migration to Philadelphia

Eden and Mount Lawn cemeteries, Philadelphia.

I don’t know that it’s possible to know exactly how many made the journey, but Philadelphia was a landing spot for hundreds of African-Americans who migrated from Wilson County, including my grandmother. On a quick recent trip to the area, I sought out Historic Eden Cemetery, listed as final resting place on several Pennsylvania death certificates for Wilson County natives. To my surprise, my route took me right past Mount Lawn Cemetery, which also holds burials of Wilson County migrants.

We honor our kinfolk, their lives, their struggles and triumphs. Rest in peace.

 

 

Photos by Lisa Y. Henderson, November 2025.

Months after migration, teen dies in Philadelphia.

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 18 November 1944.

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  • Donnie McNeil and family

In the 1930 census of Bailey township, Nash County, N.C.: John McNeal, 42, laborer “logs wood”; wife Donnie, 24; and children Gertrude, 3, Thelma, 2, and Josephine, 3 months. The family is described as Indian of “mixed blood” or “full blood” descent. [Though described as “Cherokee,” the McNeil family were from Robeson County, North Carolina, and were likely members of the group we know now as Lumbee.]

1930 census, Bailey township, Nash County.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widow Donnie McNeil, 36, housekeeper; children Gertrude, 14, Thelma, 12, Josephine, 9, and Bernice, 8; and lodger Celma McMillian, 25, housekeeper. All are described as “Neg.”

Bernice McNeil died 2 November 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per her death certificate, she was born 31 December 1930 in Rocky Mount, N.C., to J.C. McNeil and Donnell Hunt, both of Lumberton, N.C.; lived at 1132 West Oxford Street, Philadelphia; and was buried in Wilson, North Carolina.

Bernice McNeil’s burial site was likely in what we now know as Vick Cemetery, though described here as “Rountree cemetery.”

  • Frances Melton

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Thomas Melton, 49, tobacco factory mechanic; wife Frances, 34, tobacco factory sweeper; and daughter Doris, 10.

Where did they go?: Pennsylvania death certificates, no. 10.

The tenth in a series — Pennsylvania death certificates for Wilson County natives:

  • Kinney Marcellous Merritt and James Robert Merritt

In the 1880 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: laborer Solomon Merritt, 24; wife Amanda, 23; and Robert, 1.

In the 1900 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1326 Wood Street, hostler Solomon Merritt, 39; wife Amanda, 40; and sons Robert, 20, and Kinney, 16, all born in North Carolina.

In the 1910 census of Kings County, New York: Kinny M. Merritt, 26, born in North Carolina, fireman in U.S. Naval Service.

James Robert Merritt Jr. was born 30 November 1916 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his birth certificate, he was the son of James Robert Merritt, 34, born in Wilson, N.C., worker, and Nannie Dade, 28, born in Philadelphia, housewife. The family lived at 1224 Ogden Street. [He died 12 December 1916.]

In the 1918 Philadelphia city directory: Merritt Robert J waiter h 951 N Jessup

In 1918, James Robert Merritt registered for the World War I draft in Philadelphia. Per his registration card, he was born 28 November 1881; lived at 951 North Jessup; was a waiter for Harry Howell, 1421 Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia; and his nearest relative was Nanie Merritt.

In the 1920 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: Robert Merritt, 37, unemployed steward; wife Nannie, 31; and daughters Dorothy D., 6, and Reba M., 2.

In the 1920 census of Manhattan, New York: Ethel B. Merritt, 24, and Kinney M. Merritt, 34, lodgers, in the household of John C. Payne.

James Robert Merritt died 22 August 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was 30 years old; was born in North Carolina to Solomon Merritt and Amanda Thompson; was a sailor; was married; and lived at 826 Burns.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: at 808 North Capitol, Kenney Merritt, 45, laborer, and wife Lula, 40, housework.

Kinney M. Merritt died 3 February 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was born 23 March 1881 in North Carolina to Solomon [no last name] and Amanda Taylor; was married; lived at 2102 Warnock Street, Philadelphia; and was returned.

