Fourth Generation Inclusive

Historical Documents of Genealogical Interest to Researchers of North Carolina's Free People of Color

Category: Births Deaths Marriages

November 14, 2012

Free-Issue Death Certificates: MISCELLANEOUS, no. 2.

Willmas Eatman.  Died 21 July 1916, Taylor’s, Wilson County. Negro. Widow. Age 85.  Born Wilson County to Nelson Eatman and Renda Eatman.  Informant, Willie Ellis.

In the 1850 census, of Nash County: Nelson Eatman, 34, wife Rinda, 33, and children Rhoda, 14, Wilmot, 12, Priscy, 10, Ginny, 8, Smithy, 6, and Alford, 4.

Abie Taylor. Died 24 October 1930, Saratoga, Wilson County.  Negro.  Widow of Rutherd Taylor. Age 94. Born Nash County to unknown parents.  Informant, Hilliard Taylor.

In the 1850 census of Nash County: Elizabeth Taylor, 35, and children Mary Ann, 14, Hilliard, 12, Abi, 6, Bryant, 4, and Harry, one month.  All were white except Abi and Harry, who were described as mulatto.

Margarett Boseman. Died 5 April 1932, Rocky Mount, Nash County. Born 1837 in Nash County to unknown father and Lizzie Lucas.  Informant, Willie Mitchell.

This is possibly the Margaret Locus, age 15, who appeared in a household headed by Elizabeth Locus, 28, with Newsom, 2, Mariah, 7, Robert, 11, Willie, 8, and Lucinda Locus, in the 1860 census of Dortches district, Nash County.

Malachi Musgrave.  Died 22 November 1918, Goldsboro, Wayne County. Colored. Married to Delia Musgrave. Aged about 60 years. Laborer.  Born in Wayne County to Haywood Musgrave and Pennie Simmons. Buried Dudley NC.  Informant, Catherine Bennett.

Betsey Teachey.  Died 23 September 1929, Wilson, Wilson County. Colored. Married to James Teachey. Age 77.  Born in Wayne County to Haywood Musgrave and Pennie Simmons.

In the 1860 census of Indian Springs, Wayne County: Haywood Hays [sic], 48, with wife Elizabeth 32, and children Susan E., 16, Simon, 15, Jane, 14, Green, 13, George, 13, Lucretia, 11, Alchi, 10, Mary A., 9, Nancy, 8, Alfred, 7 and Betsey, 5.  In the 1870 census of Brogden, Wayne County: Haywood Musgrave, 53, wife Penny 40, children Kiah, 17 and Mary A., 15, and Alvin, 17, Martha, 14, Naoham, 8, John 5, and Henry Guy, 1.

Amanda Evens.  Died 29 September 1929, Speights Bridge, Greene County.  Colored.  Single. Born 1842 in Wilson County to Willis Hagans and Patsy Evens.

In the 1850 census of Edgecombe County: Willis Hagens, 50, with Patsy Mitchell and her children Sally, 20, Rufus, 9, Amanda, 6, Wm.,2, and Mary Mitchell, 1.

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November 12, 2012

Herring, Union soldier.

Hillary Herring enlisted in the 37th Colored Troops in 1864.  At the time, he was 23 years old, 6 feet 1/2 inches tall, light-complexioned, with black eyes and dark hair.  He was born in Onslow County and worked as a farmer. Herring was discharged from the army on 11 February 1867.  After a two-year acquaintance, he married Kizzy Dudley on 18 December 1869 in Burgaw, Pender County. Rev. Elisha Boon performed the ceremony. It was Hillary’s first marriage, but Kizzy had married John Herring in 1863 and was left a widow when he died in August 1866.  Hillery Herring died 30 June 1876 in Bentonsville, Johnston County, of “disease of lungs.” Dr. Martin Harper attended him during his final illness.  Lewis Hood furnished his coffin and served as undertaker, and Rev. John James Harper, a white man, preached the funeral sermon.

At the time of her application, Kizzy Herring lived in Lonoke, Lonoke County, Arkansas. Many of her witnesses had known her in North Carolina and had also migrated West.  She was poor and little able to support herself.

