On 20 June 1878, a Wilson County coroner’s jury met to determine the circumstances of the deaths of Thomas Hooks and his son Al. Hooks. The verdict: “accidental drowning.”
Coroner’s Records, Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
Wilson Advance, 29 September 1898.
From records of the coroner’s inquest into the death of William Dixon:
Testimony of Peter Barron
Testifies that he was at home on night of the accident. After leaving his brother Benj. and the said Benj went home with him. After retiring heard shooting which took place about 1/2 past 10 c’clock. Testifies that he and Dixon had difficulty month ago at a dance and immediately made friends. Peter (X) Barron
Testimony of Benj Barron
Says he heard shooting 2 shots fired close together on the night the accident occurred. Said shooting took place as he was preparing to retire. testifies that he has no guns in shooting order. Testifies that Wm Reid was at his house the same night and said Reid was on his way to get some money due him from by parties he lived with in Edgecombe (names unknown) Benj (X) Barron
Testimony of Wm Sells
Was at Wilbanks and Turner Vicks till 1/2 past 8 o clock. Went then to Mark Barrons then went to bed. Met 3 men on the road, didn’t know them. One man had something resembling a stick under his arm /s/ William Sells
Testimony of John Barron
Testifies that he was at home all during the night of the accident. Heard shot fired some time after retiring. Don’t know the time. John (X) Barron
Henrietta Dixon
Testifies Wm Dixon came to supper about Dark and immediately went out carrying his rifle. Said nothing about where he was going Wife of deceased (Henrietta Barham) testifies that Peter Barron and Wm Dixon had difficulty some thing like month previous /s/ Henrietta Dixon
——
In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 34; wife Mason, 30; and children Alen, 14, Lena, 12, Hiliard, 10, Benjamin, 7, Gray, 5, Peter, 3, and John, 1.
In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 54, wife Mason, 50, children Frank, 18, Peter, 21, John, 20, and Mary, 16, granddaughter Mary M., 6 months, and sister Gatsie, 51.
On 16 January 1901, Peter Barron, 26, married Catharine Mitchel, 18, in Wilson County. Allen Sharp, Marcilius Cotton, and Aberum Mitchell were witnesses.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Simon P. Barron, 32, farmer, and wife Catherine, 24.
In 1918, Petter Barron registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 20 July 1876; lived at Route #3, Elm City, Wilson County; worked as a tenant farmer for J.J. Brown; and his nearest relative was brother John Barron.
In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Peter Barron, 45, farmer, and wife Catherine, 36.
In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 34; wife Mason, 30; and children Alen, 14, Lena, 12, Hiliard, 10, Benjamin, 7, Gray, 5, Peter, 3, and John, 1.
On 4 January 1893, Ben Barron, 20, of Gardners township, married Mary Pender, 17, of Gardners township, at Joe Pender‘s residence in Gardners township, Wilson County.
In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Benjamin Barron, 27; wife Mary L., 24; and children William H., 7, John M., 4, and Linnie, 6 months.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Benjaman Barron, 38; wife Eliza, 36; and children Sam, 17, John, 15, Lillie, 11, Bluma, 5, and Sudie, 2.
In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Ben Barron, 48; wife E. Mary, 48; children John, 24, Lillie, 14, Sudie, 12, and Clara, 6; and adopted son Hasel Whitaker, 18.
Benjamin Barron died 9 August 1941 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born February 1869 in Wilson County to Mark Barron and Mason Ford; was the widower of Mary Barron; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Barron Cemetery. John Barron, 112 East Street, Wilson, was informant.
On 12 December 1893, Turner Vick, 22, and Sylla Ward, 2o, were married in Edgecombe County, N.C.
In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Turner Vick, 30; wife Silla, 30; daughters Cora, 5, and Mary, 2; and brother-in-law James Farmer, 10.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Vick, 39; wife Sillar, 35; and children Mary, 12, Millie, 6, and Eva, 2 months.
In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Vick, 49; wife Lillie, 46; and daughters Millie, 15, Geneva, 10, and Cora, 6.
