Wilson Daily Times, 17 December 1938.
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Deed Book 66, page 489. Wilson County Register of Deeds, Wilson.
In December 1903, Henry Dupree borrowed $100 from his neighbor Calvin Blount. He secured the loan with a mortgage on the quarter acre piece of land he owned “east of and off of the road leading from the town of Wilson, to William Bynum’s in the southeast suburbs of the town of Wilson … south of a path or lane leading to the colored cemetery from said road ….”
The “colored cemetery,” of course, was Oakdale.
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In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Stantonsburg Road, farm laborer Henry Dupree, 34, and wife Ellar, 38.
Wilson, N.C., city directory (1912).
Henry Dupree registered for the World War I draft in 1918 in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 3 December 1873; lived in Bynum Lane, Wilson; farmed “for self” “with D.C. Sugg“; and his nearest relative was wife Ella Dupree.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Railroad Street, Henry Dupree, 44; wife Ella, 47; granddaughter Ella Faison, 13; and nephew Issac Thigpen, 22.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widower Henry Dupree, 68, farm laborer, and lodgers David Brewington, 80, Issac Thigpen, 40, and David Faison, 19, public service laborer.
In 1942, Davis Faison registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 24 November 1921 in Wilson; lived at 606 South Blount Street; his contact was Henry Dupree, 606 South Blount Street; and he worked for L. Arner Junk Shop, Jones and Railroad Streets, Wilson.
Henry Dupree died 18 April 1956 in Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 2 December 1881 in North Carolina to Celie Dupree; lived at 610 Blount Street; was separated from wife Bessie Dupree; and worked as a farmer. Dave Faison was informant.
News and Record (Greensboro, N.C.), 6 October 1922.
As promised, this follow-up to the extraordinary referee’s report recommending distribution of Harriet Barnes’ estate provides information about her family and others mentioned in the document.
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I have found no independent documentation of Edna Bynum’s life, but see the entries for her daughters Harriet and Mary, below.
This is puzzling. The referee’s report states that Edna Bynum was enslaved by Elizabeth “Betsie” Bynum “or her husband,” but Betsie Bynum never married, and, also contrary to the referee’s report, Robert E. Bynum was not her son. He was the son of Joseph J. Bynum and Betsie Bynum’s sister Susan Bynum Bynum.
The Morning Post (Raleigh, N.C.), 23 December 1903.
I had assumed that Wilkinson (or Wilkerson) was the surname of Harriet Barnes’ previous husband, and she shared her siblings’ Bynum name. However, her death certificate lists her and her parents’ surname as Wilkins, and her sister Mary’s marriage license lists her maiden name as Wilkinson. See below.
On 3 November 1903, Hattie Wilkins, 51, of Wilson, married Austin Barnes, 54, of Edgcombe County, son of James and E. Sharp, in Wilson. Primitive Baptist elder Jonah Williams performed the ceremony in the presence of E.L. Reid, B.F. Barnes, and Louis Pitt.
In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: brickyard laborer Austin Barnes, 60; wife Harriett, 60, laundress; and grandson Frank, 10.
Harriett Barnes died 18 November 1916 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was about 62 years old; was born in Wilson County to Sam Wilkins and Edna Wilkins; was married; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] Austin Barnes was informant.
In the 1908, 1912, and 1916 Wilson city directories, Austin Barnes is listed as a laborer at 631 E Green
In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: brickyard laborer Austin Barnes, 60; wife Harriett, 60, laundress; and grandson Frank, 10.
Harriet Barnes bought her lot on Green Street on 15 January 1894 from George D. Green and wife and S.H. Vick and wife Annie M. Washington Vick. As noted in the referee’s report, the land was described as “that certain lot or parcel of land lying and being situate in the Town of Wilson, Wilson County, North Carolina, on the eastern extension of Green Street adjoining the lands of Owen Bess (in 1894) and others, and is bounded as follows: Beginning at a stake in the corner of Green and Elba Streets; thence with said Green Street 50 feet East; thence South 70 yards; thence West 50 feet to Elba Street; then with Elba Street 70 yards to the beginning, containing one-fourth of an acre, more or less, and being the same lot of land conveyed by George D. Green and others to Harriet Wilkerson (at the time of her death Harriet Barnes), by deed recorded in Book 35, page 429, Wilson County Registry, to which deed reference is made for a more definite description.”
Harriet Barnes’ Green Street property was numbered 631, then 702. The legal description is a little odd, as Elba Street ends in a T at Green Street, and this property is across Green from the opening of Elba. The house, which Harriet Barnes likely built, is still standing and in decent shape, but boarded up. Pushing its construction date back several years from 1913 makes it one of the oldest houses in East Wilson historic district.
Detail from 1922 Sanborn fire insurance map of Wilson, N.C., showing 702 East Green Street, formerly 631.
In 1872, Jerry Edmundson married Zillah Barnes in Wayne County.
In the 1880 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County, N.C.: Jerry Edmundson, 25, farmer; wife Zilla, 22; and sons Bunk, 6, and Mordecia, 3.
In the 1900 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Jerry Edmundson, 52; wife Zilla, 47; and son Mordica, 21.
On 11 July 1901, George H. Edmundson, porter, born 10 April 1877 in North Carolina, married Maggie Colbert, born 20 April 1877 in Virginia, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In the 1910 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Jerry Edmundson, 59, and wife Zilla, 53.
In the 1910 census of Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York: servants Maggie Edmundson, 35, born in Virginia, and George Edmundson, 36, born in North Carolina.
In the 1916 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Edmundson George H porter Oettinger’s h 544 E Nash
In 1918, George Howard Edmundson registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 12 April 1876; lived at 631 East Green Street; worked as a porter for Oettinger Department Store, Wilson; and his contact was Maggie V. Edmundson.
