studio photograph

Studio shots, no. 268: the Diggs family.

Though a Wayne County native (and descendant of Celia Artis), Edgar H. Diggs spent most of his adult life in Wilson. He was well-known barber for decades at Walter Hines Barbershop and lived at 205 North Vick Street.

Diggs’ granddaughter Sheila Diggs has graciously shared photos of three generations of her family.

Sula Diggs Artis (ca. 1866-1919), probably taken in a Goldsboro, N.C., studio.

Sula Diggs Artis’ daughter Lizzie Olivia Diggs (1894-1988), circa mid-1910s. Edgar H. Diggs (1890-1970) was her brother. This photo was taken in the studio of Wilson’s Picture-Taking George W. Barnes. That’s his signature one-armed chair, and we’ve seen the window prop before, too.

Olivia Diggs Artis a few years later, with a bob and tiered, drop-waist day dress characteristic of the early 1920s. 

Edgar H. Diggs and youngest son Preston Diggs at their Vick Street home, circa late 1940s. The camera is a twin-lens reflex camera, perhaps a Rolleiflex.

Walter Preston Diggs (1928-2024).

Studio shots, no. 267: Maggie Elizabeth Foster Barnes.

Maggie Foster Barnes (1911-1945).

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In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: tenant farmer Claud Foster, 37; wife Cora, 37; and children Mammie, 16, Booker T., 12, Maggie, 9, Claud Jr., 7, Carry, 6, Leroy, 5, Sammie, 1, and Estell, 1 month.

On 11 December 1927, Rosevelt Barnes, 19, of Stantonsburg, son of Jim Henry and Appie Barnes, married Maggie Foster, 15, of Stantonsburg, daughter of Claud and Cora Foster, in Stantonsburg. A.M.E. Zion minister M.M. Patrick performed the ceremony in the presence of Edith Bell Barnes, Orlando Williams, and Pearlie Camron.

In the 1930 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Roosevelt Barnes, 19; wife Maggie, 18; and daughter Hellen, 2.

Roosevelt Barnes Jr. died 21 February 1934 in Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 15 June 1933 in Wilson County to Roosevelt Barnes and Maggie Foster; and was buried in Wilson [probably, Vick Cemetery.]

In the 1940 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: farmer Roosevelt Barnes, 32; wife Maggie, 29; children Hellen, 12, Mammie Lee, 8, and Claud, 2; and lodger [nephew] Jimmie D. Foster, 19.

Roosevelt Barnes registered for the 1940 draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 28 February 1911 in Wilson County; lived on Route 1, Wilson; his contact was wife Maggie Foster Barnes; and he worked for Doc Mercer.

Maggie Barnes died 23 April 1945 in Brooklyn, New York.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user Robert Faithful.

Studio shots, no. 265: Mary Jane Davis Horton.

Mary Jane Davis Horton (1877-1967).

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On 5 July 1896, Rufus Horton, 23, of Johnston County, son of Nash and Elizabeth Horton, married Mary J. Davis, 19, of Johnston, daughter of Ollin and Mary F. Davis, in Pine Level, Johnston County. [Rufus, in fact, was a grandson of Nash Horton and was reared by Horton and his wife.]

In the 1910 census of Pine Level township, Johnston County: farmer Rufus A. Horton, 37; wife Mary J., 33; and children William O., 12, Fredie, 10, Alonzo V., 9, Callie M., 7, Flossie V., 5, Romie, 3, and Rufus Jr., 2 months.

In the 1920 census of Smithfield, Johnson County: farmer Ruffes Horton, 47; wife Mary J., 44; and children Van Dan, 19, Calla M., 18, Flosie, 16, Ramon, 13, Ruffes, 9, and Etheal, 4.

In the 1930 census of Smithfield, Johnson County: Baptist minister Ruffus A. Horton, 55; wife Mary J., 51; and children Ruffus, 19, Elthel, 15, and Ulla M., 8.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 721 East Green Street, Floyd Johnson, 28, tobacco factory laborer; wife Flossie, 32, tobacco factory hanger; daughters Ella M., 11, Ernestine, 5, and Bobbie J., 2; and mother-in-law Mary Horton, 59.

