Atkinson

Atkinson admits killing Horne.

The early edition of the Daily Times reported that Raymond Horne‘s body had been found in dense woods near Saratoga. The man had been missing for two weeks.

Wilson Daily Times, 2 November 1942.

The late edition disclosed Payton “Pate” Atkinson‘s confession in the crime, and his retraction of an allegation that Dock Rose had helped.

Wilson Daily Times, 3 November 1942.

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  • Payton Atkinson

In the 1910 census of Olds township, Greene County, N.C.: Danil E. Atkinson, 44; wife Patsy, 34; and children Cornealous, 10; Masendy, 16; Birther, 8; Peyton, 7; Ginnie, 4; and Lueser, 8 months.

In the 1920 census of Carrs township, Greene County: farmer Daniel Adkison, 54; wife Pattie, 48; and children Cornelius, 20, Bertha, 18, Patten, 15, Jennie, 13, Louise, 10, Frances, 7, and John H., 5.

On 13 September 1924, Payton Atkinson, 21, married Della Ward, 18, in Pitt County, N.C.

In the 1930 census of Ormonds township, Greene County: farmer Paten Atkinson, 25; wife Della, 22; and children Sadie H., 4, Paten Jr., 2, and James L., 1.

Payton Atkinson registered twice for the World War II draft. In February 1942, he registered in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 25 January 1903 in Greene County, N.C.; lived at Route 3, Box 125, Walstonsburg, Saratoga township; his contact was Jesse Galloway; and he worked for Rufus Beaman. He registered again in 1943, reporting that he was born 25 January 1904 in Greene County and his contact was brother Cornelius Atkinson. The card was marked “Canc. Jan. 31, 1944 Dup Reg.”

Payton Atkinson died 8 October 1969 in Farmville, Pitt County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 6 January 1904 to Daniel Atkinson and Patsey Edwards; was a farmer; and was a widower. Fannie Ellis was informant.

  • Raymond Horne

On 24 February 1921, Raymond L. Horne, 23, of Edgecombe County, N.C., son of William and Dora Horne, married Dora Barnes, 22, of Edgecombe County, daughter of Benjamin and Nora Barnes, in Township Number 3, Edgecombe County.

In February 1942, Raymond Horne registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 1 January 1902 in Greene County, N.C.; lived in Saratoga township, Wilson County; and worked for Drew Horton, Saratoga township. He signed his card with an X. The card is marked “Cancelled — Dead — Oct. 19, 1942.”

Raymond Horne died 19 October 1942 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 23 April 1900 in Pitt County, N.C., to Will Horne and Dora Barrett; was married to Genevia Horne; worked in farming; and was buried in Rountree cemetery, Wilson. “Homicide gunshot wound of neck.”

  • Dock Rose

In the 1940 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farm laborer Doc Rose, 45; wife Sara, 33; mother-in-law Mary Beaman, 70, widow; niece Alice Lane, 23; and cousin Essie Lee Rose, 4 months. The family reported living in Greene County five years earlier.

State vs. Gertrude Atkinson.

In February 1912, Gertrude Atkinson was charged with retailing spiritous liquor. Three people, including my cousin Jesse “Jack” Henderson, testified that they had seen Atkinson sell liquor.

  • Gertrude Atkinson — in the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Gertrude Atkinson, 19, wash woman.
  • Jack Henderson
  • Hattie “Babe” Hales — Hattie Stone died 5 August 1928 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 38 years old; was born in Wayne County, N.C., to Jesse Hales of Halifax County, N.C., and Laura Proctor of Edgecombe County, N.C.; was married to Percy Stone; lived at 412 Suggs Street; and worked as a tobacco factory day laborer.
  • Rachel Johnson — on 1 March 1925, Rachel Johnson, 45, of Wilson, married William Dixon, 50, of Wilson, in Wilson. Andrew Townsend applied for the license, and Baptist minister B.F. Jordan performed the ceremony in the presence of A.N. Neal, Maggie Oates, and Henry Lucas.

Criminal Action Papers, 1912, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

He said he would shoot her head off.