Mary Evans died 9 March 1924 in Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 25 years old; her parents were Turner Vick of Wilson County and Pricilla Ward of Edgecombe County; and she was married to John Henry Evans. Informant was Turner Vick, Elm City.
In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Vick, 45; wife Pricilla, 49; and children Eva, 17, Cora, 14, Johnnie, 12, and Bettie, 6.
In the 1940 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Turner Vick, 68; wife Pricilla, 69; and daughter Geneva, 28.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Tilman Road, Turner Vick, 76; daughters Eva, 33, and Minnie, 48; grandchildren Willie Lee, 6, and Betty J., 2; and lodger Z. Mae Barnes, 33.
William Turner Vick died 18 November 1956 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 4 October 1874 to Moses Vick and Millie Vick; was a widower; resided near Elm City; was a laborer; and was buried in Gardners cemetery. Minnie Vick, 411 North Pine Street, Wilson, was informant.
In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 34; wife Mason, 30; and children Alen, 14, Lena, 12, Hiliard, 10, Benjamin, 7, Gray, 5, Peter, 3, and John, 1.
In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 54; wife Mason, 50; children Frank, 18, Peter, 21, John, 20, and Mary, 16; granddaughter Mary M., 6 months; and sister Gatsie, 51.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 64; wife Mason, 60; and son John, 31, farm laborer.
In 1918, John Willie Barron registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 12 March 1878; lived at Route 3, Elm City; and farmed for G.N. Luper.
John Barron died 29 October 1918 in Rocky Mount, Nash County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was 40 years old; was born in Wilson County to Mark Barron and Mason Webb; was single; lived near Elm City; and was buried in Wilson County.
Coroner’s Inquest (1898), Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
An argument among Etheldred Hagans‘ children precipitated the stabbing death of one by an intervening neighbor. The transcripts of witnesses at the coroner’s inquest into David Hagans‘ murder:
John Lancaster — I was at old man Hagans. Jim Hagan cussed sister said didnt have enough to eat cooked younger brother took it up. Jim said he was drunk & wouldnt notice it. Dave took it up but I got him out doors. Then Dave went back & I went back. Dave said to father you going to let Louis run over every body here. Louis said G- D- he wont going to let Jim run over him that he (Jim) lay around & wouldnt work but wanted to boss. Jim didn’t notice Louis. John Summerlin had hold of Jim to keep him from fighting. Dave ran at me and said G- D- I am a man. I pushed Dave off from me & he run over to corner where John & Dave were. Dave struck John & John said I aint doing anything but trying to keep them apart. Then I pushed Dave one way & John the other & got John out the door. Then Warren Ward & Jim sisters & I were standing out at the wagon shelter 25 yds from house. I hear chairs falling & signs of scuffling in the house. Warren said John don’t let this girl go back in the house I am going back in there. I tried to hold her but she broke away from me crying & ran back into the house. Warren went back in the house & I followed Geneva & she was in the midst of the fighting trying to part them. They were using their fists fighting. Dave, Jim & old man Dred & Louis Hagan were all fighting. Then I left & got with Jim Ellis & Oscar Ellis & Willie Pittman who were outside the house & started down the road then Warren Ward ran out of the house & asked me to go back & get his hat said Dave struck me three licks on the face but I am satisfied I had him to kill. Then we went on up to the store. Last year Dave & Warren got in some trouble last year at Saratoga had fist fight. I started to Pittmans store after leaving house but didnt get there some said Dave was hurt so I went back had been gone about ten or twelve minutes when I got back they had Dave on a buggy. John X Lancaster
