estate records

The estate of Isaac Farmer (1863).

Isaac Farmer was born about 1794 and died in 1863 in what is now Wilson County. His estate file reveals that he owned at least two African-Americans — Ben and Titus.

On i5 December 1863, a sale account notes two hires, Ben for the full following year and Titus for one month to widow Theresa Farmer. At ten cents, Titus must have been exceptionally elderly or otherwise infirm.

An account made a year later does not list Titus; he may have died.

On 26 January 1864, administrator J.T. Dew’s summary of Farmer’s rather meager estate ended with “one Negro Man Ben.”

——

I have not found Ben Farmer in freedom.

Estate File of Isaac Farmer (1863), 

The estate of Theophilus Bass (1857).

At October Term 1857, Wilson County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions ordered the division of a group of eight enslaved people belonging to the estate of Theophilus Bass — Charles, Mary, Easter, Warren, Eliza, Martin, Sarah, and Howell.

As we saw here, Bass had inherited Charles, Mary and Easter (Esther) from his uncle James A. Barnes after the death of Barnes’ widow Sarah Daniel Barnes. Warren, Eliza, Martin, and possibly Sarah were Easter’s children. Their father Howell was also owned by James A. Barnes, but passed to McKinley Darden, and the Howell listed above may have been Howell and Easter’s child.

A ninth enslaved person, Mason, was ordered sold at public auction in Wilson County.

Sarah, valued at $250, was allotted to Winnefred Bass.

——

We traced Charles, Mary, and Easter forward here.

  • Warren

In the 1870 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Howard Darden, 47, farm laborer; wife Esther, 38; and children Warren, 20, Eliza, 18, Martin, 17, Toby, 12, and Crawford, 1.

Warren Darden, 24, married Louisa Dew, 18, on 1 May 1873 in Wilson, before witnesses Amos Dew and Raiford Dew.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Warren Darden, 30, wife Louisa, 25, children Warren, 3, and an unnamed infant, and farmhand Wilie Lee, 14.

In the 1900 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Warren Darden, 50; wife Lou, 45; and children Warren Jr., 23, Mary L., 18, Lizzie, 12, Sallie, 6, and Minnie, 2.

Minnie Darden died 7 May 1925 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 27 August 1898 in Wilson County to Warren Darden and Louisa Darden. Grant Farmer was informant.

Sallie Farmer Eddie died 9 December 1945 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 2 March 1891 in Wilson County to Warren Darden and Louisa Dew; was married to John Eddie; and was buried in Newsom Cemetery near Lucama, N.C. George W. Dew was informant.

  • Eliza

On 29 December 1892, Henry Dortch, 52, of Wilson, son of Isaac Thorne and Bedie Artis, married Eliza Darden, 42, at Crawford Darden‘s in Wilson County. Free Will Baptist minister Daniel Blount performed, and Frank Woodard, Warren Darden, and Isom Sutton witnessed the ceremony.

  • Martin

On 22 December 1871, Martin Darden, son of Howell Darden and Esther Jordan, married Jane Dew, daughter of Haywood and Jane Dew, at H. Dew’s in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Martin Darden, 27; wife 25; and daughters Esther, 5, Ellen, 5, and Nellie, 3.

On 25 December 1888, Lawrence Mitchell, 21, of Crossroads township, Wilson County, son of Primus Mitchell, married Ester Darden, 18, of Crossroads township, daughter of Martin and Jane Darden, at Primus Mitchell’s.

In the 1900 census of Great Swamp township, Wayne County: farmer Martin Darden, 48; Jane, 50; and children Tinsey, 17, Howard, 14, Jineva, 11, and Silvey, 9.

In the 1910 census of Glissons township, Duplin County, N.C.: farmer Martin Darden, 58; wife Jane, 59; and daughter Silva, 18.

On 27 January 1915, Clint Smith, 28, of Duplin County, son of Dudly and Priscilla Smith, married Silva Darden, 23, of Duplin County, daughter of Martin and Jane Darden, at Martin Darden’s in Glissons township.

