1860s

The estate of Dempsey Harrison Jr. (1860).

The cold calculus employed in the management of enslaved property is on full display in the estate of Dempsey Harrison Jr. Harrison, who lived in what is now western Wilson County, died in 1854. He was in his mid-20s at his death and left two very young children and a wife, who soon remarried. Alfred Thompson was named the children’s guardian.

In about 1859, Thompson engaged a lawyer, William T. Dortch, to petition the court to authorize certain steps to maximize the Harrison children’s assets. Harrison’s estate was relatively lean — 90 acres of unproductive land, an enslaved woman, and that woman’s children. The woman and children “do not hire for any thing,” Thompson had to “set them up to the lowest bidder to keep,” and a forty-dollar bill for their care had come due. However, because the “negroes will soon hire out for something[,]” Dortch proposed “they sh0uld not be sold, as they are increasing rapidly in value[,]” while Harrison’s land was depreciating. Instead, the land should be sold and the proceeds invested in “one or more” of the slaves.

A judge granted the petition and later received this update about the estate:

“The master reports that the negroes mentioned in the petition are a negro woman & four [children], are very valuable but that they on account of the ages of the children, and the frequency of confinements of the woman in giving birth they are expensive. That there is no other property belonging to [Harrison’s] Children beside the land mentioned in the petition, which has been sold, according to the decree of the Court. He therefore reports that it will be to the interest of the wards that the proceeds of the land sale be paid to the Guardian Alfred Thompson for the purpose of maintaining the negroes & paying expenses of the wards.”

A single reference in the estate file identified the woman as Waita. I have not found her or her children in freedom.

Estate File of Dempsey Harrison (1860), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org.

Minutes of the Freedmen’s Convention of 1866.

In October 1866, more than 100 representatives of North Carolina’s Equal Rights Leagues gathered in Raleigh for a convention. Some, like future United States Congressman James E. O’Hara of Wayne County, had been born free. Most, however, were little more than a year into emancipation.

The convention’s minutes show that Wilson County sent Ensley Hinnant and Thomas Farmer to the conference.

At the October 4 afternoon session, Thomas Farmer of Wilson spoke up to say that “the people has suffered greatly from injustice, but things begin to wear a bright future.”

——-

  • Ensley Hinnant

Ems Hinnant and Kate Reil registered their 11-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace in 1866.

In the 1870 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farm laborer Emizel Hinnant, 30, and Harriet, 19, Tamer, 11, Henderson, 13, Mary, 7, Dennis, 8, and Joseph, 1.

On 29 February 1870, Jeff Powell, son of Calvin and Penny Powell, married Carolin Hinnant, daughter of Emsly and Ally Hinnant, at Zilla Locus‘ in Wilson County.

On 20 February 1895, Gray Hinnant, 42, of Oldfields township, son of Martha Williamson, married Tama Hinnant, 35, of Oldfields township, daughter M. and Alley Hinnant, both deceased, at the residence of Thamar Hinnant.

Henderson Hinnant died 7 August 1934 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 49 years old; was born Wilson County to Enzly Hinnant and Carolina Hinnant; was married to Margaret Hinnant; and lived on Route 3, Kenly.

  • Thomas Farmer

Two adult African-American men named Thomas Farmer appear in the 1870 census. It is not clear which, if either, was the conventioneer.

  • Equal Rights League

Just last week, the incomparable David Cecelski blogged about the unveiling of a state historical marker commemorating the Equal Justice League branch in the Edgecombe County’s Red Hill community in 1866. Cecelski spoke at the ceremony and, in the complete absence of information about Wilson County’s chapter, his words help us understand Hinnant and Farmer’s revolutionary work. To those who made the day possible, Cecelski said, “Through all your efforts, you remind us, at a time when we need reminding, of a time and a place when people who had next to nothing, who were only months out of slavery, and who were surrounded by a thousand perils, found the courage, faith, and determination to fight for a better world for their children and for us all.”

The estate of Isaac Farmer (1863).

Isaac Farmer was born about 1794 and died in 1863 in what is now Wilson County. His estate file reveals that he owned at least two African-Americans — Ben and Titus.

On i5 December 1863, a sale account notes two hires, Ben for the full following year and Titus for one month to widow Theresa Farmer. At ten cents, Titus must have been exceptionally elderly or otherwise infirm.

An account made a year later does not list Titus; he may have died.

On 26 January 1864, administrator J.T. Dew’s summary of Farmer’s rather meager estate ended with “one Negro Man Ben.”

——

I have not found Ben Farmer in freedom.

Estate File of Isaac Farmer (1863), 

The estate of Phoebe Boykin (1863).

Phoebe Boykin of Oldfields township, Wilson County, died in late 1863 possessed of five enslaved people — Peter, Watey, and Watey’s three children.

The children apparently were quite young, as in the 1860 slave schedule of Oldfields township, Phebe Boykin reported only a 62 year-old man, a 17 year-old young woman, and a 1 year-old boy.

