Studio shots, no. 251: Mae Ella Blue Burke.

Mae Ella Blue Burkes (1897-1931).

In the 1900 census of Garvin township, Anderson County, S.C.: farmer Joseph Blue, 32; wife Ella, 21; and children Roxie, 11, Eliza, 10, Laura, 7, Joe, 5, Claudie, 4, and Mary, 3.

In the 1910 census of Centerville township, Anderson County, S.C.: farmer Joe Blue, 43; wife Ella, 42; and children Roxie, 22, Liza, 20, Laura, 18, Josephus, 16, Claude, 15, May Ella, 13, Clarissa, 7, and Freddie, 3.

On 24 November 1917, John Burke, 21, and Mary Ella Blue, 18, both of Hopewell township, were married in Anderson County, S.C.

Nettie May Burke was born 11 October 1918 in Savannah township, Anderson County, S.C., to Johnie Burke, 20, and Maryella Blue, 19.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 208 Reid Street, rented at $10/month, odd jobs laborer John Burk, 29; wife May E., 28; and children Nettie, 11, Thelma, 7, Elizabeth, 5, John D., 4, and Ruby M., 2. [The youngest three children were born in North Carolina; all others, in South Carolina.]

Mae Ella Burkes died 23 December 1931 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 4 May 1897 in Anderson, South Carolina, to Joseph Blue of Abbeville, S.C., and Ella Willerford of Elbert County, Georgia; lived at Vick and East Streets [how? these streets are parallel]; was married to John Burkes; worked as a day laborer at a tobacco manufacturing company; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery].

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Ella Blue, 72, and grandchildren Betty, 19, Thelma, 17, John D., 14, and Ruby May Burks, 12; great-grandson James Blue, 10; and grandson David Blue, 15.

John Burks died 19 February 1941 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 1899 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Warren and Kate Burks; was the widower of May Ella Burks; lived in the Wilson Welfare TB Home on Railroad Street; worked as a tenant farmer; and was buried in Roundtree [probably, Vick] Cemetery. Ella Blue was informant.

On 8 June 1941, George Wesley Hines, 27, born in Wilson, N.C., to John and Allie Hines, married Nettie Burkes, 22, born in Anderson, S.C., to John and Ella Burkes, in Manhattan, New York, New York.

On 20 June 1941, Jesse Woodson, 24, born in Macon, Georgia, to Jesse and Lila Woodson, married Thelma Burks, 18, born in Wilson, N.C., to John and Mary Ella Burks, in Manhattan, New York, New York.

On 19 July 1943, Claudis Lassiter, 25, helper, born in Edgecombe County, N.C., to Roy Lassiter and Annie Mitchell, married Bettie Burke, 20, fountain girl, born in Wilson, N.C., to John Burke and May Ella Blue, in Norfolk, Virginia.

In 1944, John Davis Burke registered for the World War II draft in Baltimore, Maryland. Per his registration card, he was born 27 February 1926 in Wilson, N.C.;

Photo, adapted, courtesy of Morris Applewhite.

Young Dems speak.

Wilson Daily Times, 17 January 1941.

In an era in which few African-Americans could qualify to vote in North Carolina, the Democratic Club of Wilson made a bold statement of its principles, “knowing full well the equality of all votes.” The club’s members were young men who worked in the service industry. 

