Pittsburgh Courier, 14 January 1939.
George Randolph Winstead died 20 December 1938 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 33 years old; was born in Nash County, N.C., to Julious Winstead and Cora Edwards; was single; lived at 913 Atlantic Street; and worked as a laborer. Bettie Pegues was informant.
Red Hots fire chief Ben Mincey executed his last will and testament on 29 September 1948, leaving property to his wife Mattie Barnes Mincey; sister Emma Barnes; sister-in-law Olivia Mincey; children John Mincey, Ben Mincey, Mildred Mincey Woodard, and Madison Mincey; and, separately, daughters Emma Sharpe and Mae Lillie Sharpe.
Mincey died 14 July 1950 and was buried with great ceremony in Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Will of Ben Mincey (1948), North Carolina Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.
Wilson Advance, 29 September 1898.
From records of the coroner’s inquest into the death of William Dixon:
Testimony of Peter Barron
Testifies that he was at home on night of the accident. After leaving his brother Benj. and the said Benj went home with him. After retiring heard shooting which took place about 1/2 past 10 c’clock. Testifies that he and Dixon had difficulty month ago at a dance and immediately made friends. Peter (X) Barron
Testimony of Benj Barron
Says he heard shooting 2 shots fired close together on the night the accident occurred. Said shooting took place as he was preparing to retire. testifies that he has no guns in shooting order. Testifies that Wm Reid was at his house the same night and said Reid was on his way to get some money due him from by parties he lived with in Edgecombe (names unknown) Benj (X) Barron
Testimony of Wm Sells
Was at Wilbanks and Turner Vicks till 1/2 past 8 o clock. Went then to Mark Barrons then went to bed. Met 3 men on the road, didn’t know them. One man had something resembling a stick under his arm /s/ William Sells
Testimony of John Barron
Testifies that he was at home all during the night of the accident. Heard shot fired some time after retiring. Don’t know the time. John (X) Barron
Henrietta Dixon
Testifies Wm Dixon came to supper about Dark and immediately went out carrying his rifle. Said nothing about where he was going Wife of deceased (Henrietta Barham) testifies that Peter Barron and Wm Dixon had difficulty some thing like month previous /s/ Henrietta Dixon
——
In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 34; wife Mason, 30; and children Alen, 14, Lena, 12, Hiliard, 10, Benjamin, 7, Gray, 5, Peter, 3, and John, 1.
In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 54, wife Mason, 50, children Frank, 18, Peter, 21, John, 20, and Mary, 16, granddaughter Mary M., 6 months, and sister Gatsie, 51.
On 16 January 1901, Peter Barron, 26, married Catharine Mitchel, 18, in Wilson County. Allen Sharp, Marcilius Cotton, and Aberum Mitchell were witnesses.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Simon P. Barron, 32, farmer, and wife Catherine, 24.
In 1918, Petter Barron registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 20 July 1876; lived at Route #3, Elm City, Wilson County; worked as a tenant farmer for J.J. Brown; and his nearest relative was brother John Barron.
In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Peter Barron, 45, farmer, and wife Catherine, 36.
In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 34; wife Mason, 30; and children Alen, 14, Lena, 12, Hiliard, 10, Benjamin, 7, Gray, 5, Peter, 3, and John, 1.
On 4 January 1893, Ben Barron, 20, of Gardners township, married Mary Pender, 17, of Gardners township, at Joe Pender‘s residence in Gardners township, Wilson County.
In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Benjamin Barron, 27; wife Mary L., 24; and children William H., 7, John M., 4, and Linnie, 6 months.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Benjaman Barron, 38; wife Eliza, 36; and children Sam, 17, John, 15, Lillie, 11, Bluma, 5, and Sudie, 2.
In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Ben Barron, 48; wife E. Mary, 48; children John, 24, Lillie, 14, Sudie, 12, and Clara, 6; and adopted son Hasel Whitaker, 18.
Benjamin Barron died 9 August 1941 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born February 1869 in Wilson County to Mark Barron and Mason Ford; was the widower of Mary Barron; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Barron Cemetery. John Barron, 112 East Street, Wilson, was informant.
On 12 December 1893, Turner Vick, 22, and Sylla Ward, 2o, were married in Edgecombe County, N.C.