Easter Mitchell died 16 November 1918 in Crossroads township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, she was 40 years old; was born in Wilson County to Martin Darden and an unknown mother; and was buried in Ricks graveyard.

In the 1920 census of Glissons township, Duplin County, N.C.: farm laborer Martin Darden, 68, and Jane, 69.

Martin Darden died 22 December 1926 in Kenansville township, Duplin County. Per his death certificate, he was 74 years old; was married to Jane Darden; was born in Wilson County to Howard and Easter Darden; and worked as a farmer and blacksmith. Howard Darden of Fremont was informant.

Janie Darden died 21 February 1936 in Kenansville, Duplin County. Per her death certificate, she was 72 years old; was born in Wilson County; was the widow of Martin Darden; and did farm and housework. Clint Smith was informant.

  • Sarah
  • Howell
  • Mason

On 12 May 1866, Mason Bass and Kate Edmundson registered their four-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Mason Bass, 32; wife Katy, 33; children Spicy, 7, Bettie, 6, Riley, 1, and Nathaniel, 2 months; Mary, 53, Eliza, 28, and Sarah Bass, 16; and Ruffin Barnes, 18.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Mason Bass, 43; wife Kate, 45; and children Isicy, 17, Bettie, 16, Amanuel, 2, and Mattie, 10 months.

In the 1900 census of Coahoma County, Mississippi: North Carolina-born Mason Bass, 63; wife Katie, 65; children Emanuel, 22, and Amelia, 18; and granddaughter Conelus, 1. Next door: Olie Henry, 45; wife Spicie, 37; and their children Amie, 14, William, 5, and Nathan, 3.

Estate File of Theophilus Bass (1857), Edgecombe County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

The estate of Elizabeth Hinnant (1855).

When Elizabeth Hinnant made out her will on 10 April 1854, she left to Alvin H. Atkinson “one negroe boy named Joe,” the sole person she enslaved.

At the time she dictated her will, Hinnant lived in Johnston County, but by her death Wilson County had been formed. Loverd Atkinson filed in Wilson County court the inventory of Hinnant’s property shown below. First on the list, ahead of a sorrel mare, a bay horse, and three head of cattle, was Joe.

Atkinson hired Joe out to unnamed persons for 18 days, and then until the following January.

——

On 31 August 1866, Joseph Hinnant and Roda Godwin registered their six-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: Joseph Hinniard, 30; wife Rodah, 27; and children Vandier, 8, Zadok, 6, Roxy, 4, and James, 1.

In the 1880 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Joseph Hinnant, 45; wife Rhoda, 43; and children Vandorne, 18, Dock, 16, Rocksey, 14, James T., 12, Toby, 10, Josiah, 8, Leviser, 6, John E., 4, and Martha, 1.

In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: James T. Hinnant, 31; mother Rhoda, 59; father Joseph, 70; and sisters Lovisa, 25, Martha, 21, and Mary, 18.

The estate of Phoebe Boykin (1863).

Phoebe Boykin of Oldfields township, Wilson County, died in late 1863 possessed of five enslaved people — Peter, Watey, and Watey’s three children.

The children apparently were quite young, as in the 1860 slave schedule of Oldfields township, Phebe Boykin reported only a 62 year-old man, a 17 year-old young woman, and a 1 year-old boy.

At the 28 November 1863 sale of Boykin’s perishable property, Peter was hired out to Hackney Eatmon [of neighboring Nash County] for $52.50, and Watey and her children went to Chrissey Bailey “for keepin.” [Bailey appears to have been Phoebe Boykin’s daughter.] Peter was to receive one pair of shoes, a coat, two pairs of pants, two shirts, and one pair of socks. Watey and her children were to have two suits each, with Watey to get a pair of socks and a pair of shoes as well.

On 28 November 1864, Crissy Bailey marked her X on a receipt for the $350 she was paid for caring for Watey and the children the previous year.

The same day, Peter was hired out to Haywood Eatmon for $101.50, and Watey and her children returned to Bailey for $101.