At the 28 November 1863 sale of Boykin’s perishable property, Peter was hired out to Hackney Eatmon [of neighboring Nash County] for $52.50, and Watey and her children went to Chrissey Bailey “for keepin.” [Bailey appears to have been Phoebe Boykin’s daughter.] Peter was to receive one pair of shoes, a coat, two pairs of pants, two shirts, and one pair of socks. Watey and her children were to have two suits each, with Watey to get a pair of socks and a pair of shoes as well.

On 28 November 1864, Crissy Bailey marked her X on a receipt for the $350 she was paid for caring for Watey and the children the previous year.

The same day, Peter was hired out to Haywood Eatmon for $101.50, and Watey and her children returned to Bailey for $101.

——

  • Peter

In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County, there is Peter Eatmon, 28, hireling by the day; wife Lucinda, 30; and children Henry, 8, and Doctor, 4. This Peter, however, was much too young to have been the elderly man listed in the 1860 slave schedule.

  • Watey and three children

I have not found this family.

Estate File of Phebe Boykin (1863), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

The estate of John S. Benton (1863).

Twenty-seven year-old John S. Benton of Wilson County enlisted in the Confederate Army on 28 June 1861 in Craven County, North Carolina. He was assigned to Company F, 4th North Carolina Infantry; was wounded at Seven Pines, Virginia, on 31 May 1862; and died of his wounds on 10 June 1862.

As administrator of Benton’s small estate, Willie Lamm filed this account of the sale of Benton’s property, which included “one Negroman Sezar.” The low price Caesar brought suggests that he was very old and/or infirm.

Estate File of John S. Benton (1863), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

William Batts Sr.’s enslaved community.

We saw here the 1856 will of William Batts Sr., which dispersed 25 enslaved people among his children and grandchildren. What do we know of the 25?

  • Isaac

Perhaps, in the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Isaac Batts, 58, and Violet, 56.

  • Elsy and her youngest son Thomas

Hugh B. Johnston revealed the revealed the relationships between several of William Batts’ enslaved people in this cruel Emancipation anecdote. Jesse Farmer had married Batts’ daughter Polly and claimed ownership of “blind Nellie, old Clarkey, her daughter Ailsey, Ailsey’s daughter Dinah, and Dinah’s children Jim, Jerry, Hilliard, and Cindy.”

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Ailsey Batts, 68, and Nellie Batts, 35, described as “idiot.”

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Thomas Batts, 27; wife Mariah, 24; and children Pricilla, 7, Joseph, 5, Henry, 5, John, 3, and Bettie, 1 month.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Tom Batts, 37; wife Maria, 34; children Joseph, 15, Henry, 13, John, 12, Bettie, 10, George, 8, Amos, 6, Willie, 4, Charles, 3, and unnamed, 1; and granddaughter Eliza, 1.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Tom Batts, 69; wife Mariah, 60; and children Eddie, 22, Willie, 20, Blossom, 18, William, 15, Bettie, 29, and Frank, 11.

John Batts died 26 January 1927 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 60 years old; was born in Wilson County to Thomas Batts and Maria Anaki [this appears to be a middle name — Anarcha, often pronounce Anaky]; was single; lived on Roberson Street; worked in farming; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery. George Batts was informant.

Bloss Batts died 9 April 1942 in the Wilson County Home, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 55 years old; was born in Wilson County to Tom Batts and Mariah Jones;  was married to Lizzie Batts; worked in farming; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery.

  • Amos

There were several men named Amos Batts in Wilson County in the late nineteenth century, but none were born prior to 1856.

  • Meedy

There appear to be two Meedys named in Batts’ will, one of whom was a young child. See below.

  • Young Isaac
  • Ben
  • Orren

A note in the estate file of William Batts Sr. mentions “Negro man Orren.”

On 23 August 1866, Orren Batts and Mary Batts registered their 14-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Orren Batts, 41, wife Mary, 34, and children Dennis, 16, Amos, 14, Henriet, 10, Haywood, 9, Precilla, 5, and Louisa, 3.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot: Orren Batts, 53, wife Mary, 47, and children Haywood, 19, Priscilla, 14, Louiza, 12, John, 9, Reddick, 7, and James B. Batts, 1.

Harriet Barnes died 27 August 1926 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 65 years old; was born in Wilson County to Orange Batts and Mary Batts; was the widow of John Barnes; was engaged in farming; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] Roscoe Barnes was informant.

  • Haywood

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Haywood Batts, 34; wife Rodah, 27; Lucy, 17; and Alice, 4.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Haywood Batts, 49, farmer; wife Rhoda, 36; children Alvana, 13, and Jack H., 4; and brother-in-law Amos Pender, 27.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Haywood Batts, 66, farmer, and wife Rodia, 53.

