The 1908 Wilson city directory lists Berry Williams as the keeper of Oaklawn Cemetery. Oaklawn, also known Oakland and Oakdale, preceded Vick Cemetery as Wilson’s Black public burial ground. It lent its name to Cemetery Street.
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On 13 April 1890, Berry Williams, 33, of Wilson township, son of Gilly Batchelor, married Penina Campbell, 19, of Wilson township, daughter of Sidney and Maggie Campbell, at Walter Ward‘s in Wilson township. Free Will Baptist minister Crocket Best performed the ceremony in the presence of Anthney Vick, Ransom Ruffin, and Hardy Ellis.
In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: carpenter Berry Williams, 49, and wife Penina, 29.
In the 1908 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Williams Berry (c) keeper Oaklawn Cemetery h 146 Suggs
In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: farm laborer Berry Williams, 51, and wife Penny, 39.
In the 1912 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Williams Berry (c) carpenter h 146 Suggs [146 Suggs Street, later numbered 701, was at the corner of Suggs and Moore Streets, just north of the cemetery.]
In the 1916 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Williams Berry (c) farmer h 146 Suggs
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Suggs Street, Berry Williams, 65, and wife Penina, 42, tobacco factory worker.
In the 1920 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Williams Berry (c) laborer h 147 Suggs
In the 1925 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Williams Berry (c) farmer h 701 Suggs
In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Williams Berry (c; Penina) farmer h 701 Suggs
Berry Williams died 19 November 1929 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 74 years old; was born in Nash County, N.C., to Gillie Batcher; was married to Pennie Williams; lived at 701 Suggs Street; worked as a common laborer; and was buried in Wilson [most likely, in Rountree Cemetery, but possibly Oakdale.]




