Anderson

The apprenticeship of James William, Mary Ellen, Minerva S., and Laura Anderson (1895).

On 3 December 1895, Clerk of Superior Court J.D. Bardin apprenticed James William Anderson, age 4 years, 2 months, and 4 days; Mary Ellen Anderson, age 2 years and 7 days; Minerva S. Anderson, age 7 years, 7 months, and 11 days; and Laura Anderson, age 6 years, 6 months, and 4 days, to Redmon Barnes until they were 18 years old.

I have not found the Anderson children in other records. Redmond Barnes perhaps was this man.

Apprentice 1895, Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

The last will and testament of Sarah Jernigan (1849).

When Sarah Jernigan drafted her will on 20 July 1849, she lived in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, but her estate entered probate in Wilson County. (I have not found the estate file.)

To daughter Penelope Anderson, she bequeathed enslaved people Olive, Larrow, Rose, Ellen, Evaline, Rody, Lucy the child of Olive, Jack, Ben, Judy, and Anaky.

To friend [actually son-in-law and Methodist circuit rider] Nathan Anderson, in trust for Jernigan’s daughter Elizabeth Whitley (so as to keep the property free from control of her husband Edwin G. Whitley), she bequeathed Dinah, Mason, Dick, Jane, Caroline, Handy, Grace, Pearce, Beck, Peg, Delpha, Turner, Lucy, Ginny, and Hester.

Nathan Anderson is listed in the 1850 slave schedule of Edgecombe County with 14 enslaved people. He died in 1859, leaving widow Penelope and four young children. His estate mentions the hiring out of enslaved people — which brought in hundreds of dollars in income per year — but does not name them.

Penelope Anderson is listed in the 1860 slave schedule of Saratoga district, Wilson County, with only four enslaved people. Her near neighbor Edwin Barnes, who was administrator of Nathan Anderson’s estate, is listed as holding 15 enslaved people as the trustee for four minors (the Anderson children).

Few African-American Andersons and no Jernigans appear in post-emancipation Wilson County records. If the people Sarah Jernigan enslaved remained in the area, they largely adopted other surnames.

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  • Olive

In 1866, Olive Anderson and Leavie Barnes registered their 24-year cohabitation with a Wilson county justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Levi Barnes, 45; wife Olive, 50; children Samuel, 19, Charles, 10, Rachel, 18, and Celia, 15; Adeline Whitley, 23; Dinah Whitley, 70; and Dewey, 12, and Richard Whitley, 42.

  • Larrow
  • Rose
  • Ellen
  • Evaline
  • Rody

In 1869, Rhody Anderson, daughter of Lee Anderson and Olif Anderson, married Stephen Moore, son of Stephen Moore and Jinsey Moore, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Stephen Moore, 23, farm laborer; wife Rodah, 23; and son Lazarus, 8 months.

In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Rhoda Moore, 30, works on farm, and children Lazarus, 10, Peter, 8, and Nelly, 4.

Ida Jenkins died 29 December 1921 in Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas. Per her death certificate, she was 36 years old; was born in North Carolina to Stephen Moore and Rhoda [no maiden name] and was married. Frank Jenkins was informant.

  • Lucy, daughter of Olive
  • Jack
  • Ben

Perhaps, in the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Benjamin Anderson, 39; wife Catharine, 38; and children Robert, 13, Joseph, 10, Dink, 8, Dinah, 4, and Lucy, 1.

  • Judy
  • Anaky

In the 1870 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Anaka Anderson, 35, and children Fanny, 15, Seth, 7, Benjamin, 4, and Bettie, 2.

  • Dinah

Probably: in the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Levi Barnes, 45; wife Olive, 50; children Samuel, 19, Charles, 10, Rachel, 18, and Celia, 15; Adeline Whitley, 23; Dinah Whitley, 70; and Dewey, 12, and Richard Whitley, 42.

  • Mason

Possibly: in 1866, Mason Whitley and Marendy Bryan registered their 17-year cohabitation.

  • Dick

Probably: in the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Levi Barnes, 45; wife Olive, 50; children Samuel, 19, Charles, 10, Rachel, 18, and Celia, 15; Adeline Whitley, 23; Dinah Whitley, 70; and Dewey, 12, and Richard Whitley, 42.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Richard Whitley, 54, and wife Becky, 41.

  • Jane
  • Caroline
  • Handy
  • Grace
  • Pearce
  • Beck
  • Peg
  • Delpha
  • Turner
  • Lucy
  • Ginny
  • Hester

North Carolina Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

Nurse Ellis outlines the essentials of happiness.

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 11 June 1949.

See “Nurse Ellis speaks at graded school graduation.”

