Wilson Daily Times, 15 August 1933.
I have not been able to identify Eddie Locus, but I hope the apparent absence of a death certificate means he recovered from his injuries.
Locus
Cemeteries, no. 33: Williams-Lucas-Eatmon family cemetery.
Seven-tenths of a mile down a curving dirt path off the intersection of Hornes Church Road and Old Bailey Highway lies a small family cemetery, black with ash from an unfortunate controlled burn. (I get it. The cemetery is choked with wisteria, but fire damages fragile headstones and other grave markers.) I don’t know the cemetery’s name, and it’s a mile into Nash County, but many of its dead had close ties to Wilson County.
- Austin and Cornelia Locus Williams
Austin Williams Dec. 10, 1838 Oct. 27, 1907
Nelia Williams Sept. 24, 1842 Oct. 23, 1906 She now sweetly rests.
Austin Williams, son of Ben and Merica Williams, married Cornelia Taylor, daughter of Isaac Taylor and Lena Locus, on 10 May 1868 in Wilson County.
In the 1870 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: Austen Williams, 34, farm laborer; wife Cornelius, 24; and daughter Cora Lee, 1.
In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: Austin Williams, 41, farmer; wife Nobly, 30; and children Cora L., 11, Charley A., 8, Benjamin and Isaac, 4, and Minnie, 8 months.
Per Tinner Howard Ellis, “Hillard [Ellis] married Cora Williams. Cora’s parents were Nellie Locust and Austin Williams. Austin was a slave on the McWilliams farm and Nellie was issue-free.”
- Ichabod Powell
Ecabud Powell Died Feb. 27 19[11?] Age 61 Years.
In the 1880 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Ichabud Powell, 32; wife Mary A., 32; and children Beedy A., 9, Pheny, 7, John, 5, James W., 4, Henry G., 3, and Mary A.E., 11 months.
In the 1900 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Ichabod Powell, 50, farmer; wife Mary A., 50; children Mary A., 20, Martha, 18, Joseph, 16, Margarett, 14, Geneva, 12, Billie P., 11, Dempsey H., 9, and Paul J., 6; and nephew Henry Lassiter, 28.
Henry Powell, left, and father Ichabod Powell, perhaps circa 1910.
Mary Ann Powell died 5 April 1921 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was 74 years old; was born in Wilson County to Silas Lassiter and Orpie Lassiter of Wilson County; was the widow of Ickibuck Powell; and was buried in Powell graveyard, Nash County.
Henry Powell died 29 September 1928 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per his death certificate, he was born November 1877 in Wilson County to Ichabod Powell of Nash County and Mary Lassiter of Wilson County; lived on Route 1, Wilson; was married to Sarah Powell; and worked in farming.
William “Bill” Pharaoh Powell died 23 July 1963 at his home at 404 North Reid Street, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 February 1891 in Wilson County to Echabud Powell and Mary Ann Lassiter; was married to Margaret H[agans] Powell; and worked as a laborer.
- Neverson Locus
Neverson Lucas Mar. 2, 1853 May 9, 1927.
In the 1860 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: Martin Locas, 45, farmer; wife Eliza, 30; and children Isham, 16, Edith, 10, Ervin, 8, Neverson, 6, Cedney, 5, and Susan Locus, 2, all mulatto. Martin claimed $250 in personal property.
In the 1870 census of Chesterfield township, Nash County, N.C.: farmer Martin Lucus, 52; wife Eliza, 42; and children Irvin, 19, Neverson, 16, Sidney, 13, Eliza, 7, Westray, 6, Anne, 4, and Mary, 2.
On 8 February 1877, Neverson Locust, 23, of Wilson County, married Margaret Taylor, 30, of Wilson County, in Wilson County.
In the 1880 census of Jackson township, Nash County: farmer Neverson Locus, 25; wife Margaret, 35; and son Boston, 1.
On 16 December 1885, Neverson Locust, 32, of Wilson County, married Sarah Locust, 37, of Wilson County, at A.M. Thompson’s in Wilson County.
In the 1910 census of Jackson township, Nash County: farm laborer Mary Jane Ellis, 44, and children Henry, 16, Louise, 13, and Charles, 6; and brother Neverson Lucas, 56.
In the 1920 census of Jackson township, Nash County: widower Neverson Locus, 65, farmer, and Liddie Joyner, 57, servant.
The last will and testament of Neverson Locus, alias Lucas.
