Norfolk Ledger-Star, 24 February 1913.
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Susan Richardson Gaston Ratley drafted her will on 4 March 1925, several years before she died. She left eldest son John Henry Gaston a “grind rock” (presumably, grindstone) and “Opants bed quilt.” The remainder of her property went to children Ivory Gaston, Charlie Gaston, and Nonia Gaston Carney. Son-in-law George Carney was appointed executor, as well as guardian of Charlie Gaston, who was “of an unsound mind, and not mentally capable of looking after his own affairs.” Ratley explained that she used “some discrimination in the division of [her] humble estate” because her younger children “by hard work and co-operation with [her], enabled [her] to thus save that [she has,] without the aid of [her]oldest son Henry Gaston ….” Thus, “they are justly entitled to the greater part of my estate.’
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On 20 April 1876, Simon Gaston, 25, married Susan Richardson, 20, in Stantonsburg, Wilson County, in the presence of H. Richardson, Ned Ellis, and H. Donell.
In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Simon Gaston, 28, farm laborer; wife Susan, 23; and children Henry, 3, Joseph, 1, and a 1 month-old infant.
In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: farm laborer John Gaston, 21; mother Susan, 48; and siblings Charley, 13, Ivor, 10, and Mary M., 8.
On 16 November 1904, John Radcliffe, 70, of Wilson, son of Jack and Martha Radcliffe, married Susan Gaston, 48, of Wilson, at William Jenkins‘ residence in Wilson. Missionary Baptist minister William Baker performed the ceremony in the presence of B.S. Jordan, R.B. Ellis, and Henry Mitchell.
In the 1908 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory, Charles, Ivy, and Joseph Gaston, all laborers, are listed at 610 Stantonsburg Street.
In the 1912 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory, Charles and Ivey Gaston, both laborers, are listed at 615 Stantonsburg Street.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 313 Manchester, oil mill laborer Henry Gaston, 31; wife Dora, 28; and daughter Josephine, 3.
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 618 Nash, George Carney, 30, laborer in auto shop, and wife Nonnie, 28.
In the 1928 and 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Rattley Susan (c) h 408 Manchester
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 408 Manchester, owned and valued at $400, widow Susan Rattley, 74, and son Charlie Gatsin, 23, odd jobs.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 508 Woodard, Henry Gaston, 42, town laborer; wife Dora, 38; and stepdaughter Josephine Whitaker, 14.
Susan Rattley died 15 October 1931 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 75 years old; was born in Wake County to Frank Richardson; was the widow of John Rattler; lived at 408 Manchester Street; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] Nonia Carney was informant.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Nonia Connie, 45; brother Ivry Gaston, 50, plumber for City of Wilson; husband George Connie, 49; and James H. Williams, 24, tobacco factory laborer.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Henry Gaston, 58, clerk in own store; wife Dora, 48; stepdaughter Josephine Ward, 24; and step grandson Walter Whitaker, 7.
In the 1940 census of Raleigh, Wake County, N.C.: at North Carolina State Penitentiary, Charlie Gaston, 47, inmate. [In 1938, Gaston was charged in the rape of a ten year-old girl. A judge accepted his plea of guilty to a lesser charge in consideration of Gaston’s “low mentality,” which was estimated to be equivalent to a six or seven year-old child. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.]
Henry Gaston died 27 December 1940 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was verb 19 January 1881 in Wilson County to Handy Heart; lived on Taylor Street; was married to Dora Gaston; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery.
In 1943, Charlie Gaston registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was about 45 years old; he was born in Wilson County; his contact was sister Nome Carney, Wilson; he was “employed” at Central Prison; and he was blind.
Charlie Gaston died 11 December 1949 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1888 to Simon Gaston and Susan Rattley Richardson [sic]; was single; lived at 502 Manchester Street; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery. Nonia Carney was informant.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: George Carney, 61, janitor at private club; wife Nonie, 50, hanging tobacco; brother-in-law Ivory Gaston, 56, fireman at city electric plant; and James H. Williams, 33, tobacco packer.
George T. Carney died 7 July 1958 at his home at 502 Manchester Street, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 10 June 1895 in Edgecombe County, N.C., to John Carney and Amanda Freeman; was married to Nonie Carney; and worked as a laborer.
