Month: December 2024

2024: year-end gratitude.

As always, I am thankful for so many and so much, including:

My beloved family, who embrace and support my obsession with my (and your) roots and make possible my many forays from Atlanta to Wilson in search of history and heritage.

The Senior Force, led by Castonoble Hooks and R. Briggs Sherwood, and each and every person who volunteered in any capacity during Lane Street Project cleanup service days, including those who could not be present to labor, but who prayed for the success and safety of those who could. Special thanks to individuals, organizations, and institutions like The Kirk’s Flowers, John Kirk Barnes and Thomas Ramirez, Wright Brothers Lawncare and Landscaping (Goldsboro), Jen Kehrer and the Junior Force, Scarborough House Resort, Barton College, Little Rock O.F.W.B. Church of Lucama, and an informal group of veterans, who saw our work days as opportunities to build community and engage in public service.

All who have given money, time, or talent to Lane Street Project outside the cleanups. Generous donations have paid for much-needed materials, supplies, and equipment.

All, including Rev. H. Maurice Barnes, who worked openly or behind the scenes to demand dialogue and change from the City of Wilson’s leaders and a place at the decision-making table for Vick’s descendant community.

Wilson native Monica Ellis Barnes, reporter Akilah Davis, Levolyre Farmer Pitt and her daughter YoLanda Pitt Davis for their roles in WTVD ABC-11’s reportage of the ongoing tragedy involving Vick’s headstones.

Heather Goff and staff at the Wilson Cemetery Commission for continued professional maintenance of Vick Cemetery, including protecting the tiny wooden stubs marking graves at the cemetery’s property lines.

Wilson County Public Library for its steadfast inclusion of African-American history in its programming.

The following entities and organizations, who engaged me in various ways to speak about my work, Wilson’s African-American history, and historic preservation: Wilson County Public Library, Vick Elementary School and the Hand in Hand Partnership of Winstead United Methodist Church, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church (Raleigh), Iredell County Public Library (Statesville), Monica Davis and UNC-Greensboro’s Conference on African Americans and African Diasporic Cultures and Experiences, Durham Black Burial Grounds Collaboratory, Kirk Hewitt of Horizon Productions (Durham), and Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site (Fremont).

The Wilson Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P., which honored me with a Community Service  Award for preservation of my hometown’s African-American history, genealogy, and culture.

Vicki Cowan, Dr. Michael Barnes, J. Robert Boykin III and others who have generously shared photos and other documents related to Wilson’s African-American history and families.

Tunya Butterfield Smith for inviting me to participate as a community representative on the steering committee for N.C. Department of Transportation’s RP2025-11 Cemetery Mapping for Indigenous and Enslaved Peoples’ Remains project in Edgecombe County.

For all its limitations, North Carolina’s Public Records Law, G.S. Section 132.1.

Strength for the fight.

And you.

State vs. Proctor and Ayers.

John W. Proctor and Harriet Ayers‘ interracial marriage made the news as far away as Raleigh. A grand jury indicted the couple in the fall of 1894 after a proceeding in which Thomas Hawley (alias Thomas Clark) and James Newsom gave testimony.

Adultery Records, Wilson County, North Carolina, Vital Records 1880-1915, http://www.familysearch.org.

Lane Street Project: what to expect on a service day.

So, you and your friends, family, or coworkers have decided to observe the spirit of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday or Black History Month by joining a Lane Street Project service day! Thank you!!

What can you expect at a clean-up day?

When you arrive, seasoned volunteers will be there to greet you. They’ll ask you to sign a waiver and invite you to add your name to a contact sheet to get more information about LSP activities. You’ll receive a brief orientation about our work, including do’s and don’ts, and will learn of the history and significance of Odd Fellows Cemetery. You’ll be asked what kind of tasks you’d like to engage in. (Remember: all ages and abilities are welcome!)

To help you decide how you might best contribute, here’s what you’ll see and where we’ll need the most help the first four service days.

