Slavery

The estate of Elizabeth Hinnant (1855).

When Elizabeth Hinnant made out her will on 10 April 1854, she left to Alvin H. Atkinson “one negroe boy named Joe,” the sole person she enslaved.

At the time she dictated her will, Hinnant lived in Johnston County, but by her death Wilson County had been formed. Loverd Atkinson filed in Wilson County court the inventory of Hinnant’s property shown below. First on the list, ahead of a sorrel mare, a bay horse, and three head of cattle, was Joe.

Atkinson hired Joe out to unnamed persons for 18 days, and then until the following January.

——

On 31 August 1866, Joseph Hinnant and Roda Godwin registered their six-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: Joseph Hinniard, 30; wife Rodah, 27; and children Vandier, 8, Zadok, 6, Roxy, 4, and James, 1.

In the 1880 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Joseph Hinnant, 45; wife Rhoda, 43; and children Vandorne, 18, Dock, 16, Rocksey, 14, James T., 12, Toby, 10, Josiah, 8, Leviser, 6, John E., 4, and Martha, 1.

In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: James T. Hinnant, 31; mother Rhoda, 59; father Joseph, 70; and sisters Lovisa, 25, Martha, 21, and Mary, 18.

The estate of Phoebe Boykin (1863).

Phoebe Boykin of Oldfields township, Wilson County, died in late 1863 possessed of five enslaved people — Peter, Watey, and Watey’s three children.

The children apparently were quite young, as in the 1860 slave schedule of Oldfields township, Phebe Boykin reported only a 62 year-old man, a 17 year-old young woman, and a 1 year-old boy.

At the 28 November 1863 sale of Boykin’s perishable property, Peter was hired out to Hackney Eatmon [of neighboring Nash County] for $52.50, and Watey and her children went to Chrissey Bailey “for keepin.” [Bailey appears to have been Phoebe Boykin’s daughter.] Peter was to receive one pair of shoes, a coat, two pairs of pants, two shirts, and one pair of socks. Watey and her children were to have two suits each, with Watey to get a pair of socks and a pair of shoes as well.

On 28 November 1864, Crissy Bailey marked her X on a receipt for the $350 she was paid for caring for Watey and the children the previous year.

The same day, Peter was hired out to Haywood Eatmon for $101.50, and Watey and her children returned to Bailey for $101.

——

  • Peter

In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County, there is Peter Eatmon, 28, hireling by the day; wife Lucinda, 30; and children Henry, 8, and Doctor, 4. This Peter, however, was much too young to have been the elderly man listed in the 1860 slave schedule.

  • Watey and three children

I have not found this family.

Estate File of Phebe Boykin (1863), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

James A. Barnes’ enslaved community.

We saw here the last will and testament of James A. Barnes, who died childless and dispersed 20 enslaved people among an array of relatives. What do we know of the 20? Not much.

  • Tom (to wife Sarah Barnes for her lifetime, then to choose his owner)
  • Mary (to wife Sarah Barnes, then to nephew Theophilus Bass)
  • Esther (to wife Sarah Barnes, then to nephew Theophilus Bass)

On 11 August 1866, Howell Darden and Easter Bass registered their cohabitation with a county justice of the peace and thereby legalized their 18-year marriage.

In the 1870 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Howard Darden, 47, farm laborer; wife Esther, 38; and children Warren, 20, Eliza, 18, Martin, 17, Toby, 12, and Crawford, 1.

On 22 December 1871, Martin Darden, son of Howell Darden and Esther Jordan, married Jane Dew, daughter of Haywood and Jane Dew, at H. Dew’s in Wilson County.

On 29 December 1892, Henry Dortch, 52, of Wilson, son of Isaac Thorne and Bedie Artis, married Eliza Darden, 42, at Crawford Darden‘s in Wilson County. Free Will Baptist minister Daniel Blount performed, and Frank Woodard, Warren Darden, and Isom Sutton witnessed the ceremony.

Martin Darden died 22 December 1926 in Kenansville township, Duplin County. Per his death certificate, he was 74 years old; was married to Jane Darden; was born in Wilson County to Howard and Easter Darden; and worked as a farmer and blacksmith. Howard Darden of Fremont was informant.

  • Charles (to wife Sarah Barnes, then to nephew Theophilus Bass)

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Charles Bass, 41.