Ivory Gaston died 27 May 1968 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 4 January 1904 to Susan Richardson and lived at 502 Manchester Street. Nonie Carney was informant.
Nonie Carney died 9 January 1972 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 15 May 1896 to Sue Riley; was a widow; had worked as a laborer; and lived at 502 Manchester Street. James Williams was informant.
We read Harriett Parks‘ will here. After her death in late 1896, John A. Gaston was duly appointed executor of her estate.
From December 1896 through 25 September 1897, Gaston reported income from rent payments made by tenants Ennis Thompson and Christiana Taylor. Gaston paid out ten dollars for Parks’ coffin and forty-five cents for a ticket for Parks’ daughter Allie Kate Barnes.
In addition, Gaston paid an unnamed person one dollar for digging Parks’ grave [which was mostly likely in Oakdale Cemetery]; a dollar for use of a horse and buggy for her funeral; and $1.25 for the whitewashing of her house.
From 27 September 1897 through 22 March 1900, Gaston received rent payments from Christina (or Christiana) Taylor, Allen Morgan, and Annie Williams. He paid forty cents for a lock; $1.30 for lights; another $1.25 for whitewashing; one dollar for cleaning out a well; and a dollar for a well bucket. Gaston paid Parks’ daughter Allie Kate $5.00 and her son Harvey G. Barnes $6.25.
Wilson, N.C., Probate Estate Files 1854-1959, http://www.familysearch.org.
Wilson Daily Times, 29 October 1946.
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Pettigrew Gaston died 28 October 1946 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 5 November 1933 in Wilson to Charley Gaston of Craven County, N.C., and Narcissus Pate of Wake County; lived at 111 Manchester Street; and was a schoolboy. His death was ruled an accident, and he was buried in Zebulon, N.C.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: carpenter Henry Dudley, 42; wife Della, 38; and children Carl, 17, James, 14, Minnie, 12, and Robert, 9.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 109 Manchester, construction contractor Henry Dudley, 51; wife Della, 46; children James, 24, and Minnie B., 22; grandson Robert L., 20; and [Robert’s?] son Bernard, 2.
George A. Gaston‘s 1934 obituary mentioned that several of his surviving children lived in New York and Nevada. Sons Roscoe Gaston and Dewey Gaston — barbers like their father, grandfather, and brothers — were lifelong Wilson County residents. So was John Gaston, the only son who followed a different trade. As early as 1916, daughter Nina Gaston Latham Vick was in Washington, D.C., where she was eventually joined by her siblings Ada Pearl Gaston, Augustus Gaston, and Boisey Gaston. Georgia Gaston Pittman settled in Enfield, North Carolina. Son Mancie Gaston moved to the West Coast around 1930, landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Reno, Nevada, before settling in Seattle, Washington. I have not been able to identify who was in New York in 1934.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.
In the 1940 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Dixon Street, barber Roscoe Gaston, 58, and wife Bessie, 46.
In the 1950 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Dixon Street, Roscoe Gaston, 66, and wife Bessie, 54.
Roscoe Gaston died 5 February 1970 in Elm City, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 10 August 1888 to George Gaston and Priscilla Mercer; was a widower; and worked as a barber. Nina G. Vick, Washington, D.C., was informant.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
On 22 January 1908, John Gaston, 25, of Toisnot township, son of Geo. and P. Gaston, married Nannie Barnes, 19, of Toisnot township, daughter of Rego and Mary Barnes, at First Presbyterian Church, Elm City. Rev. E.E. Tucker performed the ceremony in the presence of Jas. G. Mitchell, G.C. Cowell, and Oliver N. Freeman.
In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.
In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: barber John Gaston, 38; wife Nannie, 31; and daughters Pressilla, 11, and Minnie, 9.
In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: brickmason John Gaston, 48; wife Nannie, 41; daughters Pricilla, 21, and Minnie, 18; and mother-in-law Mary Barnes, 62, widow.
In the 1940 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: brickmason John Gaston, 58; wife Nannie, 57; daughter Mary E., 9; and mother-in-law Mary Barnes, 71.
In the 1950 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: John Gaston, 63; wife Nannie, 61; and roomers Maggie Yelder, 25, and Mable G. Ellis, 40.
