Slavery

Saratoga enslavers.

The 1860 slave schedule is the only known surviving, contemporaneous list of the men and women who enslaved black people in Wilson County. It is not a list of the enslaved themselves, as none are named in that census. Rather, the schedule described people by “color” (black or mulatto), sex, and age.

Organized by township, this series will set forth these enslavers, the number of people they held in 1860, and the ages of the youngest and oldest people held. Where possible, I will also name people known to be enslaved by each person. They may or may not correspond to people described in the 1860 slave schedule. The paucity of such identifications is heartbreaking, and I continue to search.

Saratoga district (roughly today’s Saratoga and Stantonsburg townships) was the southern end of Edgecombe County prior to 1855. The 1860 slave schedule lists 69 enslavers in this section of Wilson County, the largest of whom, William Barnes, held 79 people in bondage and controlled another 26 as a trustee. This area, spanning the southeast from the borders of present-day Pitt and Greene to Wayne, was the epicenter of slavery in Wilson County.

Hickman Ellis — 23, ages 1 to 55 years

  • Hannah, Jim, Netty, Aaron, Rose, Mary, Hannah, Old Peter and Old Chaney, Jack, Margaret, Elvy, Hewel, Tempy, Peter, Harriet, Gray, Hardy, Chaney and child Isaac, Eliza, John, Milbry and child Betsy, and Nancy

J.J. [John J.] Lane — 10, ages 8 months to 28 years

Annie Exum — 3, ages 15 to 40 years

William Felton — 12, ages 1 to 40 years

  • Piney, Esther

Thomas J. Gardner [constable of Saratoga] — 1, age 55 years

Drewry Joyner — 9, ages 9 to 70 years

Elizabeth Eason — 3, ages 3 to 26 years

W.J. [William J.] Moore — 4, ages 2 to 22 years

Starkey Howard — 6, ages 1 to 36 years

L.S. Dilda — 1, age 31 years

John Thigpen — 2, ages 17 and 44 years

Nancy Scarboro — 10, ages 2 to 50 years

Seth Tyson — 1, age 45 years

Seth Tyson, in trust — 6, ages 2 to 20 years

Edwin Whitley — 1, age 55 years

G.W. [George W.] Stanton — 7, ages 3 to 72 years

G.T. [Gatsey] Stanton — 7, ages 4 months to 70 years

  • Harry, Violet, Eliza and child, Ben, Dan, and Edy.