Abstracted from “#563,970. Claim of Kizza Harring, widow of Hillary Harring, Co. A, 37 U.S.C.T., for Widow’s Pension.”

In the 1850 census of the South Side of the Neuse, Wayne County: John Herring, 50, wife Charity, 40, and their children John Green, 18, Solomon, 16, Daniel, 14, Hillery, 12, James, 10, Outy, 7, Harriet, 4, and Doctor, 0.

[Sidenote: On 21 November 1872, my great-great-great-grandparents, Lewis and Margaret Henderson, and Hillery and Keziah Herring sold two tracts totalling about 80 acres to John P. Cobb and Jesse Hollowell, these being tracts purchased from William R. Davis.  There was no deed recording the purchase from Davis. Both Lewis and Hillery were born in Onslow County.  Were they related?  If not, why did they buy land together? — LYH]  

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November 12, 2012

Free-Issue Death Certificates: MISCELLANEOUS.

John Lassiter.  Died 15 Jan 1915, Wilson, Wilson County. Colored. Married. Age 63. Born in NC to Silas Lassiter and Ophie Simpson, both of NC. Informant, Henry Lassiter, Wilson NC.

In the 1860 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Silas Lassiter, 38, Orpie, 34, Sallie, 12, Mary, 11, James, 9, John, 7, Elizabeth, 5, Penina, 4, Hardy, 3, Silas, 1, George, 2 months, and Delpha Simpson, 14.

William Henry Hall. Died 23 June 1925, Saratoga, Wilson County. Black. Married, Lucy Hall. Born 15 Aug 1946, Wayne County, to unknown father and Exaline West of Wayne County. Buried Bethel cemetery. Informant, Sue Batts.

Louisa Johnson.  Died 15 Jan 1934, Wilson, Wilson County. Resided 503 Warren Street. Colored. Widow of Henry Johnson. Age 78. Born in NC to John and Julia Kersey. Informant, Gertrude Jones, 309 Elba Street, Wilson.

In the 1860 census of Wilson, Wilson County: John Kerney, 37, wife Julia, 31, and children Louisa, 9, Dellah, 6, John, 5, and William, 1.

Harriet Hattie Dixon. Died 16 Jan 1958, Wilson, Wilson County. Widow. Born 27 June 1865, Wilson County to Wyatt Lynch and Nicie [last name unknown.] Farmer. Informant, Mrs. Hattie Anderson.

In the 1870 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Wyatt Lynch, 48, wife Nicey, 35, and children Harriet, 4, and John, 1.

Council Ayers. Died 1 Dec 1915, Spring Hill, Wilson, Wilson County. Born Dec 1830 to Sampson Ayers and unknown mother. Buried Boyette NC. Informant, William Ayers.

In the 1860 census of District #9, Johnston County: Council, 11, and Henry Ayres, 9, in the household of 48 year-old white merchant James Faulk.

Henderson Brantley. Died 2 Dec 1916, Taylor’s, Wilson County. Negro. Widow. About 80 years old. Born Nash County to unknown father and Bettie Brantley. Informant, Chas. Brantley.

In the 1850 census of Nash County: Betsy Brantly, 50, with children Kimbrell, 25, Henderson, 14, and Guilford B. Brantley, 12.

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November 12, 2012

North and back: an odyssey.

On 20 September 1865, Montreville Simmons, 22, born in NC, residing in Chatham Township, Kent County, Ontario, Canada, son of John C. and Hepsie Simmons, married Victoria Brown, 16, born in Indiana, daughter of John and Mary Brown.  Witnesses: Edwin Simons and C. Moore.

In the 1850 census of the South Side of the Neuse River, Wayne County: Calvin Simmons, 42, wife Hepsey, 46, and children Harriet, 13, Susan, 11, Montrival, 9, Jno. R., 7, Margaret, 5, Dixon, 3, and Geo. W. Simmons, 1, plus Robert Aldridge, 26, hireling.

In the 1861 census of Chatham and Gore townships, Kent County, Ontario: John C. Simmons, 50, wife Hepsy, 55, and children S.M., 16, Montreville, 15, John R., 14, Margaret A., 12, Dickie, 10, and George Simmons, 9.  All reported being born in the US, and all were Baptist.

