Wills & Estates

The guardianship of the McIver girls.

In November 1908, Wilson County Superior Court named George W. Suggs guardian to sisters Kate, Sarah, Bettie and Ida McIver, the minor children of Amanda McIver. Their father, Rev. Byron D. McIver, was still alive, but had been removed as guardian overseeing the tiny inheritance from their deceased mother. L.A. Moore signed the bond with Suggs.

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In the 1900 census of Hookerton, Greene County, N.C.: clergyman Byron D. McIver, 44; wife Amanda, 29; and daughters Laura, 16, Minnie, 11, Katie, 6, Sarah, 3, and Bettie, 2.

Wilson County, N.C., Guardianship Records 1903-1909, http://www.familysearch.org.

The last will and testament of Harry Barnes.

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In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Sherod Barnes, 67, and children Rosa A., 22, Shepard, 17, Harry, 15, Warren, 13, Harriet, 10, Haywood, 6, and Hec Barnes, 19.

On 11 August 1879, Harry Barnes, 21, married Mary A. Dawson, 19, in Wilson County.

On 2 February 1898, Harry Barnes, 40, of Gardners township, son of Sherrod and Penny Barnes, married Cora Woodard, 24, of Gardners township, daughter of Mentus and Sarah Woodard at Harry Barnes’ residence. Haywood Barnes applied for the license.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Barnes, 46; wife Cora, 28; son Lewis, 2; and sisters [Lewis’ sisters?] Ella, 17, and Penny, 16.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Barnes, 53; wife Cora, 35; and children Lewis, 13, Paul, 8, Rose, 3, and Estell, 4 months.

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Barnes, 66; wife Cora, 40; and children Paul, 17, Rosa, 14, Stella, 13, and Adell, 12; nieces Mary, 14, and Ary, 5; nephew Robert, 15; and lodger Julie Bone (?), 60.

On 15 February 1923, Harry Barnes, 60, of Gardners township, married Salinda Battle, 40, of Gardners township, at Haywood Barnes’ residence. Primitive Baptist preacher John R. Barnes performed the ceremony in the presence of H.S. Stanback, Richard Gest, and George Battle.

Harry Barnes died 29 September 1928 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 68 years old; was born in Wilson County to Sherrod Barnes and Pennie Bullock; was married to Adinger Barnes; and worked as a farmer.

Will of Harry Barnes (1927), North Carolina Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The estate of Emma L. Evans.

Emma L. Evans‘ administrator, Major J. Loftin, paid $271.oo to C.H. Darden & Son for burial expenses, $25.00 for a tombstone, and $15.00 to rent three cars to transport mourners to the funeral.

Per her death certificate, Evans was buried in Wilson. In 1923, this generic designation usually meant Vick Cemetery (though Rountree, Odd Fellows, and, to a much lesser extent, Oakdale were possible.) I’ve never seen it. If Evans was laid to rest in Vick, her headstone is either deeply, and perhaps irretrievably, buried or destroyed. If in Odd Fellows or Rountree, perhaps it will be found.

Wilson County, N.C., Property Settlement Records 1923-1931, http://www.familysearch.org.

The estate of Clarissa Williams.

Clarissa Williams, teacher and principal at Wilson Colored Graded School, died in October 1921. Her niece Mamie Battle Ford, daughter of her maternal half-brother Richard Battle, was issued letters of administration.

North Carolina Wills and Estates, 1665-1998 [database on-line], http://www.ancestry.com.

Williams’ estate consisted of a house and lot (at 605 East Green Street) worth about $3000 and an estimated $100 in personal property. Her heirs at law were her nieces and nephews Mamie Ford, Fanny Battle, Clinton Battle, and Glynn Battle.

The inventory of Williams’ property, prepared in June 1922, included two dressers, two washstands, four bedsteads, six trunks, a table and six chairs, two sewing machines, a writing desk, two stoves, four center tables, a safe, two bowls and pitchers, 11 bed quilts, eight pillows, two feather beds, three sets of springs, and two rockers.

Ford filed her final report on 24 March 1923. The sale of Williams’ personal property had netted what must have been a disappointing $77. Nearly half of that amount went to pay a tax bill and $15.oo went to pay medical bills, including five dollars to Henrietta Colvert for nursing services.

Wilson County, N.C., Property Settlement Records 1923-1931, http://www.familysearch.org.

Ford reported that she was “unable to give the bond for the proceeds of the house and lot sold by the mortgagee” and resigned as administrator.  In her stead, the Superior Court appointed E.A. Darden, trust officer for Branch Banking and Trust, as the bank held the mortgage on Clarissa Williams’ house.

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In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Clarcy Williams, 50; roomer Curtis Ford, 37, house carpenter; nephew [sic] Mamie Ford, 24; and roomers [sic] Lias L., 4, and Quincey B. Ford, 2.