The Sunday Star (Washington, D.C.), 2 April 1967.

Photo courtesy of Rodger Creech.

Studio shots, no. 263: Lovett Barnes.

Lovett Barnes (1859-1934).

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On 9 January 1879, Lovett Barnes, 20, and Etna Barnes, 18, both of Wilson County, were married in Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Lovet Barnes, 40; wife Edney, 39; and lodgers Charley Davis, 30; Jane Battle, 59; Lucy Carr, 22; and Alley Bynum, 16.

In the 1910 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: on Raleigh Road, farmer Lovette Barnes, 49; wife Edney, 40; hired woman Lucy Carr, 30, and her children Victoria, 8, Rebecca, 4, and McKinley, 17 months.

In the 1920 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: tenant farmer Lovett Barnes, 60; wife Edna, 60; children Victoria, 18, Rebecca, 15, Kenly, 12, and Clarence, 10; and Lucie Carr, 40, laborer.

In the 1930 census of Taylor township, Wilson County: Lovett Barnes, 70; wife Edna, 68; children Victoria, 28, McKinley, 21, and Clarence, 18; and granddaughters Clarence [sic], newborn, and Lizzie M., 10.

Lovett Barnes died 27 January 1934 in Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 5 August 1859 in Wilson County to Jannie Barnes; was married to Lucy Barnes; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Wilson.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com user armassey.

Happy 100th birthday, Amanda Mitchell Cameron!

Sending extra-special 100th birthday wishes to the beautiful, warm, charming Amanda Gray Mitchell Cameron!

Mrs. Cameron lives independently on the land she grew up on and is always so generous with her time and memories of the Elm City area, Frederick Douglass High School, and her family’s fight for educational and economic opportunity. She is a treasure!

Studio shots, no. 263: Sallie Joyner Edwards.

Sallie Joyner Edwards (1842-1925).

Sallie Joyner Edwards spent most of her life in Nash County, but was a matriarch of two impactful Wilson County families. Rev. Buck H. Edwards was pastor of Sandy Fork Missionary Baptist and Mary Grove Missionary Baptist Churches, as well as others in Nash and Edgecombe Counties, and father of Oliver H. and James W. Edwards, founders of Edwards Funeral Home. Amanda Edwards Mitchell and her husband James Gray Mitchell were a prosperous farming family whose children were impactful leaders in the Elm City community. Mitchell School was named for J.G. Mitchell.

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In the 1880 census of Rocky Mount township, Nash County, N.C.: farmer Rob Edwards, 40; wife Sallie, 38; children Waitie, 20, Mary E., 19, Lucy, 17, Georgeanna, 15, Jerryhill, 12, Mandy, 11, Morning, 9, Charity, 7, Cora, 5, Maddieann, 3, and Buckhill, 4 months; and grandson Aaron, 1.

In the 1900 census of Coopers township, Nash County: farmer Robert Edwards, 65; wife Sallie, 68; and children Charity, 26, and Buck, 20. 

In the 1910 census of Coopers township, Nash County: farmer Robert Edwards, 75; wife Salaan, 68; and grandchildren James W., 20, Lydie, 16, and Sallie Norfleet, 12, and Blonie Dew, 5.

Sallie Joyner died 1o March 1925 in Taylors township, Wilson County, N.C. Per her death certificate, she was 82 years old; a widow; was born in Nash County to Pomp Joyner; and was buried in Wilson County. B.H. Edwards was informant.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Mitchell Cameron.

In remembrance.

Except for his time in the Air Force and college, my father lived his entire life in Wilson. Three years ago tonight, he passed away here, at home, surrounded by his wife and daughters and granddaughter. He loved Wilson, and his stories were my early gateway to what would become Black Wide-Awake. I wish he’d had more time to understand and enjoy my posts and to know how deeply he continues to guide and influence me. Rest in power, Rederick C. Henderson.