——

  • Peter

In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County, there is Peter Eatmon, 28, hireling by the day; wife Lucinda, 30; and children Henry, 8, and Doctor, 4. This Peter, however, was much too young to have been the elderly man listed in the 1860 slave schedule.

  • Watey and three children

I have not found this family.

Estate File of Phebe Boykin (1863), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

The estate of John S. Benton (1863).

Twenty-seven year-old John S. Benton of Wilson County enlisted in the Confederate Army on 28 June 1861 in Craven County, North Carolina. He was assigned to Company F, 4th North Carolina Infantry; was wounded at Seven Pines, Virginia, on 31 May 1862; and died of his wounds on 10 June 1862.

As administrator of Benton’s small estate, Willie Lamm filed this account of the sale of Benton’s property, which included “one Negroman Sezar.” The low price Caesar brought suggests that he was very old and/or infirm.

Estate File of John S. Benton (1863), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

The estate of Willie Atkinson (1848).

Edgecombe County farmer Willie (pronounced “Wiley”) Atkinson died in 1848. Atkinson lived south of the Town Creek area and maintained close business ties with men who lived in and around Stantonsburg.

We saw here a reference to two enslaved men, Blount and Miles, hired out by Atkinson’s estate in 1851. They were part of a larger community of enslaved people held for Atkinson’s heirs. In December 1851, pursuant to court order, Atkinson’s eldest daughter Rhoda A.M. Atkinson received her one-sixth share of her father’s slaves — Cary and Red, valued at $750. The remaining — Rachel, Miles, Blount, Harry, Mariah, Harriet, Cherry, and Mills “returns back to common stock.”

The people enslaved by Willie Atkinson were largely members of a single extended family, several of whom settled in Wilson County after Emancipation:

  • Rachel

Rachel Atkinson and Harry Atkinson were the parents of Mills, Blount, Henry “Harry,” Mariah, and, probably Harriet. (Only one Harry is listed among Willie Atkinson’s enslaved. This, presumably, was the younger Harry, and the elder Harry may have had a different owner.)

In August 1866, Harry Atkinson and Hagar Atkinson registered their 40-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace. [Is this a different Harry Atkinson?]

On 22 December 1868, Henry Atkinson, son of Harry Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, married Sophia Bridgers, daughter of Virgil Bridgers, in Wilson County.

On 30 August 1869, Mills Atkinson, son of Harry Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, married Rhoda Bridgers, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Rachel Atkinson, 75; (presumed) husband Harry, 82; and Isaac Atkinson, 60.

  • Mills

On 30 August 1869, Mills Atkinson, son of Harry Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, married Rhoda Bridgers, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Cokey township, Edgecombe County: farm laborer Mills Atkinson, 40; wife Rhoda, 42; Maria Bridgers, 32, farm laborer, and Martha, 2, and Lucinda Bridgers, 8.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Blount Adkinson, 52; wife Rachael, 40; and children Jerry, 12, Lenora, 9, Victora, 4, and Bursia, 2; Rachael Adkinson, 79; and brother Mills Adkinson, 57.

On 30 December 1886, Mills Atkinson 60, married Lucey Jenkins, 50, in Saratoga, Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Mariah Taylor, 61, widow; brother Mills Atkinson, 64, farm laborer; niece Roxie Webb, 24, widow; nephew Amos Webb, 3; and servant John Webb, 19.

  • Blount

In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Blount Atkinson, 34; wife Rachael, 31; and children Guilbert, 13, Charlotte, 12, Jeremiah, 3, and John H., 7 months.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Blount Adkinson, 52; wife Rachael, 40; and children Jerry, 12, Lenora, 9, Victora, 4, and Bursia, 2; Rachael Atkinson, 79; and brother Mills Adkinson, 57.

Blount Atkinson died in 1894, and T.J. Hadley was appointed to administer his estate. His heirs were his children Jerry, Lenora, Basora, Victoria, and Alex. His debts outweighed his assets, and sales of his cotton and the 70 acres he owned brought in $89.51 and $115.87 respectively.

