Fourth Generation Inclusive

May 17, 2013

They talked about their service and privations together.

State of North Carolina Wak County pearsonally appeared before us Nancey Whitehead widow of Burwell Whitehead Aged ninety years and made oath in Dew form of Law to following affidaved

That She was Raised in the County of hallifax and State of North Carolina and that She was pearsonally Acquanited with Axum Scot and that they was Both Raised in the Same neighbourhood and Lived in a mile of Each other and that She well recollects that he married Alley Sweat and in a Short time after thear mariage had a Son they named him Zachariah and further this Deponent Saith not Sworn to and Subscribed before is August 13^th 1846 Nancey X Whitehead

[illegible} JP, Tignall Jones JP

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State of North Carolina, Wake County } Personally appeared before me Tignal Jones an acting Justice of the peace for said County on the 13^th day of August 1845 Gilbert Evans aged fifty seven years and made oath to the following affidavit

That he was personally acquainted with Exum Scott for many years and often heard him speak of his services in the revolutionary War and heard him talk of his distress in leaving home to enter the army. And this deponent further saith that he has often heard his father (William Evans) who was also a revolutionary Soldier speak of the said Exum Scott as a Soldier of the revolution and also has heard them talking together of their services & privations together in the war and saith that the said Scott was always bore the Character of a revolutionary Soldier and always treated as such

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day & date first written Gilbert X Evans

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State of North Carolina, Wake County } This day Barney Scott of Granville County appears before me Tignal Jones a Justice of the peace of said County and made oath that he is the third son of Exum and Alley Scott that he is now as he believes 68 years of age and that he recollects when his father returned home from the War and that he has often heard his father say that he served under Col Long of Halifax and often heard him talk of the War and his services in the War and heard him say he served eighteen months under Col Long and further that his father was always called an old revolutionary Soldier & always treated as such and also had heard his father say that Jesse Potts was his Captain and that his father died in Wake County about the year 1823. Sworn to & subscribed before me this 23^rd day of July AD 1845 Barney X Scott

Witness Tignall Jones JP

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Widow Alley Sweatt Scott and son Zachary Scott, among others, also gave affidavits attesting to Exum Scott’s marital status and war service. There was testimony that Exum and Alley married in 1774 in Halifax County and that they moved to Wake County about 1801. George Pettiford of Granville County, himself a Revolutionary War veteran, gave an affidavit concerning Scott’s service, and other documents named a third son, Guilford Scott.

From the file of Exum Scott, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives and Records Administration.

In the 1790 census of Edgecombe District, Halifax County: Exum Scott listed as head of a household of 9 free people of color.

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May 17, 2013

Surnames: Ashe County, 1860.

The following surnames are found among free people of color in Ashe County in the 1860 census: ANDERSON, BARLEY, BASS, BRACINS, BROWN, DUNKIN, EVANS, FOE, GAIN, GILLY, GOINS/GOWIN, GRIMES, GRINTON, HARRIS, JOHNSON, JONES, RIDDER, RIDDLE, TEDLINE, TOMPKINS, WATERS, WHITE and WIGGINS.

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May 16, 2013

James Edward Reed.

Mr. J. E. Reed was born of free parents in North Carolina, and knew nothing of slavery. He came to New Bedford, Mass., in 1878, where he attended school for two years; at the end of that time, in 1880, he secured employment as errand boy in Mr. G. F. Parlow’s photograph galleries of that city. Mr. Parlow found that the young man possessed very excellent qualities of mind, and as an evidence of his appreciation, asked him if he would like to learn photography. I need not add that Mr. Reed was only too glad to accept the offer. After mastering the profession he worked as an assistant to Mr. Parlow until 1888, when he formed a partnership with Mr. P. C. Headly, a young white man. The two young men bought out the gallery where Mr. Reed had learned his profession. This firm of Headly & Reed continued in business until 1895, when Mr. Reed bought out the interest of Mr. Headly. These young men were regarded as by far the best work-men in their line the city afforded. Their patrons were numbered among the very best people in New Bedford. To me, the most interesting phase of Mr. Reed’s work was his partnership with Mr. Headly, for I have always felt that one of the very best things that could be done, in solving what is called in this country the “Race question,” would be to bring white and colored men together in a business way, where they will have an opportunity to study each other as only those whose financial interests are blended can. I have no doubt but many comments, and doubtless unpleasant ones too, were made about the co-partnership of a white and colored man. But the fact that they succeeded, and won the respect and confidence of the best people in New Bedford, makes me hope we may hear of more such firms, in other parts of the country, for I am sure that it will prove helpful to both races to be brought more together in a business way. I can speak for Mr. Reed’s ability as an artist, having had work done in his gallery. I am also pleased to note that Mr. Reed is a very useful and energetic church and Sunday-school worker.

