JOHN HENRY HENDERSON and wife SARAH ELIZABETH SIMMONS HENDERSON. John was born in 1860 in Sampson County to James and Eliza Armwood Henderson. Sarah was born about 1868 to Bryant and Elizabeth Wynn Simmons. Both died near Dudley, Wayne County.
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.
State v. John L. Lee, 29 NC 265 (1847).
On appeal from Craven County Superior Court, the issue in this case was whether John Lee, after having been tried and convicted of bastardy, could move to quash the proceedings against him on the grounds that Catharine Curtis, the mother of the child, was a woman of color and therefore incompetent to testify against a white man. The verdict: too late.
State v. Thomas Long, 31 NC 488 (1849).
On appeal from Martin County. In May 1848, Lucinda Simpson, then pregnant, swore that the father of her child was Thomas Long. Long moved to dismiss proceedings against him on the grounds that Simpson was a woman of mixed blood within the fourth degree and therefore incompetent to give testimony against him. The Court was satisfied that in fact she was of mixed blood and dismissed the case. In October 1848, on Simpson’s oath, another warrant for the same pregnancy issued for Long. These proceedings were dismissed based upon the earlier finding. The Supreme Court held that the prior judgment was binding and the second case rightfully quashed and noted that the better course would have been an appeal.
State v. Williamson Haithcock, 33 NC 32 (1850).
On appeal from Orange County. Williamson Haithcock, an admitted free negro, was charged with bastardy by a white woman. Haithcock’s counsel moved to quash on the grounds that bastardy laws did apply to such a case. The Supreme Court: “We are at a loss to conceive of any reason why the defendant should be exempted from the operation of the bastardy laws, merely because he is a free negro. Free negroes are capable of holding property, they can sue and be sued, and are bound to support their bastard children, whether begotten a free white woman or free black woman. They can set up no ‘exclusive privilege’ in this behalf.”
ALBERTSON, ALLEN, BRADLEY, BRINSON, BROOKS, BUTTS, CONNER, DAVENPORT, DEEL, EDWARDS, EVENS, GOFF, HARDY, HARRIS, HAZLE, HOLLAND, HOLLINGSWORTH, HUTSON, JAMES, JARRELL, JONES, KEEL, KINSAUL, KNOX, LAUGHINGHOUSE, LEROY, LOCAS, LYNCH, McGLAWHERN, MECKS, MERRITT, MILLS, MOBLEY, MOORE, NORRIS, PAGE, POLLARD, PORTER, POWERS, SMITH, TAYLOR, TEEL, TITUS, WIGGINS, WILLIAMS and WOMBLE.
Marguriet Henderson. Died 17 July 1915, Brogden, Wayne County. Black. Age 82. Born Sampson County to an unknown father and Margaret Bowkin. Informant, Lucian Henderson.
In the 1860 census of Westbrooks, Sampson County: Lewis Henderson, 25, mulatto, turpentine laborer, wife Margaret, 26, and children Lewis T., 4, James L., 3, and Isabella J., 4 mos. [James L. is Lucian Henderson, “Lution,” below. Lewis and Margaret were my great-great-great-grandparents. — LYH.]
Alex’r Henderson. Died 13 June 1916, Goldsboro, Wayne County. Colored. Married. Age 56. Born Wayne County to Stephen Henderson and unknown mother. Buried Elmwood cemetery. Informant, Mary Henderson.
In the 1860 census of Westbrooks, Sampson County, James Henderson, mulatto, carpenter, wife Eliza and children Anna J., Susan, Hepsie, and Alexander. [Alex Henderson’s father was James, not Stephen, Henderson. His mother was Eliza (or Louisa) Armwood. — LYH]
Lution Henderson. Died 22 June 1934, Brogden, Wayne County. Colored. Married to Susan Henderson. Age 75 years, 3 months. Farmer. Born Wayne County to Louis Henderson of Wayne County and Maggie Hill of Sampson County. Informant, Jonnie Carter, Dudley.
John Henderson. Died 8 August 1924, Goldsboro, Wayne County. Colored. Married. Age 63. Farmer. Born Sampson County to James Henderson of Onslow County and [blank] Armwood of Sampson County. Buried Dudley NC. Informant, Sarrah Henderson.
In the 1870 census of Faisons, Duplin County, James Henderson, 52, farmer, wife Eliza and children Ann, 17, Susan, 16, Hepsey, 14, Aleck, 13, John H., 11, Nancy, 6, and Betty, 3, plus son James Henderson, 27, and boarders James Ammons and Thomas Cox. [John and Alex Henderson were brothers, and Lewis Henderson (Margaret’s husband) was their half-brother.]
Raleigh Seaberry filed claim #10453 with the Southern Claims Commission. He was 54 years old and free-born.
