Ward

Pfc. Elijah Ward Jr., stationed in the South Pacific.

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 12 August 1944.

——

In the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: on Wilson & Moyeton Road, tenant farmer Elijah Ward, 34; wife Florance, 26; Hillary Wooten, 26, and Robert Speight, 35, servants; brother James Ward, 19, and Sarah Ward, 16.

In the 1940 census of Bullhead township, Greene County, N.C.: farmer Elijah Ward, 48; wife Geneva, 42; children Emma M., 19, Elijah, 18, William J., 16, Ida M., 14, Calvin, 13, and Teaser, 12; and grandchildren Archy L., 3, and Lillian, 1.

The obituary of Annie Mariah Artis Darden of Mount Vernon, New York.

Mount Vernon (N.Y.) Argus, 7 June 1971.

——

  • John D. Artis and Sarah Ward Artis

In the 1870 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farm laborer Nathan Ward, 46; wife Mariah, 26; and children Sarah, 15, Scott, 13, Waltin, 10, Larrence, 5, and Ida, 2; plus Lydia Moye, 58.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: farmer Nathan Ward, 56; wife Maria, 47; children Sarah, 24, Austin, 18, Laurena, 14, Ida, 12, Maria, 9, Ora, 7, Douglas, 5, Columbus, 4, and Elijah, 1; and mother-in-law Liddia Moye, 66.

On 17 July 1890, John D. Artis, 28, of Stantonsburg, son of Joseph and Mary Ann Artis, married Sarah Ward, 34, of Stantonsburg, daughter of Nathan and Mariah Ward, at Sarah Ward’s. Methodist minister Rev. A.T. Dove performed the ceremony in the presence of George N. Applewhite, Mary J. Ward, and W.E. Ward.

In the 1900 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C.: farmer John Artis, 35; wife Sarah, 35; and daughters Ida, 17, Mariah, 11, and Ora, 8.

John Artis died 16 September 1927 in Wilson, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 65 years old; was born in Wayne County, N.C., to Joe Artis; was married to John Artis; was a farmer; and was buried in Wilson County. James Ward was informant.

In the 1920 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C.: farmer John Artis, 56; wife Sarah, 60; and grandson John, 14.

Ora Speights died 15 April 1939 in Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C. Per her death certificate, she was born 10 January 1893 in Greene County, N.C., in John Artis and Sarah Ward; was married to Charlie Speights; and was buried in Greene County.

  • Annie Mariah Artis Darden

In the 1900 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C.: farmer John Artis, 35; wife Sarah, 35; and daughters Ida, 17, Mariah, 11, and Ora, 8.

On 2 May 1909, Jim Hagans, 22, of Saratoga, son of Dred and Mamie Hagans, married Maria Artis, 19, of Saratoga, daughter of John and Sarah Artis, at John Artis’ residence in Saratoga township, Wilson County. A.M.E. Zion minister G.A. Wood performed the ceremony.

On 16 December 1911, Jesse Darden and Maria Hagans were married in Greene County.

In the 1920 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: farm Jeffie Darden, 25; wife Mariah, 28; children Ada Belle, 6, Effie, 4, and Lawrence, 6 months; and cousin Tom Ward, 20.

In the 1930 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: Jessie Darden, 35; wife Maria, 38; and children Ada B., 16, Effie, 14, Lawrence, 10, Charlie, 8, Nathan, 6, Sarah, 5, and Annie, 3.

 

Dr. Ward, surely the earliest Wilson native to pledge Kappa.

A 1934 Pittsburgh Courier article reporting a Kappa event at Tuskegee Institute. Dr. Joseph H. Ward who was inducted into the Indianapolis, Indiana, graduate chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi (Kappa Alpha Nu) in 1913, was director of the Veterans Hospital at Tuskegee at the time.

Col. Joseph H. Ward, M.D.

Photo courtesy of W.M. Moseley.

The apprenticeship of the Beaman siblings, Patrick, 8, Lydia, 9, Jennie, 10, and Chloe, 15.

On 16 March 1871, a Wilson County Probate Court judge ordered eight year-old Patrick Beaman, 8, Lydia Beaman, 9, Jennie Beaman, 10, and Chloe Beaman, 15, bound as apprentices to Lawrence Ward until the girls reached 18 and the boys reached 21  years of age. He was to be trained for farmwork.

