New York Age, 25 April 1936.
migration to Georgia
25 experienced agents wanted at once.
Savannah Tribune, 22 February 1908.
Samuel H. Vick‘s cohort, born into slavery and educated by Joseph C. Price, produced phenomenally successful men. As wealthy as Vick was at him prime, he may not have been the wealthiest of the group. Daniel C. Suggs, educator and entrepreneur, was said to be a millionaire, and his diverse portfolio included an insurance company, Savannah Mutual and Fire Association.
An oasis in the land of Jim Crow.
In 1989, the Atlanta Journal and Constitution published an in-depth piece celebrating Wilson native Augustus S. Clark, his wife Anna W. Clark, and the life-changing school they founded in Cordele, Georgia, in 1902.
I visited Gillespie Institute in the summer of 2021 and wrote about it here.
Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 12 March 1989.
The beautiful, yet impressive, wedding of Lucile Dawson and Dr. Simon F. Frazier.
Wilson Daily Times, 17 December 1919.
- Lucille P. Dawson Frazier
On 1 November 1882, A.D. Dawson, 25, of Wilson, son of Robert and Rachel Dawson, married Lucy Gatlin, 24, of Wilson County, daughter of Joseph and Sally Hill, at Gatlin’s residence in Wilson County. Methodist minister P.M. Hilliard performed the ceremony in the presence of Sam Collins, Lewis Battle, and Martha Tyson.
In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: dealer in fish Edd [Alexander D.] Dawson, 40; wife Lucy, 40, dressmaking; and children Mattie, 14, Virginia, 9, Lucy, 8, Edd, 5, Clarence, 3, and Augusta, 1.
In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: restaurant cook Alexander Dawson, 50; wife Lucy, 49; and children Sophie, 25, school teacher, Mattie, 23, stenographer, Virginia, 19, school teacher, Lucile, 17, Alexander, 15, Clarence, 13, Augusta, 11, and Arlander, 1.
On 10 December 1919, Simon Frazier, 24, of Georgia, married Lucille P. Dawson, 24, of Wilson, in Wilson.
In the 1920 census of Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia: medical doctor Simon F. Frazier, 30; wife Lucile, 24; and lodger Martha Daniels, 39, public school teacher.
In the 1930 census of Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia: at 222 East Park Avenue, physician Simon F. Frazier, 40; wife Lucille P., 33; and children Muriel E., 9, Ouida, 6, and Wahwee A., 3 months.
In the 1940 census of Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia: at 222 Park Avenue East, physician Samuel Frazier, 50; wife Lucille, 47; and daughters Muriel, 19, Ouida, 16, and Wahwee, 13.
In the 1950 census of Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia: at 222 Park Avenue, physician S.F. Frazier, 56, and wife Lucille D., 54.
Macon News, 15 May 1952.
Charles J. Elmore, Black America Series: Savannah Georgia (2001).
See this Coastal Courier article about the demolition of the small house Dr. Frazier built to house his rural medical practice. Dr. Frazier had deep roots in Georgia’s Sea Islands and was born in 1890 in the Gullah-Geechee community of Freedmen’s Grove, near present-day Midway, Georgia.
——
- Calvary’s Presbyterian Church — Calvary Presbyterian.
- Almira Frazier
- Virginia Dawson
- Clarence C. Dawson — in the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Clarence Dawson, 23, barber; wife Elizabeth, 22; and daughter Eris, 2; widower father-in-law Charley Thomas, 59; brother-in-law Clifton Venters, 24, his wife Hattie, 20; and in-laws Elton, 29, Marie, 15, Sarah, 10, and Beatrice Thomas, 8.
- Dr. Cassell
- Dr. C.C. Dillard — Clarence Dillard.
- Mrs. Frazier
- Olivia Peacock — in the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: post office clerk Livia H. Peacock, 60; wife Annie, 31; children Olvia, 23, Annie L., 21, Livia H. Jr.; Sudie 14, Rubie, 12, Vivian, 9, Bennie, 5, and John, 3; boarders Mary S. Roberson, 32, and Mary Brodie, 20; plus widow Susan Byatt, 62.
