homicide

James Williams stabbed to death while feeding stock.

Wilson Daily Times, 9 May 1945.

James Williams was a Wilson County native working in Nash County when he was killed by his employer.

Though the attack was unprovoked, Davis was charged only with manslaughter. He pleaded nolo contendere, a legal response in a criminal case where the defendant does not admit guilt, but foregoes trial and accepts the punishment as if he were guilty. Davis was sentenced to 3 to 5 years in state prison, which was suspended, and five years probation. He paid Williams’ hospital and funeral expenses and was ordered to pay Williams’ estate $4750. In essence, Davis got away with murder.

Nashville Graphic, 30 August 1945.

Williams’ death certificate reveals that he was stabbed in the left lung, liver, and stomach.

——

On 12 August 1938, James Williams, 22, of Nash County, son of Will and Rosa Williams, married Senora Hall, 16, daughter of Weldon and Pearlie Williams, in Nash County, N.C.

In the 1940 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer James Williams, 23; wife Senora, 17; and daughter Jearleen, 1.

In 1940, James Joseph Williams registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 9 April 1916 in Wilson County; lived at Route 1, Wilson, Wilson County; his contact was wife Senora Williams; and he worked for Watson Tobacco Company, South Lodge Street, Wilson.

In July 1945, Senora Williams was named administrator of her husband’s estate and named herself and daughters Geraldine and Bettie Lou Williams as his heirs.

Walter had Pete by the collar and had a gun in his hand.

Wilson Daily Times, 8 May 1923.

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  • Walter Bethea

In the 1910 census of Crossroads township, Wilson County: railroad laborer Raddie D. Betha, 40; wife Mary A., 38; and children Samuel D., 19, Mary C., 18, Herbert, 14, Walter H., 11, Lilly V., 6, James E., 4, and Clifton L., 2 months.

On 9 March 1919, Walter Bethea, 18, of Crossroads township, son of R.D. and Mary Bethea, married Mattie Westley, 16, of Crossroads township, daughter of John Anne Westley, in Wilson County. Herbert Bethea applied for the license, and A.M.E. minister J.F. McNair performed the ceremony at the A.M.E. church in Lucama in the presence of R.D. Bethea, Will Hines, and James Bunn.

In the 1920 census of Crossroads township, Wilson County: railroad laborer Walter Bailey, 19, and wife Mattie W., 17.

In the 1920 census of Crossroads township, Wilson County: farmer Raddie Bethea, 50; wife Mary R., 45; and children Lillie, 15, James A., 11, Clifton, 9, Vastrie, 6, and Herbert, 22.

Walter Bethea died 29 July 1929 in Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was 26 years old; was born in Dillon, S.C., to R.D. Bethea and Mary C. Wright; was married; lived at 333 Matthew; worked as a common laborer; and was buried in Wilson County.

  • Pete Fields

In the 1900 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Washington Fields, 60; wife Julia, 53; daughters Chrischanie, 25, Amanda, 15, and Lutory, 10; grandson Peter, 10; and granddaughters Julia, 5, and Lillie, 7 months.

In the 1910 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farmer Washington Fields, 68; wife Julia, 70; grandson Peter J., 18; and granddaughters Julia A., 14, and Mary Lilly, 9.

On 1 February 1914, Pete Fields, 22, of Crossroads township, married Verrona Mayo, 18, of Crossroads township, in Lucama, Wilson County.

Peter Fields died 5 May 1923, Cross Roads township, Wilson County; single; about 33 years old; worked as a tenant farmer for W.J. Scott; born Wilson County to Daniel Hodge and Chritchania Allen; buried in Lamm Cemetery. “Murdered by Walter Bethea. Death was instantly.”

  • James Stevenson
  • Queen Ella Mae McDonald
  • Eddie Mitchell

In the 1900 census of Cross Roads township, Wilson County: farm laborer Laurence Michel, 29; wife Easter, 24; and children Alonza, 8, Nettie, 6, Eddie, 4, and Babe, 1.