John Gaston died 17 March 1959 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 11 December 1882 in Elm City to George Gaston and Priscilla Mercer; was married to Nannie Gaston; and informant was daughter P.M. Gaston.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
On 11 April 1906, Eugene Pittman, 24, of Enfield, son of Major and Francis Pittman, married Georgia Gaston, 21, of Enfield, daughter of John and Alice Gaston [sic], in Enfield, Halifax County, North Carolina.
In 1918, Eugene Pittman registered for the World War I draft in Halifax County, North Carolina. Per his registration card, he was born 9 June 1881; lived in Enfield, Halifax County; was a farmer; and his nearest relative was Georgia Pittman.
In the 1920 census of Enfield township, Halifax County, North Carolina: Eugene Pittman, 36; wife Georgia, 36; and children John R., 13, Claude, 11, Oliver, 9, Horace and Laurace, 7, Major, 4, Annie Lee, 2, and Gaston, 1 month.
In the 1930 census of Enfield township, Halifax County, North Carolina: Eugene Pittman, 44; wife Georgia, 43; and children John R., 22, Claude, 21, Oliver, 19, Horace and Larce, 16, Major, 13, Annie L., 11, Gaston, 9, and Ralph, 7.
In 1940, Larce Pittman registered for the World War II draft in Halifax County, North Carolina. Per his registration card, he was born 25 January 1911 in Enfield, North Carolina; lived in Enfield; his contact was mother Georgia Gaston Pittman; and he farmed for himself.
In the 1950 census of Enfield township, Halifax County: widow Georgia Pittman, 65; children Lawrence, 38, Major, 35, Ralph, 25, and Annie L., 33; and grandchildren Dorothy J., 5, and William, 4.
Georgia G. Pittman died 30 August 1960 in Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County, North Carolina. Per her death certificate, she was born 11 July 1884 in Wilson County to George Gaston; lived near Enfield, North Carolina; and was a widow. Ralph Pittman was informant.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.
In the 1920 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: widowed farmer George Gaston, 69, and children [and grandchildren] Ada, 33, Nina, 31, August, 27, George J., 6, Lucile, 2, and Ernest, 9 months. (Also, in Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Garfield Perkins, 36; wife Laura, 36; children Ethel, 15, and G. William, 12; and boarder P. Ada Gaston, 34, a teacher.)
In the 1930 census of Elm City town, Toisnot township, Wilson County: barbershop proprietor George Gaston, 72, and daughter Ada, a public school teacher, 43.
In the 1935 Washington, D.C., city directory: Gaston Ada maid 1521 Corcoran nw
In the 1938 Washington, D.C., city directory: Gaston Ada maid 1514 Corcoran nw
In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C., city directory: Ada Gaston, 53, lodger, private domestic, was a lodger at 1513 Corcoran Street.
Washington Star (Washington, D.C.), 8 March 1975.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.
On 21 May 1912, Nina Gatham, 22, of Toisnot township, daughter of George A. and Priscilla Gaston, married John Latham, 24, of Toisnot township, son of Isham and Winnie Latham, in Elm City, Wilson County.
In September 1916, Samuel Vick and Nina Latham were married in Washington, D.C. [This Samuel Vick was not the son of Samuel H. Vick of Wilson.]
Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 8 September 1916.
In the 1920 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: widowed farmer George Gaston, 69, and children [and grandchildren] Ada, 33, Nina, 31, August, 27, George J., 6, Lucile, 2, and Ernest, 9 months. (Also, in Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Garfield Perkins, 36; wife Laura, 36; children Ethel, 15, and G. William, 12; and boarder P. Ada Gaston, 34, a teacher.)
In the 1927 Washington, D.C., city directory: Vick Nina dom 339 57th ne; Vick Saml H lab 339 57th ne
Augustus Carter Vick was born 24 February 1929 in Washington, D.C.
In the 1932 Washington, D.C., city directory: Vick Nina Mrs dom 310 57th ne
In the 1935 Washington, D.C., city directory: Vick Nina (wid Saml H) char h 310 57th ne
In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: Nina Vick, 51, houseworker; children George B., 26, bootblack at barbershop, Earnestine L., 20, houseworker, and Augustus C., 10; and lodger Vera L. Boston, 19, houseworker.
