Wills & Estates

The estate of Asael Barnes Farmer (1856).

Asael Barnes Farmer, who lived between present-day Wilson and Elm City, held people in slavery for most of his life, claiming three in the 1800 census (when he was about 22 years old), six in 1810, and 13 in 1820. Farmer died about 1856 possessed of two dozen or more enslaved people. An account of the hire of these people — mostly to Farmer’s relatives — for 1856 included Spencer, Sampson, Belford, David, Moses, Jarmon, Daniel, Benjamin, Howard, Blount, Berry, Washington, Joshua, Patsey and her children, Clark and Titus, Della, Jane, Mar, Ellen and her children, Clarkey, and Delila.

Much of Farmer’s estate file concerns State v. Dave, an enslaved man accused of breaking into a white woman’s house and stealing clothes. In connection with that case, in December 1863, the court issued jury summons to 25 “good and lawful men being slave holders.”

——

How many of Asael Farmer’s enslaved can we trace forward?

  • Spencer

Perhaps: on 12 January 1869, Watson Farmer, son of Aaron Barnes and Cherry Barnes, married Martha Barnes, daughter of Spencer Taylor and Cherry Taylor, at Pattie Farmer’s in Wilson County.

On 4 January 1870, Daniel Farmer, son of Spencer Farmer and Cherry Farmer, married Axa Cherry, daughter of Joseph Forbs and Judy Barnes, in Wilson County.

On 24 April 1870, Hardy Farmer, son of Spencer Farmer and Cherry Farmer, married Silvey Hooks at Hardy Farmer’s home in Wilson County.

  • Sampson

Perhaps: on 25 August 1866, Sampson Farmer and Lucy Stephens registered their 12-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

in the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Samson Farmer, 55, farm laborer, and wife Lucy, 47.

In the 1880 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farmer Samson Farmer, 60, and wife Lucy A., 54.

Or: on 23 August 1866, Sampson Farmer and Phillis Jordan registered their 18(?)-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Samson Farmer, 57; wife Phillis, 25; son Warren, 12; and Rebecca Taylor, 31.

in the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Sampson Farmer, 59, farm laborer; wife Phillis, 29; son Warren, 26; and Amos Simms, 62.

Hannah Barnes died 25 May 1920 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 1841 in Wilson County to Samson Farmer and Annie Barnes; was married to Robert Barnes; and was buried in Elm City. Julius Barnes was informant.

  • Belford

On 22 September 1870, Belford Farmer, son of Ben and Ellen Farmer, married Peggy Flowers, daughter of Henry and Annie Flowers, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Bellford Farmer, 46, farmer; wife Peggy, 36; children Morning, 17, Benj’n, 10, Alice, 13, Moses, 8, Anna, 5, and Ida, 1; and Allen Battle, 21.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widowed laundress Peggy Farmer, 43, and children Mourning, 23, Alice, 21, Annie, 13, Moses, 16, Ida, 10, Belford, 7, and Mary, 5, and grandsons Willie, 3, and Henry, 1.

  • David

This was the Dave of State v. Dave.

  • Moses

In 1866, Moses Farmer and Emla Farmer registered their 15-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Moses Farmer, 43, farm laborer; wife Emily, 38; Adeline Farmer, 20; Agnes Farmer, 65; Paton Farmer; 8; and John Farmer, 7.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street, farm worker Moses Farmer, 54, and wife Emily, 45.

  • Jarmon

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farmer Jarman Farmer, 34; wife Virginia, 30; and children Jackson, 17, Green, 13, Rose, 15, Jane, 10, Julia, 8, Ella, 6, and Maggie, 4.

On 8 February 1877, Rose Farmer, 21, married Dennis Batts, 22, at Jarman Farmer’s house in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Jarman Farmer, 52; wife Jennie, 45; children Greene, 22, Julia A., 15, Mary E., 13, Jarman, 4, and Isaac, 3; and brother Blount Farmer, 45.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Jarman Farmer, 75; wife Jennie, 68; sons Jarman, 25, and Isaac, 22; and grandsons Walter, 19, and Sam Faulklin, 22.

On 9 January 1901, Jarman Farmer Jr., 26, son of Jarman Farmer, married Maud Sessoms, 23, daughter of Claude Sessoms, at Dock Thomas‘ in Toisnot township, Wilson County.