Jim Hagan — When I went to supper I got after Geneva my sister for not staying home and cooking enough supper. Louis my brother who was in the next room & drunk said to me Jim G- D- you ought not to be here cussing Geneva. I went in the kitchen & the others went in the house. After we got back in the house Jim was jumping around cursing I told him he was drunk & I wouldnt notice him. Dave Hagan my brother said Jim if I was staying here like you I wouldn’t let Louis curse me like that Warren Ward came in & said Dave if you & Jim get 21 years old leave home because liable to have trouble. & I told him Geneva was young & I was tending a crop there & had a right to tell her what to do. John Summerlin came in & all were talking all were drinking. Dave told Louis if he had cursed him like he had cursed Jim he would beat H-ll out of him. John Summerlin said no Dave you wont do any such D- thing. Dave said John you aint got a D- thing to do with it & Dave & John ran together & grappled. Old man Dred & Tom & me we got in there & tried push them out the door. Oscar Ellis got John Summerlin out of the house & down the road. Then everything quieted then Dave & Louis got to quarreling again & Warren Ward ran in there & said Dave G- D- you shan’t run over Louis. Dave said to Warren you aint got a G.D. thing to do with it then he & Warren ran together. I ran up to them & said you aint going to have any trouble here. Then I ran into the next room & got my pistol off the organ & before I got back Warren ran out the door. Dave was cursing about how old man Dred let Louis do as he pleased. We talked about 5 min. Dave went out the door I heard him curse & then heard the licks being passed in a fight. Then I ran to the door & Dave said Jim G.D. Warren has cut me & fell on his knees. I jumped down & ran after Warren but he got away. Before I got to the door & I heard fighting both were cursing & I recognized Warrens voice & knew who was fighting with Dave. Before I got my pistol & when Warren & Dave ran together in the house Warren had his knife open in his hand. I took Dave & carried him to the house. I then hitched up & took Dave over to John Lancasters house & went to John Rogers John Rogers got up & came with me to John Lancasters & sent me for Dr Crocker & before I got back I [met] Albert Ward & he told me Dave was dead. When I took him in the house he was bleeding from both arms. Warren & Dave last summer had fight at Saratoga. Warren owed Dave some money didnt speak till 2 months after when both joined same society but wont on good terms This happened about 8 o’clock last night. Jim X Hagan
Aaron Cameron — When Jim & Louis were quarreling Louis got two butcher knives after him. They quarreled a while & Dave got in it. Then old man Dred got in it after a while John Lancaster & I left & heard a gun shot back of the house. Then Warren come running as hard as he could. Warren said that Dave had beat him in a fist fight but he was satisfied now. Then asked us to go back and get his cap. We went back & Louis said Dave was cut. When they were quarreling in the house old man got his gun & said if they were going to take his house he would get out & he went out in the field. Aaron X Cameron
Dred Hagan testified same as others. Warren & Dave were pushing when I went out. I didnt see any knife & heard no threats. I went out in the field. I shot the gun but not towards the house & the crowd scattered. Dred X Hagan
We the Coroners Jury find that Dave Hagans came to his death from being cut with a knife in the hands of Warren Ward and the cutting was felonious.
R.E. Bynum, Stephen Craft, J.H. Gar[illegible], J.B. Walston, W.J. Mercer Jr., J.I. Rodgers, W.H. Anderson Coroner
——
Charlotte Observer, 16 May 1908.
[Sidenote: Though their content is heavy and violent, transcripts from coroner’s inquests provide unique windows into family and social interaction in late 19th and early century Wilson County. They also allow us to “hear” the speech of Black men and women of the era. I was struck here by the use of “wont” in John Lancaster and Jim Hagans’ testimony. Pronounced with a long o like “won’t,” this is a common rendering of “wasn’t” in eastern North Carolina dialect even to this day. Until my roommate my freshman year at Carolina — she was from Shelby, in the western Piedmont — queried me about it, I had not paid attention to my own usage of the word.]
——
In the 1870 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farm laborer Wilson Hagans, 62; wife Rodah, 50; sons James, 14, David, 9, and Etheldred, 7; and farm laborer Delphi Locus, 24.
On 17 February 1884, Dred Hagans, 23, married Martha Speight, 21, at Seth H. Tyson’s in Saratoga, Wilson County.
On 21 February 1900, Dred Hagan, 38, of Saratoga township, married Correnia Artis, 23, at Robert Ellis’ farm, Saratoga township. Seventh-Day Adventist minister Thomas H. Moore performed the ceremony in the presence of Effie Artis, Susan Rodgers, and Henry Bailey.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer David [sic] Hagans, 40, and children Corinna, 24, Dave, 16, Jim, 15, Martha, 13, Lewis, 11, Geneva, 9, and Charley, 7.
