Women

The obituary of Lizzie McNeal Whitfield.

Baltimore Afro-American, 15 December 1951.

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On 3 July 1911, Jim Whitfield, 21, of Wilson, married Lizzie McNeil, 18, of Wilson, in Wilson.

“Child of James and Lizzie Whitfield” died 27 September 1916 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 25 September 1916 to James A. Whitfield and Lizzie McNeal in Wilson County and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick or Odd Fellows Cemetery.]

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 715 Stantonsburg Street, house painter James Whitfield, 27; wife Lizzie, 25, hotel cook; children James Jr., 8, Lillian, 5, and Helen I., 5 months; and father Andrew Whitfield, 69.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1004 Washington Street, valued at $3000, building painter James Whitfield, 34; wife Lizzie, 31, laundress; children James Jr., 18, Lillian, 15, and Hellen, 12; and father Alleck Whitfield, 81.

James A. Whitfield Jr. died 17 December 1936 of “auto collision on U.S. 301 killing him instantly.” Per his death certificate, he was born 24 July 1912 in Wilson to James Whitfield of Wilson and Elizabeth McNeal of Fayetteville. He worked as a school teacher. Informant was James Whitfield.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1004 Washington Street, valued at $3500, house painter James Whitfield, 37; wife Elizabeth, 45; and daughters Lillian, 27, and Helen, 22.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1004 Washington Street, James Whitfield, 58, house painting contractor; wife Lizzie E., 45; and daughter Helen A., 31, Washington County home economics teacher.

In memoriam: Christine Barnes Richie.

Wilson’s “hidden figure,” Christine Barnes Richie, passed peacefully late last month and was funeralized yesterday in Newport News, Virginia.

“Christine B. Richie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, church member, and friend. On January 26, 1932, she began her earthly journey as the second of six daughters born to McKinley Barnes and Hagar Hagans Barnes. Christine B. Richie, or “Babe” as she was affectionally called by family and friends was educated in the public schools of Wilson County North Carolina. She attended Barnes Elementary-Middle School, and in 1950 she graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in Elm City North Carolina as the valedictorian of her class. Christine was a dedicated and hardworking student. She was always working to get 100% and was never satisfied with 99.5%. Christine continued her education graduating with honors from North Carolina Central University in Durham with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Science.

“Christine B. Richie started her professional career after graduating from North Carolina Central University and moving to Newport News, Virginia, where she was hired as a math teacher at Huntington High School. She worked there for only one year before learning that NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) was looking for mathematicians. She applied and took the qualifying exam and was hired as one of the “Human Computers” working in the West Wing section of Langley Field. A few years  later NACA became NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) as a result of the Space Act. Christine B. Richie continued working at NASA as a mathematician for thirty-two years before she retired in 1987.

“While working at NASA Christine co-authored and contributed to several research projects including the Application of phase-change technique to thin sections with heating on both surfaces (National Aeronautics and Space Administration; 1973), the Fail-safe system for actively cooled supersonic and hypersonic aircraft (National Aeronautics and Space Administration;1975), the Aerodynamic characteristics at Mach 6 of a hypersonic research airplane concept having a 70 ̊ swept delta wing (National Aeronautics and Space Administration; 1977), and in 2017 Christine B. Richie received the group achievement award from NASA for being one of the “Human Computers” depicted in the movie Hidden Figures, who helped put the first man on the moon.

“Christine was not only an accomplished mathematician, but she was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist church for more than 60 years. As a faithful member she served as the treasurer for the Women’s Club. She was also a “Life Time Member” of the Missionary Society, and was a recipient of the Trinity Baptist Church Rosa Parks Award. After retirement, Christine served her community delivering meals on wheels for 25 years. She was a quiet humble person whose Christian faith was lived out in the loving way she patiently sacrificed her time, talents and treasure for her family, friends, and those who were dear to her.

“Christine B. Richie was preceded in death by one sister, Emma Dean Barnes; her loving husband, Walter E. Richie Sr.; her son, Walter E. Richie Jr.; and son-in- law, Timothy A. Chandler Jr. She leaves behind 1 daughter, Rev. Dr. Faye Richie-Chandler; 2 grandchildren, Timothy A. Chandler III and Morgan Faye Chandler; 1 granddaughter-in-law, Lorion Chandler; 2 great grandchildren, Rielyn Chandler and Reign Timara Faye Chandler; 4 sisters, Catherine B. Slade, Ruby B. Spoons, Romaine B. Harris, and Mavis B. Harris; 3 first cousins, Verona B. True, Jeraldene B. Massey and Alice B. Freeman; nieces and nephews, Julia S. McCullough, Theresa S. Moore, Katherine Slade, James Slade, Solita Spoons, Sybil Spoons, Sanchia Spoons, Joydana Harris, Willie Harris, Monica Harris, Rev. Dr. Willis T. Richie Jr., Gloria Boston, Harry C. Richie Jr., Willistine Betts, Georgene Thweatt, Bishop Carroll Richie, Randolph Richie and a host of great nieces, great nephews and cousins. All will remember and cherish the memory of Christine B. Richie for the sweetness of her character. She was truly a “Babe,” and her life speaks for itself; a job well done.