By 1870, Calvin Simmons and his youngest sons had returned to North Carolina, and are listed in Brogden township, Wayne County: Calvin Simons, 63, and Montville, 29, John R., 26, Dickson H., 21, and George W. Simmons, 20.  On 3 March 1871, in Duplin County, Montville Simmons, son of Calvin Simmons and Hepsey Whitley, married Anna Henderson (1852-1906), daughter of James Henderson and Louisa Armwood.

By 1881, Montreville Simmons (40, farmer), wife Annie (29) and children Elizabeth (8), Doctor T. (7), Susan M. (4) and Montreville (2) are listed in the census of Chatham, Kent, Ontario. All were born in the US except Doctor and Montreville jr., who were born in Ontario, and all were Baptist.  By 1900, the family was back in the United States, and are found in the census of Eel, Cass County, Indiana:  on Park Avenue in Logansport, farmer Montville Simmons (Apr 1850), wife Anna (Mar 1861) and children James R. (Dec 1879), Montville (Jun 1881), and Dock (Dec 1879).  Montville and Anna were born in NC; their sons in Canada.  Montville and Anna had been married 28 years and reported 5 of 5 children living.

Marriage Registers, Kent County, Ontario, Canada; Canada census records; marriage register, Register of Deeds, Duplin County NC; US population schedules.

 
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November 12, 2012

“Negro stealer”?

William Edgar, a free mulatto and negro stealer, was shot in North Carolina on the 8th ult. while engaged in his avocation. 

The Ohio Repository (Canton, Oh.), 15 April 1824.

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November 11, 2012

Marriages of Free People of Color in Wayne County: E-H.

Evans, Warren to Neusilla Thompson, 17 August 1854 at Ity Simmons‘.

In the 1860 census of Buck Swamp, Wayne County: Warren Evans, 30, wife Narcissus, 18, and children David W., 5, and Arabella, 4.

Faithfull, Mike to Angeline Seaberry, 6 August 1853, at his house.

In the 1860 census of Stony Creek district, Wayne County: Mike Faithful, 29, wife Angelina, 22, and children Henry, 5, and Louisa, 2 months.

Finch, Solomon to Eliza Burnett, 25 December 1856 at “my house.”

In the 1860 census of Goldsboro, Wayne County: Solomon Finch, 28, wife Eliza, 27, and children Georgiana, 10, and Thomas Russell Finch, 2.

Guy, Oliver to Exaline Artis, 26 March 1864.

Hagans, Dempsey to Cilvana Sumner, 12 October 1835.

Hagans, Larkin to Elizer Artis, 22 November 1864.

Hagans, William H. to Exeline Seaberry, 26 June 1863.

Hall, Emanuel to Nancy Ann Reid, 12 May 1853 at Bitha Read‘s.

Hall, Emanuel to Rachel Reid, 18 March 1858 at T. Reid‘s.

In the 1860 census of Davis district, Wayne County: Bytha Reed, 50, David Reed, 15, Emanuel Hall, 40, Rachel  Reed, 25, Delitha Reed, 2, and infant Reed, 1.

Hall, Samuel to Lucresy Smith, 25 November 1858 at Sherard Hagans‘.

Hall, Thomas to Mary Ann Artis, 10 August 1854 at Dempsey Hall‘s.

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November 10, 2012

Rev. Silver dies at home.

REV. JOSEPH SILVER DIES AT HIS HOME AT 100 YEARS OLD

Reverend Joseph Silver, Sr., well known and highly respected Negro minister, died Tuesday at his home in the Delmar community, on Enfield Route 3.  He celebrated his 100th birthday anniversary last July 22 at a large gathering of friends and relatives. Rev. Silver had been in poor health about four years and had been confined to his bed for the past four months.

Funeral services will be held from the Plumbline Holiness Church, Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. The body will lay in state at the church an hour before the funeral.  The Rev. L.G. Young, of Henderson, will preach the funeral and burial will be in the family plot.  Among those expected at the final rites are Bishop M.C. Clemmen of Richmond, Va., and Bishop H.B. Jackson of Ayden.

