migration to Washington DC

The obituary of Martha Sharpe Haskins, formerly of Wilson County and Washington, D.C.

Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 13 February 1963.

Martha Sharpe Haskins, the daughter of Damp Haskins and Hester Sharpe, was born 13 January 1882 in Edgecombe County, N.C., and reared in Wilson County.

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In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: farm laborer Damp Haskins; wife Hester, 43; and children Dora, 24, Martha, 19, Lossie, 18, Robert, 16, William, 15, James, 13, Lesley, 10, John, 9, Norma, 7, Earnest, 4, and Damp, 1.

In the 1910 census of Wilson, WIlson County: on “N&S RR,” farmer Damp Haskins, 60; wife Stella, 52, servant; children Martha, 23, cook, James, 18, wagon factory laborer, Lessie, 16, lumber mill laborer, John, 15, lumber mill laborer, Annie, 8, Earnest, 7, and Damp, 3; plus grandsons Simeon, 15, retail grocery laborer, and Ambrose Hoskins, 7.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Warren Street, Hester Haskins, 56; and Estella, 18, Annie, 22, Martha, 36, Ernest, 21, Ambroga, 17, Damp, 12, and [grandson] Joseph Haskins, 8.

On 15 November 1922, George Pitt, 31, of Nash County, son of Wiley Pitt and Ida McNair, married Martha Haskins, 30, of Wilson, daughter of Damp and Hester Haskins. James Haskins applied for the license, and Missionary Baptist minister John A. Mebane performed the ceremony in the presence of Glenn S. McBrayer, Jeff Holloway and Eula Farmer.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1200 Wainwright Street, owned and valued at $1700, Damp Haskins, 24, laborer at Coca-Cola plant; wife Sudie B., 21; children Damp Jr., 2, and Hellen, 6 months; widowed mother Hester, 72; brother [nephew] Joseph, 18; Martha Pitt, 52; and nephew Jim R. Haskins, 10.

On 18 February 1931, Joseph F. Haskins, 19, son of James Haskins and Martha H. Pitt, married Beatrice Bryant, 17, daughter of Isham and Rossie Bryant, at Isham Bryant’s house. Rev. J.T. Douglas of Calvary Presbyterian performed the ceremony in the presence of Judge Mitchell, Isham Bryant, and Rossie Bryant.

In 1940, Joseph Franklin Haskins registered for the World War II draft in Washington, D.C. Per his registration card, he was born 18 January 1913 in Durham, N.C.; lived at 1231 W Street, N.W., Washington; his contact was mother Martha Whitehead Haskins; and he worked for Dr. R.M. Williams, 1914 – 11th Street, N.W.

In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: at 1231 W Street, N.W., barber John Jones, 37, wife Sarah, 37, and daughter Ruby, 13; and hotel waiter Joseph Haskins, 27, mother Martha, 58, and uncle James Haskins, 36, post office department laborer. Both Joseph and Martha reported being divorced, and both had lived in Wilson, North Carolina, five years previously.

In 1942, Ernest Haskins registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 12 May 1898 in Wilson; lived at Route 1, Wilson; his contact was Martha Haskins, Washington, D.C.; and he worked for Wilson Tobacco Company.

Martha S. Haskins died 10 February 1963 in Middleburg, Loudoun County, Virginia. Per her death certificate, she was born 23 January 1897 in North Carolina to Damp Sharp and Hester Lassiter; and was buried in Rest Haven Cemetery, Wilson. Rev. Joseph Haskins was informant.

The obituary of James B. Ruffin of Washington, D.C, barber and musician.

Evening Star, 13 July 1975.

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In the 1930 census of Washington, D.C.: at 828 – 12th Street, barber James G. Ruffin, 45; wife Parthenia, 36; and children Emma, 19, laundress, Mary E., 18, laundress, Cora, 16, Naomi, 15, Kernice, 12, Parthenia, 11, James B., 9, Linwood, 7, Izah, 6, Calvin C., 4, and Canlice, 2. All but the youngest two children were born in North Carolina.