In May 1899, Thomas Farmer, 21, of Wilson County, son of Isaac Barnes and Chany Farmer, married Bazy Atkinson, 19, of Wilson County, daughter of Blount and Rachel Atkinson, in Wilson County.

On 10 January 1906, Hoyet Robbinson, 47, of Taylors township, son of Sam and Milly Robbinson, married Lindora Atkinson, 35, of Gardners township, daughter of Blunt and Rachel Atkinson, at Thomas Store in Gardners township.

In December 1907, Joe Petway, 61, married Victoria Atkinson, 40, of Gardners township, daughter of Blount and Rachael Atkinson. Jonah Williams, Primitive Baptist minister, performed the ceremony.

On 16 December 1908, James Whitaker, 52, of Gardners township, married Bazora Atkinson, 23, of Gardners township, daughter of Blount Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, at Jerry Atkinson’s in Wilson County. Harry Pender, Peter Barron, and Calvin Atkinson were witnesses.

Elix Zander Atkinson died 22 June 1947 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 7 April 1891 in Wilson County to Blount Atkinson and Rachel Sharpe; was a widower; worked as a day laborer; and was buried in Brantley Cemetery, Wilson County, by I.W. Lee of Fremont. Brazria Whitaker was informant.

Victoria Petway died 29 April 1958 in Elm City, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 10 October 1883 in Wilson County to Blount Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson; and farmed. Informant was Luther Petway. She was buried in Rountree Cemetery, Wilson.

Bastoria Whitaker died 27 July 1971 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 29 August 1890 to Rachel Atkinson; was widow; worked in farming; and was buried in Lucas Cemetery, Wilson County. Nancy Elliott, Wilson, was informant.

  • Henry “Harry”

On 22 December 1868, Henry Atkinson, son of Harry Atkinson and Rachel Atkinson, married Sophia Bridgers, daughter of Virgil Bridgers, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Harry Atkinson, 26, farm laborer; wife Sopha, 27; and children Warren, 12, Harriet, 11, and Charley, 1.

In the 1880 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Harry Atkinson, 43, farmer; wife Sophia, 45; children Harriet, 21, Charley, 11, Geo. E., 9, Sarah F., 6, Callie A.T.A., 4, and William H., 2; and grandson Wiley, 1.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Atkinson, 63; wife Sophia, 68; and servant Rachael Bridgers, 16.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Harry Atkinson, 68, and wife Sophia, 70. Next door: Mariah Taylor, 65, widow; son Jerry Taylor, 38, widower; and grandson Lonnie Taylor, 3.

Chas. Atkinson died 23 October 1915 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1865 to Harry Atkinson and Sophia Bridgers and was a farmer.

Tempie Barron died 19 January 1932 of Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 40 years old; was born in Wilson County to Harry Atkinson and Soffie Atkinson; was married to Gray Barron; and was buried in Wilson County.

  • Harriett

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Pettigrew Street, Eli Webb, 34, farmer; wife Harrett, 30; children John H.H., 11, Nancy A., 9, Betsey, 7, Mattie, 2, and Amos, 1; sister-in-law Mariah Atkinson, 36; and servant Fannie Vane, 12.

Reddick Webb died 10 January 1937 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 47 years old; was born in Wilson County to Elijah Webb and Harriet Atkinson; was married to Glennie Webb; and worked as a common laborer. Emma Webb was informant. [Was Reddick named for “Red,” who was also enslaved by Willie Atkinson?]

  • Mariah

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Pettigrew Street, Eli Webb, 34, farmer; wife Harrett, 30; children John H.H., 11, Nancy A., 9, Betsey, 7, Mattie, 2, and Amos, 1; sister-in-law Mariah Atkinson, 36; and servant Fannie Vane, 12.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Mariah Taylor, 61, widow; brother Mills Atkinson, 64, farm laborer; niece Roxie Webb, 24, widow; nephew Amos Webb, 3; and servant John Webb, 19.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Mariah Taylor, 65, widow; son Jerry Taylor, 38, widower; and grandson Lonnie Taylor, 3. Next door: Harry Atkinson, 68, and wife Sophia, 70.

