obituary

The obituary of Dr. James B. Darden.

Richmond Times Dispatch, 29 June 1951.

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In the 1900 census of Highland, Orange County, New York: James B. Darden, 18, waiter [at hotel.]

In the 1910 census of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama: physician John Darden, 34; wife Jean, 26; and brother James B. Darden, 26, drugstore clerk.

In 1918, James Benjamin Darden registered for the World War II draft in Petersburg, Virginia. Per his registration card, he was born 17 July 1881; lived at 516 Byrne, Petersburg; was an M.D.; and his nearest relative was Lillian Darden.

In the 1920 census of Petersburg, Virginia: physician James B. Darden, 38, and wife Nannie, 32.

In the 1930 census of Petersburg, Virginia: at 516 Byrne, physician James B. Darden, 46; wife Lillian, 42; and mother-in-law Sarah Allen, 75.

In the 1940 census of Petersburg, Virginia: medical doctor James Darden, 56, and wife Lillian, 52.

In 1942, James Benjamin Darden registered for the World War II draft in Petersburg, Virginia. Per his registration card, he was born 17 July 1882 in Wilson, N.C.; lived at 516 Byrne, Petersburg; was a doctor at 122 South Avenue; and his contact was Lillian A. Darden.

In the 1950 census of Petersburg, Virginia: doctor James B. Darden, 67, and wife Lillian A., 60.

Lillian A. Darden died 11 February 1983 in Petersburg, Virginia. Per her death certificate, she was born 8 January 1887 to Charles Allen and Sarah Cole in Tennessee and was a retired music teacher.

The obituary of Walter P. Diggs.

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In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 205 Vick Street, barber Edgar Diggs, 49; wife Mary, 39; and children Edgar, 12, Mary, 9, and Preston, 11.

In 1946, Preston Walter Diggs registered for the draft in Wilson, Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 27 September 1928 in Wilson; lived at 205 North Vick Street, Wilson; was a student at Mary Potter School in Oxford, N.C.; and his contact was Mary Diggs, 205 North Vick.

The 1948  Maroon and Gray,  the yearbook of North Carolina Central University (then North Carolina College.)

Hat tip to Dr. Michael Barnes for alerting me to this obituary.

The obituary of Samuel Leonard.

Wilson Daily Times, 15 September 1938.

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In the 1922 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Leonard Saml (c) lab h 617 Darden al

In the 1925 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Leonard Saml (c) porter h 617 Darden al

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Leonard Saml D (c) porter The Market Store h 512 Church

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Leonard Saml D (c; Annie) driver The Market Store h 512 Church

Samuel David Leonard died 13 September 1938 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 12 February 1872 in Columbus, Georgia, to Hiram and Margarett Leonard; was married; worked as a laborer; and was buried in Wilson [likely, Vick Cemetery.] Informant was Annie Leonard.

The obituary of Fletcher Pierce of Greencastle, Pennsylvania.

Public Opinion (Chambersburg, Penna.), 18 April 1952.

Public Opinion (Chambersburg, Penna.), 19 April 1952.

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This is not the Fletcher F. Pierce who left Wilson to settle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Also, there is conflicting evidence of this Fletcher Pierce‘s birthplace. His draft registrations show Franklin County, North Carolina, but his death certificate and obituary list Wilson, North Carolina.

In 1917, Fletcher Pearce registered for the World War I draft in New Britain, Connecticut. Per his registration card, he was born 5 February 1890 in Franklin, North Carolina lived at 60 Chestnut, New Britain; and worked as a chauffeur for F.P. Upson.

In the 1920 census of New Britain, Hartford County, Connecticut: Fletcher Pierce, 29, chauffeur, born in N.C.; wife Para, 35, born in Virginia; children Suzie, 2, and Clara, 5 months; and brothers Sam, 36, and Bethel Pierce, 32, both machinists in a hardware factory.

In the 1930 census of Manhattan, New York County, New York: on Saint Nicholas Place, Fletcher Pierce, 41, trucking chauffeur, and wife Elizabeth, 42.

In 1942, Fletcher Pierce registered for the World War II draft in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Per his registration card, he was born 5 February 1889 in Franklinton, North Carolina; was married to Elizabeth Pierce; lived at R.D. #1, Clark’s Summit; and worked for John L. Ryan.

