1940s

Private Bruce Sutton, now at Fort Sam Houston.

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In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 716 East Green, rented for $14/month, Joseph Sutton, 61; wife Malissa, 60; children Beatrice, 26, James, 25, Fred, 23, Bruce, 19, Beulah, 17, and Mable, 16; and grandchildren Ivan, 8, and Geraldine, 7.

The 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory lists laborer Fred Sutton, maid Beatrice Sutton, CCC worker Bruce Sutton, tobacco worker James W. Sutton, laborer Levi Sutton and wife Josie, and Melissa G. Sutton at 716 East Green.

The 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory lists student Bruce Sutton, housekeeper Melissa G. Sutton, and domestic Rosa Sutton at 716 East Green.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 606 Green Street, Jane White, 48, laundry checker; son-in-law Bruce Sutton, 28; daughter Lucille Sutton, 20; and children William E., 2, and Bruce Jr., 1.

Recommended reading, no. 25: Chowan Beach, Remembering an African American Resort.

Founded in 1926 on the eastern bank of the Chowan River, about 100 miles northeast of Wilson, Chowan Beach was a thriving African-American resort for decades, drawing family vacationers and legendary chitlin circuit musicians for decades. In this slim book packed with photographs, Frank Stephenson brings to life a favored vacation spot for generations of Wilsonians.

Wilson Daily Times, 26 July 1940.

 

Corporal Judge Fleming Jr., sent to England.

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In the 1920 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: on Stantonsburg Road, farmer Judge Fleming, 49; wife Molly, 40; and children Lizzie, 18, Arron, 16, Sarah, 12, Lula, 10, Addie, 8, Jordan, 5, and John, 3.

In the 1930 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Judge Fleming, 57; wife Mollie, 47; and children Arron, 25, Sarah J., 21, Lula, 20, Judge, 15, Johnie, 14, and Mary L., 6.

In the 1940 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Mollie Flemming, 56, widow, farmer; sons Aaron, 36, and Judge Jr., 25; grandchildren Louisa, 17, Delma, 5, Aaron Jr., 3, and Melba G., 1; daughter-in-law Mahalia Flemming, 26; and lodger Jessie Smith, 14.

In 1940, Judge Junior Fleming registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 1 July 1915 in Wilson; lived on Route 4, Wilson; his contact was mother Mollie Sutton Fleming; and he worked at Imperial Tobacco Company, Barnes and Lodge Streets.

In the 1950 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Judge Flemming, 34, “planting corn”; wife Grace, 23, “picking plant bed”; and children Alfonsa, 3, and Gwenelyn, 2; and lodger Johnnie Sharp, 45, “planting corn.”

Image courtesy of Veterans of World War II Wilson County, spiral-bound volume, Wilson County Public Library.

James Williams stabbed to death while feeding stock.

Wilson Daily Times, 9 May 1945.

James Williams was a Wilson County native working in Nash County when he was killed by his employer.

Though the attack was unprovoked, Davis was charged only with manslaughter. He pleaded nolo contendere, a legal response in a criminal case where the defendant does not admit guilt, but foregoes trial and accepts the punishment as if he were guilty. Davis was sentenced to 3 to 5 years in state prison, which was suspended, and five years probation. He paid Williams’ hospital and funeral expenses and was ordered to pay Williams’ estate $4750. In essence, Davis got away with murder.

Nashville Graphic, 30 August 1945.

Williams’ death certificate reveals that he was stabbed in the left lung, liver, and stomach.

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On 12 August 1938, James Williams, 22, of Nash County, son of Will and Rosa Williams, married Senora Hall, 16, daughter of Weldon and Pearlie Williams, in Nash County, N.C.

In the 1940 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer James Williams, 23; wife Senora, 17; and daughter Jearleen, 1.

In 1940, James Joseph Williams registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 9 April 1916 in Wilson County; lived at Route 1, Wilson, Wilson County; his contact was wife Senora Williams; and he worked for Watson Tobacco Company, South Lodge Street, Wilson.

In July 1945, Senora Williams was named administrator of her husband’s estate and named herself and daughters Geraldine and Bettie Lou Williams as his heirs.