil was pastor of a Free Will Baptist church at the corner of Manchester and Suggs Streets.
  • The Free Will Baptist at the corner of Vance and Elba Streets was the original location of Piney Grove. Its pastor, Rev. Alfred Carmen, lived in Greenville, North Carolina.
  • The Missionary Baptist church at the corner of Barnes and Grace Streets was the original Jackson Chapel. (Wilson Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, founded in 1910, now stands at the site.) Its pastor is listed as Rev. Fred M. Rogers, but I strongly suspect this is an error, and the church’s pastor was Rev. Fred M. Davis.
  • Pilgrims Rest Primitive Baptist Church stood on Green Street at Elba Street, led by Rev. Abram Wooten.
  • Rev. James G. Coppedge was pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church near Young Springs, which was

The obituary of Rev. Fred M. Davis.

Wilson Daily Times, 6 July 1951.

Eyeballing the records, I estimate that Rev. Fred M. Davis performed more weddings among African-Americans in Wilson in the first half of the twentieth century than any minister of any denomination. He served as pastor of several of the city’s Black Missionary Baptist churches and was recognized among the “who’s who” of African-American Baptist leaders in North Carolina. Rev. Davis’ obituary reveals the breadth of his influence across eastern North Carolina, pastoring churches in Scotland Neck, Mount Olive, Clinton, Dunn, and Goldsboro, as well as several in Wilson and Elm City. The obituary also identifies Rev. Davis as one of the young Wilson freedmen, like Samuel H. Vick, Daniel C. Suggs, and Braswell R. Winstead, who left home to attend Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University.