April | 2013 | Fourth Generation Inclusive

April 30, 2013

Free-Issue Death Certificates: BLANKS.

Margreat Corbit. Died 26 October 1919, Carver Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Married. Age 59. Born NC to James Bowen and Easter Blanks. Buried Graham Chapel. Informant, Nead Bowen.

Cathrin Blanks. Died 25 February 1918, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Widowed. Born Bladen County to James Bowen and Easter Blanks. Buried Graham Chapel. Informant, Jonah Dickson, East Arcadia.

In the 1860 census of West Brook, Bladen County: Jas. Boon, 34, carpenter, wife Esther, 24, and children James, 10, Mary M. 8, G.F., 7, Catharine, 5, W.G., 4, Eddy, 2, and Sarah, 2 months.

Cathron Blanks. Died 8 November 1924, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Widow. About 88 years old. Born Bladen County to Mike Lacewell and Betcy Blanks. Buried Graham Chapel. Informant, G.H. Graham, Acme NC.

Jacob Luther Lacewell. Died 15 December 1938, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Negro. Widower of Harriet Ann Lacewell. Farmer. Born 20 May 1848, East Arcadia, to Mike Lacewell and Betsey Blanks, both of East Arcadia. Buried at Grahams Chapel. Informant, Clifford Graham.

In the 1860 census of West Brook, Bladen County: Mike Lacewell, 54, cooper, wife Betsy, 35, and children Catharine, 19, Stephen, 16, Hannah, 14, John, 11, James, 5, and Jacob Lacewell, 2.

Silvester Blanks. Died 30 January 1922, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Negro. Married. Farmer. Born 14 February 1834, Carvers Creek, to Mike Blanks and [blank] Freeman, both of Bladen County. Buried Grahams Chapel, Informant, Salter Blanks.

Saulter Blanks. Died 17 February 1925, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Farmer. Married to Catherine Blanks. Born 29 January 1837 in Bladen County to Mike Blanks and Edieth Freeman, both of Bladen. Buried Graham Chapel. Informant, J.W. Brown.

Angeline Butts. Died 3 December 1929, C. Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Married to James Butts. Age 77. Born Bladen County to Mike Blanks and unnamed mother. Buried Graham Chapel. Informant, Sarah Carter.

Edith Simpson. Died 4 August 1921, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Negro. Single. Wife of Scott Simpson. Age 88. Born Bladen County to Mike Blanks of Bladen County and unknown mother of New Hanover County. Buried Grahams Chapel. Informant, Charlie Miller, Acme.

In the 1860 census of West Brook, Bladen County: Emichal Blanks, 60, farmer, with Eady, 35, Caroline, 21, Amlen, 19, Salter, 17, Silvester, 15, Prosper, 13, Angeline, 7, and Eady Blanks, 3. Amlen, Salter, and Silvester worked in turpentine.

Curley Blanks. Died 28 May 1919, Carver Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Married. Born 1845 in NC to James Graham and Winnie Blanks. Buried Graham Chapel. Informant, Joe Graham, East Arcadia.

James T. Graham. Died 18 June 1919, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Married. Farmer. Born in 1850 in NC to James Graham and Winnie Blanks. Buried Graham Chapel. Informant, Richard Graham, East Arcadia.

Joe Graham. Died 24 March 1931, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Negro. Married to Martha Graham. Farmer. Age 75. Born Bladen County to Jim Graham and Winnie Blanks, both of Bladen County. Buried Grahams Chapel. Informant, Albert Graham, Acme.

John Fennell Graham. Died 24 October 1931, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Widower of Amanda Graham. Age 74. Farmer. Born Bladen County to James Graham and Winnie Blanks. Buried Grahams Chapel. Informant, Clifford, Graham, Council NC.

Margaret Lacewell. Died 23 February 1916, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Widow. Born February 1840, Bladen County, to James Graham and Winnie Blanks. Buried Graham Chapel. Informant, J.W. Brown, East Arcadia.