In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Turner Vick, 30; wife Silla, 30; daughters Cora, 5, and Mary, 2; and brother-in-law James Farmer, 10.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Vick, 39; wife Sillar, 35; and children Mary, 12, Millie, 6, and Eva, 2 months.
In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Vick, 49; wife Lillie, 46; and daughters Millie, 15, Geneva, 10, and Cora, 6.
Mary Evans died 9 March 1924 in Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 25 years old; her parents were Turner Vick of Wilson County and Pricilla Ward of Edgecombe County; and she was married to John Henry Evans. Informant was Turner Vick, Elm City.
In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Vick, 45; wife Pricilla, 49; and children Eva, 17, Cora, 14, Johnnie, 12, and Bettie, 6.
In the 1940 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Turner Vick, 68; wife Pricilla, 69; and daughter Geneva, 28.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Tilman Road, Turner Vick, 76; daughters Eva, 33, and Minnie, 48; grandchildren Willie Lee, 6, and Betty J., 2; and lodger Z. Mae Barnes, 33.
William Turner Vick died 18 November 1956 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 4 October 1874 to Moses Vick and Millie Vick; was a widower; resided near Elm City; was a laborer; and was buried in Gardners cemetery. Minnie Vick, 411 North Pine Street, Wilson, was informant.
In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 34; wife Mason, 30; and children Alen, 14, Lena, 12, Hiliard, 10, Benjamin, 7, Gray, 5, Peter, 3, and John, 1.
In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 54; wife Mason, 50; children Frank, 18, Peter, 21, John, 20, and Mary, 16; granddaughter Mary M., 6 months; and sister Gatsie, 51.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 64; wife Mason, 60; and son John, 31, farm laborer.
In 1918, John Willie Barron registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 12 March 1878; lived at Route 3, Elm City; and farmed for G.N. Luper.
John Barron died 29 October 1918 in Rocky Mount, Nash County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was 40 years old; was born in Wilson County to Mark Barron and Mason Webb; was single; lived near Elm City; and was buried in Wilson County.
Coroner’s Inquest (1898), Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
From the Jackson Chapel First Baptist Church’s 85th anniversary booklet:
On 17 April 1913, Walter Foster, 38, married Rosa Parker, 23, in Wilson. Rev. M.A. Talley performed the rites in the presence of L.A. Moore, A.F. Broadie, and E.H. Thomas.
In 1918, Walter Macklin Foster registered for the World War I draft. He reported that he was born 13 May 1874, that he resided on East Vance Street, worked as a fireman for Hackney Wagon, and his nearest relative was wife Rosa Foster.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 707 Vance Street, Walter Foster, 46, fireman at wagon company; wife Rosa, 34; children Heneretta, 18, Carl, 6, and Naomi, 4; and sister-in-law Etta Parker, 32, a school teacher.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 808 East Vance, owned and valued at $2000, widow Rosa Foster, 42, public school teacher; her children Carter, 16, Daily Times newsboy, and Naomi, 14; and roomers Alice Jones, 36, and Mamie Key, 20, public school teachers.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County, at 808 East Vance, Rosa P. Foster was operating her house at 808 East Vance Street as a teacherage. Her household included teachers Alice H. Jones, 46 (and her son James R., 23); Floreta J. Walson, 31; W. Arlene Gilmore, 30; Mary G. Harris, 33; and Mamie E. Whitehead, 33.
Rosa Foster died 7 October 1954 at her home at 808 East Vance Street. Per her death certificate, she was born 24 March 1888 in Nash County, N.C., to Allison Parker and Mary [maiden name not stated]; was a retired school teacher; and was widowed. Carter Foster was informant.
In the 1910 census of Dry Wells township, Nash County: lumber mill grader William Ellis, 33; wife Sarah, 31, laundress; children Willie Lee, 9, James C., 4, and Walter M., 8 months; and boarder Shaw Ellis, 22.
In the 1920 census of Dry Wells township, Nash County: farmer William C. Ellis, 42; wife Sarah C., 40; and children James, 13, Marion, 10, Wilborn W., 7, and Mabel, 5.