- Eva Speight
- Arlando Dawson — in 1918, Arlando Richard Dawson registered for the World War I in New York, New York. Per his registration card, he was born 26 August 1900; lived at 121 Pender Street, Wilson; was employed as a waiter at Girard Hotel, 44th Street, New York City; and his nearest relative was A.D. Dawson.
- Esther Bowser — Astor Bowser?
- Delores Hines — in the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 614 East Green, barber William Hines, 35, wife Ethel, 25, and children Delores, 4, and William, 2.
- Bettie Silver Taylor
- Mary Jane Tate — in the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 208 Pender, barber Noah Tate, 42; wife Hattie, 34; boarder Mary Jennings, 28, a public school teacher; and children Helen, 13, Mary Jane, 8, Andrew, 11, and Noah Jr., 3.
- Inez Tate — in the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 610 Green Street, Hardey Tate, 50, brickmason; wife Annie, 40; children Inez, 8, and Daisy, 6; and lodgers Rome Bagley, 44, and John Boykin, 28.
- Dr. and Mrs. F.S. Hargrave — Frank S. Hargrave and Bessie Parker Hargrave.
The Wilson diaspora.
As I was about to board the elevator in my office building, the shirt pocket of the gentleman next to me caught my eye. In large letters on his gold name tag: SHERROD.
“I grew up in a place where there are lots of Sherrods,” I said suddenly. “Eastern North Carolina.”
He turned into face me fully. “I’m from eastern North Carolina, too,” he responded. “Wilson.”
I screamed a little. “What?!?! Get out of here. I’m from Wilson, too!”
He asked my surname, and when I answered, he said, “… Reggie Henderson?”
“That’s my dad!”
“Coach Hen, we called him.”
“That’s my dad!”
He told me he had been sorry to hear of my father’s passing and asked after my mother, then mentioned our next-door neighbor Herbert Woodard, who also recently passed. We talked about a few people we knew in common, and I asked if he’d graduated from Darden, “Yes,” he said, “class of 1970.”
“The last class!,” I exclaimed, and he nodded.
He didn’t know if he is related to my Viola Street cousins, but I claim John Sherrod anyway. Black Wide-Awake!
Where did they go?: Georgia death certificates, no. 4.
The counties in which these Wilson County natives died are all in south Georgia and suggest migration to work in the naval stores industry after North Carolina’s longleaf pines were tapped out.
- Mary Lively and Laura Cole
Mary E Lively Day of Laura Coley 1880-1919. Photo of her Greenwood Cemetery headstone courtesy of http://www.findagrave.com.
In the 1900 census of Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia: at 718 Stonewall Street, Laura Coley, 42, widow, laundress, born in N.C.; daughter Mary May, 21, laundress, born in N.C.; and boarder Abram Smith, 78, widower, day laborer.
Mary Lively died 28 March 1919 in Glennville, Tatnall County, Georgia. Per her death certificate, she was of unknown age; was born in Wilson, N.C. to Hayward Barnes and “Parker”; and the infomant was Laura Coley.
In the 1920 census of Brunswick, Glynne County, Georgia: at 912 Lee Street, Laura Coley, 48, laundress; nieces Mabel, 4, and Alice Anderson, 2; and lodgers Isah, 24, and Liza Boston, 21.
Laura Coley died 29 December 1930 in Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia. Per her death certificate, she was 62 years old; was a widow; lived in 914 Stonewall Street; was born North Carolina to an unknown father and Riley Winston of North Carolina; worked as a laundress; and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery. Answer Anderson was informant.
- Tom Pridgen
Tom Pridgen died 29 December 1935 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was 60 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to John Pridgen and Margaret [maiden name not known]; was single; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Laurel Grove cemetery, Savannah.
- Dennis Carol
In the 1870 census of Turkey township, Sampson County, North Carolina: Annie(?) Carter, 18, farm laborer; Dennis Carroll, 16, works on farm; and Richard Chesnutt, 15, works on farm.