Mariah Taylor died 13 June 1923 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 80 years old; was born in Edgecombe County to Henry Taylor and Rachel Robins; was the widow of Henry Taylor; and was buried in Wilson County. Amos Webb was informant.

Hoyt Robinson died 2 January 1947 in Taylors township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 2 January 1851 in Robeson County, N.C. to Henry and Millie Robinson; was married; and worked as a farmer. He was buried in the Mariah Taylor cemetery, Wilson County. [Hoyt Robinson was married to Lenora/Lindora Atkinson, Mariah Atkinson Taylor’s niece.]

  • Miles

Perhaps, in the 1880 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Miles Atkinson, 51, laborer, in the household of white farmer John Sumerlin.

  • Others?

In the 1880 census of Olds township, Greene County, N.C.: Leah Atkinson, 50, and Cherry, 16, and Blunt, 12. [Was Leah Atkinson a child or close relative of Harry and Rachel Atkinson? Did she name her children after two of their children?

Estate File of Willie Atkinson (1848), Edgecombe County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

Wills and estates.

Even when they owned property, most African-Americans in Wilson County in the 19th and early 20th centuries, even the wealthiest and most prominent,  did not execute wills, and their estates passed informally to their descendants as “heir property.” (A major contributor to loss of land and wealth among African-American families.) Some bucked the trend, however, and this post comprises a running list of such wills and estates featured in Black Wide-Awake.

Men and women born enslaved are marked with an asterisk. Free people of color are indicated with a circumflex (^).

Last will and testament of Ella Clark Gaston Hinton, executed 15 August 1946.

Wills

Estates

The estate of Prince Daniel (1889).

When Prince Daniel died about 1889, his modest estate reflected a life painstakingly built since the end of slavery.

Daniel died without a will, and a white farmer named Perry Renfrow, with whom he had a close relationship, was appointed administrator of the estate. On 29 February 1889, Daniel’s belongings went up for sale at auction. Among the family, friends, and neighbors that purchased farm implements, furniture, and utensils were David Rowe and his father Ruffin Rowe; husband and wife Gaston and Waity Barnes; Alford Jordan; Raiford Daniel; Mason Bass; and Condary Barnes.

——

On 31 August 1866, Prince Daniel and Absley Simms registered their cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farm laborer Prince Daniel, 55; wife Absley, 40; and Isaac, 13. Daniel reported owning $100 in personal property.

In the 1880 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Prince Daniel, 67, and wife Absley, 44. [Next door: farm laborer Isaac Daniel, 23; wife Zilla, 24; and daughters Virginia, 5, Ella Jane, 3, and Mobelia, 3 months.]

On 9 June 1883, a Wilson County Probate Court judge ordered Jennie Daniel, 9, and Ella Daniel, 7, bound as apprentices to Prince Daniel until they each reached 21 years of age. Perry Renfrow was witness to the transaction. [These were Isaac and Zilla Daniel’s daughters. Why were they bound to Prince?]

Prince Daniel Estate File, Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org; United States Indenture and Manumission Records, 1780-1939, database at https://familysearch.org.

The estate of James Daniel (1854).

James Daniel died heavily indebted in 1854. Daniel lived near Black Creek, in what was then Wayne but is now Wilson County.

An October 1857 account of his estate filed by administrator Lawrence T. Davis included these two debts owed Daniel by two free men of color, Edwin Artis and Micajah Artis:

The account also contains a single reference to an enslaved person, a man named Prince for whom no value is listed. When a dispute broke out over Daniel’s estate, Prince’s value became a point of contention.

James Daniel Estate Record, Wayne County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

Update: the estate of Moses Farmer Sr.

