Great Migration

Eden and Mount Lawn cemeteries, Philadelphia.

I don’t know that it’s possible to know exactly how many made the journey, but Philadelphia was a landing spot for hundreds of African-Americans who migrated from Wilson County, including my grandmother. On a quick recent trip to the area, I sought out Historic Eden Cemetery, listed as final resting place on several Pennsylvania death certificates for Wilson County natives. To my surprise, my route took me right past Mount Lawn Cemetery, which also holds burials of Wilson County migrants.

We honor our kinfolk, their lives, their struggles and triumphs. Rest in peace.

 

 

Photos by Lisa Y. Henderson, November 2025.

Lula Howard goes North to visit.

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 1 June 1940.

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In the 1900 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Doctor Farmer, 45; wife Elizabeth, 43; children Loula, 16, William L., 13, Ella E., 12, Emma L., 9, Walter W., 5, and Geneva A., 2; plus, boarder Sarah Parker, 24.

On 28 March 1905, William Howard, 22, of Taylor township, son of Ira and Harriet Howard, married Lula Farmer, 22, of Taylor township, daughter of Dock and Elizabeth Farmer, in Wilson.

In the 1910 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer William Howard, 26; wife Lula A., 26; and children Percy Lee, 3, and Essie May, 11 months.

William Howard died 18 January 1918 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 30 June 1892 in Wilson County to Ira Howard and Harriett Wilkins; was married; and worked as a farmer. Lula Howard of Wilson was informant.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 906 Atlanta [sic] Street, owned and valued at $2000, Lula Howdard [sic], 47; daughter Essie Pender, 22; son-in-law Fred Pender, 24; children Lara, 17, William, 16, Arthur P., 14, and Walter L., 11.

In 1940, William Ira Howard registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 27 October 1913 in Wilson; lived at 906 East Atlantic; his contact was other Lula Annie Howard; and he worked for C.L. Hardy at Service Barber Shop, 113 South Tarboro Street. He “can’t hear out of right ear.”

In 1940, Arthur Poe Howard registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 12 October 1915 in Wilson; lived at 906 Atlanta; his contact was other Lula Anna Howard; and worked for Imperial Tobacco Company.

In 1940, Walter Lenord Howard registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 6 May 1917 in Wilson; lived at 906 Atlanta; his contact was other Lula Anna Howard; and he was unemployed.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 906 Atlanta, widow Lula A. Howard, 66; children Ezzie M., 40; and granddaughter Barbara J., 3.

Lula Howard died 27 May 1959 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 23 November 1883 in Wilson County to Dock Farmer; was the widow of William Howard; and was buried in Howard Cemetery, Wilson County.

Where did they go?: Pennsylvania death certificates, no. 8.

The eighth in a series — Pennsylvania death certificates for Wilson County natives:

  • Amanda Merritt

In the 1870 census of Upper Conetoe township, Edgecombe County, N.C.: Salomon Merritt, 18, farm laborer.

In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County, N.C.: laborer Solomon Merritt, 24; wife Amanda, 23; and Robert, 1.

In the 1900 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1326 Wood Street, hostler Solomon Merritt, 39; wife Amanda, 40; and sons Robert, 20, and Kinney, 16, all born in North Carolina.

1918 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, city directory.

In the 1920 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 951 Jessup Street, Amanda Merritt, 57, keeper of lodging house; nephew Earl J. Lane, 18, railroad station elevator operator; niece Nanie Kearney, 18, servant; boarder Lloyd J. Ross, 8; and lodgers Clifford Holtz, 26, lathe machinist at steel works; and Anner Butler, 22, restaurant cook.

Solomon Merritt died 10 April 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was 61 years old; was born in North Carolina; was married to Amanda Merritt; and worked as a driver.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 112 North 59th Street, widow Amanda Merritt, 65; granddaughter Dorthy Maller, 17; Clarence Miller, 23, grandson-in-law; granddaughter Reba Merritt, 12; great-grandson Clarence Miller, Jr.,

In the 1940 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: widow Lulu Langford, 49; granddaughter Lulu Rucker, 16; and lodger Emanda Merritt, 83.

Amanda Merritt died 29 January 1942 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was born 1 May 1860 in Wilson to Clarssie Taylor; was a widow; and lived at 1604 Seybert Street.

  • Hattie Smith

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Stephens Smith, 40; wife Hattie, 31; and children Essie, 13, Bertie, 7, Mary, 2, and Marvin, 4 months.

