estate file

The estate of Arnold Peele (1873).

We read here of half-brothers Jack Williamson and Willis Barnes, who were sons of Toney Eatmon. We now have evidence of another brother of Williamson, Arnold Peele.

Both Arnold Peele and his wife Hannah Eatmon Peele died in 1873.

On 10 July 1873, Jack Williamson renounced his intention to serve as administrator of Arnold Peele’s estate and requested that public administrator Larry D. Farmer serve instead.

The same day, Farmer applied for and was granted letters of administration. By his estimate, Peele’s estate was worth about $200 and his heirs were Jack Williamson, Charity Bynum, (who likely was his sister), and Joseph Farmer, executor of the estate of Hannah Peele. (Arnold Peele had no known living children, and the omission of Willis Barnes as an heir suggests that Peel and Williamson were maternal siblings.)

Receipt from L.D. Farmer to Isabell Eatman for “attending to stock &c of Arnold Peel,” dated 30 July 1873.

On 30 July 1873, L.D. Farmer offered Arnold Peele’s personal property for sale at auction. Isabella Eatmon, who may have been his stepdaughter, bid most often, winning numerous small household items. Among the neighbors who forked over small sums for various goods were John Kates [Cates], Sam Locust, Jack Williamson, Jacob Jones, and Orren Taborn. The entire sale netted only $215.55.

Hannah Peele died with a will, but I have not found a copy. Isabelle Eatmon, who presumably was her daughter, was her sole legatee and was paid out on 22 December 1873. (Hannah Eatmon Peele also had a son, Benjamin Eatmon, who seems to have predeceased her.)

On 26 September 1876, Sampson Bailey of Monticello, Arkansas, filed acknowledgement of receipt of the payout made to his wife, Charity “Cherry” Bailey.

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On 23 August 1866, Arnold Peel married Hannah Eatmond in Wilson County.

On 11 December 1868, Benjamin Eatman, son of Benjamin Winbun and Hanna Eatman, married Dina Locus, daughter of Gains and Zina Locus, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: Arnand Peel, 39, farm laborer; wife Hannah, 40; and Hannah Jr., 14.

Final report of the estate of James Ed. Smith.

James Edward Smith died of complications from an auto accident, and his wife Annie B. Smith applied for letters of administration on 25 March 1925. She described his estate as a house and lot worth about $3000; four vacant lots worth about $300; and personal property worth about $800. His heirs were his wife, a brother, two sisters, and a “1/2 nephew.”

On 24 March 1927, Annie B. Smith filed a final administrator’s report, noting that she had received $37.00 from the sales of a revolver, watch, tools, and an “old car,” and had disbursed $40.00 to attorney Glenn S. McBrayer, Dr. Michael E. Dubissette, and the clerk of Superior Court.

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In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Washington Street, laborer James Smith, 49, and wife Annie, 36.

James Edward Smith died 7 March 1925 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 21 January 1981 in Columbia, South Carolina; was married to Annie B. Smith; lived on East Nash Street; was a garage owner; and was buried in Hillsboro [sic], North Carolina. Annie B. Smith was informant.

Record of Settlements, Volume 5, 1923-1931, Wilson County Superior Court, North Carolina Division of Archives and History.

The estate of Squire Coleman.

Years after his death, Squire Coleman’s children received their portions of the division of his land. On 1 June 1887, five of Coleman’s neighbors divided Coleman’s roughly 88 1/2 acres into equal shares among Margaret Bagley, wife of Nestus Bagley; Mary Atha Barnes, wife of Simon Morrison Barnes; Alphonzo Coleman; Gray Coleman; Della Coleman; Henry Coleman; Fannie Coleman; Amos Coleman; and Thomas Coleman.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Squier Coleman, 47, wife Nancy, 36, and children Gray, 18, Mary, 16, Afonzo, 9, Margret, 4, and Thomas, 2, plus Cassa Jordan, 70, Riley Jordan, 7, and Thomas Jordan, 25.

On 12 May 1875, Morrison Barnes, 23, married Mary A. Coleman, 23, at Squire Coleman’s in Wilson County.

Alphonso Coleman, 21, married Annis Barnes, 18, on 18 September 1878 in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer Nancy Coleman, 45, widow, and children Margaret, 13, Thomas, 12, Amos, 10, Della, 9, Henry, 7, and Fannie, 5.

