homicide

Cause of death unclear for Johnson.

Wilson Daily Times, 22 November 1950.

——

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 312 South East Street, Allie Cannon, 45; son James D. Cannon, 8; son-in-law Ernest Johnson, 33, cement mixer at concrete block company; wife Brownie M., 27; and daughter Helen R. Kirby, 10.

Earnest Johnson Jr. died 20 November 1950 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 17 June 1917 in Plymouth, N.C., to Earnest Johnson Sr. and Mary Rose; lived at 312 East Street; and was married. He was buried in Plymouth Cemetery, Washington County, N.C.

Jackson shot to death while pulling fodder.

Chicago Defender, 30 August 1924.

“He is said to have been drinking,” but was “an unknown white man.”

Per his death certificate, the murdered man was named Sam Jackson. His employer, George Dew, knew little else about him. A coroner’s inquest ruled his death a homicide.

Two weeks later, Joe Cockerell was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in Jackson’s death. He was convicted in December and sentenced to ten years in prison.

Wilson Daily Times, 19 December 1924.

——

On 9 December 1918, Sam Jackson, 19, of Wilson, son of Turner and Nellie Jackson of South Carolina, married Victoria Watson, 18, of Wilson, daughter of Will and Alice Watson, in Wilson.

Victoria Watson Jackson died 19 December 1918 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 14 April 1900 to William Watson and Alice Dew; lived at 423 Railroad Street; was married to Samuel Jackson; worked as a tobacco factory stemmer; and was buried in Clayton, N.C.

On 4 January 1919, Sam Jackson, 20, of Wilson, son of Simon and Nellie Jackson of Conway, S.C., married Mary Carroll, 19, of Wilson, daughter of Major and Dollie Carroll. Free Will Baptist minister A.A.J. Davis performed the ceremony.

In the 1920 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: Sam Jackson, 22, and wife Mary, 23, both farm laborers.

Dobson kills wife over skirt.

Wilson Daily Times, 29 May 1928.

——

  • Charley Dobson

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Dobson Charles (c) firemn First Natl Bk Bldg h 707 E Vance

On 23 December 1936, Charlie Dobson, 58, of Wilson, son of George and Betsy Dobson, married Sue Ellis, 37, of Wilson, daughter of Robert and Lula Ellis, at the home of A.M.E. Zion minister John A. Barnes in Wilson. John A. Barnes Jr., Frank W. Barnes, and Wade Barnes were witnesses.

Charlie Dobson died 5 October 1953 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 69 years old; was born in Duplin County, N.C., to George Dobson and Bessie Savage; worked in farming; was divorced; and was buried in Duplin County.

  • Hannah Dobson

Hannah Dobson died 26 May 1928 at “Wilson Col. Hospital.” Per her death certificate, she was 26 years old; was born in Onslow County, N.C., to Thomas Rhodes and Sarah E. Lee; was married to Charlie Dobson; and was buried in Shepherds Cemetery, Onslow County. Willie Rhodes of Verona, N.C., was informant.

Jones stabbed to death on farmworker truck.

Goldsboro News-Argus, 28 May 1932.

——

  • Hattie Jones — per her death certificate, Hattie Jones died 28 May 1932 in Goldsboro, Wayne County, N.C.; was 25 years old; was married; and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Goldsboro. Cause of death: “killed by a stab in throat; homicide.”
  • Walter Powell

The Wilbanks murder.

Wilson Advance, 29 September 1898. 

From records of the coroner’s inquest into the death of William Dixon:

Testimony of Peter Barron

Testifies that he was at home on night of the accident. After leaving his brother Benj. and the said Benj went home with him. After retiring heard shooting which took place about 1/2 past 10 c’clock. Testifies that he and Dixon had difficulty month ago at a dance and immediately made friends.  Peter (X) Barron

Testimony of Benj Barron

Says he heard shooting 2 shots fired close together on the night the accident occurred. Said shooting took place as he was preparing to retire. testifies that he has no guns in shooting order. Testifies that Wm Reid was at his house the same night and said Reid was on his way to get some money due him from by parties he lived with in Edgecombe (names unknown)  Benj (X) Barron