In the 1930 census of Enfield township, Halifax County, N.C.: Stephen Smith, 60; wife Hattie, 38; and children Mary L., 12, Marvin, 10, Annie B., 8, Hattie B., 5, and Dorsey L. Smith, 5 months.

Hattie Smith died 24 May 1937 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was 52 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to William Porter and Louisa Barnes; was married; lived at 611 North 36th Street; and was a housewife. S.B. Smith was informant. [In fact, per census records, Hattie Smith was born in Georgia.]

  • Emma Bunn

In the 1870 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Hilliard Ellis, 43; wife Feribee, 40; and children Caroline, 16, William, 14, George, 11, Emily, 9, Hilliard, 6, Mary H., 4, and Warren, 8 months.

On 8 April 1880, Joshua Bunn, 21, married Emma Hill, 19, in Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Joshua Bunn, 40; wife Emma, 37; daughter Hattie T., 22; son-in-law James Thorpe, 22; lodgers Bettie Lucas, 21, and Calonia Lane, 19; adopted daughter Nora Bunn, 8.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1819 Van Pelt Street, owned and valued at $1800, Emma Bunn, 65; daughter Hattie Stevens, 46; son-in-law Samuel, 46, laborer for City of Philadelphia; grandchildren Walter, 12, and Joseph Stevens, 6; and several roomers.

  • Theodosia Parker

In the 1910 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1735 Woodstock Street, Henry Parker, 37; wife Charity, 34; and children Leon, 12, and Theodosia, 9; four lodgers; and boarder Samuel Parker, 27. All the Parkers were born in North Carolina.

Theodosia Parker died 31 March 1918 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was 17 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Henderson Parker and Charity Hunter; lived at 1911 Montgomery Avenue; was a school girl; and was buried in Elm City, N.C.

  • Etta E. Logan

In the 1920 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 922 South 17th Street, widow Martha Roundtree, 42, restaurant cook, and daughter Etta Logan, 22.

Etta E. Logan died 17 August 1920 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1895 in Wilson, N.C., to Windsor [no surname listed] and Martha Daniel; lived to 922 South 17th Street; and was married. Joseph L. Logan was informant.

Funeral Program Friday: Victoria Scarborough Notree.

A reader, Antoinette Dickens, recently emailed me a copy of her great-great-grandmother’s funeral program. Victoria Scarborough Notree was born in Wilson County and, like dozens, maybe hundreds, of others, migrated to Arkansas with her family circa 1890.

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In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Charles Bynum, 59; wife Bunney, 50; and children Mary, 23, Daniel, 20, Henry, 18, Herbert, 16, Adiline, 14, and Charles, 10.

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Jason Scarboro, 20, servant. [Likely, in the household of white farmer Devro Whitley, next door.]

On 14 October 1886, Jason Scarborough, 26, married Adline Bynum, 21, at Charles Bynum’s in the presence of Haywood Bynum, David Bynum, and Charles Bynum. (Justice of the Peace Seth H. Tyson performed the ceremony, which indicates it likely took place in the Saratoga area.)

In the 1900 census of Owen township, Saline County, Arkansas: Jason Scarber, 46; wife Adline, 36; and children Ella, 16, Jessie, 16, Victoria, 11, Hugh, 8, Arch, 7, Joe, 6, Cora, 4, and Florence, 1. The five youngest children were born in Arkansas; the rest of the family, including Victoria, in North Carolina.

In the 1910 census of Lafayette township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: farmer Albert Maxwell, 46; wife Ellah, 25, born in N.C.; children Ray, 7, Virginia, 5, and Albert, 8 months; and sister-in-law Victoria Scarber, 21, born in N.C.

On 18 October 1910, Ed Notree, 34, married Victoria Scarborough in Lonoke County, Arkansas.

In the 1920 census of Walls township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: farmer Edd Notree, 46; wife Victoria, 25, born in N.C.; and children Alice, 9, Little Edd, 5, Pankie, 3, and Johnie, 7 months.

In the 1930 census of Lafayette township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: farmer Ed Notree, 45; wife Victoria, 38, born in N.C.; and children Ed Jr., 15, Pinkie, 13, and Johnie, 9.

In the 1940 census of Keo, Lonoke County, Arkansas: on Fordyce Street, Ed Notree, 64, farm laborer; wife Victoria, 50; “s-son” T.B. Mahone, 7; and sister Littie Phillips, 45.