Rev. Silver began preaching in 1893 when he he organized and built Plumbline Church.  Among other churches built by his ministry are ones at Ayden and Summitt, near Littleton. He was an organizer of the United Holiness Church of America and served on the board of Elders until his death.

Rev. Silver was married three times; first to Felicia Hawkins, who died in 1931, then to Sarah Jacobs of Wilson, who died in 1938; and last to Martha Aldridge of Goldsboro, who survives.  In addition to his wife, Rev. Silver is survived by five sons N.D. and Samuel Silver, of Washington, DC; Gideon, of Pittsburg, Pa.; Joseph, Jr., of Halifax and A.M. Silver of Route 3, Enfield; three daughters, Epsi Copeland and Roberta Hewling, of Enfield, Route 3, and Emma Goines, of Pittsburg, Pa. Eighty grandchildren, 109 great-grandchildren, and 17 great great grandchildren also survive.

Unnamed newspaper clipping, January 10, 1958.

The 1860 census of Western District, Halifax County, lists Willis Silver, 27, wife Eliza, 25, and children William, 7, Wesley, 5, Elizabeth, 3, and Joseph Silver, 8 months.

See also “Jesse & Sarah Henderson Jacobs,” posted 25 October 2012. [Rev. Silver’s second wife, Sarah Henderson Jacobs, reared my grandmother, Hattie Henderson Ricks, who was her sister’s granddaughter. — LYH.]

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November 10, 2012

Marriages of Free Colored People in Wayne County: A-C.

Artis, Absalom to Eliza Evans, 18 June 1855, at Wm. Vernon’s.

In the 1860 census of Buck Swamp district, Wayne County: Absalom Artis, 32, wife Eliza, 22, sons John F., 4, James W., 2, and George W., 3 months, plus Mary, 55, Henry, 16 and Bunyan Mitchell, 14.

Artis, Adam to Frances Seaberry, 20 August 1861.

Artis, Calvin to Serena Seaberry, 2 October 1853.

In the 1860 census of Davis district, Wayne County: Calvin Artis, 27, wife Serena, 25, and children , 6, Polly, 5, James M., 3, and Henry I., 1.

Artis, Elbert to Edith Hall, 24 December 1857, at E. Hayes’.

In the 1860 census of Pikeville district, Wayne County: Elbert Artis, 24, wife Bedence, 20, and children Georgiana, 2, and Angeline Artis, six months.

Artis, Gilbert to Viney Hagans, 6 May 1859, at Eliza Hagans‘.

In the 1860 census of Buck Swamp district, Wayne County: Gilbert, 26, Melvina, 18, and Louisa Hagans, 11 mos.

Artis, Henderson to Mary Vick, 20 June 1857, at C. Vick’s.

There are two listings for this family in the 1860 census of Buck Swamp district, Wayne County: (1) Henderson, 25, Mary, 22, and Baby Artis, 6 months; and (2) Henderson Artis, 24, Mary,19, and Burkitt Artis, 2.

Artis, James to Smithy J. Hagans, 25 November 1858, at Sherard Hagans‘.

In the 1860 census of Davis district, Wayne County: James Artis, 24, wife Smithy J. Artis, 19, and Geo. W. Hagans, 9 months.

Artis, Jordan to Sarah Evans, 20 March 1860, at Milton NC.

In the 1860 census of Buck Swamp district, Wayne County: Vinson Artis, 50, wife Clarky, 48, son Jordan, 30, Jordan’s wife Sarah, 28, and probable grandchildren Jesse, 9, Mary E., 7, William, 6, and James, 4.

Artis, Mathew to Elizabeth Artis, 20 June 1852.

In the 1860 census of Pikeville district, Wayne County: Matthew Artis, 30, Elizabeth, 25, Zilpah, 5, Polly A., 2, and Emily J., 6 months.

Artis, Morrison to Jane Artis, 27 November 1862.

Artis, Thomas to Winny Artis, 30 Mar 1860, at Thomas Artis‘.

Best, Shepherd to Emily J. Hagans, 1 December 1858, at Eliza Hagans‘.