H.M. [Henry M.] Thompson — 21, ages 8 months to 24 years

Alvin Bagley — 4, ages 1 to 26 years

John A. Rodgers — 15, ages 8 months to 60 years

William Barnes Sr. — 26, ages 1 to 63 years

J.J. Bynum — 9, ages 8 to 38 years

Reuben Bynum — 21, ages 2 to 85 years

Reuben Bynum, in trust — 29, ages 1 to 60 years

Willie [Wiley] Sims — 30, ages 1 to 52 years

Wright Edmundson — 63, ages 1 to 48 years

David Batts — 1, age 14 years

Penelope Ellis — 19, ages 1 to 75 years

Sallie Applewhite — 32, ages 3 months to 65 years

Temperance Ellis — 1, age 13 years

Robert A. Ellis, in trust — 5, ages 4 to 50 years

G.J. Felps — 2, ages 10 and 17 years

Laura Felps — 2, ages 12 and 14 years

Rebecca Stanton — 1, age 49 years

Sallie Stanton — 2, ages 8 and 27 years

Julia Stanton — 2, ages 15 and 18 years

William C. Ellis — 13, ages 4 to 38 years

J.N. Amason — 2, ages 10 and 70 years

James B. Peacock — 4, ages 1 to 18 years

Sarah Peacock — 8, ages 1 month to 60 years

Jonathan Applewhite — 5, ages 4 to 80 years

Orpa Applewhite — 2, ages 10 and 18 years

Celia Applewhite — 1, age 20 years

W.H. [William H.] Applewhite — 2, ages 8 and 38 years

J.H. [James H.] Armstrong — 10, ages 6 to 55 years

Augustin Farmer, in trust — 2, ages 45 and 70 years

Rufus Edmundson — 35, ages 1 to 38 years

Warren Woodard — 21, ages 1 to 53 years

Washington Barnes — 5, ages 12 to 50 years

Winifred Bass — 2, ages 7 to 22 years

Jacob Barnes, in trust — 7, ages 2 to 45 years

Eliza Bass — 5, ages 8 months to 60 years

Joseph Peacock — 4, ages 10 to 44 years

Sarah Peacock — 8, ages 1 month to 60 years

Mahaly Barnes — 13, ages 4 months to 52 years

Macon Moye — 21, ages 2 months to 80 years

C.C. [Calvin C.] Peacock — 13, ages 4 to 25 years

John Wilkinson — 3, ages 20 to 55 years

John Hardy — 1, age 12 years

R.W. [Dr. Robert W.] King — 7, ages 2 to 35 years

E.G. [Edwin G.] Whitley — 28, ages 2 months to 67 years

Penelope Anderson — 4, ages 4 to 40 years

  • Olive, Larrow, Rose, Ellen, Evaline, Rody, Lucy the child of Olive, Jack, Ben, Judy, and Anaky

Edwin Barnes — 48, ages 3 months to 50 years

Edwin Barnes, in trust — 15, ages 1 month to 35 years

  • Dinah, Mason, Dick, Jane, Caroline, Handy, Grace, Pearce, Beck, Peg, Delpha, Turner, Lucy, Ginny, and Hester

William Barnes — 79, ages 1 month to 60 years

William Barnes, in trust — 26, ages 2 to 56 years

The estate of Elisha Felton (1858).

When Elisha Felton made out his will in 1854, he made no mention of enslaved people. Rather, after making several cash bequests, he directed that the remainder of his property be sold. Felton, who lived in the White Oak area, died in 1858, his son William Felton and James Barnes handled his estate of Elisha Felton. Estate records reveal that Felton and Barnes sold three women at two sales in the liquidation of the elder Felton’s estate..

At a sale held 22 October 1858, Felton and Barnes sold Piney and Louezer to Rubin Felton and Patrick Byrum.

At a sale held 19 March 1859, Esther, who was either very elderly or disabled, was sold for $68.75 to Byrum.

Elisha Felton Estate File, Wilson County, N.C., U.S. Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The estate of Wright Edmundson (1861).

Wright Edmondson, who lived on 1800 acres on Toisnot Swamp, was one of the largest slaveholders in Wilson County. Like most wealthy men of his time and place, he died with lengthy lists of both debtors and creditors, and the probate of his estate was considerably complicated by his failure to make a will and his many gifts to his children of slaves and other property a decade or so before he died on Christmas Eve 1860.

This list of “Names of all the slaves of the estate of W. Edmondson at his death except the increase of such as were advanced by him” includes 96 people. The subsets of people indicated by dividing lines represent some of the groups distributed together. Were they groupings random? Did they comprise nuclear families?

The 96 were: Esther, Cassel, Mariah, James, Edmond, Sarah, Lucy, Louis, Isaac, Lucindy, Bil, Silvy, Josh, Charles, Elith, Willis, Arthur, Esther, Rose, Howel, Eliza, Henry, Pheby, and Epsy; Sarah, Frank, Ann, Levy, Isaac, Edny and child, Tom, Jesse, Liza, Byrum, Peggy, Mary, Manuel, Arthur, Lewis, Mary, Jane, Lewis, Ruben, Mary (yellow), Sherard, Gatsy, Elias, Jason, Burt, Riley, Margaret, Nancy, Anica, Laura, Sampson, Emily, Calvin, Caroline, Julia, Dick, Patrick, Kate, Beck, Allen, Luvinia, London, Henry, Dury, Sarah, Adline, Haywood, Betsey, Lizz, John, Ephraim, Aaron, Gray, Winny, Morrison, Ben, Alsy, Violet, Bob, Hilyard, Ester, Pherby and child, Levi, Mac, Samuel, Arnold, Synthia, Ellen, Fondney, and Claricy.

Rufus W. Edmundson acknowledged that in 1842 he had received three enslaved people from his father along with land, work animals, two carts, and food staples. Curiously, none of the enslaved were named. Rather, they were “1 Negro Fellow likely age about 21 years …,” “1 [Negroe] Woman” about 18 years old, and “1 [Negroe] Boye” about 12.