Newson Lucas died 12 May 1927 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per his death certificate, he was born 29 April 1853 in Wilson County to Martin Lucas and Liza Martin; was a farmer; was a widower; and was buried in a family cemetery. Ed. Williams was informant.
- Robert and Edith Eatman
Robert Eatman Died Nov. 24, 1916 Age 52 Years
Edith Eatman Died Mar. 15, 1911 Age 63 Years
In the 1860 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: Martin Locas, 45, farmer; wife Eliza, 30; and children Isham, 16, Edith, 10, Ervin, 8, Neverson, 6, Cedney, 5, and Susan Locus, 2, all mulatto. Martin claimed $250 in personal property.
On 28 April 1883, Robert Eatman, 25, of Wilson County, married Edith Howard, 30, of Wilson County, ate Wilson County Courthouse.
In the 1900 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer Robert Eatmon, 43; wife Edith, 50; and servant Mary Eatmon, 9.
In the 1910 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: Willis Ellis, 22; wife Mary, 20; and aunt Edie Eatman, 52. Nearby, living alone: Robert Eatman, 52, farmer.
On 9 March 1911, Edith Eatmon made out a will in which she bequeathed $200 to Mary Jane Ellis; $100 each to Neverson Locus and James Ross; $50 to Eliza Howard, wife of George Howard; and the remainder to be divided among them all. She also paid for headstones for herself and her late husband.
The first provision of Edith Eatmon’s last will and testament.
- Mariah Perry
Mariah Wife of Jesse Perry Born Dec. 27, 1893 Died Sep. 14, 1920 She was ready to every good work.
On 26 December 1915, Jesse Perry, 21, son of Charlie and Assie Perry, married Maria Eatmon, 18, daughter of Dallas and Flora Eatmon, in Jackson township, Nash County.
In the 1920 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Jessie Perry, 22; wife Mariah, 19; and daughter Doretha, 1.
- Lucy Jane Morgan
Lucy Jane wife of Johnny Morgan
On 10 March 1922, John Morgan, 21, of Nash County, son of Jim and Senora Morgan, married Lucy Eatmon, 19, of Nash County, daughter of Dollis and Flora Eatmon, in Wilson.
Lucy Morgan died 23 October 1925 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was born 16 December 1903 in Nash County to D. Eatmon and Flora Lucas; was married to John Morgan; and was buried in [Bunn?] cemetery.
- Henry Lucas
Henry Lucas Born A.D. 1845 Died Dec. 30, 1915 Gone but not forgotten.
In the 1850 census of Nash County: Delany Locust, 28, and Lucy, 25, Nathan, 12, Henry, 8, Goodson, 6, Nelly, 4, and Mary J., 5.
On 29 March 1868, Henry Locust, son of Isaac and Laney Taylor, married Nancy Williams, daughter of Ben and America Williams at John Thompson’s in Wilson County.
In the 1870 census of Chesterfield township, Nash County: Henry Lucas, 35, farmer; wife Nancy, 32; and children Margaret, 11, Turner, 7, Susan, 2, and Horace, 5 months.
In the 1880 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Henry Locus, 38; wife Nancy, 37; and children Margaret, 23, Turner, 16, Harriet, 11, Franklin, 10, Adlonia, 8, Henry K., 5, Emma L., 4, Mollie, 2, and Palmer, 10 months.
In the 1900 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Henry Locus, 60; wife Nancy, 55; children Eliza H., 27, Adlone, 25, Henry C., 23, Mollie M., 20, Halma, 19, Ben, 15; and grandson Willie J., 11.
In the 1910 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Henry Lucas, 69; wife Nancy, 68; and sons Palmer, 28, and H. Katie, 30.
- Mary Pearson
Mary Pearson 1838-1925 Her life was hid with God’s.
In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: Mary Pearson, 40, and children Jerry, 17, “hired out,” Mourning, 13, “hired about,” Dora, 8, and Flora, 6.
On 16 January 1895, Jerry Battle, 26, of Nash County, son of Armstead and Patsey Battle, married Mourning Pearson, 24, of Nash County, daughter of Nathan Locus and Mary Pearson, in Taylor township, Wilson County. John Locus applied for the license, and he, Joseph Eatmon, and Branch Flowers were witnesses.
In the 1900 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Dallas Eatmon, 32; wife Flora, 26; children Simean, 4, Mary C., 3, and Mariah, 1; and stepmother Mary Pearson, 63.