In the 1880 census of Turkey township, Sampson County, North Carolina: farm laborer Dennis Carroll, 25; wife Margeonna, 19; and children Osker, 4, and Walter, 2.
In the 1910 census of Montgomery County, Georgia: turpentine laborer Dennis Carroll, 52; wife Margie, 50; and daughter Lila, 24.
In the 1920 census of Montgomery County, Georgia: laborer Dennis Carroll, 50; wife Margie, 58; son Walter, 45 (sic); and Easter, 19.
Dennis Carrol died 16 November 1935 in Ailey, Montgomery County, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1860 in Wilson, N.C.; was married; and was a farmer.
- Helen Fleming
Helen Flemming died 26 July 1924 in Waycross, Ware County, Georgia. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1898 in Wilson, N.C., to Jim Hines; was married; lived at 1122 Teabur; and was buried in Redhill Cemetery. W.M. Flemming was informant.
- Paul Taylor
In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm worker Dallas Taylor, 30, and wife Louisa, 37.
In the 1910 census of Mullis district, Dodge County, Georgia: odd jobs laborer Paul Taylor, 24; wife Mealie, 18; and daughter Lugene, 1.
In 1918, Paul Taylor registered for the World War I draft in Dodge County, Georgia. Per his registration card, he was born 24 June 1880; worked in drawing for E.A. Mullis; and his nearest kin was Amelia Taylor. He signed his card in a firm, fine hand.
In the 1920 census of Chester, Dodge County, Georgia: railroad section laborer Paul Taylor, 39; wife Melia, 25; and children Enijen(?), 10, Orlando, 8, and Morris, 4.
In the 1930 census of Mullis district, Dodge County, Georgia: farmer Paul Taylor, 49, born in N.C.; wife Amelia, 38; children Lou G., 20, Orlando, 18, Morris, 15, and Odessa, 6; and mother-in-law Sallie Dantley, 90, widow.
Paul Taylor died 14 December 1933 in Chester, Dodge County, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was born 3 September 1883 in Wilson, N.C., to Dallis Taylor and Louisa Taylor; was married; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Burch Cemetery, Chester. Amelia Taylor was informant.
Where did they go?: Georgia death certificates, no. 3.
The counties in which these Wilson County natives died are all in south Georgia and suggest migration to work in the naval stores industry after North Carolina’s longleaf pines were tapped out.
- James Armstrong
On 23 January 1902, James A. Armstrong married Lucinda Lee in Ware County, Georgia.
In 1918, James Edmon Armstrong registered for the World War I draft in Pierce County, Georgia. Per his registration card, he was 17 April 1880; lived on Route 2, Alma, Pierce County; farmed for A.C. Sweat; and his nearest relative was Lusendy Armstrong.
In the 1920 census of Sweats township, Pierce County, Georgia: farm laborer James Armstrong, 39, born in North Carolina; wife Lucinda, 36; and children Richmond, 19, Luster, 15, Maimie, 13, Prissillar, 11, Lola, 9, Aaron, 7, Lucinda, 5, Edmund, 4, Amos, 2, and Calonia, 9 months.
In the 1930 census of Louisville township, Bacon County, Georgia: farmer James Armstrong, 50, born in North Carolina; wife Lusenda, 44; and children Aaron, 20, Edwin, 16, Amos, 12, Carolonia, 10, Mary O., 8, John, 6, Bernice, 3, and Jasper, 2.
James Armstrong died 1 February 1935 in Alma, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was 53 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Charles Armstrong and Mary Larence; was married; and worked as a farmer. Lester Armstrong was informant.
- James C. Clark
James C. Clark died 3 July 1933 in Waycross, Ware County, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1871 in Wilson, N.C., to unknown parents; was married; lived at 821 Pittman, Waycross; and was buried in Redhill Cemetery, Waycross. Informant was Ammie Clark.
- Mary Daniels
In the 1910 census of Milan, Telfair County, Georgia: turpentine laborer Hector Daniels, 56, and wife Mary, 45.