Where did they go?: Pennsylvania death certificates, no. 9.

The ninth in a series — Pennsylvania death certificates for Wilson County natives:

  • Clifton Brown

Four-month-old Clifton Brown apparently died within months of his parents’ migration to Philadelphia.

  • Marie Fordham

  • Samuel Parker

  • Geraldine Woods

  • Luberta Thompson

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street, Henderson Adams, 23, woodyard sawyer; wife Lue, 20, factory laborer; and daughter Berta, 3.

In 1917, Henderson Adams registered for the World War I draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his registration card, he was born 24 January 1888 in Wilson; lived at 1548 South Capitol Street, Philadelphia; worked as a laborer for Baugh & Son, Front and Morris Streets; and supported a wife and two children.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Simon Sander, 40, painter; wife Louis[e], 39; and stepdaughter Luberta Adams, 22, factory stripper.

In 1931, Albert Thompson and Luberta Adams were married in Philadelphia.

In the 1940 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: at 2055 Gerritt Street, Allen Thompson, 36, W.P.A. project foreman, and wife Loberta, 30.

Where did they go?: Pennsylvania death certificates, no. 8.

The eighth in a series — Pennsylvania death certificates for Wilson County natives:

  • Amanda Merritt

In the 1870 census of Upper Conetoe township, Edgecombe County, N.C.: Salomon Merritt, 18, farm laborer.

In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County, N.C.: laborer Solomon Merritt, 24; wife Amanda, 23; and Robert, 1.

In the 1900 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1326 Wood Street, hostler Solomon Merritt, 39; wife Amanda, 40; and sons Robert, 20, and Kinney, 16, all born in North Carolina.

1918 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, city directory.

In the 1920 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 951 Jessup Street, Amanda Merritt, 57, keeper of lodging house; nephew Earl J. Lane, 18, railroad station elevator operator; niece Nanie Kearney, 18, servant; boarder Lloyd J. Ross, 8; and lodgers Clifford Holtz, 26, lathe machinist at steel works; and Anner Butler, 22, restaurant cook.

Solomon Merritt died 10 April 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was 61 years old; was born in North Carolina; was married to Amanda Merritt; and worked as a driver.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 112 North 59th Street, widow Amanda Merritt, 65; granddaughter Dorthy Maller, 17; Clarence Miller, 23, grandson-in-law; granddaughter Reba Merritt, 12; great-grandson Clarence Miller, Jr.,

In the 1940 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: widow Lulu Langford, 49; granddaughter Lulu Rucker, 16; and lodger Emanda Merritt, 83.

Amanda Merritt died 29 January 1942 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was born 1 May 1860 in Wilson to Clarssie Taylor; was a widow; and lived at 1604 Seybert Street.

  • Hattie Smith

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Stephens Smith, 40; wife Hattie, 31; and children Essie, 13, Bertie, 7, Mary, 2, and Marvin, 4 months.

In the 1930 census of Enfield township, Halifax County, N.C.: Stephen Smith, 60; wife Hattie, 38; and children Mary L., 12, Marvin, 10, Annie B., 8, Hattie B., 5, and Dorsey L. Smith, 5 months.

Hattie Smith died 24 May 1937 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was 52 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to William Porter and Louisa Barnes; was married; lived at 611 North 36th Street; and was a housewife. S.B. Smith was informant. [In fact, per census records, Hattie Smith was born in Georgia.]

  • Emma Bunn

In the 1870 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Hilliard Ellis, 43; wife Feribee, 40; and children Caroline, 16, William, 14, George, 11, Emily, 9, Hilliard, 6, Mary H., 4, and Warren, 8 months.

On 8 April 1880, Joshua Bunn, 21, married Emma Hill, 19, in Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Joshua Bunn, 40; wife Emma, 37; daughter Hattie T., 22; son-in-law James Thorpe, 22; lodgers Bettie Lucas, 21, and Calonia Lane, 19; adopted daughter Nora Bunn, 8.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1819 Van Pelt Street, owned and valued at $1800, Emma Bunn, 65; daughter Hattie Stevens, 46; son-in-law Samuel, 46, laborer for City of Philadelphia; grandchildren Walter, 12, and Joseph Stevens, 6; and several roomers.