On 16 January 1880, Charles Bass, 51, married Rhoda A. Jordan, 23, at C. Bass’ [probably Charles Bass] residence. Justice of the Peace David G.W. Ward performed the ceremony.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Charles Bass, 51; wife Rhoda, 23; and an unnamed four month-old infant daughter. [This child was Cornelia Bass Reddick.]

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Charles Bass, 71, widower, and son James, 10.

  • Amos (to wife Sarah Barnes)
  • Bob (to wife Sarah Barnes)
  • Silvia (to wife Sarah Barnes)
  • Ransom (to wife Sarah Barnes)
  • Rose (to wife Sarah Barnes)
  • Dinah (to Martha Tomberlin)
  • Jack (to McKinley Darden’s daughter Tresy Darden)

Perhaps, on 19 January 1869, Jack Darden married Vina Artist in Wayne County, N.C.

  • Howell (to McKinley Darden)

On 11 August 1866, Howell Darden and Easter Bass registered their cohabitation with a county justice of the peace and thereby legalized their 18-year marriage.

In the 1870 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Howard Darden, 47, farm laborer; wife Esther, 38; and children Warren, 20, Eliza, 18, Martin, 17, Toby, 12, and Crawford, 1.

On 22 December 1871, Martin Darden, son of Howell Darden and Esther Jordan, married Jane Dew, daughter of Haywood and Jane Dew, at H. Dew’s in Wilson County.

Martin Darden died 22 December 1926 in Kenansville township, Duplin County. Per his death certificate, he was 74 years old; was married to Jane Darden; was born in Wilson County to Howard and Easter Darden; and worked as a farmer and blacksmith. Howard Darden of Fremont was informant.

  • Irvin (to sister Beedy Woodard in Georgia)

Obedience Barnes Woodard appears in the 1850 census of Dooly County, Georgia, as Obedience Woodard, a 65 year-old head of household in the 1850 census of Dooly County, Georgia. I have found no trace of Irvin.

  • Jordan (to Eliza Bass, widow of James Bass)

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Jordan Bass, 68; Rodah, 39; George, 24; Amos, 23; Etheldred, 17; and Frederick, 12.

  • Rindy (jointly to George Washington Bass, Thomas Warren Bass, and Jesse Jackson Bass, the sons of Theophilus Bass, deceased)
  • Abraham (jointly to George Washington Bass, Thomas Warren Bass, and Jesse Jackson Bass, the sons of Theophilus Bass, deceased; to James B. Bass, then to George W. Bass)
  • Rhody (jointly to George Washington Bass, Thomas Warren Bass, and Jesse Jackson Bass, the sons of Theophilus Bass, deceased; to James B. Bass, then to Jesse Bass)
  • Alexander (jointly to George Washington Bass, Thomas Warren Bass, and Jesse Jackson Bass, the sons of Theophilus Bass, deceased)
  • Bob (jointly to George Washington Bass, Thomas Warren Bass, and Jesse Jackson Bass, the sons of Theophilus Bass, deceased; to James B. Bass, then to Jesse Bass)
  • Gatsey (sold)

The estate of John S. Benton (1863).

Twenty-seven year-old John S. Benton of Wilson County enlisted in the Confederate Army on 28 June 1861 in Craven County, North Carolina. He was assigned to Company F, 4th North Carolina Infantry; was wounded at Seven Pines, Virginia, on 31 May 1862; and died of his wounds on 10 June 1862.

As administrator of Benton’s small estate, Willie Lamm filed this account of the sale of Benton’s property, which included “one Negroman Sezar.” The low price Caesar brought suggests that he was very old and/or infirm.

Estate File of John S. Benton (1863), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

William Batts Sr.’s enslaved community.

We saw here the 1856 will of William Batts Sr., which dispersed 25 enslaved people among his children and grandchildren. What do we know of the 25?

  • Isaac

Perhaps, in the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Isaac Batts, 58, and Violet, 56.

  • Elsy and her youngest son Thomas

Hugh B. Johnston revealed the revealed the relationships between several of William Batts’ enslaved people in this cruel Emancipation anecdote. Jesse Farmer had married Batts’ daughter Polly and claimed ownership of “blind Nellie, old Clarkey, her daughter Ailsey, Ailsey’s daughter Dinah, and Dinah’s children Jim, Jerry, Hilliard, and Cindy.”

