last will and testament

The last will and testament of James S. Aycock (1836).

James S. Aycock’s farm lay on “the south side of the new Road leading to Stantonsburg” from Black Creek in what was then Wayne County. On 3 November 1836, he executed a last will and testament that provided, among other things:

  • wife Belinda Aycock was to receive “one Negro Woman by the name of Hannah” outright
  • wife Belinda Aycock was also to receive “one Negro Man by the name of Arthur” and “one Negro Woman by the name of Matilda” until daughter Kezia Aycock turned 21 years of age

  • all three were to be sold upon Belinda Aycock’s death or remarriage and the proceeds distributed to James S. Aycock’s children

 

The last will and testament of Pitts Kirby (1864).

On 3 November 1864, Pitts Kirby of Wilson County executed a detailed will disposing of his worldly goods. Kirby lived on the far southwest edge of the county, within a mile or two of the Johnston County line.

In addition, Kirby directed that his “Negro Boy Isaac” be hired out until his youngest child reached age eighteen “& then to be Sold & Equally Divided among all of my Children.”

Pitts Kirby didn’t die for more than a decade and, in any event, Ellick and Isaac were emancipated six months after this will was drafted.

——

The 1860 slave schedule of Kirbys district, Wilson County, lists Pitts Kirby with two enslaved young men, a 19 year-old and a 17 year-old — Ellick and Isaac. (Or Isaac and Ellick.)

On 6 May 1866, Alexander Kirby and Martha Perry registered their cohabitation with the Johnston County clerk, thereby legitimating their marriage, which had taken place in June 1861.

On 2 May 1867, Isaac Kirby and Mary Barnes were married in Johnston County, North Carolina.

In the 1870 census of Beulah township, Johnston County, N.C.: farmer Isaac Kirby, 30, and wife Mary, 18, farm laborer. He claimed $50/real estate and $125/personal estate.

In the 1870 census of Beulah township, Johnston County, N.C.: Alexander Kirby, 30, farm laborer; wife Martha, 30; and five children Allen, 8, Willis, 6, Neely, 3, James, 2, and Mary, 3 months. [The eldest two children were born in slavery on the farm on which their mother was enslaved.]

In the 1880 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Isaac Kirby, 41; wife Mary, 25; and sons Willis, 14, and Leroy, 1.

In the 1880 census of Beulah township, Johnston County: farmer Alic Kirby, 43; wife Martha J., 40; and children Clarkey, 21, Willis, 17, Milley J., 14, James A., 12, Mary, 10, Martha A., 8, Martha A., 7, Sarah E., 6, Evaline, 3, Lewis Z., 2, and Leroy, 10 months.

In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer Isaac S. Kirby, 58; wife Mary, 54; and sons Leroy A., 21, William, 14, and Isaac R., 13.

In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: day laborer Alex Kirby, 61; wife Martha J., 60; sons Amos, 18, and Obie, 12; and grandson Wiley, 5.

It appears that both Isaac S. Kirby and Alexander Kirby died between 1900 and 1910. Were they brothers?

The last will and testament of Jacob S. Barnes (1857).

On 11 November 1857, Jacob S. Barnes of Edgecombe County (present-day Gardners township in Wilson County) executed a will in which he bequeathed, among other things:

  • to wife Fanny Barnes Debby, Bob, George, William, Silvey, Manda, Sarah, Belcher, Deller, Dolly, Dick, Jo, Willis, Henry, Easter, Mary, and their increase

  • also to wife Fanny, for her lifetime, a negro girl Jane (to go to Jacob Bass after Fanny Barnes’ death)
  • to Julian Bass, for her lifetime, Nancy, Piety, Martha, and John (to go to her children after her death)

North Carolina Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The last will and testament of Sarah Jernigan (1849).

When Sarah Jernigan drafted her will on 20 July 1849, she lived in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, but her estate entered probate in Wilson County. (I have not found the estate file.)

