Bynum

“Gatsey’s children”: a register of births of enslaved children, part 1.

The North Carolina State Archives’ Private Collections holds a remarkable and exceedingly rare document within the Virginia Pou Davis Doughton Papers. A small booklet, comprised of thirteen hand-sewn pages, holds list after list of the birthdates of enslaved women and the children they bore.

The provenance of the manuscript is unclear. The finding aid describes it as “Slaves of Bynum or Farmer Family in Edgecombe or Wilson Counties, 1825-1865.” The women’s and children’s names appear in a tight, neat script easily distinguished from other bold strokes penning lists of staples like tobacco, molasses, and whiskey. There are no fathers named. For most part, the lists of women and children appear to have been made in a single sitting, perhaps as a copy of older records. Above several names, “dead” is lightly penciled in. Some of these notations suggest updates after the end of slavery. The number of children attributed to each woman, and the frequency of their births, is startling. These women were, as enslavers so matter-of-factly described them, “good breeders.” In 1792, Thomas Jefferson himself calculated that he was making a four per cent annual profit on the birth of enslaved children. Is that what was happening here?

The front of the booklet displays at least three handwritings.

The left page, below: “this is Mr Bynum this is Mr Bynum Book” Who was Mr. Bynum? The enslaver of the women and children detailed in this volume? The enslaver’s overseer? Virginia Pou Davis Doughton’s maternal great-grandmother was Matilda Bynum Barnes (1848-1925). Had this diary belonged to her father, Robert Bynum (1817-1868), or grandfather, Turner Bynum (1787-1867)? The 1850 federal slave schedule of Edgecombe County lists Robert Bynum with 19 enslaved people; Turner Bynum claimed 44. Obviously, they are strong candidates.

At right: Gatsey‘s Children. Maria was born in May 1843. John was born in April 1849. Adeline dead was born in April 1852. Annice dead was born in July 1853. Albert was born in March 1855. Amos dead was born in March 1855. Lucinda was born Dec. the 6 1857. [Illegible] was born Jan. 1860. Penny was born Jan. 1860. Betty dead was born the 12 Sept. 1861. Hansel was born Nov. 1862. Mary was born [illegible.]

In 1866, Allen Bynum and Gatsey Bynum registered their 16-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

On 26 December 1868, Mariah Bynum, daughter of Allen and Gatsey Bynum, married Cezar Pitt, son of Stephen Barnes and Bunna Pitt, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Allen Bynum, 30; wife Gatsey, 45; and children Adeline, 18, Ann, 16, Lucy, 12, Ethelbert, 15, Ranson, 7, and Harbert, 2.

In the 1870 census of Coney township, Edgecombe County: Caesar Pitt, 21; wife Maria, 28; Lucy, 11; Patrick, 17; and William Haskins, 8.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Alen Bynum, 60; wife Gatsey, 40; and children Lucy, 18, and Horbord, 11.

In the 1880 census of Lower Conetoe township, Edgecombe County: Ceasar Pitt, 28; wife Mariah, 30; stepdaughter Martha, 18; grandson John, 1; Frank Staton, 21; and Febia Jenkins, 8, nurse.

Lucinda Bynum died 29 November 1933 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 85 years old; was single; and was born in Wilson County to Allen Bynum and Gatsey Bynum. Lydie Ricks was informant.

——

Cherry was born the 8 Sept 1820. Preston was born the 3 June 1836. Harry was born the 11 June 1838. Americus was born the 26 Jan. 1840. Patience dead was born the 12 Feb. 1842. Austine was born the 22 Feb. 1842. Harbord was born in Sept. 1848. Scott was born in Sept. 1849. Hilliard was born in Aug. 1850. Daniel was born in  Feb. 1852. Irvin was born in June 1854. Abbie was born in August 1856. Silva was born in May 1859. Bunny was born June 1862. Jack was born in Dec. 1865.

  • Preston Bynum

In 1866, Preston Bynum and Violet Bynum registered their 13-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Preston Bynum, 34; wife Violet, 30; and children Wilson, 12, George, 4, and Hugh, 2.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Preston Bynum, 48; wife Violet, 39; children Wilson, 18, George, 17, Major, 12, Phariba, 7, Debby, 6, Patience, 4, and Silvia, 2.

In the 1900 census of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana: Preston Bynum, 69; wife Violet, 49; daughter Patience, 29; and grandchildren Preston, 11, Martha, 8, Irvin, 4, Major, 2, and Wilson Bynum, 1, and Edgar, 9, and James Mosley, 3. All the children were born in Louisiana.