In the 1930 census of Milan, Telfair County, Georgia: Henry G. Daniels, 75, and wife Mary, 67. Both were North Carolina-born farm laborers.
Mary Daniels died 11 May 1933 in Milan, Telfair County, Georgia. Per her death certificate, she was born 3 May 1857 in Wilson County, N.C., to Isaac and Cheney Joiner; was married; and was buried at Camp Six, Milan. Rex Daniels was informant.
- Maggie Mumford
In the 1880 census of Elizabethtown, Bladen County, North Carolina: laborer Troy McMillan, 26; wife Alice, 25; and children Mag J., 4, Mary A., 3, and Attie, 8 months; plus brother Clifton McMillan, 22.
In the 1900 census of Wooten township, Coffee County, Georgia: day laborer John Williams, 21; wife Maggie, 23; and children Lola, 3, and Mary, 1.
In the 1910 census of Dickens Mill township, Ben Hill County, Georgia: farmer John Williams, 35; wife Maggie, 31; children Neil, 16, Mary, 13, Lola, 11, and Esau, 2; plus boarder Clarance Harris, 39.
Maggie Mumford died 4 December 1932 in Douglas, Coffee County, Georgia. Per her death certificate, she was 56 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Troy McMillian; was married; and was buried in the city cemetery in Broxton, Georgia.
- William Jones
William Jones died 29 January 1927 in Odum, Wayne County, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was born 10 July 1867 in Wilson, N.C.; was married to Lody Jones; worked as a common laborer; and was buried in Pine Grove cemetery.
Where did they go?: Georgia death certificates, no. 2.
The counties in which these Wilson County natives died are all in south Georgia and suggest migration to work in the naval stores industry after North Carolina’s longleaf pines were tapped out.
- Joseph Horne
In the 1870 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farm laborer Abraham Horne, 45, with Jefferson, 30, Gray, 15, Lettuce, 17, Rayford, 13, Jeff Davis, 8, and Milburn Horne, 6; and Martha Holland, 14.
In the 1880 census of District 384, Dodge County, Georgia: Columbus Barnes, 24; Gray Horne, 22; Samuel Jenkins, 18; Alfred Caruthers, 20; and Everett Farmer, 20. All were described as laborers, and all were born in North Carolina except Caruthers, who was a native Georgian.
On 12 December 1893, Joseph Grey Horn married Tena Small in Glynn County, Georgia.
In the 1920 census of Militia District 1356, Glynn County, Georgia: farmer Joe Horne, 74; wife Clementina, 42; daughter Rosalee Henry, 2 [sic]; and grandson Edwin Henry, 3 months.
Joseph Horne died 22 June 1924 in Southern Junction, Glynn County, Georgia; was about 59 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Abraham Horne and an unnamed mother; was married; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Freeman Rest cemetery. Clementine Horne was informant.
In the 1930 census of Militia District 1356, Glynn County, Georgia: widow Climentine Horn, 48, farm laborer; daughter Rosalee Club, 24, widow; and grandson Edwin Hinry, 10.
- Grant Thorn
In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Warren Thorne, 28; wife Rachel, 28; and children Louisa, 16, Stephen, 15, Rosa, 5, Grant, 4, John, 3, and Patsey, 10 months.
In the 1880 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Lewis Woodard, 36; wife Bashaby, 32; son Henry, 16, farm laborer; and servant Grant Thorn, 14.
In the 1900 census of Arabi village, Dooly County, Georgia: turpentine laborer Grant Thorn, 35, born in North Carolina, and wife Evie, 35.
In the 1910 census of Militia District 762, Crisp County, Georgia: turpentine laborer Grant Thomas, 45, born in North Carolina; wife Julia, 28; and daughter Florie M., 9; sister-in-law Dina Shivers, 40, private family cook, and niece Adel Shivers, 18, public school teacher.
In the 1920 census of Arabi township, Crisp County, Georgia: in Turpentine Quarters, naval stores laborer Grant T. Thorn, 55, born in North Carolina; wife Julia, 36; and children Grant T., Jr., 7, and Evans L., 4.