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Ailsey Batts, 68, and Nellie Batts, 35, described as “idiot.”

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Thomas Batts, 27; wife Mariah, 24; and children Pricilla, 7, Joseph, 5, Henry, 5, John, 3, and Bettie, 1 month.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Tom Batts, 37; wife Maria, 34; children Joseph, 15, Henry, 13, John, 12, Bettie, 10, George, 8, Amos, 6, Willie, 4, Charles, 3, and unnamed, 1; and granddaughter Eliza, 1.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Tom Batts, 69; wife Mariah, 60; and children Eddie, 22, Willie, 20, Blossom, 18, William, 15, Bettie, 29, and Frank, 11.

John Batts died 26 January 1927 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 60 years old; was born in Wilson County to Thomas Batts and Maria Anaki [this appears to be a middle name — Anarcha, often pronounce Anaky]; was single; lived on Roberson Street; worked in farming; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery. George Batts was informant.

Bloss Batts died 9 April 1942 in the Wilson County Home, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 55 years old; was born in Wilson County to Tom Batts and Mariah Jones;  was married to Lizzie Batts; worked in farming; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery.

  • Amos

There were several men named Amos Batts in Wilson County in the late nineteenth century, but none were born prior to 1856.

  • Meedy

There appear to be two Meedys named in Batts’ will, one of whom was a young child. See below.

  • Young Isaac
  • Ben
  • Orren

A note in the estate file of William Batts Sr. mentions “Negro man Orren.”

On 23 August 1866, Orren Batts and Mary Batts registered their 14-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Orren Batts, 41, wife Mary, 34, and children Dennis, 16, Amos, 14, Henriet, 10, Haywood, 9, Precilla, 5, and Louisa, 3.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot: Orren Batts, 53, wife Mary, 47, and children Haywood, 19, Priscilla, 14, Louiza, 12, John, 9, Reddick, 7, and James B. Batts, 1.

Harriet Barnes died 27 August 1926 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 65 years old; was born in Wilson County to Orange Batts and Mary Batts; was the widow of John Barnes; was engaged in farming; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] Roscoe Barnes was informant.

  • Haywood

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Haywood Batts, 34; wife Rodah, 27; Lucy, 17; and Alice, 4.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Haywood Batts, 49, farmer; wife Rhoda, 36; children Alvana, 13, and Jack H., 4; and brother-in-law Amos Pender, 27.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Haywood Batts, 66, farmer, and wife Rodia, 53.

On 31 December 1903, Haywood Batts, 70, married Tempy Woodard, 55, in Toisnot township, Wilson County.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barnes, 60; wife Allie, 43; children Rodie, 20, Eva, 17, William F., 13, Bertha, 10, Lucy, 7, Ida, 5, and Haywood, 2; grandchildren James, 4, and Hattie, 2; and father-in-law Haywood Batts, 77, widower.

Allie Barnes died 8 November 1917 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born about late 1862 in Wilson County to Haywood Batts and Rhoda Pender; was a tenant farmer; and was married. Mark Barnes was informant.

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Mark Barnes, 60; wide Adeline, 49; children Bertha, 20, Lucy, 17, Ida, 15, Henry, 14, Haywood, 13, and Hattie, 12; and father Haywood Batts, 87, widower.

Haywood Batts died 27 January 1921 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 100 years old [actually, more like 85]; was born in Wilson County to Jack Batts and Venus Batts; was a widower; was a farm hand for “Mr. Banks” (!!); and was buried in the family graveyard. Jack Batts was informant. [See Venice, below.]

  • Venice and her five children
  • Harriet
  • Peter

Possibly, on 31 August 1866, Peter Farmer and Mariah Loften registered their four-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Peter Farmer, 34; wife Mariah, 30; and children Seth, 15, Daniel, 10, and infant, 2.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Peter Farmer, 45; wife Maria, 42; and children Adline, 17, Colonel, 13, Alsy, 10, Margaret, 8, Hardy, 5, Julius, 3, and Joshua, 1.

In the 1900 census of Cold Water township, Cross County, Arkansas: farmer Peter Farmer, 73; wife Mariah, 51; children John Farmer, 28; Margaret Bunn, 21; Isaac, 18, Eley, 17, and Louisa Farmer, 15; and grandsons Sanders, 6, and Theodrick Bunn, 5. All except the grandchildren were born in North Carolina.