In the 1910 census of Melton township, Jefferson County, Arkansas: Preston Bynum, 78; wife Vinie, 76; and grandchildren Janie, 14, and James Jones, 13, and Harvest Wiley, 8. Next door: Wilson Bynum, 50; wife Louvena, 41; and children Calvin, 16, Charley, 10, Minnie, 7, Celia, 6, Florence, 4, and Lucinda, 11 months.

Violet S. Bynum died 24 December 1916. Her grave marker cites her date of birth as 22 June 1841.

  • Harry Bynum

Perhaps, in the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Osborn Buck, 23, farm laborer; Harry Bynum, 31, and Mary Bynum, 26; and John Barron, 28.

  • Hilliard Bynum

Hilliard Bynum, 22, married Cloe Jones, 23, on 9 November 1873 in Wilson County. In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Hilliard Bynum, 27; wife Cloah, 28; and sons Charles, 6, and Richard, 1.

  • Irvin Bynum

In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: laborer Earvin Bynum, 24; wife Lettice, 23; and children Joeseph, 7, Canny, 5, Cherry, 4, and Robert, 3.

  • Bunny Bynum and Cherry Bynum

Bunny Bynum married Ned Hussey 16 October 1878 in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Ned Hussey, 23, laborer; wife Bunny, 17; children Marguert, 3, and Ned, 6 months; and [mother-in-law] Chery Bynum, 58, midwife.

——

Vinie was born in 1837. Her children. Rosa was born August 1854. Lewis dead was born April 1856. Zilphia dead was born July 1857. Wilson was born June 1860. Beauregard dead was born 1862. Calvin was born 3rd wk. in Dec. 1863.

I have not been able to identify definitively Vinie or her children.

Slaves — Bynum or Farmer Families, Edgecombe, Wilson Counties, 1825-1865, P.C. 1981.3; Virginia Pou Doughton Family Papers, Private Collections, State Archives of North Carolina. Thanks to Jennifer Johnson for bringing this collection to my attention. Librarians rock!    

Taylor held in shooting.

Wilson Daily Times, 2 April 1948.

Spoiler: Woodrow Taylor was acquitted.

  • Hugh Bynum
  • Will Scarborough — probably: in 1945, William Harvey Scarborough registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 7 September 1927 in Wilson County; lived at 511 South Walnut Street, Wilson; his contact was Festus Scarborough, same address; and he worked for Costers Beauty Supplied. 

Jesse Daws fatally shoots Thad Bynum.

Greensboro Daily News, 8 January 1911.

——

  • Jesse Daws — in the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Ed Daws, 38; wife Cora, 27; and children Jesse, 14, Lena, 12, Della, 10, Lonny, 2, and Ned, 4 months.
  • Thad Bynum — on 18 January 1906, Thad Bynum, 22, of Toisnot township, Wilson County, son of Jennie Bynum of Edgecombe County, married Jennie Williams, 23, of Toisnot township, daughter of White Williams, at Batts place, Toisnot township. Primitive Baptist minister Nathan Johnson performed the ceremony.

The apprenticeship of Isaac Bynum.

On 11 January 1870, a Wilson County Probate Court judge ordered 14 year-old Isaac Bynum bound as an apprentice to Jolly Bynum until he reached 21 years of age.

  • Jolly Bynum and Isaac Bynum

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Jolly Bynum, 60, farm laborer; wife Amy, 54; and Isaac, 15. [Was Isaac the grandson of Jolly and Amy Bynum?]

Perhaps, in the 1880 census of Garders township, Wilson County: Isaac Bynum, 27, farm laborer, living alone.

United States Indenture and Manumission Records, 1780-1939, database at https://familysearch.org.

The estate of Council Applewhite.

On 26 December 1864, a court-appointed committee divided the enslaved people held by Council Applewhite, deceased, into roughly equal parts by value. (Applewhite was the elder brother of Henry Applewhite.)

William P. Applewhite drew the first lot, valued at $12,250 and consisting of Adison, Gray, George, Delia and her child Renna, Ada, Eliza, and Bedy.

Samuel H. Applewhite drew the second lot, valued at $13,200 and consisting of Dock, Hyman, Warren, Della, Clary, Sary, McKoy, and Larrence.