He lived in “Carvers Creek Township Cumberland County NC 3 miles from Little River Academy “ and had lived there 13 years. “Before that time I lived about 5 miles from the place I now live at keeping Smith fery on Cape Fear River my occupation was farming and keeping the fery.” He was born in Wayne County 6 miles from Goldsboro. During the war, he lived at “Averysboro Harnett County NC Coopering and Farming. I continue to farm and cooper for 2 years after that I farmed and kept the fery. I changed my residence 3 times during the war I first move from Averysboro to Dr. Turners about 9 miles from Smiths Ferry I remained at Dr Turners one year from there to Wm Dows about 19 miles from Smiths Ferry. I remain 2 years at Dows from Dows back to Averysboro remained there 1 year and from there to Smith Ferry where I remained to the close of the war. I move from place to place as I could rent Land to the best advantage not having any of my own.”
He was “on the Side of the Union from the beginning to the end.” “I put some 5 or 6 union Soldiers cross the Ferry at Diferent times at nights at the risk of my life if it had been know. I also fed them they told me that they were Deserters from Confederate Prisons. … They were al white and related [to] me.” “I was at altimes rejoice at the Victorys of the union armys and especially so at the final surrender of the confederate forces.” I was under “very strict orders not to put any union soldiers cross the River while at the Ferry. If should or so I was told that I would be shot.”
“I was order out in the spring of 1863 to meet at Lilington Harnett County NC as I suppose to work on Brest works. I went to Goldsboro and got my free papers and went to Lillington. I was over the age require and I was let off.”
Sherman’s soldiers took his corn, bacon, hogs, a horse, chickens, turkeys, blankets and tobacco.
Evens Chance, aged about 80, resident of Harnett County, testified that he had known Seaberry about 40 years. “I have no doubt of the Claimants Loyalty to the United States, as I never knew or heard of a col’d man during the war that was not in favour of the United States Government.” “I never heard of a col’d man that was regarded by col’d people any thing but a union loving man.”
William McDougald, near 60 years old, resident of Carvers Creek township, Cumberland County, testified that he lived and worked with Seaberry about 18 months to two years during the war. McDougald worked as a farmer and turpentine distiller.
James M. Seaberry, age 29, lived with his father Raleigh Seaberry. He was present when soldiers took his father’s property.
Smithy J. McNeill, age 24, resided in Little River three or four miles from Little River Academy. She was married about 7 years prior to her affidavit. Raleigh Seaberry was her father.
In the 1850 census, Eastern Division, Cumberland County, Raleigh Sedberry, 26, mulatto, farmer, wife Emeline, 22, and children James M., 1, and Sarah E., 1 month.
Asa Hammonds was bound to Joseph Mitchell in 1813.
Asa Hammonds married Charlotte Jarman on 28 Oct 1817 in Onslow County. Joseph Mitchell was bondsman and Banister Lester, witness. The 1820 census of L.R. Lands [Lower Richlands] district, Onslow County, lists an Asa Hammonds as the head of a household that comprised one male aged 26-45, one male under age 10, one female aged 16-26 and one female under age 10, all white. The 1860 census of Lower South West district, Onslow County shows Asa Hammonds, 65, in the household of Calton Boon, 52, wife Catherine, 40, and children John, 6, and Elizabeth Boon, 4.
James Shepard was bound to Hill Williams in 1813.
John Waldron was bound to Edward Erwin in 1813.
James Shepard, son of Betsy Shepard, a white woman, was bound to John Johnston in 1814.
Joshua Whitehurst was bound to Whitehead Humphrey in 1816.
Frederick Potter was bound to Daniel Bradham in 1816.
In the 1850 census, of Tuckahoe, Jones County: Frederick Potter, 50, wife Laney, 58, plus Thursey Cummings, 26, and Lewis Cummings, 1, all mulatto. Frederick Potter married Elany Cummings on 10 January 1835 in Duplin County.
Apprenticeship Records, Records of Onslow County, North Carolina State Archives; Onslow County Marriages, Register of Deeds, Onslow County; Duplin County Marriages, Register of Deeds, Duplin County; US population schedules.
State of North Carolina, Northampton County court, June term 1801.
To the worshipful the Justices of said court, the humble petition Len Kenchen free Negroe humbly complaining Shewing that he the said Len, upwards to ten years ago, purchased of a Mr. Robert Armstead, of Scotland Neck, a negroe woman called Rebecca for the sum of £45 Virg Curcy, and which said negroe, your petr. Len, had as wife, upwards of 15 years previous to said purchase, and until the present day. And your petr. further shews that he the said Len and the said Rebecca previous to said purchase and until this date has always behaved herself as a dutyful wife and as a faithful servant. Your petitioner therefore prays your worships will agreeable to the spirit and meaning of the act of assembly in such case Made, liberate and set free the said Rebecca, and your petitioner as in duty bound will pray /s/ J.H. Keys
Records of Slaves and Free Persons of Color, Northampton County Records, North Carolina State Archives.
Caps, Anson and Margaret Dempsey, 15 July 1850. Henry Joyner, bondsman.
Carlisle, Elisha and Jane Portice, 27 December 1849. John Holland, bondsman.
Carlisle, Joseph Jno. and Elizabeth Portis, 28 January 1852. John Henry Harris, bondsman.
