Nash County NC

The estate of Calvin J. Parker (1860).

Calvin J. Parker lived in far southeastern Nash County — the area that would become Oldfields township, Wilson County, a few years before he died. He was a prosperous farmer who worked his land with enslaved laborers. He died in late 1860, and a December 1860 account of the sale of his personal property included this list of the hire terms of the 13 people he had enslaved. Milly and her three children, Alexander, Elias, and Lize went to widow Evelina Parker for the next year for $82 (offset by the $75 she received for care of Milly and her children). Harris Winstead hired Isaac — obviously a strong capable man — for $170. Amos, Elbert and Lucinda, all working adults, went to W. Parker for $447 for the year. Jason went to J.J. Sharp for $114, and Luinda to R.D. Wells for $60.

On 31 December 1861, appointed commissioners divided Parker’s enslaved into six roughly even lots to be distributed among his children. William T. Parker drew the first lot, consisting of man Amos ($1200) and girl Harriet ($350). W. David Parker drew the second lot, consisting of woman Milly ($600), Loney [Milly’s child?] ($200), and boy Jason ($900). Henrietta Parker drew the third lot — man Ellick ($825) and girl Louenda ($805). John S. Parker drew man Elbert ($1000) and girl Lizzy ($550) in the fourth lot. Evelina Parker drew lot five — man Isaac ($750), boy Hines ($400), and girl Adeline ($600), who appear to have been Milly’s older children. W.W. Flowers drew lot six on behalf of his wife Pennetta Parker Flowers — girl Sinda ($900) and boy Elias ($700).

William T., W. David, Henrietta, and John S. Parker were minors, and the enslaved people they remained in “common stock” until their new owners reached adulthood.

What became of the men, women, and children Parker enslaved?

  • Milly

Milly was born about 1830 and was the mother of Elbert, Harriet, Adeline, Hines, and Loney, as well as Lena and Della.

In 1866, Milla Parker and Jacob Thomas registered their 23-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

On 15 July 1869, Elbert Parker, son of Jacob Thomas and Milly Parker, married Pennina Strickland, daughter of Abram Strickland and Milly Strickland, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Milly Parker, 40; Harriet, 12, Mahala, 19, Henry, 5, Jemmima, 4, and Hines R., 14.

Harriet Parker, 15, married Henry Waters, 23, on 30 July 1875, at Milly Parker’s home in Wilson County. Alf. Parker and Lucy Parker were witnesses.

  • Loney
  • Alexander “Ellec”

Alex was born about 1836.

In 1866, Alex Parker and Mary Hardy registered their three-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Ellec Parker, 34; wife Mary, 30; Della, 7 [who may have been the same child as the Della listed in Adeline Parker Battle’s household in 1870, see below] ; and Turner Rountree, 11.

  • Elias
  • Lizzy
  • Isaac

Isaac was born about 1825.

In 1866, Isaac Parker and Fannie Sharp registered their ten-year marriage with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Isaac Parker, 45; wife Fanny, 41; Martha Parker, 18; and Julius Parker, 1.

Isaac Parker apparently died between 1870 and 1880. In the 1880 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Fannie Parker, 51; daughter Martha, 28, farm laborer; grandchildren Julius S., 10, and Joseph W., 4; and nephew Ned Winstead, 22.

  • Hines R., son of Milly

Hines was born about 1856.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Milly Parker, 40; Harriet, 12, Mahala, 19, Henry, 5, Jemmima, 4, and Hines R., 14. [If these were Milly’s children, where were Harriet and Mahala in 1861? Per her marriage license (see above), Harriet was born circa 1860.]

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Barnes Street, Henry Waters, 22, works on farm; wife Harriet, 20; children Rosa, 5, John, 3, and Alonzo Waters, 1; sisters Della, 17, and Lena Parker, 19; brother Hines Parker, 21; and nephew Henry Parker, 15. [Where was Lena in 1870? Della was with her sister Adeline Parker Battle, see below.]