The estate of Joseph J. Applewhite drew the third lot, valued at $11,600 and consisting of Luke, Rufus, John, Zany, Osker, Martha, Rose, and Abraham. This group was further divided among Joseph Applewhite’s heirs, with Sarah H. Applewhite receiving Rufus and Abraham ($2300); Isaac C. Applewhite receiving Osker and Rose ($1200); William P. Applewhite receiving Luke ($1800); and Samuel H. Applewhite receiving John ($2100).

William R. Peacock, husband of Mary Applewhite Peacock, received Martha ($2600), and Thomas J. Applewhite, Zany ($1600). Various amounts of cash exchanged hands to even out the numbers.

Four months later, all were free.

——

The 24 people Council Applewhite enslaved likely consisted of one or more mothers with children, young and/or adult; perhaps nuclear families with both parents present; men whose families lived elsewhere; and unattached adults. Obedience “Bedie” Applewhite was the mother of Doc Applewhite (ca. 1831), Addison Applewhite (ca. 1835), George Applewhite (ca. 1840), and Adelia Bynum (ca. 1841). Adelia Bynum, whose husband Lewis Bynum was enslaved elsewhere, was the mother of George and Ada Bynum. Della Applewhite (ca. 1836) was the mother of Sarah and Clara Applewhite.

  • Adison

On 15 August 1866, Addison Applewhite and Jane Ellis formalized their marriage by registering their two-year cohabitation with a Wayne County, N.C., justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Burnt Swamp township, Robeson County, N.C.: turpentine laborer Addison Appelwhite, 33; wife Jane, 24; and children Eustus, 9, Delia, 2 months, and John, 15.

In the 1880 census of Goldsboro, Wayne County, N.C.: huckster Addison Applewhite, 46; wife Jane, 34; and children Eustace, 20, huckster, Delia, 10, Mary, 7, Hattie, 5, and Minnie, 4 months; plus mother Obedience, 75.

On 5 May 1881, the Goldsboro Messenger reported that Addison Applewhite had been elected to represent Goldsboro’s First Ward as city alderman.

In the 1900 census of Astor township, Lake County, Florida: Adison Applewhite, 65, turpentine dipper; granddaughter Mary Vanstory, 11; and boarder William Ford, 33, railroad section hand.

  • Gray

In the 1870 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Gray Applewhite, 19, farm laborer, is listed in the household of Nancy Newsom, 62.

On 25 October 1872, Gray Applewhite, 22, married Cary A. Parker, 23, in Wilson. J.P. Clark, Levi Melton, and Fanny Moody were witnesses.

  • George

A George Applewhite enslaved by Council Applewhite went on to achieve national notoriety and will be featured in a future post.

  • Delia and Renna

In 1866, Lewis Bynum and Delia Bynum registered their cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lewis Bynum, 30, farm laborer; wife Adelia, 29; children George, 10, Ada, 9, Scott, 7, Penny, 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.

I have not found Renna.

  • Ada

Probably, Ada Bynum, born about 1861, listed in Lewis and Adelia Bynum’s household in 1870, above.

  • Eliza

Is this Eliza Ellis, born about 1856, daughter of Zana Applewhite Ellis, below?

  • Bedy

See the 1870 household of Lewis and Adelia Bynum, above.

See the 1880 household of Addison Applewhite, above.

However: in August 1866, Beady Applewhite and Wilson Hagan registered their 19-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

  • Dock

In 1866, Dock Applewhite and Clara Barnes registered their cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County, N.C.: farm laborer Dock Applewhite, 35, and wife Claricy, 30.

On 9 April 1872, Doc Applewhite, son of Nathan Hooks and Beedie Applewhite, married Mervona Barnes, daughter of M[illegible] Barnes, in Wayne County.

In the 1880 census of Bullhead township, Greene County: Dock Applewhite, 46, laborer; wife Malvina, 35; and children Missouri, 15, Emma, 8, Henrietta, 6, Bud, 4, and Martha, 2.

  • Hyman

Perhaps Hyman Bynum, born about 1849, listed below in Della Applewhite’s 1870 household.

  • Warren

On 22 October 1873, Warren Applewhite, 21, married Delsey Bynum, 20, at Elbert Felton’s in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Warren Applewhite, 23; wife Delpha, 22; children Lillie, 3, and Marcellus, 2; and Sallie Ruffin, 6.