Testimony of Wm Sells

Was at Wilbanks and Turner Vicks till 1/2 past 8 o clock. Went then to Mark Barrons then went to bed. Met 3 men on the road, didn’t know them. One man had something resembling a stick under his arm  /s/ William Sells

Testimony of John Barron

Testifies that he was at home all during the night of the accident. Heard shot fired some time after retiring. Don’t know the time.  John (X) Barron

Henrietta Dixon

Testifies Wm Dixon came to supper about Dark and immediately went out carrying his rifle. Said nothing about where he was going Wife of deceased (Henrietta Barham) testifies that Peter Barron and Wm Dixon had difficulty some thing like month previous  /s/ Henrietta Dixon

——

  • William and Henrietta Dixon
  • Peter Barron

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 34; wife Mason, 30; and children Alen, 14, Lena, 12, Hiliard, 10, Benjamin, 7, Gray, 5, Peter, 3, and John, 1.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 54, wife Mason, 50, children Frank, 18, Peter, 21, John, 20, and Mary, 16, granddaughter Mary M., 6 months, and sister Gatsie, 51.

On 16 January 1901, Peter Barron, 26, married Catharine Mitchel, 18, in Wilson County. Allen Sharp, Marcilius Cotton, and Aberum Mitchell were witnesses.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Simon P. Barron, 32, farmer, and wife Catherine, 24.

In 1918, Petter Barron registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 20 July 1876; lived at Route #3, Elm City, Wilson County; worked as a tenant farmer for J.J. Brown; and his nearest relative was brother John Barron.

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: Peter Barron, 45, farmer, and wife Catherine, 36.

  • Benjamin Barron

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 34; wife Mason, 30; and children Alen, 14, Lena, 12, Hiliard, 10, Benjamin, 7, Gray, 5, Peter, 3, and John, 1.

On 4 January 1893, Ben Barron, 20, of Gardners township, married Mary Pender, 17, of Gardners township, at Joe Pender‘s residence in Gardners township, Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Benjamin Barron, 27; wife Mary L., 24; and children William H., 7, John M., 4, and Linnie, 6 months.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Benjaman Barron, 38;  wife Eliza, 36; and children Sam, 17, John, 15, Lillie, 11, Bluma, 5, and Sudie, 2.

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Ben Barron, 48; wife E. Mary, 48; children John, 24, Lillie, 14, Sudie, 12, and Clara, 6; and adopted son Hasel Whitaker, 18.

Benjamin Barron died 9 August 1941 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born February 1869 in Wilson County to Mark Barron and Mason Ford; was the widower of Mary Barron; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Barron Cemetery. John Barron, 112 East Street, Wilson, was informant.

  • William Reid
  • Turner Vick

On 12 December 1893, Turner Vick, 22, and Sylla Ward, 2o, were married in Edgecombe County, N.C.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Turner Vick, 30; wife Silla, 30; daughters Cora, 5, and Mary, 2; and brother-in-law James Farmer, 10.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Vick, 39; wife Sillar, 35; and children Mary, 12, Millie, 6, and Eva, 2 months.

In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Vick, 49; wife Lillie, 46; and daughters Millie, 15, Geneva, 10, and Cora, 6.

Mary Evans died 9 March 1924 in Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 25 years old; her parents were Turner Vick of Wilson County and Pricilla Ward of Edgecombe County; and she was married to John Henry Evans. Informant was Turner Vick, Elm City.

In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Vick, 45; wife Pricilla, 49; and children Eva, 17, Cora, 14, Johnnie, 12, and Bettie, 6.

In the 1940 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Turner Vick, 68; wife Pricilla, 69; and daughter Geneva, 28.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Tilman Road, Turner Vick, 76; daughters Eva, 33, and Minnie, 48; grandchildren Willie Lee, 6, and Betty J., 2; and lodger Z. Mae Barnes, 33.

William Turner Vick died 18 November 1956 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 4 October 1874 to Moses Vick and Millie Vick; was a widower; resided near Elm City; was a laborer; and was buried in Gardners cemetery. Minnie Vick, 411 North Pine Street, Wilson, was informant.

