state hospital

Struck with a pitchfork.

James H. Peacock of Wilson County met a violent death while a patient at the State Hospital at Goldsboro, North Carolina’s sole facility for the treatment of mentally ill African-Americans.

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“Fractured skull was struck with the pitchfork while out in hay field — Homicide 12 hours. … Insanity — killed by another patient.”

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In the 1900 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: James H. Peacock, 14, farm laborer, listed as the servant of Rufus Barnes, 24, farmer.

On 5 September 1905, James H. Peacock, 19, of Cross Roads township, married Armetta Barnes, 18, of Cross Roads township, at Mary Barnes‘ residence in Wilson County. Witnesses were William Forsythe, Willie Barnes, and W.H. Pate.

In the 1910 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: on Wilson and Smithfield Road, James Peacock, 24, farmer, and wife Armeda, 21, farm laborer.

In the 1920 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: on Black Creek and Lucama Road, James Peacock, 32; wife Armenta, 30; and children Paul, 12, Valena, 8, Savira, 5, Annie, 3, and Daniel and Blane, 1.

Rosevelt Peacock died 10 February 1922 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 9 months old and was born in Wilson County to James Peacock and Armitta Barnes. Rulius Darring was informant.