snapshot

Snaps, no. 109: James E. and Narcissa Dunn Howard.

James E. Howard and Narcissa “Cisco” Dunn Howard.

In the 1880 census of Jackson township, Nash County, N.C.: Ira Howard, 22; wife Harriet, 21; son James E., 1; servant Merica Fanner, 8; and brother George Howard, 21.

In the 1880 census of Dunn township, Franklin County, N.C.: John Dunn, 35; wife Jone, 26; and children Maggie, 7, Victora, 6, Welden, 5, Narcissa, 3, and an unnamed boy, 10 months.

On 22 November 1899, James Howard, 22, of Taylor township, married Cisco Dunn, 20, of Wilson, in Taylor township.

In the 1900 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer James Howard, 20, and wife Cisco, 20.

In the 1910 census of Dry Wells township, Nash County, N.C.: farmer James Howard, 36; wife Sisco, 30; and children William, 10, John, 9, James R., 7, Dempsy P., 5, Miria, 4, and Alice, 2.

In the 1920 census of Jackson township, Nash County: farmer James Howard, 47; wife Sisco, 40; and children Wm., 19, John, 17, James, 16, Dempsey, 14, Myrtle, 13, Sam, 9, Erley, 8, Beulah, 6, Ernest, 5, and Laura, 2.

James Howard died 18 November 1923 in “Col. Hospital,” Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was 52 years old; was born in Wilson County to Ora Howard and Harriet Wilkins; and was a tenant farmer for J.R. Brantley. Sisco Howard was informant.

In the 1930 census of Mannings township, Nash County: farmer Cisco Howard, 51, widow, and children James, 25, Dempsie P., 23, Alice, 20, Faro, 19, Early, 18, Beulah, 15, Earnest, 13, and Lorene, 12.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widow Sisco Howard, 63, laundress; son Dempsie Howard, 34, servant; daughter Earlie Hester, 28, servant; granddaughter Eva May Hester, 7; and daughter Laura Howard, 22, tobacco stemmer.

In 1940, Ernest Howard registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 15 April 1915 in Wilson; his contact was mother Sisco Howard, 312 Pender Street; and he worked for Mollie Howard, R.F.D. #1, Wilson.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: on Pender Street Alley, widow Sisco Howard, 71; daughter Early, 28, widow; and granddaughter Eva Mae, 17, servant.

Sisco Howard died 29 July 1958 at her home at 312 Pender Street, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 15 July 1885 in Franklin County, N.C., to John Dunn and Flora Harris; she was a widow; and her informant was Earlie Hester.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user Joshua Freeman.

Snaps, no. 108: Joyce Henderson Boyd.

Joyce Lorine Henderson Boyd (1922-2004).

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In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 318 Pender Street, Jack Henderson, truck driver, 38; wife Pauline, 31, and children Bessie, 12, Alic, 10, Joice, 8, Mildred, 6, and Archy, 4, listed in the household of mother-in-law Alic Artis, 49, private cook, paying $18/month rent.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 309 Pender Street, Alice Artis, 56; daughter Pauline Henderson, 39, household servant; granddaughters Bessie L., 23, hotel elevator girl, Alice, 20, household servant, Joyce, 18, household servant, Mildred, 16, and Doris, 10; and grandson Robert [Bobby], 4.

In the 1950 census of Washington, D.C.: at 1864 California Street, Joyce L. Henderson, 27, apartment building elevator operator, born in North Carolina, was a lodger in the home of Eunice M. Moore, a beautician, also born in N.C.

Photo courtesy of R.B.T. 

Snaps, no. 106: Stephen Edwards.

Stephen Edwards (1887-1924).

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On 21 December 1899, Charity Bullock, 18, of Greene County, North Carolina, daughter of John and Bettie Bullock, married Stephen Edwards, 21, of Wilson County, son of Charles and Ella Edwards, in Moyeton, Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Witnesses were Hattie Edwards, Con Bullock and Johny Fort of Moyeton.

In the 1900 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: in the household of Peter Joyner, step-daughter Charity Edwards, 25, and her husband Stephen, 21, a farm laborer.

In the 1910 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: farm laborer Stephen Edwards, 31; wife Charity, 29; and children Lonnie, 9, John H., 7, Charity, 4, William, 2, and Mary, 7 months.