Redmond S. Petway acknowledged receipt, on behalf of his wife Elizabeth Jane Edmundson, of Easter, Edmon, Jim, Cassel, and Mariah in December 1843 and March 1844.

Garry Edmundson confirmed that in 1843 his “Pa” had given him Bill, age 23 (but a “boy”); Silvy, age 26 (but a “girl”); Josh, age 10; Charles, age 7; and Elitha, an infant. He took the opportunity to grade Bill as medium quality; Silvy and Josh as inferior; and the youngest children as “likely,” i.e. strong and healthy.

In 1853, William L. Quarles, on behalf of his wife Caroline Edmundson, had received Rose, about 20, likely; Howell, 8 or 9, likely; Eliza, 8 or 9, ordinary; and Henry, 23 or 24, average. In 1855, he had received Phiby, 8, diseased (“did not recover”), and Epsy, 8, likely.

John F. Sanders (husband of Martha Edmundson) affirmed that in 1848 he had received Lewis; Lucy, 14, Sary, 13, Isaac, 7, and Lucinda, 6 (plus a mule and some cash.) All except Lewis were described as “likely.”

The rest of Edmundson’s children and his widow Susan Edmundson “took charge” of certain slaves before the estate was divided. Zilly Edmundson claimed Mary, Ann, Frank, Manuel, and little Mary. Penelope Edmundson snagged Alcy, Ester, Bob, Arthur, and Violet. Susan W. Edmundson took Cate, Beck, Patrick, Allen, and Luvinia. James P. Edmundson claimed Dury, Allen, Lun, Tom, and Lear. Their mother took Sherard, Gatsey, Jason, Sampson, Elias, Burt, Riley, Aniky and child Laura, Nancy, and Margaret.

Finally, the remaining unclaimed enslaved people were divided — “Drawn for by all children after setting apart certain slaves for equalizing advancements and certain slaves taken charge of by the widow.”

James Edmundson received Henry, Sarah, and Haywood, valued at $1800. Rufus Edmundson received Lizzie, Gray, Winny, Ann, and Betsey valued at $1675. John F. Saunders received Reuben, Cintha, Ellen, Fonzy, and Claricy, valued at $1850. Redmond S. Petway received Isaac, Edny, Eliza, Jesse, and Byron, valued at $1950. William L. Quarles received Calvin, Caroline, and Julia Ann, valued at $2150. Zillah Edmundson received Mary, Jane, Lewis, and Arnold, valued at $1500. Penelope Edmundson received Levi, Feriby, Mac, and Sam, valued at $1800. Susan Edmundson received Ephraim and Emily and her child, valued at $1900. Garry Edmundson received Ben, Sarah and her child, and Hilliard, valued at $1950.

The only black person who received anything of value among the multitude of transactions needed to resolve Edmundson’s estate was Sherrod, a “servant,” i.e. enslaved man. Sherrod filed a claim against the estate, asserting that Edmundson owed him nine dollars. As an enslaved person, Sherrod was incapable of entering into a binding contract, but Rufus W. Edmundson paid him nonetheless. On Christmas Day 1861.

We recognize several of the people distributed among Wright Edmundson’s wife and children as people he obtained in a controversial series of transactions with Abner Eason circa 1830: Sampson, born about 1811; Nancy (1806) and her daughter Phereby (1825); London (1827), Henry, and Sherrod. Edmundson also owned Nancy’s later-born children Alfred, Rose, Calvin, Nanna, Ann, and Howell, and Phereby’s daughter Lucinda.

Relatively few freedpeople in Wilson County adopted the surname Edmundson after Emancipation, and it is difficult to trace forward more than a handful of the men, women, and children Wright Edmundson held.

These couples registered cohabitations with Wilson County justices of the peace in 1866: Benjamin Edmundson* and Alsa Edmundson*, 12 years; Ephraim Edmundson* and Gatsey Rodgers, 3 years; John Edmundson* and Marie Edmundson, 1 year; Safronia Edmundson and Henry Peacock; Bettie Edmundson and Arthur Barnes, 17 years; Dewey Edmundson* and Solomon Woodard, 4 years; Gatsy Edmundson* and Sherard Ham, 24 years; Kate Edmundson* and Mason Bass, 4 years; Mary Edmundson* and Amos Ellis, 18 years. I have marked with an asterisk those couples that appear to have been held by Wright Edmundson.

