Fourth Generation Inclusive

Historical Documents of Genealogical Interest to Researchers of North Carolina's Free People of Color

Category: Births Deaths Marriages

January 5, 2013

Like all his race, a true union man.

James C. Skinner, Administrator, filed claim #477 on behalf of the estate of Isaac Towlson.  Skinner, age 62, lived in Hertford, Perquimans County.  Elizabeth Towlson, age 62, widow, testified that she lived near Woodville, Perquimans County.  Her husband died in December 1867 and left four children, all born free before the war.  She stated that in July 1864, United States cavalry soldiers took a horse and saddle from her husband.  “My husband was like all his race a true union man.”

Allowed: $140.00.

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December 24, 2012

He was found five weeks afterwards.

An old free negro strayed off from the poor house in Warren co., on the 20th Dec., on the night of which day it is supposed he died.  His dead body was found five weeks afterwards, having been exposed o all the weather since.  What is singular to the case, there was very little sign of decay on the body, but it had the appearance rather of drying up.

Carolina Watchman, Salisbury, 12 Feb 1851.

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December 21, 2012

Free-Issue Death Certificates: NC-born Michiganders, no. 4.

Sarah E. Scipio.  Died 5 Sept 1912, Boyne City, Charlevoix County, Michigan.  Colored. Widowed. Born 27 March 1845 in NC to Daniel Oxendine and Elizabeth Morgan, both of NC. Buried Wilson Cemetery #1. Informant, N. Moran, Boyne City.

William Scott.  Died 4 Jul 1885, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan. Age 71. Mulatto. Married. Farmer. Born in NC to Alexander Scott and Betsey Scott.

Dica Scott.  Died 4 April 1885, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan. Mulatto.  Married. Born in NC to William and Sally Haithcock.

In the 1860 census of Calvin, Cass County, Michigan: William Scott, 44, wife Disa, 35, and children Anne C., 11, Saml., 13, plus Louisa Wade, 3, D.C. Gumbo, 8, and Sally Tabron, 64. William, Disa, D.C. and Sally were born in NC; Ann and Samuel in Ohio; and Louisa in Michigan.

Louis Gilford Scott.  Died 4 June 1899, Lawrence, Van Buren County, Michigan. Married. Black. Parent of 6 children; 2 living. Age 75 years, 10 months, 2 days. Farmer. Born in NC to Robert Scott of Virginia and Amey Scott of NC.  Buried Hicks cemetery.

Charity Taylor.  Died 16 Apr 1891, Cheshire, Allegan County, Michigan. Mulatto. Married. Age 63. Born NC to Wiley and Sarah Jones.

In the 1870 census, of Cheshire, Allegan County, Michigan: Kingsbury Taylor, 52, wife Charity, 42, and daughter Sarah A., 22. Kingsbury and Charity were born in NC; Sarah, in Indiana.

Catharine Wilson.  Died 15 April 1885, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan.  Black Married. Age 37. Born NC to Neal and Jennie Hunt.

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December 20, 2012

Saint Anthony’s fire.

TARBOROUGH, FEBRUARY 15.

The Disease. – Since our notice, two weeks since, of the fatal disease which raged in the family of Mr. James Ellinor, in this county, his negro woman, Cain Hammonds a free negro man living with him, and the wife of Benjamin Anderson have died with the same disease – making seven deaths in all! – Eli Parker, James Ellinor and wife, their cook, and Hammonds, five at Mr. Ellinor’s house – Edward G. Thompson, in this place, who attended Mr. Parker and caught the disease from him – and Mrs. Anderson, living near there, who visited the family.  The others that were attacked, have recovered or are convalescent.  The disease is still variously designated St. Anthony’s fire, black tongue, &c. We are informed by our physicians that there is now no case of it in the county. – Press.

Carolina Watchman, Salisbury, 1 March 1845.

Saint Anthony’s fire, or erysipelas, is an acute bacterial skin and subcutaneous tissue infection.  It is indeed contagious.

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December 20, 2012

Free-Issue Death Certificates: SIMMONS.

George Robert Simmons.  Died 24 June 1922, Dudley, Brogden, Wayne County.  Colored.  Married to Molly Simmons. Farmer.  Age about 75. Born Wayne County to George Simmons and Floxy Jane Simmons. Informant, Robert Simmons.

Bryant Simmons.  Died 14 Jan 1932, Brogden, Wayne County.  Colored. Married to Donnie Simmons. Farmer.  Born 2 Dec 1852, Mount Olive NC,  to George W. Simmons of Duplin County and Flozie Manuel  of Sampson County.  Buried in Dudley NC. Informant, Geneve Simmons, Dudley.