On 31 December 1903, Haywood Batts, 70, married Tempy Woodard, 55, in Toisnot township, Wilson County.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barnes, 60; wife Allie, 43; children Rodie, 20, Eva, 17, William F., 13, Bertha, 10, Lucy, 7, Ida, 5, and Haywood, 2; grandchildren James, 4, and Hattie, 2; and father-in-law Haywood Batts, 77, widower.

Allie Barnes died 8 November 1917 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born about late 1862 in Wilson County to Haywood Batts and Rhoda Pender; was a tenant farmer; and was married. Mark Barnes was informant.

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Mark Barnes, 60; wide Adeline, 49; children Bertha, 20, Lucy, 17, Ida, 15, Henry, 14, Haywood, 13, and Hattie, 12; and father Haywood Batts, 87, widower.

Haywood Batts died 27 January 1921 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 100 years old [actually, more like 85]; was born in Wilson County to Jack Batts and Venus Batts; was a widower; was a farm hand for “Mr. Banks” (!!); and was buried in the family graveyard. Jack Batts was informant. [See Venice, below.]

  • Venice and her five children
  • Harriet
  • Peter

Possibly, on 31 August 1866, Peter Farmer and Mariah Loften registered their four-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Peter Farmer, 34; wife Mariah, 30; and children Seth, 15, Daniel, 10, and infant, 2.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Peter Farmer, 45; wife Maria, 42; and children Adline, 17, Colonel, 13, Alsy, 10, Margaret, 8, Hardy, 5, Julius, 3, and Joshua, 1.

In the 1900 census of Cold Water township, Cross County, Arkansas: farmer Peter Farmer, 73; wife Mariah, 51; children John Farmer, 28; Margaret Bunn, 21; Isaac, 18, Eley, 17, and Louisa Farmer, 15; and grandsons Sanders, 6, and Theodrick Bunn, 5. All except the grandchildren were born in North Carolina.

Hardy Farmer died 14 April 1948 in Jackson township, Crittenden County, Arkansas. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 March 1874 in Wilson, N.C., to Peter Farmer and Mariah Pender; was married to Alice Farmer; and he worked as a farmer.

Maggie Newsome died 25 May 1955 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. Per her death certificate, she was 83 years old; was born in North Carolina to Peter Farmer and an unknown mother; was a widow; and worked as a maid.

  • Charles
  • Nelly

See Elsy/Ailsey, above.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Ailsey Batts, 68, and Nellie Batts, 35, described as “idiot.”

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Lewis Robbins, 43; wife Diana, 53; children Henry, 14, Frank, 11, Alice, 9, and Jerry, 8; and sister-in-law Nellie Batts, 45, described as blind and “idiotic.”

  • Dinah and her children Jerry, Hilliard, and Sidney

See Elsy/Ailsey, above.

On 6 October 1869, Dina Batts, daughter of Charles Horne and Alecy Batts, married Lewis Robbins, son of Lewis and Mariah Scott, at Lewis Robbins’.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Lewis Robbins, 43; wife Diana, 53; children Henry, 14, Frank, 11, Alice, 9, and Jerry, 8; and sister-in-law Nellie Batts, 45, described as blind and “idiotic.”

In 1866, Jerry Farmer and Kate Sugs registered their two-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Jerry Farmer, 26, and wife Kate, 26.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Jerry Farmer, 37, widower.

On 10 January 1884, Jerry Farmer, 39, married Annice Pender, 23, at Abram Sharpe’s. Charles Barnes, Haywood Batts, and Haywood Pender were witnesses.

Hilliard Farmer and Elva Farmer registered their two-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace on 1 September 1866.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Hilliard Farmer, 25; wife Ann, 24; and children Louisa, 6, Henrietta, 5, and Julia, 1 month. [Per the 1870 mortality schedule, Farron Farmer, 1, of this household, died in August 1869 of cholera infantum.]

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Hilliard Farmer, 34, farm laborer; wife Arann, 33; children Julian, 9, Tiny, 6, Roxie, 5, Willie, 3, and Henry, 1; and grandson Eddie, 11 months.

  • Hagar
  • Meedy

There are appear to be two Meedys named in Batts’ will, one of whom was a young child in 1856. See above.

In the 1870 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Arthur Sharpe, 58; wife Harriet, 50; children Toney, 13, Wedley, 11, and Caroline, 25; and Meedy Farmer, 21.

In the 1880 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Meedy Farmer, 30; wife Caroline, 30; and children Cromwell, 8, James, 4, and Mary, 1.

In the 1900 census of Township #8, Edgecombe County: Meady Farmer, 50; wife Caroline, 38; and children James, 22, Mary, 17, Willie, 14, Ada, 13, Alice, 12, John, 10, Lonnie, 7, and Floyd, 2.

Cromwell Farmer died 13 September 1939 in Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 20 January 1872 in Wilson County to Meedy Farmer and Caroline Sharpe; was married to Mary Jane Farmer; lived at Bryant Farm; and was a farmer. [Floyd Willie Farmer was his son.]

