He is supposed to be lurking.
by Lisa Y. Henderson
$25 Reward.
RANAWAY from the Subscriber, on the 1st day of last July, my negro man JACKSON, aged about 25 years, light complected, 6 feet 3 or 4 inches in height, weighing about 165 pounds – the little toe of his right foot is off, and the middle finger on one of his hands is crooked and stiff in the first joint. He is supposed to be lurking in Nash county, near Vicksville, with a free mulatto woman named Mary Locust. The above reward will be given for the apprehension of Jackson, if confined in any jail so that I get him again, or if delivered to me, in Edgecombe county, near Upper Town Creek meeting house. All persons are forbid harboring, or carrying off said negro under penalty of the law. JAMES J. TAYLOR. August 17, 1844.
Tarboro Press, 5 Oct 1844.
Fourth Generation Inclusive 
My maternal 2nd great grandmother was Mary Ann Locust (Locus, Lucas) from Nash County!!! This story is not about her, though, because she was not born until 1847
The Locuses were the largest free family of color in Nash County in the antebellum period, so there are bound to be some repeated names. Who were your Mary Ann’s parents?
Mary Ann was the daughter of Charity Locust and Boston Battle. She was married to Pierce Jones, son of Violet Jones. They were all from Nash County.
Have you seen my Wright Locust post?!? He was Charity Locust Battle’s uncle! There’s a wealth of family info in his estate papers.
No, but I’m going to find it now. Thank you so much!!!