The Beamon children, then using the surname Pope, were living in Lawrence Ward’s household before they were formally apprenticed.

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Larrence Ward, 25; wife Mary, 20; and daughter Mary A., 3; plus Chloie, 14, Jenny, 11, Lydia, 10, and Patrick Pope, 7; and Sophia Ward, 48.

Wilson County Apprentice Bonds 1869-1914, database at https://familysearch.org.

In memoriam: Sgt. Anthony M. Hopkins.

A spur-of-the-moment search of The New York Times yielded the obituary of Wilson native Anthony M. Hopkins, a decorated war veteran. He was one of the more than 200,000 Americans to die of COVID in the first seven months of the pandemic. The Times featured Hopkins’ death in its “Those We’ve Lost” series, which profiled more than 500 people, both famous and ordinary, who succumbed to the disease.

Anthony Hopkins’ paternal grandparents, Jason and Catherine Bryant Hopkins, arrived in Wilson County in the early 1920s from Pitt County by way of Greene County. They settled in Gardners township and worked as sharecroppers or tenant farmers. His maternal grandparents, James and Addie Tart Ward, had deep roots in the area of the Wilson and Greene County border between present-day Saratoga, Stantonsburg, and Walstonburg.

  • Jason Hopkins and Catherine Bryant Hopkins Brown

Jason Hopkins died 25 March 1929 in Wilson [Mercy] Hospital. Per his death certificate, he was 41 years old; was born in Pitt County to Luke and Dollie Hopkins; was married to Catherine Hopkins; was a preacher; and was buried in Jones Field, Wilson County.

In the 1930 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Kathrine Hopkins, 37; children James C., 12, Irena, 10, Octavia, 9, Jason Jr., 8, Etter C., 7, and Mattie, 3; and roomer [illegible] Bryant, 26.

In the 1940 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer Becton Brown, 47; wife Katherine, 47; his children George, 22, Edrine, 20, Millie, 18, May E., 16, B.K., 15, Collie, 13, and Wittonia Brown, 11; and step-children Irene, 21, Octavia, 20, Jason, 19, Ophelia, 17, and Mattie Hopkins, 14.

In 1942, Jason Hopkins registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 29 April 1921 in Greene County; lived at R.F.D. #3, Gardners township; his contact was mother Cassie Brown; and he worked for Pattie W. Uzzell in Wilson.

On 6 March 1946, Jason Hopkins, 24, son of Jason Hopkins and Catherine Bryant Hopkins, married Minnie Lou Ward, 19, daughter of James and Addie Tart Ward, in Wilson County.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 522 Hadley Street, Jason Hopkins, 28, serviceman at auto sales/service; wife Minnie, 23; and children Jason III, 3, Thomas L., 1, and Anthony M., born the previous September.

Jason Hopkins Jr. died 31 May 1969 in Norfolk, Virginia. Per his death certificate, he was born 29 April 1921 in Wilson, N.C., to Jason Hopkins Sr. and Catherine Bryant; was married to Minnie Lea Hopkins; worked as a laborer; and was a World War II veteran.

Minnie Lee W. Hopkins, 716 Hooks Street, Wilson, applied for a military headstone for her husband Jason Hopkins. Per the application, he was born 29 April 1921 and died 31 May 1969 and served from 10 October 1942 to 14 December 1945 in the 647th Port Company.

Minnie Lea Hopkins died 28 February 2013.

  • James Ward and Addie Tart Ward

On __ January 1899, James Ward, 18, of Greene County, son of Larance Ward and Sarah [Ward] Artis, married Mit Ellis, 21, of Greene County, daughter of Jacob Ellis, in Greene County, N.C.

In the 1900 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: James Ward, 20, day laborer; wife Mitt, 20; and son Nathan, 1. Two households down: widow Sarah Ward, 43, and children Walter, 14, Bessie, 12, and Etta, 9, all day laborers.

On 13 June 1909, James Wood [sic; Ward], 28, of Stantonsburg, married Addie Ward [sic; Tart], 19, of Saratoga, in Saratoga township, Wilson County.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: on Stantonsburg Road, farmer James Ward, 29; wife Addie, 20; and children Jim, 9, Sarah, 8, Tiny, 5, Mary E., 4, and Maggie, newborn.