In the 1910 census of Jackson township, Nash County: farmer Dallas Eatmon, 49; wife Flora, 35; children Duncan, 14, Dolly, 12, Mariah, 11, Mira, 9, Lucy Jane, 7, Nola, 5, Myrtle, 3, Lessie, 2, and Cleora, 2 months; and mother-in-law Mary Pearson, 70.
Mary Pearson died 28 October 1925 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was 88 years old; was born in Nash County to James Flowers and Charity Flowers; was a widow; and worked in farming for Haywood Brantley. Flora Eatmon was informant.
Mourning Battle died 16 March 1934 in Taylors township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 63 years old; was born in Wilson County to Nathaniel Lucas and Mary Flowers; was the widow of Jerry Battle; and was buried in Sandy Fork cemetery. Flora Eatmon was informant.
Flora Eatman died 6 December 1949 in Bailey, Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was born 23 January 1876 in Wilson County to Nathan Lucas and Mary Pierson; was widowed; and was buried in Sandy Fork cemetery. Carse Eatmon was informant.
- Lottie High
Lottie High Jan. 6, 1868 May 9, 1918 She hath done what she could
On 7 July 1887, Arch High, 22, of Nash County, son of Peter and Mary High, married Lottie Dew, 19, of Wilson County, daughter of Vol Dew, at George Barnes’ in Wilson County.
In the 1900 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Archy High, 40; wife Lotter, 24; and children Peggie, 19, Nora, 11, Ardiclear, 11, Henry, 6, and Izell, 1.
On 25 July 1908, Manning Wiggins, 36, of Nash County, son of J. and E. Wiggins, married Lottie High, 36, of Nash County, daughter of Silvia Barnes, in Taylor township, Wilson County. Missionary Baptist minister William Rodgers performed the ceremony at his home.
In the 1910 census of Jackson township, Nash County: odd jobs laborer Lottie High, 38; son Henry, 16; and grandson Isaiah, 12.
Lottie Wiggins died 10 May 1918 in Jackson township, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was born 6 January 1868 to Vara Dew; was divorced; and worked in farming.
Henry High died 29 December 1951 in Bailey, Jackson township, Nash County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 February 1894 in Nash County to Arch High and Lottie Dew; was a World War I veteran; worked as a tenant farmer; and was buried in West [Rest] Haven cemetery, Wilson.
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Others buried in this cemetery include Tom Lucas (1872-1920), Cornelia Williams (1900-1918), Isadora Lucas (18[illegible]-1917), Anis Lucas (1860-1927), and Nannie Williams Lucas (1879-1908).
Photo of the Powells courtesy of Ancestry.com user bpatterson80; cemetery photos by Lisa Y. Henderson, March 2023.
Sandy Fork Missionary Baptist Church.
I’d seen numerous references to a Sandy Fork Baptist Church in Wilson County, but was confused because the church I found by that name is a mile or so across the line in Nash County. Even more confusingly, Sandy Fork’s cemetery is on Old Bailey Highway, more than a mile from the church.
Sandy Fork Missionary Baptist Church off Hornes Church Road in Wilson County.
Lisa Winstead-Stokes clarified the matter for me. Originally, there was a single Sandy Fork church, and a faction broke away to found “Little” Sandy Fork, also known “new” Sandy Fork Missionary Baptist Church of Wilson County.
Neither the little nor big church is located at the original site of the church, which was near the crossroads just south of Sandy Fork cemetery. Annie Eatmon Locus is regarded as the first “mother” of the new church, which was built on land conveyed by her and her husband Asa “Ace” Locus to church trustees L. Blackwell, Wesley Strickland, Herbert Taylor, and Ace Locus on 18 October 1917.
Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, March 2023; aerial (without annotations) courtesy of Google Maps.
The last will and testament of John Lucas.
John Lucas (also known as Locus) made out his will on 10 July 1926, about six months before he died.
His bequests included:
- to son Kenney Lucas, a life interest in “that part of the home place, on the North side of the cart road, on which the house I live in now stands,” and after his death to children Sidney Lucas, Susia Sims, and Eddie Lucas in equal shares.
- to children Sidney Lucas and Susia Sims, in equal shares, the portion of the home place on the south side of the cart road, adjoining Dew’s place.
- to son Eddie Lucas, 20 acres known as “the old Phine place,” adjoining the lands of Allison Howard, Gib Howard, Dick Cozart, and ten acres Eddie Lucas purchased from his father earlier.