  • William Sells
  • John Barron

In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 34; wife Mason, 30; and children Alen, 14, Lena, 12, Hiliard, 10, Benjamin, 7, Gray, 5, Peter, 3, and John, 1.

In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 54; wife Mason, 50; children Frank, 18, Peter, 21, John, 20, and Mary, 16; granddaughter Mary M., 6 months; and sister Gatsie, 51.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Mark Barron, 64; wife Mason, 60; and son John, 31, farm laborer.

In 1918, John Willie Barron registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 12 March 1878; lived at Route 3, Elm City; and farmed for G.N. Luper.

John Barron died 29 October 1918 in Rocky Mount, Nash County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was 40 years old; was born in Wilson County to Mark Barron and Mason Webb; was single; lived near Elm City; and was buried in Wilson County.

Coroner’s Inquest (1898), Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

An inquiry into the murder of Dave Hagans.

An argument among Etheldred Hagans‘ children precipitated the stabbing death of one by an intervening neighbor. The transcripts of witnesses at the coroner’s inquest into David Hagans‘ murder:

John Lancaster — I was at old man Hagans. Jim Hagan cussed sister said didnt have enough to eat cooked younger brother took it up. Jim said he was drunk & wouldnt notice it. Dave took it up but I got him out doors. Then Dave went back & I went back. Dave said to father you going to let Louis run over every body here. Louis said G- D- he wont going to let Jim run over him that he (Jim) lay around & wouldnt work but wanted to boss. Jim didn’t notice Louis. John Summerlin had hold of Jim to keep him from fighting. Dave ran at me and said G- D- I am a man. I pushed Dave off from me & he run over to corner where John & Dave were. Dave struck John & John said I aint doing anything but trying to keep them apart. Then I pushed Dave one way & John the other & got John out the door. Then Warren Ward & Jim sisters & I were standing out at the wagon shelter 25 yds from house. I hear chairs falling & signs of scuffling in the house. Warren said John don’t let this girl go back in the house I am going back in there. I tried to hold her but she broke away from me crying & ran back into the house. Warren went back in the house & I followed Geneva & she was in the midst of the fighting trying to part them. They were using their fists fighting. Dave, Jim & old man Dred & Louis Hagan were all fighting. Then I left & got with Jim Ellis & Oscar Ellis & Willie Pittman who were outside the house & started down the road then Warren Ward ran out of the house & asked me to go back & get his hat said Dave struck me three licks on the face but I am satisfied I had him to kill. Then we went on up to the store. Last year Dave & Warren got in some trouble last year at Saratoga had fist fight. I started to Pittmans store after leaving house but didnt get there some said Dave was hurt so I went back had been gone about ten or twelve minutes when I got back they had Dave on a buggy.   John X Lancaster

Jim Hagan — When I went to supper I got after Geneva my sister for not staying home and cooking enough supper. Louis my brother who was in the next room & drunk said to me Jim G- D- you ought not to be here cussing Geneva. I went in the kitchen & the others went in the house. After we got back in the house Jim was jumping around cursing I told him he was drunk & I wouldnt notice him. Dave Hagan my brother said Jim if I was staying here like you I wouldn’t let Louis curse me like that Warren Ward came in & said Dave if you & Jim get 21 years old leave home because liable to have trouble. & I told him Geneva was young & I was tending a crop there & had a right to tell her what to do. John Summerlin came in & all were talking all were drinking. Dave told Louis if he had cursed him like he had cursed Jim he would beat H-ll out of him. John Summerlin said no Dave you wont do any such D- thing. Dave said John you aint got a D- thing to do with it & Dave & John ran together & grappled. Old man Dred & Tom & me we got in there & tried push them out the door. Oscar Ellis got John Summerlin out of the house & down the road. Then everything quieted then Dave & Louis got to quarreling again & Warren Ward ran in there & said Dave G- D- you shan’t run over Louis. Dave said to Warren you aint got a G.D. thing to do with it then he & Warren ran together. I ran up to them & said you aint going to have any trouble here. Then I ran into the next room & got my pistol off the organ & before I got back Warren ran out the door. Dave was cursing about how old man Dred let Louis do as he pleased. We talked about 5 min. Dave went out the door I heard him curse & then heard the licks being passed in a fight. Then I ran to the door & Dave said Jim G.D. Warren has cut me & fell on his knees. I jumped down & ran after Warren but he got away. Before I got to the door & I heard fighting both were cursing & I recognized Warrens voice & knew who was fighting with Dave. Before I got my pistol & when Warren & Dave ran together in the house Warren had his knife open in his hand. I took Dave & carried him to the house. I then hitched up & took Dave over to John Lancasters house & went to John Rogers John Rogers got up & came with me to John Lancasters & sent me for Dr Crocker & before I got back I [met] Albert Ward & he told me Dave was dead. When I took him in the house he was bleeding from both arms. Warren & Dave last summer had fight at Saratoga. Warren owed Dave some money didnt speak till 2 months after when both joined same society but wont on good terms This happened about 8 o’clock last night. Jim X Hagan