In the 1910 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Lawrence Mitchell, 40; wife Easter, 36; and children Alonzo, 19, Nellie, 17, Eddie, 13, Jesse, 11, Bettie, 7, Coy S., 5, Mattie, 3, and an infant, 11 months.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Henry Street, Eddie Mitchell, 43, chips blocks at Wilson Veneer; wife Pattie, 33, hangs tobacco at redrying plant; and children Willie, 16, fills order at woodyard, and Lawrence, 14.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 605 Henry Street, Eddie Mitchell, 58; wife Pattie, 48; and son Lawrence, 22, tobacco factory laborer.

  • Lester Harris
  • Ed Lewis
  • John Richardson

Probably, in the 1920 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer John E. Richardson, 26; wife Jessie, 19; and son-in-law [brother-in-law?] Johnnie Hines, 17.

John Eli Richardson died 19 November 1933 in Cross Roads township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 10 June 1893 in Wayne County, N.C., to John M. Richardson and Susan Bunn; was married to Vonia Richardson; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Wilson County.

Simon Dildy’s crime and punishment.

I first posted about the murder of grocer and barkeep Charles Gay by Simon Dildy here. Recently, I discovered more newspaper articles about the crime and its aftermath.

Charles Gay and his wife Emma operated a “stand” near the corner of present-day East Nash and Pender Streets. Simon Dildy was Gay’s brother-in-law, but it’s not clear if he was Emma Gay’s brother or the husband of an unidentified sister of Gay. Dildy worked in Gay’s store.

Wilmington Journal, 14 March 1874.

Franklin Courier, 20 March 1874.

Dildy was convicted of murder in Wilson Superior Court and sentenced to death. His attorney appealed to the North Carolina Supreme Court on procedural grounds.

Wilmington Morning Star, 26 September 1874.

Goldsboro Messenger, 28 September 1874.

The North Carolina Supreme Court granted Dildy a new trial, citing error in the trial judge’s rulings on the admissibility of certain evidence.

Goldsboro Messenger, 22 March 1875.

The file in State v. Dildy, 72 N.C. 325 (1875) is found at http://www.familysearch.org. It is a trove of detail about Reconstruction-era Wilson.

The grand jury pool included five black men — Amos Bynum, Orren Batts, Calvin Barnes, Howell Darden, and Hilliard Ellis — and Darden and Ellis were on the panel that indicted Dildy. Dildy was represented at trial by Hugh F. Murray and Harry G. Conner, and Ned Barnes and Green Lassiter sat on the jury that convicted him.

Aaron Skinner‘s testimony was included in the record forwarded to the Supreme Court. Skinner appears in the 1870 census of Wilson, Wilson County, as a 37 year-old carpenter. (By 1880, he had moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, but was in Virginia by the late 1880s.)

On direct examination, Skinner said he was at Charles Gay’s shop the night of the homicide between midnight and 2:00 A.M. with Spellman Moore, Gay, Simon Dildy, and another man. Skinner left to go to Moore’s house about forty yards away, but turned back when he heard arguing. Gay said, “If anybody treats me as you have done, I will take up a stick and beat them down or whip them or kill them.” Skinner then saw Gay walking toward his own house, and Dildy walking in the opposite direction toward Anthony Gay‘s house. Skinner then went to Moore’s house. About ten minutes later, Dildy came to Moore’s house and called Skinner to come out. Dildy was holding a double-barreled shotgun he had gotten from Anthony Gay. Skinner said, “What are you going to do with that?” Dildy responded, “Shoot Charles Gay.” Skinner and Dildy walked toward Gay’s house, and Skinner said, “You ain’t going to do it.” Dildy responded, “I’ll be dog-goned if I ain’t going to do it if he troubles me.” Skinner said, “Stop. I won’t go with you any further if you carry that gun for if Charles sees you with it, he’ll blame me as much as you.”Skinner told Skinner that it Skinner wouldn’t speak to Gay, and and his wife could have Skinner’s house for the night. Dildy agreed and asked Skinner to go to Gay and ask Dildy’s wife to come out. Skinner’s wife came out for four to five minutes. Gay said, “Dog gone it. They may come in. I ain’t going to trouble them.” Dildy’s wife went back to the house, and Gay came out: “Simon! Simon! Is that you? Come here!” Skinner barely had time to turn around before the gun blasted. Skinner ran to Gay, who was leaning against the fence, and they both fell onto a woodpile. Skinner carried Gay into the house, where he died within a few hours. Only about ten minutes elapsed between him leaving Gay’s shop and Gay being shot.