On 21 August 1911, Martha Atkinson pressed charges against her husband, Dock Atkinson, for assault with a deadly weapon. She and her daughters testified in support of the arrest warrant:

Martha Atkinson being sworn says: That the defendant drew a double barrel shot gun on her at her house on Sunday night Aug 19th & swore that he would shoot her head off. That she ran out of the house & hid under the house until she thought her husband had gone to sleep, then she went out in the cotton patch & stayed until 3 o’clock, & from there to the house of another woman in the neighborhood, & that she has not been back home since, & is afraid to go.

Daisy Atkinson corroborates her mother almost verbatim.

Rosa Atkinson says that her father took the gun from the rack & pointed it at her mother & said he would blow her brains out.

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In the 1870 census of Selma township, Johnston County, North Carolina: farmer Louis Atkinson, 60; wife Rose, 50; and children Jimmima, 20, Raiford, 17, Henrietta, 15, Allen, 10, Hardy, 8, Dock, 6, and Cook, 2.

In the 1870 census of Cokey township, Edgecombe County, North Carolina: Vinous Bullock, 50; Mike Bullock, 60, farmer; [Mike’s wife?] Gatsey, 50; Alexander, 29; his wife Hannah, 23; and their children Martha, 4, Charley, 2, and General Grant, 5 months.

In the 1880 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: laborer Alex Bullock, 30; wife Hannah, 34; and children Martha, 14, Charlie, 13, Gen’l Grant, 8, George, 7, Puss, 7, Mary, 5, Nannie, 3, and Orren, 4 months.

On 20 September 1884, Blount Powell, 21, married Martha Bullock, 19, in Edgecombe County.

Dock Atkinson, 26, of Stantonsburg, son of Louie and Rosa Atkinson, married Martha Powell, 20, daughter of Alex Bullock, in Stantonsburg township, on 9 December 1897. Daniel Ellis applied for the application.

In the 1900 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Dock Atkinson, 35; wife Martha, 32; daughters-in-law [stepdaughters] Mary E., 14, Martha, 13, and Daisey Powell, 11; daughter Rosella Atkinson, 4; son Lewy Atkinson, 6 months; and cousin Jollie Bullock, 24.

In the 1910 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Dock Atkinson, no age given; wife Martha, no age given; and children Daisey, 17, Rosetta, 14, Louie, 10, Ida, 7, Alexander, 5, and William A., 4.

Lewis Atkinson died 25 July 1919 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 28 October 1899 in Wilson County to Dock Atkinson and Martha Bullock; was single; and worked as a tenant farmer.

Martha Adkison died 29 October 1932 in Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born February 1866 in Edgecombe County, N.C., to Alex Bullock and Hannah Bennett; and was a widow.

Martha Farmer died 1 December 1965 in Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 5 July 1889 in Edgecombe County to Blount Powell and Martha Bullock.

Criminal Action Papers, 1911, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

The ascetic James Atkinson.

Wilson Daily Times, 28 March 1930.

  • James Atkinson  

Probably, in the 1880 census of Crossroads township, Wilson County: farmer John Atkinson, 43; wife Jane, 28; and children Cora, 11, Edna, 8, Mattora, 6, Nellie, 4, and James Gray, 1.

In the 1900 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer John Atkinson, 63; wife Jane, 58; and children Nellie, 21, James, 19, Nettie, 18, Naoma, 15, Lucy, 13, and Robert E., 8.

In the 1910 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: James Atkinson, 29; mother Jane, 55, widow; sisters Nellie, 31, and Nettie, 18; and boarders Lillian, 8, and Elmira Woodard, 2.

James Atkinson died 9 December 1943 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 64 years old; was born in Wilson County to John Atkinson and Jane Newsome; was single; and was engaged in farming. He was buried in Farrells cemetery. Willie Woodard, Black Creek, was informant.

Studio shots, no. 178: James P. and Mattie Atkinson Barnes.

James Perry Barnes (1895-1960).

Mattie Mae Atkinson Barnes (1895-1951).

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In the 1900 census of Beulah township, Johnston County: farmer Perry Barnes, 50; wife Lizzie, 50; and children Clarky, 26, Nettie, 18, Sarah F., 16, Jesse, 13, Rosetta, 9, and James P., 5.