In the 1920 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County, N.C.: farmer Geo. H. Edmundson, 43, and wife Maggie, 42. Also, farmer Jerry Edmundson, 68, and wife Zella, 63.
Jerry Edmundson died 3 February 1927 in Micro township, Johnston County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 1848 in Wayne County to Jerry Edmundson and Mahala Ruffin; was a widower; was a farmer; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] G.H. Edmundson, Micro, was informant.
In March 1927, G.H. Edmundson applied for letters of administration for the estate of Jerry Edmundson in Johnston County, N.C. The younger man was the sole heir and estimated his father’s estate at $3000.
In the 1940 census of Micro township, Johnson County: farm propietor George Edmunson, 64, and wife Maggie, 55.
Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory (1947).
In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Edmundson Geo H (c; Maggie) h 702 Green
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 702 Green, George Edmundson, 73, and wife Maggie, 72.
George Howard Edmundson died 9 May 1950 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 19 April 1876 in Wayne County to Jerry Edmundson and Zilla [no maiden name]; lived at 702 East Green Street; worked in farming; and was buried in the Masonic cemetery. Maggie Edmundson was informant.
Maggie V. Edmundson died 2 June 1966 in Staunton, Virginia. Per her death certificate, she was 89 years old; was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, to Brown Colbert and Mary Louisa Bush; was retired; and was the widow of George Edmundson.
In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farm laborer George Bynum, 32; wife Feribee, 24; children Blunt, 8, Mary, 4, and Mariah, 1; Charlotte Lewis, 20, and Thomas Lewis, 9 months.
In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer George Bynum, 43; wife Aggie, 40; and children Blunt, 19, Mary, 16, Mariar, 12, and Joshua G.W., 3.
On 30 July 1890, George Bynum, 52, of Saratoga township, married Allie Bynum, 48, of Saratoga township, in Saratoga. Rev. Thomas H. Moore performed the ceremony in the presence of J.H. Bynum, Andrew Eason, and Pate Bynum.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer George Bynum, 65; wife Ally, 63; and son Joshua, 23.
In the 1920 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer George Bynum, 82, widower, and daughter Mariah, 50.
Mary Eason died 17 October 1939 at Nathan Duncan’s in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1867 in Wilson County to George Bynum and Farbia Ward; and was the widow of Jarry Eason.
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 [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.
On 9 August 1877, Lewis Bynum, 40, married Jane Bynum, 40, in Saratoga township, Wilson County.
In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: carpenter Lewis Bynum, 50; wife Jane, 47; children Renny, 15, Scott, 17, Pet, 14, Belle, 12, Charley, 10, and Tedy, 8; and granddaughter Nella, 2 months.
On 30 January 1878, Lawrence Bynum, 23, married Edney Bynum, 16, in Wilson County. Lydia Bynum, James Ellis, and Millie Corbett were witnesses.
In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: laborer Larence Bynum, 24; wife Edney, 19; children James, 1, and Mary J., 1 month; mother-in-law Liddie, 55; brother Isac, 22, and sister-in-law Anna, 17.
In the 1900 census of Richwoods township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: Lawrence Bynum, 55; wife Edna, 39; children Ed, 25, Mary, 19, Charlie, 17, Hattie, 16, Rachel, 9, Lewis, 6, Cora, 3, and Lawrence, 11 months; grandsons Mack and Romie Notsie(?), 3 months; and son-in-law Ed Notsie(?), 25, farm laborer.
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 [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.
In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: carpenter Lewis Bynum, 50; wife Jane, 47; children Renny, 15, Scott, 17, Pet, 14, Belle, 12, Charley, 10, and Tedy, 8; and granddaughter Nella, 2 months.
On 9 March 1882, Robert Farmer, 19, married Marinda Bynum, 18, in the Town of Stantonsburg. Scott Bynum, Ben Thompson, and George Culis were witnesses to the ceremony.
In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.
Estella Farmer died 29 June 1916 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 27 November 1900 in Greene County to Robert Farmer and Rennie Bynum. Informant was John Edwards.
On 12 February 1900, John Edwards, 25, of Wilson County, son of Sampson and Annie Edwards, married Nelie Farmer, 17, of Greene County, daughter of Robert and Rennie Farmer, in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. A.M.E. Zion minister W.W. Lewis performed the ceremony in the presence of John Forte, Maggie Farmer, and Alice Barnes.
In the 1910 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: on Ruffin Bridge Road, farmer John Edwards, 35; wife Neelie, 28; children Martha A., 9, Mary, 7, Julia, 6, John H., 5, and Joseph, 2; sister-in-law Ida Artis, 24; and nieces Amelia, 5, Salena, 2, and Rennie Artis, 2 months.
In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: on Stantonsburg & Saratoga Road, John Edward, 45; wife Mela, 37; and children Mary, 17, Julie, 16, John H., 14, Jasper, 12, Essie M., 6, and Annie B., 3.
In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer John Edwards, 49; wife Neel, 46; children John H., 27, Joe, 22, Essie M., 14, Annie B., 12, and Mamie L., 7; and grandchild Phil, 7; daughter-in-law Carrie, 22; and uncle Sampson Edwards, 87.
In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer John Edwards, 64; wife Nealie, 57; children John Jr., 34, Essie Mae, 25, Annibelle, 23, Mamie Lee, 17, and Fredie Lee, 1; and grandchildren Hattie Mae, 7, James M., 5, Elbert Lee, 3, and Lucinda Ellis, 2.
Nealie Edwards died 3 April 1966 in Stantonsburg, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 4 December 1894 in Wilson County to Robert Farmer and Rennie Farmer; and was buried at Bethel Cemetery.
In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Samson Edwards, 26; wife Annie, 33; and children Martha, 19, Thomas, 11, Octavious, 8, and John, 5; and Jake Bickers(?), 40, stepson [sic], farm worker.