The sale of William Taylor’s property.

After William Taylor‘s death, likely at the end of 1885, his administrator Toby Farmer oversaw the auction of his household furniture. The buyers, who probably bought more to help the family than from a need for these commonplace items, included Jacob Pitt, Charles Darden, Treasy Taylor, Nicey Harper, Haywood Freeman, Ennis [Enos] Thompson, Alfred Dew, Henry Young, John H. Lassiter, Jerry Washington, Mack Bynum, Charles Bynum, Charles Gay, Cary Gray, Daniel Vick, B.R. Winstead, and S.H. Vick.

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  • William Taylor

Perhaps: in the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: carpenter William Taylor, 22, and wife Anna, 16.

And, in the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: house carpenter William Taylor, 32; wife William Ann, 26; daughter Hattie, 2; and niece Mary Gay, 9.

  • Jacob Pitt

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Jacobs Pitt, 40; wife Quilla, 35, farm laborer; and daughter Vinah, 3; and Turner Strickland, 20, farm laborer.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Jacobb Pitt, 53; wife Quiley, 34; and daughter Vinah, 13.

  • Treasy Taylor

In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: drayman Aaron Jones, 30; wife Mollie, 25; and daughter Emma, 13; mother Theresa Taylor, 40; and boarder Blake Watson, 36, laborer.

  • Nicey Harper

Nicey A. Barnes died 11 April 1963 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 28 December 1871 to John and Edna Harper; was a widow; lived on Route 4, Wilson; and was buried in the Masonic Cemetery, Wilson. Alene Harper of Snow Hill, N.C., was informant.

  • Ennis Thompson

Probably Enos Thompson. In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County:  farmer Enos Thompson, 41; wife Hellon, 41; and children John, 17, Margaret, 16, Lucy, 6, Pet, 4, and Ennis, 3.

  • Henry Young

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Henry Young, 34; wife Anna, 37; and children Jane, 4, John, 2, and George, 5 months.

On 15 November 1879, Henry Young, 45, married Zilpha Barnes, 24, in Wilson. Minister Daniel Blount performed the ceremony at his home in the presence of Sam Williams and Elias Strickland.

In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Henry Young, 45; wife Zilpha Ann, 21; and children Joseph, 15, Nettie, 13, and George, 10.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Henry Young, 65; wife Annie, 42; and boarder Pennie Young, 22.

Henry Young died 9 March 1910 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 72 years old; was born in Franklin County, N.C., to Herbert and Clarisa Young; was married; and was buried in Wilson. Walter Foster was informant.

  • Cary Gray

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Cary Gray, 35, farm laborer; wife Fillis, 25; and children Mary, 12, Cherry, 10, Henry, 8, Susan, 5, and Robert, 1.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Cary Gray, 45, farmer; wife Phillis, 30; and children Susan, 14, Henry, 18, Robert, 12, Colia, 9, Fannie, 6, and Caroline, 2.

The obituary of Mary Etta Fain Reavis.

Wilson Daily Times, 25 May 1937.

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In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Woodard Street, widow Etta Reavis, 45, tobacco factory worker; children Louise, 18, and James, 6; brother-in-law Fred Reavis, 26, carpenter; his wife Cornelia, 19, and son Ralph, 4. Louise and Cornelia worked as tobacco factory laborers.

On 4 October 1923, Levi H. Peacock Jr., 22, of Wilson, son of Levi and Hannah Peacock, married Elouise Reavis, 20, of Wilson, daughter of Joseph and Etta Reavis, on 4 October 1922 in Wilson. W.A. Mitchner applied for the license, and Presbyterian minister A.H. George performed the ceremony in the presence of John D. Henry, Henrietta Foster and John H. Parris.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 204 Vick Street, hotel bellboy Levi Peacock, 30; wife Elouise, 28, a public school teacher; children Jewel D., 4, and Thomas L., 14; and mother-in-law Etta Reaves, 50, post office maid. [This entry contains errors. Jual D. Peacock was a daughter, rather than son, of Levi and Eloise Peacock, and Thomas was in fact just over a year old in 1930.]

Mary Etta Reavis died 22 May 1937 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 59 years old; was born in Vance County, N.C., to Thomas Fain and Clara Thomas; was a widow; lived at 418 Reid Street; worked as a charwoman in government service; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] Eloise Peacock was informant.

Elouise R. Peacock died 15 June 1951 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 4 July 1906 in Wilson to Etta Fain; was a public school teacher; was married; and resided at 414 North Reid Street. Informant was Jeuetta Anderson.

The last will and testament of Bernicia J. Hines.