In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: Archabald Atkinson, 48; wife Martha M., 34; and children Mary F., 19, Spicy J., 17, Roxanna, 15, Narcissua, 13, Carline, 11, Minnie L., 8, Adlina, 6, and Mattie M., 3.

In the 1910 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: Archabold Atkinson, 58; wife Martha, 44; children Roxanna, 25, Ossie, 23, Caroline, 20, Elisabeth, 18, Adaline, 16, Mattie, 13, Addie, 8, and James R., 4; and granddaughter Eldora Cherry, 7.

On 13 February 1919, James Barnes, 24, of Springhill township, son of Perry and Kissie Barnes, married Mattie Atkinson, 21, of Springhill township, daughter of Arch and Martha Atkinson, at “the girls resident” in Springhill. Baptist minister Robert Mack Robinson performed the ceremony in the presence of Purcy Kent, Frank Kent, and Jesse Barnes.

In the 1920 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: on R.L. Scott Mill Road, farmer James P. Barnes, 24; wife Mattie M., 22; and son James A., 4 months.

In the 1930 census of Oneals township, Johnston County: farmer James P. Barnes, 45; wife Mattie, 43; children James A., 10, General A., 7, Mattie M. and Maggie M., 5, Oralee, 2, and Willard, 6 months, and mother Kizzie, 79.

In the 1940 census of Oneals township, Johnston County: farmer J.P. Barnes, 45; wife Mattie, 43; children James A., 20, Archie, 17, Mattie Mae, 16, Maggie Mae, 15, Ola Lee, 12, John W., 9, William R., 8, Lula Bell, 6, Annie Bell, 4, and Thedo R., 1.

Mattie Mae Barnes died 24 November 1951 in Kenly, Johnston County. Per her death certificate, she was born 5 April 1895 in Wilson County to Archie Atkinson and Martha Atkinson; was married to James P. Barnes; lived in Kenly; and worked in farming.

James Perry Barnes died 5 March 1960 in Kenly, Beulah township, Johnston County. Per his death certificate, he was born 2 February 1895 in Johnston County to Perry Barnes to Kizzie Barnes; was a farmer; and was a widower.

Photos courtesy of Ancestry.com user Tynetta Willis-Nayteh.

Snaps, no. 78: Ada Battle Atkinson.

Ada Battle Atkinson (ca.1885-1971) and, perhaps, a grandchild.

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On 27 January 1909, Mark Atkinson, 30, of Gardners township, son of Henry and Joannah Atkinson, married Ada Battle, 24, of Edgecombe County, in Gardners township, Wilson County. 

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Atkinson, 32; wife Ada, 26; and children Silvester, 6, Masy, 4, Emma, 2, and Henry, 4 months. Mark reported having been married twice.

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Atkinson, 40; wife Ada, 35; and children Sylvester, 15, Henry, 10, Mark, 9, Joanna, 7, Bettie, 5, R. George, 3, and Frank, 1.

In the 1930 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Atkinson, 52; wife Ada, 45; and children Sylvester, 25, Henry, 20, Mark, 18, Joanna, 16, Bettie, 15, George, 13, Frank, 11, Fannie, 10, Ophelia, 7, and Willie, 4, and nephew John H., 21.

In the 1940 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: widow Ada Atkinson, 55; children Betty, 25, George, 23, Frank, 21, Della, 21, Ophelia, 16, Willie, 14, and Geraldene, 9; grandchildren Cleo Atkinson, 9, Curtis Edwards, 8, and Thomas, 4, Minnie, 3, and Grey Atkinson, 2.

In 1940, George Rufus Adkinson registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 15 November 1917 in Wilson; his contact was mother Ada Rebecca Adkinson; he resided on Route 2, Macclesfield, Edgecombe County; and he worked for Grady Skinner, Macclesfield.

In 1940, Frank Atkinson registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 18 October 1918 in Wilson; his contact was mother Ada Atkinson; he resided on Route 1, Macclesfield, Wilson County; and he worked for G.R. Skinner, Macclesfield.

In 1944, Willie Mack Roy Atkinson registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 5 March 1926 in Wilson County; his contact was mother Ada Atkinson; he resided on Route 1, Elm City; and he worked for Pattie Thorne, Elm City.