Also:

  • Mary Elizabeth Anderson

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 213 Manchester, Edward Anderson, 31; wife Alberta, 29; and children Austin, 9, Hellen, 6, John E., 5, Elizabeth, 4, Guynell, 2, and Robert L., 4 months.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 213 Manchester Street, Ed Anderson, 40; wife Alberta, 39; and children Octavia, 19, Helen, 16, John, 15, Mary, 14, Gaynell, 13, Robert, 10, Deloris, 6, and Ruth, newborn.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Ed Anderson, 45, “pulls ice” at ice plant; wife Alberta, 43, “cleans house”; children Mary E., 23, history teacher at county school; Robert L., 20, nightclub waiter; Delores, 17; Ruth J., 13; and Samuel G., 7; and grandson James E., 3.

On 4 June 1950, Jessie Bynum, 25, of Wilson, son of Julius and Gertrude Bynum, married Mary Elizabeth Anderson, 24, of Wilson, daughter of Ed and Alberta Anderson, at Holy Hope Church, Rocky Mount, N.C. Episcopal priest Robert J. Johnson performed the ceremony.

State v. John Brown.

To stave off responsibility for caring for poor women and their children, unwed mothers were regularly brought before justices of the peace to answer sharp questions about their circumstances.

On 9 August 1869, Ann Anderson admitted to Wilson County justice of the peace F.W. Taylor that she had given birth to a child whose father was John Brown. Taylor ordered that Brown be arrested and taken to a justice to answer Anderson’s charge.

Lane Street Project: in memory of Angelet Anderson (1945-1945).

I’ve spoken of the database I am developing of likely burials in Vick, Odd Fellows, and Rountree Cemeteries. My spreadsheet draws upon death certificates, obituaries, and other sources — most distressingly imprecise. The term “Rountree Cemetery” on these documents may refer to Vick, Odd Fellows, or Rountree. Some documents broadly refer only to burial in Wilson. However, in the absence of official burial records for any of the cemeteries, we make do.

This series honors the men, women, and children who never had grave markers, or whose stones have been lost or stolen or destroyed. Graves believed to be in Vick Cemetery, which the City of Wilson stripped of remaining markers in 1996, will be identified with a Vick Cemetery logo.

Angelet Anderson died 10 March 1945 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 9 March 1945 to Hubert Hamilton and Gianell Anderson; lived at 213 Manchester Street; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery. Alberta Anderson was informant.

The obituary of Pet Barnes, buried in Barnes Cemetery.

Wilson Daily Times, 7 April 1945.

Pet Barnes died 7 April 1945 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 67 years old; was born in Wilson County to Benjamin Anderson and Catherine [no maiden name]; was married to James Barnes; worked in farming; and was buried in Barnes cemetery.

Her obituary reveals that her funeral was held at Barnes Church, which we visited here. Where was Barnes Church cemetery though?

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In the 1900 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Jim Barnes, 36; wife Pet, 25; and children Effie, 7, Robert, 5, Carrie, 2, and Willie, 4 months.

In the 1910 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: James Barnes, 40; wife Pet, 38; children Ellie, 17, Robert L., 15, Cora, 11, Floyd, 9, William, 6, and Eugene, 2; mother-in-law Katie Anderson, 70, and sister-in-law Maggie Anderson, 42.

In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: tenant farmer James Barnes, 52; wife Pet, 47; children Floyd, 18, Billie, 16, Genia L., 13, and Katherine, 6; and granddaughter Eadie Bell Pope, 5 months.

In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer James Barnes, 61; wife Pet, 59; children William, 24, P.B., 22, Katherine, 16, and Edith, 9; sister-in-law Maggie Anderson, 65; and father Harry Barnes, 95.

In the 1940 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Eugene Barnes, 29, farm laborer; wife Gertrude, 26; mother-in-law Pet, 64; father [sic] James, 64; and nephew Howard Pope, 6.

James Barnes died 8 March 1946 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 12 March 1876 in Wilson County to Harry Barnes and Sylvia Barnes; was the widower of Pet Barnes; worked in farming; and was buried in Barnes Cemetery.

Mary E. Anderson completes college studies.

Wilson Daily Times, 20 January 1949.

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In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 213 Manchester Street, owned and valued at $1000, express company laborer Edward Anderson, 31; wife Alberta, 29; and children Austin, 9, Hellen, 6, John E., 5, Elizabeth, 4, Guynell, 2, and Robert L., 4 months.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Wilson Coal Company laborer Edward Anderson, 40; wife Alberta, 39; and children Octavia, 19, Helen, 16, John, 15, Mary, 14, Gynell, 13, Robert, 10, Deloris, 6, and Ruth, [3].