Minnie Woodard, 22, of Wilson County, [daughter of James and Jennie Farmer Woodard,] married James Ellis, 22, of Wilson County, [son of William and Sarah Barnes Ellis,] on 22 March 1928 in Wilson County. Missionary Baptist minister Geo. Cooper performed the ceremony.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: auto garage mechanic James Ellis, 24; wife Minnie, 25; and son James Jr., 2 months.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: garage mechanic James Ellis, 33; wife Minnie, 33, tobacco factory stemmer; and children James Jr., 10, and Minnie D., 8.
In 1940, James Cornell Ellis registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 1 August 1906 in Wilson County; lived at 705 East Green Street; his contact was wife Minnie Virginia Ellis; and he worked for Raines Motor Company.
James Cornell Ellis died 31 December 1956 at his home at 721 East Green Street. Per his death certificate, he was born 1 August 1906 in Wilson County to William Ellis and Sarah Barnes; and worked as a railway porter.
On 12 July 1905, Willie Hunter, 22, of Elm City, son of Hilliard and Mary J. Hunter, married Mary Whitehead, 20, of Elm City, daughter of Ben and Frances Whitehead, at Ben Drake‘s house in Elm City. T.H. Nicholson applied for the license, and he, William Short, and W.A. Whitfield were official witnesses.
In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Smith Street, oil mill laborer Will Hunter, 25, and wife Mary, 23, shared a home with Henry Whitehead, 34, brickyard laborer; his wife Victory, 23; their children Della M., 3, and Lucile, 1; and Willie Whitehead, 18, hotel waiter.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: laborer Will Hunter, 30; wife Mary, 32; daughters Dorothy, 6, and Doris, 5; and laborers Arthur, 37, and David Hagans, 27.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 204 East Street, owned and valued at $2000, oil mill laborer Will J. Hunter, 46; wife Mary, 42, tobacco factory stemmer; and daughters Dorotha, 17, and Doris, 15.
Mary Hunter died 1 July 1930 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 44 years old; was born in Nash County to Benjamin Whitehead and Frances [no maiden name]; was married to Willie Hunter; lived at 204 South East Street; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] Willie Whitehead was informant.
Thank you, Dr. Michael Barnes!
On 1 January 1906, Eliza Best applied in Wilson County Superior Court for guardianship of her and her late husband B.J. Best’s children Corintha, Milton, Rematha, Ollin, and Clarence Best. The children shared a small inheritance valued at $147.85. (Benjamin J. Best died about 1904, and his estate was estimated at $1600.) Samuel H. Vick and Jonah Williams posted bond with Eliza Best to guarantee her sound stewardship.
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On 22 October 1874, Benjamin Best, 22, married Eliza Ellis, 18, at James Ellis‘ in Wilson County. James Ellis, Gilford Ellis, and Aaron Ward were witnesses.
In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: farmer Benjamin Best, 26; wife Eliza, 23; and children Virginia, 4, Priscilla, 3, and Columbus, 1.
In the 1900 census of Crossroads township, Wilson County: farmer Benjamin Best, 47; wife Eliza, 44; and children Virgin N., 25, teaching school, Mildred, 19, Junius, 18, Soprenia, 17, Benjamin, 15, Corinthia, 13, Milton, 12, Ramantha, 9, Olian, 7, and Clarence, 6.
In the 1910 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: widow Eliza Best, 53, with children Junius, 29, Rematha, 20, Allen, 18, and Clarence, 16, plus grandchildren Suprema, 5, and Martha A., 3.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Saratoga Road, marble cutter Clarence Best, 26, wife Geneva, 26, and son Clarence H., 1, plus Eliza Best, 68, Martha Ann Best, 11, and Suprema Hooks, 11. Next door, Junius Best, 38, wagon factory assembly man, wife Mary A., 27, and children Mary Olivia, 2, and Colonius, 4 months.
Virginetta Newsome died 5 August 1920 in Wilson Hospital, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 17 August 1875 in Greene County, N.C., to Benjamin Best and Eliza Ellis; was married to Joseph Newsome; worked in farming; and lived near Lucama.
Eliza Best died 1 September 1929 in Wilson of “injury of rt. leg; cut her leg on a piece of tin.” She resided at 1310 East Nash Street, Wilson, and was the widow of Benjamin Best. She was about 64 years old and had been born in Wilson County to Jim Ellis and Zannie Applewhite. She was buried in Rountree cemetery; Clarence Best was informant.