Bernicia J. Hines executed her last will and testament on 19 February 1945. In it, she created a trust for the benefit of her  children William Lee, Ossie May, James Clee, Lestus Ray, Paul Douglas, Bernicie Viola, and John Edward Hines, most of whom were minors, and appointed her neighbor Clarence B. Best trustee. C.E. Artis and James Watson signed as witnesses.

In an undated document that probably was submitted in 1946, Clarence B. Best filed a final account for Hines’ estate. He reported receipts from selling personal items, including a sewing machine, bedroom suit, and wash pot; collecting rent on a house on Viola Street; and cash and bonds.

Disbursements included paying for a cemetery lot (in Rest Haven), opening the grave, clothing for Hines’ children, court fees and other estate-related expenses, funeral services by Columbus E. Artis, a tombstone from Joyner Memorial Company, loan repayments, a bill from Dr. Boisey O. Barnes, a screen door, and a water “spicket.”

Bernicia Hines’ youngest child, John, turned 21 on 23 July 1957, after which the trust expired, and Best made a final distribution dividing $2115.07 among her seven children.

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On 28 December 1922, Ashley Hines, 21, of Wilson, son of Turner and Bettie Hines, married Bernicia Smith, 21, of Toisnot township, daughter of Mahala S. Barnes. A.M.E. Zion minister John A. Barnes performed the ceremony at the bride’s house in Toisnot in the presence of Clarence Best, James Hagans, and Eddie Dew.

In the 1930 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Ashley Hines, 24; wife Beanice, 25; and children William, 6, Ossie M., 5, James C., 2, and Lester, newborn.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1314 Nash Street, cook Ernest Barnes, 28; wife Lucile, 29; mother Mahala, 73; sister Bernice Hines, 35, divorced, tobacco stemmer, and her children William, 16, Ossie May, 14, James Clee, 12, Lester, 11, Paul D., 7, Bernice, 5, and John Eddie, 3.

In 1942, William Lee Hines registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 20 October 1923 in Wilson; lived at 1205 Carolina Street; his contact was Bernica Hines, same address; and he worked for T.A. Loving Company at Cherry Point, N.C.

On 28 February 1949, James Clee Hines, 21, son of Ashley Hines and Bernice Smith Hines, married Beulah Joyner, 26, in Wilson.

On 14 April 1950, William Lee Hines, 21, of Wilson, son of Ashley and Bernice Barnes Hines, married Annie Reynolds, of Elm City, daughter of William Reynolds and Effie Priest, in Toisnot township, Wilson County.

John Hines died 18 May 1964 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was born 24 July 1936 in Wilson, N.C., to Ashley Hines and Bernice Smith; was married to Loretta Hines; and worked as a floor waxer.

Property Settlement Records, 1942-1960, Wilson, North Carolina, United States Records, http://www.familysearch.org.

The Kents try to get their land back.

Brothers Elbert and Ned Kent are the forefathers of most African-American Kents from Wilson County’s Lucama area. Both were born enslaved in neighboring Johnston County to Lightfoot Sanders. Elbert Kent’s mother was Angeline Kent. Ned Kent’s possibly was was Angeline Kent, but may have been named Abbie. In 1902, the Kent brothers sued in Johnston County to regain their father’s 19 acres of land.

In short, the Kents alleged that Lightfoot Sanders died in 1887, leaving widow Wealthy Sanders and two sons (Wealthy’s stepsons) Elbert and Ned Kent. After Wealthy Sanders died, the Kent brothers took possession of the land and rented it out. In 1898, Harrison and Henrietta Avera took control of the property. (See the complaint below.)

The Averas responded that Lightfoot and Wealthy Sanders had bought the land together in November 1871 from J.B. Dunn; that Wealthy worked and contributed to the purchase; and that the parties intended for the deed to be made in the name of both Sanderses. However, by accident, it was made out to Lightfoot Sanders only. Wealthy Sanders executed a will in February 1896 leaving the 19 acres to her daughter (the Kent brothers’ stepsister) Henrietta Avera.

A judge found that the Kents and Henrietta Avera (and her husband) each owned one-half the property and ordered it sold and the proceeds to be divided. Henrietta Avera was to receive the 1903 rents from the property and pay the 1903 taxes. The land sold at auction on 30 January 1904 for $180.