From G.F. Richings, Evidence of Progress Among Colored People (1902).

In the 1870 census of Parkville, Perquimans County: John Reed, 33, wife Mary Adeline, 31, and sons William Henry, 8, and James Edward, 6. In the 1880 census of New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts:on Sherman Street, John Reed, 45, carpenter, born Virginia; wife Mary A., 42, born NC; and sons James E., 16, and John, 7, both born in NC.

[Sidenote: The wording of the status of John Reed’s parents is ambiguous, and they are not found in the 1860 census. — LYH]

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May 16, 2013

Unfavorable reports.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

…

Mr. Courts, from the Committee on Propositions and Grievances, reported unfavorably in the bill to emancipate Jno. Good. On motion of Mr. Jones, of Orange, the bill was indefinitely postponed. Also, unfavorably, to the bill to authorize a free colored man of Wayne, to emancipate his wife and children. … Mr. Stanly said this was a case of great hardship, and he had heard the remarks of the gentleman from Wayne, not without being moved by the representation. … The bill was postponed – 56 to 53.

Mr. Courts also reported unfavorably to the bill authorizing Danl. Skein to emancipate his wife. On motion, it was indefinitely postponed.

…

Carolina Watchman, Salisbury, 18 January 1849.

[Sidenote: “A free colored man of Wayne County” was Hillary Croom. — LYH]

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May 16, 2013

Twelve acres lying east of the cross fence.

State of N. Carolina, Wayne County, March 31^st 1884.

Know all men by these presents that I Itey Simmons being of sound mind and frail in body, knowing the uncertainty of life, and the certainty of Death and desiring to arrange my worldly affairs while I live – do make this my last will and testament —

Item I. I commit my soul to God and my body to the Grave. I desire to be decently and plainly buried, and the expenses of my burial to be paid first out of any money I may have or the first that may be raised out of the proceeds of my property.

Item II. I give to my Grand-daughter Sarah Simmons, my cow and yearling.

Item III. I give in fee simple to my daughter in law Sally Winn widow of my deceased son David Simmons: Twelve acres of land, lying East of the cross fence between my house and hers, and next around and including the house where she is living, to be surveyed and marked only by competent Surveyor, under supervision of my Ex’r or Admin.

Item IV. I order all other property which I may possess of whatever nature Real and Personal, not otherwise provided for in this Will to be sold and converted into money, as promptly as the best interest of my Estate will allow or require: and then: my burial expences above refered to, and any just and legal debts I owe, being paid, I order –

Item V. That the sum of one hundred Dollars shall be appropriated out of the proceeds of my Estate, and given my Great Grand Child Julia Jordan. My executor is requested to see that this money is safely invested, and the interest or profit from the same used for her benefit. The principal to be reserved until her majority; unless absolutely required for her necessities or her best interest before hand –

Item VI. The balance of money now remaining after above I bequest I order to be divided into three equal parts – and to be given one part to my Grand Daughter Maria Thompson one part to my Grand daughters Sarah Simmons and Gustus Greenfield equally and the other part to my son Moses Simmons, if he living, is [sic] he is dead, and leaves no legal heirs of his body, Then this part bequeathed to Moses Simmons shall be divided one half to Maria Thompson and balance between Sarah Simmons and Gustus Greenfield, my Grand-daughters above mentioned.