In the 1860 census of West Brook, Bladen County: James Graham, 45, cooper, wife Winney, 33, and children Margaret, 17, Sarah J., 15, Priscilla, 14, Culie, 12, Thomas, 10, George, 9, Rich’d, 6, Joseph, 4, John, 1, and Philip Graham, 2 months.

Samuel Blanks. Died 16 January 1928, Whites Creek, Bladen County. Indian. Farmer. Married to Emeline Blanks. Born 3 April 1833 in NC to Elija Blanks and Emeline Spaulding. Buried Blanks cemetery. Informant, W.J. Blanks, Rosindale NC.

In the 1860 census of West Brook, Bladen County: Elijah Blanks, 52, farmer, wife Elender, 40, and children Samuel, 21, turpentine worker, Abram, 20, farmer, Henry J., 17, farmer, Alfred, 15, farmer, Dennis, 13, Morganer, 9, Gustus, 8, and Elijah Blanks, 5.

May Blanks. Died 28 March 1927, Carvers Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Widow of Armon Blanks. Age 80. Born NC to Henry Bowen and Elizabeth Graham. Buried Grahams Chapel. Informant, A.D. Blanks, Acme.

Mary C. Young. Died 14 August 1918, Carves Creek, Bladen County. Colored. Married. Born 8 February 1859 in Bladen County to Henry Graham and Lucy Blanks. Buried Graham Chapel. Informant, Owen Young, Council.

In the 1860 census of West Brook, Bladen County: Henry Graham, 30, farmer, wife Lucy, 28, and children Wm. J., 5, and M.C. Graham, 1, plus Wm. J. Graham, 21, day laborer.

Please see www.graham-reunion.com for more about the Graham and interrelated free families of color, including Jacobs, Bowen, Freeman, and Blanks; the history of Graham Chapel; and photographs of family members.

Leave a comment

April 30, 2013

W. Frank & Sarah Simmons.

WILLIAM FRANK SIMMONS was the son of Bryant Simmons and Elizabeth Wynn Simmons. SARAH WYNN SIMMONS was likely related to Frank’s mother, but her parentage is not clear. They are buried at First Congregational Church cemetery, Dudley, Wayne County.

Leave a comment

April 29, 2013

From Philadelphia?

Jailor’s Notice.

Taken up on the 25^th of June, 1827, and committed to the Jail of New Hanover county, North Carolina, a negro man, named JAMES ARCHEY, 5 feet 8 inches high, 27 years old, two of his upper front teeth out, and a scar over his right eye. This fellow says that he is free, and that he was born in Philadelphia, and his parents live there. There is but very little doubt that he is a slave, as he can tell but little about Philadelphia, or any part of the North. The owner is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take him away. CHARLES R. MORRIS, Jailor. Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 27, 1827.

Star, Raleigh, 5 February 1829.

Leave a comment

April 29, 2013

Two tracts on Mumford Street.

Washington Winn to Lewis W. Levy.

This Indenture made this 15^th day of November in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and Fifty three between Washington Winn of the County of Wayne in the State of North Carolina of the one part and Lewis W. Levy of the County of Cumberland and State abovesaid of the other part. Witnesseth, that the said Washington Wynn for and in consideration of the sum of twelve hundred Dollars to him in hand paid by the said Lewis W. Levy at and before the sealing and delivering of these presents the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge hath given, granted and bargained, Sold, aliened, remised, released, and confirmed, and doth by these presents, give, grant, bargain and sell, alien, remise, release, and confirm unto the said Lewis W. Levy his heirs & assigns all that tract or parcel of land, situate lying and being in the Town of Fayetteville in the South Side of Mumford Street and Beginning at the North East corner in the margin of Said Street and runs as the said Street about South 70 East to within three feet of Sampsons North West corner in said Street. Thence parallel with said line of Sampsons Lot to within three feet of Sampsons back on South West corner. Thence to a stake within about eight feet of the said Phillis Dennis South East corner of her back lot. Thence to her corner, thence with her line to the beginning corner on the margin of Mumford Street. It being a lot of land Sold by Thomas J. Curtis to Phillis Dennis 13^th Novr 1840 & registered in Book V, No. 2, page 475. Also one other tract of land Beginning at the intersection of Mumford and Robinson Streets on the South side of Mumford Street and runs thence South [illegible] East one chain and (50) fifty two links. Then South [illegible] West two chains & Sixty links to the corner of Lot No. 5. Thence North Seven and half degrees West one chain eighty four links to Robinson Street. Thence at Robinsons Street two chains to the Beginning. Being Lot No. 1 conveyed by Isaac Newberry to Phillis Dennis & Registered in Book K [illegible] 2, page 199. To Have and to Hold the said Land with its appurtenances to the proper use, behoof and benefit of the said Lewis W. Levy his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Washington Wynn for himself and his Heirs, Executors and Administrators doth covenant, promise and agree to and with the said Lewis W. Levy his heirs and assigns, that he the said Lewis W. Levy his heirs and assigns and every of them, shall have hold, occupy, possess and enjoy the said Land, with its appurtenances, without any let, suit, hindrance, molestation or eviction from or by the lawful claim or claims of any person or persons whatsoever, to warrant and forever defend. In testimony Whereof, the said Washington Wynn hath hereunto Set his hand affixed his seal, the day and year first above written. Washington Winn