On 7 January 1904, David Hagans, 21, of Saratoga township, son of Dred Hagans, married Almena Ellis, 20, of Saratoga township, daughter of Oscar Ellis, at Eason Brothers Store in Saratoga. Falcon Ellis applied for the license.
In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Dred Hagins, 49, and children Louis, 19, Geneva, 18, and Charlie, 16, as well as Hilliard Wootern 20, servant.
On 2 May 1909, Jim Hagans, 22, of Saratoga township, son of Dred and Mattie Hagans, married Maria Artis, 19, of Saratoga township, daughter of John and Sarah Artis, at John Artis’ in Saratoga township. A.M.E. Zion minister G.A. Wood performed the ceremony in the presence of Frank C. Ellis, Tom Speight, and A.A. Maron.
On 10 January 1912, Aaron Applewhite, 22, of Saratoga township, son of Warren and Delpha Applewhite, married Jeneva Hagans, 18, of Saratoga township, daughter of Dred Hagans. A.M.E. Zion minister G.A. Wood performed the ceremony at Dred Hagans’ house in the presence of
On 13 January 1923, Louis Hagans, 30, of Saratoga township, son of Dred Hagans and Martha [no maiden name], married Louisa Edwards, 23, of Saratoga township, daughter of Aaron and Katie Edwards, in Wilson.
Dred Hagans died 6 June 1927 in Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was 73 years old; was born in Wilson County to Wilson Hagens; was the widower of Mathua Hagen’s; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Harrin Cemetery, Greene County. Louis Hagans, Walstonburg, was informant.
Louis Hagans died 28 January 1949 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 28 August 1890 in Wilson County to Dread Hagans and Martha Speight; lived near Walstonburg, in Wilson County; was the widower of Daisy Hagans; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Saint Delight Cemetery, Greene County. Louis Hagans Jr. was informant.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Nelson Sumlin, 41; wife Anna, 36; and children John, 13, Ben, 10, Laura, 8, and Bud, 4.
In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer John Sumlin, 22, and wife Ruth, 18.
In 1917, Jno. Summerlin registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 19 August 1888 in Wilson County; lived near Elm City; farmed for James Bass; and supported a wife and four children. He signed his name “John Sumlin.”
In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer John Sumerline, 33; wife Ruth, 27; and children Adell, 8, Nora, 7, Leslie, 4, and Margaret, 3.
In the 1930 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County, North Carolina: John Sumlin, 43; with Ruth, 37; and children Elnora, 16, Marvis, 14, Lossie, 13, John B. Jr., 12, Almena, 10, and Izell, 6.
John Sumlin died 6 March 1939 in Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County. Per his death certificate, he was born 19 August 1888 in Wilson County to Nelson Sumlin of Warrington [Warrenton], N.C. and Anna Eliza Hudson of Conetoe, N.C.; was married to Ruth Sumlin; worked as a day laborer at a factory; and was buried in Wilson County.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Scott Ward, 48; wife Tinie, 45; and children Nathan, 24, Scott, 19, Warren, 17, Frances, 14, George, 11, Manda, 9, and Mary, 5.
Possibly, in the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Albert Ward, 30, cropper; wife Ella, 25; and sons Willie, 4, and Robert, 11 months.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lue Ellis, 55, and children Alvenia, 14, Jim, 14, Oscar, 12, and Lue, 1 month.
In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lou Ellis, 45, widow, children James, 22, Oscar, 20, and Elijah, 6; Louvenia Hagans, 5; Isaac Ward, 24; and Fannie Mitchell, 39. [Louvenia Jones died 6 June 1927 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 22 years old; was born in Wilson County to Dave Hagans and Almeta Ellis; was married to Roscoe Jones; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. Oscar Ellis was informant.]
Coroner’s Inquests (1908), Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
On 5 December 1907, the Wilson County coroner held an inquest over the body of Charles Burton, who was found dead at the police station after “sleeping off” an afternoon of drinking. The jury found no charges were warranted in Burton’s death.
