migration from South Carolina

Snaps, no. 112: Lemore Hannah.

Lemore Hannah (1908-1946).

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In the 1910 census of Ridge township, Williamsburg County, South Carolina: David Hanna, 29; wife Ollie, 21; children Mitchel, 4, Lemore, 2, and Drusilla, 4 months; and widow Sue A. Hannah, 43.

In the 1920 census of Lake township, Florence County, South Carolina: farmer Davis Hannah, 33, widower; children Michael, 13, Leemore, 12, Drucilla, 10, Alafair, 8, Mary, 7, Aaron, 5, Nathaniel, 3, and Ruth, 6 months; and mother Susana, 64.

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Hannah Lemore (c) h 404 Manchester

On 12 September 1929, Lee Moore Hannah, 21, married Almeater Morgan, 16, in Wilson.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 600 Stantonsburg Street, rented for $12/month, Calvin Morgan, 52, laborer at Colored High School; wife Almeta, 40; sons Willie, 23, tobacco factory laborer, Surrender, 21, radio company laborer, and Calvin Jr., 17, bellboy at Cherry Hotel; Almeta Hannah Jr., 16; son Fred D. Morgan, 14; daughters Mary A., 9, Sarah J., 8, Rubie, 7, and Ninie L., 3; and son Lindberg, 2; daughter-in-law Eloise Morgan, 18; and son-in-law Lemore Hannah, 22, fertilizer factory laborer.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Lemore Hannah, 30; sister Ruth Hannah, 20; and daughters Ollie, 7, and Camilla, 5.

In 1940, Lemore Hannah registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 31 July 1908 in Lake City, S.C.; lived at 709 East Vance Street Wilson; his contact was sister Ruth Hannah; and he worked for W.L. Wooten, 417 East Nash Street.

Leamore Hannah died 16 November 1946 in Wake Forest, Wake County, North Carolina. Per his death certificate, he was born 38 years old; lived at 540 East Nash Street, Wilson; was a widower; was born in South Carolina to Davis Hannah and Ollie Brown; and worked as a taxi driver. Mitchell Hannah, 509 Moore Street, was informant.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user 806gayst.

The obituary of Gus Maple, asphalt laborer.

Wilson Daily Times, 13 January 1945.

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Gus Maple died 9 January 1945 in Micro township, Johnston County, North Carolina. Per his death certificate, he was born 12 April 1911 in Sumter, South Carolina; worked as a laborer; was married to Laura Maple; and lived at 400 South Lodge Street, Wilson. His cause of death: “Accidental death body caught on pulley & beat to death.” He was buried in Allen Chapel cemetery, Sumter.

The obituaries of Willie Gerald and Thomas S. Smith.

Wilson Daily Times, 4 December 1945.

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  • Willie Gerald

Willie Gerald was born 18 October 1915 in Floyd township, Horry County, South Carolina. Per his birth certificate, he was the son of Postell Gerald and Mantha Jane Bullock, both of Tabor, N.C.

In the 1920 census of Marietta township, Robeson County, N.C.: P.S. Jerald, 41; wife Mantha J., 30; and children Berkley, 16, Vass, 14, Ross, 12, Bessie, 10, Grace, 8. Gussie, 6. Agrippa, 5, Willie, 3, and Price, 3 months.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widow Mantha Gerald, 46, and children Gussie, 18, Grippie, 17, Willie, 13, Price, 10, Sarah, 7, and Stella, 4.

In 1940, Willie Gerald registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 6 October 1916 in Nicker, South Carolina; lived at 620 East Viola Street, Wilson; his contact was mother Mantha Jane Gerald; and he was unemployed.

In the 1940 census of Stony Creek township, Nash County, N.C., Willie Gerald, 23, born in S.C., earlier resident of Wilson, is listed among inmates of the state prison camp.

Willie Gerald died 1 December 1945 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 14 August 1921 in South Carolina to Stellie Gerald and Matha Gerald; was married to Morris M. Gerald; worked as a laborer; and lived at 620 Viola Street. Gussie Gerald, Norfolk, Virginia, was informant.

