Wilson County

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

How the Hendersons came to Wilson.

My paternal grandmother’s family arrived in Wilson circa 1905 from southern Wayne County, North Carolina. Jesse and Sarah Henderson Jacobs came first, and Sarah’s teenaged nephew Jesse “Jack” Henderson arrived a few years later. My grandmother Hattie Mae Henderson was born in Dudley in June 1910. In six months or so, her 19 year-old mother Bessie Henderson was dead.

Said my grandmother:

“I thought of many times I wondered what my mama looked like. Bessie. And how old was she, or whatever. Looked at Jack, and I said, they say he was 17 years old when he come to Wilson. From down there in Dudley, down there in Wayne County.

“My mama was helping Grandpa, Grandpa Lewis [Henderson.]  The pig got out of the pasture and, instead of going all the way down to where the gate opened, she run him back in there, to try to coax him in there. They picked him up. They picked him up and put him over the fence. And when they picked him up, and put him over the fence, she had the heavy part, I reckon, or something, and she felt a pain, a sharp pain, and so then she started spitting blood. Down in the country, they ain’t had no doctor or nothing, they just thought she was gon be all right. And I don’t think they even took her to the doctor. Well, she would have had to go to Goldsboro or Mount Olive, one, and doctors was scarce at that time, too, even if it was where you had to go a long ways to get them. Or go to a hospital and stay. And so she died. She didn’t never get over it. You never know what you’ll come to.

“But I don’t remember ever staying down there. ‘Cause they brought me up to Wilson to live with Mama and Papa [Sarah and Jesse Jacobs]. I stayed with them after Bessie died. I don’t remember Bessie. But my sister Mamie says she remembers her.”

At left, the only known photograph of Bessie Henderson (1891-1911). At right, a colorized version, which highlights surprising details of the backdrop. Does anyone recognize these trees and white ducks from an early twentieth-century Goldsboro or Mount Olive photography studio?

Adapted from interviews of Hattie H. Ricks by Lisa Y. Henderson, 1996 and 1998, all rights reserved; photo in collection of Lisa Y. Henderson.

Leslie F. Brooks, shoemaker.

Leslie Brooks’ occupation surprised me. A shoemaker … in 1918? Though shoe repair, or cobbling, was still a viable trade, shoemaking was almost completely mechanized by the end of the 19th century.

——

On 23 December 1881, David Brooks, 20, married Henrietta Peacock, 17, at A.G. Brooks’ resident in Black Creek township, Wilson County. They were Leslie Brooks’ parents. I can find little evidence of his life, however.

Leslie Freeman Brooks registered for the World War II draft in 1918 in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 16 June 1875; lived in Black Creek; was a self-employed shoemaker; and his nearest relative was sister Minnie Williams.

Leslie Brooks died 12 October 1918 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1881 in Wilson County to David Brooks and Henrietta Peacock; was single; worked as a shoemaker; and was buried in Brooks Cemetery.

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 to Larry D. Farmer.)

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.

Studio shots, no. 227: Bedie Powell Blackwell.

Bedie Powell Blackwell (1871-1957)

——

In the 1880 census of Taylor township, Wilson County, N.C.: farmer Ichabud Powell, 32; wife Mary A., 32; and children Beedy A., 9, Pheny, 7, John, 5, James W., 4, Henry G., 3, and Mary A.E., 11 months.

On 9 April 1892, Asberry Blackwell, 35, of Wilson township, married Beedey Powell, 25, of Wilson township, in Taylor township, Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Bedie Blackwell, 27, tobacco stemmer.

In the 1912 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Powell Bedie (c) lndrs h 311 Mercer

Asberry Blackwell died 21 September 1919 in Oldfields township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 1857 in Wilson County; was a widower [actually, it appears he and Bedie were separated or divorced]; and worked as a farmhand for Grover Lamm.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Mercer Street, lodging house landlady Beady Powell, xx, widow, with lodgers James Daniel, xx, machinist, and Zeb Dew, 28, cafe cook.

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Powell Bedie (c) lndrs 401 N Reid

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Powell Bedie (c) lndrs 400 (401) N Reid

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 400 North Reid, laundress Beddie Powell, 72; great-nephew Reubin Hammond, 11; and lodgers Lucius Faison, 67, cleaning yards, and A.G. Dunston, 69, dishwasher at state sanitorium.

Sunday Star, 27 October 1957.

Copy of photo courtesy of Levolyre Farmer Pitt.

Do you stand with the white men or the Negroes?

Josephus Daniel’s Wilson Advance was not subtle. Just ahead of Election Day 1888, he ran an edition frothing with white supremacy, racist slogans interspersed in bold type between alarmist articles.

And this nasty bit — an editorial cartoon depicting a white woman with a bewildered child hauled by a black constable before a court with a black judge, black complainant, a jury of twelve black men, and several black onlookers. This, it urged, was the peril of “Radical Rule in the Eastern Counties” of North Carolina, i.e. the Black Second.

Wilson Advance, 1 November 1888.

Braswell’s 19 children.

Wilson Daily Times, 2 November 1939.

——

In the 1910 census of Pikeville township, Wayne County, N.C.: Isaiah Braswell, 48, farmer; wife Belia, 47; children Thomas, 20, Lena, 14, Julia, 12, Mary, 10, and Blonie, 7; and brother Marcus, 23.

On 14 March 1912, Thomas Braswell and Minnie Cox were married at Billie Smith’s place in Pikeville, Wayne County.

In the 1920 census of Nahunta township, Wilson County: farmer Thomas Braswell, 30; wife Minnie, 26; and children Sadie, 10, Missie, 9, Aira, 7, Sallie, 1, Mary, newborn, Ira, 6, Kennon [Kennell], 5, and Roland, 3.

In the 1930 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Thomas Braswell, 39; wife Minne, 37; and children Ira, 16, Kennen, 15, Roland, 14, Sallie, 12, Pennie, 10, Irene, 9, Hessie C., 7, Allen, 6, Hazel, 5, Bessie, 3, Leslie, 2, and William T., 10 months.

In the 1950 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Thomas Braswell, 60; wife Minnie C., 57; children Minnie, 19, Grant, 17, and Matthew, 14; and grandchildren Ira Jr., 12, Jean, 4, and Delois, 2.

Thomas Braswell died 30 March 1954 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 2 October 1888 in Wayne County to Isaac Braswell and Belia Ann Coley; was married to Minnie Braswell; and worked as a farmer.

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.

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