Evening Star, 13 November 1942.
In the 1950 census of Washington, D.C.: widow Nina G. Vick, 61, housecleaner, and lodgers John Staley, 80, and Stanley Jackson, 43, presser at cleaning plant.
Washington Star, 25 December 1980.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.
On 18 January 1918, Mancy Gaston, 25, of Toisnot township, son of Geo. A. and Priscilla Gaston, married Eva Mabrey, 30, of Toisnot township, daughter of H.C. and S.R. Mabrey, in Elm City. Presbyterian minister C. Dillard performed the ceremony in the presence of Aggie Williams, W.R. Lucas, and Aggie Lucas.
In 1918, Mancie Gaston applied for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 10 June 1892 in Elm City; lived in Elm City; and worked as a barber for George A. Gaston.
On 8 May 1918, Mancie Gaston departed Hoboken, New Jersey, aboard the George Washington with 5th Company Camp Grant Reenforcement Draft Labor Battalion (Colored). His wife, Eva Gaston, was named as his emergency contact.
On 13 June 1919, Mancie Gaston departed Saint Nazaire, France, aboard the U.S.S. Virginia with Company B, 313 Service Battalion Quartermasters, headed for Camp Alexander, Newport News, Virginia. His aunt, Agie Williams, was named as his emergency contact.
In the 1922 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Gaston Mancie (c) barber W S Hines h Elm City NC
On 8 March 1923, Dewey Gaston, 23, son of George and Priscilla Gaston, all of Wilson County, married Mary B. Howard, 24, of Edgecombe County, daughter of Mary E. Darden. Brother Mancie Gaston applied for the license, and Rev. R.E. Sentelle performed the ceremony in Edgecombe County in the presence of Mancie Gaston and Fannie F. Ricks of Elm City.
In the 1925 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Gaston Mancie (c) barber W S Hines h Elm City NC
In the 1931 Albuquerque, New Mexico, city directory: Gaston Mancie r 311 N 7th
In the 1940 census of Seattle, King County, Washington: Mancie Gaston, 47, W.P.A. laborer. He reported that he lived in Reno, Nevada, in 1935.
In 1942, Mancie Gaston registered for the World War II draft in Seattle, King County, Washington. Per his registration card, he was born 10 June 1892 in Elm City, North Carolina; lived at 413 1/2 Maynard Street, Seattle; and worked for I.D. Dudley, Seattle.
Mancie Gaston died 7 August 1946 at the Marine Hospital in Seattle, King County, Washington. Per his death certificate, he was born 10 June 1892 in Elm City, N.C., to George Gaston and Priscilla Mercer; was a widower; was a barber; was a World War I veteran. He was buried in Elm City.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.
In 1917, Augustus Gaston registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 28 March 1894 in Elm City, Wilson County; worked as a barber for G.A. Gaston, Elm City; and was single.
On 12 June 1919, Augustus Gaston departed Saint Nazaire, France, aboard the U.S.S. Princess Matoika with Company B, 329th Service Battalion, headed for Camp Jackson, [South Carolina]. His father, George Gaston, was named as his emergency contact.
In the 1920 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: widowed farmer George Gaston, 69, and children [and grandchildren] Ada, 33, Nina, 31, August, 27, George J., 6, Lucile, 2, and Ernest, 9 months.
On 2 July 1923, Augustus Gaston, 29, of Wilson, son of Geo. and Priscilla Gaston, married Wilhelmina Crawford, 24, daughter of Dan and Annie Crawford, in Wilson. Roderick Taylor applied for the license, and Presbyterian minister A.H. George performed the ceremony in the presence of W.C. Whitted, S.R. Battle, and Olga L. Battle.
Willie Mena Gaston died 5 June 1929 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 26 years old; was born in Wilson to Daniel Crawford of Alamance County and Annie Whitted of Orange County; was married to Augusta Gaston; and was buried in Wilson, N.C. [likely, Vick Cemetery.]
In June 1934, Augustus Gaston and Emma L. Joyner were married in Washington, D.C.
Washington Times, 22 June 1934.