- to daughter Nannie Deans, ten acres from the old Phine place.
- to daughter Dora Battle, ten acres of the Phine tract.
- to son Frank Lucas, five dollars.
- to Roxia Blackwell [daughter of Susan Lucas Simms Ellis],his organ.
- to an unnamed granddaughter, described as “the daughter of Sidney Lucas, the one next to the oldest girl,” his bureau.
- to granddaughter “Mink,” daughter of Eddie Lucas, his “clothing safe.”
- to daughter Susia Simms, his sewing machine.
- to son Kenney Lucas, his iron safe.
- and other property to be divided equally among children Kenney Lucas, Sidney Lucas, Eddie Lucas, Dora Battle, Nannie Deans, and Susia Simms.
- children Kenney Lucas and Dora Battle were named co-executors, and Glenn McBrayer legal adviser.
Glenn McBrayer, Lillian McBrayer, and George W. Barnes were witnesses.
Will of John Lucas (1926), North Carolina Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, http://www.ancestry.com.
The obituary of Delphia Taylor Lucas.
Wilson Daily Times, 26 February 1923.
Delphia Taylor Lucas was born free in Nash County to Dempsey Taylor and Eliza Pace Taylor. (“One of the old time darkies” was a bizarre (and utterly offensive) term of approval.)
——
In the 1850 census of Nash County: farmer Dempsey Taylor, 35; wife Eliza, 33; and children Margaret A., 4, Sarah, 2, and Delphi, 7 months; and Jane, 12.
In the 1860 census of Winsteads township, Nash County: farmer Dempsey Taylor, 46; wife Liza, 44; and children Margaret A.W., 14, Delphia A., 10, Riley A.R., 8, and Joel R., 6.
In the 1870 census of Chesterfield township, Nash County: farmer John Lucus, 24; wife Dalphia, 20; and son John F., 1.
In the 1880 census of Jackson township, Nash County: John Locus, 30; wife Delpha, 30; and children Frank, 10, Dora, 8, Kenny, 5, Nancy, 4, and Samuel, 9 months.
In the 1900 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: Johnnie Lucus, 43; wife Delpha, 51; children Kinion, 26, Nannie, 24, Edwin, 15, Sidney, 12, and Susan, 9; and grandsons Bunion, 5, and Martin L., 3.
On 20 January 1909, Sidney Lucas, 21, of Taylors, son of John and Delphia Lucas, married Mamie Rountree, 17, of Taylors, daughter of Alex and Watie Rountree, at Emma Rountree’s in Taylors. Missionary Baptist minister William Rodgers performed the ceremony in the presence of James Ross, Pollie Howard, and Emma Lucas.
In the 1910 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: on Howards Path, John Locust, 66; wife Delphia, 64; children Kinyan, 36, and Susie, 19; and grandchildren Bunyan, 15, Luther M., 13, and Roxie, 7 months.
On 15 May 1913, Loyd Simms, 21, of Taylors township, son of Lou Simms, married Susan Locus, 22, of Taylors, daughter of John and Delphia Locus, at the Register of Deeds office in Wilson.
In the 1920 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: John Locus, 77; wife Delphi, 65; son Kennie, 48; and grandchildren Roxie, 11, and Luther, 23.
Delphia Lucas died 24 February 1923 in Taylor township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1849 in Wilson County to Dempsey Taylor of Wilson County and Essie Pace of Nash County; was married to John Lucas; and was buried in a family cemetery.
Train-auto collision kills two.
In December 1930, several North Carolina newspapers carried an Associated Press article that opened with this: “Death rode the highways in the Carolinas over the week-end, leaving in its wake eight dead persons and many injured.”
The dead included Samuel High and James B. Lucas:
Burlington Daily Times, 8 December 1930.
- Samuel High
In the 1900 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: John High, 26; wife Treasy, 23; and children Willie, 8, and Sam, 6.
On 13 December 1915, Samuel High, 19, of Oldfields township, son of John and Treacey High, married Roberta Lucas, 19, of Taylor township, daughter of Elbert and Rose Lucas, in Oldfields township, Wilson County.
On 25 May 1925, Samuel High, 32, of Pikeville, Wayne County, N.C., son of John and Treacy High, married Rosa Arrington, 33, of Pikeville, daughter of William and Tempie Arrington, at the courthouse in Goldsboro, Wayne County.