“A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2023, at Trinity Baptist Church, Newport News.  Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2023, at the funeral home.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.”

My thanks to Leroy Barnes for alerting me to Mrs. Richie’s passing.

The estate of James A. Hunt.

As administratrix of her husband James A. Hunt‘s estate, Annie V.C. Hunt filed a wrongful death claim against Jefferson D. Farrior, who had shot Hunt dead in the street. She demanded a $10,000 judgment.

A.V.C. Hunt died in the midst of proceedings, and O.L. Ellis was appointed administrator in her stead. A jury determined that the estate was owed nothing.

J.A. Hunt Estate File, Wilson County, North Carolina

Snaps, no. 110: Maggie Lucas Dew and daughter Aleazer.

Maggie and Aleazer Dew, circa 1940.

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In the 1920 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Edward Locus, 37; wife Cora, 27; and children Linwood, 10, Maggie, 9, Beulah, 8, Winnie, 6, Chicken, 4, Delphy, 3, John Ed., 1, and Quinton, 6 months.

In the 1930 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Ed Locus, 47; wife Cora, 35; and children Linward, 20, Maggie, 19, Ula, 18, Winnie, 17, Alma, 16, Redelpha, 13, John E., 11, Clinton, 10, Kenny, 9, Josephine, 7, Easter, 5, Louise, 4, Frank, 3, and Nancy, an infant.

In the 1940 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Walter Farmer, 31; wife Maggie, 24; and children Esther [Aleazer], 4, Walter Jr., 3, Clyde, 2, and Cleo, 1.

In the 1950 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Walter Dew, 41; wife Maggie, 39; and children Aleazer, 15, Walter Jr., 13, Clyde T., 12, Ceala, 11, Robert, 8, Geraldine, 7, Winnie J., 5, Marvin, 3, and Louise, 1.

Photo courtesy of Europe A. Farmer, Free in a Slave Society: The Lucas/Locus Family of Virginia and North Carolina (2006).

Seeking?

Baltimore Afro-American, 14 July 1928.

This is a confounding notice. A Pittsburgh man, W.P. Duke, placed it in a Baltimore newspaper to find Mrs. Ella (Ellen?) M. Pridgeon, who was formerly Hattie Barnes of Wilson and who once lived with her sister Mrs. F.O. Pridgeon of Cleveland.

Mrs. F.O. Pridgeon was Louise Johnson Pridgeon, wife of Frank O. Pridgeon, and the first African-American woman to practice law in Cleveland. She was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, in 1891 to Joseph and Mary Ferguson Johnson, both born in Ohio, and I have seen no evidence that she had a sister named Hattie or Ella/Ellen.

The only Ella Pridgeon I have found is Sarah Ellen “Ella” Pridgeon, daughter of  (1867-1945), daughter of Baltimore jeweler Johnson Pridgeon and wife Rebecca, all of whom were white. Ella was a prominent teacher in Baltimore.

My research suggested that W.P. Duke was Willie or William P. Duke, a Southern-born shoeshiner and laborer, who migrated to Pittsburgh prior to 1920. He is listed as single in census records and city directories, but a “Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Duke” appear in Pittsburgh Courier’s society columns in 1925, 1932 (when the Pridgeons were guests), and 1933 (when they celebrated their 11th anniversary with a “sumptuous repast” for high-toned guests.) A 1926 Courier piece, however, refers to “W. Duke Pridgeon” of Pittsburgh receiving a visit from his brother Frank O. Pridgeon of Cleveland. Et voila!

William Duke Pridgeon died 28 May 1933 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was born 2 February 1887 in Wilson, North Carolina, to unknown parents; was married to Flora Duke Pridgeon; worked as a porter; lived at 5643 Harvard Street; and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.

With this, things began to fall into place. Sort of.

William and Frank O. Pridgeon’s parents were William and Sylvia Harris Pridgen of Nash County, North Carolina. By 1898, Frank had moved to Wilson, where he married Addie (not Hattie) Barnes — whose parents I have not identified. The couple soon migrated to Baltimore, Maryland, and, within a few years, to Cleveland, Ohio. The couple had no children and divorced before 1912. Frank Pridgeon married three more times.