Item VII. I assign David W. Kelly my Executor to this my last will and Testament as witness to all of which I hereunto set my hand and seal. This day and date as above written, Itey X Simmons {seal]

Signed and sealed In presence of J.F. Oliver, S.J. Kelly

Wayne County Will Book 1, Page 255, Wills, North Carolina State Archives.

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May 16, 2013

Tarheels for freedom.

October, 10^th 1856.

To the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina.

The Memorial of James Newlin of the County of Alamance respectfully represents:

That his slave Sam, commonly called Sam Morphis, desires to be emancipated buy the General Assembly with the privilege of remaining in North Carolina. Your memorialist hereby begs leave to recommend the care of the said Sam to the favorable consideration of your Body. He believes that Sam can present to your Body decisive testimonials of a behaviour upon his part uniformly respectful to whites. Sam has been for several years engaged as a hack-driver and waiter at the University, and, your memorialist is informed and believes, has made himself acceptable to all who have employed him, or in any way had dealings with him. Your memorialist will cheerfully enter into any bond which may be required to secure the State in case of his emancipation; and again asks a favorable consideration for this prayer for freedom.

And will ever pray &c /s/ James Newlin

Appended to Newlin’s petition is a second petition signed by 238 students and faculty members of the University of North Carolina.

General Assembly Session Records, November 1858-February 1859, Box 11, North Carolina State Archives.

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May 16, 2013

Wayne County Apprentices, 1839-40.

Wilie Carroll was bound to William McKinne in 1839.

Bill Capps, 7, was bound to Harris Barfield in 1839.

Jinnet Burnett, 7, was bound to Calvin Coor in 1839.

In the 1850 census of North Side of Neuse, Wayne County: Jennett Burnett, 18, in the household of Bright Sasser, 54, farmer.

Wilie Burnett, 2, was bound to Asher Pipkin in 1839.

Mary A. Hagans was bound to W. Thompson in 1839.

Ann Goins was bound to Jonathan Pike in 1839.

Angeline Seaberry was bound to William Thomson in 1839.

Rufus Artis was bound to William Hooks in 1840.

Rufus Artis and Ben Artis were bound to Martin Sauls in 1840.

In the 1850 census North Side of Neuse, Wayne County: Rufus Artice, 17, farmhand, and Persey Artice, 17, in the household of Martin Sauls, 40, farmer.

Trecy Davis, 9, was bound to Kenan Grantham in 1840.

In the 1850 census of South Side of Neuse, Wayne County: Tresia Davis, 21, and children George, 2, and Susan, 6 months, in the household of Kenan Grantham, 50, farmer. In the 1860 census of Neuse River, Johnston County: Tresia Davis, 28, serving, and her children Susan, 12, Olin, 7, Sarah, 5, Alsey, 2, and Laura, 9 months, in the household of Lewis P. Lindsey, 35, farmer.

Lawrence Hagans, 19, was bound to Jesse Bogue in 1840.

In the 1860 census of Goldsboro, Wayne County: Lawrence Hagans, 39, ditcher, wife Charity, 35, and children Melvina, 12, Wm. A., 13, Leonas, 9, Everett, 6, and Alsey, 2.

Penny Winn, 3, was bound to Burnet Peacock in 1840.

Augustus Brunt, 7, was bound to Asher Pipkin in 1840.

In the 1850 census of South Side of Neuse, Wayne County: Augustus Brunt, 12, in the household of William Benson, 29, farmer. Also, in the same district: Polly Brunt, 35, born Johnston County, and son Augustus, 12, born Wayne.

Rhody Roe, 12, was bound to Godfrey Stansill in 1840.

Apprentice Records, Wayne County Records, North Carolina State Archives; federal censuses.

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May 15, 2013

The criminal docket.