In the 1860 census of Nahunta district, Wayne County: Sheppard Best, 26, and wife Emily J., 16.

Capps, Haywood to Avy Mozingo, 3 May 1859, at Hinton Suggs’.

In the 1860 census of New Bern, Craven County: Haywood Caps, 34, “fireman on R.R.,” and wife Avy J. Caps, 20.

Capps, William to Margaret Winn, 14 Oct 1858, at Charles Winn‘s.

Croom, Hillary to Narcissa Manley, 24 September 1852, at Goldsboro.

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November 9, 2012

Free-Issue Death Certificates: LOCUS.

Can Locus. Died 16 Dec 1915, Nahunta, Wayne County. Married. Colored. About 56 years old. Laborer. Born Wayne County to Calos Hegans and Wait Locus.  Buried in family burial ground. Informant, Bud Locust, Stantonsburg.

In the 1870 census of Nahunta, Wayne County: Raiford Coley, 70, Waity Locus, 55, Dewitt, 15, Candus, 12, and Wiley, 10.  See also “Babies’ Daddies” post for the 1857 bastardy action involving Waity Locus and Calvin Hagans.

Syth Locus.  Died 15 Oct 1921, Black Creek, Wilson County. Married to Melvina Locus. Colored. Farmer. Age 90. Born in Virginia to John Locus and Nancy [no last name]. Informant, Mary Locus, Black Creek.

John Locus.  Died 22 Dec 1926, Taylors, Wilson County. Colored. Widow. Age 83. Farmer. Born Wilson County to unknown father and Eliza Locus. Buried family cemetery. Informant, John Locus Jr.

Susie Locus. Died 8 Jan 1922, Coopers, Nash County. Resided Spring Hope. Colored. Single. Born 1850 to Berry Locus and Beaty Locus. Buried Allen burial ground. Informant, Newsome Bryant.

In the 1860 census of Coopers, Nash County: Berry Locus, 65, wife Beaddy, 60, and Hepsey Locus, 23.

Acy Locus. Died 14 Jul 1958, Rocky Mount, Nash County. Resided Wilson County. Colored. Born Oct 1860, Wilson County to Martin Locus and Eliza Brantley. Buried family cemetery, Wilson County.

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November 6, 2012

Free-Issue Death Certificates: CARROLL.

Bunion Carroll. Died 28 Feb 1916, Wilson, Wilson County. Colored. Married. Common laborer. Born 10 Apr 1858 in Stantonsburg to Grade Carroll and Susan Artis. Buried Wilson County.  Informant, Mrs. Fannie Carroll, Vance Street, Wilson.

In the 1860 census of Saratoga district, Wilson County: Etheldred Caraway [sic], 29, wife Susan, 25, and children Bunyan, 5, and Joseph Carroll, 3.

Ruffin C. Carroll.  Died 1 Dec 1926, Goldsboro. Colored. Widower.  Preacher.  Age 73.  Born in NC to Joe Carroll and Melvinie Carroll.  Buried Elmwood cemetery, Goldsboro.  Informant, Hardy Carroll.

In the 1860 census of New Hope district, Wayne County: Jo Carrol, 55, wife Melvina, 50, and children Hannah, 25, Daniel, 22, Jo, 21, Willis, 18, Nicy, 17, Vina, 13, Delilah, 10, Ruffin, 6, and Tamar, 3.

Isaac Carrol.  Died 14 Jul 1925, Wilson Mill, Johnston County. Colored. Married to Rosa Carrol. Fireman. Age 60. Born Four Oaks, Johnston County, to Ruffin Carrol and Betsey Carrol.  Buried Vinson cemetery.  Informant, W.M. Rodgers.

James Carrol. Died 30 Jul 1936, Four Oaks, Johnston County. Colored. Widower of Susan Carrol. Farmer. Born 28 Jun 1857 in Johnston County to Ruffin Carrol and Bettie Carrol. Informant, Mrs. Wilkins.

In the 1860 census of the district west of the Neuse River, Johnston County: Ruffin Carroll, 37, cooper, wife Elizabeth, 36, and children William, 15, Isaac, 10, James, 7, and Major, 1.

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