Joseph Blue (ca. 1862-1950).
In the 1870 census of Magnolia township, Abbeville County, South Carolina: Aaron Blue, 43; wife Clarisa, 42; and children Robt., 14, Beng’n, 9, Joe, 7, and George, 5.
In the 1880 census of Magnolia township, Abbeville County, South Carolina: Aaron Blue, 47; wife Clarister, 39; children Robert, 24, Benjamin, 17, Joseph, 14, George, 12, Laura, 6, and Ezekiel, 2 months; and mother-in-law Patsy Bryant, 83.
In the 1900 census of Garvin township, Anderson County, S.C.: farmer Joseph Blue, 32; wife Ella, 21; and children Roxie, 11, Eliza, 10, Laura, 7, Joe, 5, Claudie, 4, and Mary, 3.
In the 1910 census of Centerville township, Anderson County, S.C.: farmer Joe Blue, 43; wife Ella, 42; and children Roxie, 22, Liza, 20, Laura, 18, Josephus, 16, Claude, 15, May Ella, 13, Clarissa, 7, and Freddie, 3.
In the 1920 census of Varennes township, Anderson County, S.C.: Joseph Blue, 51, farmer; wife Ella, 51; children Claracy, 17, and Fred Aron, 13; and granddaughter Minnie Lee Aiken, 9.
In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Blue Joseph (c: Ella) bellmn Cherry Hotel h 1220 Carolina
In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Blue Jos (c; Ella) lab h 1220 Carolina
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: odd jobs laborer Joe Blue, 60; wife Ella, 58; granddaughter Minnie Edwards, 19; daughter Gladys Smith, 24, tobacco factory laborer; and grandson James Edwards, 7. (Only James was born in North Carolina.)
Ella Blue died 24 November 1943 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 4 March 1874 in Elberton [sic] County, Georgia, to Auston Williford and Eliza Hull; was married to Joe Blue; lived at 29 Carolina Street; and was buried in Rountree [likely, Vick] Cemetery.
Joseph Blue died 25 January 1950 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 14 April 1882 [sic] in Abbeville, S.C., to Aaron Blue and Cassie Calhune; was a widower; had worked as a gardener and laborer; and was buried in Rountree [likely, Vick] Cemetery.
Wilson Daily Times, 26 January 1950.
Photo, adapted, courtesy of Morris Applewhite.
In 1883, the Clerk of Wilson County Superior Court served notice on Dr. David G.W. Ward to make settlements in the estates of three African-American men for whom he served as administrator. The estates were tiny and should have been handled quickly and simply, but Ward apparently had failed to tie up the matters. In response, Ward asserted that none of the estates had assets sufficient to pay his claims as administrator and asked to be released from his duties.
Under state law, estate administrators were entitled to a small percentage of the value of the estate as compensation. Not uncommonly, of their volition or under pressure, poor or unlettered people signed over administration rights to people who better understood the probate process. However, Aaron Ward, Warren Ward, and Aaron Ruffin were landless farmers whose estates ordinarily would not have gone through probate at all. Their families would have simply divided up their personal property, paid off sharecropping or rent obligations, and gone on with life.
How did Dr. Ward come to be involved in these matters? Did he have a prior relationship with the families? Ward owned more than a thousand acres straddling the Wilson and Greene County lines and enslaved dozens before the Civil War. Warren Ward is listed near him in the 1870 and 1880 censuses. Aaron Ward named a son Wyatt, as had D.G.W. Ward, who named his son after his close associate Wyatt Moye, former sheriff, county founder, and slave trader. Had Dr. Ward enslaved these men? Did he leverage his prior command over their lives to urge their families into legal proceedings that allowed him to pick over their meager assets?
In February 1875, Cherry Ward signed over rights of administration to her husband Aaron Ward’s estate, and D.G.W. Ward was appointed administrator after posting bond with his business partner Francis Marion Moye. Ward reported to a Probate Court judge that Aaron Ward had died without a will; that his estate was worth about $500; and his heirs were his widow and children Green, Hannah, Wyatt, Nathan, Jesse, Merriman [Marion], and Adril [Aaron]. The document above is found in Aaron Ward’s estate file — eight years after his death. There is no document showing distribution of his assets to his heirs.