On 5 August 1885, Hines Parker, 24, married Prescilla Rountree, 28, at the home of Free Will Baptist minister Solomon Arrington in Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: Hines Parker, 45; wife Pricy, 40; and Wiley, 22.

In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on Wiggins Mill Road, Hines Parker, 42, farm laborer, and wife Prissy, 43, farm laborer.

Hines Parker died 6 April 1924 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 60 years old; was born in Wilson County; and was married. He was buried in “Taylor graveyard.”

  • Adeline, daughter of Milly

Adeline was born about 1852.

On 29 April 1869, Ned Battle, son of Frank Sharp, married Ada Parker, daughter of Milly Parker and Jacob Thomas, at Harris Winstead’s in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farm laborer Ned Battle, 19; wife Adeline, 17; and daughter Hannah, 1 month; Della Parker, 8; and farm laborer Haywood Battle, 23.

In the 1880 census of Griffin township, Nash County: farmer Ned Battle, 30; wife Adaline, 28; and children Ella, 10, Louisa, 8, Edward, 8, Elias, 4, and Mattie, 1.

In the 1900 census of Nashville township, Nash County, N.C.: farmer Ned Battle, 55; wife Adeline, 43; and children Nannie, 16, Frank, 14, Lonnie, 10, and Minnie, 7; William A. Battle, 30; wife Patty, 24; and son Lucian, 1; and boarder Jennie Myrick, 17.

In the 1910 census of Griffins township, Nash County: farm laborer Ned Battle, 70; wife Adline, 30; and granddaughters Lena, 9, and Marietta, 8.

Minnie Lodge died 18 April 1914 in East Dover, Dover, Kent County, Delaware. Per her death certificate, she was 20 years old; was born in North Carolina to Ned Battle and Adline Parker; lived at 37 Kirkwood; and she was buried at the almshouse. Henry Parker was informant.

Pearly Battle Simmons died 13 August 1948 in Rocky Mount, Nash County. Per her death certificate, she was born 4 July 1889 in Nash County to Ned Battle and Adline Parker, both of Wilson County; was married to Charlie Simmons; lived in Rocky Mount; and was buried in Unity Cemetery.

  • Amos
  • Elbert, son of Milly

Elbert was born about 1853.

On 15 July 1869, Elbert Parker, son of Jacob Thomas and Milly Parker, married Pennina Strickland, daughter of Abram Strickland and Milly Strickland, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Joyners township, Wilson County: farmer Elbert Parker, 27; wife Penninah, 25; and daughter Telitha, 5.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Spring Street, drayman Elbert Parker, 35; wife Penny, 28; children William H., 6, Sidney, 4, and Leland, 2; daughter Lilie Taylor, 14, house servant; and boarder Hepsey Ann Hicks, 22, house servant.

  • Lucinda
  • Jason
  • Louenda

Estate File of Calvin J. Parker (1860), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org

The obituary of Louise Boddie, age 15.

Wilson Daily Times, 2 December 1950.

——

In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C.: Elias B. Boddie, 42, born in N.C.; wife Eunice, 29; born in N.C.; son Elias B., Jr., 10, son Clifton, 8, stepdaughter Bertha, 20, granddaughter Louise, 5, and grandson John H., 2.

Louise Boddie died 27 November 1950 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born in Washington, D.C., to John Poston and Bertha Boddie; was single; lived at 514 West Walnut Street; and was a student.

The estate of Dempsey Harrison Jr. (1860).

The cold calculus employed in the management of enslaved property is on full display in the estate of Dempsey Harrison Jr. Harrison, who lived in what is now western Wilson County, died in 1854. He was in his mid-20s at his death and left two very young children and a wife, who soon remarried. Alfred Thompson was named the children’s guardian.