In the 1920 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: farmer Stephen Edwards, 45; wife Shady, 35; and children Louzie, 13, Willie, 11, Marie, 9, Bettie, 6, Charlie, 4, Roscoe and Oscar, 3, Ida Belle, 2, and Lucy May, 4 months, plus sister Ettie Edwards, 23.

Stephen Edwards died 16 May 1924 in Walstonsburg, Greene County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 July 1877 in Greene County to Charles Edwards of Hyde County and Ella Ward of Greene County; was married to Charity Edwards; worked as a farmer; and was “poisoned from drinking inferior whiskey.”

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user Vern Bullock.

Snaps, no. 105: children at the Mill House.

We first saw this gang here in another photo taken within a few minutes in front of the Mill House, a windmill-shaped grocery at the corner of Lee and Pine Streets. The neighborhood was patchily integrated in the late 19th century and early 20th century, and a handful of African-American families remained when these photos were taken in July 1944.

The back of one of the images is inscribed “the neighborhood kids.” The African-American boy in the striped shirt has been identified as Bobby Lee “Chippy” Dickerson. Dickerson is believed to have become a police officer in Teaneck, New Jersey, but I have not been able to find more information about him.

Do you know Bobby Dickerson?

Photographer unknown. Photo courtesy of Keith Boykin, a Wilson native and collector of Wilson County ephemera. Thank you!

Snaps, no. 104: Wiley Barnes.

Wiley Barnes (ca. 1880-1964).

Elder Wiley Barnes was the long-time pastor of Corner Line Primitive Baptist Church.

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On 9 January 1898, Wiley Barnes, 18, of Stantonsburg, married Sarah Barnes, 18, of Stantonsburg, in Stantonsburg township.

In the 1900 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Wiley Barnes, 20; wife Sarah, 21; and children Etta G., 2, and Hattie M., 3 months.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Wiley Barnes, 30; wife Sarah, 29; and children Etta, 11, Hattie, 10, James Q., 9, Lily, 8, Willie, 7, Thomas, 3, Clara, 2, and Mema, 2 months.

In 1918, Wiley Barnes registered for the World War draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 20 May 1879; lived at Route 2, Stantonsburg; was a farmer for Charlie Whitley; and his nearest relative was Sarah Barnes.

In the 1930 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Wiley Barnes, 50; wife Sarah, 50; children Etta, 29, Wiley, 18, Ella M., 16, Sarah L., 13, John A., 12, and Edna, 11; and grandchildren Ardice, 13, Ester, 10, Ezzie M., 7, Georgia L., 6, Julias, 3, and Sammy Williams, 1.

On 2 April 1936, Wiley Barnes, 58, of Stantonsburg, son of Ella Barnes, married Eva Emerson [Edmundson], 60, daughter of Laura Young, in Wilson County.

In the 1940 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Wiley Barnes, 61; wife Eva, 65; daughter Enda, 17; grandchildren George A., 17, and Fannie L. Williams, 16, and Sammie, 12, Raymond, 8, Odessa, 7, Lucy, 5, and Sallie Barnes, 4.

Wiley Barnes died 30 July 1964 in Burlington, Alamance County, North Carolina. Per his death certificate, he was born 20 May 1880 to Ella Garnes; was married; was a minister; and was buried in Wilson. Emma C. Barnes was informant.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user dunta.

Snaps, no. 103: Hattie Barnes Reid.

Hattie Barnes Reid (1900-1990).

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In the 1900 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Wiley Barnes, 20; wife Sarah, 21; and children Etta G., 2, and Hattie M., 3 months.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Wiley Barnes, 30; wife Sarah, 29; and children Etta, 11, Hattie, 10, James Q., 9, Lily, 8, Willie, 7, Thomas, 3, Clara, 2, and Mema, 2 months.

On 29 November 1919, Vester Reid, 21, of Stantonsburg, son of William and Bettie Reid, married Hattie Barnes, 19, of Stantonsburg, daughter of Wiley and Sarah Barnes, in Wilson County.

In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg, Wilson County: on Stantonsburg & Saratoga Road, tenant farmer William Reid, 63; wife Bettie, 52; and daughter Iantha M., 25; sons Council, 23, and Vester, 21; Vester’s wife Hattie, 19; son Gorum, 17; daughter Mater, 14; daughter(?) Marion, 7; and son(?) Melab(?), 1.

In the 1930 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C.: farmer Sylvester Reid, 33; wife Hattie, 28; children Cary, 8, Mavis, 7, Thelma, 6, Gladys, 5, Gertrude, 4, and Lena, 2; and sister-in-law Lillie Barnes, 25.