  • Mowing and weedwhacking the front section

Ordinary lawnmowers and weedwhackers will work for this section, which contains the Dawson, Tate, Hines-Barnes, Mincey, and Vick family plots, among others. Be careful cutting around the headstones, as the soft marble is easily damaged by trimmer string.

  • New growth elimination

Inside the tree line, you’ll see light-colored twigs sprouting waist-high. These are new wisteria vines. Wisteria infests Odd Fellows Cemetery. We’ve made tremendous progress in eliminating the older growth — some of the vines were as thick as a man’s arm! — but cutting back new growth is a perennial task. Weedwhackers fitted with cutting disks are the best option for cutting these sprouts, which will then need to be raked to tarps for easy transport to the curb. There may also be dead tree limbs that can easily be dragged away. Place any brush in neat piles of lengths of about 6 feet for claw truck collection by the city’s Sanitation Department.

Removing the heavy canopy of wisteria has exposed the cemetery to increased sunlight, which spurs other new growth like these tiny pines. Cute as they are, they have to go. Weedeaters will make short work of this task.

On the other hand, never cut the yucca! These tough little plants were placed by families as grave decoration, and may be seventy to one hundred years old.

Privet, the green bushes seen above, are also highly invasive. They should be pulled up by the root if small or otherwise cut very low. Pruners, loppers, or hedge trimmers are best for this job.

  • Fence clean-up

We use the fence between Odd Fellows and Vick Cemeteries to post information and seasonal decoration. The little orange streamers that bear the names of all known Odd Fellows burials are torn and faded, as are flowers placed at the beginning of last season. A few small vines have also begun to grow through the wire. If you’d like to help remove them, please bring scissors or other small snipping tools.

The only known Wilson County grave of an African-American Spanish-American war veteran lies in Odd Fellows, about thirty feet from the fence. We know there are many World War I veterans buried here, too. Will anyone commit to replace our little flag and to remember our veterans on Memorial and Veterans Days?

  • Odds and ends

A shallow ditch partially separates the boundaries between Odd Fellows and Rountree Cemeteries. We cleared the worst of it last year, but need to tackle the regrowth.

Our Senior Force, led by Castonoble Hooks and Briggs Sherwood, has identified additional small trees for removal in the interior of Odd Fellows. This work will be done under their discretion and direction, depending on the skillsets and tools of volunteers and weather conditions.

If you’ve been out to Odd Fellows before, THANK YOU and WELCOME BACK!! If you’re a first-timer, THANK YOU — WE’RE GLAD TO HAVE YOU!

Photos by Lisa Y. Henderson, December 2024.

The Tates settle business back home.

New Hanover County native Hardy Tate arrived in Wilson before 1892, when he purchased a lot on Green Street. After the death of his first wife, Mary Jane Tate, in 1909, the brickmason returned to Wilmington to remarry, and Annie Thomas Tate joined him at his two-story house on East Green Street.

In 1920, Hardy and Annie Tate were among the heirs of Hannah J. Tate, daughter and heir of Samuel C. Nixon, who sold a tract on Pumpkin Kiln Branch in Cape Fear township, New Hanover County.

New Hanover [County, North Carolina] Deeds, http://www.familysearch.org.

Historic Black Business Series, no. 30: C.M. Wells’ blacksmith shop.

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!

Charles Malachi “Mack” Wells‘ blacksmith shop stood on South Tarboro Street near the intersection of Kenan Street. Wells’ broad skill set went beyond blacksmithing to carpentry, wheelwright work, and, late in life, gunsmithing.

In February 1894, Wilson County reimbursed C.M. Wells $2.75 for repair work on a cart.

Wilson Mirror, 26 December 1894.

In September 1896, a man broke into “Mack” Wells’ “tool-chest” and stole some of his tools.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: wheelwright Mack Wells, 40; wife Cherry, 38; and children Bertha, 11, Willie, 9, Clifton, 5, Lillie, 4, and Mary, 2.

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

In the 1912 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory, Charles M. Wells is listed as owner of a blacksmith shop, and Clifton and William Wells as blacksmiths working for him.

