death certificate

Where did they go?: Arkansas death certificates, part 1.
  • Haywood Wesley

Haywood Wesley’s surname was originally Worsley, and he may, in fact, have been born in Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County.

In the 1870 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: farm laborer Elisha Worsley, 25; wife Charity, 22; and sons William, 2, and Haywood, 8 months.

In the 1880 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: farmer Elijah Worsley, 36; wife Charity, 26; and children William, 12, Haywood, 10, John, 9, Mark, 5, Emma, 4, and Henry, 1.

On 2 November 1896, Haywood Westley and Amy Simmons were married in Lafayette County, Arkansas.

In the 1900 census of Brown township, Columbia County, Arkansas: farmer Haywood Wesley, 29; wife Amie, 22; and children W. Henry, 2, and Kaleb, 1.

On 30 March 1905, Haywood Wesley received from the land office at Camden, Arkansas, a 40-acre homestead in the “North East quarter of the South West quarter of Section twenty one of Township nineteen South of Range nineteen West of the Fifth Principal Meridian in Arkansas.”

In the 191o census of Brown township, Columbia County, Arkansas: farmer Haywood Wesley, 44; wife Amie, 34; and children Henry, 13, Caleb, 11, Leona, 6, Viola, 4, and Pharisee, 1.

In the 1920 census of Smackover township, Ouachita County, Arkansas: farmer Haywood Wesley, 50; wife Amie, 44; children Lona, 17, Viola, 14, Pharisee, 12, Mabel, 11, Charity, 7, Elijah, 3, and Annie, 1; and son Henry, 22, and his wife Clyde, 18.

Hayward Wesley died 23 July 1924 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. Per his death certificate, he was born 27 October 1871 in Wilson, N.C., to Lisha Wesley; was married; lived on Dollarway Road; worked as a merchant; and was buried in Wesley Cemetery.

  • George Scarborough Jr.

In the 1900 census of Richwoods township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: George Scarborough, 47; wife Millie, 37; and children Walter, 16, George, 15, Martin, 11, Charity, 8, Council, 8, Ava Mariah, 6, Jessie, 4, Fannie, 2, and Joseph, 11 months. The oldest four children were born in North Carolina.

On 26 November 1906, George Scarborough, 24, of Cobbs, Lonoke County, married Rachel Scarborough, 17, of Cobbs, Lonoke County, in Lonoke County, Arkansas.

George Orange Scarborough registered for the World War I draft in 1918 in Lonoke County. Per his registration card, he was born 25 January 1884; lived on Route 2, Scott township, Lonoke County; farmed for Smith Daniels; and his contact was Rachel Scarborough.

In the 1920 census of Walls township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: on Community Road, George Scarborough, 36; wife Rachel, 30; and children James, 11, Berthrie, 9. Other, 5, Elsie, 3, and Ugine, 21 months.

George Scarborough Jr. died 22 May 1926 in Lonoke County, Arkansas. Per his death certificate, he was born 22 March 1885 in Wilson, N.C., to George Scarborough and Millie [illegible]; was married to Rachel Scarborough; worked as farmer; and was buried in Hickory Grove Cemetery.

  • Elizabeth Daniels and William Henry Daniels Sr.

On 24 December 1879, Henry Daniel, 33, married Elizabeth Lassiter, 24, at E. Lassiter’s in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C.: Henry Daniel, 35; wife Elizabeth, 26; and son Lovejoy, 2.

In the 1900 census of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas: Henry Daniels, 55; Elizabeth, 46; and children William H., 17, Matilda A., 15, Mary J., 13, and Rice B., 7. (The eldest three children were born in N.C.)

In the 1910 census of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas: Henry Daniels, 66, odd jobs laborer; wife Bettie, 57; and children Henry, 27, street laborer, and Matilda, 10.

On 3 March 1912, W.H. Daniel married Willie Floyd in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas.

In the 1920 census of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas: Henry Daniels, 78; wife Elizabeth, 65; daughter Mary Webb, 30; and grandchildren Ulus, 10, Felton, 9, Loise E., 8, and Mary Webb, 3. Next door: W. Henry Daniels, 38; wife Willie, 32; and children Justine, 6, Thurburd, 4, Rosabelle, 3, and Doretha, 7 months.

Lewis Henry Daniels died 30 May 1920 in Pine Bluff. Per his death certificate, he was 79 years old; was married; was born in North Carolina; was “bright” colored [i.e. very light-skinned]; and lived at 500 East 17th Street. W.H. Daniel was informant. The cause of death: “operation of the eye and heart troubles.” Contributing factor: “Old cival war Soldier.”

