Rev. W.T.H. Woodward’s surname often appears as “Woodard,” which suggests roots in what is now Wilson County. However, he is apparently absent from Wilson County census records and appears only sparingly elsewhere, such as the listed officiant on marriage licenses between 1892 and 1898. (See, for example, Alex Warren and Ida Davis in 1896 and Jordan Taylor and Eliza Taylor in 1897.) When he, as a 31 year-old, married Martha S. Paschall in Warren County, N.C., in 1881, he listed his residence as Greensboro, N.C. In 1898, when he married Mollie J. Paschall in Vance County, he listed Halifax County as his home. The family is found in Littleton, Halifax County, in the 1910 census, and I have not found Woodward after.
In the 1870 census of Burnt Swamp township, Robeson County, North Carolina: farm laborer Benj. McNeill, 46; wife Harriet, 42; and children Mary, 16, Orra, 14, Surena, 8, Benj., 5, Irwin, 4, and Wesley, 2.
In the 1880 census of Burnt Swamp township, Robeson County, North Carolina: Benjamin McNeill, 53; children Orra, 23, Benny, 15, Evan, 13, Westly, 11, and Katy, 6; and grandson Thomas, 3.
On 10 October 1883, John Wesley McNeill, 22, married Frances McKellar, 18, in Robeson County.
In the 1900 census of Thompson township, Robeson County: farmer John W. McNeill, 31; wife Francis, 34; and children John C., 15, Hector, 10, Edna, 9, Franklin, 6, Lillie, 4, and Florence, 2.
In the 1910 census of Back Swamp township, Robeson County: farmer York McNeill, 49; wife Francess, 46; and children Franklin, 16, Lillie, 14, Tonnie, 11, Walter, 8, Lulu, 6, Louie, 4, and Dewey, 2.
Frank McNeal died 22 October 1919 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 26 years old; his father was York McNeal; he was married to Bessie McNeal; lived near Elm City; and was a tenant farmer for Morris Barnes.
In the 1920 census of Lumberton township, Robeson County: farmer John W. McNeill, 59; wife Frances, 53; and children Lillie, 24, Fonnie, 22, Walter, 19, Lula, 16, Lona, 14, and Hughie, 12.
In the 1930 census of Enfield, Halifax County, North Carolina: farmer John McNeil, 68; wife Frances, 62; children Walter, 30, Dewey, 22, Frances, 16, and Curtis, 18; and grandchildren Marvin, 12, Ada, 7, and Hector, 4.
In the 1940 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Walter McNeal, 38; father York, 79; mother Frances, 73; and cousin Ada, 15.
York McNiel died 28 October 1941 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 12 January 1861 in Robeson County, N.C., to Bennie McNiel; was married to Frances McNiel; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery.
Lillie Armstrong died 10 November 1941 near Sharpsburg, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 22 October 1897 in Lumberton, Robeson County, N.C., to York McNeill and Frances McKeller; was married to Gus Armstrong; and was buried in Elm City Cemetery.
Fannie Harris died 19 December 1943 at her home at 7 Carolina Street, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 45 years old; was born in Robeson County to York McNeil and Frances McKeller; was married to Benjamin Harris; and was buried in Wilson County.
Walter McNeal died 22 June 1954 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 22 July 1902 in Robeson County to Rev. York McNeil and Frances McKellon; lived at 106 North Vick Street; worked as a taxi operator; was married to Harriett McNeil; and was buried in Rest Haven.
Edna Inman died 7 October 1964 in Chapel Hill, Orange County, N.C. Per her death certificate, she was born 19 April 1890 in Robeson County to York McNeil and Frances McKaller; was married to Lem Inman; and lived near Elm City.
Dewey McNeil died 22 December 1969 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 22 July 1907 to York McNeil and Frances McKellar; lived at 1011-A Railroad Street, Wilson; and worked as a cement finisher. Lona McNeil Jackson, 1209 Carolina Street, was informant.