A few years later, Wells moved his shop across the street. In the 1916 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory, Charles M. Wells is listed as owner of a blacksmith shop at 244 South Tarboro, and Clifton and Willie Wells as blacksmiths working for him.

When Clifton M. Wells’ registered for the World War I draft in 1917, he listed his occupation as blacksmith and machinist for C.M. Wells.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 624 Viola, blacksmith Mack Wells. 57; wife Cherry, 55, washing and ironing; children Clifton, 25, blacksmith, and Marie, 22, washing and ironing; and granddaughter Minnie Green, 8.

In the 1920 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory, C. Mack Wells is listed as a blacksmith at East Kenan near Tarboro. Clinton [sic] Wells is also listed as a blacksmith.

In the 1922 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory, Charles M. Wells is listed as a blacksmith at 107 East Kenan.

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory; Wells C Malachi (c; Cherry) gunsmith h 615 Viola.

Charles Malacih [Malachi] Wells died 22 August 1939 at Mercy Hospital in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 23 October 1862 in Nash County to Dennis Wells of Nash and Nellie Adams of Nash; was married; resided at 615 Viola; and was a self-employed machinist at Wells Machinery. Informant was Clifton Wells, 700 Warren Street, Wilson.

County Home residents give thanks for gifts.

Wilson Daily Times, 29 December 1944.

——

“Inmates” in this context were not prisoners, but indigent people who lived at the Wilson County Home. The Home was located near the current intersection of Ward Boulevard and Goldsboro Street, behind the gas station/convenience store. 

Rev. Frank Moore and his wife, Ara Moore, regularly ministered to residents of the Wilson County home in the 1940s. Frank Hilliard is listed in the 1940 census of Wilson as one of 46 lodgers at the home, 19 of whom were African-American.

The Vicks buy property in Raleigh.

Samuel and Annie M. Vick did not confine their real estate portfolio to Wilson. In January, the Vicks took out a three-year mortgage to purchase a roughly three-quarter acre lot on the north side of the intersection of Swain and Lenoir Streets on what was then the outskirts of Raleigh.

Wake [County, North Carolina] Deeds 1904-1905, http://www.familysearch.org.

I believe he is dead.

On 5 December 1907, the Wilson County coroner held an inquest over the body of Charles Burton, who was found dead at the police station after “sleeping off” an afternoon of drinking.  The jury found no charges were warranted in Burton’s death.

——

Jim White — Charles Burton – saw yesterday morning – [illegible] apparently drink in the evening – about night lying on straw – Lane phoned for Carmon to come out back – before Carmon came Aiken got police to arrest him – Had between six & seven dollars in pocket – saw no scars on forehead

Junius Korney — Half past five p.m. drunk then sent for pint of whiskey & drank some then lay down on straw

John Aiken — Come in about 3 o’clock accused Charles Burton being drunk denied it tried to walk line couldn’t do it, was drunk – After 4 o’clock pm came to stables & Charles on all fours drunk – Half past six phoned for police – Can’t sat say whether living at time or not – Saw no scars. Police came about 6.30 pm put Charles on dray perfectly limber – use no force in putting on dray – when went to get Burton he was in same position on “all fours” as about been earlier in evening this about 5.45 Lane remarked I believe he is dead Aiken felt of him & he was warm.

Allen Mitchell — stayed in guard house part of last night went in about 4 pm. Came out about 12 o’clock don’t know when came in with Charles Burton. Allen Mitchell put in for drunkenness and about 12 o’clock pm police came & asked if he was cold I told him there was a dead negro next door – saw fire in store

Amos Pender — saw Charles Burton at Aikens stable after after 2 o’clock he was drinking them – He sent me after pint of liquor – Took several drinks together I then went away. Came back between 3 or 4 o’clock – He sent out & got some more whiskey – & was about drunk then – Burton was hauling wood from my place which is about 4 miles from town.