Elizabeth Daniels died 10 December 1928 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Per her death certificate, she was 74 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C.; and was a widow.

In the 1930 census of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas: William H. Daniels, 56; wife Willie L., 40; and children Justine L., 16, Turland, 14, Rosebell, 12, Doratha, 10, Henry W., 8, Zeratha, 4, Julda V., 3, Floyd, 2, and Eloise, 1.

In the 1940 census of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas: Wm. H. Daniels, 56; wife Willie M., 52; children Dorotha, 19, Wm. Henry Jr., 17, Zereta, 14, Floyd, 13, Eloise, 11, Robert, 9; and father[-in-law] Robert Floyd, 83.

In 1942, William Henry Daniels registered for the World War II draft in Jefferson County, Arkansas. Per his registration, he was born 23 September 1881 in Wilson, N.C.; lived at 506 East 17th, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; his contact was Mrs. Willie F. Daniels; and he worked for Cotton Belt R.R.

William Henry Daniels Sr. died 25 November 1945 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. Per his death certificate, he was born 23 September 1880 in Wilson, N.C., to Lewis Henry Daniels and Elizabeth Lassiter; was married to Willie L. Daniels; and worked as a laborer.

  • D.L. Armstrong

On 2 December 1866, Isaac Armstrong and Laura Armstrong were married in Edgecombe County, N.C.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Isac Armstrong, 30; wife Laura, 24; and children Wiley, 10, Lilly, 8, and Lucy, 4.

In the 1900 census of Portland township, Ashley County, Arkansas: farmer Isaac Armstrong, 50; wife Laura, 47; and children William, 29, David L., 18, Mary B., 11, James G., 13, and Viola, 10. All but Viola were born in N.C.

In the 1910 census of Portland township, Ashley County, Arkansas: farmer Isaac Armstrong, 60; wife Laura, 57; and daughter Viola, 17. Next door: William Armstrong, 41; wife Elnora, 27, plus sister-in-law Rosie Nimmer, 17.

On 16 February 1915, David L. Armstrong, 22, married Maggie Rollend, 18, in Ashley County, Arkansas.

In 1918, David Leslie Armstrong registered for the World War I draft in Jefferson County, Arkansas. Per his registration card, he was born 18 May 1882; lived in Pine Bluff, Arkansas; worked as a boilermaker helper for Cotton Belt Railway; and his nearest relative was Maggie Armstrong.

In the 1920 census of Portland township, Ashley County, Arkansas: farmer Isaac Armstrong, 74, and wife Laura, 67. Next door: William Armstrong, 50; wife Elnora, 35; and children James D., 8, Isaac and Inez, 6, Simmie, 4, and Percy, 1.

In the 1920 census of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas: David Armstrong, 38, car shops laborer; wife Maggie, 32; and children Casseitty, 12, Dorothy, 10, Laura, 8, Willie, 6, Leonard, 3, and Nettie, 5 months.

Isaac Armstrong died 24 March 1926 in Portland township, Ashley County, Arkansas. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1876 [sic] in North Carolina to Fremon[?] Armstrong and Violet Brizle; was married; and worked as a farmer.

D.L. Armstrong died 25 February 1930 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. Per his death certificate, he was 47 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Isaac Armstrong and Laura Armstrong; was married to Maggie Armstrong; lived at 2206 Reed Street; and worked as a laborer.

  • Dora Barnes

Per her death certificate, Dora Barnes was born in Alabama, perhaps as her parents migrated from Wilson County to a new home in Arkansas.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Sherod Barnes, 67, and children Rosa A., 22, Shepard, 17, Harry, 15, Warren, 13, Harriet, 10, Haywood, 6, and Hec Barnes, 19.

On 23 December 1883, Warren Barnes, 23, married Delaney Ann Ruffin, 18, in Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Owen township, Saline County, Arkansas: farm laborer Warren Barnes, 45; wife Anna, 34; and children William, 15, Dora, 14, Mary, 12, John, 10, Adline, 8, Ida, 7, Joda, 5, Carrie, 4, Lula, 1, and Walter, 5 months.

In the 1910 census of Live Oak township, Drew County, Arkansas: Warren Barnes,

Dora Barnes died 7 March 1914 in Winchester, Live Oak township, Drew County, Arkansas. Per her death certificate, she was 28 years old; was born in Alabama to Warren Barnes of Wilson County, N.C., and Annie Ruffins of North Carolina; and was single.