Eyeballing the records, I estimate that Rev. Fred M. Davis performed more weddings among African-Americans in Wilson in the first half of the twentieth century than any minister of any denomination. He served as pastor of several of the city’s Black Missionary Baptist churches and was recognized among the “who’s who” of African-American Baptist leaders in North Carolina. Rev. Davis’ obituary reveals the breadth of his influence across eastern North Carolina, pastoring churches in Scotland Neck, Mount Olive, Clinton, Dunn, and Goldsboro, as well as several in Wilson and Elm City. The obituary also identifies Rev. Davis as one of the young Wilson freedmen, like Samuel H. Vick, Daniel C. Suggs, and Braswell R. Winstead, who left home to attend Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University.
In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Gilbert Stallings, 44; wife Georgiana, 40; and children James, 19, Lena, 17, Gilbert Jr., 14, and Leonard, 6.
In the 1916 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Stallings Jas D msgr h 610 Robinson [Roberson]
In 1918, James D. Stallings registered for the World War I draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 24 January 1880; lived at 136 Ashe Street; worked as a blacksmith for Hackney Brothers; and Lena Perry was his nearest relative.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 639 Wiggins, owned and valued at $2000, widow Cora Morris, 46, private cook, and roomers Carrie H. Scott, 22, and James Stallings, 45, plumber for Wiggins Plumbing.
On 28 November 1936, James D. Stallings, 49, of Wilson, son of Gilbert and Georgia Stallings, married Daisey Rowland, 37, of Wilson County, daughter of Adam and Ella Rowland, in Nash County, North Carolina.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: plumber James Stallings, 62, and wife Daisy, 38, tobacco factory laborer.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 701 Wiggins, plumber’s helper James Stallings, 64; wife Daisy R., 48, house cleaning; and adopted son Thomas Hinnant, 8.
James D. Stallings died 23 May 1972 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 24 January 1888 in Wilson to Gifford Stallings and Mary Washington; was married to Daisey Vick; lived at 702 Norris Street; and was a retired plumber.
In the 1900 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County, N.C.: Abram Hill, 57, farmer; wife Zilphia, 50; and children Charlie, 16, Emma, 13, Abram, 12, Mary, 10, and Oscar, 2.
Om 7 October 1906, Abram Hill Jr., 20, son of Abram and Zilphia Hill, married Winnie Lewis, 18, daughter of Louis and Precilla Lewis, in Wayne County.
In the 1910 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: Abram Hill, 21; wife Winnie, 21; son Theady A.L., 6 months; mother Zilphia Hill, 53, widow; sister Mary, 20; brother Oscar, 13; and nephew George W., 2.
In the 1930 census of Eureka township, Wayne County: Abram Hill, 42, farmer; wife Winnie C., 42; children Perilla, 17, Celia, 13, Rachel T., 11, Havard L., 9, Edna V., 7, and Judith M., 5; mother Zilphia J., 70, widow; and grandson Abraham Jr., 2.
Zilphia Hill died 11 May 1937 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 60 years old; was born in Wayne County to Manuel and Rachel Hall.
On 8 January 1938, Abram Hill, 49, of Wilson, son of Abram and Zilphia Hill, married Ruth Lee, 22, of Wilson, daughter of Worker and Eliza Staton, in Wilson County. Missionary Baptist minister F.F. Battle performed the ceremony in the presence of J.T. Artis, Joe Battle, and Roxie Grimes.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 505 Manchester, city laborer Abron Hill, 40; wife Ruth, 42; children Celia, 22, Howard, 19, Edna, 17, and Judis, 14; and lodger Walter Brunson, 22.
In 1940, Havord Lee Hill registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 25 December 1919 in Wayne County; lived at 505 Manchester Street, Wilson; his contact was father Abram Hill; and he worked for the Town of Wilson.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 505 Manchester, Ruth Hill, 42, tobacco factory worker; husband Abram, 61, sewage inspector for city streets department; son-in-law Henry Willis, 24, sawmill laborer; and daughter Ann, 25.
Theadie Hill died 30 November 1958 in Eureka, Wayne County. Per his death certificate, he was born 11 November 1909 in Wayne County to Abram Hill and Winnie Lewis; was married to Berneatha Hill; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Turner Swamp church cemetery.