Julia Farmer died 27 July 1943 in Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 1 April 1880 [actually, more like 1865] in Wilson County to Jarman Farmer and Jennie Farmer; was the widow of Bennie Farmer; and was buried in Elm City Cemetery. Jennie Armstrong was informant.

Jarman Farmer died 17 December 1954 in Richmond, Virginia. Per his death certificate, he was 77 years old; was born in Wilson County, N.C., to Jarman Farmer and Jennie Farmer; lived at 619 North 26th Street, Richmond; was the widower of Maude Farmer; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Lessie Farmer was informant.

  • Daniel

In 1866, Daniel Farmer and Cherry Barefoot registered their three-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

On 4 January 1870, Daniel Farmer, son of Spencer Farmer and Cherry Farmer, married Axa Cherry, daughter of Joseph Forbs and Judy Barnes, in Wilson County. [Is this is same Daniel as above?]

In the 1870 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farm laborer Daniel Farmer, 37; wife Axele, 36; and children Rosa, 14, Cherry, 12, Hardy, 7, and Elbert, 3.

In the 1880 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Daniel Farmer, 46; wife Axel, 40; children Hardy, 16, Lou, 12, Aaron, 10, Spencer, 8, and Elitia, 4.

Aaron Lumford Farmer died 25 April 1933 in Bull Head township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 June 1870 in Elm City, Wilson County, to Dan Farmer and Axey Barnes; was married to the “daughter of Marcus Shepherd”; and was a farmer. Aaron Farmer Jr. was informant.

  • Benjamin

On 19 December 1868, Isaac Wells, son of Cain and Milly Wells, married Clarkey Farmer, daughter of Ben and Ellen Dowly, in Wilson County. See Clarkey and Titus, below.

On 22 September 1870, Belford Farmer, son of Ben and Ellen Farmer, married Peggy Flowers, daughter of Henry and Annie Flowers, in Wilson County.

  • Haywood
  • Blount

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Jarman Farmer, 52; wife Jennie, 45; children Greene, 22, Julia A., 15, Mary E., 13, Jarman, 4, and Isaac, 3; and brother Blount Farmer, 45.

  • Berry

Perhaps, on 22 August 1866, Berry Farmer and Hester Viverette registered their 12-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Berry Farmer, 45; wife Hester, 44; children Jane, 13, Cherry, 11, Leah, 8, Rose, 6, and Georgiana, 1; and farm laborer Harriss Parker, 20; Miller Ricks, 10, and Ellie Vines, 19.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Berry Farmer, 40, and Cherry, 23, Rose, 15, Anna, 12, and Addie, 7.

Or: on 25 August 1866, Berry Farmer and Harrett Farmer registered their ten-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Berry Farmer, 32; wife Harriet, 38; and Andrew, 7.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Berry Farmer, 50, and wife Harriet, 45.

  • Washington

Perhaps, Washington Farmer, whose wife Waity Harris and children were enslaved by a different owner, but see here.

  • Joshua
  • Patsey and her children

Is this the Martha, above, who married Watson Farmer on 12 January 1869 in Wilson County? (Patsey was a nickname for Martha.)

  • Clark and Titus

On 19 December 1868, Isaac Wells, son of Cain and Milly Wells, married Clarkey Farmer, daughter of Ben and Ellen Dowly, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Isaac Wells, 28, farm laborer, and wife Clarkey, 34.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Morriss Barnes, 27, farm laborer; wife Della, 27; children Benjamin, 10, Dilly, 6, Robert, 4, Wesley, 3, and Harriett, 1; and Titus Farmer, 18.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Isaac Wells, 39; wife Clarke, 45; stepson Titus Farmer, 26, farm laborer; and James Chisel, 17, farm laborer.

Clarkie Wells died 1 February 1924 at the County Home, Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 90 years old and a widow.

  • Della
  • Jane
  • Mar
  • Ellen and her children

On 19 December 1868, Isaac Wells, son of Cain and Milly Wells, married Clarkey Farmer, daughter of Ben and Ellen Dowly, in Wilson County.

On 22 September 1870, Belford Farmer, son of Ben and Ellen Farmer, married Peggy Flowers, daughter of Henry and Annie Flowers, in Wilson County.

Possibly: in the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Nellie Farmer, 62; Mary Farmer, 47; and Joshua Farmer, 22. [“Nellie” was a nickname for Ellen. Next door, Berry and Harriet Farmer. Joshua was too young to have been the Joshua listed among Asael Farmer’s slaves.]