Aaron Cameron — When Jim & Louis were quarreling Louis got two butcher knives after him. They quarreled a while & Dave got in it. Then old man Dred got in it after a while John Lancaster & I left & heard a gun shot back of the house. Then Warren come running as hard as he could. Warren said that Dave had beat him in a fist fight but he was satisfied now. Then asked us to go back and get his cap. We went back & Louis said Dave was cut. When they were quarreling in the house old man got his gun & said if they were going to take his house he would get out & he went out in the field.  Aaron X Cameron

Dred Hagan testified same as others. Warren & Dave were pushing when I went out. I didnt see any knife & heard no threats. I went out in the field. I shot the gun but not towards the house & the crowd scattered.  Dred X Hagan

We the Coroners Jury find that Dave Hagans came to his death from being cut with a knife in the hands of Warren Ward and the cutting was felonious.

R.E. Bynum, Stephen Craft, J.H. Gar[illegible], J.B. Walston, W.J. Mercer Jr., J.I. Rodgers, W.H. Anderson Coroner

——

Charlotte Observer, 16 May 1908.

[Sidenote: Though their content is heavy and violent, transcripts from coroner’s inquests provide unique windows into family and social interaction in late 19th and early century Wilson County. They also allow us to “hear” the speech of Black men and women of the era. I was struck here by the use of “wont” in John Lancaster and Jim Hagans’ testimony. Pronounced with a long o like “won’t,” this is a common rendering of “wasn’t” in eastern North Carolina dialect even to this day. Until my roommate my freshman year at Carolina — she was from Shelby, in the western Piedmont — queried me about it, I had not paid attention to my own usage of the word.]

——

  • Dred Hagans and his children David, Jim, Lewis, and Geneva Hagans

In the 1870 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farm laborer Wilson Hagans, 62; wife Rodah, 50; sons James, 14, David, 9, and Etheldred, 7; and farm laborer Delphi Locus, 24.

On 17 February 1884, Dred Hagans, 23, married Martha Speight, 21, at Seth H. Tyson’s in Saratoga, Wilson County.

On 21 February 1900, Dred Hagan, 38, of Saratoga township, married Correnia Artis, 23, at Robert Ellis’ farm, Saratoga township. Seventh-Day Adventist minister Thomas H. Moore performed the ceremony in the presence of Effie Artis, Susan Rodgers, and Henry Bailey.

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer David [sic] Hagans, 40, and children Corinna, 24, Dave, 16, Jim, 15, Martha, 13, Lewis, 11, Geneva, 9, and Charley, 7.

On 7 January 1904, David Hagans, 21, of Saratoga township, son of Dred Hagans, married Almena Ellis, 20, of Saratoga township, daughter of Oscar Ellis, at Eason Brothers Store in Saratoga. Falcon Ellis applied for the license.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Dred Hagins, 49, and children Louis, 19, Geneva, 18, and Charlie, 16, as well as Hilliard Wootern 20, servant.