The families I have found:

  • Benjamin and Alsa Edmundson and daughter Violet Edmundson Pitt

In the 1870 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County, North Carolina: Ben Edmundson, 55, farm laborer; wife Alsa, 39; and Violet, 18. [Alsa and Violet went to Penelope Edmundson, above. Ben went to Garry Edmundson.]

On 24 January 1871, Violet Edmundson married William Pitts in Wayne County.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Pettigrew Street, farmer William Pitts, 34; wife Violet, 25; and children Ailsey, 10, Martha, 5, Hattie, 3; and Laura, 10 months.

In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Ben Edmonson, 77, drayman; wife Elsy, 71; and boarder [granddaughter] Elsy Pitt, 25, “cooking”.

In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widow Violet Pit, 50, washing, and children Martha, 24, washing, Hattie, 22, cooking, Lula, 21, cooking, Ben, 19, tobacco stemmer, Carry, 12, cooking, Rosa, 16, nurse, Meaner, 11, Jenney, 5, and Edward, 2.

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: laundress Violett Pitt, 58; daughters Lula, 28, Matha, 34, and Hattie, 30; and grandchildren Mary, 10, Harvey, 8, Frank, 7, Lizzie, 6, Jonie, 18, and William, 9; and daughter Mena, 20.

On 7 November 1915, Ed Battle, 24, of Wilson, son of Allan and Mariah Battle, married Rosa Pitt, 24, of Wilson, daughter of Bill and Viola Pitt, in Wilson. Shade Hines applied for the license, and A.M.E. Zion minister B.P. Coward performed the ceremony in the presence of Frank Barnes, Leonard Kornegay, and B[illegible] Edmundson.

Rosa Pitt Battle died 26 December 1919 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 2 January 1884 in Wilson County, N.C, to William Pitt and Violet Edmundson; was married to Eddie Battle; and lived at 804 Vance. Mena Pitt was informant.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 804 Vance, widow Violet Pitt, 70, and daughters Elise, 45, Lula, 39, Mena, 29, and Elizabeth, 16.

Elsie Pitt died 19 June 1938 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1875 in Wilson to William Pitt of Nash County and Violet Emerson [Edmundson] of Wilson County; was single; lived at 903 East Vance; and was buried in Wilson [probably in Vick Cemetery, but possibly the newly opened Rest Haven.] Ximena Martinez was informant.

  • Ephraim Edmundson

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Ephram Edmundson, 25, farm laborer; wife Gatsey, 23; and children Mary, 6, and Buck, 4.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Gatsey Edmundson, 35; children Buck, 14, Mattie, 12, Louise, 10, Jorden, 8, and Marcellus, 1; and Waity Barnes, 18.

On 4 February 1890, Ephram Edmundson, 45, married Harriet Ruffin, 20, in Wayne County, N.C.

In the 1900 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County, N.C.: farmer Lewis Artice, 49; wife Mattie, 46; children Loney, 21, Arthur, 18, Ida, 17, Andrew J., 14, Minnie, 11, Floyd, 8, and Ivey, 26; boarder Ephram Edmundson, 60, widower; and mother-in-law Sarah Evans, 70, widow.

In the 1910 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County, N.C.: Ephram Edmundson, 60, and daughters Sarah, 19, Sallie, 16, and Merdy, 1.

Sallie Mayo died 15 January 1943 in Nahunta township, Wayne County. Per her death certificate, she was born 10 April 1894 in Wayne County to Ephrim Edmundson and Harrett Ruffins; was single; and was buried in Lanes cemetery, Stantonsburg.

  • Drury Edmundson Woodard Randall

On 3 April 1866, Solomon Woodard and Dewey Edmundson registered their four-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Solomon Woodard, 30, farmer; wife Dewry, 25; and Mary, 3.

Solomon Woodard died early in 1878, and Drury Woodard relinquished administration of his estate to James S. Woodard.

On 25 December 1879, George Randal, 23, married Dury Woodard, 33, in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer George Randal, 23; wife Drewry, 34; and stepdaughter Mary, 14.