Abram Hill died 11 February 1978 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 1 June 1887 in Wayne County to Abraham Hill and Zilphia Reid; was married; lived at 602 Manchester Street; was a minister and laborer for the City of Wilson; and was buried in Turner Swamp church cemetery. Informant was Edna Revell, 602 Manchester.
On 28 December 1904, Samuel Barnes, 23, of Wilson, son of George Barnes, married Emma Mincey, 21, of Wilson, daughter of Prince and Susan Mincey, at Susan Mincey‘s residence in Wilson. Missionary Baptist minister Fred M. Davis performed the ceremony in the presence of C.C. Goffney, Mary J. Barnes, and J.D. Stallings.
Aurthur Barnes died 11 August 1917 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 13 November 1905 in Wilson to W.S. Barnes and Emma Mincey; worked as a common laborer [at age 11!]; and was buried in Wilson County [possibly, the Mincey family plot in Odd Fellows Cemetery.]
William Samuel Barnes registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County in 1918. Per his registration card, he was born 19 January 1887; lived at 810 East Vance Street; worked as a laborer for Hackney Wagon Company; lived at 810 East Vance; and his nearest relative was Emma Barnes.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 810 East Vance, Samuel Barnes, 39, farmer; wife Emma, 35; and children Lizzie M., 11, Dora S., 8, and Naomi, 2.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 402 Walnut Street, Sam Barnes, 49, Missionary Baptist minister; wife Emma, 45, laundress; and children Dora, 21, cook, Jake, 11, Samie, 8, and Leona, 12.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 804 May Avenue, gardener William S. Barnes, 59; wife Emma, 56, laundress; son William, 18, warehouse trucker; grandson William, 4; son-in-law Johnny C. Hairston, 21, WPA laborer; daughter Neoma, 21; and Shelley, 2, and Maggie Hairston, 2 months.
Wilson Daily Times, 29 March 1947.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1102 Atlantic Street, William S. Barnes, 65, janitor at tourist court; wife Emma, 57, housecleaning; Naomie B. Hairston, 31; Charlie, 32, mortar mixer; and William B., 14, Shirley, 12, Maggie, 10, Annette, 9, Charlene, 7, Charles Jr., 6, Naomia A., 2, Clarence, 1, and Earl H., born in January 1950.
Emma Barnes died 13 September 1967 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 25 December 1884 in Greene County, N.C., to Louis Mincey and Susie Suggs; was married to Sam Barnes; lived at 700 Edwards Street; and was buried Rest Haven Cemetery.
William Samuel Barnes died 1 August 1971 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 90 years old; was the son of George Barnes and Sylvia [no maiden name]; was a widower; was a retired minister; and lived at 904 Phillips Street. Naomi Harriston [Hairston] was informant.
Portraits of Rev. Franklin B. Woodard are posted on the blog of Legacy Museum of African-American History in Lynchburg, Virginia. The text of the post: “Rev. Frank B. Woodard was born and raised in Wilson County, North Carolina. He studied at Virginia Seminary and graduated in 1904. Woodard led churches in Michigan and Iowa and served as the President of the Iowa–Nebraska Convention. He died in 1919.”
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In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Frank Woodard, 25; wife Appie, 23; son Frank Jr., 1; and Samuel, 20, farm laborer.
In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Frank Woodard, 37; wife Appie, 32; and children Frank, 11, and Romulus, 9.
On 29 August 1906, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Franklin Brown Woodard, 38, born in Wilson County, North Carolina, to Frank and Apsilla Woodard, married Margaret C. Minnis, 27, born in Bedford County, Virginia, to Henry L. and Mamie Minnis.
In the 1910 census of Bluff Creek township, Monroe County, Iowa: Frank B. Woodard, 41, born N.C.; wife Margurite C., 31, born Virginia; and children Thelma K., 2, born Michigan, and Virginia L., 1, born Iowa.