Sealed and Delivered in Presence of James Banks

State of North Carolina, Cumberland County } April 18^th 1854

Then was this Deed proved before me John McLaurin

Grantee Book 51, p. 542, Register of Deeds Office, Cumberland County Courthouse, Fayettevllle.

Leave a comment

April 29, 2013

Onslow County Bastardy Bonds

Sib Craft named Asa Hammons, 11 October 1815.

Gatsy Dove named Virgil Crawford, 20 July 1846.

Patsy Dove named Hezekiah White, 17 July 1846.

In the 1850 census of Lower Richlands, Onslow County: Patsey, 30, and Esther Dove, 1, in the household of Elijah Murrill.

Elizabeth Griffin named Asa Hammons, 6 February 1826, 5 August 1826 and 2 November 1829.

Mary Whitehurst named [blank], 29 January 1850. James Henderson posted bond.

In the 1850 census of Lower Southwest: James White, 44, “Turp’t B[illegible],” wife Eliza, 32, and children Luke, 13, Wm., 11, James, 9, Hester, 6, Eliza Ann, 3, and Ben, 4 months, plus Mary, 21, and Clarky Ann, 5 months.

Bastardy Bonds, Onslow County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

Leave a comment

April 29, 2013

Carter applies for Confederate pension.

SOLDIER’S APPLICATION FOR PENSION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WARREN }

On this 16 day of May, A.D. 1927, personally appeared before me John D. Newell, C.S.C. in and for the State and County aforesaid, Hawkins W. Carter, age 87 years, and a resident at Warrenton post-office, in said County and State, and who, being duly sworn, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension under the provisions of an act entitled “An act to amend and consolidate the pension laws of the State of North Carolina,“ ratified March 8, 1921: That he is the identical Hawkins W. Carter (Colored), who went with who enlisted in Co. C-46, Reg., N.C. State Troops, as servant on or about [blank] day of [blank], 1861, to serve in the armies of the late Confederate States, and that while in service at [blank] in the State of [blank], on or about [blank] day of [blank], [blank], he received a wound or wounds, etc. [description] First went to Newbern, N.C. throwing up breastworks. Then went with Stephen W. Jones to Goldsboro, N.C., then to Richmond, Va., where we fought 7 days; and then remained in Army until War Ended. Was at battle Wilderness. I waited on white soldiers – cook, baggage and etc. I was not wounded; but am 87 and can not work; any at all.

He further states:

That he is, and has been for twelve months immediately preceding this Application for Pension, a bona fide resident of North Carolina;

That he holds no office under the United States, or any State or County, from which he is receiving the sum of three hundred dollars as fees or as salary annually;

That he is not worth in his own right, or the right of his wife, property at its assessed value for taxation to the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000), nor has he disposed of property of such value by gift or voluntary conveyance since the 11^th of March, 1885;

That he is not receiving any aid from the State of North Carolina or under any other statue providing for the relief of the maimed and blind soldiers of the State. /s/ Hawkins W. Carter

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 16 day of May, 1927. /s/ John D. Newell.