On 6 February 1884, Washington Farmer, 55, married Nancy Coleman, 45 [Squire Coleman’s widow], at Nancy Coleman’s in Wilson County.

On 18 December 1884, Nestus Bagley, 22, married Margarett Coleman, 20, at Washington Farmer‘s with J.W. Turner, Oscar Jones and James Locus witnessing.

On 17 June 1887, Ossie Farmer, 20, married Dellar Coleman, 17, at Washington Farmer’s in Wilson County. J.H. Locus, N.T. Bagley, and Thomas Coleman witnessed the ceremony.

On 24 September 1890, Thomas Coleman, 21, of Oldfields, son of Squire Coleman and Nancy Farmer, married Mollie Woodard, 17, of Taylors, daughter of Ben and Clara Woodard, in Wilson township. Witnesses were J.W. Farmer, John Barnes and Annie Peacock.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Washington Farmer, 73; wife Nancy, 69; and stepdaughter Fannie, 23.

On 27 January 1913, William Harrison, 50, of Taylors township, married Fannie Coleman, 35, of Taylors township, at Fannie Coleman’s. Missionary Baptist minister William Rogers performed the ceremony in the presence of Howard Farmer, Nestus Bagley, and Thomas Williams.

Nancy Farmer died 22 December 1921 in Taylors township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 96 years old; was the widow of Washington Farmer; was born Wilson County to George and Forten Rountree; and Thomas Coleman was informant.

Thomas Coleman died 1 December 1933 in Oldfields township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born December 1862 in Wilson County to Squire J. and Nancy Roundtree Coleman; was married to Mollie Coleman; and worked as a farmer. Fannie Coleman of 115 West Walnut Street, Wilson, was informant.

Margret Bagley died 23 February 1934 in Bailey township, Nash County, North Carolina. Per her death certificate, she was 68 years old; was born in Wilson County to Squire Coleman and Nancy Dew; was married to Nestus Bagley; and worked in farming.

On 6 July 1936, John W. [Alphonzo] Coleman died in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 73 years old; was born in Wilson County to Squire Coleman and Nancy Johnson; was married to Annis Coleman; was a farmer; and was buried in the farmer cemetery. Squire J. Coleman was informant.

Amos Carroll Coleman migrated to Orange County, Florida. When he applied for Social Security in 1938, he gave his birthdate as 3 March 1874 and his parents as Squire Coleman and Nancy Roundfield.

Mary Barnes died 7 August 1941 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 13 February 1845 in Wilson County to Squire Coleman; was the widow of Silas Barnes; and was buried in Barnes Cemetery.

Fannie Coleman Harrison died 17 December 1961 in Taylor township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 20 May 1879 in Wilson County to Square Coleman and Nancy Coleman; was widowed; was engaged in farming; and was buried in Coleman Cemetery. Mary B. Rountree was informant.

Estate of Squire Coleman (1887), North Carolina, U.S. Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The estate of Asael Barnes Farmer (1856).

Asael Barnes Farmer, who lived between present-day Wilson and Elm City, held people in slavery for most of his life, claiming three in the 1800 census (when he was about 22 years old), six in 1810, and 13 in 1820. Farmer died about 1856 possessed of two dozen or more enslaved people. An account of the hire of these people — mostly to Farmer’s relatives — for 1856 included Spencer, Sampson, Belford, David, Moses, Jarmon, Daniel, Benjamin, Howard, Blount, Berry, Washington, Joshua, Patsey and her children, Clark and Titus, Della, Jane, Mar, Ellen and her children, Clarkey, and Delila.

Much of Farmer’s estate file concerns State v. Dave, an enslaved man accused of breaking into a white woman’s house and stealing clothes. In connection with that case, in December 1863, the court issued jury summons to 25 “good and lawful men being slave holders.”

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How many of Asael Farmer’s enslaved can we trace forward?

  • Spencer

Perhaps: on 12 January 1869, Watson Farmer, son of Aaron Barnes and Cherry Barnes, married Martha Barnes, daughter of Spencer Taylor and Cherry Taylor, at Pattie Farmer’s in Wilson County.