To daughter Penelope Anderson, she bequeathed enslaved people Olive, Larrow, Rose, Ellen, Evaline, Rody, Lucy the child of Olive, Jack, Ben, Judy, and Anaky.

To friend [actually son-in-law and Methodist circuit rider] Nathan Anderson, in trust for Jernigan’s daughter Elizabeth Whitley (so as to keep the property free from control of her husband Edwin G. Whitley), she bequeathed Dinah, Mason, Dick, Jane, Caroline, Handy, Grace, Pearce, Beck, Peg, Delpha, Turner, Lucy, Ginny, and Hester.

Nathan Anderson is listed in the 1850 slave schedule of Edgecombe County with 14 enslaved people. He died in 1859, leaving widow Penelope and four young children. His estate mentions the hiring out of enslaved people — which brought in hundreds of dollars in income per year — but does not name them.

Penelope Anderson is listed in the 1860 slave schedule of Saratoga district, Wilson County, with only four enslaved people. Her near neighbor Edwin Barnes, who was administrator of Nathan Anderson’s estate, is listed as holding 15 enslaved people as the trustee for four minors (the Anderson children).

Few African-American Andersons and no Jernigans appear in post-emancipation Wilson County records. If the people Sarah Jernigan enslaved remained in the area, they largely adopted other surnames.

——

  • Olive

In 1866, Olive Anderson and Leavie Barnes registered their 24-year cohabitation with a Wilson county justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Levi Barnes, 45; wife Olive, 50; children Samuel, 19, Charles, 10, Rachel, 18, and Celia, 15; Adeline Whitley, 23; Dinah Whitley, 70; and Dewey, 12, and Richard Whitley, 42.

  • Larrow
  • Rose
  • Ellen
  • Evaline
  • Rody

In 1869, Rhody Anderson, daughter of Lee Anderson and Olif Anderson, married Stephen Moore, son of Stephen Moore and Jinsey Moore, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Stephen Moore, 23, farm laborer; wife Rodah, 23; and son Lazarus, 8 months.

In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Rhoda Moore, 30, works on farm, and children Lazarus, 10, Peter, 8, and Nelly, 4.

Ida Jenkins died 29 December 1921 in Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas. Per her death certificate, she was 36 years old; was born in North Carolina to Stephen Moore and Rhoda [no maiden name] and was married. Frank Jenkins was informant.

  • Lucy, daughter of Olive
  • Jack
  • Ben

Perhaps, in the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Benjamin Anderson, 39; wife Catharine, 38; and children Robert, 13, Joseph, 10, Dink, 8, Dinah, 4, and Lucy, 1.

  • Judy
  • Anaky

In the 1870 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Anaka Anderson, 35, and children Fanny, 15, Seth, 7, Benjamin, 4, and Bettie, 2.

  • Dinah

Probably: in the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Levi Barnes, 45; wife Olive, 50; children Samuel, 19, Charles, 10, Rachel, 18, and Celia, 15; Adeline Whitley, 23; Dinah Whitley, 70; and Dewey, 12, and Richard Whitley, 42.

  • Mason

Possibly: in 1866, Mason Whitley and Marendy Bryan registered their 17-year cohabitation.

  • Dick

Probably: in the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Levi Barnes, 45; wife Olive, 50; children Samuel, 19, Charles, 10, Rachel, 18, and Celia, 15; Adeline Whitley, 23; Dinah Whitley, 70; and Dewey, 12, and Richard Whitley, 42.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Richard Whitley, 54, and wife Becky, 41.

  • Jane
  • Caroline
  • Handy
  • Grace
  • Pearce
  • Beck
  • Peg
  • Delpha
  • Turner
  • Lucy
  • Ginny
  • Hester

North Carolina Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The last will and testament of Daniel Land (1851).

In a will dated 29 March 1851, Daniel Land left his wife Martha a life estate in, among items, four enslaved people — Jason, Violet, Boston, and Venus. (Land lived in a section of Edgecombe County that became Wilson County in 1855. Interestingly, in the 1850 census of Edgecombe County, Land, whose occupation was “overseer of the poor,” claimed no slaves.)