On 2 May 1909, Jim Hagans, 22, of Saratoga township, son of Dred and Mattie Hagans, married Maria Artis, 19, of Saratoga township, daughter of John and Sarah Artis, at John Artis’ in Saratoga township. A.M.E. Zion minister G.A. Wood performed the ceremony in the presence of Frank C. Ellis, Tom Speight, and A.A. Maron.

On 10 January 1912, Aaron Applewhite, 22, of Saratoga township, son of Warren and Delpha Applewhite, married Jeneva Hagans, 18, of Saratoga township, daughter of Dred Hagans. A.M.E. Zion minister G.A. Wood performed the ceremony at Dred Hagans’ house in the presence of

On 13 January 1923, Louis Hagans, 30, of Saratoga township, son of Dred Hagans and Martha [no maiden name], married Louisa Edwards, 23, of Saratoga township, daughter of Aaron and Katie Edwards, in Wilson.

Dred Hagans died 6 June 1927 in Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was 73 years old; was born in Wilson County to Wilson Hagens; was the widower of Mathua Hagen’s; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Harrin Cemetery, Greene County. Louis Hagans, Walstonburg, was informant.

Louis Hagans died 28 January 1949 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 28 August 1890 in Wilson County to Dread Hagans and Martha Speight; lived near Walstonburg, in Wilson County; was the widower of Daisy Hagans; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Saint Delight Cemetery, Greene County. Louis Hagans Jr. was informant.

  • John Lancaster
  • John Summerlin

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Nelson Sumlin, 41; wife Anna, 36; and children John, 13, Ben, 10, Laura, 8, and Bud, 4.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer John Sumlin, 22, and wife Ruth, 18.

In 1917, Jno. Summerlin registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 19 August 1888 in Wilson County; lived near Elm City; farmed for James Bass; and supported a wife and four children. He signed his name “John Sumlin.”

In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer John Sumerline, 33; wife Ruth, 27; and children Adell, 8, Nora, 7, Leslie, 4, and Margaret, 3.

In the 1930 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County, North Carolina: John Sumlin, 43; with Ruth, 37; and children Elnora, 16, Marvis, 14, Lossie, 13, John B. Jr., 12, Almena, 10, and Izell, 6.

John Sumlin died 6 March 1939 in Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County. Per his death certificate, he was born 19 August 1888 in Wilson County to Nelson Sumlin of Warrington [Warrenton], N.C. and Anna Eliza Hudson of Conetoe, N.C.; was married to Ruth Sumlin; worked as a day laborer at a factory; and was buried in Wilson County.

  • Warren Ward

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Scott Ward, 48; wife Tinie, 45; and children Nathan, 24, Scott, 19, Warren, 17, Frances, 14, George, 11, Manda, 9, and Mary, 5.

  • Albert Ward

Possibly, in the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Albert Ward, 30, cropper; wife Ella, 25; and sons Willie, 4, and Robert, 11 months.

  • Aaron Cameron
  • Jim Ellis

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lue Ellis, 55, and children Alvenia, 14, Jim, 14, Oscar, 12, and Lue, 1 month.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lou Ellis, 45, widow, children James, 22, Oscar, 20, and Elijah, 6; Louvenia Hagans, 5; Isaac Ward, 24; and Fannie Mitchell, 39. [Louvenia Jones died 6 June 1927 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 22 years old; was born in Wilson County to Dave Hagans and Almeta Ellis; was married to Roscoe Jones; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. Oscar Ellis was informant.]

Coroner’s Inquests (1908), Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

Did Texas kill his wife?

Wilson Daily Times, 24 November 1911.

That first sentence is difficult to untangle, but my take-away is that Texas Faison of Wilson was believed to have killed his wife (who lived in Richmond, Virginia, but regularly moved between there and Wilson?) in Richmond.

  • Texas Faison — “Texas” was a common nickname in the era, and I suspect it suggested less a place of origin than a certain swagger. I have not found him in local records.

There will not be another damned card played.

On 24 April 1903, the Wilson County coroner held an inquest over the body of John Gay, concluding that he had been shot by Morris Tucker.