In about 1859, Thompson engaged a lawyer, William T. Dortch, to petition the court to authorize certain steps to maximize the Harrison children’s assets. Harrison’s estate was relatively lean — 90 acres of unproductive land, an enslaved woman, and that woman’s children. The woman and children “do not hire for any thing,” Thompson had to “set them up to the lowest bidder to keep,” and a forty-dollar bill for their care had come due. However, because the “negroes will soon hire out for something[,]” Dortch proposed “they sh0uld not be sold, as they are increasing rapidly in value[,]” while Harrison’s land was depreciating. Instead, the land should be sold and the proceeds invested in “one or more” of the slaves.

A judge granted the petition and later received this update about the estate:

“The master reports that the negroes mentioned in the petition are a negro woman & four [children], are very valuable but that they on account of the ages of the children, and the frequency of confinements of the woman in giving birth they are expensive. That there is no other property belonging to [Harrison’s] Children beside the land mentioned in the petition, which has been sold, according to the decree of the Court. He therefore reports that it will be to the interest of the wards that the proceeds of the land sale be paid to the Guardian Alfred Thompson for the purpose of maintaining the negroes & paying expenses of the wards.”

A single reference in the estate file identified the woman as Waita. I have not found her or her children in freedom.

Estate File of Dempsey Harrison (1860), Wilson County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org.

Cemeteries, no. 34: Sharpsburg Cemetery.

I found Sharpsburg Cemetery. And wow. Though it was active into the late 1990s, it has nearly completely reverted to woodland, with dozens and dozens of headstones standing above the forest floor, many in nearly pristine condition. Unlike wisteria-choked Rountree and Odd Fellows, however, these woods are easily traversed, though covered in naturalized English ivy.

The cemetery is on the Nash County side of Sharpsburg, down a gated track. It appears from county records to be privately owned. Its families lived in Nash, Edgecombe, and Wilson Counties, and I took photos with an eye for representation rather than Wilson residency. I’ll probably make a return visit when I’ve been able to study its known burials.

The gate threw me for a minute. But only a minute.

The open area at the front of the cemetery. The oldest part of the cemetery appears to be an area to the south deep inside the treeline.

Headstones, saplings, and grapevines. There was some trash at the site, but nothing to indicate it has ever been a dumpsite like Odd Fellows and Rountree. This clearly was a generally well-tended cemetery until perhaps 20 to 25 years ago.

  • Maggie Armstrong

In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Ernest Taylor, 49; wife Lela, 47; and children Lawrence, 18, Billie, 16, Carrie, 14, Addie, 12, Lee, 11, Lela, 8, Mary, 7, Thomas, 6, Maggie, 4, Nellie, 3, and Robert, 2; and brother Fred, 20.

In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Ernest Taylor, 49; wife Lalar, 47; and children Tomie, 16, Maggie, 15, Mollie, 13, Robert, 11, Ona, 9, Blanche, 8, Roscar, 6, James, 5, and Daisy, 1.

On 30 December 1932, Richard Armstrong, 21, of Jarratt, Virginia, son of Gus Armstrong and William Ann Turner, and Maggie Taylor, 21, of Sharpsburg, N.C., daughter of Ernest Taylor and Lala Anderson, were married in Greensville County, Virginia.

In the 1940 census of Lower Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: farmer Richard Armstrong, 28; wife Maggie, 25; and children Earnest M., 6, Lawrence W., 5, Ivy Lee, 3, and Grady Earl, 1; widowed mother William Ann Armstrong, 68; and niece Mary Jeane McQueen, 15. Maggie and Mary Jeane had been Wilson County residents in 1935.

Maggie Armstrong died 11 February 1942 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 1 April 1915 in Wilson County to Ernest Taylor and Lala Anderson; was married to Richard Armstrong; was engaged in farming; and resided in Sharpsburg, Edgecombe County. She was buried in Nash County by S.E. Hemby, Fountain, N.C.

