Wiley Oates wore a lot of hats — farmer, grocery merchant, dredge boat operator — and built a comfortable, middle-class life for himself and his family. After his death in 1913, John C. Ellis, administrator of Oates’ estate, itemized his possessions: a lot and a house; two feather beds; two bedsteads; two heaters; a range; four trunks; a bureau; a sideboard; an organ; two sofas; a washstand; 18 chairs; two mattresses; six pictures; a safe; a clock; a hall tree; a wash pot; two tubs; a watch; carpets and rugs; a sewing machine; a hog; ten bushels of potatoes; a farm with 13 acres of cotton; two plows; two hoes; a rake; and a mule, valued at just over $2000.
[Wiley Oates’ grave marker is arguably the loveliest still standing in Odd Fellows Cemetery.]
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- John C. Ellis
On 7 January 1877, John C. Ellis, 21, married Della Joyner, 21, in Number 14 township, Edgecombe County, North Carolina.
In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer John C. Ellis, 22; wife Della, 22; and son William C., 2, and Walter D., 5 months.
In the 1900 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: school teacher John C. Ellis, 44; wife Della, 44; and children Walter, 20, Martha, 18, Minnie, 16, John, 14, Haywood, 11, Arthur, 7, and Doretha, 4.
In the 1910 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: teacher John C. Ellis, 54, widower, and children Haywood, 22, odd jobs laborer, Minnie, 20, teacher, Doretha, 14, and Iredell, 7.
John C. Ellis died 15 March 1926 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 1 November 1847 in Wilson County to Harry Ellis; was married to Pennie Ellis; was a teacher; and was born in Elm City. Doretha Barnes was informant.
Wilson [County, North Carolina] Probate Records 1905-1919, http://www.familysearch.org.