On 16 January 1869, Jolly Taylor, son of Spencer Farmer and Cherry Taylor, married Patsey Farmer, daughter of Benj. and Ellen Farmer, in Wilson.

On 4 January 1870, Daniel Farmer, son of Spencer Farmer and Cherry Farmer, married Axa Cherry, daughter of Joseph Forbs and Judy Barnes, in Wilson County.

On 24 April 1870, Hardy Farmer, son of Spencer Farmer and Cherry Farmer, married Silvey Hooks at Hardy Farmer’s home in Wilson County.

  • Sampson

Perhaps: on 25 August 1866, Sampson Farmer and Lucy Stephens registered their 12-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

in the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Samson Farmer, 55, farm laborer, and wife Lucy, 47.

In the 1880 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farmer Samson Farmer, 60, and wife Lucy A., 54.

Or: on 23 August 1866, Sampson Farmer and Phillis Jordan registered their 18(?)-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Samson Farmer, 57; wife Phillis, 25; son Warren, 12; and Rebecca Taylor, 31.

in the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Sampson Farmer, 59, farm laborer; wife Phillis, 29; son Warren, 26; and Amos Simms, 62.

Hannah Barnes died 25 May 1920 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 1841 in Wilson County to Samson Farmer and Annie Barnes; was married to Robert Barnes; and was buried in Elm City. Julius Barnes was informant.

  • Belford

On 22 September 1870, Belford Farmer, son of Ben and Ellen Farmer, married Peggy Flowers, daughter of Henry and Annie Flowers, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Bellford Farmer, 46, farmer; wife Peggy, 36; children Morning, 17, Benj’n, 10, Alice, 13, Moses, 8, Anna, 5, and Ida, 1; and Allen Battle, 21.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widowed laundress Peggy Farmer, 43, and children Mourning, 23, Alice, 21, Annie, 13, Moses, 16, Ida, 10, Belford, 7, and Mary, 5, and grandsons Willie, 3, and Henry, 1.

  • David

This was the Dave of State v. Dave.

  • Moses

In 1866, Moses Farmer and Emla Farmer registered their 15-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Moses Farmer, 43, farm laborer; wife Emily, 38; Adeline Farmer, 20; Agnes Farmer, 65; Paton Farmer; 8; and John Farmer, 7.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street, farm worker Moses Farmer, 54, and wife Emily, 45.

  • Jarmon

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farmer Jarman Farmer, 34; wife Virginia, 30; and children Jackson, 17, Green, 13, Rose, 15, Jane, 10, Julia, 8, Ella, 6, and Maggie, 4.

On 8 February 1877, Rose Farmer, 21, married Dennis Batts, 22, at Jarman Farmer’s house in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Jarman Farmer, 52; wife Jennie, 45; children Greene, 22, Julia A., 15, Mary E., 13, Jarman, 4, and Isaac, 3; and brother Blount Farmer, 45.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Jarman Farmer, 75; wife Jennie, 68; sons Jarman, 25, and Isaac, 22; and grandsons Walter, 19, and Sam Faulklin, 22.

On 9 January 1901, Jarman Farmer Jr., 26, son of Jarman Farmer, married Maud Sessoms, 23, daughter of Claude Sessoms, at Dock Thomas‘ in Toisnot township, Wilson County.

Julia Farmer died 27 July 1943 in Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 1 April 1880 [actually, more like 1865] in Wilson County to Jarman Farmer and Jennie Farmer; was the widow of Bennie Farmer; and was buried in Elm City Cemetery. Jennie Armstrong was informant.

Jarman Farmer died 17 December 1954 in Richmond, Virginia. Per his death certificate, he was 77 years old; was born in Wilson County, N.C., to Jarman Farmer and Jennie Farmer; lived at 619 North 26th Street, Richmond; was the widower of Maude Farmer; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Lessie Farmer was informant.

  • Daniel

In 1866, Daniel Farmer and Cherry Barefoot registered their three-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

On 4 January 1870, Daniel Farmer, son of Spencer Farmer and Cherry Farmer, married Axa Cherry, daughter of Joseph Forbs and Judy Barnes, in Wilson County. [Is this is same Daniel as above?]