  • Ernest and Lalar Taylor, “Death is but life. Weep not.”

Ernest and Lalar Taylor were buried under a classic Clarence Best-carved double headstone.

——

In the 1900 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County: farmer Robert Anderson, 60; wife Margaret, 58; and children Lanie V., 21, Francis, 19, Lala, 17, Charlie, 15, and Lee E., 14, and grandson Luther, 8 months.

Oon 8 January 1902, Ernest Taylor, 22, son of Caroline Taylor, married Lila Anderson, 19, daughter of Bob and Margaret Anderson, in Toisnot township, Wilson County.

In the 1910 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: Earnest Taylor, 29; wife Lalar, 25; children Lawrence, 8, Lula, 7, Billie, 6, Carry, 4, Eddie B., 3, Lee E., 2, and May B., 2 months; and sister Hattie, 17.

Lalar Taylor died 12 March 1942 in Rocky Mount, Nash County, N.C. Per her death certificate, she was born 21 June 1883 in Nash County to Robert Anderson and Margaret Rice; and was buried in Sharpsburg Cemetery by S.E. Hemby, Fountain, N.C.

Earnest Taylor died 4 December 1961 in Rocky Mount, Nash County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was born 10 May 1880 in Wilson County to Caroline [maiden name unknown] and worked as a farmer.

  • Turner Joyner

For reasons that are not apparent to me, Simon E. Hemby was the undertaker of choice for many families in Sharpsburg Cemetery in the 1930s and ’40s. Hemby’s business (which is still in operation as Hemby-Willoughby) was in Fountain, Pitt County — some 21, two-lane miles away from Sharpsburg. Amazingly the temporary metal marker Hemby placed at Turner Joyner’s grave in 1938 is still legible.

In the 1880 census of Rocky Mount township, Nash County:  farmer Jason Joyner, 40; wife Milbry, 44; and sons Hawood, 16, Nevison, 13, and Turner, 12.

On 18 December 1889, Turner Joyner, 22, married Martha Pittman, 19, at Evelina Pittman’s in Nash County.

In the 1900 census of Sharpsburg town, Rocky Mount township, Nash County: day laborer Turner Joyner, 30; wife Martha A., 26; and children William S.T., 8, Ella, 6, Billie, 3, and Minnie S., 1.

In 1918, Bill Joyner registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 9 December 1896 in Sharpsburg; was a cropper for Dr. Barnes “near cor. limits of Sharpsburg”; and his nearest relatives were father Turner Joyner and wife Emma Joyner.

In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Joyner, 52; wife Martha, 48; and children S.T., 27, Mary, 25, Maggie, 18, Annie, 15, Mamie, 13, Eva, 10, and Grady, 2.

In the 1930 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Turner Joyner, 61; wife Martha, 56; daughter Annie C. Clark, 26, and children J.C., 7, James, 5, and S.T., 4.

Turner Joyner died 10 August 1938 in Sharpsburg, Township #14, Edgecombe County. Per his death certificate, he was born 20 September 1873 in Nash County to Jason Joyner and Milba Joyner; was the widower of Martha Joyner; and was buried in Sharpsburg by S.E. Hemby.

  • Harry Williams, “He Is Gone, But Not Forgotten”

You know I love a headstone artist, and Sharpsburg Cemetery contains many examples of the grave markers produced by this unknown person. He (almost surely) worked in concrete, stamping letters and numbers with a die or punch and incising elaborate floral designs with wedge-shaped elements. My guess is that this was a Nash or Edgecombe County artist, as I have not encountered this type of headstone in Wilson County cemeteries.

——

In the 1910 census of Township #14, Edgecombe County: farmer Harry Williams, 51; wife Mollie, 39; and children Mandonie, 17, Mack, 16, Starka, 13, Turner, 11, Harry Jr., 9, Paul, 7, and Silas, 3.