- J.B. Locus [James B. Lucas]
In 1917, James Lucas registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 14 August 1890 in Wilson County; lived in Wilson County; farmed for Frank Williamson; had a wife and two children; and was literate.
In the 1920 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farmer J.B. Lucas, 26; wife Effie, 25; and children Savanah, 6, Sallie, 4, and Pearlie, 2.
In the 1930 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farmer James B. Lucas, 39; wife Effie, 36; and children Suvannia, 16, Sallie, 14, Peral, 12, Mae H., 10, James W., 8, Mae, 5, Zelmar, 3, and Lillion, 6 months.
Like Samuel High, Lucas “came to his death by N.S. Engine hitting car he was in at crossing in Simms, N.C.”
Nelson Eatmon fosters a small boy.
From Nash County, North Carolina, Minutes of Wardens of the Poor, 1844-1869:
367 — Nov 20th 1851 Nelson Eatman To an order $20.00 By allowance for keeping a small child by the name of Cage Locust.
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Nelson Eatmon lived in far western Wilson County, an area once part of Nash County. Micajah, or Cage, Locust is not listed in his household in census records.
- Cage Locust
In the 1880 census of Jackson township, Nash County: Ruffin Grice, 44, carpenter, and wife Mary, 51, with Cage Locus, 26, works on farm.
Locus lives with hole in head.
Wilson Daily Times, 13 November 1935.
- S.T. Locus
- Ernest Taylor
State vs. Benjamin Ellis.
To stave off responsibility for caring for poor women and their children, unwed mothers were regularly brought before justices of the peace to answer sharp questions about their circumstances.
On 26 January 1867, Zily Lucas admitted to Wilson County justice of the peace Solomon Lamm that her four-month-old son Bryan had been born out of wedlock and his father was Benjamin Ellis. Lamm ordered that Ellis be arrested and taken to a justice to answer Lucas’ charge.
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In the 1870 census of Chesterfield township, Nash County, N.C.: Delila Lucus, 32; Rachel, 25; Zillie, 16; Louisa, 13; and Bryant, 2. [Note that Zillie was about 14 when her son was born.]
In the 1880 census of Jackson township, Nash County: farmer Dilla Locus, 40; niece Louiza, 29; cousin Mary E., 16; nephew Bryant, 13; cousin Dora, 5; and mother Delila, 72.
In the 1900 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: mill laborer Bryan Locus, 31; wife Susan, 28; and children Pat, 12, Lou, 9, G[illegible], 6, Martha, 3, and Arthur, 10 months.
In the 1910 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: Bryant Lucas, 45; wife Susan, 38; daughters Pattie Winstead, 22, and Lula Joyner, 20; children Mary L., 17, Matha A., 15, James A., 12, Susan, 9, Laura C., 7, and John H.B., 4; and grandchildren Arta Lee, 5, and Eva May Winstead, 2, and May Lizzie Lucas, 10 months.
In the 1930 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farm laborer Bryant Locus, 64; wife Susie, 69; daughter Charity, 10, and son James R., 6; son-in-law Willie Barnes, 32, farm laborer; daughter Martha, 26; and granddaughters Catherine, 16, and Pauline Barnes, 13.
Susie F. Lucas died 10 June 1933 in Wilson. Per her death certification, she was 55 years old; was born in Nash County, N.C., to Dock and Charity Wilkins; was married to Bryant Lucas; and lived at 507 Carroll Street.
Martha Barnes died 7 December 1961 in Wilson township. Per her death certificate, she was born 20 September 1897 in Nash County to Bryant Lucas and Susie Wilkins; and was widowed. Catherine Nicholson, 103 North Vick, was informant.
Bastardy Bonds, 1866, Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
State vs. Johnathan P. Locus.
To stave off responsibility for caring for poor women and their children, unwed mothers were regularly brought before justices of the peace to answer sharp questions about their circumstances.
On 18 December 1866, Aby Anderson admitted to Wilson County justice of the peace John Nichols that she was unmarried and had given birth to a child whose father was Johnathan P. Locus. Nichols ordered that Locus be arrested and taken to a justice to answer Anderson’s charge.
——
I have not been able to identify Locus with certainty. Aby Anderson may have been Tabitha “Abi” Anderson, born about 1848, who married Gray Ruffin in Wilson County on 18 October 1893.
Bastardy Bonds, 1866, Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.