Willie Farmer died 22 February 1960 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 3 February 1885 in Wilson County to Meaty Farmer and Caroline [no maiden name]; was married to Martha Farmer; and was a farmer.

Floyd Farmer died 11 March 1988 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Per his death certificate, he was born 11 March 1888 in Edgecombe County to Meady Farmer and Caroline Sharpe; was married to Lugene Lane; and lived in Rocky Mount.

The estate of Hiram Forbes (1861).

We have read Hiram Forbes’ 1861 will here, in which he made arrangements for the distribution of enslaved people Mary Ann, Tony, Gatsy, Mace, Silvey, Tobey, Jim, Hannah and Minna.

Forbes died shortly after, and his estate file reveals more about the people he held in bondage.

On 15 September 1861, Dempsey Webb acknowledged receipt of fifty cents from Forbes’ executor, James Barnes, in payment for work Webb’s enslaved man Abram performed.

This undated receipt details hire arrangements for seven enslaved people for the year ending 1 July 1863. Forbes’ widow Milly Harrell Forbes paid the estate $50 to hire woman Mariam [Mary Ann], man Tony, girls Macy and Silvy, and man Jim. Britton Forbes hired woman Gatsey for $53, and Rufus Forbes leased boy Toby’s services for $61. (Where were Hannah and Minna?)

The bulk of Hiram Forbes’ personal property went to auction on 5 February 1862. That day, between sales of 50 bushels of cotton seed and four stacks of fodder, John T. Barnes bought a boy named Hector.

On 3 January 1863, of nine enslaved people, Milly Forbes hired all but Toby, who went to John Carter. Macy and Silvey are not named, but likely were two of the young children attached to Mariam and Gatsey, who also were likely the mothers of babies born during the previous year.

The five dollars paid to Polly Walston in 1863 for “Services rendered on attendance to negro woman” may have been for the birth of one of these babies.

Emancipation interrupted the final distribution of Hiram Forbes’ enslaved people.

——

I traced forward Hiram Forbes’ enslaved people in the post about his will, but here is one update.

An August 1867 marriage record reveals that Abram Webb was the father of Toby Forbes, who, with his mother Macy, was enslaved by Hiram Forbes. However, on 20 August 1866, Abram Webb and Marion Forbes registered their 34-year cohabitation with an Edgecombe County justice of the peace.

in the 1870 census of Otter Creek township, Edgecombe County: Abram Webb, 65; wife Miriam, 54; Hector, 18, and Hannah, 12. This appears to be Mariam, Hector that was sold to John T. Barnes, and Hannah mentioned in the will.

In the 1880 census of Auters Creek township, Edgecombe County: Abraham Webb, 75; wife Mary, 65; daughter Hannah, 25; and granddaughter Patsy Procythe, 25.

Estate File of Hiram Atkinson (1861), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

The estate of Dr. Lewis J. Dortch (1854).

Tarborough Southerner, 4 November 1854.

The death of a slaveholder generally portended devastating disruption for the enslaved. The 650-page estate of Dr. Lewis J. Dortch provides more chilling evidence.

Nash County-born, University of Pennsylvania-trained Dortch married Nancy Jane Adams in Tarboro, Edgecombe County, in 1844. The couple settled in Stantonsburg, and Jane Dortch gave birth to three children — Sarah, Isaac, and Mary — before dying of tuberculosis in 1849. The children went to live with their maternal uncle, merchant Jesse H. Adams,   and his family, who were listed between Dr. Dortch and slave trader Wyatt Moye in the 1850 Edgecombe County census.

Dortch married Martha Forbes in 1853, but died intestate in October 1854. Lawyer and politician William T. Dortch of Goldsboro, North Carolina, his close kinsman, was appointed administrator of his estate, which was heavily in debt. Shortly after, Robert S. Adams — also a slave trader and Dortch’s brother-in-law — was appointed the Dortch children’s guardian and moved them to Aberdeen, Monroe County, Mississippi. (When the children petitioned for their share of their father’s 2200 acres in Wilson County, the court asked for assurances that their guardian had sufficient assets to secure the estate. Testimony established that Adams was worth a modest $30,000, but was backed by Wyatt Moye, whose estimated net worth was no less than $250,000, and W.R. Cunningham, worth no less than $100,000.)

William Dortch’s first inventory report on 11 November 1854 revealed both the complexity of L.J. Dortch’s slaveholdings and the movement of his enslaved people into short-term hires in Stantonsburg and over the county line in Nahunta district, Wayne County.