In the 1920 census of Live Oak township, Drew County, Arkansas: Warren Barnes, 60; wife Annie, 55; and daughters Mary, 30, Betta, 12, Artea, 10, and Ottea, 9. (Warren, Annie, and Mary were born in N.C.) Next door: John Barnes, 30; wife Marie, 30; and children Hermon, 9, Walter, 7, Carrie, 5, Jenneta, 3, and Lillian, 1. (John and Marie were born in N.C.)

Warren Barnes died 19 September 1937 in Winchester, Live Oak township, Drew County, Arkansas. Per his death certificate, he was born 20 November 1860 in North Carolina to Isia Barnes; was married to Annie Barnes; and was a farmer.

  • William Davis

In 1869, Stephen Moore, son of Stephen and Jinsy Moore, married Rhoda Anderson, daughter of Lee and Olif Anderson, in Wilson County, North Carolina.

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

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

On 27 December 1899, John Davis and Nellie Moore married in Ashley County, Arkansas.

In the 1900 census of Portland township, Ashley County, Arkansas: farmer John Davis, 24, and wife Nellie, 23.

In the 1910 census of Portland township, Ashley County, Arkansas: farmer John Davis, 37; wife Nellie, 34; and children Lucy, 15, Lenard, 7, Johnny Jr., 4, Janie, 5, Jesse, 2, and Roda, 5 months. The parents were born in N.C., the first four children in Louisiana, and the last two in Arkansas.

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

William Davis died 19 November 1926 in Portland township, Ashley County, Arkansas. Per his death certificate, he was born 6 January 1903 in Monroe, Louisiana, to John Davis and Nellie Moore, both of Wilson, North Carolina.

Lucille Caldwell died 4 April 1980 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Per her death certificate, she was born 21 November 1891 in Louisiana to John Davis and Nellie Moore; was widowed; had worked as a nurse’s aide; and was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Where did they go?: Washington obituaries.
  • Georgia Jiles

In the 1880 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: Wesley Tayborne, 30; wife Madora, 23; and Martha, 6 months.

The Taborns joined the exodus to Arkansas circa 1891, settling in Saint Francis County,

In the 1900 census of Telico township, Saint Francis County, Arkansas: Wesley Taborn, 47; wife Dora, 43; children Henrietta, 20, Arnie, 18, Lula, 16, Claudia, 13, Georanna, 10, Hattie, 7, and Walter, 1; and boarder Robert Lucas, 46. All were born in North Carolina except Hattie and Walter, who were born in Arkansas.

In the 1920 census of Wynne township, Cross County, Arkansas: Arlie Taborne, 45; sister Gergia, 24; daughter Hattie, 22; daughter Grattice, 2; son Herman, 2; and uncle Robert Lucas, 63. The two children were born in Arkansas; everyone else in North Carolina.

1939 Seattle, Washington city directory.

The Northwest Enterprise (Seattle, Wash.), 6 January 1940.

In the 1940 census of Seattle, King County, Washington: at 1534 – 23rd Avenue, widow Hattie B. Lewis, 43; son Herman L. Lewis, 22; sister Georgia Jiles, 45; nephew Grattis T. Scott, 22; niece Alberta Morrow, 23; and nephew Millard Morrow, 23. All but the Morrows reported they had been in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1935.

Georgia Jiles died 10 February 1956 in Seattle, King County, Washington. Per her death certificate, she was born 20 October 1896 in Wilson, N.C., to Westley Taborn and Dora Jones; was a widow; lived at 1615 – 20th Avenue; and was buried in Washelli Cemetery.

  • Mancie Gaston

In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.

In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.

In 1917, Mancie Gaston registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 10 June 1892 in Elm City; lived in Elm City; worked as a barber for G.A. Gaston; and was single.

World War I service card for Mancie Gaston.

1922 Wilson, N.C., city directory.

Dewey Gaston, 23, son of George and Priscilla Gaston, married Mary B. Howard, 24, daughter of Mary E. Darden, on 8 March 1923 in Tarboro, Edgecombe County. Witnesses were Mancie Gaston and Fannie F. Ricks of Elm City.

Around 1930, Gaston headed west, living briefly in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before moving on to Reno, Nevada.

1931 Albuquerque, New Mexico, city directory.

In the 27 October 1932 edition of the Reno Evening Gazette, Mancie Gaston was listed as a registered voter in Washoe County, Nevada. He spent an eventful few years in the state before relocating to Seattle, Washington.