On 12 February 1900, John Edwards, 25, of Wilson County, son of Sampson and Annie Edwards, married Nelie Farmer, 17, of Greene County, daughter of Robert and Rennie Farmer, in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. A.M.E. Zion minister W.W. Lewis performed the ceremony in the presence of John Forte, Maggie Farmer, and Alice Barnes.
In 1918, John Henry Edwards registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 1 January 1875; lived in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County; farmed for B.J. Thompson; and his nearest relative was Nealy Edwards.
John Henry Edwards died 19 April 1942 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 1 January 1883 in Wilson County to Samson Edwards and Annie [no maiden name]; was married to Nealie Edwards; was a farmer; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. John Edwards Jr. was informant.
Referred to as Maggie Farmer Brown in the referee’s report.
In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.
On 29 December 1905, Cornelius Barnes, 29, of Stantonsburg township, son of Richard and Quilla Barnes, married Maggie Farmer, 22, of Stantonsburg township, daughter of Robt. and R. Farmer, near Moyton, N.C.
In the 1910 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Melia Barnes, 33; wife Maggie, 27; and children Clarance, 6, and Cellie, 3.
In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Nela Barnes, 43; wife Maggie, 35; children Sallie, 13, and Clarance, 16; and nieces and nephews Lauretta, 17, Walter, 16, Edna, 10, Quillie, 8, and Susana Barnes, 5.
In the 1930 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Neal Farmer, 55; wife Maggie, 45; and children Mary S., 16, and Quillie, 18.
In the 1940 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Cornelius Barnes, 64; wife Maggie, 55; daughter Sallie, 33; nephew Frank Ellis, 29; and grandchildren Herman Bowden, 12, and Thelma, 9, Corana, 8, William, 5, Josephine, 4, and Dorothy Taylor, 3.
Maggie Barnes died 31 January 1962 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 28 September 1883 to Robert Farmer and “Corene (?) Farmer”; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. Clarence Barnes was informant.
Clarence Barnes died 9 July 1964 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 June 1900 in Wilson County to Cornelious Barnes and Maggie Farmer; was married to Mary Ann Barnes; lived in Black Creek township; and was a farmer.
In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.
On 23 April 1905, Thomas Hall, 21, of Stantonshurg township, son of William Hall and Sarah Jane Artis, married Ida Farmer, 18, of Stantonsburg township, daughter of Robert Farmer and Rena Farmer.
In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Tom Hall, 45; wife Ida, 42; children Salena, 22, Louise, 18, Sarah, 16, Beatrice, 14, Tom Jr., 12, Hubert, 10, William, 8, Nathaniel, 6, Geraldine, 4, and James, 2; grandchildren Jimmy, 3, and Kate Artis, 1; and lodgers John Harris, 19, and Ned Ellis, 86, widower.
In the 1940 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C.: farmer Tom Hall, 55; wife Ida, 53; and children Thomas, 22, Hubert, 19, William E., 17, Nathaniel, 15, James, 11, Trumiler, 8, and Helen Grace, 7.
In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.
On 8 January 1908, Robert Hall, 21, of Stantonsburg, son of Bill Hall and Lucy Hall, married Katie Farmer, 20, of Stantonsburg, daughter of Robert Farmer and Renie Farmer, at the home of Nealy Barnes in Stantonsburg, Wilson County. Witnesses were George Farmer, Nealy Barnes, and Susan Farmer.
In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: tenant farmer Robert Hall, 33; wife Katie, 29; and children Earnest, 11, William H., 5, Lorenzie, 3, and Robert, 2.
In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Robert Hall, 43; wife Katie, 40; and children Ernest, 21, William, 15, Rennie, 13, Robert Jr., 11, Louis, 10, Mary S., 6, John L., 4, and Curtis, 1 month; and daughter-in-law Arneta [Ometa], 20.
In the 1940 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Robert Hall, 50; wife Katie, 50; and children Sue, 16, John Lee, 14, Curtis, 10, James, 6, and grandchildren Ruth, 8, and Edgar C., 5.
Katie Farmer Hall died 8 September 1947 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 27 March 1896 in Wilson County to Robert Farmer and Fannie [sic] Bynum; was married to Robert Hall; and worked in farming. She was buried in Bethel cemetery.
In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.
On 15 November 1909, Woodard Winn, 30, married Hattie Farmer, 18, in Goldsboro, Wayne County, N.C.
In the 1920 census of Brogden township, Wayne County: farmer Woodard Winn, 40; wife Hattie, 25; and children George, 15, Lafayette, 9, Octavious, 8, Mittie, 6, Geneva, 4, and Maggie, 2.
In the 1930 census of Brogden township, Wayne County: farmer Woodard Wynn Sr., 52; wife Hattie, 38; and children Lafayette, 19, Armettie, 17, Geneva, 15, Maggie, 13, Samuel, 7, Woodard, 6, Eva M., 3, Sallie, 2, and Essie, 8 months.
Hattie Smith died 11 December 1965 in Goldsboro, Wayne County. Per her death certificate, she was born 26 May 1892 to Robert Farmer and Rennie Bynum; was married to Needam Smith; lived in Dudley; and was buried in Augusta Cemetery, Dudley.
In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.
In 1917, Robert Farmer registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 5 April 1894 in Stantonsburg, N.C.; worked for a telephone lineman for Dr. H.H. Powell; and was single.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Robert Farmer, 29, oil mill laborer; wife Margritt, 25; mother-in-law Mary Andrews, 58; and sister-in-law Arlina Andrews, 14.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 301 Lane Street, rented for $12/month, Rob Farmer, 36, express office laborer, and daughter Sarah, 15.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Robert Farmer, 48, railroad station porter, and cousin Robert Barnes, 35, fertilizer plant truck driver.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 715 Roberson Street, Robert Farmer, 58, A.C.L. R.R. porter.