On 11 February 1920, Harry Williams, 21, of Toisnot township, Wilson County, son of Harry and Mollie Williams, married Mamie Justice, 21, of Toisnot township, daughter of Preston and Carrie Justice, in Elm City, Wilson County.

In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farm laborer Harry Williams, 22, and wife Mamie, 19.

Harry Williams died 1 July 1928 in Sharpsburg, Township #14, Edgecombe County. Per his death certificate, he was 30 years old; was born in Edgecombe County to Harry Williams and Mollie Lawrence; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Sharpsburg cemetery. Mondon Williams was informant.

  • Lillie Bell Williams

Lillie Bell Williams died 7 April 1929 in Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 23 October 1928 in Wilson County to Paul Williams and Gladys Howard and was buried in Nash County.

  • Jacob C. Bellamy

This appears to be the headstone of the Jacob Bellamy who was born 1891 to James H. and Cherry Bellamy and lived in Edgecombe County. It is a lovely little marble stone in an older area of the cemetery that is overgrown with English ivy.

  • Eskimo Parker

The delightfully named Eskimo Parker, a Nash County native, is one of several veterans whose grave markers are visible in Sharpsburg Cemetery.

High school students research plantation’s enslaved.

I just happened across this brief 26 July 2022 news report. It’s not from Wilson County, but it’s close — and worthy of emulation.

Stonewall Manor.

Built on the banks of the Tar River in 1830, Stonewall Manor is an antebellum plantation house in the heart of Rocky Mount. In 2022, honors history students at Nash Central High School set out to document the people enslaved at Stonewall.

Here’s the 26 July 2022 report by ABC11 reporter Lucy Collins, “Nash Central High school students honor people who were enslaved at Stonewall Manor”:

“Nash Central High School AP US History Students honor and remember enslaved peoples at Stonewall Manor through a research project.

“Lead by their teacher, Renny Taylor, students went through public records and other archives to find the names of the slaves who worked on the property.

“‘We went through auction records, land deeds, wills last seen ads of slaves and just everything that we could to make sure that we didn’t forget anybody because our main goal here was just to honor and remember the forgotten,’ said Camryn Eley, one of the students who researched for the project.

“Students worked after school and weekends to work on this project, even acting as docents on the property.

“‘They did a great job. I think one of the things they found out is that when you’re doing this research, which I like to call the Easter egg hunt, you’re not always successful. We had people that went different places and didn’t find anything and then you would stumble across something and find one or two names… Just them having the perseverance to continue to find it and look for it,’ said Taylor, recalling his students’ research efforts.

“The next round of AP US History students at Nash Central High School will continue to add on to the project and the students who started the work are excited to see how they will build upon their research.

“‘I’m ready to see the final outcome and it continuing to be built on. I always think that one door opens and then everybody else can open other doors so I feel like it’s going to be a really good outcome. Especially from what we did in just a year and a half,’ said Makayla Pugh, another of Taylor’s students who worked on the project.

“The students’ work will be available for public viewing in September.”

At the completion of their project, Coach Taylor’s classes created a large display board naming those known to have been enslaved at Stonewall Manor, which has been installed onsite. Thank you, Coach Taylor and students, for calling the names of Stonewall Manor’s enslaved.

No grand brick plantation houses survive in Wilson County (if any were ever built), but antebellum houses whose owners built their wealth on the backs of African-Americans dot the countryside. Certainly enough to keep every AP History class in the county busy for a couple of years with projects like that undertaken at Nash Central.

[P.S. On a personal note, at the liquidation of Bennett Bunn’s estate in 1849, Kinchen Taylor purchased Green. My great-great-grandfather Green Taylor is listed in the 1856 inventory of the enslaved people held by Kinchen Taylor of far northern Nash County. Was he once held at Stonewall Manor?]

Photo courtesy of Stonewall Manor’s Facebook page.

Boone escapes to Wilson.

Newbern Daily Progress, 24 September 1859.