  • Kate Edmundson Bass

On 12 May 1866, Mason Bass and Kate Edmundson registered their four-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Mason Bass, 32; wife Katy, 33; children Spicy, 7, Bettie, 6, Riley, 1, and Nathaniel, 2 months; Mary, 53, Eliza, 28, and Sarah Bass, 16; and Ruffin Barnes, 18.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Mason Bass, 43; wife Kate, 45; and children Isicy, 17, Bettie, 16, Amanuel, 2, and Mattie, 10 months.

In the 1900 census of Coahoma County, Mississippi: North Carolina-born Mason Bass, 63; wife Katie, 65; children Emanuel, 22, and Amelia, 18; and granddaughter Conelus, 1. Next door: Olie Henry, 45; wife Spicie, 37; and their children Amie, 14, William, 5, and Nathan, 3.

  • Mary Edmundson Ellis

Amos Ellis and Mary Edmundson registered their 18-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace on 2 July 1866.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: next door to Isom and Patience Ellis, farm laborer Amos P. Ellis, 47; wife Mary 40; and children Adeline, 23, Authur, 19, Learh, 17, Mary, 15, Jane, 11, and Lewis, 10; plus Authur, 65, and Betsey Barnes, 60.

  • Levi and Phenly [Phereby?] Edmundson and children Allen, Mack, Samuel, and infant

This family went to Penelope Edmundson as a partially intact group, without their oldest children. Son Allen, for example, was placed with Susan Edmundson.

In 1867, Levi Edmundson, son of Dick and Peggy Barnes, married Ferly Edmundson, daughter of Ned Amerson and Nancy Edmundson, in Wilson County. [Nancy and her daughter Phenly/Pherly/Phereby came to Wright Edmundson from Abner Eason. Phenly had a daughter Lucinda, and Nancy’s additional children included Alfred, Rose, Calvin, Nanna, Ann, and Howell.]

In the 1870 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Levi Edmondson, 55; wife Phenly, 47; and children Mack, 16, Samuel, 13, Milly, 10, Cora, 8, and Dock, 5.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Pheny Edmundson, 60, and children Mack, 24, Allen, 28, Lumilar, Doctor, 15, and Albert, 10.

On 23 December 1880, Allen Edmundson, 30, son of Levi and Fearby Edmundson, married Vicy Woodard, 29, daughter of Bright Thompson and Bidie Thompson, at Benjamin Woodard‘s residence in Wilson County. D.G.W. Ward performed the ceremony.

On 3 November 1883, Mack Edmundson, 26, married Harrett Newsom, 24, in Stantonsburg, Wilson County,

In the 1900 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Mack Edmundson, 44; wife Harriet, 38; and children Levy, 16, Annah, 13, Mack, 9, Arthur, 7, Cora, 5, and Albert, 3.

On 26 February 1907, Mack Edmundson, 50, son of Levi and P[illegible] Edmundson, married Fannie Wooten, 40, daughter of Irvin and Bedie Exum, in Wayne County.

In the 1910 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Mack Edmundson, 54; wife Fannie, 44; and children Mack, 19, Arthur, 16, Cora, 15, Albert, 13, and Almeter, 11.

On 17 February 1915, Mack Edmondson, 22, of Wayne County, son of Mack Edmondson and Harriet [no maiden name], married Pearline Taylor, 19, of Black Creek, daughter of Arnold and Alice Taylor, at Arnold Taylor’s in Black Creek, Wilson County. Walter H. Artis, John H. Artis, and Edward Artis were witnesses.

Cora Artis died 16 October 1936 in Nahunta, Wayne County. Per his death certificate, she was born 1894 in Wayne County to Mack and Harriet Edmundson and was married to Walter Artis.

Mack Edmundson died 6 May 1961 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was born 5 May 1891 in North Carolina to Mack Edmundson and was married to Pauline Edmundson.

Almeter Edmundson Dickerson died 2 August 1975 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 20 February 1902 to Mack Edmundson and Ferbie(?) Edmundson; was married to Fred Dickerson; and resided at 308 Finch Street.

Estate File of Wright Edmundson, Wilson County, N.C., U.S. Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The estate of James Rentfrow (1856).