Land’s estate was inventoried and sold on 21 December 1857. The administrator made note of the property passed via the terms of his will.

However, his remaining enslaved people were sold on twelve months’ credit: Louis, Mary and her child George, John, Cherry and her child Lonzo, and Caroline.

——

  • Jason Land

On 21 August 1866, Jason Land and Caroline Pender registered their four-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

  • Venus Armstrong Drake

In late December 1867 or very early January 1868, Thomas Drake, son of Thomas Avent and Lucinda Drake, applied for a marriage in Wilson to marry Venis Armstrong, daughter of Mary Armstrong. The license was not returned.

In the 1880 census of Town of Toisnot, Wilson County: railroad worker Thomas Drake, 34, wife Venus, 28, and children Jane, 9, Isaac, 7, John T., 3, and an unnamed infant, 1 month.

In the 1900 census of Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Broad Street, farmer Thomas Drake, 55; wife Virginia [Venus], 46; and children Mattie, 20, cook, Ernest, 15, and Clarence, 11.

In the 1910 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Tom Drake, 65, wife Venus, 62, and  daughter Pearl, 10.

Venus Drake died 5 February 1917 in Elm City, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was about 55 years old; was a midwife; was born in Edgecombe County to Amos Braswell and Mary Braswell; and was buried in [Elm City] “col. cemetery.” Tom Drake was informant.

  • Mary Land Braswell

In 1866, Mary Land and Amos Braswell registered their 14-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of California township, Pitt County, N.C.: farmhand Amos Braswell, 40; wife Mary, 35; children John, 17, and Polly, 15; and Fereby Bassett, 28.

  • Lewis Land

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: Lewis Land, 30, farm laborer; wife Martha, 29; and Winnie, 10, and Charles, 2.

North Carolina Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The last will and testament of Jacob Barnes (1859).

In a will executed on 27 November 1859, among other items, Jacob Barnes bequeathed to his daughter Zilpha Ann Barnes, “three Negroes Milby, Anna, and Milby Jane” and directed his executor to “sell two Negroes Ephraigm and Randall.”

He also bequeathed:

  • to his daughter Milly Stansell a life estate in a woman named Gilly and any children Gilly might have
  • to his son Elias Barnes, Eliza, Chany and one child, Rose, and Elly

North Carolina Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The last will and testament of Zilpha Daniel (1862).

In her 20 May 1862 will, Zilpha Daniel bequeathed her son-in-law George A. Wooley an enslaved man named Prince. The remainder of the group of people she enslaved were to go to her four living children jointly.

In the 1860 slave schedule, Daniel had reported to the enumerator that she enslaved 14 people — men and boys aged 2 months to 39 years and women and girls aged 1 year to 39 years — who lived in four houses.

1860 slave schedule, Wilson County, North Carolina.

Daniel died shortly after executing her will. An inventory of her property, conducted 5 August 1862, names the 14 people she enslaved — Prince, Hannah, Pheby, Dennis, Telitha, Lucy, Fanny, Charles, Malissa, Rosa, Caroline, Frank, Jerome, and Jesse.

——

  • Prince Daniel

Prince Daniel was probably the 39 year-old black man listed in the 1860 slave schedule. His wife and children were enslaved on another farm.

On 31 August 1866, Prince Daniel and Absely Simms registered their 16-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Crossroads township, Wilson County: farm laborer Prince Daniel, 55; wife Absley, 40; and son (grandson?) Isaac, 13.

In the 1880 census of Crossroads township, Wilson County: farmer Prince Daniel, 67, and wife Absley, 44. (Next door: farm laborer Isaac Daniel, 23; wife Zilla, 24; and daughters Virginia, 5, Ella Jane, 3, and Mobelia, 3 months.)

  • Hannah Daniel Simms

Hannah Daniel Simms was probably the 39 year-old black woman listed in the 1860 slave schedule. Her husband was enslaved on another farm, but her children belonged to Zilpha Daniel.