I have not found him in records, but Joseph Boone was likely a member of the small extended Boone family of free people of color who migrated into Nash County from adjoining counties to the north. After allegedly killing Uriah Ricks, he fled to Wilson, where he hopped a train south, most likely on the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad. Note Boone’s description — “about one-fourth free negro, but generally passes for white.” Race was more fluid in nineteenth-century North Carolina than we credit.

The estate of Alsey High (1848).

When Alsey High died in 1848, his estate included eleven enslaved people — Sarah, Willis, Gilford, Peter, Abram, Jincey, Abel, Reddick, Merica, Esther, and Jo. On 26 December 1849, ten men, women, and children were hired out until 1 March 1850. Most went to High’s family — his widow Elizabeth Winborne High and sons William H., Manley, and Hackney High. Sarah’s unnamed four children, presumably, were among the five people listed last above. (High claimed only two enslaved people in the 1840 census. Either he made several purchases during the remaining eight years of his life and/or an enslaved woman or women had several children during that period.)

Account of the Highor of the Negros belonging to the Estate of Alsey High Des’t untill the 1st day of March next Bond and security Required before the Negros is Delivered s’d Negros to be Returned at the place of s’d Des’t on the 1 day of March next hired out the 26 of December 1849 by Alfred Boykin Adm’r

I have found post-emancipation documentation of only one person enslaved by Alsey High. Peter was about 12 years old when Alsey High died.

  • Peter High

On 31 August 1866, Peter High and Mary Eatman registered their nine-year cohabitation with a Nash County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farm laborer Peter High, 34; wife Mary, 35; and children Joseph, 12, Tilman, 9, Archabald, 6, Grant, 1, and Fanny, 13. [Fanny was likely Mary’s daughter and Peter’s stepdaughter.]

In the 1880 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Peter High, 50; wife Mary, 50; and children Grant, 10, and John W., 9.

In the 1880 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: in the household of white farmer David J. High, Tilmon, 18, and Archibal High, 14.

On 28 September 1884, Tilman High married Addie Scott at Peter High’s residence in Wilson County.

On 7 July 1887, Arch High, 22, of Nash County, son of Peter and Mary High of Wilson County, married Lottie Dew, 19, of Wilson County, daughter of Vol Dew, at George Barnes’, Taylor township, Wilson County.

On 23 February 1888, Fannie Eatmon, 32, of Nash County, daughter of Peter and Mary High, married John Locus, 35, of Nash County, son of Benjie and Jincey Locus, at the home of A[illegible] Locus, Taylor township, Wilson.

On 1 October 1891, John High, 19, of Taylors township, son of Peter and Mary High, married Trecy Rowe, 17, of Taylors township, daughter of Samuel and Louisa Rowe, at Ellises Chapel, Taylors township. Noah Battle applied for the license, and Freewill Baptist minister Crockett Best performed the ceremony in the presence of Hilliard Ellis, Joshua Bunn, and William Ray.

In the 1900 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Arch High, 40; wife Lottie, 24 [sic]; and children Peggie, 19, Nora, 11, Ardichar(?), 11, Henry, 6, and Izell, 1.

In the 1900 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer John High, 26; wife Treasy, 23; and Walter, 8, and Sam, 6.

On 8 September 1907, John High, 37, of Wilson married Flora Lucas, 19, of Wilson County, daughter of Elbert and Rosa Lucas, at Ace Thompson’s house in Selma, Johnston County, N.C. Edward Battle of Wilson was a witness.

In the 1910 census of Taylors township, Wilson County: farmer John High, 40; wife Florine, 19, farm laborer; and Lena M., 2.

Fannie Brown died 23 July 1928 in Princeville, Edgecombe County, N.C. Per her death certificate, she was 76 years old; was born in Wilson County to Peter High and Mary High; was the widow of John Brown; and was buried near Wilson. Elijah Carney, Princeville, was informant.