On 31 December 1945, George Atkinson, 29, single, of Wilson, born in Wilson County, son of Mark Atkinson and Ada Battle, married Laura Hines McCray, 24, widowed, of Wilson, born in Edgecombe County, daughter of David Hines and Maggie Station, in Emporia, Virginia.

Henry Atkinson died 21 January 1964 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 14 December 1910 in Wilson County to Mark Atkinson and Ada Battle; was married to Minnie Atkinson; lived at 116 Pender Street, Wilson; was a laborer; and was buried in Well Cemetery, Wilson County.

George Rufus Atkinson died 24 November 1968 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 17 November 1917 to Mark Atkinson and Ada Battle; was married to Laura Atkinson; and had worked as a laborer.

Ada Battle Atkinson died 17 December 1971 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born24 December 1889 to Joe Ellis and Bettie Battle; was a widow; had been a farmer; lived at 120 Narroway Street; and informant was Willie Atkinson. She was buried in Rest Haven cemetery, Wilson.

Fannie Atkinson Wiggins died 18 July 1973 in Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County. Per her death certificate, she was born 13 September 1920 in Edgecombe County to Mark Atkinson and Ada Battle; lived in Rocky Mount; and was a widow. Her daughter Frances Louise Wiggins was informant.

Sylvester Atkinson died 29 December 1985 in Emporia, Virginia. Per his death certificate, he was born 4 July 1905 in North Carolina to Mark Atkinson and Ada Battle; was married to Annie Atkinson; and was a retired millworker.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user samjoyatk.

A long trip caused the miscarriage.

The local registrar attributed the cause of Esther Atkinson Pridgen‘s miscarriage to recent long-distance travel. Though midwife Nan Best delivered the child in Wilson, it appears that Chauncey Pridgen was living in Atlantic City already, where he is found in the 1940 census.

S123_1113-1467.jpg

“Supposed trip from Atlantic City N.J. the day before caused mother to miscarry.”

Handy Atkinson and family.

Adv 2 10 1882.png

Wilson Advance, 10 February 1882.

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On 7 August 1866, Hamlet [sic] Atkinson and Lida Atkinson registered their 17-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.  As set forth here, Handy Atkinson and Lida Williamson had at least four children — Henry, Spencer, Silvia and Angeline. Lida Atkinson died between 1866 and 1870.

On 16 December 1869, Randal Hinnant, son of Emsley Hinnant and Ally Hinnant, married Angaline Atkinson, daughter of Handa Atkinson and Lida Atkinson, at Handa Atkinson’s in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farm laborer Handy Atkinson, 50; and children Nathan, 21, Spencer, 17, Simon, 15, Charity, 13, Sarah, 10, and John, 8. [It seems likely that Nathan, Simon, Charity, Sarah and John were also Lida’s children.]

On 17 February 1870, Henry Williamson, son of Hander Atkinson and Lida Williamson, married Cora Adams, daughter of Mary Adams, in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farm laborer Handy Atkinson, 53; wife Souson, 26; children John, 15, Thomas, 8, Mary, 6, Hannor, 5, Abby, 2, Harry, 2 months; mother Hagar, 80; and nephew Stanton, 8.

Handy Atkinson died between 1880 and 1900.

In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Susan Atkinson, 48; children Calvin, 17, William, 15, Lessie, 12, Daisey, 10, Lafayette, 8, Kizziah, 6, and Ora, 1; step-daughter [sic] Hanner, 24; and grandson Fred D., 7.

In the 1910 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: widowed farmer Susanna Atkinson, 56; children Hannah, 31, Daisy M., 20, and James, 19; and granddaughter Minnie, 10.

Hannah Atkinson died 8 June 1915 in Springhill township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born April 1877 in Wilson County to Handy Atkinson and Susan [last name unknown]; was single and worked as a farmer. Informant was “brother S.T. Atkinson.”

Susan Atkinson died 3 June 1919 in Springhill township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 15 March 1854 to Isaac and Abbie Barnes and was a widow. Informant was Tom Atkinson.

Spencer Williamson died 22 August 1926 in Rocky Mount, Nash County. Per his death certificate, he was 56 years old, was born in Wilson County to Handy Atkinson and an unknown mother; was married to P. Williamson; and lived at 112 North Pine Street, Rocky Mount.