In the 1940 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Vestus Reid, 43; wife Hattie, 38; and children Mavis P., 19, Thelma, 17, Gladys, 15, Gertie, 13, Lena Mae, 11, W. Vestus Jr., 9, Lettris, 6, and Jesse Lee, 1.

In the 1950 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: brick layer Vester Reed, 52; wife Hattie, 50; children Girdres, 21, William, 19, and Lorena, 17; and grandchildren Mary E., 9, Nathaniel, 8, Clara L., 6, and Ray C., 5.

Vester Reid died 27 October 1956 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 7 March 1897 in Wayne County, N.C., to Wiley and Bettie Reid; lived in Stantonsburg; worked as a carpenter; and was married to Hattie Reid, Stantonsburg.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user lisaholness1.

Snaps, no. 102: Ramon J. and Ximena Pitt Martinez.

It’s always wonderful when readers share photographs of the men and women of Black Wide-Awake. Special thanks to Belinda Pitt-Bulluck for these images of her great-aunt Ximena Pitt Martinez and great-uncle Ramon Martinez!

Ximena Pitt Martinez (1896-1973).

Ramon Jose Martinez (1900-1973) on the front porch of 903 East Vance Street. He may have been the only Afro-Argentinian ever to live in Wilson.

Charles Bowden, Ximena P. Martinez, R. Jose Martinez.

 

Snaps, no. 101: Ella Goff Ward and Fannie Ward Dixon.

Mother and daughter Ella Jane Goff Ward (1892-1939) and Fannie Ward Dixon (1914-1942).

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In the 1900 census of Bayboro township, Horry County, South Carolina: farmer Alva G. Goff, 47, widower, and children Julius E., 18, Samuel D., 17, Wilbur C., 15, Isaiah S., 13, Ella J., 11, Lorenzo C., 9, Carrie A., 6, and McLaurin, 3.

In the 1910 census of Floyds township, Horry County: farmer Dave Ward, 25, and wife Ella, 23, farm laborer.

In the 1920 census of Tatums township, Columbus County, North Carolina: David, 29; wife Ella, 28; and children Mary F., 8, Fannie, 6, Willie, 4, Clarence H., 3, and Elloasar, 5 months.

In the 1930 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County, North Carolina : farmer Clarence D. Ward, 40; wife Ella, 35; children Mary, 18, Fannie, 16, Willie, 15, Clarence, 12, Ella J., 10, Goldie, 8, David V., 5; and nieces and nephew Ilene, 13, Hellen, 9, and James Lane, 6.

On 8 May 1933, Sylvester Dixon, 21, of Saratoga, son of Jodie Dixon, married Fannie Ward, 19, of Greene County, daughter of David and Ella J. Ward. A.M.E. Zion minister R.B. Taylor performed the ceremony at 536 East Nash Street, Wilson, in the presence of Joe H. Best, David Ward, and Ella Ward.

Ella J. Ward died 12 April 1939 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was 47 years old; was born in South Carolina to Alsey Goff; was married to Clarence D. Ward; and lived at Route 3, Wilson.

Jene Arthur Ward died 29 January 1938 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 8 January 1938 to Sylvester Dixon and Fannie Ward; lived at Allen Webb’s farm; and was buried in Ellis cemetery.

In the 1940 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Silvester Dixon, 26; wife Annie, 26; and children Beatrice, 6, Ardelia, 4, Sylvester Jr., 2, and Annie P., 8 months; brother-in-law Jona L. Ward, 15; and cousin Jack Lane, 17.

In 1940, Sylvester Dixon registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 17 August 1913 in Wilson County; lived on R.F.D. 3, Wilson; his contact was wife Fannie Dixon; and he was a farmer.

This lovely photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user BlairGoff.

Snaps, no. 100: Johnnie and Mandy Anderson Spell.

This delightful snapshot of Johnnie and Mandy Anderson Spell was likely taken in the 1970s. 

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In the 1910 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer James O. Spell, 28; wife Martha, 29, farm laborer; and children Marcellus, 8, Johnnie, 7, Rosetta, 5, and Lonnie, 3.

In the 1920 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Bud Spell, 50; wife Martha, 48; and children Buck, 16, John, 15, Rosetta, 13, Lonnie, 11, Wilce, 9, May, 8, James, 6, Lena M., 3, Mattie, 2, and Walner, 1.