  • Thomas S. Smith

In the 1870 census of Carvers Creek township, Cumberland County, N.C.: Gabriel Smith, 30; wife Leah, 30; and children Randal, 9, Haywood, 7, Thomas, 5, Gabriel, 3, and Sarah, 1.

In the 1880 census of Stewarts Creek township, Harnett County, N.C.: farmer Gabril Smith, 43; wife Leah, 35; and children Augustus, 20, Hayward, 17, Thos., 14, Gabe, 13, Sarah, 10, Margaret, 8, Campbell, 4, Farqued, 3, and Isac, 1.

On 20 January 1887, Thomas Smith, 21, of Flea Hill township, son of Gabrel and Lear Smith, married Matilda McKeithan, 21, of Flea Hill township, daughter of Wilson and Adline McKeithan, at Wilson McKeithan’s house in Cumberland County, N.C.

In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on Black Creek Road, Thomas Smith, 44; wife Bella, 31; and children Charlie, 18, Varo, 13, Christianna, 10, Rosa, 8, Teddie, 1, and Georganna, 5.

In the 1920 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Thomas Smith, 54; wife Bella, 39; and children John, 12, and Claud, 7.

In the 1930 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farm laborer Thomas Smith, 54; wife Bella, 50; sons Claud, 18, and Carl, 16; grandchildren Hattie Smith, 23; Austin, 23, Thomas, 17, and Lida E. Parker, 3; and boarder Odis Taylor, 25.

Thomas Smith died 3 December 1945 in Elm City, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 10 June 1865 in Cumberland County, N.C., to Haywood Smith and Leah McKeithen; was married to Belle Smith; and worked as a farmer. Claude Smith was informant.

Walker Cain believes in conservation.

Wilson Daily Times, 5 April 1944.

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In the 1900 census of Williamsburg township, Lake County, South Carolina: farmer Alfred Cain, 42; wife Maggie, 40; and children Ralph, 17, Benjamin W., 15, Ella, 14, Fanny, 12, Walter, 10, Leonard, 7, and Robert W., 2.

In the 1910 census of Cain township, Florence County, South Carolina: widower Alfred Cain, 50; children Walker, 24, Ella, 23, Fanny, 19, Walter, 19, Leonard, 18, Robert W., 14; and nephew Willard Wiley, 7.

In the 1930 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farm laborer Walker B. Cain, 49; wife Elizabeth, 30; children Erea, 16, Bessie, 14, Adrian, 8, and Alford, 5; nephews Earlie, 18, and Buster, 16; and “croper” James Redin, 18. 

In the 1940 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farmer Walker Cain, 58; wife Elizabeth, 35; and children Bessie, 19, Adam, 16, and Alfred, 14.

In the 1950 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farmer Walker Cain, 60; wife Elizabeth, 49; and grandsons Jeff R., 17, and Earnest Weatherspoon, 15.

Benjamin Walker Cain died 14 February 1974 in Wilson, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 30 September 1884 in South Carolina to Alfred Cain and Edith [no maiden name given]; resided near Sims, Wilson County; was married to Elizabeth Rush; and was buried in New Vester cemetery.

Snaps, no. 101: Ella Goff Ward and Fannie Ward Dixon.

Mother and daughter Ella Jane Goff Ward (1892-1939) and Fannie Ward Dixon (1914-1942).

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In the 1900 census of Bayboro township, Horry County, South Carolina: farmer Alva G. Goff, 47, widower, and children Julius E., 18, Samuel D., 17, Wilbur C., 15, Isaiah S., 13, Ella J., 11, Lorenzo C., 9, Carrie A., 6, and McLaurin, 3.

In the 1910 census of Floyds township, Horry County: farmer Dave Ward, 25, and wife Ella, 23, farm laborer.

In the 1920 census of Tatums township, Columbus County, North Carolina: David, 29; wife Ella, 28; and children Mary F., 8, Fannie, 6, Willie, 4, Clarence H., 3, and Elloasar, 5 months.

In the 1930 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County, North Carolina : farmer Clarence D. Ward, 40; wife Ella, 35; children Mary, 18, Fannie, 16, Willie, 15, Clarence, 12, Ella J., 10, Goldie, 8, David V., 5; and nieces and nephew Ilene, 13, Hellen, 9, and James Lane, 6.