Robert Farmer Jr. died 26 January 1960 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 5 April 1893 in Wilson County to Robert Farmer and Corine Bynum; lived at 715 Roberson Street, Wilson; was a widower; was a laborer for A.C.L. R.R.; was a World War I veteran; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. Sarah Lee Farmer was informant.
In the 1900 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: Robt. Farmer, 37; wife Renna, 36; and children Cornelia, 18, Maggie, 15, [illegible], 12, Catie, 11, Hariett, 9, Rob, 6, and Bessie, 2.
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 [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.
On 16 January 1879, George Bynum, 21, married Stella Bynum, 16, at Lawrence Bynum’s in Wilson County.
In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: laborer George Bynum, 23; wife Stella, 21; daughter Maggie L., 5 months; and sister-in-law Fannie Bynum, 17, laborer.
In the 1900 census of Grantham township, Wayne County: farmer George W. Bynum, 41; wife Stella, 37; and children Hubbard, 18, William, 15, John, 12, Mary Ann, 10, and Edney, 9.
In the 1910 census of Grantham township, Wayne County: farmer George Bynum, 50; wife Stella, 48; and daughter Edna, 17.
In the 1920 census of Brogden township, Wayne County: farmer George Bynum, 60; wife Stella, 58; and [grand]children Sadie, 8, and Guther, 6.
Mary Hobbs died 13 December 1928 in Grantham township, Wayne County. Per her death certificate, she was born 3 August 1888 in Wayne County to George Bynum and Stella Bynum; was married to Robert Hobbs; and was buried in Saint Delight cemetery.
In the 1930 census of Wolfscrape township, Duplin County: farmer George Bynum, 70; daughter Edna Wade, 30, and grandchildren Sadie, 18, Gurthie L., 16, Lathan E., 14, Stella, 8, and Estella, 2 months.
In the 1940 census of Brogden township, Wayne County: farmer George Bynum, 80; wife Mary, 36; and daughter Mary Lee, 10.
George Washington Bynum died 29 July 1945 in Mount Olive, Wayne County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 29 January 1863 in Wilson County to Louis Bynum and Dicie [no maiden name]; was married to Mary Bynum; lived on Sawdust Avenue, Mount Olive; was a farmer; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery, Mount Olive.
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 [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.
In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: General Best, 31; wife Isabella, 33; and children Minnie, 10, Lewis, 7, Estella, 5, and Willie, 5 months.
In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: General C. Best, 41; wife Isabella, 42; children James L., 16, Estelle, 13, Horace, 10, Willie, 9, Claudia, 7, and John W., 4; and lodger Walter Bynum, 23.
In the 1920 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: General Best, 52; wife Isabella, 53; and children Sudie, 8, and John, 11.
In the 1930 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: cook Isabela Best, 63; daughter Sudie Harper, 19; [grand]son Earnest L., 1; and son-in-law Lee Harper, 22.
Isabella Best died 30 September 1933 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 27 November 1866 in Wilson County to Lewis Bynum and Adelia Bynum; was married to General C. Best; and worked as a cook.
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 [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.
On 24 March 1877, Peter Aycock, 23, married Adia Bynum, 18, at Lew Bynum’s residence in Wilson County.
In the 1880 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: Peter Aycock, 25, farmer; wife Ada, 20; and daughter Adelia, 1.
On 22 February 1899, Ed Durham, 21, of Wayne County, son of Bill and Mary Durham, married Delia Aycock, 21, of Wilson County, daughter of Peter and Ada Aycock, at Jennie [Jessie?] Bynum’s in Saratoga, Wilson County. Geneva L. Best, Peter Bynum, and David Barnes were witnesses.
Delia Durham died 7 August 1978 in Goldsboro, Wayne County. Per her death certificate, she was born 22 July 1885 in Wilson County to Peter Aycock and Ada Bynum; lived in Mount Olive, Wayne County; was a widow; and was buried in Mount Olive Cemetery. Ada Hunter, Mount Olive, was informant.
In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: carpenter Lewis Bynum, 50; wife Jane, 47; children Renny, 15, Scott, 17, Pet, 14, Belle, 12, Charley, 10, and Tedy, 8; and granddaughter Nella, 2 months.
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 [Renny], 6, Pet, 4, Isabella, 2, and Charles, 8 months; and Obedience Applewhite, 63.
In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: carpenter Lewis Bynum, 50; wife Jane, 47; children Renny, 15, Scott, 17, Pet, 14, Belle, 12, Charley, 10, and Tedy, 8; and granddaughter Nella, 2 months.
Perhaps, in the 1898 Albany, N.Y., city directory: Bynum Scott, waiter, h 19 Chapel
Perhaps, in the 1900 census of Albany, Albany County, New York: waiter Scott Bynum, 37, born in North Carolina; wife Annie, 26, born in Pennsylvania; and daughter Marion A., 2, born in New York. [However, this family is described as white in the 1920 federal census and 1925 New York state census.]
In 1866, Moses Bynum and Olive Smith registered their 18-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.
On 25 December 1869, Calvin Bynum, son of Moses and Olif Bynum, married Phereby Daniel, daughter of Ellic and Harriet Daniel, in Wilson County.
In the 1880 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Calvin Bynum, 31; wife Pherabe, 28; and children Olive, 9, Fannie, 7, Martha Ann, 5, Joseph, 2, and Benjamin, 3 months.
In the 1900 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Calvin Bynum, 53; wife Phariba, 48; and sons Joseph, 22, Benjamin, 21, and David, 16.
In the 1910 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Calvin Bynum, 64; wife Faribee, 63; and son David, 26.
In the 1920 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: Calvin Bynum, 78, and wife Pharabeeh, 56.
In 1866, Benjamin Bynum and Charlotte Scott registered their cohabitation in Wilson County.