Hardy Farmer died 14 April 1948 in Jackson township, Crittenden County, Arkansas. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 March 1874 in Wilson, N.C., to Peter Farmer and Mariah Pender; was married to Alice Farmer; and he worked as a farmer.

Maggie Newsome died 25 May 1955 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. Per her death certificate, she was 83 years old; was born in North Carolina to Peter Farmer and an unknown mother; was a widow; and worked as a maid.

  • Charles
  • Nelly

See Elsy/Ailsey, above.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Ailsey Batts, 68, and Nellie Batts, 35, described as “idiot.”

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Lewis Robbins, 43; wife Diana, 53; children Henry, 14, Frank, 11, Alice, 9, and Jerry, 8; and sister-in-law Nellie Batts, 45, described as blind and “idiotic.”

  • Dinah and her children Jerry, Hilliard, and Sidney

See Elsy/Ailsey, above.

On 6 October 1869, Dina Batts, daughter of Charles Horne and Alecy Batts, married Lewis Robbins, son of Lewis and Mariah Scott, at Lewis Robbins’.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Lewis Robbins, 43; wife Diana, 53; children Henry, 14, Frank, 11, Alice, 9, and Jerry, 8; and sister-in-law Nellie Batts, 45, described as blind and “idiotic.”

In 1866, Jerry Farmer and Kate Sugs registered their two-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Jerry Farmer, 26, and wife Kate, 26.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Jerry Farmer, 37, widower.

On 10 January 1884, Jerry Farmer, 39, married Annice Pender, 23, at Abram Sharpe’s. Charles Barnes, Haywood Batts, and Haywood Pender were witnesses.

Hilliard Farmer and Elva Farmer registered their two-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace on 1 September 1866.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Hilliard Farmer, 25; wife Ann, 24; and children Louisa, 6, Henrietta, 5, and Julia, 1 month. [Per the 1870 mortality schedule, Farron Farmer, 1, of this household, died in August 1869 of cholera infantum.]

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Hilliard Farmer, 34, farm laborer; wife Arann, 33; children Julian, 9, Tiny, 6, Roxie, 5, Willie, 3, and Henry, 1; and grandson Eddie, 11 months.

  • Hagar
  • Meedy

There are appear to be two Meedys named in Batts’ will, one of whom was a young child in 1856. See above.

In the 1870 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Arthur Sharpe, 58; wife Harriet, 50; children Toney, 13, Wedley, 11, and Caroline, 25; and Meedy Farmer, 21.

In the 1880 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Meedy Farmer, 30; wife Caroline, 30; and children Cromwell, 8, James, 4, and Mary, 1.

In the 1900 census of Township #8, Edgecombe County: Meady Farmer, 50; wife Caroline, 38; and children James, 22, Mary, 17, Willie, 14, Ada, 13, Alice, 12, John, 10, Lonnie, 7, and Floyd, 2.

Cromwell Farmer died 13 September 1939 in Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 20 January 1872 in Wilson County to Meedy Farmer and Caroline Sharpe; was married to Mary Jane Farmer; lived at Bryant Farm; and was a farmer. [Floyd Willie Farmer was his son.]

Willie Farmer died 22 February 1960 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 3 February 1885 in Wilson County to Meaty Farmer and Caroline [no maiden name]; was married to Martha Farmer; and was a farmer.

Floyd Farmer died 11 March 1988 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Per his death certificate, he was born 11 March 1888 in Edgecombe County to Meady Farmer and Caroline Sharpe; was married to Lugene Lane; and lived in Rocky Mount.

The estate of Hiram Forbes (1861).

We have read Hiram Forbes’ 1861 will here, in which he made arrangements for the distribution of enslaved people Mary Ann, Tony, Gatsy, Mace, Silvey, Tobey, Jim, Hannah and Minna.

Forbes died shortly after, and his estate file reveals more about the people he held in bondage.

On 15 September 1861, Dempsey Webb acknowledged receipt of fifty cents from Forbes’ executor, James Barnes, in payment for work Webb’s enslaved man Abram performed.

This undated receipt details hire arrangements for seven enslaved people for the year ending 1 July 1863. Forbes’ widow Milly Harrell Forbes paid the estate $50 to hire woman Mariam [Mary Ann], man Tony, girls Macy and Silvy, and man Jim. Britton Forbes hired woman Gatsey for $53, and Rufus Forbes leased boy Toby’s services for $61. (Where were Hannah and Minna?)

