Fourth Generation Inclusive

Historical Documents of Genealogical Interest to Researchers of North Carolina's Free People of Color

Tag: Freeman

September 15, 2016

Committed on suspicion.

Fville_Weekly_Observer_3_8_1858

Fayetteville Weekly Observer, 8 March 1858.

In the 1850 census of Northwest, Brunswick County: cooper Henry Patrick, 24, wife Hester, 24, and children Anne, 2, and William, 4 months. Next door: cooper William Patrick, 47, wife Sophia, 55, and Ezekiel, 23, Massa, 17, Mildred, 16, Benjamin, 2, and Margaret Patrick, 9 months.

In the 1850 census of Northwest, Brunswick County: Elias Freeman, 59, wife Abby, 50, and children Celia, 21, Prucilla, 20, Joshua, 21, William, 20, Jesse, 16, John, 12, Mary, 10, and Eliza Freeman, 4, plus Julia Jacobs, 10.

In the 1850 census of Northwest, Brunswick County: Henry Jacobs, 43, wife Mary, 42, and children Eli, 18, Sylvany, 11, Mary, 15, Betsy, 9, Eliza, 7, and Jerry Jacobs, 4.

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May 13, 2015

Can the preacher preach?

Friday, 30th.

Mr. Morris presented the petition of sundry citizens of Anson, praying the passage of an act to permit Ralph Freeman, a free man of color, to exercise the functions of a Preacher. Referred.

North-Carolina Free Press (Halifax), 11 December 1832.

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August 8, 2014

Most Horrible Murder.

Fville_Weekly_Observer_3_8_1858

Fayetteville Weekly Observer, 8 May 1858.

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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 8, 2013

An unfavorable report.

Mr. Montgomery, of Hertford, from the same committee [on propositions and grievances], to home was referred the petition of sundry citizens of Anson county, praying the passage of an act, to permit Ralph Freeman, a freeman of color of said county, to exercise the privileges and functions of a preacher of the Gospel, made an unfavorable report thereon, and asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject, in which report the Senate concurred, and the committee was discharged accordingly.

Journals of the Senate and House of Commons of the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina at the Session of 1832-33 (Raleigh, 1833).

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May 7, 2013

Ralph Freeman.

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Elder Ralph was a colored man, and at first a slave belonging to a man in Anson county, N. C. Soon after making a profession of religion and being baptized, it was discovered that he had impressions to preach; he was licensed by the church of which he was a member. His owner proposed to sell him, and the brethren bought and gave to him his freedom. Soon after this, he was ordained to the work of the ministry. He travelled and preached a great deal in the counties of Anson, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, and Davidson. He became a good reader, and was well read in the Scriptures. He was considered an able preacher, was frequently called upon to preach on funeral occasions, was appointed to preach on Sabbath at the association, and frequently administered the ordinance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. He was of common size, was perfectly black, with smiling countenance, especially in the pulpit while speaking. He was very humble in his appearance at all times, and especially when conducting religious services. Great personal respect was always shown him by the brethren whom he visited in his preaching excursions. Elder Joseph Magee, a Baptist minister, became his warm friend, and travelled and preached with him. Such was their attachment for each other, that they agreed that the surviving one should preach the funeral of the one that died first. Elder Magee moved to the West, and died first. Upon his deathbed, he bequeathed to Ralph his riding horse, overcoat, Bible, and fifty dollars in cash, and requested his family to send for Ralph to come and preach at his funeral. In company with a white brother, Ralph went to the West and preached the funeral sermon from a text the deceased had selected. The brother that went with Ralph stated to Elder N. Richardson that he never before saw so large a congregation. At the conclusion of the sermon, Elder Magee’s brother stated to the congregation what provision his deceased brother had made for Ralph, and added, if any of you would like to give him any amount, it would be thankfully received; the congregation soon made up fifty dollars, which was given to him. While this contribution was being made, a Methodist came up and handed to Ralph one dollar. A Presbyterian, who observed it, said to him, He was singled out by a legislative act that forbade him from preaching to Black congregations. You ought not to give Ralph anything. “Why not?” said the Methodist. “Because,” said the Presbyterian, “he has torn your system all to pieces.” The Methodist replied, “I believe he has preached the truth, and I will give him the dollar.”

Ralph was able in illustrating and unfolding the doctrines of grace. Elder N. Richardson (to whom we are indebted for this biographical sketch), has baptized a number of persons who dated their convictions to the preaching of Ralph.

When the anti-mission party was formed, we have been told that Ralph became an anti-missionary.

When the legislature passed the law prohibiting colored men from preaching, Ralph was greatly mortified and had the sympathy of many brethren. Ralph was, no doubt, a truly pious and humble Christian, he had the confidence and esteem of thousands, and died in the full assurance of a blessed immortality.