On cross-examination, Skinner asserted that when he first arrived at the shop, Gay was behind the counter “threatening and quarreling about shop affairs.” Dildy was standing outside the bar or counter, saying nothing. Skinner offered to let Dildy and his wife stay at his house because earlier — at about 8 or 9 o’clock — he had heard Gay say, “This here fellow Simon has been wasting my things, and I’m going to get him out of here or kill him out.” Dildy had been clerking for Gay, and Dildy and his wife had lived in the Gays’ house. Skinner noticed buckshot in a fence post that had come from the direction of Anthony Gay’s house. The woodpile was comprised of a billet of oak sticks and pine logs too large to be used as weapons and was about thirty-five feet from Gay’s front door in a corner of the lot to the left of the gate. Gay had been standing atop it. The front gate was about twenty feet from the front door. Skinner had been standing at the gate. When Skinner saw Gay inside the house, Gay “was as mad as I ever saw him; and I’ve seen him as mad as a man ought ever to be.” Gay was “a large and powerful man and, when provoked, a violent and dangerous one.” Gay weighed about 175 pounds, and Dildy about 140. Gay had no weapons on him except a pistol in his pocket, which was not cocked. When Gay had called out, “Simon! Simon!,” he had spoken in a sharp and angry tone.

Henry Johnston testified that he was one of the party that had gone out to arrest Dildy. They had found him about twelve miles from Wilson. As they approached, they pulled their sidearms, but did not point them at him. They did not tell him why they were there, and he did not appear alarmed. When asked what he was doing, Dildy said, “Just walking about.” One man then said, “What made you kill Charles Gay?” Dildy’s attorney objected, but Dildy was ordered to respond and said, “Is he dead?” Johnston replied, “You ought to know he’s dead when you killed him.” Counsel objected again, asserting that Dildy had been coerced by his captors. The judge again overruled him. According to Johnston, Dildy then confessed to shooting Gay, claiming that he had meant to shoot him in the legs, not kill him. Counsel for the defendant renewed its objection to the admission of Dildy’s confession.

The Supreme Court opened its decision with “We should never ruthlessly invade the sanctuary of the prisoners own breast for evidence to convict him with” and quickly determined that Dildy had confessed involuntarily when cornered and questioned by three armed men. Dildy was granted a new trial.

Dildy’s counsel reached a plea agreement — guilty to manslaughter in exchange for a ten-year sentence.

Wilmington Morning Star, 8 May 1875.

Seven years later, Governor Thomas J. Jarvis pardoned Simon Dildy.

News and Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), 30 April 1882.

In January 1886, a Raleigh newspaper reported that Dildy had been convicted of affray (public fighting or brawling) there.

Then this:

Richmond Dispatch, 29 January 1887.

This is confusing. Did Dildy literally escape from prison or metaphorically, via pardon? Was the capture for an escape years earlier, or for nearly killing his wife? The News and Observer‘s brief coverage is more straightforward.

News and Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), 19 January 1887.

I have not been able to find a name for Simon Dildy’s wife or anything further about Dildy.

Cause of death unclear for Johnson.

Wilson Daily Times, 22 November 1950.

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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.

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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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

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  • 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

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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.]

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  • 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.