In 1918, James Ward registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 15 October 1879; lived at Route 2, Stantonsburg; farmed for Charlie Whitley; and his nearest relative was Addie Ward.

In the 1920 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer James Ward, 40; wife Addie, 29; and children Maliza, 14, Maggie, 10, Ozee, 8, Ida, 6, Joseph, 4, and Ora, 4.

In the 1930 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer James Ward, 50; wife Addie, 39; children Maggie, 19, Oz, 17, Ida, 16, Joseph, 15, Ora, 12, Bourgard, 11, Charlie, 8, Leland, 5, Minnie L., 3, and Annie M., 0; and mother Sarah Ward, 72, widow.

In the 1940 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer James Ward, 58; wife Addie, 46; children Ida, 24, Charles, 18, Leland, 14, Minnie, 13, Annie, 10, Molena, 5, and Beauregard, 20; daughter-in-law Bertha Lee, 20; and grandson John Lewis Barnes, 9.

Addie Ward died 21 July 1943 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 2 January 1893 in Greene County to Gray Tart and Mittie Ward, both of Greene County; was married to James Ward; and was buried in Community Cemetery, Greene County.

James Ward Sr. died 11 November 1944 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 12 October 1882 in Wilson County to Lawrence Ward and Sarah Artis; was the widower of Addie Ward; was a farmer; and was buried Saint Delight cemetery, Greene County, N.C.

In memoriam: Doris Lula Henderson Ward (1930-2025).

On 21 January 2025, Doris Lula Henderson Ward passed peacefully at her home in Wilson. She was 94 years old. Cousin Doris was the last surviving child of Jack Henderson and Pauline Artis Henderson.

In this photograph taken at my uncle Jesse A. Henderson‘s funeral in August 2005, Cousin Doris is fourth from right. With her passing, only the bookends remain. Rest in peace, Cousin Doris.

Cousins Hattie Henderson Ellis, Rederick C. Henderson, James Beasley, Mildred Henderson Hall, Doris Holt Beasley, Doris Henderson Ward, Louise Holt Tisdale, Margaret Holt Brown, Barbara Hall Jones.

——

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, 4.

Around 1945, Doris Henderson married Thomas Person Ward, who would go on to become a legendary gospel music disc jockey, promoter, and recording artist, as well as general manager of Wilson’s AM radio station WGTM.

In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 707 East Vance, Thomas Ward, 25, shoeshine boy at barbershop; wife Doris, 21; and children Doris Lee, 5, Merl, 4, and Purline, 1.

Doris H. Ward is survived by her children Doris Lee Ward Wilkins, Mary Lee Ward Miller, Thomas P. Ward Jr., James F. Ward, and Ray A. Ward, and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her husband and daughter Pearline Ward Hardy are deceased.

Top photo borrowed from obituary; bottom photo in collection of Lisa Y. Henderson.

The estates of Aaron Ward, Aaron Ruffin, and Warren Ward. (And a raised eyebrow.)

In 1883, the Clerk of Wilson County Superior Court served notice on Dr. David G.W. Ward to make settlements in the estates of three African-American men for whom he served as administrator. The estates were tiny and should have been handled quickly and simply, but Ward apparently had failed to tie up the matters. In response, Ward asserted that none of the estates had assets sufficient to pay his claims as administrator and asked to be released from his duties.

Under state law, estate administrators were entitled to a small percentage of the value of the estate as compensation. Not uncommonly, of their volition or under pressure, poor or unlettered people signed over administration rights to people who better understood the probate process. However, Aaron Ward, Warren Ward, and Aaron Ruffin were landless farmers whose estates ordinarily would not have gone through probate at all. Their families would have simply divided up their personal property, paid off sharecropping or rent obligations, and gone on with life.

How did Dr. Ward come to be involved in these matters? Did he have a prior relationship with the families? Ward owned more than a thousand acres straddling the Wilson and Greene County lines and enslaved dozens before the Civil War. Warren Ward is listed near him in the 1870 and 1880 censuses. Aaron Ward named a son Wyatt, as had D.G.W. Ward, who named his son after his close associate Wyatt Moye, former sheriff, county founder, and slave trader. Had Dr. Ward enslaved these men? Did he leverage his prior command over their lives to urge their families into legal proceedings that allowed him to pick over their meager assets?