  • Theodosia Parker

In the 1910 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 1735 Woodstock Street, Henry Parker, 37; wife Charity, 34; and children Leon, 12, and Theodosia, 9; four lodgers; and boarder Samuel Parker, 27. All the Parkers were born in North Carolina.

Theodosia Parker died 31 March 1918 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was 17 years old; was born in Wilson, N.C., to Henderson Parker and Charity Hunter; lived at 1911 Montgomery Avenue; was a school girl; and was buried in Elm City, N.C.

  • Etta E. Logan

In the 1920 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: at 922 South 17th Street, widow Martha Roundtree, 42, restaurant cook, and daughter Etta Logan, 22.

Etta E. Logan died 17 August 1920 in Philadelphia. Per her death certificate, she was born in 1895 in Wilson, N.C., to Windsor [no surname listed] and Martha Daniel; lived to 922 South 17th Street; and was married. Joseph L. Logan was informant.

The Rountrees sell out.

Having joined the Great Migration north, in 1903 William and Fannie Best Rountree sold the property William inherited from his father Warren Rountree. The Rountrees settled first in Philadelphia, then moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey, around 1904.

Deed Book 68, page 224, Wilson County Register of Deeds Office, Wilson, N.C.

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In the 1880 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Orren Best, 31, wife Hansey, 31, and children James, 9, Oscar, 6, George, 4, Fannie, 2, and Hattie, 3 months.

In the 1880 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer Alfred Woodard, 50; wife Sarah, 45; children Florence, 28, Mary, 22, Howell, 18, Sarah E., 16, Zilly A., 17, Lundon, 13, Minnie, 12, Willie, 10, Josephine, 7, and Evvy, 4; and grandchildren Elizabeth, 7, Robt. B., 5, and John H. Bynum, 4. [Willie and Josephine were Alfred Woodard’s stepchildren. Their father Warren Rountree died in 1871, and Alfred Woodard’s wife Harriet Woodard Woodard soon after. On 13 February 1873, Alfred Woodard married Warren Rountree’s widow Sarah Woodard Rountree, who was his first wife’s sister.]

On 28 March 1900, Fannie Best, 22, married Willie Rountree, 28, at Orren Best’s house. Minister R.S. Rives performed the ceremony in the presence of Levi James, Fred Vastenable and Martha Vastenable.

In the 1900 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farm laborer Willie Rountree, 29, and wife Fannie, 22. 

In the 1910 census of Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey: at 1310 Springwood Avenue, William Roundtree, 38, born N.C., odd jobs laborer; wife Fannie, 32, born N.C.; children Viola, 9, born N.C., Ethel, 6, born Pennsylvania, and Virginia, 5, born New Jersey; and boarders Henry Dixon, 49, and Edna Williams, 3.

In the 1915 state census of Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey: at 8 Borden Avenue, mail carrier William Roundtree, 45; wife Fanny, 37; children Viola, 14, Ethel, 11, Virginia, 10, and William Jr., 4; and boarders Richard M. Brooks, 43, and William Vance, 22.

In the 1920 census of Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey: hotel waiter William Rountree, 49; wife Fannie, 46; children Ethel, 16, Virginia, 14, and William Jr., 9; and lodgers Bertha Bess, 32, and Arthur Green, 12.

Asbury Park, New Jersey, city directory (1922).

In the 1930 census of Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey: at 8 Borden Avenue, owned and valued at $3000, city laborer William Rountree, 59; wife Fannie, 49; children Ethel, 26, maid, and William Jr., 20, chauffeur; and boarded Lulu Vann, 59, maid.

William W. Roundtree died 16 November 1932 in Asbury Park.

Asbury Park Press, 16 November 1932.

In the 1940 census of Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey: at 8 Borden Avenue, owned and valued at $2000, widow Fannie Rountree, 62, laundress, and five boarders. 