——
Jim White — Charles Burton – saw yesterday morning – [illegible] apparently drink in the evening – about night lying on straw – Lane phoned for Carmon to come out back – before Carmon came Aiken got police to arrest him – Had between six & seven dollars in pocket – saw no scars on forehead
Junius Korney — Half past five p.m. drunk then sent for pint of whiskey & drank some then lay down on straw
John Aiken — Come in about 3 o’clock accused Charles Burton being drunk denied it tried to walk line couldn’t do it, was drunk – After 4 o’clock pm came to stables & Charles on all fours drunk – Half past six phoned for police – Can’t sat say whether living at time or not – Saw no scars. Police came about 6.30 pm put Charles on dray perfectly limber – use no force in putting on dray – when went to get Burton he was in same position on “all fours” as about been earlier in evening this about 5.45 Lane remarked I believe he is dead Aiken felt of him & he was warm.
Allen Mitchell — stayed in guard house part of last night went in about 4 pm. Came out about 12 o’clock don’t know when came in with Charles Burton. Allen Mitchell put in for drunkenness and about 12 o’clock pm police came & asked if he was cold I told him there was a dead negro next door – saw fire in store
Amos Pender — saw Charles Burton at Aikens stable after after 2 o’clock he was drinking them – He sent me after pint of liquor – Took several drinks together I then went away. Came back between 3 or 4 o’clock – He sent out & got some more whiskey – & was about drunk then – Burton was hauling wood from my place which is about 4 miles from town.
John Lane — came to town 5.45 & was told that Burton was in the back oc Aikens stable drunk. Went about & saw Burton lying in manure pile – & said I said to Aiken “I believe this man in dead” but Aiken felt of him & said he was not drunk. I tried to get back to send him home but police came & they put him on dray & brought him to guard house – Didn’t handle him rough either putting him on or off the dray at the guard house. About 11 o’clock Burton told me he had six dollars for me & offered to give it to me. I told him to wait & turn it all in at once. He then asked me for a quarter which I gave him. He hauled another another load & got two dollars for it.
Charles Edwards — saw Charles Burton about 4.30 drunk & offered to pay to carry him home
Jack Barefoot — sent for to go to Aikens stables. I went and found Charles Burton doubled up on pile of straw apparently drunk dray at door so I waited at door while Aiken & two others went in & brought him out & put on dray Brought to station & three of us brought him in – Went to stables at 6.30 o’clock – Put double blanket on him when put him on cot – good fire in stove — was on duty from 5 o’clock pm to 5 o’clock am. Went in 11.40 pm & found him dead – when put on cot was lying on back – when found at 11.40 dead was lying on side with one arm under body & arm nearly out of sleeve
Frank Felton — went in station about 11.30 to get water. Barefoot went in to see about Burton came out & said he was dead. Went in & found him lying on side with arm under body
Officer Bryant — searched Burton this morning & found no money – on his person – this was about 8 o’clock this morning
——
Wilson [County, North Carolina] Coroner Inquest Records 1859-1915, http://www.familysearch.org.
On 24 April 1903, the Wilson County coroner held an inquest over the body of John Gay, concluding that he had been shot by Morris Tucker.
Lillie Tucker testified that she was lying on the bed when Morris Tucker “picked up the lamp put it on the mantel piece and commenced shooting” after asking Gay if he did not believe he would shoot him. After being hit twice, Gay tried to throw a brick at Tucker, but he was too weak.
Banks Blow testified that John Gay, Louis Stratton, and Turner Thorne were “turning skin,” or gambling at Nellie’s when he arrived. John White, Morris Tucker, and Lillie Tucker were also present. Morris interrupted the game by taking the cards, and Gay protested. Dennis Brooks entered as Blow began to leave. Morris picked up the lamp, pulled out a gun, and threatened to kill Gay. Banks went out into the bar room to tend to the pool table. Ten minutes later, he heard a gunshot. Morris came into the barroom with a gun, which James Branch took from him. Morris said he had shot Gay, who had been bothering him for six months. He then left.