General Washington Simmons.  Died 27 Jan 1941, Dudley, Brogden, Wayne County.  Negro. Widower of Mary E. Simmons.  Age 84. Farmer.  Born Wayne County to George Washington [Simmons] of Wayne County and Flaxie Jane Simmons of Wayne County.  Buried, Simmons burying ground.  Informant, Orlander Simmons.

Hillery B. Simmons.  Died 25 Oct 1942, Brogden, Wayne County.  Colored.  Married to Celester Simmons.  Farmer.  Age 84. Born Wayne County to George Simmons of Wayne County and unknown mother.  Buried, Congregational cemetery. Informant, Moses Budd.

Riley Simmons.  Died 17 July 1924, Dudley, Brogden, Wayne County. Colored. Married. Born 1840, Dudley, to Geo. Simmons and Axy Simmons. Buried Wayne County. Informant, Sam Simmons.

Zachariah T. Simmons. Died 17 March 1938, High Point, Guilford County. Resided 604 Fairview. Colored. Minister. Married to Mrs. Eugenie W. Simmons. Born 12 December 1848, Mount Olive, to George W. Simmons of Dublin [Duplin] and Axie Manuel. Buried High Point. Informant, Mrs. Eugenie Simmons.

In the 1860 census of Indian Springs, Wayne County: George Simmons, 40, wife Axey J, 38, and children Riley B., 19, Simon, 15, Susan A., 17, George R., 13, Zack, 10, Silvania, 9, Bryant, 7, H.B., 5, and Gen., 2. 

William Frank Simmons. Died 4 Jan 1944, Dudley, Brogden, Wayne County.  Colored. Married to Sarah Simmons. Farmer.  82 years, 7 months, 4 days old.  Born Wayne County to Bryant Simmons and Betsy Winn, both of Wayne County.  Buried Dudley.  Informant, Sarah Simmons, Dudley.

William C. Simmons. Died 2 Aug 1920, Piney Grove, Sampson County.  Negro. Married. Farmer. Age 75. Born Dudley NC to Green Simmons and Betsy J. Thornton of Sampson County.  Buried private burial ground. Informant, Charlie Simmons.

Betsy Lee Drew.  Died 26 Aug 1927, Wilmington, New Hanover County.  Resided 7 King Street.  Colored. Widow. Age 63. Born Dudley NC to Green Simmons and Jene Thorington. Buried Dudley NC.  Informant, Arthur Drew.

In the 1860 census of Indian Springs, Wayne County: Green Simmons, 43, mechanic; wife, Betsey; and children Needham G., 15, Cisero W., 13, Mary, 12, Martha R., 9, Media, 7, Seamore D., 5, Crecy B., 2, and B.L., 2 months.

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December 15, 2012

Free-Issue Death Certificates: NC-Born Michiganders, no. 3.

Sarah Eveline Jenkins. Died 13 Sept 1907, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan. Colored. Widow. Age 91. Married at age 24. Parent of 9 children, of whom 1 is living. Born in NC to Newsom Artis and Amy Newsom, both of NC. Buried At Mount Zion.  Informant, Amy Jenkins, Cassopolis.

In the 1830 census of Northampton County, Newsom Artis headed a household of 9 free people of color.

John Thomas Lane.  Died 19 Aug 1914, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan. Colored. Married. Farmer. Born 2 Aug 1848 in NC to Jessie Lane and Piercy Artis, both of NC. Buried Chain Lake cemetery.  Informant, Ollie Lane, Cassopolis.

In the 1850 census of District 85, Parke County, Indiana: Jesse Lane, 40, carpenter, wife Percy, 40, and children William, 13, Arbella, 11, Nancy, 8, and John Lane, 2.  All reported born in NC except John, who was reported Indiana-born.

Arthur Mitchell.  Died 25 May 1902, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan. Mulatto. Widower. Parent of 16 children; 9 living. Farmer. Born 20 Oct 1821 in NC to David Mitchel and Virginia Allen. Buried Mount Zion cemetery. Informant, W.O. Allen, Williamsville.

Almeda Morton.  Died 19 Dec 1913, Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Michigan.  Resided 320 Adams Street. Black. Widowed. Born 19 May 1854 in NC to Alfred Artiss and Tempy Alcock, both of NC.  Buried Saint Johns cemetery. Informant, James H. Kersey, Ypsilanti.

Allen Peavy.  Died 30 Mar 1939, Dowagiac, Cass County, Michigan. Mulatto. Married to Nora Peavy. Born 22 Mart 1861 in NC to Joshua Peavy and unnamed mother. Buried Community Chapel.

Aaron Revels.  Died 22 Jan 1903, Jefferson, Cass County, Michigan.  Mulatto.  Resident of County Infirmary for  9 years, 1 month, 10 days.  Married at age 21. Parent of 5 children; 2 living. Laborer. Born 5 Jan 1820 in NC to John Revels and Mary Wilkins, both of NC. Buried Bethel cemetery.

