[This photo says “1940s” or maybe even ’50s to me, not 1926, but 1926 is how it is labeled.]
Tobacco Production, 1926, Wilson County, Black and White Photographic Print 0019, in the Commercial Museum (Philadelphia, Pa.) Collection of North Carolina Photographs (P0072), North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 16 September 1944.
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In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: McGirt Archie (c; Archie) lab 821 Stantonsburg
In the 1930 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Archie McGirt, 35; wife Pearl, 28; children John, 13, Lillian, 11, and Belton, 7; and roomer Georgia Souther, 29.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Archie McGirt, 52, fertilizer plant laborer; wife Pearl, 47, tobacco factory laborer; son John, 23, fertilizer plant laborer; daughter Lillian Simms, 21, tobacco factory laborer; son Belton [McGirt], 19, delivery boy for grocery store; [grandson] Walter, 5; and son-in-law Allen Simms, 25, cement finisher for contractor.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Archie McGirt, 58; wife Pearl P., 54; and son James, 15; and grandchildren Loretta, 8, and Bobby, newborn.
Pearlette McGirt died 19 July 1970 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 25 October 1902 to Ace Patterson and Dora McCray; was married to Archie McGirt; and lived at 803 South Ward Boulevard. Informant was Lillian McGirt Simms, 901 Stantonsburg Street.
Chicago Defender, 19 July 1947.
Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 19 July 1947.
The Ruffins feature prominently in newspaper articles about successful Black Wilson County farm families. This piece highlights not only the “what” of their success, but the “why” — the education of their children.
As the family lived in the Saratoga area close to the county line and their parents were active in Yelverton Farm and Home Demonstration Clubs, the Ruffin children likely attended Yelverton School. That school, however, went only to seventh or eighth grade. In 1947, the only high schools for Black children in Wilson County were Williamson, near Lucama, and Frederick Douglass in Elm City. The Ruffin children may have boarded with friends or relatives in Wilson to attend Darden High School or may have crossed county lines to attend a closer high school in a neighboring county.
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In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: on Howards Path, farmer Jesse Ward, 26; wife Arey, 32; and children William, 14, Walton, 10, Henrietta, 10, Susan, 6, Kizie, 5, and Juanita, 1 month.
In 1918, Charlie James Ruffin registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 22 May 1900; lived at Route #3, Walstonsburg, Greene County, N.C.; farmed for J.R. Eagles; and his nearest relative was Ida Ruffin.
On 25 January 1920, Charlie Ruffin, 21, of Saratoga township, son of Ida Ruffin, married Henretta Moore, 18, of Saratoga township, daughter of Ara Moore. Disciple minister Washington Little performed the ceremony at John Bynum’s residence.
In the 1920 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Charles Ruffin, 19; wife Henrietta, 19; mother Ida, 50; sister Daisy, 13; and niece Mary, 12.
In the 1930 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Charles Ruffin, 30; wife Henrietta, 28; and children Bertha, 9, Charlie Jr., 8, James R., 6, Juntia, 2, and Gladis L., 10 months.
In the 1940 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Charles Ruffin, 39; wife Henrietta, 38; and children Bertha, 19, Charles, 17, James R., 16, Juanita, 12, Gladys Lee, 10, Christine, 8, Bruce, 7, Bertie Mae, 4, and Curtis, 10 months.
In 1942, Charles James Ruffin registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 12 May 1900 in Wilson; lived at Route 1, Fountain, Saratoga township, Wilson County; and farmed for J.B. Eagles.
In the 1950 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Charles Ruffin, 49; wife Heneretta, 47; and children James, 25, Juanita, 23, Gladys, 20, Christine, 18, Bruce, 17, Bertha M., 14, and Curtis, 10.
Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 18 May 1940.
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Bulletin of A.&T. College, 1949-1950.
The 1949-50 bulletin of A.&T. College, now North Carolina State Agricultural and Technical University, reported 24 students from Wilson County the previous year, including three graduating seniors — Idell Jones, B.S. Home Economics, and cousins Kester Congress Mitchell, B.S. Business Administration, and Warren Harding Mitchell, B.S. Agriculture. The ’48 Ayantee, the school’s yearbook, reveals a fourth — John Wesley Jones.
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In the 1930 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farmer Silvester T. Jones, 42; wife Ida, 38; children William J., 19, Alford T., 15, Willey E., 13, S.T., Jr., 10, Sallie C., 7, Jonie A., 5, and Idell, 2; and nephew Willey R. Jones, 23.
