Rederick C. Henderson and his bicycle, somewhere in East Wilson, circa 1950.
My father was my gateway to Wilson and sparked my love for people and place. I miss him every day, but especially on September 12.
father and daughter
Happy Father’s Day!
In memory of all the fathers who built the Wilson I know, and
to all the fathers still building.
In remembrance.
Except for his time in the Air Force and college, my father lived his entire life in Wilson. Three years ago tonight, he passed away here, at home, surrounded by his wife and daughters and granddaughter. He loved Wilson, and his stories were my early gateway to what would become Black Wide-Awake. I wish he’d had more time to understand and enjoy my posts and to know how deeply he continues to guide and influence me. Rest in power, Rederick C. Henderson.
Happy Father’s Day!
Honoring and remembering the countless fathers, past and present, who built and sustain our community.
Family photo in collection of Lisa Y. Henderson.
In memoriam: her daddy, Willie Taylor.
Wilson Daily Times, 7 November 1939.
What a lovely tribute by ten year-old Fannie Beatrice Taylor to her father. (It’s a fading practice, by the way, but until recently “Daddy” was unselfconsciously used by Southerners of any and every age to call their fathers.)
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In the 1910 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Joe Taylor, 42; wife Hattie, 28; and children Emmit, 10, Rosetta, 8, Willie, 6, and Daisey, 5.
In the 1920 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Joe Taylor, 51; wife Hattie, 57; and children Willie Robert, 16, and Hattie Lee, 14.
In the 1930 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Willie Taylor, 24; father Joe, 62; mother Hattie, 51; sister Daisy, 23; and niece Hattie M., 10.
Willie Taylor died 6 November 1938 in Gardners township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 18 October 1903 in Wilson County to Joseph Taylor and Hattie Lucas; was married to Maybelle Taylor; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Wilson [his headstone stands in Rest Haven Cemetery.]
On 11 March 1948, Fannie B. Taylor, 19, of Saratoga, daughter of Willie Taylor and Mable Best Taylor, married Wright Horne, 20, of Saratoga, son of Osborn Horne and Annie Lane Horne, in Wilson, Wilson County.