From Elder George W. Purefoy, The History of the Sandy Creek Baptist Association (1859).

Ralph Freeman‘s headstone: RALPH. Died about 1838/ He was a Primitive Baptist/ Preacher of much force and /usefulness./ His freedom was/ purchased by the/ Bear Creek Association/ Erected 1907.

Photo courtesy of http://www.ncmarkers.org.

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May 3, 2013

Free-Issue Death Certificates: MISCELLANEOUS, no. 12.

Jane Nixon. Died 25 October 1921, Wilmington, New Hanover County. Resided 707 Brunswick. Negro. Widow of John Owen Nixon. Born 3 September 1866 in Wilmington to Elvin Artis and Lizzie Green, both of NC. Buried Pine Forest. Informant, Eliza Nixon.

In the 1850 census of Wilmington, New Hanover County: Elvin Artis, 37, “carpt,” wife Eliza, 22, and children E.A., 8, Champion, 6, Silvester, 4, twins Hildred and Eldred, 9 months, and John Henry, 17.

Geo. Freeman. Died 29 August 1931, Leland, North West, Brunswick County. Colored. Widower of Nancy Vernon Freeman. Age 87. Born NC to Sam Freeman and Mary Jane Freeman. Informant, Drussilla Brown, Leland.

In the 1860 census of North West District, Brunswick County: Saml. Freeman, 35, laborer, wife Mary, 30, and children Melvina, 13, George, 10, John, 6, and Madaline, 3.

Duncan T. Mitchell. Died 16 July 1915, Fayetteville, Cumberland County. Resided 522 Russell, Ward 2. Black. Married. Born 15 October 1860. Minister. “Good” educational attainment. Born NC to Duncan Mitchell and Mary C. Mitchell. Buried Pettiford cemetery, Fayetteville. Informant, J.W. Mitchell, Fayetteville.

In the 1860 census of North West District, Brunswick County: Duncan Mitchell, 48, farmer; wife Catharine, 48, and children Thomas, 17, Everett, 14, Joanna, 13, William C., 10, Martha J., 5, James M., 6, Mary E., 3, and Duncan T., 11 months.

Joe Webb. Died 2 February 1823, North West, Brunswick County. Resident of Delco. Negro. Married to Mary Lizzie Webb. About 74 years old. Born NC to John Webb and Lizzie Phillips. Buried Evergreen cemetery. Informant, Bucky Brown, Delco.

In the 1860 census of North West District, Brunswick County: Joe Webb, 11, in the household of Jordan Holland, farmer.

Caroline Cromartie. Died 15 September 1935, Lagoon, Colly, Bladen County. Colored. Widow of Dave Cromartie. Born 1840 in Bladen County to Charles Hayes and Edie Hayes, both of Bladen. Buried at Big Sugar Loaf. Informant, Gus Johnson.

In the 1860 census of Cypress Creek, Bladen County: Edy Hayse, 54, with Rebecca, 36, Mary J., 24, Caroline, 18, Peggy, 15, Owen, 22, and Wm. Hayse, 16, and Francenia King, 5.

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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.

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March 15, 2013

An Act to Emancipate Phillis.

CHAPTER XVIII.

An Act to Emancipate a certain Negro Slave named Phillis, late the Property of George Jacobs, of the town of Wilmington, Deceased.

Whereas it is represented to the General Assembly that the aforesaid George Jacobs, deceased, in his last illness, did earnestly request that his negro slave named Phillis should be liberated for her great attention to her said master during her continuance with him, and more especially for her care and assiduity in his last illness: In order therefore to carry into effect the dying request of the said George Jacobs, deceased:

I. Be it Enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, and it is hereby Enacted by the authority of the same, That from and after the passing of this Act, the aforesaid negro woman named Phillis, shall be emancipated and forever discharged from her bondage, in as full and ample manner as if she had been born free; any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding: And the said negro woman shall forever hereafter be known by the name of Phillis Freeman.

Acts of the North Carolina General Assembly, 1788, Colonial and State Records of North Carolina. 

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December 17, 2012

Reward for stolen free papers.

TEN DOLLARS REWARD.  The undersigned offers the above reward for his Free Papers, which were stolen from his house in Davidson county, on the 13th January, 1851.  They were signed by John Shuman, Jr., certifying that I am free, and by J.M. Brown, J.P., with a certificate attached from the Clerk of the County Court, John Giles, by John H. Hardie, Deputy Clerk, and dated October 1, 1844.   IRVIN FREEMAN.  Feb. 1, 1851.

Carolina Watchman, Salisbury, 6 Feb 1851.

In the 1850 census of Northern Division, Davidson County: Irvine Freeman, 35, and wife Biddy, 34.

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