Needham Dew executed his will on 11 June 1938. His wife Maggie Dew was to receive a life estate in all his real property in Wilmington, North Carolina, which would pass to his son Joseph Dew and Joseph’s son J.C. Dew after Maggie Dew’s death. He also gave ten dollars each to Grady Dew, Martha Thompson, Luvenia Mack, Cornelius Dew, Mary Dew, and David Dew.

James Watson and D.C. Yancey witnessed Needham Dew’s signature. (Oddly, Yancey also notarized the document.)

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In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Alford Due, 26; wife Susan, 23; and children Jack, 6, Redick, 4, and “no name,” 1 month; plus Oliver Due, 48, Amos Barnes, 23, and Anna Due, 19.

In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Alford Dew, 39; wife Louiza, 35; mother Olivia, 60, widow; and children Jackson, 18, Redick, 16, and George, 15, Needham, 12, and Martha, 10; and niece Hatta, 4. [George was likely George W. White, Louisa’s son from prior relationship.]

On 17 January 1894, C.D. Dew, 24, of Wilson County, son of Alfred and Susan Dew, married Cora Wells, 18, of Wilson County, daughter of Jason and Ellen Wells, at Jason Wells’ residence in Cross Roads township, Wilson County. [Needham Dew also used the name Cornelius D. Dew.]

In the 1900 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County:

In the 1910 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Cornelius D. Dew, 40; wife Cora, 33; and children Rederick, 15, Joseph, 10, Martha, 9, Graddie, 7, Ovenia, 3, and Lee C., 3 months.

Johnnie Dew died 5 May 1914 in Lucama, Cross Roads township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 13 December 1913 in Lucama to Needham Dew and Cora Wells. Needham Dew was informant.

In the 1920 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Cornelius D. Dew, 52; wife Cora, 39; and children Reddick D., 25, Joseph, 19, Martha L., 16, Grady, 15, Ovena, 14, Lee C., 10, David H., 5, and Mary N., 1.

Cora Dew died 26 April 1925 in Lucama, Cross Roads township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 4o years old; was married; and was born in Nash County, N.C., to Jaciin Hill and Ellen Taylor. C.D. Dew was informant.

Cornelius Dew Jr. died 24 July 1926 in Lucama, Cross Roads township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 17 years old; was born in Wilson County to Cornelius Dew and Cora Wells; worked as farmer; and was buried in Lamm Cemetery. [Why was Cornelius included in his father’s 1938 will?]

Martha Thompson died 6 May 1929 in Lucama, Cross Roads township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 25 years old; was born in Wilson County to C.D. Dew and Cora Wells; was married to Walter Thompson; and was buried in Lamms Cemetery. [Same question. Why is Martha included in her father’s 1938 will? Perhaps this was an updated version to add the two grandchildren, but Needham Dew neglected to remove his deceased children? The absence of youngest son Needham Edward Dew also suggests this document was based on an older draft.]

In the 1930 census of Lucama, Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Cornelius Dew, 57, widower; children Mary, 12, and Needham E., 9; and lodger Edd Hamilton, 23.

In the 1940 census of Lucama, Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Needham Dew, 70; wife Maggie, 51; and granddaughter Mary R. Miles, 8.

In 1940, David Hiawatha Dew registered for the World War II draft in Johnston County, N.C. Per his registration card, he was born 30 March 1914 in Lucama, N.C.; resided on Harrison Street, Smithfield, Johnston County; his contact was Cornelius D. Dew, Lucama; and he worked for Main Street Dry Cleaners, Market Street, Smithfield.

“Cornelius Dew (nick name) Needham Dew” died 30 July 1944 in Cross Roads township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 1 May 1881 in Wilson to Albert [sic] Dew and Susian [maiden name unknown]; was married to Maggie Dew; and worked as a farmer.