The bulk of Hiram Forbes’ personal property went to auction on 5 February 1862. That day, between sales of 50 bushels of cotton seed and four stacks of fodder, John T. Barnes bought a boy named Hector.

On 3 January 1863, of nine enslaved people, Milly Forbes hired all but Toby, who went to John Carter. Macy and Silvey are not named, but likely were two of the young children attached to Mariam and Gatsey, who also were likely the mothers of babies born during the previous year.

The five dollars paid to Polly Walston in 1863 for “Services rendered on attendance to negro woman” may have been for the birth of one of these babies.

Emancipation interrupted the final distribution of Hiram Forbes’ enslaved people.

——

I traced forward Hiram Forbes’ enslaved people in the post about his will, but here is one update.

An August 1867 marriage record reveals that Abram Webb was the father of Toby Forbes, who, with his mother Macy, was enslaved by Hiram Forbes. However, on 20 August 1866, Abram Webb and Marion Forbes registered their 34-year cohabitation with an Edgecombe County justice of the peace.

in the 1870 census of Otter Creek township, Edgecombe County: Abram Webb, 65; wife Miriam, 54; Hector, 18, and Hannah, 12. This appears to be Mariam, Hector that was sold to John T. Barnes, and Hannah mentioned in the will.

In the 1880 census of Auters Creek township, Edgecombe County: Abraham Webb, 75; wife Mary, 65; daughter Hannah, 25; and granddaughter Patsy Procythe, 25.

Estate File of Hiram Atkinson (1861), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

The estate of Willie Atkinson (1848).

Edgecombe County farmer Willie (pronounced “Wiley”) Atkinson died in 1848. Atkinson lived south of the Town Creek area and maintained close business ties with men who lived in and around Stantonsburg.

We saw here a reference to two enslaved men, Blount and Miles, hired out by Atkinson’s estate in 1851. They were part of a larger community of enslaved people held for Atkinson’s heirs. In December 1851, pursuant to court order, Atkinson’s eldest daughter Rhoda A.M. Atkinson received her one-sixth share of her father’s slaves — Cary and Red, valued at $750. The remaining — Rachel, Miles, Blount, Harry, Mariah, Harriet, Cherry, and Mills “returns back to common stock.”

The people enslaved by Willie Atkinson were largely members of a single extended family, several of whom settled in Wilson County after Emancipation:

  • Rachel

Rachel Atkinson and Harry Atkinson were the parents of Mills, Blount, Henry “Harry,” Mariah, and, probably Harriet. (Only one Harry is listed among Willie Atkinson’s enslaved. This, presumably, was the younger Harry, and the elder Harry may have had a different owner.)

In August 1866, Harry Atkinson and Hagar Atkinson registered their 40-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace. [Is this a different Harry Atkinson?]

On 22 December 1868, Henry Atkinson, son of Harry Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, married Sophia Bridgers, daughter of Virgil Bridgers, in Wilson County.

On 30 August 1869, Mills Atkinson, son of Harry Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, married Rhoda Bridgers, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Rachel Atkinson, 75; (presumed) husband Harry, 82; and Isaac Atkinson, 60.

  • Mills

On 30 August 1869, Mills Atkinson, son of Harry Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, married Rhoda Bridgers, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Cokey township, Edgecombe County: farm laborer Mills Atkinson, 40; wife Rhoda, 42; Maria Bridgers, 32, farm laborer, and Martha, 2, and Lucinda Bridgers, 8.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Blount Adkinson, 52; wife Rachael, 40; and children Jerry, 12, Lenora, 9, Victora, 4, and Bursia, 2; Rachael Adkinson, 79; and brother Mills Adkinson, 57.

On 30 December 1886, Mills Atkinson 60, married Lucey Jenkins, 50, in Saratoga, Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Mariah Taylor, 61, widow; brother Mills Atkinson, 64, farm laborer; niece Roxie Webb, 24, widow; nephew Amos Webb, 3; and servant John Webb, 19.

  • Blount

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Blount Atkinson, 34; wife Rachael, 31; and children Guilbert, 13, Charlotte, 12, Jeremiah, 3, and John H., 7 months.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Blount Adkinson, 52; wife Rachael, 40; and children Jerry, 12, Lenora, 9, Victora, 4, and Bursia, 2; Rachael Atkinson, 79; and brother Mills Adkinson, 57.