In the 1880 census of Richland township, Beaufort County, N.C.: farmer Benj. Bynum, 43; wife Charlotte, 38; and children George, 21, John, 14, Lina, 12, Riley, 9, Randall, 7, Ida, 5, and Wilsey, 2.
On 4 February 1884, George Bynum, 24, married Barbara Mourning, 18, in Richland township, Beaufort County.
On 9 December 1886, John Bynum, 20, married Della Gaylord, 21, in Broad Creek, Beaufort County.
On 27 February 1890, Charlotte Bynum, 55, married Moses Jones, 60, in Beaufort County.
Per the U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index 1936-2007, found at http://www.ancestry.com, William Randolph Bynum, son of Ben Bynum and Charlotte Scott, was born 2 May 1890 in Aurora, N.C. [Randall Bynum was actually born about 1872.]
On 15 January 1891, Lena Bynum, 20, married W.H. Hammonds, 21, in Richland, Beaufort County.
On 14 October 1897, Riley Bynum, 25, married Martha Moore, 18, in Idalia, Beaufort County.
In the 1900 census of Idalia township, Beaufort County, N.C.: widow Charlott Bynum, 60, farmer, and children Wryley, 38, Ida, 27, Carrie, 13, Joe, 10, Alonzo, 6, Denis, 4, Charlott, 3, and Ran, 28.
Per Findagrave.com, Charlotte Bynum was buried in Idalia Cemetery, Beaufort County. Per her headstone, she was born 22 June 1841, died 22 June 1907, and was the wife of Ben Bynum.
John Bynum died 27 May 1928 in Richland, Beaufort County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was about 62 years old; was born in Wayne County, N.C., to Benjamin Bynum and Charlotte [maiden name unknown]; was married to Della Bynum; worked as a farmhand; and was buried near Aurora, N.C. Ida McKinnon of Wilson was informant.
Ida Bynum died 15 December 1932 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was about 49 years old; was born in Beaufort County to Charlotte [no maiden name]; was a widow; worked as a cook; lived at 104 Pender Street; and was buried in Royal, N.C. Dennis Bynum of Wilson was informant.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 314 Pender, owned and valued at $1600, Dennis Bynum, 47, fish dealer; wife Marion, 42, servant; lodgers Mary Pitt, 24, servant, and Ida May Carr, 30, servant; and aunt Mary B. Jackson, 65, widow.
Mary Jean Jackson died 4 September 1941 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 67 years old; was born in Lucama, Wilson County, to Ben Bynum and Charoletta Scott; lived at 648 Wiggins Street; was the widow of Will Jackson; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery.
Lina White died 29 December 1941 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 1887 in Wilson County to Benjamin Bynum and Charlotte Bynum; and was the widow of Edward White. Dennis Bynum was informant.
William Bynum Jr. [sic] died 11 November 1950 at his home at 706 Roberson Street, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 18 June 1880 in Beaufort County to William Bynum [sic] and Charolette Bynum; worked as a laborer; and was buried in the Masonic cemetery, Wilson. Dennis Bynum was informant.
George Bynum died 20 November 1954 in Richland, Beaufort County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 6 March 1875 in Wilson County to Charlotte Hams; was married; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Ardelia Cemetery, Aurora. Jessie Bynum was informant.
Dennis Bynum died 5 November 1960 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 May 1894 in Beaufort County to Ida Bynum; was married to Marian Bynum; lived at 314 Pender Street; worked as a merchant; and was buried in the Masonic cemetery in Wilson.
William Riley Bynum died 14 March 1961 in New Bern, Craven County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 4 July 1881 in Aurora, N.C., to Benjamin Bynum and Charlotte Ham; was a widower; and was a retired laborer. Emma Koonce was informant.
Benjamin Best, 22, married Liza Ellis, 18, on 22 October 1874 at the residence of James Ellis in Wilson County. James Ellis, Gilford Ellis, and Aaron Ward were witnesses.
In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Pettigrew Street, farmer Benjamin Best, 26; wife Eliza, 23; and children Virginia, 4, Priscilla, 3, and Columbus, 1.
In the 1900 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Benjamin Best, wife Eliza, and children Virgin N., Mildred, Junius, Sopremia, Benjamin, Corinthia, Remantha, Olian, and Clarence. Benjamin and Eliza reported having been married 25 years, and Eliza reported that 10 of the 12 children she had borne were living.
In the 1910 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: widow Eliza Best, 53, with children Junius, 29, Rematha, 20, Allen, 18, and Clarence, 16, plus grandchildren Suprema, 5, and Martha A., 3.
On 24 January 1917, Clarence Best, 22, of Wilson township, son of Benjamin and Eliza Best, and Geneva Smith, 22, of Gardners township, daughter of Henry and Mahala Smith, were married in Gardners township by C.H. Hagans, a Primitive Baptist minister. Fred Woodard, John Barnes and Len Woodard witnessed.
Clarence Best registered for the World War I draft on 5 June 1917. He reported that he was born 22 October 1894 in Wayne County, North Carolina; that he resided at RFD #4, Box 4, Wilson; and that he worked as a stone rubber at Wilson Marble Mantle & Tile Company. He claimed that he supported his wife and his mother and her two grandchildren. He was described as medium height and build, with brown eyes and black hair.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Saratoga Road, marble cutter Clarence Best, 26, wife Geneva, 26, and son Clarence H., 1, plus Eliza Best, 68, Martha Ann Best, 11, and Suprema Hooks, 11. Next door, Junius Best, 38, wagon factory assembly man, wife Mary A., 27, and children Mary Olivia, 2, and Colonius, 4 months.