In February 1875, Cherry Ward signed over rights of administration to her husband Aaron Ward’s estate, and D.G.W. Ward was appointed administrator after posting bond with his business partner Francis Marion Moye. Ward reported to a Probate Court judge that Aaron Ward had died without a will; that his estate was worth about $500; and his heirs were his widow and children Green, Hannah, Wyatt, Nathan, Jesse, Merriman [Marion], and Adril [Aaron]. The document above is found in Aaron Ward’s estate file — eight years after his death. There is no document showing distribution of his assets to his heirs.

In March 1878, after widow Rachael Ruffin signed over rights of administration, D.G.W. Ward reported to a Probate Court judge that Aaron Ruffin had died without a will; that his estate was worth about $300; and his heirs were Dallas Ruffin, Clara Lane, Mary Artis, Jane Thompson, and, crossed through, Warren Ward. (He did not list widow Rachael Ruffin.) Shortly after, Ward requested and was granted permission to sell Ruffin’s personal property for cash. Ruffin’s estate file contains no record of a final settlement for his heirs.

On 1 February 1881, Sarah Ward relinquished her right to administer her late husband Warren Ward‘s estate and “recommend[ed] D.G.W. Ward as a suitable person to take the same.” Dr. Ward was duly appointed and posted notices to Warren’s debtors and creditors at two general stores in Stantonsburg, Ward & Moye [his business with F.M. Moye] and D. Hill & Company.

Court-appointed commissioners assessed Warren Ward’s property and allotted his widow 200 pounds of bacon and ten barrels of corn. He had no land. Ward’s estate file contains no record of a final settlement with his heirs.

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  • Aaron Ward

In 1866, Aron Ward and Cherry Moye registered their ten-year cohabitation with a Wilson County justice of the peace.

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farm laborer Aaron Ward, 46; wife Cherry, 30; and children Green, 12, Wyatt, 11, Hannah, 8, Nathaniel, 4, Jesse, 3, and Marion, 2.

In the 1880 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Cherry Ward, 40; sons Green, 21, Warot, 18, Nathan, 13, Jessie, 12, Marion, 9, and Aaron, 6; and grandson Edward White, 2.

On 17 February 1880, Hannah Ward, 18, and Warren Barnes, 20, applied for a marriage license, but did not complete or return the document.

On 14 January 1881, Green Ward, 24, son of Warren [sic] and Cherry Ward, married Hattie Kornegay, 23, daughter of Robert and Kezy Kornegay, in Swift Creek township, Pitt County, N.C.

On 5 October 1882, Wyatt Ward, 22, son of Aaron and Cherry Ward, married Kisire Kornega, 21, daughter of Robert and Kisire Kornega, in Saratoga township, Wilson County.

On 29 December 1889, Wyatt Ward, 28, of Saratoga township, son of Aaron and Cherry Ward, married Emma Aycock, 19, of Saratoga township, daughter of Sam and Jane Aycock, in Saratoga township, Wilson County.

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Wyatt Ward, 37; wife Emma, 37; and children Jesse, 17, Georgianna, 13, John, 9, William, 7, and Hattie, 5.

In the 1900 census of Williams township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: farmer Green Ward, 49; wife Hattie, 50; daughters Marion, 15, Ada, 13, Hattie, 11, Cora, 9, Blanchie, 8, Sallie, 5, Birtha, 3, and Minie, 3 months; and mother Cherry, 75, nursing.

In the 1910 census of Williams township, Lonoke County, Arkansas: farmer Green Ward, 51; wife Hattie, 51; and daughters Cora, 17, Sallie, 13, Bertha, 12, and Minnie, 8.

Wyatt Ward died 6 September 1922 in Saratoga township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was 55 years old; was born in Wilson County to Aaron Ward; was married to Ann Ward; and was a farmer. Jesse Ward was informant.

  • Warren Ward

In the 1870 census of Speights Bridge township, Greene County: Warren Ward, 38, farm laborer; wife Sarah, 45; son Larance, 10; and Thomas Holoway, 21.

In the 1880 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Warren Ward, 53, farmer; wife Sarah, 52, washing; and Manda, 8, Henry, 7, and Lawrence, 19.

  • Aaron Ruffin

I have not found Aaron Ruffin’s family.

Estate Files of Aaron Ward (1875), Aaron Ruffin (1878), and Warren Ward (1881), North Carolina Wills and Probate Records 1665-1998, [database on-line] http://www.ancestry.com.