John Lane — came to town 5.45 & was told that Burton was in the back oc Aikens stable drunk. Went about & saw Burton lying in manure pile – & said I said to Aiken “I believe this man in dead” but Aiken felt of him & said he was not drunk. I tried to get back to send him home but police came & they put him on dray & brought him to guard house – Didn’t handle him rough either putting him on or off the dray at the guard house. About 11 o’clock Burton told me he had six dollars for me & offered to give it to me. I told him to wait & turn it all in at once. He then asked me for a quarter which I gave him. He hauled another another load & got two dollars for it.

Charles Edwards — saw Charles Burton about 4.30 drunk & offered to pay to carry him home

Jack Barefoot — sent for to go to Aikens stables. I went and found Charles Burton doubled up on pile of straw apparently drunk dray at door so I waited at door while Aiken & two others went in & brought him out & put on dray Brought to station & three of us brought him in – Went to stables at 6.30 o’clock – Put double blanket on him when put him on cot – good fire in stove — was on duty from 5 o’clock pm to 5 o’clock am. Went in 11.40 pm & found him dead – when put on cot was lying on back – when found at 11.40 dead was lying on side with one arm under body & arm nearly out of sleeve

Frank Felton — went in station about 11.30 to get water. Barefoot went in to see about Burton came out & said he was dead. Went in & found him lying on side with arm under body

Officer Bryant — searched Burton this morning & found no money – on his person – this was about 8 o’clock this morning

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  • Charles Burton
  • Jim White
  • Junius Korney
  • John Aiken
  • Allen Mitchell — in the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on Tillman’s Road, farmer Allen Mitchell, 54; wife Eliza, 44; and children Frank, 20, James, 16, Junius, 13, Allen, 11, Floyd, 9, Earnest, 7, Pearlie, 5, Edgar, 3, and Madie, 2.
  • Amos Pender — in the 1900 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Amos Pender, 57, widower; daughters Vanedous, 22, and Rhoday, 19; and adopted daughter Prussie Armstrong, 18.
  • John Lane
  • Charles Edwards
  • Jack Barefoot
  • Frank Felton
  • Officer Bryant — George F. Bryant.

Wilson [County, North Carolina] Coroner Inquest Records 1859-1915, http://www.familysearch.org.

Payment for services.

As guardian of M.C. Farmer, Warren Woodard filed regular expense reports in Wilson County Superior Court. In 1883, Woodard paid an unnamed washerwoman, who was almost certainly African-American, a total of $12.00 on eleven occasions between January and December. He also paid Lemon Taborn a total of $10.95 for three barber services.

Howell G. Whitehead’s guardian Frank W. Barnes filed regular reports detailing all income and funds paid out for Whitehead’s support, including small payments for two visits to barber Lemon Taborn on 29 December 1890 ($3.30) and 15 December 1891 ($1.40).

Around the same time, Barnes was the executor of Mary J. Anderson’s estate. For October and November 1889, he reported receiving payments for “rent cotton” totaling $83.67 from Mack Bynum and $74.30 from West Bynum. On 23 October 1889, Barnes paid Charlotte Brinkley and her unnamed daughter wages of $10.00 and on 25 November 1889 paid Lemon Taborn’s barber bill in full at $4.95. The Brinkleys were paid $6.00 on December 7 and $4.50 on December 23, and on the 14th Louisa Hinnant received $1.80 for two weeks of washing. Also on the 23rd, a woman named Effie, who was almost certainly Black, was paid 90 cents for “Washing for children.” On 10 February 1890, Barnes paid blacksmith Charlie Battle $3.55.

——

  • Lemon Taborn
  • Mack Bynum
  • West Bynum
  • Charlotte Brinkley
  • Louisa Hinnant — in the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Pine Street, hireling William Hinnant, 26; wife Ann, 29; sister Louisa, 21, “wash & irons”; and nieces H.E., 20, servant, and Berdin Stancil, 13.
  • Charlie Battle

Wilson Probate Estate Case Files 1854-1959, http://www.familysearch.org.