James H. Rentfrow, as administrator, handled the estate of James Rentfrow, who died in 1856 in Springhill township, Wilson County. J.H. Rentfrow filed an undated inventory that listed James Rentfrow’s assets as three tracts of land totaling 544 acres and 11 enslaved people — Abram, 50, Sara, 43, Harry, 27, Rose, 24, Dennis, 22, Lunnon, 19, Exum, 14, Haywood, 10, Albert, 7, Doctor, 2, and Isaac, 2.

On 5 November 1857, J.H. Rentfrow negotiated short-term hires for James Rentfrow’s enslaved people. The account, though somewhat vague, identifies some family groups. Rentfrow’s son-in-law Benjamin Parker paid $48 for “1 woman & 4 children.” The woman was Sarah, and the children, identifiable as Haywood, Exum, Albert, and Isaac, were likely her own. Renfrow’s son Hinnant Rentfrow leased “1 woman & 1 child,” otherwise identified as Rose and her son Dock.

On 1 March 1858, J.H. Rentfrow rehired the group, again mostly to Rentfrow’s adult sons and sons-in-law. Harry, Dennis, and Lunnon, as strong young men, commanded the highest least rates — between $81 and $86/year. Abraham, having endured back-breaking labor for four decades, went to Rentfrow’s son Mabry Rentfrow for $35. Rose and Sarah, each with a young child, went for $25, and boys Haywood and Albert, not quite ready to do a man’s work, were picked up for $10.

James and Lutory Renfrow had at least 11 children, and his estate remained open for several years for the benefit of his minor heirs. This receipt shows John T. Renfrow promising to pay $125 for the hire of an unnamed enslaved person, probably a man, in January 1861.

Though Rentfrow’s estate file shows accounts for two property sales, neither show the sale of enslaved people. Presumably, they were leased each year until Emancipation suddenly severed the Rentfrow family’s control.

——

I have had limited success tracing forward the people enslaved by James Rentfrow:

  • Harry Renfrow

In the 1870 mortality schedule of Wilson township, Wilson County: Harry Renfrow, 46, farm laborer, died in October 1869. He had lived in household #73, which was headed by Sarah Renfrow, see below. [Note: a second Harry Renfrow, about the same age, left Wilson County to join the United States Colored Troops. I believe they are different men.]

  • Sarah Renfrow

Sarah Renfrow was the mother of Isaac and Albert Renfrow, likely Haywood and Exum, and possibly Rose Renfrow.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Sarah Renfrow, 45, with Isaac, 14, Rosa, 30, and Dennis Renfrow, 4, and Lewis Kelly, 23.

In the 1880 census of Town of Wilson, Wilson County: Sarah Renfrow, 45; Albert, 28; and Isaac, 23.

  • Rose Renfrow

Rose Renfrow was the mother of Doctor and, likely, Dennis Renfrow, and may have been married to Dennis Renfrow.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Sarah Renfrow, 45, with Isaac, 14, Rosa, 30, and Dennis Renfrow, 4, and Lewis Kelly, 23. [This Dennis was born after Emancipation, was likely Rosa’s child, and was almost certainly named after the elder Dennis, who may have been his father.]

  • Isaac Renfrow

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Sarah Renfrow, 45, with Isaac, 14, Rosa, 30, and Dennis Renfrow, 4, and Lewis Kelly, 23. [Note: also in the 1870 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: Penelope Renfrow, 29, farm laborer, and sons Jacob, 16, Esaw, 13, and Isaac, 10, all farm laborers. (This appears to be the family of soldier Harry Renfrow.)]

In the 1880 census of Town of Wilson, Wilson County: Sarah Renfrow, 45; Albert, 28; and Isaac, 23.

On 30 December 1880, Isaac Rentfrow, 23, of Wilson County, son of Sarah Rentfrow, married Bettie Hix, 20, of Wilson, at the bride’s residence in Wilson County. Baptist minister E.H. Ward performed the ceremony in the presence of Eliza Boyette, Alfred Boyette, and Eliza Tyson.

  • Albert Renfrow

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Sarah Renfrow, 45, with Isaac, 14, Rosa, 30, and Dennis Renfrow, 4, and Lewis Kelly, 23.

In the 1880 census of Town of Wilson, Wilson County: Sarah Renfrow, 45; Albert, 28; and Isaac, 23.