In 1942, Augustus Gaston registered for the World War I draft in Washington, D.C. Per his registration card, he was born 29 March 1895 in Elm City, Wilson County, North Carolina; lived at 1242 Irving Street, N.W., Washington; his contact was brother Boisey Gaston, 1614 Third Street, N.W.; and worked in a private business for Augustus Gaston, 1229 Wisconsin Avenue.
In the 1950 census of Washington, D.C.: Augustus Gaston, 55, barbershop proprietor.
Evening Star, 14 May 1969.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.
In 1917, Boisy Gaston registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 7 September 1895 in Elm City, N.C.; lived in Elm City; was single; and worked as a barber for George Gaston.
In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: barber Borizey Gaston, 44, was a lodger in the household of Elinore Walker.
In 1942, Boisy Gaston registered for the World War II draft in Washington, D.C. Per his registration card, he was born 7 September 1897 in Elm City; lived at 1614 3rd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.; his contact was Elinor Walker, same address; and he worked for Augustus Gaston, 1229 Wisconsin Avenue.
Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 23 November 1955.
In the 1900 census of Town of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Pender Street, barber and plasterer George W. Gaston, 44, wife Cilla, 44, a cook; and children Rosco, 18, bricklayer; John, 16, common laborer; Georgia, 15, cook; Addar, 12, nurse; Nina, 11, nurse; Mancy, 6; Lacy, 6; Augustas, 6; Boston, 1; and Dewey, 6 months.
In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.
In 1918, Dewey Gaston registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 7 November 1899; lived in Elm City; worked as a barber for George A. Gaston; and his nearest relative was George A. Gaston.
On 8 March 1923, Dewey Gaston, 23, son of George and Priscilla Gaston, all of Wilson County, married Mary B. Howard, 24, of Edgecombe County, daughter of Mary E. Darden. Dewey’s brother Mancie Gaston applied for the license, and Rev. R.E. Sentelle performed the ceremony in Edgecombe County in the presence of Mancie Gaston and Fannie F. Ricks of Elm City.
In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: barber Dewey Gaston, 30, wife Mary, 20 [sic], and children Doris L., 5, and Victor H., 3.
In the 1940 census of the Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Dixon Street, barber Dewey Gaston, 40, wife Mary, 38, a teacher, and children Dorris, 15, and Victor H., 13.
In 1942, Dewey Gaston registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was 42 years old; was born in Wilson County; lived in Elm City; his contact was Clara Nicholson; and he was a self-employed barber.
Dewey Milton Gaston died 14 February 1946 in Elm City. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 November 1899 in Elm City to George Gaston and Priscilla (no maiden name listed); worked as a self-employed barber; was married to Mary Gaston; and was buried in Elm City cemetery. Mary Gaston was informant.
In the 1910 census of Town of Elm City, Wilson County: on Wilson Street, barber George Gaston, 55, wife Priscilla, 53; and children Roscoe, 28, barber; John, 26, barber; Georgie, 25; Ada, 23, teacher; Nina, 21; Mancie, 17; Augustus, 16; Flossy, 16; Boisy, 14; Dewey, 9; and Lee J. Gaston, 7.
Lists of Incoming Passengers, 1917-1938, and Lists of Outgoing Passengers, 1917-1938; U.S. Army Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1910-1939, database on-line, http://www.ancestry.com; U.S. Army Transport Service Arriving and Departing Passenger Lists, 1910-1939, database on-line, http://www.ancestry.com.
We met the “Twin Gastons” — barbers John A. and George A. Gaston — here.
George and Matilda Gaston and their twin sons arrived in Wilson County in the 1870s. The family had also lived in Kinston, North Carolina, and in New Bern, North Carolina, where George Gaston opened an account with the Freedmen’s Bank on 9 March 1872.
The senior Gaston reported that he was born and reared in New Bern; lived “back of the foundery”; had just turned 55 years old; was dark-skinned; worked for William Jones as a blacksmith and plasterer; was married to Matilda Gaston; and had sons George and John. His parents, John George Gaston and Comfort Pruzell, were dead, and he had one sister, Lucinda, who was married to Major Austin. (The Austins appear in the 1870 census of New Bern.) Gaston signed his card with an X.
Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1871 [database on-line], http://www.ancestry.com.
The New York Age, 5 July 1930.
Maggie Marie Ricks married John Barnes, not Banner.