  • Willie Rious
  • Howard Barnes
  • Arthur Goodman — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Ed Goodman, 45; wife Annie, 36; and children James, 20, Arthur, 19, Helen, 14, Annie Mae, 12, Gladys, 11, Isiah, 7, Dorthy, 6, and Eddie Jr., 4. In 1940, Arthur Goodman registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 3 October 1920 in Manning, S.C.; lived at 1201 East Atlantic Street, Wilson; his contact was Annie Goodman, 214 South Reid Street, Wilson; and he worked for James R. Shannon, Acme Candy Company, Wilson.
  • Ben Rious — in 1940, Ben Jefon Rious registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 9 July 1919 in Lake City, Florence County, S.C.; lived at 518 Church Street, Wilson; his contact was mother Etta Rious, same address; and he worked for Avenue Gardens Florist, 202 Park Avenue, Wilson.
  • Dempsey Murphy
  • John S. Sharpe — in 1940, John Selby Sharpe registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 24 December 1916 in Wilson; lived at 911 East Green Street, Wilson; his contact was sister Nellie Jones, East Nash Street; and he worked for Briggs Hotel Company, Wilson.
  • Elmond McKeithan — in 1940, Elmond Henry McKeithan registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 5 July 1914 in Cumberland County, N.C.; lived at 539 East Nash Street, Wilson; his contact was cousin Libby McPhatter, same address; and he worked for Woodard-Herring Hospital.
  • Woodrow Wilson — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Woodrow Wilson, 21, receptionist at Briggs Hotel; daughter Evylene, 1; adopted daughter Joyce Ellis, 3; and wife Johnnie Wilson, 21. In 1940, Woodrow Wilson registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was 8 July 1918 in Pitt County, N.C.; lived at 801 East Nash Street, Wilson; his contact was wife Johnnie Bell Wilson; and he worked at the Briggs Hotel. 
  • John Mincey — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 650 Wiggins Street, plumber Benjamin Mincey, wife Mattie, 60, sons Benjamin Jr., 31, a hotel cook, and Johnnie, 21, a daily paper deliveryman, and granddaughter Deloris Woodard, 5. In 1940, John Henry Mincey registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 8 April 1919 in Wilson, resided at 650 Wiggis Street, had telephone number 3909, was employed by National Youth Administration, and his closest relative was Mrs. Mattie Mincey.
  • Charles Hines — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 303 Elba Street, Eva Hines, 50, household servant; son Charlie, 21, yard boy; and daughter Henrietta, 13, shared a household with Louis Hines Jr., 21, whiskey storage loader; wife Dolly M., 19, tobacco stemmer; and daughter Martha L., 6 months.In 1940, Charles Erwin Hines registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 28 March 1919 in Wilson; lived at 303 Elba Street; his contact was mother Eva Messick Hines; and he worked at Imperial Tobacco, Barnes and Lodge Streets. 
  • Levi Rious — in 1940, Levi Henry Rious registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 22 November 1914 in Lake City, Florence County, S.C.; lived at 518 Church Street, Wilson; his contact was mother Etta Rious, same address; and he worked for Avenue Gardens Florist, 202 Park Avenue, Wilson.
  • Charles Nelson — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Ethel Cain, 32, teacher in Stantonsburg; mother Delia Jones, 61, cook; Charles Nelson, 36, presser, and wife Mamie, 34, cook.
  • John W. Morn
  • Herbert Whitehead — In the 1940 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: widow Victoria Whitehead, 52, sewing; children James, 25, apprentice carpenter; Rosaline, 21; Herbert, 20, tobacco company floor hand; Gertrude, 16, Mabel, 14, and Victoria E., 12; and nieces Elizabeth Brodie, 32, public school teacher, and [actually, granddaughter] Joan Bynum, 6. Herbert Vendrick Whitehead registered for the World War II draft in Wilson in 1940. Per his registration card, he was born 26 August 1920 in Wilson; lived at Route 4, Box 35, Wilson; his contact was Mrs. E.M. Barnes, 913 East Green Street; and he was an unemployed painter.
  • Dempsey Murphy
  • Carl Moore — in the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: John H. Moore, 45, cobbler in a shoe shop; wife Annie, 31, laundress; and children Lena, 11, Carl, 9, John, 7, Anna G., Odessia B., and Ruth, 1. In 1940, Carl Moore registered for the World War II draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his registration card, he was born 23 January 1919 in Wilson; lived at 1516 North Opal Street, Philadelphia [crossed out and “1113 Atlantic Street, Wilson, N.C.” substituted]; his contact was mother Armincie Moore, same address, Wilson; and he was unemployed.
  • Henry Whitehead — Henry Venson Whitehead registered for the World War II draft in Wilson in 1940. Per his registration card, he was born 25 July 1918 in Wilson; lived at 1300 Atlantic Street, Wilson; his contact was Gertrude Haskin, same address; and he worked for W.E. Barnes, 317 East Nash Street.
  • James Goodman — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Ed Goodman, 45; wife Annie, 36; and children James, 20, Arthur, 19, Helen, 14, Annie Mae, 12, Gladys, 11, Isiah, 7, Dorthy, 6, and Eddie Jr., 4. In 1940, James Goodman registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 11 July 1919 in Manning, S.C.; lived at 214 South Reid Street, Wilson; his contact was mother Annie Goodman, 214 South Reid Street, Wilson; and he worked for Moss & Company, Wilson.
  • Freman Power — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Charles Powell, 21; sister Irene, 19; lodger Wilson Thomas, 23; brothers Freeman, 17, and Lorenza Powell, 15; and cousin Eunice Powell, 18. In 1940, Freeman Powell registered for the World War II draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his registration card, he was born 19 March 1922 in Wilson; lived at 1143 South Dorrance Street, Philadelphia; his contact was Mildred Hagans, 1912 Annin Street, Philadelphia; and he worked as a janitor for Philadelphia Housing Authority.
  • Willie Barnes
  • Jerome Tinsely — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widow Josephine Staton, 54, tobacco factory laborer; mother Rachel Gay, 80; daughter Martha Lee, 34, housekeeper; granddaughters Elise, 20, housekeeper, and Mae R. Taylor, 17; grandsons Jerome, 18, bowling alley laborer, and Elmer Tinsley, 16; son James Staton, 29, plumber, and his wife Lucille, 26, housekeeper; sons-in-law Bernice Lee, 34, clothes presser, and James Pike, 53, tobacco factory laborer; grandsons Robert, 3, and Herman Taylor, 14; and 1940, Jerome Tinsley registered for the World War II draft in Kings County, New York. Per his registration card, he was born 30 August 1920 in Wilson; lived at 102 Heral Street, Brooklyn, Kings County, N.Y.; his contact was Walter Tinsley, same address; and he worked for Sam Aline at a luncheonette at 62 Bristol Street, Brooklyn. 
  • Howard English — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 801 Viola, Melissa Murphy, 40, household servant, and lodger Howard English, 19, janitor at retail furniture store. In 1940, Howard Lee English registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 14 March 1917 in Wade, N.C.; lived at 801 East Viola Street, Wilson; his contact was landlady Millisa Murphy; and he worked for W.L. Walston.