Lillie Tucker testified that she was lying on the bed when Morris Tucker “picked up the lamp put it on the mantel piece and commenced shooting” after asking Gay if he did not believe he would shoot him. After being hit twice, Gay tried to throw a brick at Tucker, but he was too weak.

Banks Blow testified that John Gay, Louis Stratton, and Turner Thorne were “turning skin,” or gambling at Nellie’s when he arrived. John White, Morris Tucker, and Lillie Tucker were also present. Morris interrupted the game by taking the cards, and Gay protested. Dennis Brooks entered as Blow began to leave. Morris picked up the lamp, pulled out a gun, and threatened to kill Gay. Banks went out into the bar room to tend to the pool table. Ten minutes later, he heard a gunshot. Morris came into the barroom with a gun, which James Branch took from him. Morris said he had shot Gay, who had been bothering him for six months. He then left.

Nellie Lee testified that the incident happened at her house. She entered at the back door and witnessed Morris shoot at Gay six times. Everyone ran out of the room. “Sunday before last,” Lee and Lillie Tucker had seen Morris Tucker and John Gay gambling in the woods and heard Morris threaten, “I’m going to kill you if you don’t stop snatching my money.”

Lillie Tucker further testified that she had warned Nellie Lee not to allow the “boys” to gamble. After Morris won a hand, John Gay picked up the cards and said “This deck was stripped.” Morris replied that if they did not use that deck, “there would not be another damned card played that night.”

James Branch testified that he saw Morris Tucker at Dennis Brooks’ barroom about an hour and a half before the shooting and then immediately after. He had taken the gun from from Tucker, who picked up some pool balls and left, crossing the railroad. Louis Stratton later came in to retrieve the gun.

Dennis Brooks testified that Paul Dixon tried to pawn Morris Tucker’s watch. Brooks went to Nellie Lee’s house to find out if Tucker had sent him the watch. He found Tucker and Gay in a bedroom arguing over cards. Brooks told them to stop the foolishness.

——

  • John Gay — in the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: plumber James Curly, 24, and John Gay, 20, servant.
  • Morris Tucker — in the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Morris Tucker, 20,  “tobacco transfers,” and wife Maggie, 21, tobacco stemmer. Morris Tucker died 22 August 1914 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 8 June 1876 to Jacob Tucker and Jane Townsend; was single; and was buried in Wilson [probably Vick Cemetery.]
  • Lillie Tucker — in the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street, Randall Irvin, 36, lumber mill laborer; wife Victoria, 38, laundress; and children Minnie, 16, Charles, 10, Beatrice, 8, Sylvester, 7, Eva, 4, and Beulah, 1; and mother-in-law Lillie Tucker, 65, widow.
  • Banks Blow
  • Nellie Lee — curiously, I have found no trace of Nellie Lee in Wilson.
  • Louis Stratton — on 22 June 1904, Louis Stratton, 24, of Wilson, married Vina Mercer, 18, of Wilson, daughter of Adline Mercer, in Wilson. Free Will Baptist minister W.H. Neal performed the ceremony in the presence of C.M. Brooks, Lenah Wooten, and Addie Mercer.
  • Turner Thorne
  • John White — in the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: teamster John White, 26, and wife Jane, 20.
  • Dennis Brooks — in the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: 35 year-old Georgia-born merchant Dennis Brooks, wife Mary, 27, and daughter Aleo[illegible], 8, shared a household with Jordan Taylor, 50, and wife Matilda, 40. [Brooks testified in a number of inquests, including James Hunt‘s and George Williford‘s.]
  • James Branch — in the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: tobacco packer James Branch, 28; wife Jane C., 31, cook; and stepsons Casso C., 12, house servant, and Caborn Tyson, 8.
  • Paul Dixon — in the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street, Luceil Howard, 20, and lodgers Lue Rountree, 35, and Paul Dixon, 27, all tobacco factory laborers.

Coroner’s Records, Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

The trouble started at a corn shucking.