An inquiry into the murder of Dave Hagans.

An argument among Etheldred Hagans‘ children precipitated the stabbing death of one by an intervening neighbor. The transcripts of witnesses at the coroner’s inquest into David Hagans‘ murder:

John Lancaster — I was at old man Hagans. Jim Hagan cussed sister said didnt have enough to eat cooked younger brother took it up. Jim said he was drunk & wouldnt notice it. Dave took it up but I got him out doors. Then Dave went back & I went back. Dave said to father you going to let Louis run over every body here. Louis said G- D- he wont going to let Jim run over him that he (Jim) lay around & wouldnt work but wanted to boss. Jim didn’t notice Louis. John Summerlin had hold of Jim to keep him from fighting. Dave ran at me and said G- D- I am a man. I pushed Dave off from me & he run over to corner where John & Dave were. Dave struck John & John said I aint doing anything but trying to keep them apart. Then I pushed Dave one way & John the other & got John out the door. Then Warren Ward & Jim sisters & I were standing out at the wagon shelter 25 yds from house. I hear chairs falling & signs of scuffling in the house. Warren said John don’t let this girl go back in the house I am going back in there. I tried to hold her but she broke away from me crying & ran back into the house. Warren went back in the house & I followed Geneva & she was in the midst of the fighting trying to part them. They were using their fists fighting. Dave, Jim & old man Dred & Louis Hagan were all fighting. Then I left & got with Jim Ellis & Oscar Ellis & Willie Pittman who were outside the house & started down the road then Warren Ward ran out of the house & asked me to go back & get his hat said Dave struck me three licks on the face but I am satisfied I had him to kill. Then we went on up to the store. Last year Dave & Warren got in some trouble last year at Saratoga had fist fight. I started to Pittmans store after leaving house but didnt get there some said Dave was hurt so I went back had been gone about ten or twelve minutes when I got back they had Dave on a buggy.   John X Lancaster

Jim Hagan — When I went to supper I got after Geneva my sister for not staying home and cooking enough supper. Louis my brother who was in the next room & drunk said to me Jim G- D- you ought not to be here cussing Geneva. I went in the kitchen & the others went in the house. After we got back in the house Jim was jumping around cursing I told him he was drunk & I wouldnt notice him. Dave Hagan my brother said Jim if I was staying here like you I wouldn’t let Louis curse me like that Warren Ward came in & said Dave if you & Jim get 21 years old leave home because liable to have trouble. & I told him Geneva was young & I was tending a crop there & had a right to tell her what to do. John Summerlin came in & all were talking all were drinking. Dave told Louis if he had cursed him like he had cursed Jim he would beat H-ll out of him. John Summerlin said no Dave you wont do any such D- thing. Dave said John you aint got a D- thing to do with it & Dave & John ran together & grappled. Old man Dred & Tom & me we got in there & tried push them out the door. Oscar Ellis got John Summerlin out of the house & down the road. Then everything quieted then Dave & Louis got to quarreling again & Warren Ward ran in there & said Dave G- D- you shan’t run over Louis. Dave said to Warren you aint got a G.D. thing to do with it then he & Warren ran together. I ran up to them & said you aint going to have any trouble here. Then I ran into the next room & got my pistol off the organ & before I got back Warren ran out the door. Dave was cursing about how old man Dred let Louis do as he pleased. We talked about 5 min. Dave went out the door I heard him curse & then heard the licks being passed in a fight. Then I ran to the door & Dave said Jim G.D. Warren has cut me & fell on his knees. I jumped down & ran after Warren but he got away. Before I got to the door & I heard fighting both were cursing & I recognized Warrens voice & knew who was fighting with Dave. Before I got my pistol & when Warren & Dave ran together in the house Warren had his knife open in his hand. I took Dave & carried him to the house. I then hitched up & took Dave over to John Lancasters house & went to John Rogers John Rogers got up & came with me to John Lancasters & sent me for Dr Crocker & before I got back I [met] Albert Ward & he told me Dave was dead. When I took him in the house he was bleeding from both arms. Warren & Dave last summer had fight at Saratoga. Warren owed Dave some money didnt speak till 2 months after when both joined same society but wont on good terms This happened about 8 o’clock last night. Jim X Hagan