In March 1878, after widow Rachael Ruffin signed over rights of administration, D.G.W. Ward reported to a Probate Court judge that Aaron Ruffin had died without a will; that his estate was worth about $300; and his heirs were Dallas Ruffin, Clara Lane, Mary Artis, Jane Thompson, and, crossed through, Warren Ward. (He did not list widow Rachael Ruffin.) Shortly after, Ward requested and was granted permission to sell Ruffin’s personal property for cash. Ruffin’s estate file contains no record of a final settlement for his heirs.
On 1 February 1881, Sarah Ward relinquished her right to administer her late husband Warren Ward‘s estate and “recommend[ed] D.G.W. Ward as a suitable person to take the same.” Dr. Ward was duly appointed and posted notices to Warren’s debtors and creditors at two general stores in Stantonsburg, Ward & Moye [his business with F.M. Moye] and D. Hill & Company.
Court-appointed commissioners assessed Warren Ward’s property and allotted his widow 200 pounds of bacon and ten barrels of corn. He had no land. Ward’s estate file contains no record of a final settlement with his heirs.
——
In 1866, Aron Ward and Cherry Moye registered their ten-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.
In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farm laborer Aaron Ward, 46; wife Cherry, 30; and children Green, 12, Wyatt, 11, Hannah, 8, Nathaniel, 4, Jesse, 3, and Marion, 2.
In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Cherry Ward, 40; sons Green, 21, Warot, 18, Nathan, 13, Jessie, 12, Marion, 9, and Aaron, 6; and grandson Edward White, 2.
On 17 February 1880, Hannah Ward, 18, and Warren Barnes, 20, applied for a marriage license, but did not complete or return the document.
On 14 January 1881, Green Ward, 24, son of Warren [sic] and Cherry Ward, married Hattie Kornegay, 23, daughter of Robert and Kezy Kornegay, in Swift Creek township, Pitt County, N.C.
On 5 October 1882, Wyatt Ward, 22, son of Aaron and Cherry Ward, married Kisire Kornega, 21, daughter of Robert and Kisire Kornega, in Saratoga township, Wilson County.
On 29 December 1889, Wyatt Ward, 28, of Saratoga township, son of Aaron and Cherry Ward, married Emma Aycock, 19, of Saratoga township, daughter of Sam and Jane Aycock, in Saratoga township, Wilson County.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Wyatt Ward, 37; wife Emma, 37; and children Jesse, 17, Georgianna, 13, John, 9, William, 7, and Hattie, 5.
In the 1900 census of Williams township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: farmer Green Ward, 49; wife Hattie, 50; daughters Marion, 15, Ada, 13, Hattie, 11, Cora, 9, Blanchie, 8, Sallie, 5, Birtha, 3, and Minie, 3 months; and mother Cherry, 75, nursing.
In the 1910 census of Williams township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: farmer Green Ward, 51; wife Hattie, 51; and daughters Cora, 17, Sallie, 13, Bertha, 12, and Minnie, 8.
Wyatt Ward died 6 September 1922 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 55 years old; was born in Wilson County to Aaron Ward; was married to Ann Ward; and was a farmer. Jesse Ward was informant.
In the 1870 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: Warren Ward, 38, farm laborer; wife Sarah, 45; son Larance, 10; and Thomas Holoway, 21.
In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Warren Ward, 53, farmer; wife Sarah, 52, washing; and Manda, 8, Henry, 7, and Lawrence, 19.
I have not found Aaron Ruffin’s family.
Estate Files of Aaron Ward (1875), Aaron Ruffin (1878), and Warren Ward (1881), North Carolina Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, [database on-line] http://www.ancestry.com.