Annie Bell Notree died 3 April 1941 in Little Rock, Big Rock township, Pulaski County, Arkansas. Per her death certificate, she was born 24 December 1922 to Eddie Notree and Victoria Scoggins; lived at 1718 Cedar Street, Little Rock; and was a schoolgirl.

In 1942, John Notree registered for the World War II draft in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Per his registration card, he was born 21 April 1922 in Little Rock, Arkansas; lived at 5529 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago; his contact was Mrs. V. Notree, 1468 Randolph Street, Chicago; and he worked for Penfield Oil Company.

In the 1950 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: Victoria Q. Notree, 55, maid, widow, born in N.C., and daughter Allie M., 16.

Thank you, Antoinette!

Chitown, by way of Arkansas.

Direct migration from North Carolina to Chicago was relatively unusual, but many Wilson County Exodusters eventually left Arkansas (or Mississippi) to join the Great Migration to Chicago.

  • Farris Langston

In 1918, Farris Langston registered for the World War I draft in Bolivar County, Mississippi. Per his registration card, he was born 17 December 1884; lived in Rosedale, Bolivar County; worked as a laborer for Refuge Cotton Oil Company; and his contact was Washington Langston, Louisville, Arkansas.

In 1942, Farris Langston registered for the World War II draft in Chicago, Illinois. Per his registration card, he was born 17 December 1884 in Wilson, N.C.; lived at 738 East 44th Street, then 5029 Michigan Avenue; his contact was Mrs. Gains, 738 East 44th Street; and he worked for Consumers, 7066 South Chicago.

  • Amos Lewis

Herbert Lewis was born 11 August 1902 in Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas. Per his birth certificate, his father was Amos Lewis, 19, porter, 508 College Street, born in Wilson, N.C., and his mother was Mattie Smith, 14, housewife, 508 College Street, born in Marianna, Arkansas.

In the 1910 census of Marianna township, Lee County, Arkansas: farm laborer Amos Lewis, 35; wife Mattie, 31; and children Herbert, 8, Lessie, 6, N[illegible], 4, and Sam, 2.

In the 1930 census of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois: Amos Lewis, 47, janitor at Union railroad station; wife Mattie M., 41; daughter Myrtle Latrelle, 20; [son-in-law] Frank C. Latrelle, 28, porter at Walgreen drugstore; and grandson Frank C. Latrelle Jr., 3; nephew Carrel Latrelle, 16; daughter Mattie J. Lewis, 17; roomer Smith Jones, 21; and sister-in-law Anna Griffin, 46.

In 1942, Amos Lewis registered for the World War II draft in Chicago, Illinois. Per his registration card, he was born 30 August 1888 in Wilson, N.C.; lived at 5629 Indiana Avenue, Chicago; his contact was Mattie M. Lewis; he had a crippled left hand; and he worked for Rick Walters Cooperage Company, 48 South Hayne, Chicago.

Family ties, no. 11: going down to Dudley.

Wilson’s emergence as a leading tobacco market town drew hundreds of African-American migrants in the decades after the 1890s. Many left family behind in their home counties, perhaps never to be seen again. Others maintained ties the best way they could.

Sarah Henderson Jacobs Silver and her husband Jesse A. Jacobs Jr. left Dudley, in southern Wayne County, North Carolina, around 1905. They came to Wilson presumably for better opportunities off the farm. Each remained firmly linked, however, to parents and children and siblings back in Wayne County as well as those who had joined the Great Migration north. This post is the eleventh in a series of excerpts and adaptations of interviews with my grandmother Hattie Henderson Ricks (1910-2001), Jesse and Sarah’s adopted daughter (and Sarah’s great-niece), revealing the ways her Wilson family stayed connected to their far-flung kin. (Or didn’t.)

Minnie Lee Simmons Budd was Sarah Henderson Jacobs’ niece, the daughter of her sister Ann Elizabeth Henderson Simmons. Minnie, a dressmaker, and her husband Jesse M. Budd married in 1904 and migrated to Philadelphia around 1905. They returned to Wayne County for several years, then settled permanently in Philadelphia in the 1920s. Both their sons died young, and Minnie asked to adopt my grandmother, but Mama Sarah would not split her and sister Mamie Henderson Holt. (Minnie later reared several of her brother Daniel Simmons’ children after their mother died.) In the late 1950s, my grandmother migrated to Philadelphia, and she and Cousin Minnie were regular visitors until Minnie’s death in 1960.