Grant Thorn died 10 May 1925 in Arabi, Crisp County, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1859 in Wilson County, N.C., to Warren Thorn and Rachal Thorn; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Little Rock Cemetery, Arabi. John Thorn was informant.
In 1940, Evans Lawton Thornes registered for the World War II draft in Palm Beach County, Florida. Per his registration card, he was born 1 February 1915 in Arabi, Georgia; lived at 2126 Contentment Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida; his contact was mother Julia Thornes; and worked for John Zennie, West Palm Beach
In 1941, G.T. Thornes registered for the World War II draft in Crisp County. Per his registration card, he was born 17 July 1912 in Crisp County; lived at R.F.D. No. 2, Arabi, Crisp County; his contact was mother Julia Ray Thornes; and worked for H.W. Hamilton, Arabi, Crisp County.
- Lucy Burgess
In the 1920 census of District 1157, Berrien County, Georgia: farmer Joe W. Burgess, 50; wife Lucy, 48; nephews Brie, 10, and Jim, 8; and nieces Minnie, 16, and Agnes Perry, 13.
Lucy Burgess died 20 March 1926 in Nashville, Berrien County, Georgia. Per her death certificate, she was 52 years old; was born in Wilson County, N.C., to Trim Body and Jennie [maiden name not listed]; was married; and worked as a cook. J.N. Burgess was informant.
- Lizzie Bradley
Lizzie Bradley died 6 October 1924 in Fort Mudge, Ware County, Georgia. Per her death certificate, she was born 28 May 1882 in Wilson, N.C., to Ike Williams and an unnamed mother; was married to R.B. Bradley; and worked as a domestic. Mattie Williams was informant.
- Allen Mercy
In the 1900 census of Smiths township, Laurens County, Georgia: farmer Allen Mercer, 40, farmer; wife Bettie, 44; son Willie, 18; and daughter Anna, 14.
In the 1910 census of Smiths township, Laurens County, Georgia: farmer Allen Mercer, 50, born in North Carolina, and wife Bettie, 52, born in Virginia.
Allen Mercy [Mercer] died 22 April 1922 in Dublin, Laurens County, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was 65 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to John and Sarah Mercy; was a widower; and worked as a ditcher. Johnny Mercy was informant.
- Daniel Barnes
In the 1900 census of Abbeville, Wilcox County, Georgia; Alison Atwater[?], 60; wife Mollie, 45; stepson Daniel Barnes, 21; and grandsons Mager Shaws, 13, and Richard Barnes, 4. All were born in North Carolina except Richard, who was born in Georgia.
Daniel Barnes died 23 November 1920 in Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Georgia. Per her death certificate, he was 42 years old; was born in Wilson County, North Carolina, to Daniel Barnes and Mollie [maiden name not given]; was married; lived in Osierfield, Georgia; and was buried in Abbeville, Wilcox County, Georgia. Lawyer Davis was informant.
Where did they go?: Georgia death certificates, no. 1.
The counties in which these Wilson County natives died are all in south Georgia and suggest migration to work in the naval stores industry after North Carolina’s longleaf pines were tapped out.
- Adam Oates
In the 1880 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: Albert Oates, 51; wife Bettie, 34; and children Charles, 13, Turner, 11, Adam, 9, and Willie, 3.
In the 1910 census of Cairo, Grady County, Georgia: city drayman Adams Oates, 37, and wife Emma, 35.
In the 1920 census of Cairo, Grady County, Georgia: sawmill laborer Adams Oates, 57, and wife Emma, 46.
Adam Oates died 7 February 1928 in Cairo, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was an estimated 47 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Albert Oates and Rebecca [maiden name not known]; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Cairo Cemetery.
- William Barden
In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Bryant Bardin, 61, farm worker; wife Annise, 52; and children Francis, 15, William, 10, and Richard, 8.
William Barden died 6 May 1928 at Charity Hospital, Savannah, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 June 1872 in Wilson, N.C., to Bryant Barden and an unnamed mother; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Laurel Grove Cemetery.