In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: James Ruffin, 18, porter in barbershop; wife Effie, 16; and son Daniel E., 1 month; with lodgers Alfred Breto, 53, David Hall, 27, and James Beaner, 20.

In 1942, James Badger Ruffin registered for the World War II draft in Washington, D.C. Per his registration card, he was born 17 March 1920 in Wilkerson [sic], North Carolina; lived at 1818 – 4th Street, N.W., Washington; his contact was Parthenia Ruffin, 828 – 12th Street, N.E.; and he worked at Ruffin’s Barber Shop, 1229 – 7th Street, N.W.

The obituary of Raymond Bynum Sr. of Washington, D.C.

Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 26 November 1948.

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In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Suggs Street, odd jobs worker Arch Bynum, 37; wife Lillie, 31; and children Nnes, 11, Junis, 7, George, 4, Rena, 2, and Ressie, 6 months.

On 21 October 1929, Raymond Bynum, 19, of Wilson, son of Arch Bynum and Lettie [no maiden name], married Helen Battle, 18, of Wilson, daughter of John Battle and Emma Battle, in Wilson. Missionary Baptist minister F.F. Battle performed the ceremony in the presence of J.H. Battle, Carrie Hardy, and Dollie Roberts.

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Bynum Raymond (c; Helen) cook h 628 Suggs

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: restaurant cook Raymond Bynum, 30; wife Helen, 29; children Raymond Jr., 10, Lillie M., 7, Alease, 5, and Dolores, 4; and partners Joe, 29, Frances, 23, Joe Jr., 4, and Reginald Hockaday, 3; and Edward, 30, and Mary Whitley, 28.

In 1940, Raymond Bynum registered for the World War II draft in Washington, D.C. Per his registration card, he was born 14 March 1910 in Wilson; lived at 2042 L Street, N.W., Washington; her contact was wife Helen Bynum; and he worked Samuel L. Baber.

The obituary of Willie J. Bynum Sr.

Washington Times, 18 February 1988.

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In 1940, Willie James Bynum registered for the World War II draft in Washington, D.C. Per his registration card, he was born 23 December 1912 in Holdens Crossroads, Wilson County; lived at 1025 – 22nd Street, N.W., Washington; his contact was wife Lydia Bynum; and he worked for George Van Darkinhouse, Emerson & Orme Company, 17th and M Streets, N.W., Washington.

In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: Willie Bynum, 27, car washer at retail auto dealer; wife Lydia, 23; and daughter Alberta, 9. All had lived in Greene County, N.C., in 1935.

The obituary of Gray Farmer Hooker of Washington, D.C.

Evening Star, 17 December 1980.

Gray Farmer Hooker migrated from Wilson to Washington, D.C., in 1929. We have met his family here and here and here.

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In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Manchester Street, Frank Hooker, 57 [sic], wood sawyer; wife Ella, 33; and children Emma R., 8, Grey, 6, Clarence D., 4, and Argent, [age illegible.]

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 656 Viola Street, Frank Hooker, 47, woodyard sawyer; wife Elinor, 37, sewing woman; and children Ruth, 17, Gray, 14, Henry, 12, Inez, 19, Irmadeen, 7, Sylvester, 4, and Theodore, 2.

In the 1930 census of Washington, D.C.: at Freedmen’s Hospital, Grey F. Hooker, 26, orderly.

Farmer was big on social clubs, as this brief piece on the doings of the Khan Social Club in May 1938.

Washington Tribune, 28 May 1938.

In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: Gray Hooker, 36; wife Bernice, 32; and daughters Montez, 18, Clementine, 16, and Merida, 7 months; plus lodger Edward Richburg, 33

In 1942, Gray Farmer Hooker registered for the World War II draft in Washington, D.C. Per his registration card, he was born 19 June 1903 in Wilson, N.C.; lived at 135 U Street, N.W., Washington; his contact was Elna Hooker, 708 East Green Street, Wilson, N.C.; and he worked at Freedmen’s Hospital, 6th and Bryant Streets, N.W.