Thomas Stephen Atkinson died 14 July 1928 in Beulah township, Johnston County. Per his death certificate, he was 56 years old; was born in Wilson County in Handy Atkinson and Susie Atkinson; was a farmer; was married to Zillie Atkinson; was buried in Boyette Cemetery. Iva Thomas Atkinson was informant.

C.H. Atkison died 21 March 1929 in Springhill township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 49 years old; was born in Wilson County to Handy Atkinson and Stella Atkison; was a farmer; and was married to Stella Atkison. He was buried in Rocky Branch cemetery.

Lafayett Atkinson died 19 March 1933 in Springhill township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, he was 48 years old; was born in Wilson County to Handy Atkinson and Susan Barnes; was married to Etta Atkinson; and was a farmer.

Channie Barnes died 22 December 1942 in Micro township, Johnston County. Per her death certificate, she was born 6 May 1877 in Wilson County to Handy Atkinson; was the widow of Joseph Barnes; and was buried at Rocky Branch Cemetery.

Daisy Barham died 23 February 1956 at her home at 626 East Vance Street, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 10 January 1887 in Wilson County to Handy Atkinson and Susan [last name unknown]; was a widow; and was buried in Rocky Branch Cemetery. Informant was Lessie Davis.

Lessie A. Davis died 4 July 1959 in Oldfields township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 2 March 1886 in Wilson County to Handy Atkinson and Susie Barnes and was married to Richard Davis. Informant was Mrs. Willie Blackwell.

 

Lida Williamson, alias Atkinson, and her children.

As noted here, Hardy H. Williamson’s estate included a woman named “Liddy.”

I have not identified Liddy/Lida/Lydia in census records, but other documents indicate that four of the others listed in H.H. Williamson’s estate inventory — Henry, Spencer, Silvia “Silvy,” and Angeline “Angy” — were Lida’s children.

Handy Atkinson, who appears to have been the father of all four children, was enslaved by a different owner.

On 7 August 1866, Hamlet [sic] Atkinson and Lida Atkinson registered their 17-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farm laborer Handy Atkinson, 50; and children Nathan, 21, Spencer, 17, Simon, 15, Charity, 13, Sarah, 10, and John, 8.

Were these children also Lida Williamson’s? Was Spencer Atkinson the same person as Spencer Williamson? If so, where were Nathan and Charity in 1859 when H.H. Williamson’s estate was tallied?

On 16 December 1869, Randal Hinnant, son of Emsley Hinnant and Ally Hinnant, married Angaline Atkinson, daughter of Handa Atkinson and Lida Atkinson, at Handa Atkinson’s in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Old Fields township, Wilson County: farm laborer Randal Hinnant, 22, and wife Angelina, 17.

In the 1880 census of Old Fields township, Wilson County: Randall Hinnant, 33, Angeline, 26, and children J. Thomas, 10, James H., 8, Lilly Ann, 6, and Roscoe F. Hinnant, 4.

In the 1900 census of Spring Hill township, Wilson County: Randall Hinnant, 55, Angeline, 48, George W., 16, Sallie A., 14, Survayal, 5, and “hired girl” Susan Hinnant, 40.

In the 1910 census of Old Fields township: George Hinnant, 24, wife Elizabeth, 22, daughter Mary L., 1, mother Angeline, 58, and Percy Hinnant, 7.

In the 1920 census of Old Fields: George Hinnant, 35, Elizabeth, 30, Mary L., 11, James, 9, Mary Lee, 7, Martha May, 6, and Charlie T. Hinnant, 1, and mother Angeline Hinnant, 70.

Per her gravestone, Angeline Hinnant died in 1936. She is buried in New Vester cemetery.

  • Henry Williamson

On 17 February 1870, Henry Williamson, son of Hander Atkinson and Lida Williamson, married Cora Adams, daughter of Mary Adams, in Wilson County.

  • Silvia Atkinson Boykin

On 3 March 1870, Henry Boykin, son of Rear Boykin, married Silvia Atkinson, daughter of Handy Atkinson and Lida Atkinson, in Wilson County.

