Month: May 2026

Lane Street Project: creating the Vick Cemetery Advisory Committee.

A reminder — the City Manager’s recommendations to City Council concerning Vick Cemetery included this paragraph:

Yesterday, the City of Wilson posted a notice advising that City Council’s Nominating Committee will meet Thursday to discuss the organization of the Vick Cemetery Advisory Committee.

Cheers to the City as it continues to act upon its promises. I look forward to learning more about the Committee’s charge and composition.

B.W.A. Historical Black Marker Series: Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church.

In this series, which will post on occasional Wednesdays, I populate the landscape of Wilson County with imaginary “historical markers” commemorating people, places, and events significant to African-American history or culture.

We been here.

TRINITY A.M.E. ZION CHURCH

Second oldest active African Methodist Episcopal Zion church in Wilson. Former sanctuary stood here on land purchased in 1909 from Rev. O.L.W. Smith, former consul to Liberia and A.M.E.Z. presiding elder.

Viola Beamon weighs in on relationships.

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 24 September 1927.

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In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Josh Flemmin, 38; wife Lizzie, 26; children Wade, 10, Clifton, 7, Dydie, 5, and Antabelle, 3; and stepchildren Viola, 10, Susie, 4, and Simm J. Beaman, 2.

In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Josh Flemming, 47; wife Lizzie, 37; and children Viola, 19, Clifton, 17, Dida, 15, Sudie, 14, Archie B., 13, Esie, 12, Josh Jr., 9, Lizzie, 7, Mary, 5, Douglas, 2, and Gernas, 7 months.

On 16 November 1935, Hubert McPhail, 27, of Wilson County, son of Andrew and Mary McPhail, married Viola Beaman, 25, of Wilson County, daughter of Willie and Lizzie Beaman, in Nash County, North Carolina.

Viola B. McPhail died 16 June 1948 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 11 June 1910 in Greene County to Willie Beamon and Lizzie Jones; was married to Hubert McPhail; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery [probably Vick Cemetery.]

Holden School students enjoy a day in town.

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 6 May 1933.

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  • Marie Howard
  • Holden School
  • Atlantic Christian College
  • Negro National Anthem
  • Elizabeth Harris — Ada Elizabeth Harris.
  • Robert L. Taylor — in the 1930 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer George Taylor, 51; wife Crina, 35; children John, 20, James, 11, Robert L., 10, Jimmie D., 3, and Crina M., newborn; stepdaughter Maggie, 20; and granddaughter Flossie M., 2 months.
  • James Taylor — see Robert Taylor, above.
  • Wallace White — in 1940, Wallace White registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 15 June 1917 in Darlington, S.C.; lived at Route 3, Wilson; his contact was mother Lela Scarbrough; and he worked for P.P. Gordon, Washington, D.C.
  • Roger White
  • Paul Sharp — in the 1930 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer
  • Mary Barnes
  • Rosa M. Ellis
  • Essie M. Barnes — in the 1930 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Cofield Barnes, 54; wife Hattie, 33; children Sarah, 21, Eser L., 15, Hallie, 13, Jimmie L., 11, and Flecher, 3; and grandson James Curry, 5.
  • Marie Barnes
  • Rosa Lee Curry — on 18 October 1938, John M. Taylor, 19, of Gardners township, son of Frank and Emma Taylor, married Rosa Lee Currin [sic], 19, of Gardners township, daughter of Joe and Bee Currin, in Wilson.
  • Gracie Sweeney — Gracie Swinney.
  • Ida Lee Harris — in the 1930 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Leander Harris, 44; wife Lucy, 48; and daughters Ada E., 21, schoolteacher, Rosa, 20, Davie, 18, and Ida, 15.
  • Helen Harris
  • Mr. and Mrs. James Crocker — were the Crockers, a white couple, guests in Ada E. Harris’ home?
  • Carolina Theatre