In the 1940 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farmer Sylvester Jones, 53; wife Ida, 46; and children John A., 15, Iredell, 12, Stanley E., 9, and Louie, 7.
1946 Ayantee yearbook.
In the 1950 census of Greensboro, Guilford County, N.C.: in the household of Fredrick D. Caldwell, lodger Idell Jones, 22, assistant 4-H Club state agent at state agricultural extension service.
On 26 October 1951, Idell Jones, 24, of Greensboro, N.C., daughter of Sylvester and Ida Boykin Jones, married Morris W. Randall, 30, of Greensboro, son of M.H. and Joanna Wright Randall, in Wilson. Rev. J.A. Fisher of United Holy Church of America performed the ceremony in the presence of Ida Jones, S.T. Jones, and Cleo Wood.
In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Caster [Kester] Mitchell, 37; wife Martha, 35; and children Flora L., 14, Mamie L., 12, Kester C., 10, Willie R., 8, Christine, 6, Amanda G., 4, Purzzell and Inell, 2; and Caster [Cashe], 10 months.
In the 1940 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Kester Mitchell, 45; wife Martha, 44; and children Flora Lee, 23, Mamie, 21, Kester Jr., 20, Roy, 18, Christine, 16, Amanda Gray, 14, Purnell and Inell, 12, Cash, 10, and Mildred, 8.
In 1940, Kester Congress Mitchell registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 23 July 1919 in Wilson County; lived at Route 2, Elm City; his contact was mother Martha Ann Mitchell; and he worked for Kester Mitchell.
In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Robert L. Mitchell, 35; wife Ellenora, 26, public school teacher; and sons Warren H., 9, Robert L., Jr., 8, and Arthur P., 5.
In the 1940 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Robert Lee Mitchell, 43; wife Ellenora, 35; and sons Warren Harding, 19, and Arthur Payton, 14.
In 1942, Warren Harding Mitchell registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 6 December 1920 in Wilson County; lived at R.F.D. 2, Elm City; his mailing address was Box 576, A.&.T College, Greensboro; his conduct was Mrs. Robert L. Mitchell; and he was a student at A.&.T. College.
In the 1950 census of Beaverdam township, Richmond County, N.C.: at Morrison Training School of Correction, school farm supervisor Warren H. Mitchell, 29; wife Joycelyn, 31; and daughter Joycelyn D., 2.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 901 Stantonsburg Street, fertilizer plant laborer Westley Jones, 41; wife Martha, 42; and children Mildred, 15, Lucille, 12, Marion B., 10, Willie B., 6, John W., 4, James T., 2, and Elroy, 3 months.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 901 Stantonsburg Street, Wesley Jones, 51, fertilizer plant laborer; wife Martha, 52, tobacco factory laborer; and children Lucille, 22, teacher at Fremont School, Vernon, 20, Willie, 16, John, 14, James, 12, and Elroy, 10.
In 1943, John Wesley Jones registered for the World War II draft. Per his registration card, he was born 10 October 1925 in Wilson; lived at 901 Stantonsburg Street, Wilson; his mailing address was A.&T. College, Greensboro; his contact was Wesley Jones; and he was a student.
Wilson County Negro Extension Agent Cecil A. Spellman did not stint. His two-part 1939 Annual Narrative Report is a 146-page treasure chest whose nuggets create a finely textured view of rural African-American life in the county just before World War II — home demonstration, community entertainment, school improvement, test farms, engineering activities, tobacco work, gardening, corn-growing, meat-cutting, 4-H clubs, camp, spelling matches, Negro Health Week, projects, spotlights on people, houses, and schools — including photographs — and more.
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Jane Amos Boyd introduced a new extension activity — rural community entertainment. At the time of the report, the agents had organized entertainments at Rocky Branch and Turner Schools with proceeds split between the schools and their associated 4-H or home demonstration clubs. Hot dogs, cocoa, apples, sodas or other simple concessions were sold and, “where the adults do not object,” there was dancing to music played on a Victrola the agents brought with them.
Spellman reported that he worked to improve the grounds of two schools, Mitchell in the north side of the county and Minshew in the south.
Spellman also introduced award certificates to motivate adults. With no template, Spellman “drafted and mimeographed” certificates of merit.
The annual Test Farm Meeting was a popular summer event, and 75 people from Wilson County attended that year. Spellman forwarded a suggestion from men that field demonstrations for them start later in the day to allow them to attend to farm chores in the morning.
North Carolina County Agent Annual Narrative Report, Wilson County, N.C., North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, UA102.002, Special Collections Research Center at N.C. State University.