Fletcher Pierce died 18 April 1952 in Greencastle, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was born 5 February 1889 in Wilson, N.C., to Allen and Mary Jane Pierce; was married; lived at 36 West Franklin Street, Greencastle; worked as a laborer in a machine shop; and was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

On the trail of Barnes Cemetery.

Our discovery of the remains of Barnes Primitive Baptist Church began with a search for a slave cemetery and a school believed to be in the same vicinity. I’m fairly certain Barnes School actually was once near by, but L. Paul Sherrod Jr. said he had heard conflicting information about the cemetery, and we saw nothing that suggested a graveyard. This burial ground would have been associated with the plantation of Dr. Edwin Barnes, whose family cemetery I featured in a post Friday.

Today, a chance find that confirmed we’re on the right track:

Wilson Daily Times, 23 April 1955.

David Ruffin‘s funeral was conducted at Barnes Primitive Baptist, and he was buried “in the Barnes cemetery near the church.” So there is, or was, a Barnes cemetery near Barnes Church. But where?

Here is Barnes Church in a 1940 aerial photograph. The light gray area below and southeast of the church, showing few trees, is worth exploring in a search for the cemetery.

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In the 1900 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Isaac Ruffin, 52; wife Chania, 55; and sons Isaac, 22, Dave, 17, Grey, 7, and William, 5.

On 31 December 1903, David Ruffin, 21, married Celie Barnes, 19, in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County.

In the 1910 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer David Ruffin, 24; wife Celia, 18; and children Clara, 7, and Daisy, 2.

In 1918, Dave Ruffin registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 6 January 1870; his nearest relative was Celia Ruffin; and he farmed for E.B. Graves.

In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: tenant farmer David Ruffin, 41; wife Cellie, 33; and children Daisy, 22, Dessie, 10, David Jr., 6, and Lula, 4.

Larsey Ruffin died 6 August 1926 in Wilson township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 18 years old; was born in Wilson County to David Ruffin and Celie Barnes; and worked as a tenant farmer.

In the 1930 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Dave Ruffin, 50; wife Celia, 45; daughters Clara, 28, Daisy, 19, and Lola M., 16; son-in-law John Hales, 39; grandchildren John, 10, Dave, 7, and Maizie Hales, 5; and son Dave, 19.

In the 1940 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Dave Ruffin, 50; wife Celia, 45; and [grandchildren] children David, 17, and Mazie, 15.

In the 1950 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Dave Ruffin, 78; wife Celia, 67; sons [sic] Walter Lee, 16, and George, 12; and sister Anna Artis, 77.

David Ruffin died 20 April 1955 at Route 3, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 2 August 1893 in Wilson County to Isaah Ruffin and an unknown mother; was married; was engaged in farming; and was buried in Barnes Cemetery. Carrie Hayes, 202 Pettigrew Street, was informant.

Ten days later: Celia Ruffin died 30 April 1955 at 202 Pettigrew Street, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 61 years old; was born in Wilson County to Calvin Barnes and an unknown mother; was a widow; was engaged in farming; and was buried in Barnes Cemetery. Carrie Hayes, 202 Pettigrew Street, was informant.

The obituary of Dollie Roberts.

Wilson Daily Times, 9 March 1950.

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In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Vick Street, dredge boat laborer Wiley Oats, 32; wife Nettie, 28; and daughters Dollena, 8, and Dottie Lee, 13 months. Wily Oates died 23 July 1913 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 26 September 1879 to Adam and Amanda Oates; was a farmer; and was married.

In the 1930 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Roberts Dollie (c) dom r 1000 Wainwright av

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1000 Wainwright Avenue, Frank Battle, 42, minister at Good Hope Church; wife Rosetta, 43; daughter Mary C., 15; and roomers Dollena Roberts, 30, cook, and her children Virginia D., 7, and Jesse Jr., 4, Laura Bogins, 42, widow, and Margaret Morrison, 17.

In the 1947 and 1949 Montclair, New Jersey, city directories: Roberts Dollie wid Jesse laundry worker h 69 Mission

Dollie Roberts’ father Wiley Oates’ lovely grave marker is adjacent to the Vick family plot at the eastern edge of Odd Fellows Cemetery. Was she buried there, too?

The obituary of Thomas Hilliard.

Wilson Daily Times, 13 March 1942.