An argument among Etheldred Hagans‘ children precipitated the stabbing death of one by an intervening neighbor. The transcripts of witnesses at the coroner’s inquest into David Hagans‘ murder:
John Lancaster — I was at old man Hagans. Jim Hagan cussed sister said didnt have enough to eat cooked younger brother took it up. Jim said he was drunk & wouldnt notice it. Dave took it up but I got him out doors. Then Dave went back & I went back. Dave said to father you going to let Louis run over every body here. Louis said G- D- he wont going to let Jim run over him that he (Jim) lay around & wouldnt work but wanted to boss. Jim didn’t notice Louis. John Summerlin had hold of Jim to keep him from fighting. Dave ran at me and said G- D- I am a man. I pushed Dave off from me & he run over to corner where John & Dave were. Dave struck John & John said I aint doing anything but trying to keep them apart. Then I pushed Dave one way & John the other & got John out the door. Then Warren Ward & Jim sisters & I were standing out at the wagon shelter 25 yds from house. I hear chairs falling & signs of scuffling in the house. Warren said John don’t let this girl go back in the house I am going back in there. I tried to hold her but she broke away from me crying & ran back into the house. Warren went back in the house & I followed Geneva & she was in the midst of the fighting trying to part them. They were using their fists fighting. Dave, Jim & old man Dred & Louis Hagan were all fighting. Then I left & got with Jim Ellis & Oscar Ellis & Willie Pittman who were outside the house & started down the road then Warren Ward ran out of the house & asked me to go back & get his hat said Dave struck me three licks on the face but I am satisfied I had him to kill. Then we went on up to the store. Last year Dave & Warren got in some trouble last year at Saratoga had fist fight. I started to Pittmans store after leaving house but didnt get there some said Dave was hurt so I went back had been gone about ten or twelve minutes when I got back they had Dave on a buggy. John X Lancaster
Jim Hagan — When I went to supper I got after Geneva my sister for not staying home and cooking enough supper. Louis my brother who was in the next room & drunk said to me Jim G- D- you ought not to be here cussing Geneva. I went in the kitchen & the others went in the house. After we got back in the house Jim was jumping around cursing I told him he was drunk & I wouldnt notice him. Dave Hagan my brother said Jim if I was staying here like you I wouldn’t let Louis curse me like that Warren Ward came in & said Dave if you & Jim get 21 years old leave home because liable to have trouble. & I told him Geneva was young & I was tending a crop there & had a right to tell her what to do. John Summerlin came in & all were talking all were drinking. Dave told Louis if he had cursed him like he had cursed Jim he would beat H-ll out of him. John Summerlin said no Dave you wont do any such D- thing. Dave said John you aint got a D- thing to do with it & Dave & John ran together & grappled. Old man Dred & Tom & me we got in there & tried push them out the door. Oscar Ellis got John Summerlin out of the house & down the road. Then everything quieted then Dave & Louis got to quarreling again & Warren Ward ran in there & said Dave G- D- you shan’t run over Louis. Dave said to Warren you aint got a G.D. thing to do with it then he & Warren ran together. I ran up to them & said you aint going to have any trouble here. Then I ran into the next room & got my pistol off the organ & before I got back Warren ran out the door. Dave was cursing about how old man Dred let Louis do as he pleased. We talked about 5 min. Dave went out the door I heard him curse & then heard the licks being passed in a fight. Then I ran to the door & Dave said Jim G.D. Warren has cut me & fell on his knees. I jumped down & ran after Warren but he got away. Before I got to the door & I heard fighting both were cursing & I recognized Warrens voice & knew who was fighting with Dave. Before I got my pistol & when Warren & Dave ran together in the house Warren had his knife open in his hand. I took Dave & carried him to the house. I then hitched up & took Dave over to John Lancasters house & went to John Rogers John Rogers got up & came with me to John Lancasters & sent me for Dr Crocker & before I got back I [met] Albert Ward & he told me Dave was dead. When I took him in the house he was bleeding from both arms. Warren & Dave last summer had fight at Saratoga. Warren owed Dave some money didnt speak till 2 months after when both joined same society but wont on good terms This happened about 8 o’clock last night. Jim X Hagan
Aaron Cameron — When Jim & Louis were quarreling Louis got two butcher knives after him. They quarreled a while & Dave got in it. Then old man Dred got in it after a while John Lancaster & I left & heard a gun shot back of the house. Then Warren come running as hard as he could. Warren said that Dave had beat him in a fist fight but he was satisfied now. Then asked us to go back and get his cap. We went back & Louis said Dave was cut. When they were quarreling in the house old man got his gun & said if they were going to take his house he would get out & he went out in the field. Aaron X Cameron
Dred Hagan testified same as others. Warren & Dave were pushing when I went out. I didnt see any knife & heard no threats. I went out in the field. I shot the gun but not towards the house & the crowd scattered. Dred X Hagan
We the Coroners Jury find that Dave Hagans came to his death from being cut with a knife in the hands of Warren Ward and the cutting was felonious.