Reno Evening Gazette, 25 January 1933.

Nevada State Journal (Reno, Nev.), 4 February 1936.

In the 1940 census of Seattle, King County, Washington: at 121 Maynard Avenue [a single-room occupancy dwelling], Mancie Gaston, 47, W.P.A. laborer.

In 1942, Mancie Gaston registered for the World War II draft in Seattle. Per his registration card, he was born 10 June 1892 in Elm City, North Carolina; lived at 413 1/2 Maynard Avenue, Seattle; and worked for I.D. Dudley [white barber Isaac D. Dudley], 609 Jackson, Seattle.

At the time he registered for the draft, Gaston lived in Seattle’s Chinatown. This 12 May 1941 photo, courtesy of the Seattle Times Archives, depicts a funeral procession in the block of Maynard, between Jackson and King, that he lived in.

In the 9 June 1943 issue of The Northwest Enterprise, Mancie Gaston is listed as a paid member during a N.A.A.C.P. membership drive.

Mancie Gaston died 7 August 1946 in Seattle, King County, Washington. Per his death certificate, he was born 10 June 1892 in Elm City, N.C., to George Gaston and Priscilla Mercer; lived at 613 1/2 Jackson Street; was a widower; worked as a barber; was a veteran; and was returned to Elm City for burial.

Where did they go?: Missouri death certificates.
  • Wright C. Blount

In the 1870 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Calvin Blount, 35; John Bantler, 23, born in South Carolina, and sons Dick, 12, Tillman, 10, Frank, 6, Wright, 7, and William, 4.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Calvin Blount, 44, wife Emily, 48, and sons Wright, 17, William, 14, and Franklin, 16.

In the 1887 Saint Louis, Missouri, city directory: Blount Wright, servant, r. al. rear 2212 Franklin

Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, 22 August 1889.

In the 1889 Saint Louis, Missouri, city directory: Blount Wright, lab. r. 5 N. Ewing av.

On 19 December 1889, W.C. Blount married Lula C. Wright in Saint Clair County, Illinois.

Saint Louis, Missouri, city directory (1895.)

Eldredge Lucina Blount was born 24 June 1895 in Saint Louis to Wright C. Blount and Lulu Wright.

In the 1900 census of Saint Louis, Missouri: at 116 1/2 Leonard Avenue, Wright Blount, 33, day laborer; wife Lula, about 30; and children Norma, 10, Alta, 8, Eldridge, 4, and Josephine, 2.

In the 1901 Saint Louis, Missouri, city directory: Blount Wright, lab. r. 116A S Leonard av

In the 1908 Saint Louis, Missouri, city directory: Blount Wright, porter. r. 318 S Compton av

In the 1910 census of Saint Louis, Missouri: at 2915 Lawton, Wright C. Blount, 46, jobber; wife Loden, 28, working out; and children Attie, 20, laundress, Eldrage, 13, Josephine, 11, and Nick, 6.

In the 1917 Saint Louis, Missouri, city directory: Blount Wright, janitor. r. 3439 Lawton av

Saint Louis Argus, 7 December 1917.

In the 1920 census of Saint Louis, Missouri: Lula Blunt, 45; children Josephine Mosby, 20, and Eldridge, 24, Melvin, 16, and Alto Blount, 26; and grandchildren Helen, 4, and Ester Mosby, 2. [Lula was described as a widow.]

In the 1930 census of Mermen township, Saint Louis County, Missouri: Lulu Wright, 60, servant, with Katherine Logan. [Again, Lula was described as a widow.]

Wright Blount died 15 July 1936 in Saint Louis, Missouri. Per his death certificate, he was about 74 years old; was born in North Carolina to Calvin Blount; was the widower of Lula Blount; and had worked as a common laborer. Josephine Mosley was informant.

Eldredge Blount died 11 June 1969 in Saint Louis. Per her death certificate, she was born 24 September 1898 in Saint Louis to Wright Blount and Lula Wright; never married; and worked as a domestic. Josephine Mosby of Cleveland, Ohio, was informant.

  • Henry Artis

Though his death certificate lists Wilson County, North Carolina, other records point to Wayne County, North Carolina, as Henry Artis’ birthplace. His family migrated to Mississippi around 1890 and then on to Missouri.

In the 1850 census of the North Side of the Neuse, Wayne County: in the household of white farmer Burkett Barnes, four free children of color, Henry, 15, Duncan, 13, Leonard, 10, and Ashberry Artice, 7.