Nellie Lee testified that the incident happened at her house. She entered at the back door and witnessed Morris shoot at Gay six times. Everyone ran out of the room. “Sunday before last,” Lee and Lillie Tucker had seen Morris Tucker and John Gay gambling in the woods and heard Morris threaten, “I’m going to kill you if you don’t stop snatching my money.”
Lillie Tucker further testified that she had warned Nellie Lee not to allow the “boys” to gamble. After Morris won a hand, John Gay picked up the cards and said “This deck was stripped.” Morris replied that if they did not use that deck, “there would not be another damned card played that night.”
James Branch testified that he saw Morris Tucker at Dennis Brooks’ barroom about an hour and a half before the shooting and then immediately after. He had taken the gun from from Tucker, who picked up some pool balls and left, crossing the railroad. Louis Stratton later came in to retrieve the gun.
Dennis Brooks testified that Paul Dixon tried to pawn Morris Tucker’s watch. Brooks went to Nellie Lee’s house to find out if Tucker had sent him the watch. He found Tucker and Gay in a bedroom arguing over cards. Brooks told them to stop the foolishness.
——
Coroner’s Records, Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
Washington Battle‘s death in 1909 was investigated and ruled the result of exposure.
Coroner’s Records, Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
T.A. Granger’s account of the gruesome accidental death of a man on a Wilmington & Weldon Railroad trestle near Black Creek incidentally reveals the presence of an African-American laborer, an unnamed brakeman who likely was enslaved by the railroad company.
——
State of North Carolina, Wilson County}
The examination of T. A. Granger taken before me A. H. Aycock Coroner of the county aforesaid this 5th day of April 1859 at Black Creek Depot in the county aforesaid upon the body of a man (name unknown) then & there lying dead to wit; The said T. A. Granger maketh oath that he was on the Train going North on the night of April 4th 1859 an the Wilmington & Weldon Rail Road that while crossing Black Creek Trestle work he heard the whistle blow for brakes I amediately Sprung to the brake and locked the brook on the choach I was on Knowing there was something the matter more then common by the the Engineer giving the Signal for Brakes Midway the trestle work after the train was stoped the Engineer in form the conductor that he had killed a man on the truss the Engineer Bagage Master conductor & my self and one of the Brake man (Negro) went back to see if we could find the man after going some hundred yards we found him hanging across the rail his hed was & his arms completely mashed to pieces by the train pasing over him the train was then backed to the place of accident and the body taken on the platform of the Coach and brought to Black Creek and placed on the platform at the depot Sworn to before me the day & year above written T.A. Granger
A.H. Aycock cor
Coroner’s Records, Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
Inquisition over body of Tom Barnes
North Carolina, Wilson County}
The examination of Hilliard Hill, Frank Lipscomb, Bill Barnes and Geo. Barnes taken before the under-signed, Coroner of said county, this the 23rd day of Nov., 1910, in the Grand Jury room, after having viewed the body, upon the body of Tom Barnes, to-wit:
Hilliard Hill, being duly sworn, says: The trouble started at a corn shucking at Jno. Webbs. All had been drinking pretty heavy. I was about drunk. I was talking to Mr. Geo. Barnes and Jim Donnelly was standing around. Tom Barnes walked up and said “What in the hell are you all talking about?” Some one pushed him off and told him to go on. In a few minutes we heard a fuss about forty yards away like some one fussing about to fight. We went to where the fuss was and found Tom Barnes lying down and Jim Donnelly standing over him trying to stamp him, but we stopped him. Tom and Jim went on off, and Tom was cursing. We went back towards house and pretty soon heard pistol fire, and we went where they were and Jim said “Dam it. I had to kill him” or “Dam it, I am about to kill him.” Jim went back towards Mr. Webb’s house. He Tom died in a few moments after he was shot. Tom and Jim were at the corn shucking when I got there. I don’t know whether they had been fussing previously or not. After Tom was shout I saw a pistol in Jim’s hand. Did not see a knife nor pistol before shooting. Jim and Tom were both drinking. Nov. 23rd, 1910 /s/ Hilliard Hill