Blount Atkinson died in 1894, and T.J. Hadley was appointed to administer his estate. His heirs were his children Jerry, Lenora, Basora, Victoria, and Alex. His debts outweighed his assets, and sales of his cotton and the 70 acres he owned brought in $89.51 and $115.87 respectively.

In May 1899, Thomas Farmer, 21, of Wilson County, son of Isaac Barnes and Chany Farmer, married Bazy Atkinson, 19, of Wilson County, daughter of Blount and Rachel Atkinson, in Wilson County.

On 10 January 1906, Hoyet Robbinson, 47, of Taylors township, son of Sam and Milly Robbinson, married Lindora Atkinson, 35, of Gardners township, daughter of Blunt and Rachel Atkinson, at Thomas Store in Gardners township.

In December 1907, Joe Petway, 61, married Victoria Atkinson, 40, of Gardners township, daughter of Blount and Rachael Atkinson. Jonah Williams, Primitive Baptist minister, performed the ceremony.

On 16 December 1908, James Whitaker, 52, of Gardners township, married Bazora Atkinson, 23, of Gardners township, daughter of Blount Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, at Jerry Atkinson’s in Wilson County. Harry Pender, Peter Barron, and Calvin Atkinson were witnesses.

Elix Zander Atkinson died 22 June 1947 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 7 April 1891 in Wilson County to Blount Atkinson and Rachel Sharpe; was a widower; worked as a day laborer; and was buried in Brantley Cemetery, Wilson County, by I.W. Lee of Fremont. Brazria Whitaker was informant.

Victoria Petway died 29 April 1958 in Elm City, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 10 October 1883 in Wilson County to Blount Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson; and farmed. Informant was Luther Petway. She was buried in Rountree Cemetery, Wilson.

Bastoria Whitaker died 27 July 1971 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 29 August 1890 to Rachel Atkinson; was widow; worked in farming; and was buried in Lucas Cemetery, Wilson County. Nancy Elliott, Wilson, was informant.

  • Henry “Harry”

On 22 December 1868, Henry Atkinson, son of Harry Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, married Sophia Bridgers, daughter of Virgil Bridgers, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Harry Atkinson, 26, farm laborer; wife Sopha, 27; and children Warren, 12, Harriet, 11, and Charley, 1.

In the 1880 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Harry Atkinson, 43, farmer; wife Sophia, 45; children Harriet, 21, Charley, 11, Geo. E., 9, Sarah F., 6, Callie A.T.A., 4, and William H., 2; and grandson Wiley, 1.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Atkinson, 63; wife Sophia, 68; and servant Rachael Bridgers, 16.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Harry Atkinson, 68, and wife Sophia, 70. Next door: Mariah Taylor, 65, widow; son Jerry Taylor, 38, widower; and grandson Lonnie Taylor, 3.

Chas. Atkinson died 23 October 1915 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1865 to Harry Atkinson and Sophia Bridgers and was a farmer.

Tempie Barron died 19 January 1932 of Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 40 years old; was born in Wilson County to Harry Atkinson and Soffie Atkinson; was married to Gray Barron; and was buried in Wilson County.

  • Harriett

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Pettigrew Street, Eli Webb, 34, farmer; wife Harrett, 30; children John H.H., 11, Nancy A., 9, Betsey, 7, Mattie, 2, and Amos, 1; sister-in-law Mariah Atkinson, 36; and servant Fannie Vane, 12.

Reddick Webb died 10 January 1937 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 47 years old; was born in Wilson County to Elijah Webb and Harriet Atkinson; was married to Glennie Webb; and worked as a common laborer. Emma Webb was informant. [Was Reddick named for “Red,” who was also enslaved by Willie Atkinson?]

  • Mariah

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Pettigrew Street, Eli Webb, 34, farmer; wife Harrett, 30; children John H.H., 11, Nancy A., 9, Betsey, 7, Mattie, 2, and Amos, 1; sister-in-law Mariah Atkinson, 36; and servant Fannie Vane, 12.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Mariah Taylor, 61, widow; brother Mills Atkinson, 64, farm laborer; niece Roxie Webb, 24, widow; nephew Amos Webb, 3; and servant John Webb, 19.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Mariah Taylor, 65, widow; son Jerry Taylor, 38, widower; and grandson Lonnie Taylor, 3. Next door: Harry Atkinson, 68, and wife Sophia, 70.