  • Boy John was hired till 1 January 1855 to W.J. Exum [of northwest Wayne County] for $4.55
  • Rody and child Rosa were hired to Jno. Wilkinson [of Stantonsburg] for the same period for $2.25
  • Sarah was hired to W.J. Exum for the same period for $2.75
  • Frank and Allen to Jesse H. Adams “to keep” for $5.45
  • “in addition to the above slaves the deceased owned the following, viz.: Wash, Beedy, Warren, George, Ned, Tom, Anderson, Gray, Primus“
  • “and one half of nine slaves in the possession of Wm. T. Dortch, & owned jointly by them — whose names are Diza, Jinney, Louisa, Jim, Mary, Charles, Fanny, Nancy & Josephine.” [This appears to be the nine enslaved children and grandchildren of Wayne County free man of color Adam Winn, who were sold at auction in March 1852 to satisfy Winn’s creditors. A contemporary news account cites “Dr. Dortch” of Stantonsburg as the purchaser.]
  • “The deceased has an unsettled partnership between himself & John T. Barnes, in South Carolina, in the turpentine business — the firm own the following slaves, viz. Dance, Mintus, George and Anthony“

Further inventories reflected the first sales of enslaved people, as well as the instability created by movement each year pursuant to new hire agreements:

  • “Received for equality of division in wife’s negroes on the 29th day of January 1856, one hundred & fifty-six dollars 25/100 — the following negroes formerly belonging to intestate’s wife, & received in division viz., Pompey, Fox & Judah & two children, in Jany 1856″ [Martha Forbes Dortch had been a minor when her father Alfred Forbes died in Pitt County, N.C., and only 20 years old when she married Dr. Dortch.]
  • The hires from 1 January 1855 to 29 April 1855 of Sarah to Ollin C. Sasser for $8; Beedy and child Rosetta to Orpha Applewhite for $6; George to Jonathan Bullock for $7.50; Frank and Allen to Jesse H. Adams for $2.62; and Rody and Rosa to John Wilkinson for $6 [Sasser lived in or near Goldsboro, Wayne County; Applewhite and Wilkinson in Stantonsburg; and Bullock further north in Edgecombe County.]
  • An account of the 2 April 1855 sale of 14 enslaved people: John to Drue Daniel for $1000; Frank to Ollin Coor for $390; Warren to Robert Bynum for $705; Rody to John Wilkinson for $211; Rosa to Washington Barnes for $380; Beedy and child Rosetta to Orpha Applewhite for $535; Sarah to Drue Daniel for $841; Diza to John B. Griswold for $900; Jinney, Jim, Charles, and Mary to William B. Fields for $1507; George to Josiah Howell for $491 [I have not identified Drue Daniel. Wayne County sheriff Ollin Coor lived in Goldsboro, as did John B. Griswold, William B. Fields, and Josiah Howell. (As estate administrator, William T. Dortch likely steered hires toward his Goldsboro associates.) Washington Barnes lived in Saratoga district of what is now Wilson County, and Robert Bynum in what is now Gardners township.]
  • The hire of Wash to W.K. Lane from 1 January 1855 to 1 January 1856 for $202 [Lane lived in Nahunta district, Wayne County.]
  • The hires of Ned, Primus, Tom, Anderson and Gray to John T. Barnes for that period for $1050 [John T. Barnes was soon to be sheriff of Wilson County.]
  • The sale of Primus on 1 January 1856 to John T. Barnes for $1250.25
  • On 29 January 1856, the sales of Pompey to Stephen Page for $700; Fox to Joshua Barnes for $400; and Judah and two children to Redding Moore for $1200 [Probably Stephenton Page, who was a slave trader with Robert S. Adams and Wyatt Moye; Joshua Barnes of Wilson, who dabbled in the trade. Redding Moore’s identity is not clear.]
  • The hires from 1 January 1856 to 1 January 1857 of Wash, Ned, Tom, Anderson, and Gray to George W. Barefoot for $950 and Allen to William T. Dortch for $36.50 [George and A.J. Barefoot promised to provide each with two new suits of clothes, two pairs of shoes, a hat, and a blanket, feed them well, and return them to Goldsboro at the end of the term.]
  • The hires from 1 January 1857 to 1 January 1858 of Wash, Ned, Tom, Anderson, and Gray to B.F. Arrington for $950 and Allen to William T. Dortch for $30 [Arrington was a Goldsboro dentist.]
  • The hires from 1 January 1858 to 1 January 1859 of Wash, Ned, Tom, Anderson, and Gray to S.D. Barnhill & Company for $950 and Allen to William T. Dortch for $30 [Pitt County native Stanley D. Barnhill migrated to Horry County, South Carolina, about 1850 and established S.D. Barnhill & Company, a turpentine, rosin, and timber firm. Per E.S. Barnhill, The Beatys of Kingston (1923), the company heavily supplemented its own enslaved labor with hired slaves.]
  • The hires from 1 January 1859 to 1 January 1860 of Wash, Ned, Tom, and Anderson to B.F. Arrington for $800; Allen to William T. Dortch for $30; and Gray (“badly shot, & disabled”) to Dortch for $0 [Shot?? What happened to Gray down in South Carolina?]
  • The sale on 2 January 1860 of Wash to W.T. Dortch for $1750; Tom to S.D. Barnhill for $1725; Anderson to E.S. Valentine for $1000; Allen to J.H. Adams for $1166; Ned to S.D. Barnhill for $795; and Gray (disabled) to W.T. Dortch for $265 disposed of the last of Dr. Dortch’s 34 enslaved people — except the four in South Carolina in the Barnes turpentine partnership. [I have not identified Valentine.]