Frank Lipscomb, being duly sworn says: Tom Barnes and Jim Donnelly got into a dispute about “holloaing” at the corn shucking. Pretty soon we saw some one fighting. We went down there and Tom was down on his face and Jim was trying to get to him again. Jim had a pistol in his hand. I tried to get it away from him, but didn’t get it. I, Bill, Tom Barnes and Hilliard Hill went towards road and Jim was walking along by the side of Tom with pistol by the side of his (Tom’s) head. Jim was cursing Tom. When we got to the road Jim said to Tom “I am a great a mind to kill you any how.” Tom said “If you kill me you will have to do it.” Then Jim said “Don’t you say much to me, if you do I will kill you any how.” Then he stuck the pistol to the side of his Tom Barnes head and shot him. Tom was standing in the road before he was shot with his hands to his side, was not trying to him or cut him. Didn’t see a knife nor pistol in Tom’s hand. Jim Donnelly killed Tom Barnes — I saw him. After Tom fell I started towards Mr. Webb’s and Jim said to me “Don’t you go another but further that way” (and he drew him pistol on me) “if you do I will kill you.” Nov. 23rd, 1910 Frank (X) Lipscomb
Bill Barnes, being duly sworn, says: Tom Barnes is my son. I was on Mr. Webbs portch giving out the “holloa.” Saw two men run down towards stable, and I ran out that way too. Just as I ran out the side gate heard a pistol fire back of stables. When I got down there Tom was down and Jim was trying to stamp him, but didn’t do it — Hilliard Hill pulled him off. Jim had a pistol in his hand and told me not to come on him, waving his pistol towards me. Tom was not shot then. I, Hilliard, Frank, Tom, and Jim started towards road, but I didn’t go to the road. I was about 100 yds. away and heard a pistol shot and saw the light. I went to Tom and he died in about ten minutes. I saw Him going towards Mr. Webbs with his pistol in his hand, and wouldn’t let Hilliard Hill go up to him. Never heard of any fuss between them before. All were pretty full. Nov. 23rd, 1910 /s/ Bill Barnes
Geo. B. Barnes, being duly sworn says: When the “holloaing” was going on Jim Donnelly came to me on the porch and said “I have got to kill Tom to-night.” I tried to get him not to do it, but he said “I am bound to do it.” Didn’t say why he was going to kill him. Pretty soon I heard a pistol fire. For about fifteen minutes heard a second shot and saw light. Nov. 23rd, 1910 /s/ George Barnes
Verdict
We the undersigned Coroner’s jury, find that the deceased, Tom Barnes, came to his death from a pistol wound, said pistol being in the hand of Jim Donnelly, and that the act was premeditated and willful. /s/ J.D. Williams, R.B. Evans, [illegible], W.L. Lucas, J.F. Batts, D.T. Turner, Jurors
Henry B. Best, M.D., Coroner of Wilson Co., Nov. 23rd, 1910.
——
In the 1880 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County, N.C.: farmer Sol Hill, 28; wife Hannah, 24; and sons Hilliard, 6, and William, 2.
On 13 December 1892, Hilliard Hill, 21, of Wilson, son of Solomon Hill and Hannah Hill, married Ada Howell, 16, of Wilson, daughter of Caroline Hall, at the bride’s home in Wilson township. H.S. Edwards applied for the license, and the ceremony took place in the presence of M.L. Phillips, Charlie Neal, and Bettie Sanders.
In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: teamster Hilliard Hill, 24; wife Ada, 18; and daughter Hanah, 1.
In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: planing mill laborer Hilliard Hill, 35; wife Ada, 29; and children Hannah, 11, John, 7, Mildred, 3, and Edwin, 1.
In the 1870 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: carpenter Stephen Lipscomb, 49; wife Mariah, 29; and children Anna, 13, Tilitha, 12, Betha, 12, Frank, 10, Archibald, 8, Penny, 6, and Daniel, 1 month.
In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Frank Lipscomb, 42; wife Roda, 43; and children John, 18, Lizza, 17, Jona, 14, Mariah, 9, and Sarah, 5.