On 8 May 1933, Sylvester Dixon, 21, of Saratoga, son of Jodie Dixon, married Fannie Ward, 19, of Greene County, daughter of David and Ella J. Ward. A.M.E. Zion minister R.B. Taylor performed the ceremony at 536 East Nash Street, Wilson, in the presence of Joe H. Best, David Ward, and Ella Ward.

Ella J. Ward died 12 April 1939 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 47 years old; was born in South Carolina to Alsey Goff; was married to Clarence D. Ward; and lived at Route 3, Wilson.

Jene Arthur Ward died 29 January 1938 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 8 January 1938 to Sylvester Dixon and Fannie Ward; lived at Allen Webb’s farm; and was buried in Ellis cemetery.

In the 1940 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Silvester Dixon, 26; wife Annie, 26; and children Beatrice, 6, Ardelia, 4, Sylvester Jr., 2, and Annie P., 8 months; brother-in-law Jona L. Ward, 15; and cousin Jack Lane, 17.

In 1940, Sylvester Dixon registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 17 August 1913 in Wilson County; lived on R.F.D. 3, Wilson; his contact was wife Fannie Dixon; and he was a farmer.

This lovely photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user BlairGoff.

The obituary of Juanita Kelley Wilson.

Philadelphia Daily News, 1 July 1994.

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

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

Annie Lewis slain by husband.

Wilson Daily Times, 31 July 1942.

Annie Russell Bethune Lewis was felled with a blow from an axe in her own yard. Her husband James Lewis was quickly arrested and allegedly confessed, claiming he “just couldn’t get along with her.” On September 9, the Daily Times reported that Lewis had entered a plea of not guilty by virtue of insanity. On September 11, the paper reported that a jury convicted him of manslaughter, and a judge sentenced him to 10-15 years in state prison.

James Lewis did not serve his full sentence. By 1949, he had returned to Black Creek — where he was shot in the back and killed on November 25.

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In the 1900 census of Sammy Swamp township, Clarendon County, South Carolina: Theodore Bethune, 34; wife Mary A., 25; and children Florence, 8, Alberta, 7, Amanda, 5, Oneitha, 3, and an unnamed girl infant, 2 months.

In the 1910 census of Stony Creek township, Wayne County, N.C.: Duckery Lewis, 42; wife Smithy, 36; and children John, 12, Ben, 10, James, 8, Floyd, 7, Albert, 6, and Needham, 3.

In the 1910 census of Manning township, Clarendon County, South Carolina: on Georgetown Road, Theodore Bethune, 45; wife Ann, 36; and children Florence, 18, Elberta, 17, Charlotte A., 15, Arnetha, 12, and Annie R., 10.

In the 1920 census of Sammy Swamp township, Clarendon County, South Carolina: Theodore Bethune, 45; wife Annie, 44; and daughters Charlotte, 17, Onithea, 15, and Annie, 13. [The children’s ages are wildly off.]

In the 1920 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Duckrey Lewis, 50; wife Smithy, 40; and children Ben, 20, James, 19, Floyd, 17, Albert, 15, Needham, 13, and Duckrey Jr., 7.

On 31 March 1931, James Lewis, 29, of Black Creek, son of Duckrey Lewis and Smithie [maiden name not given], married Annie R. Bethune, of Wayne County, 25, daughter of Theodore and Annie Bethune, in Wilson.

In the 1940 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: Theodore Bethune, 70; wife Annie, 60; daughter Annie Lewis, 30; and grandchildren Annie M., 7, Willie, 5, and Ned, 2.

“Murdered hit on head with axe by husband James Lewis killing her instantly” 

In 1942, James Willie Lewis registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 7 July 1901 in Wayne County; lived on Clifton Tomlinson’s farm, Black Creek township; his contact was Sip Rogers, Route 1, Black Creek; and he worked for Clifton Tomlinson, Route 1, Black Creek.

On 25 November 1949, James Willie Lewis died at Mercy Hospital, Wilson, of a gunshot blast to the back. Per his death certificate, he was born 7 July 1900 in Wayne County to Duckrey Lewis and Smithie Barnes; was a widower; and lived at Route 1, Black Creek.