In the 1950 census of Washington, D.C.: hospital clerical Gray Farmer Hooker, 46; wife Bernice W., 42; daughters Merida Gray, 10, and Elynore Ruth, 4; and lodger Eugene N. Lewis, 22, custodian at Pentagon.

The obituary of Jarrett J. Langley, grocery store manager.

Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 15 March 1967.

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In the 1880 census of Pactolus township, Pitt County, N.C.: Snowden Langley, 26; wife Jennett L., 21; and son Jarrett, 1.

In the 1900 census of Deep Creek township, Edgecombe County, N.C.: Jarrett Staton, 64; wife Mary J., 38; and grandsons William, 17, and Jarrett Langley, 21.

On 6 January 1902, in Township 4, Edgecombe County, J.J Langley, 23, of Edgecombe County, son of William S. and Jeanette L. Langley, married Lydia Savage, 21, of Edgecombe County, daughter of George and Harriet Savage.

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Jerry Langley, 31, blacksmith at wagon company; wife L., 29; children Hattie, 6, Roswell, 4, Ivery M., 2, and Judge, 6 months; and boarder Frank Bell, 21, dredge boat laborer.

In the 1912 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Langley Jarrett J (c) lab h Viola cor Reed

In the 1916  Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Langley Jarrett J (c) blacksmith  h 800 Viola

In 1918, Jarrette Judge Langley registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 8 September 1878; lived at 800 Viola; worked as a blacksmith for Hackney Wagon Company; and his nearest relative was Lydia Langley.

In the 1920 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Langley Jarrett J (c) blksmith h 800 Viola

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Jarot Langley, 40, blacksmith at wagon factory; wife Lydia, 38; and children Hattie, 15, Thedore, 14, Marie, 12, Carnell, 7, Ruline, 6, Alcestus, 4, and Oris, 2.

Lydia Langley died 20 July 1922 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 1 May 1880 in Edgecombe County to George Savage and Harriet Thorpe; was married to Jarrette J. Langley; and lived at 901 Viola Street.

On 7 October 1924, J.J. Langley, 45, married Mary Hyman, 38, in Wilson. Presbyterian minister A.H. George performed the ceremony in the presence of C.L. Darden, D.W. Crawford, and Norma E. Darden.

In the 1928 and 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directories: Langley Jarrette J (c; Mary) gro 602 N Reid h 901 Viola

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 901 Viola, owned and valued at $4000, grocery store merchant Jarrette J. Langley, 49; wife Mary, 43; and children Ivary, 21, public school teacher, grocery store delivery boy Esmond, 18, Ruttena, 16, Alcesta, 14, and Eunice, 8.

Ruttena Elizabeth Langley died 4 February 1931 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 16 years old; was born in Wilson to Jarrette J. Langley and Lydia Savage; lived at 901 Viola Street; and was buried in Wilson.

Eunice Z. Langley died 6 January 1936 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 4 July 1923 in Wilson to Jarrett J. Langley and Lydia Savage and was single. She was buried in Wilson.

On 22 May 1938, Spencer J. Satchell, 28, of Hampton, Virginia, son of S.J. Satchell and Julia Satchell, married Ivary Langley, 28, of Wilson, daughter of J.J. Langley and Mary Langley, at 901 East Viola Street, Wilson. M.S. Gilliam Jr. applied for the license, and Presbyterian minister O.E. Sanders performed the ceremony in the presence of Rosa L. Williams, Malcolm D. Williams, and J.J. Langley.