In the 1850 census of Fugit, Decatur County, Indiana: Aaron Revels, 27, and wife Ann, 27, both born in NC. In the 1850 census of Fugit, Decatur County, Indiana: Sally Hunt, 55, with Celia, 22, Susan, 5, and Levi Hunt, 1; Wiley, 14, and Jordon Jones, 12; and Flora, 10, Parmelia, 6, and Caswell Oxendine, 4.

John Revels.  Died 17 Jan 1892, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan. Black, Widowed. Cooper. Age 92. Born in NC to Burl Revels and Winnie Revels.

In the 1850 census of Fugit, Decatur County, Indiana: John Revels, 50, and wife Mary, 48, both born in NC.

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December 14, 2012

Free-Issue Death Certificates: MISCELLANEOUS, no. 4.

Frances Diggs.  Died 22 April 1927, Nahunta, Wayne County. Colored. Widow of William Diggs.  Age 85. Born Wayne County to Jim Yelverton and Elizah Artis. Informant, Elijah Diggs.

Delilah Exum. Died 18 July 1934, Nahunta, Wayne County. Colored. Widow of Simon Exum. 87 years old. Born Wayne County to Solomon Artis and Lovicy Anderson.

N.B.: In fact, Delilah Exum’s parents were Solomon Williams and Vicey Artis.  She was a sister of Adam T. Artis.

Washington Lane. Died 26 Feb 1934, Goldsboro, Wayne County. Resided 703 E. Elm Street. Colored. Widower. Age 80. Born Greene County to Gui Lane and Silvernane Artis. Buried Fields cemetery.  Informant, Ana Sauls.

In Bull Head, Greene County: Dannel,17, Mike, 13, Penney, 12, Dyner, 9, Juley, 7, and Washington Artes, 5, listed in the household of white farmer John Lane.  

Ann Liza Manuel.  Died 29 March 1925, Dudley, Brogden, Wayne County. Colored. Widow of Alvin Manuel. Born 1841, Sampson County to Raiford Brewington and Basheba Brewington, both of Sampson County. Informant, Randolph Winn.

In the 1850 census of Northern District, Sampson County: Raiford Brewington, 38, cooper; wife Barsheba, 33; and children Nancy, 13, Thomas, 10, Lucy, 9, Ann, 7, James, 5, Hardy, 3, Joshua, 2, and Raiford, 2 months; plus Hardy Manuel, 17; all mulatto.

Mikel Manuel.  Died 5 April 1922, Dudley, Brogden, Wayne County. Colored. Widower of Annie Manuel. Age 85. Born Sampson County to unknown parents. Informant, Ashley Manuel.

In the 1850 census of Northern District, Sampson County: Michael Manuel, 63, cooper; wife Fereby, 49; and children Gideon, 19, Cintilla, 16, Drusilla, 15, Michael, 13, Eden, 11, John, 9, William, 7, Enoch, 4, and Nancy, 1; all described as mulatto.

Nancy Seabury.  Died 26 July 1914, Goldsboro, Wayne County. Colored. Widow of Archie Powell. Born 1834, Johnston County, to unknown parents. Informant, Nelson Seabury.

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December 13, 2012

Free People of Color Listed in Mortality Schedule: 1860.

Emily Reed, 11, female, mulatto, Indian Springs, born NC, died July, worms, Wayne County.

Oma Whiter, 13, female, black, New Hope, born NC, died August, unknown causes, Wayne County.

Sarah Lasiter, 2 months, female, black, born NC, died November, smothered accident, Wilson County.

Jesse Ratley, 75, male, black, widower, born NC, died January, ditcher, f[illegible] intemperance, Franklin County.

Wesley Wilkins, 21, male, black, single, born NC, died April, farm laborer, pneumonia, Nash County.

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December 10, 2012

Free-Issue Death Certificates: NC-Born Michiganders, no. 2.

Mary Allen.  Died 26 Nov 1876, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan. Black. Married. Born about 1791 in NC to John and Mary Oxyndine.

Alexander Bass. Died 26 July 1900, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan. Mulatto. Married at age 17.  Parent of 11 children.  Born 14 Dec 1819 in NC to Joseph Bass and Temperance Chavous, both of NC. Buried Bethel cemetery.  Informant, M. Bass, Day, Michigan.

Irena Higgins.  Died 20 Oct 1919, Calvin, Cass County, Michigan. Colored. Widow. Age 75 years, 11 months. Born in NC to Alexander Bass and Clarkey Wilson, both of NC. Buried Mount Zion cemetery.  Informant, Augusta Aurelia Higgins, Cassopolis.