On 24 July 1866, Hanner Daniel and Harry Simms registered their 27-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Simms, 64; wife Hannah, 50; children Emily, 19, Caroline, 15, Frank, 13, and Jesse, 8; and Junah Acock, 2.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Simms, 70; wife Hannah, 65; children Lissa, 28, Rose, 26, Jesse, 19, Mille, 18, and Henry, 9; and grandchildren Andrew, 7, Ira, 4, and Louvinia, 1.

On 29 April 1889, Johnnie Woodard, 21, son of Mintos and Sarah Ward, married Rose Ward, 34, daughter of Harry and Hannah Simms, in Wilson County.

On 25 February 1893, Rosana Simms, 30 [sic], daughter of Harry and Hannah Simms, married George Lee, 40, son of Eli and Jane Lee, in Wilson County.

Rosanna Lee died 21 March 1917 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 58 years old; was born in Wilson County to Harry Simms and Harry Best; was married; and was buried in Wilson County. Lola Woodard was informant.

Malissie Bunch died 16 August 1923 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 66 years old; was born in Wilson County to Harry and Hannah Simms; was the widow of Ned Bunch; lived at 409 Banks; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] Lucy Williams was informant.

  • Phoebe Daniel Bass

In 1866, Phoebe Daniel and Simon Bass registered their ten-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

  • Dennis Daniel

Dennis Daniel was probably the 16 year-old black boy listed in the 1860 slave schedule. He was the son of Hannah and her husband Harry Simms.

On 24 July 1869, Dennis Daniel, son of Harry and Hannah Simms, married Zilphia Aycock, daughter of Washington Woodard and Chaney Peacock, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farm laborer Dennis Daniel, 27; wife Zilphia, 18; and daughter Ella, 1.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: common laborer Denis Daniel, 37; wife Zilpha, 28; and daughters Ella, 9, Viny, 7, and Minnie, 2.

  • Lucy Simms Woodard

Lucy Simms Woodard was probably the 19 year-old black woman listed in the 1860 slave schedule. She was the daughter of Hannah and her husband Harry Simms.

Lucy Woodard died 29 June 1934 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, he was 94 years old; was born Wilson County to Harry Simms and Hannah Simms; lived at 1202 East Washington; was the widow of Rufus Woodard; and was buried in Wilson [likely Vick Cemetery.] Annie Howell of Wilson was informant.

  • Fanny Daniel Woodard

Fannie Daniel Woodard was probably the 18 year-old black woman listed in the 1860 slave schedule.

In 1866, Jack Woodard and Fany Daniel registered their two-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1880 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Jack Woodard, 35; wife Fannie, 32; and children John, 12, Julia, 7, Cynthia, 6, Albert, 5, and Aaron, 2.

On 6 January 1890, John Woodard, 21, son of Jack and Fannie Woodard, married Edmonia Brooks, 19, daughter of Gray and Darkis Brooks, in Wilson County.

On 12 February 1890, Dock Evans, 23, son of Burket and Julia Evans, married Deora Woodard, 19, daughter of Jack and Fannie Woodard, in Wilson County.

On 8 March 1906, Gus Woodard, 23, son of Jack and Fannie Woodard, married Lizzie Brooks, 18, daughter of David and Ret Brooks, in Black Creek, N.C.

Diarie Batts died 29 July 1924 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was about 52 years old; was married to John Batts; was born in Wilson County to Jack Woodard and Fannie Simms; and worked as a tenant farmer for P.L. Woodard.

Augustus Woodard Sr. died 13 August 1951 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 1 March 1883 in Black Creek, N.C., in Jack Woodard and Fannie [no maiden name]; was a widow; was a tenant farmer; and was buried in Black Creek. Daisy Adams was informant.

Steve Lee Woodard died 26 October 1966 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 24 February 1884 in Wilson to Jack Woodard and Fanny Woodard; lived in Sharpsburg, Edgecombe County, N.C.; and was buried in Rest Haven Cemetery, Wilson.