When I first examined the estate file of Moses Farmer Sr., who died in 1844, I missed this recitation of names of the people he enslaved — Marina (purchased at his direction), Reuben, London, Luke, Glasgow, Dick, Harry, Thomas, Washington, Greene, Valentine, Rachel, Charity, Caroline, Alice, Nelly, Elva, America, Fortune, big Rose, Chain, Jinny, Ofie, Daniel, Jason, Watson, Drewry, Chain, Venus, little Rose, Sylvia, Maria, Warren, Nan, and [blank.] Per the terms of Farmer’s will, all but “Big Chainny” were to be sold.

——

  • Reuben — Reuben Farmer. In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Reuben Farmer, 68, Nancy, 71, and Luke Farmer, 11.
  • London
  • Luke
  • Glasgow — on 11 August 1866, Glasco Farmer and Clary Farmer registered their 20-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace. In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Glasses Farmer, 49; wife Clara, 36; Morning, 17, Haywood, 18, Rosa, 15, Ferby, 3, and Louisa Farmer, 9 months; and Mae Barnes, 7.
  • Dick
  • Harry
  • Thomas — in 1866, Thomas Farmer and Polly Woodard registered their ten-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace. In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Thomas Farmer, 40; wife Mary, 34; and children April, 13, Liberty, 4, and Eliza, 1.
  • Washington — Washington Farmer. His wife Waity Harris and children were enslaved by a different owner.
  • Greene
  • Valentine — Valentine Farmer. Per his daughter Martha Farmer Ruffin, Valentine’s parents were Reuben and Nancy Farmer. His wife Quinnie and children were enslaved by Robert Bynum. Val Farmer and his parents remained within the white Farmer family after Moses Farmer’s death.
  • Rachel — in 1866, Warren Farmer and Rachel Farmer registered their ten-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.
  • Charity
  • Caroline
  • Olive
  • Nelly — Nellie Farmer. In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Nellie Farmer, 62; Mary, 47; and Joshua, 22. In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Nelly Farmer, 75; grandsons George, 20, Drewry, 17, and Berry, 17; and great-granddaughter Martha A. Parker, 8.
  • Elva — in 1866, Hilliard Farmer and Elva Farmer registered their two-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace. In the 1870 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Hilliard Farmer, 30; wife Elery, 29; and children Jason, 4, and Adeline, 12.
  • America — possibly, in the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: farmer Sydnor Campbell, 48; wife America, 40; York, 16, Thomas, 12, Pennina, 7, Reuben, 5, Nelly, 3, Lawrence, 2, and Nancy, 1; and stepdaughters Maggie Woodard, 12, and R. Rountree, 18. (The death certificates of Lawrence Campbell and Pennina Campbell Williams list their mother’s maiden name as Farmer. Several of America Campbell’s children bear names found in the community enslaved by Moses Farmer, including Thomas, Reuben, Nelly, Nancy, and Elva.)
  • Fortune
  • Big Rose
  • Chain
  • Jinny — in 1866, Jenny Farmer and John Farmer registered their 13-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.
  • Ofie
  • Daniel
  • Jason — in 1866, Jason Farmer and Candis Gay registered their seven-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace. In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Jason Farmer, 33, farm laborer; wife Candas, 29; and children Florence, 9, Isiah, 6, and George, 4.
  • Watson
  • Drewry
  • Chain
  • Venus — in 1866, Venice Farmer and Arch Barnes registered their  cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace. Perhaps: in the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Rosa Farmer, 35, and children Gray, 16, Turner, 17, Mary, 16, Thomas, 13, Daniel, 12, Leah, 10, Jefferson, 8, Louisa, 10 months, and Anna, 3, plus Arche Barnes, 73, cooper (if so, Venus likely died 1866-1870.)
  • Little Rose — perhaps, in the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Rosa Farmer, 35, and children Gray, 16, Turner, 17, Mary, 16, Thomas, 13, Daniel, 12, Leah, 10, Jefferson, 8, Louisa, 10 months, and Anna, 3, plus Arche Barnes, 73, cooper.
  • Sylvia
  • Maria
  • Warren — in 1866, Warren Farmer and Rachel Farmer registered their ten-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.
  • Nan — see Reuben, above.