The guardianship of the Best children.

On 1 January 1906, Eliza Best applied in Wilson County Superior Court for guardianship of her and her late husband B.J. Best’s children Corintha, Milton, Rematha, Ollin, and Clarence Best. The children shared a small inheritance valued at $147.85. (Benjamin J. Best died about 1904, and his estate was estimated at $1600.) Samuel H. Vick and Jonah Williams posted bond with Eliza Best to guarantee her sound stewardship.

——

On 22 October 1874, Benjamin Best, 22, married Eliza Ellis, 18, at James Ellis‘ in Wilson County. James Ellis, Gilford Ellis, and Aaron Ward were witnesses.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: farmer Benjamin Best, 26; wife Eliza, 23; and children Virginia, 4, Priscilla, 3, and Columbus, 1.

In the 1900 census of Crossroads township, Wilson County: farmer Benjamin Best, 47; wife Eliza, 44; and children Virgin N., 25, teaching school, Mildred, 19, Junius, 18, Soprenia, 17, Benjamin, 15, Corinthia, 13, Milton, 12, Ramantha, 9, Olian, 7, and Clarence, 6.

In the 1910 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: widow Eliza Best, 53, with children Junius, 29, Rematha, 20, Allen, 18, and Clarence, 16, plus grandchildren Suprema, 5, and Martha A., 3.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Saratoga Road, marble cutter Clarence Best, 26, wife Geneva, 26, and son Clarence H., 1, plus Eliza Best, 68, Martha Ann Best, 11, and Suprema Hooks, 11. Next door, Junius Best, 38, wagon factory assembly man, wife Mary A., 27, and children Mary Olivia, 2, and Colonius, 4 months.

Virginetta Newsome died 5 August 1920 in Wilson Hospital, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 17 August 1875 in Greene County, N.C., to Benjamin Best and Eliza Ellis; was married to Joseph Newsome; worked in farming; and lived near Lucama.

Eliza Best died 1 September 1929 in Wilson of “injury of rt. leg; cut her leg on a piece of tin.” She resided at 1310 East Nash Street, Wilson, and was the widow of Benjamin Best. She was about 64 years old and had been born in Wilson County to Jim Ellis and Zannie Applewhite. She was buried in Rountree cemetery; Clarence Best was informant.

Studio shots, no. 250: Joseph Blue.

Joseph Blue (ca. 1862-1950).

In the 1870 census of Magnolia township, Abbeville County, South Carolina: Aaron Blue, 43; wife Clarisa, 42; and children Robt., 14, Beng’n, 9, Joe, 7, and George, 5.

In the 1880 census of Magnolia township, Abbeville County, South Carolina: Aaron Blue, 47; wife Clarister, 39; children Robert, 24, Benjamin, 17, Joseph, 14, George, 12, Laura, 6, and Ezekiel, 2 months; and mother-in-law Patsy Bryant, 83.

In the 1900 census of Garvin township, Anderson County, S.C.: farmer Joseph Blue, 32; wife Ella, 21; and children Roxie, 11, Eliza, 10, Laura, 7, Joe, 5, Claudie, 4, and Mary, 3.

In the 1910 census of Centerville township, Anderson County, S.C.: farmer Joe Blue, 43; wife Ella, 42; and children Roxie, 22, Liza, 20, Laura, 18, Josephus, 16, Claude, 15, May Ella, 13, Clarissa, 7, and Freddie, 3.

In the 1920 census of Varennes township, Anderson County, S.C.: Joseph Blue, 51, farmer; wife Ella, 51; children Claracy, 17, and Fred Aron, 13; and granddaughter Minnie Lee Aiken, 9.

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Blue Joseph (c: Ella) bellmn Cherry Hotel h 1220 Carolina

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Blue Jos (c; Ella) lab h 1220 Carolina

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: odd jobs laborer Joe Blue, 60; wife Ella, 58; granddaughter Minnie Edwards, 19; daughter Gladys Smith, 24, tobacco factory laborer; and grandson James Edwards, 7. (Only James was born in North Carolina.)

Ella Blue died 24 November 1943 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 4 March 1874 in Elberton [sic] County, Georgia, to Auston Williford and Eliza Hull; was married to Joe Blue; lived at 29 Carolina Street; and was buried in Rountree [likely, Vick] Cemetery.

Joseph Blue died 25 January 1950 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 14 April 1882 [sic] in Abbeville, S.C., to Aaron Blue and Cassie Calhune; was a widower; had worked as a gardener and laborer; and was buried in Rountree [likely, Vick] Cemetery.

Wilson Daily Times, 26 January 1950.

Photo, adapted, courtesy of Morris Applewhite.