In the 1920 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer John Anderson, 33; wife Lydia, 35; and children Sylvester, 18, Paul, 10, Manly [Mandy], 8; Virginia, 6; Mary, 3; and John Jr., 3 months.

In the 1930 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Bud Spell, 54; wife Martha, 48; and children John, 25, Lonnie, 21, Wiley, 19, Mary L., 17, Jone, 15, Lena M., 14, Mattie, 12, Walter, 10, Daisy, 8, James, 18, Blue, 19, and Ami, 29.

In the 1930 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Paul Anderson, 19; mother Lydia, 40; sisters Mandy, 18, Virginia, 16, and Mary, 14; and brothers John, 9, Ben, 6, and Robert L., 2.

On 2 February 1931, Johnnie Spell, 22, of Black Creek, son of Bud and Martha Spell, married Mandy Anderson, 18, of Black Creek, daughter of John and Litty Anderson, at Jonie [Jonah] Barnes‘ residence in Black Creek. “Minister of the Chrisson faith” J.H. Artis performed the ceremony in the presence of Jonie Barnes and F.E. Horn of Black Creek and James Tabrim [Tabron] of Wilson.

In the 1940 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farmer Jonny Spell, 35; wife Mandy, 27; and children Robert Lee, 9, Alberta, 4, John Jr., 2, and Mandy D., 4 months.

In 1942, Johnnie Spell registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 6 September 1904 in Wilson County; lived on Route 3, Wilson, Black Creek township, Wilson County, at Mrs. P.L. Woodard’s farm; his contact was Lydia Anderson, Black Creek; and he was employed by Charlie Bass, Route 3, Wilson.

In 1946, Robert Lee Spell registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 3 August 1928 in Wilson County; lived in Stantonsburg, Wilson County; his contact was father Johnnie Spell; and he worked farming with his father on the W.L. Shelton farm, Stantonsburg.

In the 1950 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Johnny Spell, 45; wife Amanda, 39; and children Robert L., 21, Alberta, 14, Johnny Jr., 12, Amanda D., 11, Mary E., 6, Martha L., 5, Roy S., 2, and Charlie G., 2 months.

Liddie Anderson died 3 September 1963 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 12 October 1896 in Wilson County to Robert Woodard and Linnie Taylor; and lived in Fremont, Wayne County, N.C. Amanda Spell, 204 Reid Street, Wilson, was informant.

Johnnie Spells Sr. died 18 September 1984 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 6 September 1902 in Wilson County to James Arthur Spells and Martha Harris; was married to Mandie Anderson; and was a tobacco worker. Mandie Spells, 900 East Nash Street, was informant.

Wilson Daily Times, 21 September 1984.

Mandy Anderson Spell died 9 December 2005.

My thanks to Roy S. Spell Jr. for sharing this photo of his grandparents.

Snaps, no. 99: Flora Thomas Knight.

Flora Thomas Knight (1892-1943).

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In the 1900 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Alford Thomas, 36; wife Lou, 18; and children Sallie, 12, Florra, 9, and Mary T., 6 months; and servant Cora White, 17.

On 26 January 1908, Colonel Knight, 22, of Wayne County, son of George and Louisa Knight, married Flora Thomas, 18, of Wayne County, daughter of Alfred and Nelie Thomas, in Goldsboro, Wayne County.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Colonel Knight, 24; wife Flora, 20; and son Willie, 1.

In the 1920 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Colonel Knight, 34; wife Flora, 28; and children Willie, 11, Nelia, 8, George, 7, Colonel, 4, and Percy, 2.

In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 717 Vance Street, Cullon Knight, 44; wife Flora, 37; and children Willie, 21, odd jobs laborer; George, 18, baker; Cullon Jr., 16, bakery delivery boy; Percy, 13; and Gladys, 9.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Connel Knight, 55, tobacco factory laborer; wife Flora, 48; and children Percy, 23, chauffeur; Neal, 29, tobacco factory laborer; and Gladys, 19, tobacco factory laborer; grandsons Rudolph Ward, 13, and Ben Sellers, 3; and lodger Sylvester Woodard, 33, meat market delivery man.

Flora Knight died 15 December 1943 in Wilson. Per her death certificate, she was born 15 January 1892 in Wilson County to Alfred Thomas and Nealie Hagans; was married to Colonel Knight; lived at 706 Stantonsburg Street; and was buried in Rountree Cemetery. Gladis Hines was informant.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user ______.