Receipt for advertisement of “Adrmr’s sale of Dr. Dortch’s Negroes, (twice)”

The file contains innumerable promissory notes from Dr. Dortch’s patients such as this consolidated bill for care for Vincent Artis and his daughter, who were members of small interrelated community of free people of color in what is now the Eureka area of Wayne County:

And this one for John Artis, Vincent Artis’ neighbor and kinsman:

And a bill to William Barnes for care of an enslaved man named Napoleon:

Probate dragged on for years as the minor heirs grew up. Not uncommonly for wealthy landowners, Dr. Dortch was entangled in a web of promissory notes, and more than William T. Dortch fought more than 30 lawsuits for and against the estate, even as parties charged that he was too busy with his other affairs to handle it effectively.

——

There were no African-American Dortches in Wilson County in 1870, but I have been able to trace forward a handful of the people Lewis J. Dortch held in bondage:

  • John (sold to Drue Daniel)
  • Rhoda and daughter Rosa (the mother sold to John Wilkinson, the daughter to Washington Barnes)
  • Sarah (sold to Drue Daniel)
  • Frank (sold to Ollin Coor)
  • Allen (sold to Jesse H. Adams)
  • Wash, born about 1830 (sold to William T. Dortch)

Probably: Washington Dortch married Winnifred Barron on 15 April 1866 in Edgecombe County.

In the 1870 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: cooper Washington Dortch, 39; wife Winifred, 23; children Marsilla, 5, Hetty, 2, and Charley, 5 months; and Briney Barnes, 28.

In the 1880 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: laborer Washington Dortch, 50; wife Winifred, 35; children Frances, 15, Hettie, 13, Charles, 10, and Bill, 7.

In the 1900 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Washington Dortch, 68; wife Winiford, 51; children Edward, 20, Luckey T., 17, Lucresy, 15, and Andrew G., 9; and granddaughter Emma, 16.

Tom Dortch died 7 November 1939 in Yale, Sussex County, Virginia. Per his death certificate, he was born 16 September 1882 in Wilson County, N.C., to Washington Dortch and Winifred [maiden name not known]; was married to Clara Dortch; and worked as a farmer. He was buried in Sharpsburg, N.C.

  • Beedy, born about 1830, and child Rosetta, born about 1852 (sold to Orpha Applewhite)

Orpha Pike Applewhite was the recent widow of Henry Applewhite. I have found no record of her ownership of Beedy or Rosetta. However, a Bedie is recorded in the estate of her brother-in-law Council Applewhite. This Bedie, who was born about 1807, was the mother of grown children who were also enslaved by Council Applewhite. She was alive as late as 1880, when she appears in her son’s household in Goldsboro, Wayne County, as Obedience Applewhite.

However, on 31 August 1866, Wilson Hagans and Obedience Applewhite (who was not the same woman as above) registered their 19-year marriage with a Wilson County register of deeds. Wilson Hagans, who was a free man of color, was also known as Wilson Artis, and Obedience took that surname.

On 21 September 1869, Henry Peacock, son of Haywood Edmundson and Ulrsa Peacock, married Rosetta Artice, daughter of Wilson Artice and Bidy Artice, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Henry Peacock, 18; wife Rosetta, 18; and children Henry, 2, and John W., 2 months.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Obedience Artis, 40, and daughter Sarah J., 9.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Bety Artis, 60; daughter Sarah, 20; and grandchildren Willie, 2, and Mamie Hall, 6.

On 29 December 1892, Henry Dortch, 52, of Wilson, son of Isaac Thorne and Bedie Artis, married Eliza Darden, 42, at Crawford Darden‘s in Wilson County. Free Will Baptist minister Daniel Blount performed, and Frank Woodard, Warren Darden, and Isom Sutton witnessed the ceremony.

In the 1900 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Sarah J. Artis, 39; children Mamie Hall, 20; Tommie, 16, Emma, 14, Henry, 12, Hallie, 11, Eddie, 9, Mary S., 5, and Nursie E. Artis, 4 months; and mother Bedie Artis, 77.

Sarah Jane Artis died 23 April 1930 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 23 December 1872 in Wilson County to Wilson Artis and Beedie Artis, both of Wilson County; she was single; and she was buried in Stantonsburg township.

  • Warren, born about 1840 (sold to Robert Bynum)

Probably: on 11 March 1869, Warren Bynum, son of Dick Rogers and Mary Rogers, married Elizabeth Applewhite, daughter of Theophilus Applewhite and Rancy Applewhite, in California township, Pitt County.

In the 1870 census of California township, Pitt County: farmhand Warren Bynum, 30; wife Bettie, 29; daughter Fanie, 1; and [mother] Raney, 60.