On 9 September 1862, Leonard Artis and Pernicy Hagans were married in Wayne County.

In the 1870 census of Pikeville township, Wayne County: Leonard Artice, 34; wife Pearcy, 23; and children Diza, 8, John, 7, Lousar, 6, Larrance, 2, and Wiley J., 4 months.

In the 1880 census of Pikeville township, Wayne County: Leonard Artice, 43; wife Demecia, 35; children John W., 16, Loudy, 13, Wiley J., 10, Hubard A., 6, Frances, 4, Martha A., 3, and Hattie, 1; and niece Dizer, 16.

In the 1900 census of Glen Allen township, Washington County, Mississippi: Lenord Artis, 67; wife Pernicy, 54; children Henry G., 16, Calvin, 19, and Adam and Addie, 12; grandchildren Elnora, 6, and Lupattie, 4; and niece Pearl G. Miller, 8. (All but the youngest three were born in North Carolina.)

In the 1930 census of Saint Louis, Missouri: Henry Artisy, 35, steel plant laborer, and wife Lula, 34, roomers in household of Albert L. England.

In the 1940 census of Saint Louis, Missouri: Henry Artis, 50, W.P.A. power plant laborer; wife Lula, 48; and brother Addie, 46.

In 1940, Henry Artis registered for the World War II draft in Saint Louis. Per his registration card, he was born 12 March 1890 in Goldsboro, N.C.; lived at 2613 Delmar Street; and his contact was Lulu Artis.

Henry Artis died 10 February 1943 in Saint Louis, Missouri. Per his death certificate, he was born 12 March 1899 in Wilson County, N.C., to Lenard Artis and Neice Higgins; and worked as a wholesale drug company porter.

In the 1950 census of Caruthersville, Pemiscot County, Missouri: Addie Artis, 64, widower.

Addie Artice died 22 February 1958 in Hayti, Pemiscot County, Missouri. Per his death certificate, he was born 4 April 1885 in North Carolina to Leonard Artice and Pernecia [no maiden name]; was a widower; worked as a laborer.

Where did they go?: Pennsylvania death certificates, no. 9.

The ninth in a series — Pennsylvania death certificates for Wilson County natives:

  • Clifton Brown

Four-month-old Clifton Brown apparently died within months of his parents’ migration to Philadelphia.

  • Marie Fordham

  • Samuel Parker

  • Geraldine Woods

  • Luberta Thompson

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street, Henderson Adams, 23, woodyard sawyer; wife Lue, 20, factory laborer; and daughter Berta, 3.

In 1917, Henderson Adams registered for the World War I draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his registration card, he was born 24 January 1888 in Wilson; lived at 1548 South Capitol Street, Philadelphia; worked as a laborer for Baugh & Son, Front and Morris Streets; and supported a wife and two children.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Simon Sander, 40, painter; wife Louis[e], 39; and stepdaughter Luberta Adams, 22, factory stripper.

In 1931, Albert Thompson and Luberta Adams were married in Philadelphia.

In the 1940 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: at 2055 Gerritt Street, Allen Thompson, 36, W.P.A. project foreman, and wife Loberta, 30.

Where did they go?: Pennsylvania death certificates, no. 8.

The eighth in a series — Pennsylvania death certificates for Wilson County natives:

  • Amanda Merritt

In the 1870 census of Upper Conetoe township, Edgecombe County, N.C.: Salomon Merritt, 18, farm laborer.

In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County, N.C.: laborer Solomon Merritt, 24; wife Amanda, 23; and Robert, 1.

In the 1900 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1326 Wood Street, hostler Solomon Merritt, 39; wife Amanda, 40; and sons Robert, 20, and Kinney, 16, all born in North Carolina.

1918 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, city directory.

In the 1920 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 951 Jessup Street, Amanda Merritt, 57, keeper of lodging house; nephew Earl J. Lane, 18, railroad station elevator operator; niece Nanie Kearney, 18, servant; boarder Lloyd J. Ross, 8; and lodgers Clifford Holtz, 26, lathe machinist at steel works; and Anner Butler, 22, restaurant cook.

Solomon Merritt died 10 April 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was 61 years old; was born in North Carolina; was married to Amanda Merritt; and worked as a driver.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 112 North 59th Street, widow Amanda Merritt, 65; granddaughter Dorthy Maller, 17; Clarence Miller, 23, grandson-in-law; granddaughter Reba Merritt, 12; great-grandson Clarence Miller, Jr.,

In the 1940 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: widow Lulu Langford, 49; granddaughter Lulu Rucker, 16; and lodger Emanda Merritt, 83.