Aaron Cameron — When Jim & Louis were quarreling Louis got two butcher knives after him. They quarreled a while & Dave got in it. Then old man Dred got in it after a while John Lancaster & I left & heard a gun shot back of the house. Then Warren come running as hard as he could. Warren said that Dave had beat him in a fist fight but he was satisfied now. Then asked us to go back and get his cap. We went back & Louis said Dave was cut. When they were quarreling in the house old man got his gun & said if they were going to take his house he would get out & he went out in the field.  Aaron X Cameron

Dred Hagan testified same as others. Warren & Dave were pushing when I went out. I didnt see any knife & heard no threats. I went out in the field. I shot the gun but not towards the house & the crowd scattered.  Dred X Hagan

We the Coroners Jury find that Dave Hagans came to his death from being cut with a knife in the hands of Warren Ward and the cutting was felonious.

R.E. Bynum, Stephen Craft, J.H. Gar[illegible], J.B. Walston, W.J. Mercer Jr., J.I. Rodgers, W.H. Anderson Coroner

——

Charlotte Observer, 16 May 1908.

[Sidenote: Though their content is heavy and violent, transcripts from coroner’s inquests provide unique windows into family and social interaction in late 19th and early century Wilson County. They also allow us to “hear” the speech of Black men and women of the era. I was struck here by the use of “wont” in John Lancaster and Jim Hagans’ testimony. Pronounced with a long o like “won’t,” this is a common rendering of “wasn’t” in eastern North Carolina dialect even to this day. Until my roommate my freshman year at Carolina — she was from Shelby, in the western Piedmont — queried me about it, I had not paid attention to my own usage of the word.]

——

  • Dred Hagans and his children David, Jim, Lewis, and Geneva Hagans

In the 1870 census of Oldfields township, Wilson County: farm laborer Wilson Hagans, 62; wife Rodah, 50; sons James, 14, David, 9, and Etheldred, 7; and farm laborer Delphi Locus, 24.

On 17 February 1884, Dred Hagans, 23, married Martha Speight, 21, at Seth H. Tyson’s in Saratoga, Wilson County.

On 21 February 1900, Dred Hagan, 38, of Saratoga township, married Correnia Artis, 23, at Robert Ellis’ farm, Saratoga township. Seventh-Day Adventist minister Thomas H. Moore performed the ceremony in the presence of Effie Artis, Susan Rodgers, and Henry Bailey.

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer David [sic] Hagans, 40, and children Corinna, 24, Dave, 16, Jim, 15, Martha, 13, Lewis, 11, Geneva, 9, and Charley, 7.

On 7 January 1904, David Hagans, 21, of Saratoga township, son of Dred Hagans, married Almena Ellis, 20, of Saratoga township, daughter of Oscar Ellis, at Eason Brothers Store in Saratoga. Falcon Ellis applied for the license.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Dred Hagins, 49, and children Louis, 19, Geneva, 18, and Charlie, 16, as well as Hilliard Wootern 20, servant.

On 2 May 1909, Jim Hagans, 22, of Saratoga township, son of Dred and Mattie Hagans, married Maria Artis, 19, of Saratoga township, daughter of John and Sarah Artis, at John Artis’ in Saratoga township. A.M.E. Zion minister G.A. Wood performed the ceremony in the presence of Frank C. Ellis, Tom Speight, and A.A. Maron.

On 10 January 1912, Aaron Applewhite, 22, of Saratoga township, son of Warren and Delpha Applewhite, married Jeneva Hagans, 18, of Saratoga township, daughter of Dred Hagans. A.M.E. Zion minister G.A. Wood performed the ceremony at Dred Hagans’ house in the presence of

On 13 January 1923, Louis Hagans, 30, of Saratoga township, son of Dred Hagans and Martha [no maiden name], married Louisa Edwards, 23, of Saratoga township, daughter of Aaron and Katie Edwards, in Wilson.

Dred Hagans died 6 June 1927 in Speights Bridge township, Greene County, N.C. Per his death certificate, he was 73 years old; was born in Wilson County to Wilson Hagens; was the widower of Mathua Hagen’s; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Harrin Cemetery, Greene County. Louis Hagans, Walstonburg, was informant.

Louis Hagans died 28 January 1949 at Mercy Hospital, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 28 August 1890 in Wilson County to Dread Hagans and Martha Speight; lived near Walstonburg, in Wilson County; was the widower of Daisy Hagans; worked as a farmer; and was buried in Saint Delight Cemetery, Greene County. Louis Hagans Jr. was informant.