  • Della

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Della Applewhite, 34, domestic servant; Haywood, 19, farm laborer, Sarah, 14, domestic servant, Alice and Anna, 2, and Clara Applewhite, 7; Hyman Bynum, 21; Blount Best, 21; Abraham Bynum, 17; Moses Bynum, 20; and William Pittman, 21, all farm laborers.

In the 1880 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Della Applewhite, 40, domestic servant; daughters An, 14, nurse, Lora, 8, and Ora, 4; and son Oscar, 3 months.

  • Clary

See Clara Applewhite, born about 1863, in the 1870 household of Della Applewhite, above.

  • Sary

See Sarah Applewhite, born about 1856, in the 1870 household of Della Applewhite, above.

On 29 July 1872, Blount Best, 24, married Sarah Applewhite, 18, at Elbert Felton’s in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Blunt J. Bess, 32, laborer; wife Sarah, 23; children William L., 9, Nellie J., 6, Joseph H., 4, and Ivory, 8 months; plus sister-in-law Annie Barnes, 11.

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Blount Best, 53; wife Sarah, 44; and children Joe H., 27, John I., 20, Minnie, 18, Blount, 16, Ida, 14, Annie, 13, Mariah, 10, Ella, 8, Albert, 4, Sack, 2, and Joshua, 1.

  • McKoy

Is this Macordia Ellis, born about 1860, daughter of Zana Applewhite Ellis, below?

  • Larrence
  • Luke

This is likely Luke Applewhite “Jr.,” son of Luke Applewhite (ca. 1815-bef. 1900) and Malinda [maiden name unknown].

Luke Applewhite, 22, son of Luke Applewhite and Malinda Bridgers, married Henrietta Bridgers, 20, daughter of Liberty Bridgers, on 16 October 1879, at Ben Sauls’ plantation in Nahunta, Wayne County.

In the 1880 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Eliza Bridgers, 45; daughter Emily, 11; son[-in-law] Luke Applewhite, 22, farm laborer; daughter Henry E., 20; [granddaughter] Charity B., 8 months; and Victoria, 8.

In the 1900 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Luke Applewhite, 45; wife Henrietta, 44; and children Frances, 18, Edward, 16, Liberty, 15, Bennie, 10, Lindie, 7, Willie, 4, Dancy, 2, and James, 3.

In the 1910 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Luke Applewhite, 52; wife Henrietta, 47; children Frances, 27, Ben, 20, Malinda, 14, Willie, 12, Frank D., 10, and Anna, 7; and grandchildren  James, 11, Nancy, 6, and Roosavelt, 4.

In the 1920 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Luke Applewhite, 69; wife Henrietta, 63; children Malindia, 23, Willie, 22, Frank, 19, Annie, 16, Nancy, 15, James, 20, Rosevelt, 14, and Stella, 8; and grandchildren Eva, 5, Edgar, 4, and Henrietta, 3.

Luke Applewhite died 13 June 1923 in Cross Roads township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1855 in Nahunta township, Wayne County, to Luke Applewhite, Nahunta, and Malindia [last name unknown], Nahunta; was a farmer; and was “Husbane of Henry Etta.” Informant, B.F. Applewhite.

  • Rufus
  • John
  • Zany

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: James Ellis, 48, farm laborer; wife Zana, 38; and children Eliza, 14, James, 5 months, Cora, 13, Macord, 10, Oscar, 6, and Anna, 1.

In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: James Ellis, 59, farm laborer; wife Zany, 49; and children Mccoid, 18, Oscar, 17, Anna, 11, James, 10, Johnathan C., 8, and Benjamin S., 5.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Johnathan Ellis, 27; mother Zaney Ellis, 68, widow, sister Mccarda, 35, and brother James Applewhite, 29 [who appears to be the same James as James Ellis above in 1870 and 1880.]

Jonathan Ellis died 12 February 1944 in Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 14 October 1875 in Saratoga to James Ellis and Zannie Applewhite; was married to Annie Ellis; was a farmer.

  • Osker
  • Martha
  • Rose
  • Abraham

Perhaps Abraham Bynum, born about 1853, listed above in Della Applewhite’s 1870 household.

Estate File of Council Applewhite, Wilson County, North Carolina Wills and Estates, 1665-1998 [database on-line], http://www.ancestry.com.

Reunions.

A quick chart I drew up.

Among the most rewarding aspects of researching for Black Wide-Awake are discovering, uncovering, and recovering lost family connections, both my own and others’. I was particularly excited to piece together the Taylor family puzzle, which linked three of my childhood friends. Wilson County is small enough that it’s not surprising that many of us share distant common ancestry, but just who those long-lost cousins are can be surprising indeed.