On 12 February 1893, Harriett Boykin, 20, daughter of Henry and Sylva Boykin, married Samuel Taylor, 26, son of Peter and Zilla Taylor, at Henry Boykin’s residence.

On 17 December 1897, James Boykin, 21, son of Henry and Silvy Boykin, married Mary Jane Kent, daughter of Ned and Liddie Kent.

In the 1910 census of Oneals township, Johnston County: farmer James Boykin, 30; wife Jane, 29; widowed mother Silva, 50; and children Grady, 10, Addie, 8, Fany, 6, Falston, 3, and Tincey, 8 months.

In the 1920 census of Micro township, Johnston County: farmer James H. Boykins, 44; wife Jane, 43; and children Grady, 19, Etta, 18, Fanny, 16, Foster, 12, Henry, 10, Jay, 9, Lillie, 6, John H., 4, and widowed mother Silver, age unknown.

James Henry Boykin died 14 May 1926 in Beulah township, Johnston County. Per his death certificate, he was 48 years old; was born in Wilson County to James H. Boykin and Silva Atkinson; was married Mary Jane Boykin; worked as a laborer at a steel plant in Pennsylvania; and was buried in the family burying ground.

In the 1930 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: Foster Boykin, 22, wife Ella, 18, and children James R., 2, and Alma, 1; sister-in-law Lily Whitley, 22; mother Silva Boykin, 81; and niece Eula M. Whitley, 3.

Sylvia Boykin died 12 January 1939 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 12 August 1848 in Wilson County to Henry Boykin [sic; in fact, Henry was her husband] and an unknown mother; was a widow; worked as a tenant farmer; and lived at 507 Warren Street, Wilson. Informant was Addie Boykin, 507 Warren Street.

  • Spencer Williamson

Perhaps, in the 1900 census of Lower Conetoe township, Edgecombe County: farmer Spencer Williamson, 43; wife Mollie, 29; children Spencer, 6, David, 1; plus in-laws Morning, 21, Peggy, 18, and Joseph Rogers, 24.

Perhaps, in the 1910 census of Sparta township, Edgecombe County: Spencer Williamson, 56; wife Mollie, 40; and children Spencer Jr., 15, David, 11, Jessie, 8, Alexander, 5, and Mary, 4.

Spencer Williamson died 22 August 1926 in Rocky Mount, Nash County. Per his death certificate, he was 56 years old, was born in Wilson County to Handy Atkinson and an unknown mother; was married to P. Williamson; and lived at 112 North Pine Street, Rocky Mount.

Studio shots, no. 101: George Rufus Atkinson.

Screen Shot 2019-01-19 at 3.36.47 PM.png

George Rufus Atkinson (1917-1968).

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Atkinson, 40; wife Ada, 35; and children Sylvester, 15, Henry, 10, Mark, 9, Joanna, 7, Bettie, 5, R. George, 3, and Frank, 1.

In the 1930 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Atkinson, 52; wife Ada, 45; and children Slyster, 25, Henry, 20, Mark, 18, Joanna, 16, Bettie, 15, George, 13, Frank, 11, Fannie, 10, Ophelia, 7, and Willie, 4, and nephew John H., 21.

In the 1940 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: widow Ada Atkinson, 55; children Betty, 25, George, 23, Frank, 21, Della, 21, Ophelia, 16, Willie, 14, and Geraldene, 9; grandchildren Cleo Atkinson, 9, Curtis Edwards, 8, and Thomas, 4, Minnie, 3, and Grey Atkinson, 2.

In 1940, George Rufus Adkinson registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 15 November 1917 in Wilson; his contact was mother Ada Rebecca Adkinson; he resided on Route 2, Macclesfield, Edgecombe County; and he worked for Grady Skinner, Macclesfield.

On 31 December 1945, George Atkinson, 29, single, of Wilson, born in Wilson County, son of Mark Atkinson and Ada Battle, married Laura Hines McCray, 24, widowed, of Wilson, born in Edgecombe County, daughter of David Hines and Maggie Station, in Emporia, Virginia.

George Rufus Atkinson died 24 November 1968 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 17 November 1917 to Mark Atkinson and Ada Battle; was married to Laura Atkinson; and had worked as a laborer.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user jlegrandejr_1.