Harriett Dawson died 25 September 1967 in at her home at 311 Freeman Street, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 30 August 1893 in Wilson County in Jack Woodard and Fannie Simms; was married to Vanderbilt Dawson; worked in a tobacco factory; and was buried in the Masonic Cemetery. Easter Dawson was informant.

  • Charles Simms

Charles Simms was probably the 12 year-old black boy listed in the 1860 slave schedule. He was probably the son of Hannah and her husband Harry Simms.

On 16 August 1869, Charley Simms, son of Harry and Hannah Simms, married Liza Hall, daughter of Charley Hall, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Charles Simms, 21; wife Clara, 20; and daughter Margaret, 2 months (next door to Harry and Hannah Simms, above.)

In the 1880 census of Town of Wilson, Wilson township, Wilson County: grocery store [keeper] Charles Simms, 30; wife Clara, 27; and children Margarett, 10, and Franklin, 7.

  • Malissa Simms Bunch

Malissa Simms Bunch was the daughter of Hannah and her husband Harry Simms.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Simms, 70; wife Hannah, 65; children Lissa, 28, Rose, 26, Jesse, 19, Mille, 18, and Henry, 9; and grandchildren Andrew, 7, Ira, 4, and Louvinia, 1.

On 13 December 1883, Ed Bunch married Lissie Simms in Wayne County, North Carolina.

In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: teamster Ned Bunch, 50, wife Lissa, 50, and children Mary, 16, Martha, 12, Orra, 11, Nellie, 9, Mattie, 7, and Lucy, 5.

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street, odd jobs laborer Ned Bunch, 55; wife Mary [sic], 55; and children Martha, 23, Ora, 21, Willie, 19, Mattie, 15, and Lucy, 13, all factory laborers.

Ned Bunch died 19 March 1916 in Wilson of lobar pneumonia, age 65. His death certificate reports that he was born in Wilson County, and his father was James Bunch. Malissa Bunch was the informant.

Martha Robbins died 12 October 1918 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1887 in Wilson County to Ned Bunch and Malissa Simms; was married to Jas. D. Robbins; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.]

Mary Newton died 9 March 1919 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born April 1885 in Wilson to Ned Bunch and Malissy Simms; was married to Robert Newton; was a tenant farmer for L.O. Blackman; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.]

Malissie Bunch died 16 August 1923 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 66 years old; was born in Wilson County to Harry and Hannah Simms; was the widow of Ned Bunch; lived at 409 Banks; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.] Lucy Williams was informant.

On 23 October 1923, James Thompson [sic], 24, of Wilson, son of Isaac and Lizzie Thompson, married Ora Bunch, 23, of Wilson, daughter of Ned and Malissie Bunch, at Ned Bunch’s residence. Missionary Baptist minister Fred M. Davis performed the ceremony in the presence of Mina Crawford, H.D. Beckwith, and Paul Hargrove.

  • Rosa Simms Ward Lee

Rosa Simms was probably the 1 year-old black girl listed in the 1860 slave schedule. She was the daughter of Hannah and her husband Harry Simms.

On 29 April 1889, Johnnie Woodard, 21, son of Mintos and Sarah Ward, married Rose Ward, 34, daughter of Harry and Hannah Simms, in Wilson County.

On 25 February 1893, Rosana Simms, 30 [sic], daughter of Harry and Hannah Simms, married George Lee, 40, son of Eli and Jane Lee, in Wilson County.

Rosanna Lee died 21 March 1917 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 58 years old; was born in Wilson County to Harry Simms and Harry Best; was married; and was buried in Wilson County. Lola Woodard was informant.

Caroline Simms Bunch was probably the 7 year-old black girl listed in the 1860 slave schedule. She was the daughter of Hannah and her husband Harry Simms.

  • Frank Simms

Frank Simms was probably the 3 year-old black boy listed in the 1860 slave schedule. He was the son of Hannah and her husband Harry Simms.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Simms, 64; wife Hannah, 50; children Emily, 19, Caroline, 15, Frank, 13, and Jesse, 8; and Junah Acock, 2.