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In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer William Gaston, 24; wife Maria, 21; children Willie, 7, Lola E., 5, Clara, 4, and Nannie, 2; and George Harrison, 35, schoolteacher.
In the 1900 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: widow Mirah Gaston, 33; children Lola, 22, Nancy, 19, Lula, 16, Eddie, 15, Cora, 13, Fredrick, 8, and Elma, 6; and orphans, Eva, 11, and Mary Barnes, 20.
On 4 July 1900, Ed Ricks, 33, of Wilson County, son of Ben and Abby Ricks, married Nannie Gaston, 21, of Wilson County, daughter of William and Mariah Gaston, at the bride’s residence in Elm City, Wilson County.
In the 1910 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Church Street, Ed Ricks, 33, odd jobs laborer; wife Nanie, 30, laundress; and children Sidney, 11, C[illegible], 7, Maggie, 3, and Minnie C., 1 month.
In the 1920 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Railroad Street, Ed Ricks, 41, digs wells; wife Nanie, 38; children Siddie, 20, Annie, 17, Maggie, 11, Nannie, 10, Raph, 8, and Ruth, 5; and niece Albie Walker, 17.
In the 1930 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: laborer Ed Ricks, 52; wife Nannie, 50; children Mamie, 21, and Ruth, 16; and grandson Eugene, 10 months.
In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: Aaron Dantley, 32; wife Mamie, 31; children Eugene, 10, Dorothy, 8, Annie, 6, Ralph, 4, Aaron, 3, and Ruth, 3 months; brother-in-law John Barnes, 33, and sister-in-law Maggie, 33; brother-in-law Alonzo Pender, 27, and sister-in-law Ruth, 26; mother-in-law Nannie Ricks, 60; Velmont Ricks, 24, nephew; and lodgers Robert Blackwell, 28, and wife Minnie, 26.
In 1940, Ralph Ricks registered for the World War II draft in Washington, D.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 16 September 1911 in Elm City, N.C.; lived at 1530 Swann Street, N.W.; his contact was mother Nannie Ricks, 1742-6th Street, N.W.; and he worked for Joseph Westline.
Nannie Gaston Ricks died 8 February 1949 in Washington, D.C.
Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 9 February 1949.
In the 1910 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Church Street, Ed Ricks, 33, odd jobs laborer; wife Nanie, 30, laundress; and children Sidney, 11, C[illegible], 7, Maggie, 3, and Minnie C., 1 month.
In the 1920 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Railroad Street, Ed Ricks, 41, digs wells; wife Nanie, 38; children Siddie, 20, Annie, 17, Maggie, 11, Nannie, 10, Raph, 8, and Ruth, 5; and niece Albie Walker, 17.
On 31 [sic] June 1930, John Barnes, 22, of Toisnot township, son of John and Hattie Barnes, married Maggie Ricks, 23, of Toisnot township, daughter of Ed and Nannie Ricks, in Wilson, Wilson County.
In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: at 1742 Sixth Street, Aaron Dantley, 32; wife Mamie, 31; children Eugene, 10, Dorothy, 8, Annie, 6, Ralph, 4, Aaron, 3, and Ruth, 3 months; brother-in-law John Barnes, 33, and sister-in-law Maggie, 33; brother-in-law Alonzo Pender, 27, and sister-in-law Ruth, 26; mother-in-law Nannie Ricks, 60; Velmont Ricks, 24, nephew; and lodgers Robert Blackwell, 28, and wife Minnie, 26.
In the 1950 census of Washington, D.C.: at 1742 Sixth Street, Aaron Dantley, 42, machine operator, born in Georgia; wife Mamie, 39, rooming house maid service, 39; born in N.C.; children Eugene, 21, Dorothy, 18, Annie, 16, Ralph, 15, Avon, 14, Elaine, 10, and Mamie, 9; brother-in-law Elonza Pender, 34; sister-in-law Ruth Pender, 32; sister-in-law Marie Barnes, 42, and brother-in-law John Barnes, 42.
The extended Ricks-Dantley family (of which former NBA star Adrian Dantley is a member) shared the three-story building at 1742 Sixth Street, N.W., in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood for decades. The three condominiums in the building are now valued from $500,000 to $700,000. Image courtesy of Google Maps.