Fannie Rountree died 2 September 1953 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per her death certificate, she was born 2 February 1876 in Wilson, North Carolina, to Oren Best and Nancy Harper; lived in Asbury Park, New Jersey; was a widow; and was buried in White Ridge Cemetery, Eatontown, New Jersey. Ethel L. Rountree was informant.

Studio shots, no. 257: William I. Hagans.

Flame and Steel (1948), yearbook of Murrell Dobbins Vocational-Technical High School, Philadelphia.

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In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County, North Carolina: auto shop mechanic Joe Hagans, 29; wife Estelle, 28; sons Joseph, 2, and William I., 1; and father-in-law Van Dawson, 55, farmer, widower.

In the 1940 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania: Brown Street garage mechanic Joseph Haggan, 39, widower; sons Joseph Jr., 12, and William, 11; and lodgers Sylvestia Edwards, 29; wife Carrie, 21; and Henry Counts, 46, auto mechanic.

In 1946, William Hagans registered for the World War II draft in Philadelphia. Per his registration cards, he was born 26 August 1928 in Elm City, North Carolina; lived at 4650 Brown Street, Philadelphia; his contact was father Joseph Hagans; and was a student.

Detective Gay, former Buffalo Soldier, killed in the line of duty.

Charles Francis Gay Jr., a detective with the Philadelphia Police Department, was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a murder suspect on Christmas Eve 1925. Gay was born in Wilson or in Philadelphia just after his Wilson-born parents, Charles and Lucy Mitchell Powell Gay, migrated north.

Philadelphia Inquirer, 26 December 1925.

Pittsburgh Courier, 2 January 1926.

Lancaster New Era, 4 October 1926.

Philadelphia Inquirer, 8 January 1927.

Nolly was executed by electric chair in September 1927.

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In the 1870 census of Wilson, Wilson County: farm laborer Charles Gay, 35, wife Emma, 25, children Charles, 5, and Mary, 1, and two farm laborers Rich’d Harper, 20, and Haywood Watson, 17.

In the 1870 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Susan Mitchell, 35, and children Anna, 17, George, 12, Lucy, 9, Louisa, 7, Edwin, 4, and Joseph, 4.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Emma Gay, 35; children Charlie, 15, a steam-mill worker, Mary, 11, Etheldred, 8, and Willie, 6; plus a boarder Fannie Thompson, 19, cook.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street, washerwoman Susan Mitchell, 47, with children Lucy, 19, and Louiza, 15, both house servants, Eddy, 12, and Joseph, 9.

On 18 October 1880, Lucy Mitchell, 19, married Mashal Powell, 18, at Susan Mitchell’s house, witnesses were Small Blunt, Mary Blunt, and Susan Mitchell.

In the 1900 census of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA: driver Charles Gay, 36, wife Lucy, 37, children Nellie, 11, and Charles, 7, and brother William Gay, 26, all born in NC.

Charles Gay died 22 December 1908 at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was 44 years old; was born in North Carolina; was single [sic]; worked as a laborer; his regular residence was at Iseminger Street; and he was buried in Merion Cemetery. W.P. Allmond was informant.

Lucy Gay died 13 June 1912 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per her death certificate, she was a widow; was born 20 May 1872 in North Carolina to father [first name not given] Mitchell and an unnamed mother; resided at 1229 Quarry Street rear, Philadelphia; and was buried in Eden Cemetery.

In 1917, Charles Gay registered for the World War I draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his registration card, he was born 13 April 1893 in Philadelphia; lived at 146 North Isenminger Street, Philadelphia; worked as an ink mixer(?) for Ault Wiborg Company; and was single.

Pennsylvania World War I Veterans Service and Compensation Files 1917-1919, 1934-1948, http://www.ancestry.com.

In the 1920 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: at 146 Iseminger Street, Clarence Gross, 40, pool room proprietor; wife Nellie, 30, born in North Carolina; brother-in-law Charles Gay, 26, city police officer; brother Fred Gross, 35, automobile porter; and roomer Joseph Bargon, 36, hotel bootblack.