Estate File of James Rentfrow, Wilson County, N.C., U.S. Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

Oldfields enslavers.

The 1860 slave schedule is the only known surviving, contemporaneous list of the men and women who enslaved black people in Wilson County. It is not a list of the enslaved themselves, as none are named in that census. Rather, the schedule described people by “color” (black or mulatto), sex, and age.

Organized by township, this series will set forth these enslavers, the number of people they held in 1860, and the ages of the youngest and oldest people held. Where possible, I will also name people known to be enslaved by each person. They may or may not correspond to people described in the 1860 slave schedule. The paucity of such identifications is heartbreaking, and I continue to search.

Oldfields district was the southeast corner of Nash County prior to 1855. The 1860 slave schedule lists 47 enslavers in this section of Wilson County, the largest of whom — Bartley Deans, who traded enslaved people as a little sideline — held 44 people in bondage. Other than Deans, Oldfield township’s slaveholders were yeoman farmers, not plantation owners.

Phebe Boykin — 3, ages 1 to 62 years

Garry Williamson — 8, ages 8 months to 31 years

Bartley Deans — 44, ages 1 month to 55 years

  • Hester, Jerry, Bunyan, Sithey, Zilley, Mosey, Hack, Ben, Isaac, Molley, Patty, Matey and her youngest child Amos, Creasy and her youngest child June, Mendy, Linda, Charity, Pashey, Lear and her child John, blacksmith Harry, Mingo, Virgil and Rachel and their children Henry and Louis, Thaney, Jason, Nisey, Louisa and Edmund, Darkes, Rhuben, Peter, Silvey and her children Louisa and Piety, Bryant, Ransom, Joseph, James, Randel

Stephen Boykin — 10, ages 8 months to 55 years

  • Anthony, Nancy, Rose, Henry, Chaney, Thom, Jason

Willie [Wiley] Deans — 11, ages 2 months to 33 years

William Haynes — 1, age 14 years

Jesse Haynes — 2, ages 11 and 36 years

Bithel Haynes — 1, age 5 years

Jethro Harrison — 1, age 20 years

Bennett Flowers — 5, age 4 months to 70 years

Temperance Eatmon — 2, ages 18 and 22 years

Elizabeth Simpson — 1, age 65 years

Bennet Bullock [Jr.] — 1, age 45 years

William Peele — 5, age 3 to 30 years

Henry Stott — 6, ages 1 to 40 years

Nancy Flowers — 3, ages 7 to 90 years

Adam Flowers — 1, age 9 years

Alfred Thompson — 5, ages 10 to 75 years

Alfred Thompson, in trust — 9, ages 1 to 35 years

Benjamin Parker — 3, ages 1 to 25 years

Arthur Thompson — 4, ages 1 to 38 years

Hilliard Boykin — 8, ages 1 month to 33 years

Williamson Fulghum — 1, age 16 years

Dempsey Peele — 2, ages 1 and 32 years

Bryant L. Bunn — 1, age 35 years

John Morris — 3, age 3 months to 21 years

Theo Parker — 9, age 2 to 37 years

Stephen Peele — 1, age 17 years

James Boyett — 8, age 2 to 28 years

William Taylor — 7, age 6 to 80 years

Jarman Eatmon — 6, age 1 to 25 years

Thomas Eatmon — 1, age 50 years

Hackney High — 1, age 26 years

Ephraim Davis — 1, age 7 years

Peter Eatmon — 4, ages 11 to 30 years

John Peele — 1, age 50 years

Alison High — 1, age 26 years

Richmond Boykin — 2, ages 14 and 21 years

Stephen Morris — 1, age 56 years

Thomas Mercer — 2, ages 1 and 18 years

Josse Peele — 3, ages 7 to 50

Selitia Eatmon — 5, ages 7 to 60

John B. High — 6, ages 3 months to 28 years

Levi Bailey — 11, ages 1 to 60 years

Needham Bailey — 4, ages 3 to 27 years

Alfred Boykin — 5, ages 7 to 26 years

Robert Simpson — 1, age 70 years

Kirbys enslavers.

The 1860 slave schedule is the only known surviving, contemporaneous list of the men and women who enslaved black people in Wilson County. It is not a list of the enslaved themselves, as none are named in that census. Rather, the schedule described people by “color” (black or mulatto), sex, and age.