Also personally appeared before me John W. Allen, Commander John White Camp Old Vetran, who resides at Warrenton, N.C. postoffice, in said County and State, a person whom I know to be respectable and entitled to credit, and being by me duly sworn, says he acquainted with Hawkins W. Carter, the applicant for pension, and has every reason to believe that he is the identical person he represents himself to be, and that the facts set forth in this affidavit are correct to the best of his knowledge and belief, and that he has no interest, direct or indirect, in this claim. /s/ John W. Allen

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 16 day of May, 1927. /s/ John D. Newell

[Approved 16 October 1927]

From the file of Hawkins W. Carter; North Carolina, Confederate Soldiers and Widows Pension Applications, 1885-1953; http://FamilySearch.org. Original, North Carolina State Archives.

Leave a comment

April 29, 2013

Free Colored Inhabitants of the Town of Smithville, Brunswick County, 1860.

24. Blount Archy, 38.

87. William Brown, 57, wife Sarah, 44, and children Mary J., 19, John M., 12, Franklin, 9, William J., 7, Julia, 5, Charles, 3, and Sarah, 1, plus Rily Moore, 1 month.

117. Calvin Bark, 32, laborer, in the household of Benjamin D. Morrell, tavern keeper.

127. Neptune Bell, 80, fisherman.

129. Laura Smith, 66, washwoman.

136. Fortune Hankins, 60, laborer.

Leave a comment

April 28, 2013

Not so fast — those slaves are mine.

William K. Lane v. Jane Bennett et al., 56 NC 371 (1858).

This case was removed from the Wayne County Court of Equity. By valid will, Furnifold Jernigan made several provisions for the disposal of his slaves. To his wife Jane Jernigan (who later married Thomas Bennett), he left 13 slaves, including Bill Winn, John Winn, Simpson and Anne. To his daughter Mary Anne Kelly, he left eight slaves, including Olive. He provided for the liberation of “negroes, Dave, Tom, Morris, Lila and Mary” and their transport to a free state, and he directed that ten named slaves be sold. John A. Green and William K. Lane were named executors.

Before the legacies were paid out, Adam Winn filed suit to recover John Winn, Bill Winn, Simpson, Anne, Olive and Dave, claiming that (1) he had mortgaged the slaves to Jernigan to secure payment of money Jernigan loaned him, and (2) he had a judgment attesting that he had repaid the money, and the slaves had been reconveyed to him.

The executors filed a “bill” with the court seeking guidance on the will’s provisions. Jane Bennett and Mary Anne Kelly claimed the full value of the slaves bequeathed to them or, in the alternative, the amount paid by Winn to redeem them. The court found that each was entitled to the amount of the redemption. (And, incidentally, Dave, having been redeemed by Winn, “loses, of course, his freedom intended for him…”)

[Sidenote: As noted elsewhere, John Winn and Bill Winn were Adam Winn’s sons, as well as his slaves. He mortgaged his children repeatedly. Jernigan, of course, was a notorious negro-stealer. — LYH]

1 Comment

April 28, 2013

Freedman’s Bank depositor, no. 3.

No. 3521. Record for James Crawford. Date April 21, 1873. Where born: New Bern. Where brought up: ditto. Residence: East Front Street. Age 29, September 15. Complexion: dark brown. Occupation: porter for J. and J.A. Patterson. Wife: Mary Noble, married August 1, 1872. Children: None. Father: Virgil Crawford, dead. Mother: Gatsey Dove. One half-brother: Virgil A. /s/ James Crawford.

Freedman’s Bank Records, National Archives and Records Administration.

In the 1850 census of Upper Richlands, Onslow County: Virgil Crawford, 39, mechanic, in the household of Stephen Wallis, farmer. In the 1860 census of Onslow County: Gatsey Dove, 35, domestic, in the household of Edward K. Ervin, farmer. [Sidenote: in 1860, Gatsey Dove appears as Gatsey Henderson in her mother Nancy Henderson‘s household in Upper Richlands, Onslow County. — LYH]

Leave a comment