In the 1930 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farmer John W. High, 55; wife Flore R., 34; and children Lizzie, 14, John Jr., 16, Rennie, 12, Perlia, 10, Minnie, 8, Gldyes, 7, Bessie M., 5, and Earnest T., 1; daughter Julia Wood, 20, and granddaughter Rasey M. Wood, 8 months.

In the 1940 census of Washington, D.C., John High Sr., 67, widower, is listed as a lodger in the household of James E. and Pauline Tyler.

Estate File of Alsey High (1848), Nash County, North Carolina Estate Files 1663-1979, http://www.familysearch.org; North Carolina, U.S. Marriage Records, 1741-2011, http://www.ancestry.com.

Recommended reading, no. 13: the long emancipation.

Priscilla Joyner was born in Nash County, not Wilson, but close enough for her life story — and the context in which it unfolded — to be of particular interest to Black Wide-Awake readers.

“Priscilla Joyner was born into the world of slavery in 1858 North Carolina and came of age at the dawn of emancipation. Raised by a white slaveholding woman, Joyner never knew the truth about her parentage. She grew up isolated and unsure of who she was and where she belonged—feelings that no emancipation proclamation could assuage.

“Her life story—candidly recounted in an oral history for the Federal Writers’ Project—captures the intimate nature of freedom. Using Joyner’s interview and the interviews of other formerly enslaved people, historian Carole Emberton uncovers the deeply personal, emotional journeys of freedom’s charter generation—the people born into slavery who walked into a new world of freedom during the Civil War. From the seemingly mundane to the most vital, emancipation opened up a myriad of new possibilities ….

“… Uncertainty about her parentage haunted her life, and as Jim Crow took hold throughout the South, segregation, disfranchisement, and racial violence threatened the loving home she made for her family. But through it all, she found beauty in the world and added to it where she could.”

Priscilla Joyner’s family in the 1860 census of Dortches township, Nash County, N.C. She is believed to have been the daughter of Ann Liza Joyner and an unknown African-American man.

Review at www.wwnorton.com.

The obituary of Edgar Moore.

Wilson Daily Times, 17 April 1948.

——

In the 1900 census of Rocky Mount township, Nash County: on Thomas Street, Edmon Moore, 43; wife Zannie, 45; and children

Ron 31 December 1902, Eddie Moore, 21, of Nash County, son of Edward Moore, married Addie Winstead, 18, of Nash County, daughter of Charles and Rhoda Winstead, at Charles Winstead’s house in Nash County.

In the 1910 census of Rocky Mount township, Nash County: farmer Edgar Moore, 28; wife Addie, 24; and children Viola, 6, Pauline, 4, Grover S., 2, and Olivia, 1.

In 1918, Edgar Moore registered for the World War I draft in Nash County. Per his registration card, he was born 15 March 1882; lived at Route 2, Rocky Mount; worked as a farmer for W.D. Carter; and his nearest relative was Addie Moore.

Addie Moore died 9 November 1919 at the state hospital, Fork township, Wayne County, N.C.; was born in 1875; and was married Edgar Moore. She was buried in Elm City, N.C.

In the 1920 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Edgar Moore, 37, widower, and children Viola, 16, Pauline, 13, Grover, 12, Ameda, 10, Edgar, 9, Zannie, 7, Effner and Hattie, 5, George, 4, John, 2, and Fenner, 10 months.

In the 1930 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farm laborer Edgar Moore, 48, and children Pauline, 24, Ometia, 21, Edgar, 19, Jannie, 17, Efner, 16, Hettie, 15, Hermond and John, 14, and Fenner, 11.

Edgar Moore died 14 April 1948 at 608 East Nash Street, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 16 March 1882 in Nash County to Edmon Moore and Zannie Daniel, both of Wilson County; resided at Route 2, Elm City; was separated; was a farmer; and was buried in Williams Chapel cemetery.

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.