Organized by township, this series will set forth these enslavers, the number of people they held in 1860, and the ages of the youngest and oldest people held. Where possible, I will also name people known to be enslaved by each person. They may or may not correspond to people described in the 1860 slave schedule. The paucity of such identifications is heartbreaking, and I continue to search.

Kirbys district was essentially present-day Cross Roads and Springhill townships and was part of Wayne and Johnston Counties prior to 1855. The 1860 slave schedule lists 29 enslavers in this section of Wilson County, the largest of whom held 16 people in bondage. Southwestern Wilson County consisted predominantly of yeoman farmers, not plantation owners, in contrast to county’s eastern districts.

Jacob Rentfro — 2, ages 67 and 72 years

Kinchen Crumpler — 3, age 1 to 49 years

Joseph Raper — 1, age 13 years

Thomas Woodard — 2, ages 50 and 67 years

John Revell — 3, age 10 to 27 years

Ashley Atkinson — 1, age 8

Pitts Kirby — 2, ages 17 and 19 years

Dempsey Watson — 2, ages 9 and 11

Geraldus Sullivant — 1, age 67

Mabry Rentfro — 4, ages 3 to 30 years

Lovett Atkinson — 9, ages 1 month to 30 years

Matthew Peel — 1, age 59 years

  • Sampson

Rufus Rentfro — 1, age 12 years

J.T. Rentfro — 1, age 48 years

Hinyard Rentfro — 2, ages 7 and 17 years

Simon Barnes and 7 others — 4, ages 5 to 40 years

Simon Barnes, in trust — 12, ages 6 months to 48 years

Ransom Hinnant — 5, age 5 to 53 years

Sallie Hinnant — 3, age 14 to 46 years

John H. Barnes — 8, ages 3 months to 34 years

Sarah Boykin — 1, age 14 years

M.M. Godwin — 1, age 18 years

Roberson Raper — 1, age 19 years

Nelson Kent — 7, age 6 months to 40 years

William Hinnant — 9, age 2 months to 53 years

W.H. Hinnant in trust — 16, age 3 to 50 years

Andrew Scott — 5, age 2 to 55 years

David A. Scott — 2, ages 7 and 10 years

John D. Adams — 3, age 13 to 80 years

 

The sale of Jack.

Jacob Rentfrow lived in the Black Creek area, in what was then Wayne County, North Carolina. Kedar Rountree, who had obtained a fifty-acre land grant in 1801, lived in the same area.

Rentfrow died in 1815. At Rentfrow’s estate sale on 2 January 1816, Rountree bought Jack, the sole enslaved person listed among Rentfrow’s assets.

North Carolina Land Grant Files 1693-1960, http://www.ancestry.com; North Carolina Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

Advertising sale of negroes.

University of Pennsylvania-trained physician Lewis J. Dortch of Stantonsburg died in October 1854, leaving an estate that included nearly three dozen enslaved people. We examined here the disruption created by movement of these people into short-term hires in Stantonsburg and over the county line in Nahunta district, Wayne County.

In fact, W.T. Dortch, the Goldsboro lawyer appointed to administer his brother’s estate,  placed multiple rounds of advertisements for the “sale of Negroes” as far away as the Wilmington Journal.

Receipt for ads placed in 1855 in Goldsboro newspapers the North Carolina Telegraph and the Tribune.

Receipt for 1859 ad in the Wilmington Journal.

I have not been able to find digital copies of the newspapers in which these notices were published.

Estate of L.J. Dortch, Probate Estate Case Files 1854-1959, Wilson County, N.C., http://www.familysearch.org.

The estate of Edith Fordham.

Edith Fordham’s estate reaped a momentary windfall a year before the Civil War ended. Confident that the Confederacy would prevail, four buyers paid a total of more than $11,000 to purchase seven enslaved people from her administrator, William Barnes. William J. Barnes bought Ned for $1950; Mahala Barnes bought Joe for $2025; David Sharpe bought Lucinda for $2025; and John Sharpe bought Gray, Bunnie, Hilliard, and Nancy for $5775.

In May 1865, all seven went free, and the Confederate dollars with which they were purchased crumbled to dust.

Estate File of Edith Fordham, Wilson County, N.C., U.S. Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.