Eliza Best died 1 September 1929 in Wilson of “injury of rt. leg; cut her leg on a piece of tin.” She resided at 1310 East Nash Street, Wilson, and was the widow of Benjamin Best. She was about 64 years old and had been born in Wilson County to Jim Ellis and Zannie Applewhite. She was buried in Rountree cemetery; Clarence Best was informant.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 203 East Nash Street, marble works polisher Clearance Best, 37, wife Geneva, 37, and son Clearance, 11. Nearby: wagon factory laborer Junious Best, 47, wife Mary, 39, and children Mary, 12, Colanelus, 11, Mattie, 7, and Rematha, 2.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: marble dresser Clarence Best, 46, wife Geneva, 46, and son Clarence H. Best, 21, tobacco stemmer, plus nephew Frank Brake, 14.
In 1943, Clarence Herman Best registered for the World War II draft. He reported his home address as 1306 East Nash Street, Wilson; his date of birth as 3 October 1918; and his closest relative as Clarence Benjamin Best, his father. His employer was Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Genevia Smith Best died 23 September 1969 in Wilson. Per her death certificate , she was born 19 August 1896 to William Henry Smith and Martha (last name unknown.) She was buried at Rest Haven cemetery; Clarence Best was informant.
Clarence B. Best died 18 November 1980 in Wilson. The double headstone he had created after his wife’s burial — with extra pointy 9’s, a cross, and a slighty too-long epitaph — awaited his death date as a final entry. When the time came, it was, of course, incised perfectly by machine.
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; her children James, 22, Oscar, 20, and Elijah, 6; Louvenia Hagins, 5, granddaughter; Isaac Ward, 24; and Fannie Mitchell, 39, lodger.
Lue Ellis died 17 April 1933 in Stantonsburg, N.C. Per her death certificate, she was 60 years old; was born in Wilson County John Gray and Sylvia Best Gray; and was the widow of Oscar Ellis.
Perhaps: in the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lou Ellis, 45, widow; her children James, 22, Oscar, 20, and Elijah, 6; Louvenia Hagins, 5, granddaughter; Isaac Ward, 24; and Fannie Mitchell, 39, lodger.
On 28 June 1869, Hilliard Dupree, son of John and Rhoda Dupree, married Mary Wilkinson, daughter of Samuel Gorham and Edney Wilkinson, in Belvoir township, Pitt County.
In the 1870 census of California township, Pitt County, N.C.: farmhand Hilliard Dupree, 28; wife Mary, 27; and children Ann, 8, and Sam, 2.
On 17 February 1892, Samuel Dupree, 23, of Saratoga township, son of Hilliard and Mary Dupree, married Mary Eliza Ellis, 23, daughter of Guilford and Pleasant Ellis, at Ed Owens’ farm. Baptist minister Thomas J. Moore performed the ceremony, and Blount Best was one of the witnesses.
In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: day laborer Samuel Dupree, 26; wife Mary, 25; and children Charley, 7, Budie, 5, and Sissie, 8 months.
In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on Wiggins Mill Road, farm laborer Samuel Dupree, 43; wife Mary, 35; and children Charlie, 16, Eddie, 15, Mary, 10, Samuel, 7, Minnie B., 5, Sallie, 2, and Maggie, 11 months.
Charlie Dupree died 6 January 1916 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 22 years old; was the son of Sam Dupree and Mary Eliza Ellis; lived at 655 Viola; and worked as a janitor. Ed Dupree was informant.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 525 Church Street, laborer Eddie Dupree, 24; wife Bettie, 20; son Weldon, 11 months; brother Sam, 14, and sister Maggie, 10.
Harriet Wilkinson Barnes died in Wilson in 1916. She was survived by her husband Austin Barnes and a slew of nieces and nephews, but left no will. This set of documents related to the disposition of her property — a house and lot at what is now 702 East Green Street — is among the most astonishing I’ve ever encountered.
The lot was auctioned pursuant to court order. George H. Edmundson bought it for $1550 and requested that the deed be made out to his parents Jerry and Zillie Edmundson. Distributing the proceeds of the sale, however, required that Harriet Barnes’ heirs be identified, and W.H. Lee, a court-appointed referee, conducted an investigation that is breath-taking not only for the effort it represented for so small a reward, but for the range of matters it touched upon — slavery, fractured families, Exoduster and other migration, repeat naming patterns. Not to mention surprise witnesses and the fallibility of memory and family stories. In the end, the referee produced a report which, though flawed, outlines three generations of descendants of a woman who was born into, and barely outlived, slavery.
The petition and order of sale are below, and the referee’s report starts on page 459.
I’m going to try to summarize his findings, but I urge you to peruse the document for yourself. The referee interviewed the family of Harriet Barnes’ former enslaver, as well as numerous relatives, to determine which of Barnes’ siblings’ descendants had legitimate claims to her estate. An annotation of the named parties will need a follow-up post. There’s just too much.
First, Harriet Bynum was the daughter of Edna Bynum, who “was a slave woman owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Bynum or her husband.” There was no clear evidence as to the identity of Edna Bynum’s husband, but all their children were born prior to 1 January 1868 (which, apparently, was when Edna died.) Those nine children, including Harriet, were Louis Bynum, Arnold Bynum, Isaac Bynum, Ben Bynum, George Bynum, Sylvia Bynum Best, Chanie Bynum Mitchell, and Mary Bynum Dupree Bynum.
Also, as Harriet Bynum and her second husband, Austin Barnes, had no children, he was not entitled to inherit property she brought to the marriage.
The conclusions re Harriet Barnes’ brother Louis Bynum
Louis Bynum died leaving six children — Lawrence Bynum, Rennie Bynum Farmer, George Bynum, Isabella Bynum Best, Ida [Ada] Bynum Aycock, and Teda Bynum Bynum. Per George Bynum — an 81 year-old man who lived near Saratoga, had also been enslaved by Elizabeth Bynum, but was no relation to Harriet — Louis never married.