“Hattie Rose Pannell, 100, transitioned to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC.
“A viewing will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021, from 2 pm-5 pm at McGuire Funeral Home, 7400 Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC and a Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Tabernacle Temple of Jesus Christ 1601 Bishop L.N. Forbes St., Wilson, NC 27893 at 1 pm followed by burial at Rest Haven Cemetery.
“Hattie was born May 4, 1921, to Hattie Bates Gaston and William Gaston. Hattie attended Elm City public schools and moved to Washington, DC at a young age.
“Hattie was a pillar to her community and will be truly missed. Hattie was a faithful and devoted member of St. Mark’s Baptist Church for 48 years, she loved her pastor Raymond Matthews, First Lady Matthews, and her church family. Regardless of how Hattie was feeling on any given Sunday, she took pleasure in attending Sunday school, church service, worshipping with her St. Mark’s Baptist Church family, singing hymns, reading Scriptures, and praising the Lord. Individually and collectively, it all gave her so much joy. Hattie is the longest-serving church usher in the District of Columbia. Hattie will now be waiting with Saint Peter to greet her.
“Hattie was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Missionary Society; she was in fact the oldest member of the Missionary Society. Hattie loved her St. Mark’s church family.
“Tribute to Mrs. Hattie Pannell:
“The Fort Stevens Senior Center has lost a treasure of insurmountable value; priceless.
“Mrs. Hattie Rose Pannell was always the person who greeted you, in fact, she was the head of the ladies of the round table; the group that actively volunteered to plan, orchestrate and host most of our events and all our fabulous birthday parties. It was Mrs. Pannell, the fashionista, the show-stopping model, the actress, the flower arranger extraordinaire, the plant doctor, the hostess with the mostest that attracted so many people to become members of Fort Stevens Senior Center. Hattie enjoyed line dancing at the Senior Center the younger seniors had to keep up with her. Hattie was recognized for her Distinguished Volunteer Service to the Fort Stevens Senior Planning Committee by the DC Department of Recreation and Parks. Hattie enjoyed her 100-year-old birthday celebration/drive-by party at Fort Stevens Senior Center in May, the celebration was featured in The Washington Informer, so many people came from near and far to CELEBRATE with her. Hattie REALLY enjoyed herself and talked about it for months after. Hattie loved her Fort Stevens family.
“Hattie was a General Service Supervisor for over 25 years and retired in the 1990’s. Hattie enjoyed traveling and was in a traveling club. Hattie has visited all 50 states, Africa, and other countries. Hattie attended a lot of social events, she was TRULY a socialite. Hattie catered for major events in the District of Columbia area and enjoyed fashion, modeling, acting, event planning, decorating parties, flower arranger extraordinaire, the plant doctor, enjoyed tea parties, manicures, and pedicures (even at 100 years old) listening to jazz and gospel, her favorite artist was Marvin Gaye, “Let’s Get It On” was her favorite song. She enjoyed hour-long conversations with family and friends these were just a few things that warmed her heart, lifted her spirits, and place a smile on her face. Hattie met many friends who would remain a special part of her friendship circle throughout her life. Hattie loved politics, she made sure she voted in every election, and she was eager to vote in the 2020 election. Hattie received several awards throughout her life for her outstanding accomplishments and volunteer services, including letters from the President of The United States for her Birthday and Councilmembers of the District of Columbia recognizing her as well.
“Hattie’s sweet spirit, warm smile, and calming presence will be solely missed by those who loved her.
“In the presence of the Lord, she now joins her late mother, Hattie Bates Gaston; father, William Gaston; sisters, Annie Nancy Gaston-Knight and Marie Ruth Gaston-Howard; and brothers, William Glenn Gaston Jr., John Rufus Gaston, and George Eddie Gaston.
“Hattie is survived by her 96-year-old sister, Catherine Bernice Gaston-Atkinson of Elm City, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives, and friends; and a special goddaughter, Vee Davis.
“Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as their Matriarch has gained her wings to become their guardian ANGEL.
“Arrangements have been entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home, 1820 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, Wilson, NC.”
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In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Will Gaston, 39; wife Hattie, 28; and children Willie, 12, Hattie, 9, John R., 8, Bernice, 6, Nancy, 3, and Marie, 3 months.