On 2 June 1915, Franklin Brown Woodard, 46, widowed, born in Wilson County, N.C., to Frank and A. Woodard, married Rosa Mildred Jones, 36, born in Buxton, Iowa, to Lewis and M. Jones, in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Rev. Frank B. Woodard died 5 September 1919 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The Bystander (Des Moines, Iowa), 12 September 1919.
Rev. Woodard’s body was returned to Lynchburg for burial.
Woodard’s wife Rosa was appointed guardian to her step-daughters Thelma and Virginia. Though certified to teach, Rosa Woodard was in poor health, and year after year applied to the Linn County, Iowa, District Court to draw money from Frank Woodard’s estate to provide for the girls.
Petition for letters of guardianship.
Rosa Woodard’s first application for funds. She stated that it was too late in the year to get a teaching job.
Another petition for funds, in which Rosa Woodard revealed that she had been ill for months and had spent several weeks at Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Virginia Lavurn Woodard, born in Buxton, Iowa, to Frank Brown Woodard and Margaret Celeste Minnis, married John Henry Hughes Jr., born in Bedford County, Virginia, to John Henry Hughes and Lucretia Ann Griffin, on 1 March 1931 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Rosa Jones Woodard
Rosa Jones Woodard died 1 August 1957 at her home at 904 Eighth Street, Lynchburg, Virginia. Per her death certificate, she was born 27 February 1885 in Lynchburg to Louis Jones and Margaret Taylor; was a widow of Frank B. Woodard; and had worked as a teacher and school matron. Informant was Virginia Hughes, Lynchburg.
Photos of Frank and Rosa Woodard courtesy of Legacy Museum; photo of Woodard headstone courtesy of findagrave.com; Iowa Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997, http://www.ancestry.com.
In the early pages of cookbook-cum-family memoir Spoonbread and Strawberry Wine, Norma Jean and Carole Darden describe the mystery of their grandfather Charles H. Darden(1854-1931)’s earliest years. As far as anyone knew, at Emancipation he walked on his own from Greene County to Wilson, where he planted his boot and raised himself by its straps.
While I have not discovered Charles Darden’s parents, the article below suggests that he did have family. TheGazette, an African-American newspaper published in Raleigh, periodically ran society columns covering towns in eastern North Carolina, including Wilson and Rocky Mount. On 28 August 1897, the columnist mentioned in passing that Miss Annie “Dorden” of Wilson was visiting her uncle, Peter Darden. Annie Lee Darden (1879-1943) was the oldest daughter of Charles and Diana Scarborough Darden. (She married John Mack Barnes in Wilson in 1903.) Peter Darden, then, seems to have been Charles Darden’s older brother.
Raleigh Gazette, 28 August 1897.
In the 1870 census of Goldsboro, Wayne County: house carpenter Peter Darden, 27, and Sidney M. Darden, 8. Peter claimed $100 in real property and $100 in personal property.
In the 1880 census of Rocky Mount, Nash County: house carpenter Peter Darden, 38, wife Edna, 27, and sons Walter, 10, Johnny, 8, and Wesley, 4.
In the 1900 census of Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County: on Frankling Street, carpenter Peter Darden, 55, wife Ednar, 49, and son Westry, 33, a carpenter, plus boarder Mack Maderson, a preacher.
Westry Darden died of tuberculosis on 15 January 1910 in Rocky Mount. His death certificate reports that he was born 17 October 1875 to Peter Darden and Edna Speights, both of Greene County and was married and worked as a carpenter.
In the 1910 census of Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County: at 230 Franklin Street, house carpenter Peter Darden, 70, wife Edna, 61, widowed daughter-in-law Lula, 22, and grandchildren Westray, 3, Walcott, 1, and Lula, 2 months.
In the 1920 census of Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County: at 230 Franklin Street, Peter Darden, 74, and wife Edna, 63.
Edna Darden died 30 March 1931 in Rocky Mount. Her death certificate reports that she had been born 8 May 1856 in Greene County to Redman Speight and Elizabeth Edwards. Peter Darden was informant.
Peter Darden died 9 February 1922 and was buried in Rocky Mount’s Unity Cemetery. [Update: he is buried in “Displaced Cemetery,” which is adjacent to Unity.]