  • Jesse Simms

Jesse Simms was the son of Hannah and her husband Harry Simms.

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Simms, 64; wife Hannah, 50; children Emily, 19, Caroline, 15, Frank, 13, and Jesse, 8; and Junah Acock, 2.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Harry Simms, 70; wife Hannah, 65; children Lissa, 28, Rose, 26, Jesse, 19, Mille, 18, and Henry, 9; and grandchildren Andrew, 7, Ira, 4, and Louvinia, 1.

On 18 February 1886, Jesse Simms, 24, married Anna Farmer, 19, at Polly Farmer‘s in Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Jessie Simms, 33; wife Annie, 34; and children William, 7, Martha, 6, Jonah, 2, and Mary, 9 months.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Jesse Simms, 49; wife Annie, 40; and children Willie, 16, Martha, 15, Jonah, 12, Mark, 7, Mike, 4, and Elizabeth, 2.

In the 1920 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: tenant farmer Jessie Simms, 59; wife Annie, 58; and children Martha, 25, Mike, 14, Lizzie Beth, 12, and Amous, 10.

Jesse Simms died 4 April 1929 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, he was 68 years old; was born in Wilson County to Harry Simms and Hannah Simms; was married to Annie Simms; was a farmer; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery. Mike Simms was informant.

North Carolina Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The last will and testament of William J. Armstrong (1856).

In his 30 September 1856 will, William J. Armstrong directed his slaves be hired out until all his debts were paid, then divided equally among his heirs with the proviso that “it is my desire that at the division of my Slaves my Daughter Mary E. Barnes have Slave Harry as a part of her share at a fair valuation as she has had him for several years.”

North Carolina Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.

The last will and testament of Charity Pope (1858).

William Pope died intestate in about 1857. He lived on the south side of Contentnea Creek, in the Black Creek area, in either Wayne or Wilson County. He left a widow and six children (and grandchildren of a seventh) and a complicated estate. Records indicate that Pope died possessed of ten enslaved people — Isaac, Mary, Nancy, Green, Zilpha, Rachel, Bryant, Patsy, Maria, and Ellis.

On 6 November 1858, William’s widow Charity Pope, who lived in Wilson County, executed a last will and testament that included this provision:

“[T]o my esteemed friend William Thompson one third part of my right and title & interest as one of the distributees of my late husband William Pope in and to Negroes Isaac, Patsy, Zilpha, Mary, Nancy, Green, Rachel, Bryant [and] Ellis ….” The remaining two-thirds interest was to go to her daughters Martha and Elizabeth Pope.

 

In 1 December 1859, well before Charity Pope’s death, all the people WilliamPope had enslaved were sold at court-ordered auction. They went to seven different purchasers, most of whom — Benjamin H. Bardin, Edwin G. Clark, James Newsome, James D. Barnes, and Charity Pope — lived in Wilson County.

Charity Pope purchased Patsy and her children Ellis and Maria, the newborn, for $1205.00. On credit.

In the meantime, in January 1860, estate administrator Simon Hooks paid Charity Pope for “keeping” Patsy for the year 1857. (The other enslaved people were hired out.) Per their agreement, Pope was to receive fifty dollars for her service, plus an additional ten dollars “if the negro woman brought a child during [the] year.” In other words, Pope was to be rewarded if the pregnant Patsy safely delivered (and thereby increased the value of her husband’s estate.)

Estate of William Pope (1856), Will of Charity Pope (1858), North Carolina Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com

The last will and testament of Martha Barnes (1856).

In her 1856 will, among other bequests, Martha Barnes left her son James Reddick Barnes her “interest in negro woman Clary and her children.” We can infer that Martha Barnes jointly owned Clary and her children with unnamed others.

In the 1860 slave schedule, James R. Barnes reported enslaving 41 people (and controlling another 32 as trustee for unnamed minors. In June 1856, two people he jointly owned with others, Cate and Sherard, were sold at auction at a toll house on White Oak Swamp. Barnes was high bidder.