SUPERIOR COURT DECISIONS

The Superior Court of Law and Equity for the Counties of Cumberland and Harnett has been in Session during the present week. Nearly the whole of the Term has been taken up with the Criminal Docket. A part of Tuesday and the whole of Wednesday were devoted to the trial of Rachel Freeman, a free girl of color, on a charge of arson. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. For the State, Mr. Solicitor Strange; for the prisoners, Messrs. William B. Wright and Joseph Baker, Jr.

The next business on the calendar was an application of three prisoners from Bladen, charged with a capital offence, to be admitted to bail. They were represented by John A. Richardson, Esq., whose efforts to obtain bail were ineffectual. The prisoners were remanded.

Jackson Evans was then put on his trial for a homicide on the body of Joseph Williams, both free men of color. A verdict of manslaughter has been returned.

North Carolina Argus, Wadesboro, 16 October 1856.

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May 15, 2013

Free-Issue Death Certificates: MISCELLANEOUS, no. 14.

Edd Bowen. Died 18 November 1925, Ransom, Columbus County. Colored. Widower. Farmer. Born 12 June 1858 in NC to James Bowen and Esther Blanks. Buried Eastarcadia NC. Informant, Alice Andrews, Dilco NC.

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

Catherine Jackson. Died 7 July 1932, Waccamaw, Columbus County. Indian. Widow of David Jackson. Born 12 April 1858 in Columbus County to J.A. Bowen of Columbus County and Susan Lacewell of Bladen County. Buried Holly Ridge NC. Informant, Geo. M. Mitchell.

In the 1860 census of Columbus County: John Bowen, 45, farmer, wife Susan 46, and children John, 23, Frances, 21, Lucy, 20, Anna, 17, Jane, 15, Betsey, 13, James, 10, G., 8, Henry, 5, Lydia, 3, and Caty Bowen, 2. John and Susan were born in Bladen County. They and their oldest three children were described as mulatto; the remainder as black.

John William Mitchell. Died 5 January 1934, Waccamaw, Columbus County. Indian. Married to Colista Mitchell. Farmer. Born 1 November 1858, Waccamaw, to B.F. Mitchell and Mary Frances Bowen. Buried Mitchell cemetery. Informant, Cary Mitchell, Hallsboro NC.

In the 1860 census of Bladen County: B.F. Mitchel, 24, wife Mary F., 21, and children A.E., 3, and John W., 2.

Calvin Thomas Mitchell. Died 29 February 1916, Ransom, Columbus County. Negro. Married. Farmer. Born about 1862 in Columbus County to Buckhorn Mitchell and Dalcedia Chafus. Buried Freeman. Informant, Joe Moore.

In the 1860 census of Bladen County: J.W. Mitchel, 30, turpentine, wife Dalsadid, 25, and children Anna, 9, Mary M., 8, Britton, 6, Calvin T., 4, and Davis, 2 months.

Elsie Blanks. Died 3 December 1915, Welches Creek, Columbus County. Widow. Colored. Born about 1838 to Shade Chavis. Buried Welches Creek township. Informant, McI. Spaulding.

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May 15, 2013

Spelman applies for Confederate pension.

SOLDIER’S APPLICATION FOR PENSION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF CAMDEN }

On this 2nd day of July, A.D. 1928, personally appeared before me L.S. Leary, C.S.C. in and for the State and County aforesaid, John Spelman, age [blank] years, and a resident at Linden 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 John Spelman who enlisted as a servant in Company A, 56 Regiment, N.C. State Troops, on or about the [1st] day of June, 1861, to serve in the armies of the late Confederate States, and that while in service at Shiloh, in the State of North Carolina, on or about [blank] day of [blank], [blank], he received a wound or wounds, etc. [description]

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/ John X Spelman

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 2nd day of July, 1928. /s/ L.S. Leary

Also personally appeared before me N.S. Burgess, who resides at Shiloh 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 John Spelman, 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/ N.S. Burgess

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 2nd day of July, 1928. /s/ L.S. Leary

[Approved 21 October 1928]

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

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