It appears, then, that W.P. Duke was trying to find his brother’s first wife, Addie Barnes Pridgeon. But why did he call her Ella Pridgeon? And describe her as the sister of Louise J. Pridgeon? And why did William Pridgen call himself W.P. Duke?

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In the 1880 census of Nashville township, Nash County, North Carolina: William Pridgen, 36; wife Sylvia, 34; children J.S., 9, M.A., 6, Frank O., 4, and Wm. C., 1; mother Celia Harris, 54, washerwoman; daughter Fannie, 20; and sister-in-law Mary, 12. [Next door: Matthew Harris, 24, and his wife Tempie, 16. Matthew Harris was Sylvia Harris Pridgeon’s brother; their parents were Solomon and Celia Harris.]

On 22 May 1898, F.O. Pridgen, 22, of Wilson, married Addie Barnes, 18, of Wilson, in the Town of Wilson. Missionary Baptist minister W.M. Strickland performed the ceremony in the presence of Richard Renfrow, Victory Renfrow, and Harriet Knight. [Richard Renfrow was a barber and may have taught Pridgeon his trade.]

In the 1900 census of Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland: boarders Addie, 19, Frank, 24, barber, and Annie Pridgen, 13, all born in N.C.

In the 1904 Cleveland, Ohio, city directory: Pridgeon Frank O barber r 1172 Payne av

On 15 August 1912, Frank A. Pridgeon, 30, born in North Carolina to Wm. Pridgeon and Sylvia Harris, barber, married Elizabeth B. Ramsey, 24, born in Nashville, Tennessee, to William Ramsey and Anna White, in Cleveland. Both reported having been divorced once.

On 9 March 1915, Frank O. Pridgeon, 39, son of William Pridgeon and Silvia Harris, born in Wilson, N.C., married Louise J. Ogilvie, 24, daughter of Joseph Johnson and Mary Ferguson, born in Gallipolis, Ohio, in Cleveland, Ohio. Both had been divorced in 1914.

In 1918, Frank Oliver Pridgeon registered for the World War I draft in Cleveland, Ohio. Per his registration card, he was born 5 September 1875; lived at 2378 East 85th; worked as a barber for George S. Meyer, Hollander Hotel; and his contact was Mrs. Louis[e] Pridgeon.

In the 1920 census of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: at 49 Crawford Street, Wm. P. Duke, 32, roomer, shoeshiner, born in North Carolina.

In the 1920 census of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio: at 2378 East 85th, Frank Pirdgeon, 43, barber, and wife Louise, 28, social worker at police station.

In the 1929 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, city directory: Duke Wm P shoe shiner East End Shoe Hospital h 5813 Harvard

In the 1930 census of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: at 5813 Harvard Street, William P. Duke, 50, lodger, construction laborer, born in Virginia.

In the 1930 census of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio: at 2319 East Eighty-fifth Street, owned and valued at $8000, Frank O. Pridgeon, 55, barber, born in N.C.; wife Louise, 39, attorney, born in Ohio; brother-in-law Hobert Johnson, 31, barber; sister-in-law Nannie H. Johnson, 27, enumerator; nephew Joseph, 3; brother-in-law James H. Johnson, 37, barber; and father-in-law Joseph Johnson, 71.

Louise Johnson Pridgeon died 18 July 1932.

Pittsburgh Courier, 22 October 1932.

On 18 December 1935, Frank O. Pridgeon, 45, born in Wilson, N.C. to William Pridgeon and Sylvia Harris, married Inez Branch, 30, born in Rome, Georgia, to Ernest Collins and Mary Jones, in Cleveland. Pridgeon reported that his first two marriages had ended in divorce (in 1913 and 1914) and his third in death.

In the 1940 census of Cleveland, Cuyahoga township, Ohio: at 2521 East 83rd, barber Frank O. Pridgeon, 65; wife Inez, 36; and roomer Grant Russell, 55, auto mechanic.

Frank O. Pridgeon died 9 January 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Lane Street Project: Mariah Powell?

Died Nov. 3, 1921. Age 51 Yrs. Gone to a brighter home, where grief cannot come.

Is this broken headstone in Odd Fellows Cemetery that of Mariah Powell?

Per her death certificate, Mariah Powell of Wilson died 3 November 1921 at the age of 53. (This is a little off the age on the marker, but reasonably close.) She was born in Tarboro, Edgecombe County. Informant Luciar Stamper did not know Powell’s parents, and her marital status is ambiguously conveyed. Powell was buried by undertakers Batts Bros. & Artis in Wilson County, which possibly was a generic designation for Vick Cemetery.