The referee relied on evidence in a letter received by John Edwards [the husband of one of her nieces, but who was the letter from?] to conclude that Lawrence Bynum was dead; that he had lived with Rachel Newsome, but never married her; that “he left here many years ago and went to Arkansas”; and that his many children — James C., Louis, Charlie, Lawrence Jr., Mary, Rachel, and Ada, who lived in Scott, Arkansas — were “illegitimate.” Louis’ son George Bynum of Mount Olive, N.C., and his daughter Isabella Best of Stantonsburg also gave testimony about their uncle. (The report refers to them incorrectly as Lawrence Bynum’s children. The substitution of “Lawrence” for “Louis” appears to happen several times in the first paragraph of page 460, as when the referee discounts George’s testimony about having a brother named Scott Bynum who had not been heard from in 28 years.) [The referee’s conclusions were incorrect several ways. First, we’ve met the Lawrence Bynum family. Lawrence Bynum married Edna Bynum in Wilson County in 1878; they migrated to Lonoke County, Arkansas, with their elder children. Second, Louis Bynum very much had a son Scott. Census records establish his children (and their approximate birth years) as George (1859), Ada (1860), Scott (1862), Marenda “Rennie” (1863), Pet (1865), Isabella (1867), Charles (1869), and Tedy (1871). ]
Rennie Bynum married Robert Farmer and died before 1916. Her surviving children were Nealy Farmer Edwards of Stantonsburg; Maggie Farmer Brown of Stantonsburg; Ida Bynum Hall of Stantonsburg; Katie Farmer Hall of Stantonsburg; Hattie Farmer Wynn of Dudley [Wayne County, N.C.]; Robert Farmer of American Expeditionary Forces, France; and Bessie Farmer Brown of Stantonsburg. [Personal note: my grandmother’s first cousin, Mildred Henderson, married Katie Farmer Hall’s son Louis Hall. Louis Hall founded a vault company in the 1950s that is now a third-generation operation. When I began researching gravestone artist Clarence B. Best, I spoke with Louis Hall Jr., who told me his father had taken over Best’s business when he retired in the early 1970s. I had no idea that Louis Hall and Clarence Best were cousins. See below.]
The conclusions regarding her brother Arnold Bynum
Per Louis’s son George Bynum and Clarence Best, Arnold Bynum died without children.
The conclusions regarding her brother Isaac Bynum
Isaac Bynum was deceased. Per George Bynum, Isaac had a son Ben Bynum. Per witness Calvin Bynum, Isaac “left here 30 or 40 years ago.” As neither Ben nor any other descendant had put in an appearance, the referee determined Isaac Bynum had no descendants who were heirs at law.
The conclusions regarding her brother Ben Bynum
More confusion, as Ben Bynum is described as “son of Lawrence” rather than son of Edna Bynum and brother of Harriet Barnes. Further, the referee noted that the evidence he received was contradictory. George Bynum of Saratoga said Ben was one of Lawrence Bynum’s children [sic]. George Bynum of Mount Olive (Louis Bynum’s son) said Ben Bynum’s descendants were not related to him. A white man named B.A. Scott testified that a Ben Bynum who belonged to Elizabeth Bynum married a woman named Charlotte, who had been enslaved by Scott’s father. Calvin Bynum, age 69, son of Moses Bynum and averred first cousin of Edna Bynum’s children, who had been enslaved by the same family as Edna, said Harriet Bynum’s brother Ben Bynum married Charlotte Scott. “He says that his father, Moses, always told him that this Ben Bynum was a brother of Harriett, and that Harriett was a daughter of a sister of this father.” Other witnesses claimed to be Ben Bynum’s children and said they had visited Harriett and called her “aunt,” and she recognized them as her nieces and nephews, and Ben always claimed Harriett as his sister.
The referee concluded that Ben Bynum, deceased, was Harriett Barnes’ brother and his children were her heirs at law. They included Riley Bynum of New Bern, N.C.; George Bynum of Bonnerton, N.C.; W. Randal Bynum and Ida Bynum of Royal, N.C.; Lina White of Greenville, N.C.; and Mary Jane Jackson of 421 Green Street, Wilson.
The conclusions regarding her brother George Bynum
Per George Bynum of Saratoga, this George Bynum died in childhood.
The conclusions regarding her sister Sylvia Bynum Best
Per Robert E. Bynum, son [actually, nephew] of Eliza [sic; Elizabeth] Bynum, who had enslaved Edna and her daughter Sylvia, Sylvia had been married and had a child named Ben Best, born before the Civil War. Ben Best was deceased, leaving children Jenetta Newsome, Junius Best, Ollie Best, and Clarence Best. (Who had their own legal representative in this matter — attorney E.J. Barnes.) George Bynum of Saratoga and John Edwards testified that Sylvia had two more children, Lou Ellis and Cora Deans, born out of wedlock after the Civil War.
The referee concluded that Ben Best’s children were entitled to their grandmother’s share as heirs at law, and Ellis and Deans were not entitled to anything. [Clarence Best was the well-known grave memorial cutter featured in multiple posts here.]
The conclusions regarding her sister Chanie Bynum Mitchell
Chanie Bynum married a Mitchell and had two children — Fannie and John Mitchell — who were believed to be living.