Mariah Taylor died 13 June 1923 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 80 years old; was born in Edgecombe County to Henry Taylor and Rachel Robins; was the widow of Henry Taylor; and was buried in Wilson County. Amos Webb was informant.

Hoyt Robinson died 2 January 1947 in Taylors township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 2 January 1851 in Robeson County, N.C. to Henry and Millie Robinson; was married; and worked as a farmer. He was buried in the Mariah Taylor cemetery, Wilson County. [Hoyt Robinson was married to Lenora/Lindora Atkinson, Mariah Atkinson Taylor’s niece.]

  • Miles

Perhaps, in the 1880 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Miles Atkinson, 51, laborer, in the household of white farmer John Sumerlin.

  • Others?

In the 1880 census of Olds township, Greene County, N.C.: Leah Atkinson, 50, and Cherry, 16, and Blunt, 12. [Was Leah Atkinson a child or close relative of Harry and Rachel Atkinson? Did she name her children after two of their children?

Estate File of Willie Atkinson (1848), Edgecombe County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

The White plantation.

On 10 January 1950, the Wilson Daily Times‘ Centennial Anniversary Edition included an article entitled “County Has Many Plantation Homes More Than A Hundred Years Old.” One of the featured houses was built by the White family on a 2000-acre land grant that stretched from Raleigh Road out to Wilson Country Club. The house burned about 1942.

On 8 January 1858, Benjamin White made out his last will and testament in Wilson County, leaving all his lands, slaves, etc., including this house, to his sister Martha White. He died in April 1860.

In the 1860 slave schedule, Patsey White is listed with women and girls aged 19, 18, and 1, and men and boys aged 47, 21, 20, 14, and 1.

On 24 February 1860, Martha [Patsey] White made out her last will and testament in Wilson County. Among her bequests were:

  • to Larry D. Farmer, three negroes Stephen, Cherry, and Luke and other gifts to hold in trust for White’s niece Temperance Perry “free from the control or influence of her husband Thomas Perry”
  • to Amanda Taylor, wife of William T. Taylor, negro boy Thomas
  • to Martha Perry, negro girl Harriet and White’s share of the land divided between White, [her brother] Benjamin White, and [niece] Temperance Perry.
  • to Ann Perry, negro girl Fanny
  • to “sell the balance of my negroes & all my estate undisposed of” and divide the proceeds among Temperance Perry’s children

On 5 April 1861, Martha White hired “negro man Tom” from Larry D. Farmer, Benjamin White’s executor. (Apparently, there were two Toms — one belonging to Benjamin White, and younger one belonging

On 7 June 1862, Farmer reported the hire of Tom to W.T. Taylor; Jim to Richard Bullock; Steven, Cherry and two children, and Harriet to R.S. Kingsmore; and Rose and one child to A.J. Barefoot for the remainder of the year.

In July 1862, a “Negro Woman at Jack Barefoots” received $3.00 of medical care from B. Bunn Williams.

On 2 January 1863, Farmer sold Rose and her children Joe and Jim to Richard S. Kingsmore and Jim to George W. Barefoot, bringing $3575 into the estate’s coffers.

——

White is an uncommon surname in Wilson County, and I have had little success tracing forward the men, women, and children named in Martha White’s will.

Perhaps, in the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Harriet White, 18, farm laborer, in the household of Lemuel Due, 22; wife Sebriah, 21; and children Margaret, 5, Moses, 4, Edith, 2, and Alice, 1 month.

Perhaps, in the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Thomas White, 56; wife Charlotte, 56; and Lucy, 14, Reuben, 15, George, 10, and Lucy, 3.

Estate File of Benjamin White (1861), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org; Estate File of Martha White (1863), North Carolina Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, ancestry.com.

The hire of Blunt and Miles for perilous work.

On 12 December 1851, Lewis J. Dortch and John T. Barnes arranged with James F. Jenkins, guardian of the minor heirs of Willie Atkinson, for the hire of two enslaved men, Blunt and Miles. Dortch and Barnes were partners in a turpentine and lumber business in South Carolina; presumably, Dortch and Barnes intended to send the men south to perform this grueling, dangerous work.