In the 1850 census of Salt Creek, Franklin County, Indiana: Alexander Bass, 25, born NC; wife Clica, 27; and children Lucinda, 12; Delilah, 10; Aurora, 6; Smith, 4; and Ezekiel, 5 mos.  Clica and the children were born in SC, except the baby, born in Indiana.

Zipporah Boone.  Died 9 Dec 1908, Niles, Berrien, Michigan. Widowed.  Black. Born about 1844 in NC to Wyatt Manuel.

In the 1850 census of Northern District of Sampson County: Wiat Manuel, 40; wife Charlotte, 33; children Marshal, 16, Martha, 13, Thomas, 12, Alman, 10, Mary, 8, Sophoy, 6, Kilby, 3, and Efferson, 2 months.  In the 1860 census of Linton, Vigo County, Indiana:  Wyatt Manuel, 50, wife Charlotte, 43, and children Allman, 20, Zilphaah, 16, Kilby, 14, Efferson, 10, Silvany, 8, Oskin, 5, Whitfield, 2, and Statford, 2 months. The last four children were born in Indiana; the others in NC.

Clarenda Goens. Died 4 March 1908, Covert, Van Buren County, Michigan. Mulatto. Married first at age 22. Parents of 7 children; 5 living. Born 5 May 1835, in Vigo County IN to Wiley  Walden and Sarah Wilson, both of NC. Buried in Covert.  Informant, W.S. Walden.

In the 1850 census of Otter Creek, Vigo County, Indiana: Wiley Walden, 40, Sarah, 36, Milton, 17, Carolina, 14, Clarkson, 12, Thomas E., 10, Ann, 9, Nancy A., 9, Fanny, 7, John F., 3, Winfield, 1.

Clarenda Walden married Stephen Goins, 30 Dec 1858, Vigo County Indiana.

Jordon P. Hunt.  Died 15 July 1911, Buchanan. Berrier County, Michigan.  Colored.  Widower. Laborer. Born July 1840, North Carolina to Daniel Hunt and unknown mother.  Buried Miles, Michigan. Informant, Victor Prophet.

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December 8, 2012

Register of (NC-born) Negroes & Mulattoes: Vigo County, Indiana.

Jethro Bass registered 2 July 1853.  Age 70. Mulatto. Born Granville County NC. Resided Lost Creek township.

Jethro Bass and Polly Mitchell married in Granville County NC on 3 Apr 1809.  In 1830, Jethro Bass headed a household of 13 free people of color in Vigo County, Indiana.  In the 1850 census of Harrison township, Vigo County, Indiana: Jathro Bass, 70, wife Polly, 60, Emily, 17, and Alfred Bass, 6.

Lucy Brooks registered 9 July 1853.  Age 35. Mulatto. Born Northampton County NC. Resided Harrison township.

John Brooks registered 9 July 1853. Age 45. Mulatto. Born Halifax County NC. Resided Harrison township.

In the 1850 census of Harrison, Vigo County, Indiana: John Brooks, 42, Lucinda, 32, Kinchen, 12, Benjamin, 10, Amanda, 8, William, 6, and Augustes, 7 months.  John and Lucinda were born in NC; the children, in Indiana.

George Evans registered 2 July 1853. Age 49. Mulatto. Born Randolph County NC. Resided Lost Creek township.

Solomon Jackson. Registered 16 June 1853. Age 45. Negro. Born Richmond County NC. Resided Terre Haute.

John Mathews. Registered 18 June 1853. Age 36. Mulatto. Born NC. Resided Terre Haute.

In the 185o census of Harrison, Vigo County: John Mathews, 35, wife Lucretia, 23, and Lucy D., 1, plus Amy Halaran, 21, born in Ireland, and George Beard, 26, born in Kentucky. 

George Mitchell. Registered 17 June 1853. Age 25. Negro. Born Rawlegh Way [Wake] County NC. Resided Terre Haute.

Jeremiah Mitchell. Registered 25 June 1853. Age 61. Negro.  Born Rawlegh Way [Wake] County NC. Resided Terre Haute.

Samuel Mitchel. Registered 25 June 1853. Age 50. Mulatto. Born Orange County NC. Resided Lost Creek township.

William Morgan. Registered 8 Aug 1853. Age 28. Mulatto. Born Louisburg NC. Resided Otter Creek township.

Henry A. Newsom. Registered 6 Aug 1853. Age 35. Negro. Born Greene County NC. Resided Harrison township.

In 1851, when the Indiana General Assembly enacted its second state constitution, it included a provision, Article XIII, prohibiting any Negro or mulatto from entering or settling in the state. To enforce this provision, county clerks were ordered to register Negroes and mulattos already living in Indiana. This post abstracts Vigo County registrants reported born in North Carolina. 

Vigo County Register of Negroes and Mulattoes, Indiana State Archives.

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