The conclusions regarding her sister Mary Bynum Dupree Bynum
Again, contradiction among witnesses and confusion created by the referee’s sloppiness. (He calls Mary “Annie” at one point.) The petition to sell Harriet Barnes’ land stated Mary was married to a Dupree, but George Bynum of Saratoga said she married Hack (or Jack) Bynum. Clarence Best testified that Annie [sic; Mary] Dupree married Sam Ward, “went South about ten years ago and has not been heard from.” Isabella Best said Mary Bynum first married a Dupree and had two children, Ben and Sam. Ben migrated to Arkansas; Sam lived and died near Wilson. No known children for either. But: after witness testimony concluded, “a negro man came in who claimed to be Ben Dupree, the son of Mary Bynum by her first marriage.” Ben Dupree testified that he had moved to Leesburg, Florida, many years before; that he had lost touch with his brother Sam Bynum [sic; Dupree]; that he had come to “see about it”; that he had found that his brother had died; and that his brother had seven living children — Ed, 21, Mary, 18, Sam, 13, Minnie Bell, 12, Sallie, 9, Maggie, 8, and Bennie Dupree, 6. Having been fetched, Ed Dupree confirmed that he and his siblings were Sam Dupree‘s children, and Sam had died five years earlier. Ben Dupree also stated that his mother Mary had married Jack Bynum and had two or three children; that about thirty years after Mary died, the children “left and went to the far South or South-west”; and that they had not been heard from since, and no one knew if they were living or dead. The referee thus concluded that Ben Dupree and Sam Dupree’s seven children stood to share Mary Bynum’s share of Harriet Barnes’ estate.
“These parties are negroes,” the referee stated, “and many of them without Counsel.” He acknowledged that the strict rule of procedure had not been followed in collecting evidence from witnesses who testified in multiple hearings and lived in various places around the state of North Carolina, “but I have collected the facts from any and whatever sources available, calling witnesses whenever it was learned that their personal knowledge might throw some light upon case pertaining to the relationships of the parties ….” He then broke down the interest to which each person was entitled, ranging from 1/20 to 1/175. Even if the full $1550 from the sale of Harriet Barnes’ lot were available — which it wasn’t, as court costs had to be paid — the payouts would have ranged from $77.50 down to $8.85.
Wilson County, North Carolina, Property Settlement Records 1905-1923, http://www.familysearch.org.
In a recent post, I asked if anyone knew the location of Ola and Georgia Dupree‘s Silver Boot Grill, and reader D.C. came through.
Ads described the restaurant’s address only as Highway 301-A South, which once cut through East Wilson following the path of what is now Pender Street. D.C. forwarded me this detail from a 1945 plat with two lots highlighted. 301-A Highway shows a center median that I suspect was aspirational. At top center is a proposed new highway — today’s four lane U.S. 301/Ward Boulevard. The street cutting downward at top right is Black Creek Road and, off it at an upward angle, is what was then Stantonsburg Road.
Detail from Subdivision of the Farrior-Fleming Farm Near Wilson, N.C., Plat Book 4, Page 19, Wilson County Register of Deeds Office.
A little searching on the Wilson County Register of Deeds website revealed that Ola and Georgia Anna Dupree bought lots 40 and 43 from Annie V. Farrior on 26 January 1945. Five years later, to secure a $3500 loan, the Duprees mortgaged both lots, as well as two electric refrigerators (a Jordan Drink Box Model 40-6 and a Hussman Reach-In Refrigerator); a gas cooking stove; a Marston Steam Table Model #90; all tables, chairs, and counters; and all other stock and equipment “used in the operation of their restaurant business now known as Silver Boot Grill.”
Lots 40 and 43 of the Farrior-Fleming tract are now 915 Pender Street South and are the site of a defunct used tire dealership. I am pretty sure that this side building at Rolling Tires started life as the Silver Boot. Painted brick appears to have been applied over the original cladding, and the stepped side walls were leveled off to support a fairly recent gabled roof.
June 2022.
Thanks, D.C.!
Wilson Daily Times, 27 March 1947.
Ola and Georgia Dupree‘s Silver Boot Grill may have been the first fancy restaurant catering to African-Americans in Wilson. After a couple of years, it began to offer pull-up service to white customers.
Can anyone pinpoint for me the exact location of the Silver Boot?
The one hundred-forty-ninth 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.
As described in the nomination form for the East Wilson Historic District, this building is: “ca. 1922; 1 story; bungalow with gable-end form and subsidiary gable-end porch.”
In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Joyner Lee J (c; Sarah) plstr h 1105 Atlanta
In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: McCall Oscar (c; Flora) truck driver h 1105 Atlantic
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1105 Atlantic Street, taxi chauffeur Oscar McCall, 27; wife Flora, 22; and children Louise, 6, Louis, 5, Willie F., 3, and H.B., 1.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1105 Atlantic Avenue, butler Ola Dupree, 44; wife Georgia, 32; and roomers Florence Atkinson, 24, and her husband William Atkinson, 26, a medical doctor.
In the 1941 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Dupree Otis (c; Georgia) cook h 1105 Atlantic
In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Dupree Ola (c; Georgia A; Silver Boot Grill) h 1105 Atlantic
Wilson Daily Times, 12 April 1980.
Wilson Daily Times, 23 November 1985.
In December 1980, the Daily Times featured Georgia Williams Dupree and Rosa Rhine Lupe Weathers in an article about holiday cooking.
Wilson Daily Times, 13 December 1980.
In the 1920 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Moses Dupree, 45; wife Henrietta S., 41; daughters Clara, 19, and Smithy, 17; and grandson William, 8 months.
On 7 October 1921, Fred Atkinson, of Cross Roads township, son of Mary Adams, married Clara Dupree, 20, of Cross Roads township, daughter of Moses and Henrietta Dupree. Missionary Baptist minister R. Crockett performed the ceremony in the presence of Mark McCoy and Charlie Davis of Wilson and Willie Harris of Lucama.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Fred Adkins, 49; wife Clara, 39; and children Gladys, 18, Sally, 16, Rubby, 14, Earlean, 12, Thomas, 10, Willie, 9, Allie, 7, Thelma, 5, and Paul, 2.
Clara Atkins died 9 October 1957 at Lincoln Hospital, Durham, North Carolina. Per her death certificate, she was born 6 January 1903 in Greene County to Moses Dupree and Henrietta Speight and was married to Fred Atkins. Informant was Ethel Atkins, Durham.
Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user shoys2000.