  • John Lancaster
  • John Summerlin

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farmer Nelson Sumlin, 41; wife Anna, 36; and children John, 13, Ben, 10, Laura, 8, and Bud, 4.

In the 1910 census of Gardners township, Wilson County: farmer John Sumlin, 22, and wife Ruth, 18.

In 1917, Jno. Summerlin registered for the World War I draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 19 August 1888 in Wilson County; lived near Elm City; farmed for James Bass; and supported a wife and four children. He signed his name “John Sumlin.”

In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer John Sumerline, 33; wife Ruth, 27; and children Adell, 8, Nora, 7, Leslie, 4, and Margaret, 3.

In the 1930 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County, North Carolina: John Sumlin, 43; with Ruth, 37; and children Elnora, 16, Marvis, 14, Lossie, 13, John B. Jr., 12, Almena, 10, and Izell, 6.

John Sumlin died 6 March 1939 in Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County. Per his death certificate, he was born 19 August 1888 in Wilson County to Nelson Sumlin of Warrington [Warrenton], N.C. and Anna Eliza Hudson of Conetoe, N.C.; was married to Ruth Sumlin; worked as a day laborer at a factory; and was buried in Wilson County.

  • Warren Ward

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Scott Ward, 48; wife Tinie, 45; and children Nathan, 24, Scott, 19, Warren, 17, Frances, 14, George, 11, Manda, 9, and Mary, 5.

  • Albert Ward

Possibly, in the 1920 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: Albert Ward, 30, cropper; wife Ella, 25; and sons Willie, 4, and Robert, 11 months.

  • Aaron Cameron
  • Jim Ellis

In the 1900 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lue Ellis, 55, and children Alvenia, 14, Jim, 14, Oscar, 12, and Lue, 1 month.

In the 1910 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: Lou Ellis, 45, widow, children James, 22, Oscar, 20, and Elijah, 6; Louvenia Hagans, 5; Isaac Ward, 24; and Fannie Mitchell, 39. [Louvenia Jones died 6 June 1927 in Stantonsburg township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was 22 years old; was born in Wilson County to Dave Hagans and Almeta Ellis; was married to Roscoe Jones; and was buried in Bethel Cemetery. Oscar Ellis was informant.]

Coroner’s Inquests (1908), Miscellaneous Records, Wilson County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

The Henry and Sarah Forbes Ward family of North Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, and Colorado.

Wilson native Joseph H. Ward, who left home in his teens, arrived in Indiana circa 18xx after working in Kinston, North Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia. His uncle, Henry Ward, preceded him to Indianapolis and may have been the future Dr. Ward’s draw to that midwestern state.

I’ve talked about two of Henry Ward’s daughters, Nora Ward Goens and Mattie Ward Robinson, so let’s round out the family.

——

  • Henry and Sarah Forbes Ward

On 16 June 1870, Henry Ward, son of D.G.W. Ward and Sarah Darden, married Sarah Forbes, daughter of Henry Forbes, in Wilson. Rev. L. Moye performed the ceremony at a M.E. Zion church.

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Henry Ward, 21, and wife Sallie, 19, next door to Henry Forbes, 48, domestic servant, wife Louise, 43, children Charles, 15, Georgiana, 21, and John, 21, and Patsey Forbes, 70.

In the 1880 census of Wilson, Wilson County: plow shop worker Henry Ward, 27, wife Sarah, 28, and children Walter, 9, Manora, 7, Lilly, 5, Claudius, 3, and Addie, 1.

The Wards left Wilson in the mid-1880s and apparently migrated first to Indianapolis. During that time, Henry Ward transformed himself from farm laborer and plow shop worker to Baptist minister. [Henry Ward’s name undergoes several adjustments, too, with “Henry” being the only constant. Over the next twenty or so years, he appears in records as Edward H., E. Henry, B.H., C.H., and Edwin H. Ward.]

Perhaps, in the 1888 Indianapolis city directory: Ward Edward H Rev pastor Reid St Baptist church, res rear 18 Bismarck, and in the 1889 directory: Ward Edward H Rev pastor Reid St Baptist church, res rear 56 Meek

In the 1890 Indianapolis city directory: Ward Henry Rev h 47 Hosbrook; also, Ward Edward H clk Koch & Ruske h 47 Holbrook [is this the same person?]. Also, Ward Walter lab h 228 Hosbrook. [And Ward Joseph servant 291 W Michigan, who appears to be the future Dr. Joseph H. Ward.]