On 26 December 1939, Alcestia Jarrette Langley, 24, of Wilson, daughter of Jarrette J. Langley and Lydia Savage, married Joseph John Lang Jr., 27, teacher, of Greensboro, N.C., son of Joseph J. Lang and Selina Pyle, in Courtland, Southampton County, Virginia.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 901 Viola Street, retail grocer Jarrette J. Langley, 60; wife Mary, 60; daughter Orris, 21; Virginia-born son-in-law Spencer Satchell, 29, teacher; and daughter Ivory, 30, teacher.

Ivary Satchell died 7 September 1948 at Lincoln Hospital, Durham, North Carolina. Per her death certificate, she was born 16 October 1909 in Wilson County to J.J. Langley and Lydia Savage; was married to S.J. Satchell; lived 901 Viola Street; and was buried in the Masonic Cemetery, Wilson.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: S.J. Satchell, 39, teacher of music and English at city public school; sister-in-law Orris L., 31, secretary at city public school; and father-in-law J.J. Langley, 71, cigar store manager.

The remarkable life of Luther Hinnant.

Washington Star, 18 November 1978.

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In the 1910 census of Spring Hill township, Wilson County: farmer Vandorne Hinnant, 48, wife Betsy J., 47, and children Ezekiel, 22, Billie, 19, Willie, 13, Oscar, 12, Luther, 10, Regest W., 9, Roland, 8, Ralon, 6, Ollion, 4, and Roy E., 2.

In 1918, Luther Hinnant registered for the World War I draft in Johnston County, N.C. Per his registration card, he was born 12 January 1900; lived at Route 3, Kenly, Johnston County; farmed for Vandorn Hinnant; and his nearest relative was Vandorn Hinnant.

Harriet Bernice Hinnant was born 17 February 1919 in Richmond, Virginia, to Luther Hinnant, 20, farmer, of North Carolina, and Hattie Jackson, 27, of 406 Baker Street, public school teacher, of Virginia.

Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 10 March 1919.

Luther Hinnant, 21, married Hattie M. Jackson, 27, on 21 March 1919 in Washington, D.C.

Luther Hinnant was among 90 pupils awarded diplomas for “complet[ing] the elementary course in the colored night schools” in May 1924.

Evening Star, 29 May 1924.

A summary of house transactions in the 11 July 1925 edition of the Evening Star reported that J.R. Brooks had sold Luther Hinnant the property at 729 Girard Street, N.W. [This Columbia Heights row house, the western half of a duplex, is just a few blocks north of Howard University. Its May 2024 value is $800,000+.]

In the 1930 census of Washington, D.C.: at 729 Girard Street, owned and valued at $7000, Luther Hinnant, 31, cleaner at dry cleaning establishment; wife Hattie M., 33, chambermaid; and daughters Harriet B., 11, and Mildred L., 8.

In 1930, Hinnant received a diploma from Armstrong Night High School:

Evening Star, 30 May 1930.

In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: at 729 Girard Street, rented for $50/month, presser Luther Hinnant, 40; wife Hattie, 42, servant; and daughters Harriet, 21, and Mildred, 18.

Richmond Afro-American, 9 August 1947.

In the 1950 census of Washington, D.C.: at 729 Girard Street, Hattie J. Hinnant, 57, beauty parlor maid; wife Luther, 52; and daughters Harriet B., 29, waitress, and Mildred L., 27, elementary teacher.

Washington Star, 22 January 1980.

Cumberland Times-News, 22 December 1992.

Luther Hinnant died 26 March 1998.

The obituary of Eleanor P. Reid of Washington, D.C.

More than six years ago, I wrote about a letter my grandmother Hattie Henderson Ricks received from her friend Cora Miller Washington Artis. The note contained this brief mention:

At the time, I could not identify “Pet” Reid, but my recent discovery of her obituary cleared the mystery.

Evening Star, 8 December 1958.

“Pet” Reid was Eleanor P. Frederick Reid, long-time Wilson teacher and principal of the Colored Graded School after her husband J.D. Reid was forced out in the wake of the Mary C. Euell incident.