soldier

Pfc. Cannon re-enlists.

Wilson Daily Times, 3 January 1948.

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In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: taxicab driver James Cannon, 34; wife Deborah, 25; and children Dorthy, 10, James Jr., 9, Beatrice, 6, William H., 3, and Willie W., 2.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 701 Viola, transfer operator James Canon, 45; wife Sadie D., 33; children Mahazel, 16, Blondie B., 14, William H., 12, Walter W., 11, Charlie T., 8, Joan, 6, and Clara, 3; and grandson Marshall, 1.

In 1945, William Henry Cannon registered for the World War II draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Per his registration card, he was born 3 June 1927 in Wilson, N.C.; lived at 2225 West Stewart Street, Philadelphia; his contact was friend Mrs. Annie Hunt, same address; and he worked for contractor James C. Morrisey.

The obituary of Amos L. Batts, soldier.

Wilson Daily Times, 2 December 1950.

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In the 1930 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Amos Batts, 29; wife Elizabeth, 29; and children Arlettie, 10, James, 8, Roosevelt, 7, and Amos Lee, 5.

In the 1940 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: farmer Elizabeth Batts, 43, and sons James H., 19, Rosevelt, 16, and Leander, 12.

Amos Leander Batts registered for the World War II draft in 1944. Per his registration card, he was born 22 May 1926 in Black Creek, N.C.; lived at 1207 Queen Street, Wilson; his contact was mother Elizabeth B. Batts; he was a student at Darden High; and he worked after school for Paul Bissette, Bissette’s Drug Store, Wilson.

Batts was among the crew of the USNS General W.F. Hase, which sailed from Yokohama, Japan, for Seattle, Washington. He worked as a laundryman. The incident that led to his death on 19 (not 24) September 1950 apparently occurred during this voyage.

Elizabeth Batts applied for a military headstone for her son. 

On the reverse: “Prior service: induction and active duty date 6 September 1944 honorably discharged 30 January 1946. Re-enlisted 31 January 1946 active duty same date Honorably discharged 2 December 1946. Enlisted Reserve Corps from 3 December 1946 to 19 December 1946; re-enlisted on 20 December 1946 discharged under honorable conditions 11 February 1949.”

Amos L. Batts was buried in Rest Haven Cemetery.

Washington, Arriving and Departing Passenger and Crew Lists, 1882-1965, http://www.ancestry.com; U.S. Headstone Applications for Military Veterans 1861-1985, http://www.ancestry.com.

Heavyweight boxer Harrison rolls up victories.

Wilson Daily Times, 13 May 1946.

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Benjamin Harrison, 21, son of Luther and Elnora Harrison, married Lillie Mae Reaves, 23, daughter of Monroe and Fannie Reaves, in Nashville, North Carolina, on 15 October 1938.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 614 Spruce, paying $7/month rent, Benjamin Harrison, 22, cook in private home; wife Lillie Mae, 23; and son B. Frank, 1.

In 1940, Benjamin B. Harrison registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 20 August 1917 in Nash County, North Carolina; lived at 614 West Spruce Street, Wilson; his contact was wife Lillie Mae R. Harrison; he worked for R.T. Smith, 902 Broad Street, Wilson; and he was six foot six inches tall, 185 pounds [30 pounds less than his fighting weight].

In the 1950 census of Washington, D.C.: at 215 1/2 C Street, SW, Benjamin Harrison, 31, train repairman for railroad yard; wife Lillie May, 32; and children Benjamin F., 11, and Mary Ann, 6.

Clipping courtesy of J. Robert Boykin III.

Cpl. Johnson drowned in the sinking of the Rohna.

Wilson Daily Times, 22 February 1944.

For more about the sinking of H.M.T. Rohna by a German glide bomb, see here.

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In the 1930 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: widow Hattie Johnson, 36, and children Willie, 23, John W., 20, Herbert, 16, Clement, 11, and James, 10.