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In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: on Moyton and Wilson Road, Dock Hillard, 46; wife Mary, 28; and children Gustus, 17, Mattie, 14, Eddie, 12, Mellar, 11, Isabella, 10, Channie, 8, Tommie, 4, and Willie, 3 months.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 608 West Nash, county health doctor W.H. Anderson, 63; wife L.H., 57; son Harper, 16; and lodgers L.H. Darden, 72, widow, and Thomas Hilliard, 25, cook.

No headstone for Thomas Hilliard has been found in Rountree Cemetery.

The obituary of Plummer C. Alston Sr.

Wilson Daily Times, 29 March 1950.

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Plummer Columbus Alston registered for the World War II draft in Nash County in 1943. Per his registration card, he was born 27 November 1925 in Wilson; lived at Route 2, Elm City, Nash County; his contact was Joe Alston; and he worked for Joe Alston.

Plummer Columbus Alston, 23, of Nash County, N.C., son of Joseph and Norma Davis Alston, married Geraldine Wilkins, 19, of Wilson County, daughter of Willie Wilkins and Lucille Powell Wilkins, on 8 December 1948 in Wilson. Missionary Baptist minister C.T. Jones performed the ceremony in the presence of Rev. H.W. Farmer, Louise Bullock, and Mary J. Lassiter.

Plummer C. Alston died 26 March 1950 near Elm City, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 29 November 1925 in Wilson County to Joe and Nancy Alston; was married; worked in farming; and was a World War II veteran. He was buried in the Alston Cemetery, Nash County, N.C.

The obituary of Annie P. Williams.

Wilson Daily Times, 11 March 1950.

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In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 317 North Hackney Street, Annie Sauls, 30, laundress; father Will Odom, 50; and lodger Flora Terry, 30, and her son Rudolph Terry, newborn.

Annie Pearl Williams died 9 March 1950 at her home at 110 Ash Street, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 23 December 1910 in Georgia to Will Odom and Martha Bullock; was married; and was a factory worker. Roosevelt Williams was informant.

The obituary of Almeda Bynum Morgan.

Wilson Daily Times, 10 March 1949.

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In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: lumber sawyer Charley Bynum, 41; wife Julia Ann, 43; and children Calvin, 21, Mary Jane, 18, Ameta, 16, Annie, 13, John C., 9, and Abraham, 1.

On 3 February 1904, Calvin Morgan, 23, of Wilson, married Almeter Bynum, 20, of Wilson, daughter of Charles Bynum, at Charles Bynum’s in Wilson. John Reid applied for the license, and Missionary Baptist minister Fred M. Davis performed the ceremony in the presence of Peter Bynum, John Bynum, and F.B. Barnes.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Calvin Morgan, 39, tobacco factory worker; wife Alameda, 30; and children Willie, 15, butcher shop delivery boy, Calvin, 8, Surenda, 11, and Mayanna, 1.

In the 1928 Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory: Morgan Calvin (c; Almeda) lab h 102 Ashe

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 600 Stantonsburg Street, rented for $12/month, Calvin Morgan, 52, laborer at Colored High School; wife Almeta, 40; sons Willie, 23, tobacco factory laborer, Surrender, 21, radio company laborer, and Calvin Jr., 17, bellboy at Cherry hotel; Almeta Hannah Jr., 16; son Fred D. Morgan, 14; daughters Mary A., 9, Sarah J., 8, Rubie, 7, and Ninie L., 3; and son Lindberg, 2; daughter-in-law Eloise Morgan, 18; and son-in-law Lemore Hannah, 22, fertilizer factory laborer.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Calvin Morgan, 65; wife Almeta, 58; Calvin Jr., 28, tobacco factory laborer, Almeta, 26, housekeeper, Fred, 24, Baptist preacher, Mary, 20, tobacco factory laborer, Sarah, 19, tobacco factory laborer, Ruby, 18, housekeeper, Lindberg, 11, and Minie, 12.

In 1940, Calvin Morgan registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his draft registration card, he was born 25 January 1909 in Wilson; lived at 600 Stantonsburg Street, Wilson; his contact was Almeta Bynum Morgan; and he worked for Liggett & Meyers Tobacco Company, Wilson.

Almeter Morgan died 6 March 1949 at her home at 317 Stantonsburg Street, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 23 September 1893 in Wilson County to Charlie Bynum and Julia Davis; was widowed; and worked as a laborer. She was buried in Rountree Cemetery. Mary J. Lassiter was informant.