In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Frank Lipscomb, 53; wife Rhoda, 54, laundress; daughter Maria, 20; and grandsons James, 3, and Willie Lipscomb, 3 months, and Rosavell Barnes, 7.
On 10 May 1913, Frank Lipscomb, 55, married Sue Cooper, 28, in Wilson township, Wilson County.
Frank Lipscomb died 5 October 1941 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 80 years old; resided at Wilson County Home; was a widower; was a farmer; and was born in Wilson County to Stephen and Mariah Lipscomb. Johnnie Coley was informant.
Coroner’s Inquests (1910), Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
James Walter Coleman was knocked off a truck running board and into the road, where he was fatally struck by another vehicle. In the darkness, neither Coleman’s family nor occupants of the other vehicle involved immediately understood what had happened. The terrible details came together during a coroner’s inquest. The Colemans’ truck had been badly overloaded, with furniture protruding out over the center line. With his family crammed inside the cab, Coleman was riding on the truck’s running board when an oncoming truck loaded with cabbage slammed into the furniture, pitching Coleman onto the ground and under the wheels of the cabbage truck or the vehicle just behind it.
Wilson Daily Times, 2 April 1930.
In the 1900 census of Bailey township, Nash County, N.C.: John Colman, 28; wife Fanny, 32; and children Adna, 4, Bessie, 4, and James W., 11 months.
In the 1910 census of Dry Wells township, Nash County: farmer John Coleman, 41; wife Fanny, 43; and children Adner, 15, Bessie, 13, James W., 11, Dessie, 9, William, 7, Theodore, 5, Sallie E., 3, and Lincey, 1 month.
In 1918, James Walter Coleman registered for the World War I draft in Nash County. Per his draft registration card, he was born 7 June 1899; lived at Route 1, Middlesex, Nash County; and worked as a farmer for John Coleman, Route 1, Middlesex.
In the 1920 census of Beulah township, Johnston County, N.C., James Coleman, 20, is listed as a fired man/farm laborer.
On 24 August 1921, James W. Coleman, 23, married Johnnie Ann Keys, 19, in Johnston County.
In the 1925 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Coleman, James W lab h 1206 Carolina St
In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Coleman James W (c; Annie) cook h 1204 Carolina St
James Walter Coleman died 1 April 1928. His death certificate gives little hint of the horrific manner of his death.
Clipping courtesy of J. Robert Boykin III.
The initial reporting of Archie McLean‘s terrible death, in addition to being breathlessly gory, tries and convicts his assailant, “a negro from South Carolina” named Bennett Bethea or Bennett McCarroll or Bennett McNeal. Also, note the third paragraph, in which Officer John Walston fired at a man he “thought” was Bethea/McCarroll/McNeal and instead shot a white woman bystander in the thigh. The reporter laconically noted the target “happened to be the wrong negro,” and Mrs. Davis was all right.
Wilson Daily Times, 29 September 1919.
Benny McNeal (as his name turned out to be) remained on the lam for more than two months before surrendering. He claimed self-defense, and witnesses at the inquest backed him up. After fleeing the scene, McNeal had stopped at his mother’s house, then headed south, finding work on a Hoke County farm.
Wilson Daily Times, 10 December 1919.
The grand jury agreed that McNeal had acted in self-defense and refused to indict him. Witnesses testified that McLean had come at McNeal with a piece of scantling (a small section of sawn timber) studded with twenty-penny (four-inch) nails, and McNeal had lashed out with a trench knife that penetrated McLean’s heart.
Wilson Daily Times, 16 December 1919.
——
In 1917, Arch McLean registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born March 1895 in Raleigh, N.C.; lived at 509 Stantonsburg Street; worked as a laborer at W.L. Russell Box Company; and was single. He signed his card with an X.
Archie McClain died 28 September 1919 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born in February 1894 in Wake County, N.C., to John Beckwith and Vicy Jones; was single; lived on Stantonsburg Street; and worked as a wagon driver for a L.&M. [Liggett & Meyers] tobacco factory. Bessie McClain was informant.
“Stabed to Death by a man”