Studio shots, no. 196: Jesse and Levan Wilkins Handy.

Jesse and Levan Wilkins Handy.

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In the 1900 census of Red Bluff township, Marlboro County, South Carolina: wood cutter George Handy, 36; wife Mary, 30; and children Neill A., 12, George, 8, Simeon, 5, Iola, 2, and Jessee, 2 months.

In the 1910 census of Stewartsville township, Scotland County, North Carolina: farmer George Handy, 55, and children Neill, 20, George, 18, Sim, 15, Iola, 12, Jessie, 9, Mary, 6, and Archie, 4.

Neil Handy registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County in 1918. Per his registration card, he lived at Route 6, Wilson; was born 30 May 1886; was a farmer for Jesse Barnes; and Nellie Handy was his nearest relative.

In the 1920 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on Black Creek Road, George Handy, 60, and children Douglass, 18, Arch, 12, and Mary Sudie, 14.

In the 1930 census of Jonesboro, Lee County, North Carolina: odd jobs laborer Jesse Handy, 25; wife Janie, 25; and daughter Mary J., 2.

In the 1930 census of Mannings township, Nash County, North Carolina: farmer John Wilkins, 52, widower, and children William C., 20, farm laborer, Levian, 17, and Zollie, 15, farm laborer.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street Alley, brickmason Douglas J. Handy, 40; wife Evan, 28, laundress; and daughter Mary J., 12.

Jessie Dugles Handy registered for the World War II draft in Wilson in 1942. Per his registration card, he was born 14 April 1898 in Marion County, South Carolina; resided at 404 South Spring Street Alley; worked for Jones Brothers Construction on Lodge Street; and his contact was brother, Neal Handy, a brickmason.

In the 1947 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Handley Jesse (c; Levan) brklyr h929 Carolina

Jessie Handy died 19 August 1979 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 14 April 1900 in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to George and Mary Handy; resided at 107 South East Street; worked as a brick mason; and was married to Levan Wilkins Handy.

News and Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), 13 August 2005.

Photo courtesy of Cassandra Handy Horsley. Thank you for sharing!

 

Grant burned to death in home at veneer company.

Wilson Daily Times, 26 May 1948.

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Emanuel Grant had lived in Wilson only a few months when he was killed in a house fire. Though the newspaper account of his death emphasizes his alleged intoxication, Grant’s death certificate paints a different picture of his demise, describing it as “by fire in burning building” due to being “unable to escape due to unconsciousness due to smoke filled room.”

Emanuel Grant died 25 May 1948 in Wilson. He was born 21 February 1914 in Georgetown, South Carolina, to Essau Grant and Lue White; worked as a laborer at Wilson Veneer Company; lived at Wilson Veneer; was single; and was returned to Georgetown, South Carolina, for burial.

Ed McCollum saves the day.

Wilson Daily Times, 21 April 1911.

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In the 1900 census of Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina: Edward McCollum, 22, butler, and wife Sarah, 26, washerwoman, with Lawrence McRae, 10, errand boy.

On 27 September 1905, Eddie McCollum, 27, son of E. and E. McCollum, married Rosa Farmer, 20, daughter of Gray and A[rgent]. Farmer, in Wilson. Presbyterian minister Charles E. Tucker presided, and C.S. Thomas, J.J. Thorp, and H.C. Holden witnessed. 

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: laborer Edie McColum, 38; wife Rosa, 36; and children Elvia, 8, Gladys, 5, and Edith, 4.

Argen Farmer McCollum died 20 January 1926 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 4 years old; was born in Wilson to Eddie McCollum of Bennettsville, South Carolina, and Rosa Farmer of Wilson; and lived at 811 East Viola. 

Eddie McCollum died 13 May 1929 at the colored hospital in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 30 March 1880 in Bennettsville, South Carolina, to Edwin McCollum and Easter Dupree; was married to Rosa McCallum; and was a day laborer for Allen Furniture Company.

Elva McCollum died 6 May 1950 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 16 August 1911 in Wilson to Eddie McCollum and Rosa Farmer; was never married; worked as a beautician; and lived at 418 North Vick Street. Gladys McCollum was informant.