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Nellie Farmer, 75; grandsons George, 20, Drewey, 17, and Berry Farmer, 17; and great-granddaughter Martha A. Parker, 8.

  • Clarkey
  • Delila

These records establish three nuclear families among the group — (1) Spencer and Cherry and their children Daniel, Hardy, and possibly Patsey; (2) Ben and Ellen and their children Belford and Clarkey (as well as Clarkey’s son Titus); and brothers Blount and Jarman.

Asael Farmer Estate (1856), Edgecombe County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org.

The estate of Isaac Farmer (1863).

Isaac Farmer was born about 1794 and died in 1863 in what is now Wilson County. His estate file reveals that he owned at least two African-Americans — Ben and Titus.

On i5 December 1863, a sale account notes two hires, Ben for the full following year and Titus for one month to widow Theresa Farmer. At ten cents, Titus must have been exceptionally elderly or otherwise infirm.

An account made a year later does not list Titus; he may have died.

On 26 January 1864, administrator J.T. Dew’s summary of Farmer’s rather meager estate ended with “one Negro Man Ben.”

——

I have not found Ben Farmer in freedom.

Estate File of Isaac Farmer (1863), 

The estate of Theophilus Bass (1857).

At October Term 1857, Wilson County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions ordered the division of a group of eight enslaved people belonging to the estate of Theophilus Bass — Charles, Mary, Easter, Warren, Eliza, Martin, Sarah, and Howell.

As we saw here, Bass had inherited Charles, Mary and Easter (Esther) from his uncle James A. Barnes after the death of Barnes’ widow Sarah Daniel Barnes. Warren, Eliza, Martin, and possibly Sarah were Easter’s children. Their father Howell was also owned by James A. Barnes, but passed to McKinley Darden, and the Howell listed above may have been Howell and Easter’s child.

A ninth enslaved person, Mason, was ordered sold at public auction in Wilson County.

Sarah, valued at $250, was allotted to Winnefred Bass.

——

We traced Charles, Mary, and Easter forward here.

  • Warren

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.

Warren Darden, 24, married Louisa Dew, 18, on 1 May 1873 in Wilson, before witnesses Amos Dew and Raiford Dew.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Warren Darden, 30, wife Louisa, 25, children Warren, 3, and an unnamed infant, and farmhand Wilie Lee, 14.

In the 1900 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Warren Darden, 50; wife Lou, 45; and children Warren Jr., 23, Mary L., 18, Lizzie, 12, Sallie, 6, and Minnie, 2.

Minnie Darden died 7 May 1925 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 27 August 1898 in Wilson County to Warren Darden and Louisa Darden. Grant Farmer was informant.

Sallie Farmer Eddie died 9 December 1945 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 2 March 1891 in Wilson County to Warren Darden and Louisa Dew; was married to John Eddie; and was buried in Newsom Cemetery near Lucama, N.C. George W. Dew was informant.

  • Eliza

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

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.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Martin Darden, 27; wife 25; and daughters Esther, 5, Ellen, 5, and Nellie, 3.

On 25 December 1888, Lawrence Mitchell, 21, of Crossroads township, Wilson County, son of Primus Mitchell, married Ester Darden, 18, of Crossroads township, daughter of Martin and Jane Darden, at Primus Mitchell’s.

In the 1900 census of Great Swamp township, Wayne County: farmer Martin Darden, 48; Jane, 50; and children Tinsey, 17, Howard, 14, Jineva, 11, and Silvey, 9.

In the 1910 census of Glissons township, Duplin County, N.C.: farmer Martin Darden, 58; wife Jane, 59; and daughter Silva, 18.

On 27 January 1915, Clint Smith, 28, of Duplin County, son of Dudly and Priscilla Smith, married Silva Darden, 23, of Duplin County, daughter of Martin and Jane Darden, at Martin Darden’s in Glissons township.

Easter Mitchell died 16 November 1918 in Crossroads township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, she was 40 years old; was born in Wilson County to Martin Darden and an unknown mother; and was buried in Ricks graveyard.

In the 1920 census of Glissons township, Duplin County, N.C.: farm laborer Martin Darden, 68, and Jane, 69.

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.

Janie Darden died 21 February 1936 in Kenansville, Duplin County. Per her death certificate, she was 72 years old; was born in Wilson County; was the widow of Martin Darden; and did farm and housework. Clint Smith was informant.

  • Sarah
  • Howell
  • Mason

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.

Estate File of Theophilus Bass (1857), Edgecombe County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

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 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 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