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 213 Manchester Street, Edward Anderson, 45, “pulls ice — ice plant”; wife Alberta, 43, cleans house; children Mary E., 23, Robert L., 20, Deloris, 17, Ruth J., 13, and Samuel G., 7; and grandson James E., 3.

On 4 June 1950, Jessie Bynum, 25, of Wilson, son of Julius and Gertrude Bynum, married Mary Elizabeth Anderson, 24, of Wilson, daughter of Ed and Alberta Anderson, at Holy Hope Episcopal Church in Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County, N.C. Rev. Robert J. Johnson performed the ceremony in the presence of Mary A. Hughes of Wilmington, N.C., and Wilton M. and Flora C. Bethel, Wilson.

Snaps, no. 100: Johnnie and Mandy Anderson Spell.

This delightful snapshot of Johnnie and Mandy Anderson Spell was likely taken in the 1970s. 

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In the 1910 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer James O. Spell, 28; wife Martha, 29, farm laborer; and children Marcellus, 8, Johnnie, 7, Rosetta, 5, and Lonnie, 3.

In the 1920 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Bud Spell, 50; wife Martha, 48; and children Buck, 16, John, 15, Rosetta, 13, Lonnie, 11, Wilce, 9, May, 8, James, 6, Lena M., 3, Mattie, 2, and Walner, 1.

In the 1920 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer John Anderson, 33; wife Lydia, 35; and children Sylvester, 18, Paul, 10, Manly [Mandy], 8; Virginia, 6; Mary, 3; and John Jr., 3 months.

In the 1930 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Bud Spell, 54; wife Martha, 48; and children John, 25, Lonnie, 21, Wiley, 19, Mary L., 17, Jone, 15, Lena M., 14, Mattie, 12, Walter, 10, Daisy, 8, James, 18, Blue, 19, and Ami, 29.

In the 1930 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Paul Anderson, 19; mother Lydia, 40; sisters Mandy, 18, Virginia, 16, and Mary, 14; and brothers John, 9, Ben, 6, and Robert L., 2.

On 2 February 1931, Johnnie Spell, 22, of Black Creek, son of Bud and Martha Spell, married Mandy Anderson, 18, of Black Creek, daughter of John and Litty Anderson, at Jonie [Jonah] Barnes‘ residence in Black Creek. “Minister of the Chrisson faith” J.H. Artis performed the ceremony in the presence of Jonie Barnes and F.E. Horn of Black Creek and James Tabrim [Tabron] of Wilson.

In the 1940 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Jonny Spell, 35; wife Mandy, 27; and children Robert Lee, 9, Alberta, 4, John Jr., 2, and Mandy D., 4 months.

In 1942, Johnnie Spell registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 6 September 1904 in Wilson County; lived on Route 3, Wilson, Black Creek township, Wilson County, at Mrs. P.L. Woodard’s farm; his contact was Lydia Anderson, Black Creek; and he was employed by Charlie Bass, Route 3, Wilson.

In 1946, Robert Lee Spell registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 3 August 1928 in Wilson County; lived in Stantonsburg, Wilson County; his contact was father Johnnie Spell; and he worked farming with his father on the W.L. Shelton farm, Stantonsburg.

In the 1950 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Johnny Spell, 45; wife Amanda, 39; and children Robert L., 21, Alberta, 14, Johnny Jr., 12, Amanda D., 11, Mary E., 6, Martha L., 5, Roy S., 2, and Charlie G., 2 months.

Liddie Anderson died 3 September 1963 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 12 October 1896 in Wilson County to Robert Woodard and Linnie Taylor; and lived in Fremont, Wayne County, N.C. Amanda Spell, 204 Reid Street, Wilson, was informant.

Johnnie Spells Sr. died 18 September 1984 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 6 September 1902 in Wilson County to James Arthur Spells and Martha Harris; was married to Mandie Anderson; and was a tobacco worker. Mandie Spells, 900 East Nash Street, was informant.

Wilson Daily Times, 21 September 1984.

Mandy Anderson Spell died 9 December 2005.

My thanks to Roy S. Spell Jr. for sharing this photo of his grandparents.

State vs. Johnathan P. Locus.

To stave off responsibility for caring for poor women and their children, unwed mothers were regularly brought before justices of the peace to answer sharp questions about their circumstances. 

On 18 December 1866, Aby Anderson admitted to Wilson County justice of the peace John Nichols that she was unmarried and had given birth to a child whose father was Johnathan P. Locus. Nichols ordered that Locus be arrested and taken to a justice to answer Anderson’s charge.

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I have not been able to identify Locus with certainty. Aby Anderson may have been Tabitha “Abi” Anderson, born about 1848, who married Gray Ruffin in Wilson County on 18 October 1893.

Bastardy Bonds, 1866, Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.