Estate of Solomon Williams.
by Lisa Y. Henderson
Vicey Artis, a free woman of color, and Solomon Williams, a slave, had eleven children together — Zilpha Artis Wilson, Adam Toussaint Artis, Jane Artis Artis, Loumiza Artis Artis, Charity Artis, Lewis Artis, Jonah Williams, Jethro Artis, Jesse Artis, Richard Artis and Delilah Williams Exum — before they were able to marry legally. On 31 August 1866, they registered their 35-year cohabitation in Wayne County. Vicey died soon after, but Solomon lived until 1883. The document above, listing his and Vicey’s six surviving children and heirs of their deceased children, is found among his estate papers, now held at the North Carolina State Archives.
In the 1850 census of Bull Head district, Greene County, Vicy Artess is listed with children Zilpha, Louis, Jonah, Jethro, and Richard Artess. Next door, her and Solomon’s children Adam, Charity and Jane appear in the household of Silas Bryant, to whom they apparently were apprenticed.
[…] Adam T. Artis. Died 10 Feb 1919, Nahunta, Wayne County. Colored. Married. Born 19 Jul 1831. Farmer. Parents unknown. Buried in Artis graveyard. Informant, Frank Reid. […]
[…] the 1850 census of Bull Head, Greene County: Vicy Artess with children Zilpha, Louis, Jonah, Jethro, and Richard Artis. Next door, Vicey’s children […]
[…] and they promised to do so. Tom Franks testified that “Pole was a first-rate business man.” Jonah Williams, Adam Artis’ brother, testified that he borrowed money from Napoleon to open a brickyard in the […]
[…] Jonah Williams of Wilson filled his regular appointment at Turners Swamp last […]
Omg I just found my great grandfather Jesse Artist or Artess. He was sold off to a planter who’s last name was Woodard giving my grand father his last name Johnny Woodard died 1936. My father was Chester Woodard born August 1915 died august 1978. My dad named.me Johnny Woodard Wow I always heard the artist were freemen. I guess they had it somwhat right. Jess’s mom was free My sweet great great grand parents god bless them all and my decendents
Hey, Johnny K! It’s been a long time. 🙂 I’m pretty sure your Jesse Artis is different from the one who was the son of Solomon Williams. Send me your email address, and I’ll send you what I know of your Artises. Take care. — Lisa H.