Wilson County Negro Extension Agent Cecil A. Spellman did not stint. His two-part 1939 Annual Narrative Report is a 146-page treasure chest whose nuggets create a finely textured view of rural African-American life just before World War II — home demonstration, community entertainment, school improvement, test farms, engineering activities, tobacco work, gardening, corn-growing, meat-cutting, 4-H clubs, camp, spelling matches, Negro Health Week, projects, spotlights on people, houses, and schools — including photographs — and more.
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Spellman spoke highly of State Subject Matter Specialist W.R. Laws, who visited the county to deliver talks and demonstrations to women, such as making articles from fertilizer bags; making window screens from tobacco cloth or wire with denim bindings that could be buttoned to windows; and making fly traps. Spellman attached photos of Laws at Williamson and Jones Hill Schools.
Spellman then turned his attention to the pressing need for a permanent home demonstration agent for Wilson County, reporting that county commissioners had finally agreed to fund such a position. He credited the Women’s Civic Club of Wilson for their advocacy, specifically naming Mrs. H.L. Daniel, Odell Barnes, Mrs. Freeman [Willie Hendley Freeman?], and Mrs. William Hines [Ethel Cornwell Hines]. “These women were aided from the rural end” by Mrs. R.L. Mitchell [Ellenora Manley Mitchell], Mrs. K.R. Mitchell [Martha Taylor Mitchell], Rosetta Farmer, Rena Hilliard, Mrs. Charlie Ruffin [Henrietta Ruffin], and others. With supportive husbands in tow, women packed commissioners’ meetings in support of their cause.
Unfortunately, matters did not proceed as smoothly as hoped. As Spellman cryptically explained, “The beginning of extension work in the county on the home agent front was not as pleasant as it might have been due to several unfortunate ‘misunderstandings.’ Under different circumstances the work could have gotten off to a better start. As it turned out I was maligned and embarrassed and others, some innocent, also suffered as a result. The matter for a time threatened to split the community. For a time I regretted my little part in the movement to obtain a home agent in the county. Matters have now become ‘more or less’ adjusted.'”
Annie B. Brown was appointed home agent from June 1 to September 1. Jane Amos Boyd succeeded her as permanent agent on September 1, 1939.
North Carolina County Agent Annual Narrative Report, Wilson County, N.C., North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, UA102.002, Special Collections Research Center at N.C. State University.
Wilson County Negro Extension Agent Cecil A. Spellman did not stint. His two-part 1939 Annual Narrative Report is a 146-page treasure chest whose nuggets create a finely textured view of rural African-American life just before World War II — home demonstration, community entertainment, school improvement, test farms, engineering activities, tobacco work, gardening, corn-growing, meat-cutting, 4-H clubs, camp, spelling matches, Negro Health Week, projects, spotlights on people, houses, and schools — including photographs — and more.
There’s nothing to do but present Spellman’s report in totality, serialized.
The 66 pages of Section 1 are devoted to general and adult extension work. We meet Outstanding Man of the Year, Henry Armstrong of Elm City, and Outstanding Woman of the Year, Mrs. Charles Ruffin [Henrietta Ruffin] of the Saratoga side of the Fountain area.
Spellman praised the location of the county extension office at 559 1/2 East Nash Street, Camillus L. Darden‘s commercial building. He then described the equipment and furnishings supplied by the county (plus a few things he brought in.)
Spellman set out the organization of the extension agency and identified the eight-member County Advisory Committee as Seth T. Shaw, Thomas Hilliard, Robert L. Mitchell, Earnest A. Jones, Charlie Ruffin, Chester Woodard, John H. Clay, and Isaac Renfrow.
Spellman briefly mentioned the 4-H Club, which would be covered in detail in Section II, noting that its council met at Darden High School’s auditorium. He also lauded the principals of the county schools that hosted 4-H Clubs “as a very helpful body in the promotion of junior work in the county.”
Spellman then praised the agent training program he had attended at Hampton Institute [now Hampton University] in July.
North Carolina County Agent Annual Narrative Report, Wilson County, N.C., North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, UA102.002, Special Collections Research Center at N.C. State University.
We have seen Jack Williamson as a blacksmith in Wilson in the late 1800s. However, prior to establishing his business in town, he was a sharecropper. The contract below sets out in detail Williamson’s arrangement with white farmer Jacob H. Barnes to work a farm Barnes owned on Hominy Swamp.
The contract’s terms (which read like a set-up for failure):
Barnes and Williamson signed the contract on 2 February 1875, with Frank W. Barnes as witness.
Deed book 10, page 215-216, Wilson County Register of Deeds, Wilson.
