1940s

Nina Hardy’s crazy quilt.

I’ve written several times of Nina F. Hardy, the Wayne County cousin who came to Wilson around the same time as Jesse and Sarah Henderson Jacobs. In a way, she was returning home, as her grandmother Catherine Boseman Aldridge likely was born just below Elm City in what was then Edgecombe County.

Many years ago, I connected with J.M.B., the great-grandson of Jefferson Farrior, the man for whom Aunt Nina worked for decades as a cook and nursemaid. He shared dozens of photos of her at work at the Farriors’ enormous house on Woodard Circle. Last week, he sent another rare treasure — a crazy quilt Aunt Nina made shortly after his mother was born in 1945. Pieced from bright bits of synthetic fabric in florals and geometric patterns, it features intricate contrasting stitching in bold threads.

Any sewing or quilting or fabric experts out there? I am correct that these are synthetic fabrics? From the 1930s and ’40s? And the neat embroidery stitches were hand-sewn?

I appreciate J.M.B.’s return of Nina Hardy’s handiwork to her family. He has been a generous source of information about our beloved cousin.

Sgt. Freeman honorably discharged.

Wilson Daily Times, 12 November 1945.

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In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Julias Freeman, 33, brickmason for construction company; wife Pattie, 21; and son Julias Jr., 3 months.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1113 Washington Street, owned and valued at $3000, brickmason Julious F. Freman, 42; wife Hattie, 31; and children Julious, 10, Doloris, 9, Robert P. and Richard P., 8, John C., 6, Charles E., 4, Patricia E., 3, Mary E., 1, and Rubey, 2.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1114 Washington Street, owned and valued at $3000, brick mason Julius Freeman, 52; wife Pattie, 40; and children Julius L., 20, Doris, 19, Robert and Richard, 18, John, 16, Charles, 14, Eunice, 12, Mary, 11, Ruby, 10, Tom, 9, Dan, 8, Lillian, 6, and Henry, 2.

 

 

The obituary of Theodore Pender.

Wilson Daily Times, 4 November 1944.

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In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: tobacco factory worker Johnnie Pender, 29; wife Ardena, 24; and children Robert L., 5, Therado, 4, Henry T., 3, Louvenia, 1, and Katie, 1 month.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: tobacco factory laborer Ordelia Pender, 33, and children Robert, 16, grocery store delivery boy, Theodore, 15, Henry, 13, Luvenia, 11, Kattie, 7, Dorthy, 6, Jessie, 5, Paul, 4, Harry, 3, and James, 2.

In 1943, Theodore Roosevelt Pender registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 24 November 1925 in Wilson County; lived at 1016 Roberson Street; his contact was mother Ideala Pender; and he worked for J.C. Penney Company.

Theodore Pender died 4 November 1944 at the State Hospital in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Per his death certificate, he was born 25 November 1925 in Wilson to Jonah Pender and Ardelia Barnes; lived at 1016 Robinson [Robeson] Street; worked at J.C. Penney; and was single.

The obituary of Herman Taylor of New York City.

Wilson Daily Times, 12 October 1949.

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In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on East Nash Street, widow Lila Spicer, 50; daughter Mamie Taylor, 30, tobacco factory laborer; and grandchildren Ida, 13, Mildred, 11, James H., 9, Lila C., 7, Hermon, 5, and Bruce Taylor, 3; and roomer Henry Bullock, 25.

In the 1940 census of Manhattan borough, New York, New York: hat factory porter Herman Taylor, 24, lodger in the household of William Mitchell at 240 West 134th Street.

Herman Spicer Taylor registered for the World War II draft in 1940. Per his registration card, he was born 16 November 1915 in Wilson; lived in New York City; his contact was mother Mamie Taylor, 809 East Nash Street, Wilson; and he worked for Luther Smith.