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North Carolina, Johnston County

In the Superior Court, Feb Term 1903

Elbert Kent and Ned Kent
vs
Harrison Avera and Henrietta Avera

Complaint

The plaintiffs complaining of the defendants allege:

I. That Lightfoot Sanders, dec’d, was at and before his death seized in fee simple of the following described land and premises:

Beginning on a stake standing on North side of Sander’s Branch in Bettie Burnette’s line and runs with her line N 3 E. 65 poles to a stake her corner; thence as her line N 88 W 54 poles to a stake Jno. W. Pool’s corner, thence his line S 3 W 52 poles to a large ditch, thence as the ditch N 75 E 10 poles, thence N 62 E 16 poles, thence S 70 E 10 poles, thence S 83 E 12 poles, thence 150 E 5 poles to the beginning point containing (19) acres. See Registry of Johnston Co., Book E. No 3 – page 354 and said Lightfoot Sanders was at the time of his death in possession of said land and premises.

II. That when said Lightfoot Sanders died, he left surviving him a widow Wealthy Sanders who lived upon and occupied the land described in paragraph I of this complaint as his widow during her lifetime.

III. That upon the death of said widow Wealthy Sanders these plaintiffs entered upon said land took possession of said land and premises and rented same to Quinnie[?].

IV. That on or about 28th day of Jan. 1887 Lightfoot Sanders died intestate leaving surviving the plaintiffs his only children and heirs at law.

V. That on or about Jan. 1st 1898 the defendants entered into possession and are now in possession of said land and premises without leave of the plaintiffs or any right or title thereto and do now unlawfully withhold possession thereof from the plaintiffs.

Wherefore plaintiffs demand judgment:

1st. That plaintiffs recover possession of the land and premises

2nd. For the sum of Fifty Dollars as rents for detaining and withholding said land and premises from the owners

3rd. For such other and further relief as plaintiffs are entitled to

4th. For the cost of this action.

E.S. Abell and Wellon & Morgan Attys for Plaintiffs

Elbert Kent one of the plaintiffs being duly sworn says that the facts set forth in the foregoing complaint are true of his own knowledge except as to those matters therein stated upon information and belief and as to those matters he believes it to be true.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this Feb. 16th 1903   Elbert (X) Kent
W.S. Stevens C.S.C.

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  • Lightfoot Sanders

In an 1863 assessment of enslaved property directed by North Carolina’s Confederate government, Lightfoot, age 46, appears in a list of people enslaved by Ashley Sanders, Avera’s district, Johnston County.

In 1866, Lightfoot Sanders and Welthy Sanders registered their 11-year cohabitation with a Johnston County clerk of court.

In the 1870 census of Smithfield township, Johnston County: Lightfoot Sanders, 54, farmer; wife Weltha, 50; and Jack Tomlinson, 75, pauper.

In the 1880 census of Smithfield township, Johnston County: Lightfoot Sanders, 65, farmer, and wife Wealthy, 70.

  • Elbert Kent

On 1 November 1868, Elbert Kent, son of Lightfoot Sanders and Angeline Kent, married Rebecer Kent, daughter of Rebecer Creach, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farm laborer Elbert Kent, 25; wife Rebecca, 23; and Mary, 1.

In the 1880 census of Beulah township, Johnston County: laborer Elbert Kent, 36; wife Rebecca, 29; and children Mary, 10, Rufus, 9, Saraha, 7, Flourens 6, Martha M., 4, and Pharrow, 1.

In the 1900 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Elbert Kent, 55, widower, and children Joseph, 18, Albert, 15, Bettie, 8, Rebecca, 7, and Isaiah, 4; plus daughter Martha Barnes, 23, widow, and her children Rebecca, 4, and Joseph, 2.

  • Ned Kent

In the 1880 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 25, wife Liddy, 24, and children Isaac, 4, Cassanda, 3, and Jane, 2.

In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 46, wife Lydia, 43, and children Cassanda, 22, Gennie, 18, George, 17, Roscoe, 15, Frederick, 13, Charley, 11, Clara A., 10, Bud, 8, Louisa, 6, Narcissa, 4, Percy, 2, and Franklin, 1.

In the 1910 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: on the path leading to Raleigh Road, farmer Ned Kent, 56, wife Liddie, 51, and children Casandy, 32, Charley, 21, Clara, 20, James W., 18, Louisa, 16, Narcissus, 14, Percy, 12, Franklin, 10, and Ada, 7.

In the 1920 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 59, wife Liddie, 58, children Frank, 20, and Ada, 18, and grandson Willie, 1.

In the 1930 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 71; wife Liddie C., 69; son Percy, 32; and grandchildren Percy C., 9, Leda F., 8; David N., 5, and Willie, 12. Ned’s farm was valued at $4500.

In the 1940 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Ned Kent, 74, wife Liddie, 83, and grandsons Willie, 21, Carnell, 19, and Daniel, 16.

Ned Kent died 22 July 1940 in Springhill township. Per his death certificate, he was 85 years; was married to Lydia Kent, 84; was a farmer; and was born in Johnston County to Elbert Sanders [sic] and Abbie Sanders of Johnston County. He was buried at the home place; Earnest Hinnant was informant.