Dortch and Barnes promised to pay Jenkins $250 and to provide Blunt and Miles with three shirts, three pairs of pants, one hat, one blanket, one “round” jacket, one pair of woolen socks, and two pair of double-soled shoes. All the clothes were to be made from new cloth, and one “suit” was to made of wool. (A round jacket was a short jacket of heavy cloth with wide lapels and two rows of close-set buttons.)

Finally, in a chillingly frank acknowledgment of risk, Dortch and Barnes promised “to return said negros Blunt & Miles if living” on 1 January 1853. 

Dortch, Barnes, and witness John Wilkinson lived in and around Stantonsburg, in what would become Wilson County in 1855. Atkinson, whose wife Sallie was related to Wilkinson, appears to live northeast, just below Town Creek, in a section that remained in Edgecombe County. More about Atkinson’s enslaved community, including Miles and Blount, soon.

L.J. Dortch Estate Record (1854), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

The estate of William Felts (1854).

William Felts (Phelps?) made out his will in Greene County in 1853 and died early the following year in Edgecombe County. Jonathan Ellis was appointed guardian of Felts’ minor children and in that capacity handled the estate the children inherited . For the next few years, Ellis filed with the county court (first Edgecombe County, then Wilson after its founding) accounts of the moneys received for the lease and sale of Felts’ property. When Ellis died in December 1856, Ellis’ administrator Reuben Bynum carried out his duties to the Felts’ heirs.

On 23 March 1854, the account showed that Garry P. Felts hired from the estate a man named Frank, a boy named Joe, and a girl named Allie, and was credited for taking care of a woman named Elvy and her two young children. (Though this document is titled “an account of sale,” the prices of both the land and the enslaved people establish these were prorated annual lease prices.)

On 1 January 1855, Ellis hired out Elvira and her three children, Joe, Alley, and Ben to [Garry] Patrick “Felphs.” Frank was not mentioned. Ben’s hire rate suggests that he was very young, but able to be of some use.

On 1 January 1856, Ellis rented out a girl and two boys, whom he did not bother to mention by name.

On 1 January 1857, the estate paid Garry P. Felts $28 to keep Elva and her four children, and Felts in turn paid the estate $91 to hire Ben, Allie, and Joe. (Notice that Elvy was giving birth to a child every year during this period.)

On 7 March 1857, Ellis (Bynum?) held another sale — or, judging by the rates — rehire. William Felts’ son-in-law Richard Edmundson picked up the leases of the children.

I have not been able to trace forward Frank, Elvira, or her children Ben and Allie.

However, in the 1880 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: Joseph Phelps, 48, farmer; wife Yeaster, 30; and children Lou, 12, Patrick, 10, McDallis, 4, and George W., 3.

On 24 May 1890, Joseph Phelps, 55, of Speights Bridge township, married Margaret Speight, 35, daughter of Penny Speight, at Joseph Phelps’ house near W.A. Darden’s in Greene County.

On 16 June 1891, Patrick Phelps, 20, and Mandy Burney, 18, applied for a marriage license in Greene County, but did not return it.

In the 1900 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: farmer Joe Phelps, 60; wife Margaret, 30; and sons Patrick, 30, ditcher, and Mack, 25, and George, 20, farm laborers.

On 16 January 1901, Mack Phelps, 24, married Mary Woodard, 22, in Greene County.

Lula Edwards died 12 November 1929 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 66 years old; was born in Greene County to Joe Phelps of Edgecombe County and Easter Speight of Greene County; was the widow of Ben Edwards; worked in farming; and was buried in Herrings Cemetery. Lacy Edwards was informant.

On 11 March 1930, Mack Phelps, 54, of Greene County, son of Joseph and Easter Phelps, married Monora Ruff, 39, of Greene County, daughter of David and Litha Smith, in Snow Hill township, Greene County.

George Phelps died 13 December 1937 in Bull Head township, Greene County. Per his death certificate, he was 56 years old; was born in Greene County to Joe Phelps; was the widower of Alice Strawberry Phelps; and was a farmer.

Mack Phelps died 27 February 1964 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 5 October 1889 in Greene County to Joe Phelps and Easter Speight; lived at 1510 Atlantic Street Extension; was a widower; and was buried in Rest Haven Cemetery. True Miller Artis, Wilson, was informant.

——

William Felts Estate Records (1854), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org