Charles F. Gay died 25 December 1925 at Hahnemann Hospital, Philadelphia, of “Gun shot wound Homicide.” Per his death certificate, he was 33 years old; was born in Pennsylvania to Chas. Gay and Lucy Mitchell, both of North Carolina; worked as a police officer; lived at 1326 Brown Street; and was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery. Mrs. Nellie Gross was informant.

U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards 1917-1918, http://www.ancestry.com.

Nellie Gay Workwell applied for a military headstone for her brother in 1937. The application reveals that Gay had been a sergeant in Company C of the 813rd Pioneer Infantry, who were among World War I’s famed Buffalo Soldiers.

U.S. Headstone Applications for Military Veterans 1861-1865, http://www.ancestry.com.

The Wilson County roots of Bishop J. Delano Ellis.

Bishop Jesse Delano Ellis II of the Pentecostal Church of Christ was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Jesse Lee Ellis, a migrant from Wilson County, North Carolina, and Lucy Mae Harris Ellis.

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In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 508 East Walnut Street, ice plant laborer Calvin Ellis, 33; wife Matha, 29; and son Jessie L., 10; plus roomers Wilson Webb, 47, a Contentnea Guano laborer, wife Victoria, 40, and daughter Minnie Webb, 2.

In the 1940 census 0f Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: domestic Martha Ellis, 39, widow; sister Lucy Lucas, 33; and son Jessie, 20, coal yard laborer. In 1935, Martha Ellis had lived in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Lucas, in Philadelphia; and Jesse Ellis in Wilson, North Carolina.

In 1940, Jesse Lee Ellis registered for the World War II draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his registration card, he was born 18 August 1919 in Wilson, N.C.; his contact was mother Martha Ellis; and he worked for the 1355th Company, Civilian Conservation Corps, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Jesse and Lucy Mae Ellis, presumably at their 1943 wedding in Philadelphia.

In the 1950 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Martha Ellis, 49, widow; son Jesse L. 30, stevedore on docks; daughter-in-law Lucy Mae, 21; and grandsons Jesse D., 5, James B., 1, and John C., born in November [1949].

In 1950, Jesse L. Ellis applied for World War II compensation in Pennsylvania. Per his application, he was born 18 August 1919 in Wilson; lived at 616 Mercy Street, Philadelphia; and his dates of service were 22 June 1942 to 26 March 1943.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user Dawn Speaks. 

Studio shots, no. 246: Ora Renfrow Parker.

Ora Renfrow Parker (1899-??).

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In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer John Rentfrow, 40; wife Marguaratt, 37; and children Franklin, 19, John T., 15, Mattie H., 12, Fannie, 10, Clinton, 7, and Oria, 1.

W.H. Parker, 24, of Springhill township, son of Nancy Parker, married Ora Renfrow, 19, of Old Fields township, daughter of John and Margarette Renfrow, on 6 January 1918 in Old Fields. G.W. Carter applied for the license.

In the 1920 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer William H. Parker, 26; wife Ora, 21; and son Clovis, 10 months.

In the 1930 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: at 3905 Folsom Street, railroad porter Henry Parker, 36; wife Ora, 31; and children Clovis, 11, Tarrel, 9, Dorothy, 7, and Henry, 5.

In the 1940 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: at 3905 Folsom Street, Pullman Company porter Henry Parker, 45; wife Ora, 40; and children Clovis, 21, retail store porter, Henry, 18, truck driver, and Dorthy, 17.

In 1942, William Henry Parker registered for the World War II draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his registration card, he resided at 3905 Folsom Street; was born 26 December 1894 in Wilson County, North Carolina; worked for the Pullman Company, P.R.R. 30th Street Station, Philadelphia; and his contact person was Mrs. Ora Parker.

In the 1950 census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: at 3905 Folsom, William H. Parker, 56, watch repair; wife Ora, 51; and sons Clovis H., 31, studio ceramic artist, and Henry J., 24, shoemaker.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user Sierra Barrett.