908 Mercer Street.

This house is not within the bounds of East Wilson Historic District. However, the blocks of Mercer Street southwest of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad lines have been an African-American residential area since the early twentieth century. 

The house was likely built 1900-1920 and appears on the 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map.

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Holloway Henry (c; Millie) lab h 908 Mercer. Also: Holloway Narcissus (c) dish washer h 908 Mercer. Also: Holloway Elizabeth (c) maid h 908 Mercer

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory, 908 Mercer is listed as vacant.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: renting for $4/month, Priscilla Little, 47, laundress; daughter Margaret, 21, “hang or shake tobacco” at redrying plant; and granddaughters Leigh Virginia, 2, and Romaine, 7 months. 

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum Paul (c; Dollena; 3) lab h 908 Mercer. Also: Bynum Mollie (c) h 908 Mercer

Delores Bynum died 9 November 1941 at her home at 908 Mercer Street. Per her death certificate, she was born 4 June 1941 in Wilson to Paul Bynum and Dorlena Anderson and was buried in Rountree Cemetery.

Mollie Bynum died 25 October 1947 at her home at 908 Mercer Street. Per her death certificate, she was born 22 November 1879 to Louis Haggans and was a widower. She was buried in Rountree Cemetery. Paul Bynum, 2306 Marshall Avenue, Newport News, Virginia, was informant.

Wilson Daily Times, 27 October 1947.

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Whitley James (c; Hazel) carp h 908 Mercer

The obituary of George Bynum.

Wilson Daily Times, 29 June 1948.

——

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Suggs Street, odd jobs laborer Archie Bynum, 37; wife Lillie, 31; and children Nnez, 11, Junis, 7, George, 4, Rena, 2, and Bessie, 6 months.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 617 East Suggs Street, owned and valued at $1000, Lillie Bynum, 50, widow; children Gorge, 21, Earnest, 28, Rosa L., 17, Estella, 14, Lillie M., 11; and grandchildren Leroy, 6, and Mattie B., 4.

In the 1940 census of Richmond, Virginia: in the Virginia State Penitentiary, George Bynum, 32, divorced, born in North Carolina.

In 1943, George Bynum registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 1 October 1907 in Wilson; lived at 665 Suggs Street; his contact was mother Lillie Barnes of the same address; and he was not employed.  

807 Black Creek Road.

The one hundred sixty-fourth in a series of posts highlighting buildings in East Wilson Historic District, a national historic district located in Wilson, North Carolina. As originally approved, the district encompasses 858 contributing buildings and two contributing structures in a historically African-American section of Wilson. (A significant number have since been lost.) The district was developed between about 1890 to 1940 and includes notable examples of Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, and Shotgun-style architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The original address of this house was 807 Stantonsburg Street. It was demolished prior to the 1988 survey for the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District.

——

Detail of 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson showing 807 Stantonsburg Street in the block after the Colored Graded School. East Contentnea Street, at top right, is Cemetery Street. Argus Road no longer exists.

In the 1922 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum John (c) lab h 807 Stantonsburg

In the 1925 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum Jno (c) lab h 807 Stantonsburg

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum Jno C (c; Estella) lab h 807 Stantonsburg

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum John C (c; Estella) lab h 807 Stantonsburg

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 807 Stantonsburg Street, freight depot laborer John C. Bynum, 38, born in Mississippi; wife Estella, 37, stemmer; daughter Cora A., 10; and siblings Abraham, 36, tobacco factory laborer, Augusta, 24, servant, and James Bynum, 19, tobacco factory laborer.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: freight station laborer John Bynum, 48, born in Missouri [sic], and wife Estella, 46.

In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum John C (c; Estelle) lab ACLRR Co h 807 Stantonsburg

Estelle Bynum died 30 January 1944 at her home in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 3 October 1894 in Johnston County, N.C., to George Barnes and Cora Cook; was married to John Bynum; and lived at 807 Stantonsburg Street.

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum Jno C (c; Beadie) lab ACL h 807 Stantonsburg

John Columbus Bynum died 30 October 1967 at his home at 807 Stantonsburg Street. Per his death certificate, he was born 30 June 1891 in Mississippi to Charles Bynum and Julia Ann Davis; was married to Beadie Bynum; and was a retired laborer for A.C.L.

Wilson Daily Times, 1 November 1967.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, May 2022.