——

“Cousin Minnie she had a piano – that’s a piano there, and when you come in her front door on the right hand side, that room where it set, that was her living room. This was their house in Mount Olive. And when I went down there to stay with her two weeks, and she was practicing and playing the piano, she wanted to learn how to play the piano. Well, I guess she had already learnt. But the house was nice, nobody but her and Uncle Jesse.  She wanted to adopt me. I used to go down there and stay with her and Cousin Jesse. And Cousin Cousin Annie Cox and Uncle Hardy Cox was living at that time, and I used to go down there. I stayed with her when Cousin Jesse, her husband, come up to bring tobacco to sell. They used to bring it to Wilson, and I went with them back on the car. They had a truck one time, and then they had the car. And they’d just come up and visit. Mama was living then.”

Interview of Hattie H. Ricks by Lisa Y. Henderson adapted and edited for clarity. Copyright 1994, 1996. All rights reserved. Photo in collection of Lisa Y. Henderson.

BLACK WIDE-AWAKE POST #6000! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

G.A. Gaston’s children.

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.

  • Roscoe 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.

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.

  • John 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 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.

  • Georgia 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.

  • Ada P. 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.

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.

  • Nina 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.

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.

  • Mancie 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.

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.

  • Lacy 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.

  • Augustus 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.

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.

  • Boisey 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.

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.

  • Dewey 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.

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.

  • Lee J. Gaston

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.

The old A.C.L. depot.

We’ve seen here the Atlantic Coast Line passenger depot, built in 1924, at which hundreds of African-American Wilsonians embarked for their new lives during the Great Migration. The O.V. Foust photograph above depicts the depot that preceded it. A dray sits out front awaiting luggage or freight; there was no platform.

Photo courtesy of J. Robert Boykin III’s Historic Wilson in Vintage Postcards (2003).

James H. Adams of Gary, Indiana (by way of Wilson and Mississippi).

Most African-American migrants to the steel mills of Gary, Indiana, came from the Middle and Deep South. James H. Adams was born in Wilson County, but his family migrated to Mississippi in the 1890s. More than 20 years later, he joined the Great Migration stream north.

——

On 4 January 1880, Arnley Adams, 23, married Sarah Atkinson, 18, at Handy Atkinson‘s in Wilson County.

In the 1880 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: Arnol Adams, 24, and wife Sarho, 18. [Next door: Arnold Adams‘ widowed mother and siblings, farmer Spicy Adams, 39, and children Frank, 19, Carline, 15,  James, 12, Calvin, 8, Albert, 6, and Dora, 1.

In the 1900 census of Beat #3, Coahoma County, Mississippi: farmer Arnold Adams, 42, and children James, 21, Bettie, 16, John, 13, and Rosa, 7. All were born in North Carolina except Rosa.

In the 1910 census of Beat #3, Bolivar County, Mississippi: farmer Arnold Adams, 54, and sons James, 30, and John, 22. All were described as widowers.

In 1918, James Adams registered for the World War I draft in Bolivar County, Mississippi. Per his registration card, he was born 15 September 1876; lived in Boyle, Bolivar County; was a farmer; and his nearest relative was Ida Adams.

In the 1930 census of Gary, Lake County, Indiana: at 2201 Madison, steel plant laborer James Adams, 48, born in N.C.; wife Ida, 46, born in Mississippi; and grandchildren Ida, 12, born in Mississippi, and Raymond, 5, born in Indiana.

In the 1940 census of Gary, Lake County, Indiana: on West 22nd Avenue, steel mill laborer James Adams, 59, born in N.C.; wife Ida, 46, born in Mississippi; and grandson Raymond, 15, born in Indiana.

In 1942, James Henry Adams registered for the World War II draft in Gary, Indiana. Per his registration card, he was born 15 September 1881 in Wilson, North Carolina; lived at 320 West 22nd Avenue; his contact was John Mason; and he worked for C.I.S. Mill, Gary.

James H. Adams died 18 April 1953 in Gary, Indiana. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 September 1881 in North Carolina to Arnold Adams and Sarah Atkinson; was a widower; lived at 320 West 22nd Avenue; and was retired. [Sister] Rosie Bentley of Chicago was informant.

The obituary of Juanita Kelley Wilson.

Philadelphia Daily News, 1 July 1994.

Juanita Kelley Wilson made the great migration in stages. Born in South Carolina, she spent her childhood in Wilson before moving to Richmond, Virginia, and then on to Philadelphia.

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In the 1920 census of Richmond, Virginia, 16 year-old Juanita Kelley is listed as a servant for the family of James and Clara Williams, 1622 Maryland Avenue.