In the 1870 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farm laborer Daniel Farmer, 37; wife Axele, 36; and children Rosa, 14, Cherry, 12, Hardy, 7, and Elbert, 3.

In the 1880 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Daniel Farmer, 46; wife Axel, 40; children Hardy, 16, Lou, 12, Aaron, 10, Spencer, 8, and Elitia, 4.

Aaron Lumford Farmer died 25 April 1933 in Bull Head township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 June 1870 in Elm City, Wilson County, to Dan Farmer and Axey Barnes; was married to the “daughter of Marcus Shepherd”; and was a farmer. Aaron Farmer Jr. was informant.

  • Benjamin

On 19 December 1868, Isaac Wells, son of Cain and Milly Wells, married Clarkey Farmer, daughter of Ben and Ellen Dowly, in Wilson County. See Clarkey and Titus, below.

On 16 January 1869, Jolly Taylor, son of Spencer Farmer and Cherry Taylor, married Patsey Farmer, daughter of Benj. and Ellen Farmer, in Wilson.

On 22 September 1870, Belford Farmer, son of Ben and Ellen Farmer, married Peggy Flowers, daughter of Henry and Annie Flowers, in Wilson County.

  • Haywood
  • Blount

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Jarman Farmer, 52; wife Jennie, 45; children Greene, 22, Julia A., 15, Mary E., 13, Jarman, 4, and Isaac, 3; and brother Blount Farmer, 45.

  • Berry

Perhaps, on 22 August 1866, Berry Farmer and Hester Viverette registered their 12-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Berry Farmer, 45; wife Hester, 44; children Jane, 13, Cherry, 11, Leah, 8, Rose, 6, and Georgiana, 1; and farm laborer Harriss Parker, 20; Miller Ricks, 10, and Ellie Vines, 19.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Berry Farmer, 40, and Cherry, 23, Rose, 15, Anna, 12, and Addie, 7.

Or: on 25 August 1866, Berry Farmer and Harrett Farmer registered their ten-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Berry Farmer, 32; wife Harriet, 38; and Andrew, 7.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Berry Farmer, 50, and wife Harriet, 45.

  • Washington

Perhaps, Washington Farmer, whose wife Waity Harris and children were enslaved by a different owner, but see here.

  • Joshua
  • Patsey and her children

Is this the Martha, above, who married Watson Farmer on 12 January 1869 in Wilson County? (Patsey was a nickname for Martha.)

  • Clark and Titus

On 19 December 1868, Isaac Wells, son of Cain and Milly Wells, married Clarkey Farmer, daughter of Ben and Ellen Dowly, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Isaac Wells, 28, farm laborer, and wife Clarkey, 34.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Morriss Barnes, 27, farm laborer; wife Della, 27; children Benjamin, 10, Dilly, 6, Robert, 4, Wesley, 3, and Harriett, 1; and Titus Farmer, 18.

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Isaac Wells, 39; wife Clarke, 45; stepson Titus Farmer, 26, farm laborer; and James Chisel, 17, farm laborer.

Clarkie Wells died 1 February 1924 at the County Home, Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 90 years old and a widow.

  • Della
  • Jane
  • Mar
  • Ellen and her children

On 19 December 1868, Isaac Wells, son of Cain and Milly Wells, married Clarkey Farmer, daughter of Ben and Ellen Dowly, in Wilson County.

On 22 September 1870, Belford Farmer, son of Ben and Ellen Farmer, married Peggy Flowers, daughter of Henry and Annie Flowers, in Wilson County.

Possibly: in the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Nellie Farmer, 62; Mary Farmer, 47; and Joshua Farmer, 22. [“Nellie” was a nickname for Ellen. Next door, Berry and Harriet Farmer. Joshua was too young to have been the Joshua listed among Asael Farmer’s slaves.]

In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Nellie Farmer, 75; grandsons George, 20, Drewey, 17, and Berry Farmer, 17; and great-granddaughter Martha A. Parker, 8.

  • Clarkey
  • Delila

These records establish three nuclear families among the group — (1) Spencer and Cherry and their children Daniel, Hardy, and possibly Patsey; (2) Ben and Ellen and their children Belford and Clarkey (as well as Clarkey’s son Titus); and brothers Blount and Jarman.

Asael Farmer Estate File (1856), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org.