Amanda Merritt died 29 January 1942 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was born 1 May 1860 in Wilson to Clarssie Taylor; was a widow; and lived at 1604 Seybert Street.

  • Hattie Smith

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Stephens Smith, 40; wife Hattie, 31; and children Essie, 13, Bertie, 7, Mary, 2, and Marvin, 4 months.

In the 1930 census of Enfield township, Halifax County, N.C.: Stephen Smith, 60; wife Hattie, 38; and children Mary L., 12, Marvin, 10, Annie B., 8, Hattie B., 5, and Dorsey L. Smith, 5 months.

Hattie Smith died 24 May 1937 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was 52 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to William Porter and Louisa Barnes; was married; lived at 611 North 36th Street; and was a housewife. S.B. Smith was informant. [In fact, per census records, Hattie Smith was born in Georgia.]

  • Emma Bunn

In the 1870 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Hilliard Ellis, 43; wife Feribee, 40; and children Caroline, 16, William, 14, George, 11, Emily, 9, Hilliard, 6, Mary H., 4, and Warren, 8 months.

On 8 April 1880, Joshua Bunn, 21, married Emma Hill, 19, in Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Joshua Bunn, 40; wife Emma, 37; daughter Hattie T., 22; son-in-law James Thorpe, 22; lodgers Bettie Lucas, 21, and Calonia Lane, 19; adopted daughter Nora Bunn, 8.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1819 Van Pelt Street, owned and valued at $1800, Emma Bunn, 65; daughter Hattie Stevens, 46; son-in-law Samuel, 46, laborer for City of Philadelphia; grandchildren Walter, 12, and Joseph Stevens, 6; and several roomers.

  • Theodosia Parker

In the 1910 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1735 Woodstock Street, Henry Parker, 37; wife Charity, 34; and children Leon, 12, and Theodosia, 9; four lodgers; and boarder Samuel Parker, 27. All the Parkers were born in North Carolina.

Theodosia Parker died 31 March 1918 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was 17 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Henderson Parker and Charity Hunter; lived at 1911 Montgomery Avenue; was a school girl; and was buried in Elm City, N.C.

  • Etta E. Logan

In the 1920 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 922 South 17th Street, widow Martha Roundtree, 42, restaurant cook, and daughter Etta Logan, 22.

Etta E. Logan died 17 August 1920 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1895 in Wilson, N.C., to Windsor [no surname listed] and Martha Daniel; lived to 922 South 17th Street; and was married. Joseph L. Logan was informant.

Where did they go?: Illinois death certificates, part 2.
  • Joseph J. Powell

Joseph J. Powell died 14 June 1925 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was about 55 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Rosie Horton; was an unemployed waiter; and was married to Julia Powell.

In the 1900 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 1912 Dearborn Street, hotel waiter Joseph Powell, 30, and wife Julia, 24.

In the 1910 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 4717 Dearborn Street, restaurant waiter Joseph Powell, 40, and wife Julia, 30, plus boarders.

  • George Williams

George Williams died 18 December 1938 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was born in Wilson, N.C.; was single; and was a foundry laborer.

  • Archie Woodard

Archie Woodard died 19 March 1936 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was born 25 April 1873 in Wilson, N.C., to Marshall Woodard; was married; and worked as a janitor.

  • Addie Wynn

Addie Wynn died 11 December 1919 in Chicago, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was born 18 November 1889 in Wilson, N.C., to Gid Richardson and Mildred Moore and was married to Ernest Winn.

In the 1900 census of Mannings township, Nash County: Gid Richardson, 44; wife Milbra, 30; and children Joshua, 8, John, 3, and Mary, 5 months.

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Mildred Richardson, 37, widow, and daughters Addie, 10, and Gertrude, 8.

On 12 September 1915, Ernest Wynn, 21, of Wilson, married Ada May Richardson, 18, in Wilson. Missionary Baptist minister A.L.E. Weeks performed the ceremony in the presence of J.L. Brooks, Lizzie Whitfield, and Lorena Gregg.

Ernest Richard Wynn was born in Wilson in 1916 to Ernest Wynn and Addie M. Richardson.

Jesse Willard Wynn was born in Wilson in 1917 to Ernest Wynn and Addie M. Richardson.

  • William H. Armstrong

William H. Armstrong died 28 January 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was born 20 August 1877 in Wilson, N.C., to Jac Armstrong and Elver Sharp; worked as a laborer; was married to Sallie; and was buried in Coahoma, Mississippi.