In the 1880 census of Farmville township, Pitt County: Warren Bynum, 38, farmer; wife Betsy, 32; and daughters Mary, 10, Fancy, 8, Marenda, 7, and Nellie, 5.

In the 1900 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: farmer Warren Bynum, 55; wife Sarah, 35; and daughters Elsie, 12, and Lizzie, 8.

On 7 October 1908, Warren Bynum, 65, of Greene County, married Ellen Bynum, 55, of Saratoga township, Wilson County, in Saratoga township, Wilson County.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Warren Bynum, 66; wife Ellen, 55; and niece Appie, 38. (Warren reported having been married four times.)

Warren Bynum died 16 February 1918 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1854 to Dick Rodgers and Mary Ellis and worked as a farmer. George Bynum was informant.

Marenda Barrett died 18 July 1919 in Farmville, Pitt County. Per her death certificate, she was born 2 July 1873 in Pitt County to Warren Bynum and Betsy Ward and worked in farming. Garfield Shirley was informant.

Mary J. Shirley died 14 September 1931 in Farmville, Pitt County. Per her death certificate, she was born 25 May 1870 in Pitt County to Warren Bynum of Wilson County and Mynie Bynum of Wilson County and was married to Buck Shirley.

  • George (sold to Josiah Howell)
  • Ned, born about 1810 (sold to Stanley T. Barnhill)

Perhaps: in the 1870 census of Conway township, Horry County, S.C.: day laborer Edward Dorch, 60, and wife Mary, 58.

  • Tom (sold to Stanley T. Barnhill)
  • Anderson (sold to E.S. Valentine)
  • Gray (sold to William T. Dortch)
  • Primus (sold to John T. Barnes)
  • Diza (sold to John B. Griswold)
  • Jinney (sold to William B. Fields)
  • Louisa, born about 1850 (remained with William T. Dortch)

Perhaps: in the 1870 census of Goldsboro, Wayne County: Louiza Dortch, 20, “h. servant,” in the household of W.T. Dortch, 46 year-old lawyer.

On 18 July 1878, Louisa Dortch married Needham Smith in Wayne County.

In the 1880 census of Little Washington, Goldsboro, Wayne County: Needham Smith, 63; wife Louisa, 30; children Henry, 9, Hattie, 6, and Julia, 4; and stepchildren Lizzie, 11, and Adam Dortch, 9.

  • Jim (sold to William B. Fields)
  • Mary (sold to William B. Fields)
  • Charles (sold to William B. Fields)
  • Fanny (remained with William T. Dortch)

Perhaps: on 17 January 1867, Fannie Dortch married Grandison Dawson in Wayne County.

  • Nancy, born about 1852 (remained with William T. Dortch)

Perhaps: on 28 March 1874, Nancy Dortch married Joseph Adams in Wayne County.

In the 1880 census of Little Washington, Goldsboro, Wayne County: cook Nancy Adams, 28, and children Georgianna, 11, David, 8, Edward, 4, and Rowena, 2.

In the 1900 census of Goldsboro, Wayne County: widow Nancy Adams, 48, and children Roena, 22, Fannie, 19, Woodley, 16, drayman, and Elijah, 13, day laborer.

Nancy Adams died 27 November 1911 in Goldsboro, Wayne County. Per her death certificate, she was 57 years old [born circa 1854]; was born in N.C. to [no first name] Dortch and Lula Winn; was married; and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery. Elijah Adams was informant.

  • Josephine (remained with William T. Dortch)
  • Dance
  • Mintus
  • George
  • Anthony
  • Pompey (sold to Stephenton Page)
  • Fox (sold to Joshua Barnes)
  • Judah and two children (sold to Redding Moore)

L.J. Dortch Estate Record (1854), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

Stephen Woodard’s enslaved, part 3.

When Stephen Woodard Sr. executed his last will and testament in 1858, he determined the fates of 72 enslaved African-Americans.

In Item 11th, daughter Elizabeth Woodard Newsome received 15 enslaved people. Stephen Woodard died in 1864, and all were likely freed before his estate was distributed. Though they presumably were in Wilson County at Emancipation, I’m able to trace forward relatively few people.

  • Alfred

In 1866, Harriet Woodard and Alfred Woodard registered their ten-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Alfred Woodard, 40; wife Harriet, 28; and children Ned, 14, Rosa, 15, Zilly, 4, London, 3, and Minny, 2 months. Harriet died before 13 February 1873, when Alfred married her widowed sister Sarah Woodard Rountree. [Harriet and Sarah Woodard were daughters of London and Venus Woodard and had been enslaved by James B. Woodard.]

In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer Alfred Woodard, 50; wife Sarah, 45; children Florence, 28, Mary, 22, Howell, 18, Sarah E., 16, Zilly A., 17, Lundon, 13, Minnie, 12, Willie, 10, Josephine, 7, and Evvy, 4; and grandchildren Elizabeth, 7, Robt. B., 5, and John H. Bynum, 4.