Inquisition over body of Tom Barnes

North Carolina, Wilson County}

The examination of Hilliard Hill, Frank Lipscomb, Bill Barnes and Geo. Barnes taken before the under-signed, Coroner of said county, this the 23rd day of Nov., 1910, in the Grand Jury room, after having viewed the body, upon the body of Tom Barnes, to-wit:

Hilliard Hill, being duly sworn, says: The trouble started at a corn shucking at Jno. Webbs. All had been drinking pretty heavy. I was about drunk. I was talking to Mr. Geo. Barnes and Jim Donnelly was standing around. Tom Barnes walked up and said “What in the hell are you all talking about?” Some one pushed him off and told him to go on. In a few minutes we heard a fuss about forty yards away like some one fussing about to fight. We went to where the fuss was and found Tom Barnes lying down and Jim Donnelly standing over him trying to stamp him, but we stopped him. Tom and Jim went on off, and Tom was cursing. We went back towards house and pretty soon heard pistol fire, and we went where they were and Jim said “Dam it. I had to kill him” or “Dam it, I am about to kill him.” Jim went back towards Mr. Webb’s house. He Tom died in a few moments after he was shot. Tom and Jim were at the corn shucking when I got there. I don’t know whether they had been fussing previously or not. After Tom was shout I saw a pistol in Jim’s hand. Did not see a knife nor pistol before shooting. Jim and Tom were both drinking.   Nov. 23rd, 1910  /s/ Hilliard Hill

Frank Lipscomb, being duly sworn says: Tom Barnes and Jim Donnelly got into a dispute about “holloaing” at the corn shucking. Pretty soon we saw some one fighting. We went down there and Tom was down on his face and Jim was trying to get to him again. Jim had a pistol in his hand. I tried to get it away from him, but didn’t get it. I, Bill, Tom Barnes and Hilliard Hill went towards road and Jim was walking along by the side of Tom with pistol by the side of his (Tom’s) head. Jim was cursing Tom. When we got to the road Jim said to Tom “I am a great a mind to kill you any how.” Tom said “If you kill me you will have to do it.” Then Jim said “Don’t you say much to me, if you do I will kill you any how.” Then he stuck the pistol to the side of his Tom Barnes head and shot him. Tom was standing in the road before he was shot with his hands to his side, was not trying to him or cut him. Didn’t see a knife nor pistol in Tom’s hand. Jim Donnelly killed Tom Barnes — I saw him. After Tom fell I started towards Mr. Webb’s and Jim said to me “Don’t you go another but further that way” (and he drew him pistol on me) “if you do I will kill you.”    Nov. 23rd, 1910 Frank (X) Lipscomb

Bill Barnes, being duly sworn, says: Tom Barnes is my son. I was on Mr. Webbs portch giving out the “holloa.” Saw two men run down towards stable, and I ran out that way too. Just as I ran out the side gate heard a pistol fire back of stables. When I got down there Tom was down and Jim was trying to stamp him, but didn’t do it — Hilliard Hill pulled him off. Jim had a pistol in his hand and told me not to come on him, waving his pistol towards me. Tom was not shot then. I, Hilliard, Frank, Tom, and Jim started towards road, but I didn’t go to the road. I was about 100 yds. away and heard a pistol shot and saw the light. I went to Tom and he died in about ten minutes. I saw Him going towards Mr. Webbs with his pistol in his hand, and wouldn’t let Hilliard Hill go up to him. Never heard of any fuss between them before. All were pretty full.  Nov. 23rd, 1910  /s/ Bill Barnes

Geo. B. Barnes, being duly sworn says: When the “holloaing” was going on Jim Donnelly came to me on the porch and said “I have got to kill Tom to-night.” I tried to get him not to do it, but he said “I am bound to do it.” Didn’t say why he was going to kill him. Pretty soon I heard a pistol fire. For about fifteen minutes heard a second shot and saw light.  Nov. 23rd, 1910  /s/ George Barnes

Verdict

We the undersigned Coroner’s jury, find that the deceased, Tom Barnes, came to his death from a pistol wound, said pistol being in the hand of Jim Donnelly, and that the act was premeditated and willful. /s/ J.D. Williams, R.B. Evans, [illegible], W.L. Lucas, J.F. Batts, D.T. Turner, Jurors

Henry B. Best, M.D., Coroner of Wilson Co., Nov. 23rd, 1910.