R.E. Bynum, Stephen Craft, J.H. Gar[illegible], J.B. Walston, W.J. Mercer Jr., J.I. Rodgers, W.H. Anderson Coroner
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Charlotte Observer, 16 May 1908.
[Sidenote: Though their content is heavy and violent, transcripts from coroner’s inquests provide unique windows into family and social interaction in late 19th and early century Wilson County. They also allow us to “hear” the speech of Black men and women of the era. I was struck here by the use of “wont” in John Lancaster and Jim Hagans’ testimony. Pronounced with a long o like “won’t,” this is a common rendering of “wasn’t” in eastern North Carolina dialect even to this day. Until my roommate my freshman year at Carolina — she was from Shelby, in the western Piedmont — queried me about it, I had not paid attention to my own usage of the word.]
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In the 1870 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farm laborer Wilson Hagans, 62; wife Rodah, 50; sons James, 14, David, 9, and Etheldred, 7; and farm laborer Delphi Locus, 24.
On 17 February 1884, Dred Hagans, 23, married Martha Speight, 21, at Seth H. Tyson’s in Saratoga, Wilson County.
On 21 February 1900, Dred Hagan, 38, of Saratoga township, married Correnia Artis, 23, at Robert Ellis’ farm, Saratoga township. Seventh-Day Adventist minister Thomas H. Moore performed the ceremony in the presence of Effie Artis, Susan Rodgers, and Henry Bailey.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer David [sic] Hagans, 40, and children Corinna, 24, Dave, 16, Jim, 15, Martha, 13, Lewis, 11, Geneva, 9, and Charley, 7.
On 7 January 1904, David Hagans, 21, of Saratoga township, son of Dred Hagans, married Almena Ellis, 20, of Saratoga township, daughter of Oscar Ellis, at Eason Brothers Store in Saratoga. Falcon Ellis applied for the license.
In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Dred Hagins, 49, and children Louis, 19, Geneva, 18, and Charlie, 16, as well as Hilliard Wootern 20, servant.
On 2 May 1909, Jim Hagans, 22, of Saratoga township, son of Dred and Mattie Hagans, married Maria Artis, 19, of Saratoga township, daughter of John and Sarah Artis, at John Artis’ in Saratoga township. A.M.E. Zion minister G.A. Wood performed the ceremony in the presence of Frank C. Ellis, Tom Speight, and A.A. Maron.
On 10 January 1912, Aaron Applewhite, 22, of Saratoga township, son of Warren and Delpha Applewhite, married Jeneva Hagans, 18, of Saratoga township, daughter of Dred Hagans. A.M.E. Zion minister G.A. Wood performed the ceremony at Dred Hagans’ house in the presence of
On 13 January 1923, Louis Hagans, 30, of Saratoga township, son of Dred Hagans and Martha [no maiden name], married Louisa Edwards, 23, of Saratoga township, daughter of Aaron and Katie Edwards, in Wilson.
Dred Hagans died 6 June 1927 in Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was 73 years old; was born in Wilson County to Wilson Hagens; was the widower of Mathua Hagen’s; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Harrin Cemetery, Greene County. Louis Hagans, Walstonburg, was informant.
Louis Hagans died 28 January 1949 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 28 August 1890 in Wilson County to Dread Hagans and Martha Speight; lived near Walstonburg, in Wilson County; was the widower of Daisy Hagans; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Saint Delight Cemetery, Greene County. Louis Hagans Jr. was informant.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Nelson Sumlin, 41; wife Anna, 36; and children John, 13, Ben, 10, Laura, 8, and Bud, 4.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer John Sumlin, 22, and wife Ruth, 18.
In 1917, Jno. Summerlin registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 19 August 1888 in Wilson County; lived near Elm City; farmed for James Bass; and supported a wife and four children. He signed his name “John Sumlin.”
In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer John Sumerline, 33; wife Ruth, 27; and children Adell, 8, Nora, 7, Leslie, 4, and Margaret, 3.
In the 1930 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County, North Carolina: John Sumlin, 43; with Ruth, 37; and children Elnora, 16, Marvis, 14, Lossie, 13, John B. Jr., 12, Almena, 10, and Izell, 6.