Mattie L. Robinson died 12 March 1921 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was born 16 September 1884 in Wilson, N.C., to Henry Ward and Sallie Forbes and was married to J.W. Robinson.

Where did they go?: Illinois death certificates, part 1.

These death certificates suggest that most pre-Great Migration migrants from Wilson County to Chicago had spent a decade or two in Lower Mississippi Valley states.

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  • Nathan Fields

Nathan Fields died 7 June 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was 63 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Nathan Fields Sr.; worked as laborer; and was buried in Wilson.

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In the 1920 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 3857 State Street, Fountain Thurman, 51, apartment janitor, and roomer Nathan P. Fields, 53, packing company laborer.

  • Samuel Ellis

Samuel Ellis died 19 December 1943 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was about 67 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Wisdom Ellis; was married to Nancy; and worked as a junker.

——

On 4 February 1888, Wisdom Ellis, 46, son of Strickmore and Jane Ellis, married Mima Fields, 47, daughter of Rachel Fields, at Wisdom Ellis’ house in Wilson. Free Will Baptist minister Solomon Arrington performed the ceremony.

In the 1940 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 4104 Wabash, Samuel Ellis, 64, born in N.C.; wife Nancy, 42, born in Mississippi; and three lodgers.

  • Babe James

Babe James died 16 March 1932 in Chicago, Illinois. Per his death certificate, he was 49 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Berry James; was married to Annie; and worked as a building wrecker.

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In the 1930 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 1619 Ashland, owned and valued at $4000, Babe James, 45, born in S.C.; wife Annie, 39, born in Georgia; and children Lurenda, 15, and John, 13, both born in Florida.

  • Ida James

Ida James died 2 August 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was 37 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Ned and Beedee Scarborough of Wilson; was married to Henry; and was a housewife.

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In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Ned Scarborough, 23; wife Obedience, 18; and children Rufus, 3, and Ida, 1.

In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: laborer Ned Scarboro, 35; wife Bedie, 27; and children Rufus, 14, Lida, 11, Jinnie, 8, Polly, 6, Martha, 3, and Penny, 1.

  • Arthur Tart

Arthur Tart died 17 December 1928 in Chicago, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was born 29 June 1891 in Wilson, N.C., to John Tart of Wilson, N.C.; and was married to Carneelia.

——

In the 1917, Arthur Tart registered for the World War I draft in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Per her registration card, he was born 29 July 1892 in Wilson, N.C.; lived in DeQuincy, Louisiana; worked as a brakeman for Gulf Coast Line R.R.; and had a wife and child.

In the 1920 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 2558 Park Avenue, Arthur Tart, 28, car shop laborer, born in N.C.; wife Cornelia, 30, sewing, born in Mississippi; and daughter Genieve, 8, born in Mississippi.

Lucile Tart was born 17 September 1921 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, to Arthur Tart, born about 1891, and Cornelia Tart, born about 1890.

Vivian Arthur May Tart was born 23 November 1922 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, to Arthur Tart, born 1889 in Wilson, N.C., and Cornelia Campbell, born 1889 in Jackson, Mississippi.

In the 1930 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: at 2713 Fulton Street, widow Cornelia Tart, 40, and children Geneva, 18, Lucile, 8, Vivian, 7, Arthur, 5, David, 4, and Beatric, 1. The five younger children were born in Illinois.

  • Jessie Taylor

Jessie Taylor died 15 August 1939 in Bremen township, Cook County, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was born 30 September 1903 in Wilson, N.C., to a father whose last name was Taylor and a mother whose last name was Bailey; and was the widow of a Taylor.

  • Mary Minor

Mary Minor died 4 June 1943 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was born about 1875 in Wilson, N.C., to Louis Barnes; and was the widow of Mose Minor.

——

On 27 April 1897, Mary Lester, 24, married Moses Minor, 27, in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas.

In the 1900 census of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas: fisherman Moses Minor, 33; wife Mary, 28; and son Isom, 7 months.

Pine Bluff Daily Graphic, 13 May 1904.

In the 1920 census of Kimbrough township, Lincoln County, Arkansas: farmer Mose Minor, 55; wife Mary, 48; and children Roberta, 15, Rosa, 10, Mose Jr., 13, and Joseph, 9. All were born in Arkansas except Mary, who was born in North Carolina.

Illinois Deaths and Sillbirths Index 1916-1947, http://www.ancestry.com.

Where did they go?: Washington, D.C., death certificates.