Unfortunately, I can find little about Mariah Powell before her death. She may have been the Maria Powell listed in the 1916 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory as a laundress living at 411 East Green, as was laundress Lucille Powell.

Perhaps the new season of Lane Street Project cleanups with uncover the rest of her marker.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, December 2023.

Historic Black Business Series, no. 2: Annie V.C. Hunt’s grocery.

The 500 block of East Nash Street is justly remembered as the 20th century epicenter of Wilson’s African-American-owned businesses. However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Black entrepreneurs and tradespeople also operated across the tracks. As Wilson’s downtown experiences a resurgence, let’s rediscover and celebrate these pioneering men and women.

Check in each Sunday for the latest in the Historic Black Business Series.

Annie V. Collins Hunt was one of the earliest documented Black businesswomen in Wilson. By 1897 she had opened a grocery store on Goldsboro Street, most likely in the 100 block south of Nash Street.

The Gazette (Raleigh, N.C.), 19 June 1897.

Hunt did not stint in outfitting her shop. In August 1897, she placed an order with an Ohio company for a sixty-dollar safe with her name painted on its side.

This detail from the 1897 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson shows two groceries in the block of South Goldsboro just below Nash Street. Either might have been A.V.C. Hunt’s business.

The following spring, Hunt placed an ad in The Great Sunny South, a newspaper published in neighboring Greene County. “Go to Mrs. A.V.C. Hunt WILSON, N.C.,” it exhorted. “The first colored merchant to open a cheap grocery store uptown. She will sell you a pound box of baking powder, worth 10c, for 5 cents. Tobacco at 25 cents per pound. Soap at 3 1/2 cents per cake, ginger snaps at 5 cents per pound, coffee from 10 cts to 20 cts per pound, sugar from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cts per pound and many other things too numerous to mention. All good as cheap as can be bought. Call and examine her goods before buying elsewhere. All goods delivered in the city. Be convinced by calling to see Mrs. A.V.C. HUNT. Dealer in a first-class and reliable line of heavy and fancy groceries, Wilson, N.C., on Goldsboro street, next door to A. Katz’ market.”

The Great Sunny South (Snow Hill, N.C.), 29 April 1898.

Unfortunately, Annie Hunt’s mercantile success uptown was brief. Tragedy struck in 1899. First, her grocery was destroyed by fire — a crime her husband James Hunt was accused, and acquitted, of committing. Then, James Hunt was murdered, shot down in the street by the man who owned the grocery store building. Annie V.C. Hunt never recovered and died impoverished in 1903.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, December 2023.

The sale of Dover, Dinah, Bynum and Frances.

Deed book 22, page 209, Edgecombe County Register of Deeds Office, Tarboro, N.C.

State of North Carolina, Edgecomb County}  Know all men by these presents that I Amos J. Battle for and in consideration of the sum of Twelve hundred and fifty Dollars to me in hand paid by Weeks Parker have bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain and sell unto the said Weeks Parker and his assigns forever Four negro slaves named Dover, Dinah, Bynum and Frances aged about fifteen, thirteen, eleven and nine years the right and title to which said Slaves I will forever warrant and defend. Witness my hand and seal This the first day of January 1835  Amos J. Battle {seal}  Witness Simmons B. Parker

Edgecombe County February Court 1835  The foregoing Bill of Sale was exhibited in open Court and proved by the oath of Simmons B. Parker the subscribing witness thereto — ordered to be recorded.   Test. Mich’l Hearn Clk.

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We have met Amos J. Battle and his father-in-law Weeks Parker before. In an earlier post, I examined the slaveholdings of the Battle family of Walnut Hill plantation. Amos J. and Margaret Parker Battle’s youngest son, Jesse Mercer Battle, published a memoir in 1911 that includes this passage: “Negroes were my companions. I played with them, and spent my time with them all day, till I was about seven years old, when I was started to school. I knew my alphabet and how to read a little. This start on my way to an education was given to me by a good old colored woman I called Mammy. (Her name was Dinah.) … This good woman remained with our family till 1865, when the Civil War ended, when she left us and moved down to Greenville, N.C., where her husband, whose name was ‘Shade,’ lived. After the emancipation of the slaves she said that she could never enjoy her ‘freedom’ as long as she lived with her master and mistress.” Jesse elsewhere mentioned that Dinah had lived with the family at a farm called Walnut Hill, “about three miles from Wilson N.C., on the railroad toward Rocky Mount.”

Was this Dinah the same Dinah that Amos Battle bought from Weeks Parker?