John Sumlin died 6 March 1939 in Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County. Per his death certificate, he was born 19 August 1888 in Wilson County to Nelson Sumlin of Warrington [Warrenton], N.C. and Anna Eliza Hudson of Conetoe, N.C.; was married to Ruth Sumlin; worked as a day laborer at a factory; and was buried in Wilson County.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Scott Ward, 48; wife Tinie, 45; and children Nathan, 24, Scott, 19, Warren, 17, Frances, 14, George, 11, Manda, 9, and Mary, 5.
Possibly, in the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Albert Ward, 30, cropper; wife Ella, 25; and sons Willie, 4, and Robert, 11 months.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lue Ellis, 55, and children Alvenia, 14, Jim, 14, Oscar, 12, and Lue, 1 month.
In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lou Ellis, 45, widow, children James, 22, Oscar, 20, and Elijah, 6; Louvenia Hagans, 5; Isaac Ward, 24; and Fannie Mitchell, 39. [Louvenia Jones died 6 June 1927 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 22 years old; was born in Wilson County to Dave Hagans and Almeta Ellis; was married to Roscoe Jones; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. Oscar Ellis was informant.]
Coroner’s Inquests (1908), Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
Wilson Daily Times, 24 January 1945.
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In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widow Lila Spencer, 50; daughter Mamie Taylor, 30, tobacco factory laborer; grandchildren Ida, 13, Mildred, 11, James H., 9, Lila C., 7, Hermon, 5, and Bruce C., 3; and roomer Henry Bullock, 25.
On 11 October 1931, William Flowers, 21, of Washington, N.C., son of William Flowers, and Georgia [no maiden name], married Christine Taylor, 18, of Wilson, daughter of William James Taylor and Mamie S. Taylor, in Wilson township, Wilson County. John H. Clark and Mamie S. Taylor applied for the license, and Protestant Episcopal minister Michael R. Barton performed the ceremony in the presence of W.M. Bethel, J. Wesley Rogers, and Clark.
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In the 1910 census of Henderson township, Vance County, North Carolina: widow Lina Carroll, 42, and children Nannie, 12, and Daniel, 5.
In the 1928 Hill’s 1928 Wilson, N.C., city directory: Carroll Danl (c) barber Wm Hines h 1005 Atlanta [Atlantic]
On 9 December 1929, Daniel Carroll, 25, of Wilson, son of Daniel and Lina Carroll, married Lenora Dixon, 27, of Wilson, in Wilson. A.M.E.Z. minister J.E. Kennedy performed the ceremony in row presence John E. Knight, C.J. Knight, and Annie Walden.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Daniel Carroll, 27, barber at Hines shop; wife Lenora, 27; and daughter Hattie L., 8.
In 1940, Daniel Carroll registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 15 April 1905 in Vance County, North Carolina; lived at 549 East Nash Street, Wilson; his contact was Lenora Dixon Carroll; and he was owner/operator of a Billiard parlor.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Daniel Carroll, 34, billiard parlor owner; wife Lenora, 34; and step-[daughter] Hattie Dixon, 18.
Also, a duplicate entry in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1005 Atlantic, pool room owner Daniel Carroll, 27; wife Lenora, 24, sewing; widowed mother Lina, 76; sister Nannie Barber, 40, owner of pressing club; her son James Barber, 23, presser at pressing club; and roomer Willie Barnes, 28, pressing club tailor.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Daniel Carroll, 45, pool room proprietor; wife Lenora, 45; and daughter Hattie L. Dixon, 27, elementary teacher.
Lina Carroll died 22 July 1957 at her home at 1005 Atlantic Street, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 24 November 1864 in Franklin County, N.C., to Washington and Susan Coppedge and was a widow. Daniel Carroll was informant.
Lenora Carroll died 16 May 1960 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 30 September 1902 in Johnston County to Leander Smith and Luvenia [maiden name unknown] and was married to Daniel Carroll.
Daniel Carroll died 27 November 1990 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 April 1905 in Henderson, Vance County, to Daniel Carroll Sr. and Lina Coppedge; owned a billiard parlor; resided at 715 Elvie Street; and was married to Bertha Bryant.