Washington, D.C., was a popular destination for eastern North Carolina migrants. These death certificates primarily record deaths of African-Americans who left Wilson County before the Great Migration.

  • William Anderson Pridgeon

William Anderson Pridgeon died 26 June 1896 in Washington, D.C., at 73 H Street N.E. Per his death certificate, he was ten months old; colored; born in Wilson, North Carolina; had lived in Washington, D.C., for two weeks; and both his parents were born in North Carolina.

  • George Barnes

George Barnes died 17 November 1906 in Washington, D.C., at Washington Asylum Hospital. Per his death certificate, he was 30 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C. to parents born in Wilson; was married; and worked as a laborer.

  • Eva Vailes

Eva Vailes died 4 March 1918 in Washington, D.C., at 1116 Minnesota Avenue, N.E. Per her death certificate, she was 4 years, 2 months, 3 days old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to parents born in Wayne County and Wilson County, N.C.; and had lived in Washington for 18 months.

  • James H. Ellis

James H. Ellis died 17 March 1919 in Washington, D.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 30 April 1869 in Wilson, N.C., to Bob Ellis; was married to Emma Ellis; lived at 1331 You Street, N.W.; worked as a barber; and was buried in Harmony Cemetery. Mother-in-law Mollie Huff was informant.

In the 1915 Washington, D.C., city directory: Ellis Jas H barber 901 U St h 905 U St

  • Sarah Best Young

Sarah Young died 25 February 1923 in Washington, D.C. Per her death certificate, she was 28 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Daniel Best; lived at 1027 Fourth Street, N.W.; was married to Henry Young; had lived in D.C. two years; and was buried in Wilson, N.C. [probably, in Vick Cemetery.]

  • Joe Perry

Joe Perry died 23 April 1924 in Washington, D.C., at Freedmen’s Hospital. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1905 in Wilson, N.C., to Edward Perry and Nancy Smith; worked as a elevator operator; was single; had lived in D.C. 19 years; and was removed to the Anatomical Board.

  • Alexander Moore

Alexander Moore died 18 February 1930 in Washington, D.C., in Freedmen’s Hospital. Per his death certificate, he was 42 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Lawrence Moore and Vina [no maiden name]; lived in Fairmount Heights, Maryland; was a widower; was an ex-soldier; and was buried in Baltimore, Maryland. Informant was sister Delia Moore, Baltimore.

On 23 January 1873, Lawrence Moore, 30, married Vina Moore, 25, in Wilson County. “Col’d minister” London Johnson performed the ceremony.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Lawrence Moore, 38; wife Viny, 25; and children Lee, 16, Nellie, 13, Esther and Delah Ann, 10, John, 7, David, 5, and Austin, 2.

In the 1900 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Lawrence Moore, 50, widower, and children Branie, 20, Joseph, 12, Alexandrie, 8, and Charlie, 6.

On 5 July 1913, Delia Moore, 30, born in North Carolina to Lawrence and Venie Moore, married Amos D. Moore, 31, born in North Carolina to Anthony and Mary Moore, in Danville, Virginia.

Washington, District of Columbia, Death Certificates 1874-1931, http://www.ancestry.com

Buried at the schoolhouse?

When 17 month-old John Jones Jr. died of malaria and meningitis in 1916, he was buried at “Jones Schoolhouse.”

Jones Schoolhouse? Was there a cemetery at Jones Hill School? Or was this the cemetery for Jones Hill Primitive Baptist Church, which was close by the school?

John Jones’ father William Anderson Jones was the son of Nathan and Joanna Jones and grandson of Joseph and Zilla Locus Jones, and thus a member of the large extended Jones family with roots as free people of color in Nash County. Many are buried in the Jones Hill cemetery, which seems the most likely location for this baby’s grave. (Another of William and Amanda Rowe Jones’ children — William Thomas Jones — was buried in New Vester church cemetery in 1915, as was Amanda Jones after her death in Wake County in 1927.)

The death of little Isaac Bridges.

Three year-old Isaac Bridges died of kidney disease on 7 April 1895 in Kenton County, Kentucky. Per his death certificate, he was born in Wilson, North Carolina, to Esta Bridges and Andrew Bardon; had lived [in Covington] for one year; lived in Ellison House; and was buried in Linden Grove Cemetery.

Isaac’s mother Esther Bridges died of tuberculosis on 1 July 1895 in Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Covington, Kentucky. Her age was birthplace were unknown; she was a widow; she worked as a domestic; and was buried in Linden Grove.