- John Lynch and Noah Lynch (brothers)
In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: brick maker Wyatt Lynch, 48, wife Nicey, 35, and children Harriet, 4, and John, 1.
In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on the south side of the Plank Road, widow Nicy Lynch, 40, children Harriot, 13, John, 11, Noah, 9, Sammy, 7, and Mary Wyatt, 3, with mother-in-law Nancy Lynch, 98.
On 12 January 1892, Noah Lynch married Mary A. Horne in Dodge County, Georgia.
In the 1910 census of Rawlings township, Dodge County, Georgia: farmer Noah Lynch, 40, born in North Carolina; wife Mary, 35; and children John, 18, odd jobs laborer, Noah Jr., 15, Hattie, 13, Rachel, 10, and George, 6.
In the 1920 census of Rawlings township, Dodge County, Georgia: farmer Noah Lynch, 50, born in N.C.; wife Mary, 48; son George, 20; daughter-in-law Cary, 16; son John, 25l daughter-in-law Pinkey, 23; and orphan Edgar Thomas, 12.
John Lynch died 5 March 1929 in Eastman, Dodge County, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was born in 1869 in Wilson, N.C., to Wyatt Lynch and an unnamed mother; was married to Queen Lynch; and worked in farming. He was buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery, Dodge County. Noah Lynch was informant.
In the 1930 census of the Town of Eastman, Dodge County, Georgia: Noah Lynch, 60, born in N.C.; wife Mary, 53; daughters Hattie M., 26, and Rachel, 23; and granddaughter Hattie M. Jones, 7.
In the 1940 census of the Town of Eastman, Dodge County, Georgia: at 520 Sixth Street, Noah Lynch, 67, farmer, born in N.C.; wife Mary, 65, laundress; roomer Hattie M. Jones, 18; and granddaughter Johnnie M. Lynch, 1.
In the 1950 census of the Town of Eastman, Dodge County, Georgia: Noah Lynch, 78, born in N.C.; wife Mary, 76; and granddaughter Johnnie Mae Lynch, 11.
Noah Lynch, 78, died 2 December 1950 in Decatur, Georgia. Daughter Rachel Chatman was appointed temporary administrator.
- Harvey Williams
In the 1920 census of Douglas, Coffee County, Georgia: at 615 Coffee Street, fertilizer factory worker Harvey Williams, 45, born in North Carolina, and wife Susan, 39, born in South Carolina.
Harvey Williams died 22 August 1928 in Douglas, Coffee County, Georgia. Per his death certificate, he was about 50 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C.; did public work; was married to Susan Williams; and was buried in Douglas Cemetery.
- Victoria Bird
In the 1910 census of Militia District 58, Emanuel County, Georgia: on Wadley Southern Railroad, Willie Byrd, 28; wife Victoria, 18, born in South [sic] Carolina; and children Earnest, 6, Wiley Lee, 4, Ethel, 2, and Katie, 2 months.
In the 1920 census of the Town of Aline, Candler County, Georgia: farmer Willie Bird, 35; wife Sugar, 22; and children Ethel, 12, Ernie Lee, 14, Ernest, 16, Katie, 10, Lula, 7, and Willie, 3.
Victoria Bird died 13 March 1920 in Aline, Candler County, Georgia. Per her death certificate, she was 27 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Willie Strickland and Silvie Binon; was married to Will Bird; and worked as a farmer. She was buried in New Life Cemetery. [Hillard Strickland, 21, married Silvia Bynum, 20, on 21 March 1879 in Wilson County.]
Leaving for the turpentine districts of Georgia and South Carolina.
By 1890, North Carolina’s long-leaf pine forests had been decimated, and the state’s once-dominant share of the national naval stores production had plummeted. As highlighted in Imagination Station‘s exhibit “Journey to Wilson,” though the county was never a major player in the turpentine game, western Wilson County had a thriving naval stores industry through much of the nineteenth century. When workers began to follow the work, the Advance took notice.
Wilson Advance, 2 January 1890.
Wilson Advance, 25 December 1890.