In the 1893 Indianapolis city directory: Ward E Henry Rev h 247 W Ohio

On 6 February 1894, Nora Ward, 21, daughter of B.H. Ward and Sallie Forbes, married Eugene Goins, 22, son of Lewis Goins and Edna Martin, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

By 1899, the Wards had moved south to Nashville.

In the 1899 Nashville, Tennessee, city directory: Ward Edward H Rev (c) pastor Summit Street Baptist Church h 637 Woods

In the 1900 Nashville, Tennessee, city directory: Ward Edward H Rev (c) pastor Summit Street Baptist Church h 610 Lea av

In the 1900 census of Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee: at 527 High Street, minister Edwin H. Ward, 44; wife Sallie, 43; and daughters Adelia, 20, seamstress, and Mattie, 16.

Mattie L. Robinson died 12 March 1921 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Per her death certificate, she was born 16 September 1884 in Wilson, N.C., to Henry Ward and Sallie Forbes; was married to J.W. Robinson; and was buried in Springhill Cemetery, Danville.

I’ve found nothing further on Edwin, Sarah “Sallie,” or Adelia “Addie” Ward.

  • Walter Ward

On 24 February 1897, Walter D. Ward, 26, born in North Carolina, son of E.H. Ward and Sallie Forbs, married Clara Lewis, 25, born in Indiana, daughter of R. Lewis and Lizzie [maiden name not listed.]

In the 1900 census of Manitou, El Paso County, Colorado: barber Walter Ward, 29, born in North Carolina, and wife Clara, 28, born in Indiana. Also, in the same census: W.D. Ward, 29, born in North Carolina, married, hotel bell boy.

Colorado Springs Gazette, 26 August 1904.

On 15 November 1904, Walter Ward and Clara Ward were divorced in El Paso County, Colorado.

Colorado Springs Gazette, 16 November 1904.

In the 1910 census of Manitou, El Paso County, Colorado: servant Walter Ward, 38, barber, in hotel on Canon Avenue.

Cliff House is still receiving guests in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Photo at Wikipedia, courtesy of Susie T. 

In the 1920 census of Denver, Denver County, Colorado: at 2941 California Street, Walter D. Ward, 44, porter in plumber’s shop, and wife Mallie, 32, laundress.

Walter Ward and Mallie Ward were divorced 10 December 1920 in Denver, Colorado.

  • Lillian Ward Gentry

On 20 September 1895, Lillian Ward, 22, born in North Carolina, daughter of C.H. Ward and Sally [no maiden name], married Leslie Gentry, 22, born in Kentucky, son of R. Gentry and Dealy Cericke, in Marion County, Indiana.

Indianapolis Journal, 21 November 1895.

I’ve found nothing further on Lillian Ward Gentry.

  • Henry and Louise Forbes Ward

In the 1870 census of Wilson township, Wilson County: farm laborer Henry Ward, 21, and wife Sallie, 19, next door to Henry Forbes, 48, domestic servant, wife Louise, 43, children Charles, 15, Georgiana, 21, and John, 21, and Patsey Forbes, 70.

I have not found the Forbes family in the 1880 census. Based on city directories, however, widow Louise Forbes and her sons migrated to Indianapolis about 1889.

In the 1890 Indianapolis, Indiana, city directory: Forbes Louise (widow Henry) h 225 Huron. Louise Forbes appears in city directories throughout the 1890s, as do her sons Charles C. Forbes and George Forbes.

In the 1900 census of Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana: at 508 Minerva, Louezer Forbes, 77; sons Charles, 45, and George A., 39, day laborers; and great-grandson Claude, 7.

In the 1910 census of Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana: at 512 Minerva, Louise Forbes, 87, and sons George, 61, and Charlie, 53, laborers on public buildings.

In the 1920 census of Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana: at 542 Minerva, Charles Forbes, 65, lodger, laborer on city streets.

Charles Forbes died 26 May 1930 in the Marion County Home, Indianapolis, Indiana. Per his death certificate, he was 76 years old; was white [sic]; and was born in North Carolina to Henry Forbes and Lucile Richardson.