  • Washington

Perhaps: in the 1880 census of New Hope township, Wayne County: farmer Washington Woodard, 54; wife Harriet, 24; and servant Esteller Pitt, 20.

In the 1900 census of New Hope township, Wayne County: farmer Washington Woodard, 65; wife Harrett, 55; and boarders Malissie, 23, and Henry A., 8.

  • Sherard
  • Ned
  • Wright
  • Frank

Frank Woodard and Appa Thompson were married in Wilson County on 15 October 1866.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Frank Woodard, 25, farm laborer; wife Appie, 23; son Frank Jr., 1; and Samuel Woodard, 20, farm laborer.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Frank Woodard, 37, farmer; wife Appie, 32; and sons Frank, 11, and Romulus, 9.

  • Auston

On 1 January 1870, Austin Woodard, son of Cooper Woodard and Chacey Woodard, married Easter Newsome, daughter of Cezar Newsome and Jane Simms, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Cooper Woodard, 56; wife Candiss, 56; and Austin, 21, Jonas, 24, Handy, 17, and Esther Woodard, 21. Cooper claimed $225 in personal property. [Candis was the stepmother of Austin, Jonas, and Handy. Esther was Austin’s wife.]

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Austin Woodard, 29; wife Easter, 30; and children Foy, 10, Marion, 5, George, 3, John, 2, and Chasey, 1.

  • Etney and her three children Jane, Hugh, and Oliver

Perhaps: Oliver Woodard died 14 May 1929 in Saulston township, Wayne County. Per his death certificate, he was about 75 years old; his marital status was unknown; and he was a farmer.

  • Jincy and her child Chany
  • Hester
  • Lucy

Stephen Woodard’s enslaved, part 2.

When Stephen Woodard Sr. executed his last will and testament in 1858, he determined the fates of 72 enslaved African-Americans.

In Item 8th, son Willie Woodard received 11 enslaved people. Woodard died in 1864, and all were likely freed before his estate was distributed. Though they presumably were in Wilson County at Emancipation, I’m able to trace forward relatively few people.

  • Barden

In the 1870 census of Snow Hill township, Greene County, North Carolina: farm laborer Badan Woodard, 49; wife Serenia, 40; and children Jesse, 16, Smithy, 14, Amos, 18, Mitchel, 13, Ollin, 10, May, 3, Mike, 6, and John, 1.

On 6 December 1877, Jesse Woodard, 20, of Greene County, son of Barden and Seney Woodard, married Lucy Swinson, 17, of Greene County, daughter of John and Hannah Swinson, in Bull Doze township, Greene County.

In the 1880 census of Bull Head township, Greene County: farmer Barton Woodard, 59; wife Smithy, 54; children Rena, 30, Amos, 25, Marshal, 17, Zacharias, 15, and Sarah, 12; and grandchildren Amos Jr., 10, Mary, 6, and Charles, 5.

On 20 March 1884, Robert Manuel, 24, of Greene County, married Smitha Woodard, 30 of Greene County, daughter of Barden and Seney Woodard, at Barden Woodard’s in Snow Hill.

On 20 May 1905, Oliver Woodard, 43, of Greene County, son of Barton and Sena Woodard, married Annie Sutton, 45, of Wayne County, in Wayne County.

Martha Woodard died 8 November 1927 in Bull Head township, Greene County, North Carolina. Per her death certificate, she was 69 years old; was born in Wilson County to Barden Woodard and Silva Woodard; was single; and was buried in Lindell. Charley Woodard was informant.

Jessie Woodard died 12 February 1930 in Goldsboro, Wayne County. Per his death certificate, he was 63 years old; was the son of Bardan Woodard and Senie Woodard; was married; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Greene County. Jessie Woodard Jr. was informant.

  •  Sy

Perhaps: Simon Woodard, who  registered his 12-year marriage to Charity Woodard with a Wilson County justice of the peace in 1866.

  • Reddic
  • Jonas

On 17 November 1866, Jonas Woodard and Lucy Daniel were married in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Cooper Woodard, 56; wife Candiss, 56; and Austin, 21, Jonas, 24, Handy, 17, and Esther Woodard, 21. Cooper claimed $225 in personal property. [Austin and Handy, and perhaps Jonas, were Cooper Woodard’s sons by previous relationships, and Esther was Austin’s wife.]

  • Sena and her four children Smithy, Amos, Jesse, and Michel

Sena was the first wife of Barden Woodard, above. She apparently died between 1870 and 1880.

On 5 October 1886, Amos Woodard, 38, of Greene County, son of Borden and Conia Woodard, married Venus Lynch, 30, of Greene County, daughter of Peter and Hannah Dawson, at Bull Head township, Greene County.

Amos Woodard died 15 January 1916 in Speights Bridge township, Greene County. Per his death certificate, he was born about 1850 in Wilson County to Bart Woodard and Senie Woodard; was married; worked in farming; and was buried on the Edmundson Place.

  • Maram and her child Bedy