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  • Hilliard Hill

In the 1880 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County, N.C.: farmer Sol Hill, 28; wife Hannah, 24; and sons Hilliard, 6, and William, 2.

On 13 December 1892, Hilliard Hill, 21, of Wilson, son of Solomon Hill and Hannah Hill, married Ada Howell, 16, of Wilson, daughter of Caroline Hall, at the bride’s home in Wilson township. H.S. Edwards applied for the license, and the ceremony took place in the presence of M.L. Phillips, Charlie Neal, and Bettie Sanders.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: teamster Hilliard Hill, 24; wife Ada, 18; and daughter Hanah, 1.

In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: planing mill laborer Hilliard Hill, 35; wife Ada, 29; and children Hannah, 11, John, 7, Mildred, 3, and Edwin, 1.

  • Frank Lipscomb

In the 1870 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: carpenter Stephen Lipscomb, 49; wife Mariah, 29; and children Anna, 13, Tilitha, 12, Betha, 12, Frank, 10, Archibald, 8, Penny, 6, and Daniel, 1 month.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Frank Lipscomb, 42; wife Roda, 43; and children John, 18, Lizza, 17, Jona, 14, Mariah, 9, and Sarah, 5.

In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Frank Lipscomb, 53; wife Rhoda, 54, laundress; daughter Maria, 20; and grandsons James, 3, and Willie Lipscomb, 3 months, and Rosavell Barnes, 7.

On 10 May 1913, Frank Lipscomb, 55, married Sue Cooper, 28, in Wilson township, Wilson County.

Frank Lipscomb died 5 October 1941 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 80 years old; resided at Wilson County Home; was a widower; was a farmer; and was born in Wilson County to Stephen and Mariah Lipscomb. Johnnie Coley was informant.

  • Will Barnes
  • Tom Barnes
  • George B. Barnes
  • Jim Donnelly
  • John Webb

Coroner’s Inquests (1910), Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

The murder of Sudie Tune.

Wilson Daily Times, 16 March 1935.

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  • London Ruffin

In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer H. Gray Ruffin, 28; wife Maria, 35; and children Hubbard, 13, William, 12, Delphia, 11, Lizzie, 9, Mary, 8, Pattie, 7, Franklin, 6, London, 4, and Bessie, [illegible] months.

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: on Wilson Road, farmer Gray Ruffin, age unknown; wife Maria, 45; and children G. Herbert, 22, H. William, 21, Delpha, 20, Lizzie, 18, Mary, 16, Pattie, 15, B. Frank, 14, London, 13, Bessie, 11, Dora, 10, and W. George, 9. 

In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Gray Ruffin, 58, widower, and children Elizabeth, 29, Pattie, 26, London, 23, Bessie, 20, Dora, 19, and George, 18.

In 1940, London Ruffin registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 22 February 1910 in Wilson County; lived on Route 4, Wilson; his contact was father Gray Ruffin; and he worked for N.W. Webb.

  • Sudie Tune — Sudie Artis Tune.

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Sam Artis, 56; wife Mary, 45; and children Mary Sims, 23, and Bessie, 18, William, 17, Harriet and Lonnie, 15, Clara, 12, James, 10, Sudie, 8, and Minnie, 5.

In the 1930 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Sam Artis, 66; wife Mary, 55; children William, 25, James, 22, Sudie, 17, and Sammie, 9, 

On 31 January 1931, Willie James Tune, 21, of Wilson, son of John and Mary Tune, married Sudie Artis, 19, daughter of Sam and Mary Artis, in Wilson. Baptist minister F.F. Battle performed the ceremony in the presence of Laura McPhail, Mary L. Hines, and Winnie Mercer.

London Ruffin and Susie Artis’ son Wallace Artis was born 30 June 1932.

Sudie M. Tune died 8 December 1934 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 20 years; was born in Wilson County to Samuel and Mary Artis; was married to Flenawl Tune; was engaged in farming; and was buried in Wilson [probably in Vick Cemetery.]