Carlisle, Levy and Penny Strickland, 19 Feb 1822. James Simmons, bondsman.
Carter, Frederick and Margaret Mills, 22 May 1851. Taylor Harriss, bondsman.
In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Fred Carter, 40 stonemason; Margaret Mills, 22; and Nancy Mills, 7 months.
Carter, Jordan and Louisa Frances (alias Ferguson), 6 June 1850.
In the 1850 census, Halifax County: Jordan Carter, 30, laborer, wife Louisa, 25, and children Tom, 5, John, 4, and Indianna, 2.
Carter, Randal and unnamed, 14 May 1831. Thourogood Dempsey, bondsman.
Carter, Willey and Sylla Mills, 24 September 1825. Henry C. Jones, bondsman.
Carter, William and Polly Evans, 21 Dec 1826. Kinchen Toney, bondsman.
Chavers, Solomon and Rebecca Daniels, 27 Dec 1822. Edward King, bondsman.
Chavers, William and Anje James, 21 Aug 1822. William Clinton, bondsman.
Chavis, Herbert and Louisa Peace, 26 April 1820. Carter Harrison, bondsman.
Coleman, James and Susan Lynch, 19 December 1848. Henry Coleman, bondsman.
In the 1850 census of Halifax County: James Coleman, 25, farmer, and wife Susan, 22. James reported owning real estate valued at $8. Also, Henry Coleman, 32, laborer, wife Martha, 26, and children Sarah, 6, Eliza, 4, and Lucy, 1.
Coley, Belfield and Mary A.E. Ivey, 2 Mar 1856. Isaac N. Faulcon, bondsman.
In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Belfield Coley, 15, and Geo. Baker, 9, living alone.
Coley, Dennis and Mary E. Mitchel, 12 January 1854.
Coley, Robert and Polly Mills, 16 May 1826. Jas. B. Pearson, bondsman.
Coley, Thos. and Sally A. Mitchell, 7 Jul 1851.
In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Thos. Coley, 22, and John Coley, 21, both boatman, living next door to Dennis Coley, 60, farmer, wife Dolly, 55, and children Sally, 30, Martha, 19, and Elias, 12.
Coley, Weldon and Cresy Baker, 14 February 1852.
In the 1860 census of Halifax County: Weldon Cooley, 50, farmer, wife Crecy, 46, spinner, and children Mary, 11, and Weldon, 9; plus Easton Cooley, 40, farm laborer.
Cousins, Francis and Panthae Liggins, 10 April 1854. John Mayhoe, bondsman.
State of North Carolina, Nash County } On this thirteenth day of August Eighteen hundred and Forty four Personally appeared in open Court Hardiman Tabourn a resident of the County of Nash and maketh the following declaration in order to obtain a pension under the act of Congress passed on the seventh day of June Eighteen hundred and thirty two and after being duly sworn according to law doth declare on his oath that he is the son of Burrell Tabourn who Enlisted in the war of the revolution in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty-one For the term of Twelve months under Capt Lytle and after he had served out that time he was drafted for a twelve month tour in the year of Seventeen hundred and eighty two as he has always heard his said father say who will more fully appear by two certificates which he has procured from the Secretary of the State of North Carolina, which he submits as evidence in Connection with his own of his Said Fathers services.
And further declares that his said Father Burrell Tabourn died leaving no widow and that his said father Burrell Tabourn died on the Ninth day of January Eighteen hundred and fortytwo and that he was Eighty one years old when he died and that he himself is forty nine years old and that he has three Brothers and two Sisters Namely Larkin Tabourn forty seven years old, Caleb Tabourn Thirtyfive years old, Boling Tabourn twentyeight years old, Beady Tabourn who intermarried with one Berry Locust Thirtytwo years old and Elizabeth Tabourn Thirty years old and he Further declares that his said Father was at the time he entered the Service a resident of the County of Nash and remained as Such up to this death and that he himself and all his brothers and sisters are Residents of the County of Nash and State aforesaid
And he Further declares that he has always heard his Father Say that he served the last Tower under the same Capt as he did the first two and he said Hardiman Further declares that he hims [sic]and he in behalf of his Brother and Sisters do hereby relinquish all Right to a pension whatever Except this
Sworn and subscribed to the day and date before written Before me Francis M. Taylor CCC Hardiman X Tabourn
From the file of Burrell Tabourn, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives and Records Administration.
In the 1850 census of Nash County: Caleb Tayborne, 51, wife Susan, 50, and children Quilly, 20, Jane, 15, Owen, 15, Martha, 12, Larkin, 12, and Sallie, 10. Also, Larkin Tayborne, 57, Rebecca, 68, Ricks, 24, and Levenia, 15. Also, Berry Locust, 50, wife Beedy, 45, and children Arthur, 25, Eliza, 19, Hepsy A., 16, Ivah, 15, Alsey, 12, Henry, 10, and Leymon, 8. Hardy is not listed, but does appear in the 1860 census of Old Fields, Wilson County, as a 70 year-old living alone.
Fourth Generation Inclusive 