Simmons | Fourth Generation Inclusive

March 26, 2013

Riley B. Simmons.

RILEY B. SIMMONS was born 4 August 1841 in Duplin or Wayne County to George W. Simmons and Axey Jane Manuel Simmons. He married Penny Bryant in 1864; Matilda Graham in 1895; and Tempsey Locus Boseman in 1914; all in Wayne County. He died 11 July 1924 and is buried in the First Congregational Church cemetery in Dudley, Wayne County.

Photograph by Lisa Y. Henderson, March 2013.

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.

In the 1860 census of Indian Springs, Wayne County: Sally Bryant, 40, Penny, 18, Rich’d, 14, and Caroline Bryant, 10. Sally was white; her children, mulatto.

In the 1850 census of Nash County: Rachel Locust, 29, and daughters Sarah, 10, Tincy, 6, and Tilda, 2.

Artimpsey Locus married James Boseman in Nash County on 11 February 1863. In the 1860 census of Buck Swamp, Wayne County: Matthew Aldridge, 50, wife Catharine, 28, and children William, 10, John H., 16, Frances, 7, Delia, 3, and Mary A., 1, plus James Bosmon, 20, who was probably Catharine’s brother.

March 23, 2013

Axey Jane Manuel Simmons.

AXEY (or FLAXEY) JANE MANUEL SIMMONS (1823-1885) was probably born in Sampson County. She married George Washington Simmons circa 1840. Their children were: Riley B. Simmons, Susannah Simmons, Simon Simmons, George Robert Simmons, Zachariah T. Simmons, Sylvania Simmons Sutton, Bryant Simmons, Hillary B. Simmons and General W. Simmons. She is buried in the First Congregational Church cemetery in Dudley, Wayne County.

Photo taken by Lisa Y. Henderson, March 2013.

[N.B.: She is called Axey (or some alternate spelling thereof) in every census record and on sons Riley and Zachariah’s death certificates, but Flaxy (or something similiar) on her headstone and the death certs of three other sons. — LYH]

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March 7, 2013

Free-Issue Death Certificates: GREENFIELD.

Budd Greenfield. Died 16 March 1916, Brogden, Wayne County. Age 75. Colored. Single. Common laborer. Born Wayne County to Johnson Greenfield and Harriet Greenfield. Informant, Joe Greenfield.

Joe Ingram Greenfield. Died 22 October 1924, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Widower. Age 78. Farmer. Born in Wayne County to unknown parents. Informant, Roland Greenfield.

Giles Greenfield. Died 27 August 1927, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Married to Bitha Greenfield. Farmer. Born April 1850 near Mount Olive to Johnson Greenfield and Hattie Smith Greenfield. Buried Simmons cemetery, Dudley. Informant, John H. Greenfield.

Luther Greenfield. Died 21 April 1934, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Married to Sarah Greenfield. Age 83. Farmer. Born Wayne County to Johnson Greenfield and Harriet Smith. Informant, B.F. Greenfield.

J.D. Greenfield. Died 17 August 1920, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Married to Clancy Greenfield. Farmer. Age 68. Born at Indian Springs to Johnson Greenfield and Harriet Smith. Buried Indian Springs. Informant, Miss Lilly Greenfield.

Miss Mary Greenfield. Died 5 January 1932, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Single. Age 61. Born NC to Johnson Greenfield and Hairrit Smith. Buried Indian Springs. Informant, William Street Greenfield.

George Greenfield. Died 22 August 1929, New Hope, Wayne County. Colored. Widow. Farmer. Age 70. Son of Johnson Greenfield and unknown mother. Buried Pine Level NC. Informant, Willie Mathews.

In the 1850 census of South Side of Neuse River, Wayne County: Jno. Greenfield, 45, hireling, wife Harriet, 30, and children Susan, 12, Bud, 6, Ingram, 2, and Johnston, 4 months. In the 1860 census of Indian Springs, Wayne County: Johnson Greenfield, 52, farmer, wife Harriet, 36, and children Budd, 15, Ingram, 11, Giles, 9, Luther, 6, Dellelo, 4, Mary, 2, George, 2, and Marshal, 4 months.

Bettie Greenfield. Died 18 June 1930, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Age 85. Colored. Widow of Giles Greenfield. Born Wayne County to unknown father and Millie Smith. Buried Simmons cemetery. Informant, Alonzo Greenfield.

Classie Greenfield. Died 16 January 1937, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Age. Colored. Widow of Dello Greenfield. Born in Wayne County to unknown parents. Informant, John Richardson.

In the 1860 census of Buck Swamp, Wayne County: Milly Smith, 45, and children Louisa, 25, Bitha, 15, Frances, 8, Clarissa, 4, Eliza, 5, Isam, 3, and Virginia, 1.

Pennie Simmons. Died 4 May 1936, South Clinton, Sampson County. Indian. Widow. Age 95. Born in NC to Gray Winn and Sallie Greenfield. Buried in family cemetery. Informant, J.G. Simmons.

Elizabeth Greenfield. Died 12 October 1919, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Married to J.I. Greenfield. Age 71 years, 9 months, 17 days. Born Wayne County to John Stafford and Annie Brooks. Informant, J.H. Greenfield.

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February 19, 2013

William & Pennie Winn Simmons.

WILLIAM and PENNIE WINN SIMMONS. William Simmons was born about 1837 in Sampson County to James Simmons and Winnie Medlin Simmons. Pennie Winn, born about 1844, probably in Wayne County, was the daughter of Gray Winn and Sallie Greenfield Winn.

In the 1850 census of Northern District, Sampson County: James Simmons, 52, ditcher, wife Winney, 40, and children Nancy, 17, Bryant, 15, William, 13, and Martha, 11.

In the 1850 census of South Side of the Neuse, Wayne County: Sally Winn, 30, and children Betsey, 14, Edw’d J., 12, Eliza, 10, Penny, 6, Ally, 4, and Washington, 1.

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February 6, 2013

He emigrated to Georgia and tried to take her and her children with him.

State of North Carolina Wayne County June 2^nd 1853 Charity Bryant after Duly Sworn Deposith and Says as follows (viz) that She has Been acquainted with Fareby Simmons a free woman of Colour for the last Sixty years or theirabout and She lived with a certain William Burnham as an apprentice and after her time was Expired with Burnham She Still Remaind their with Burnham untwell he Sold out to Emigrate to the State of Georgia and wanted to Stip Said Fariby Simons off and hir children off with him and John Beck Thomas Wright William Gully Sollomon Rouse and Others and Established hir freedom and Burnham went of to the State of Georgia with his own Slaves and left fariby Simons and hir children to enjoy their freedom that was proven Hannah Simons a Daughter of Said Fariby was Bound as an apprintice to Betsey Burnham who afterwords intermarried with Thomas Simpson they Give up Said hanah as a free Girl and they have Remaind and past as free coulerd people ever since further the Deponant Sayeth Not Charity X Bryant June the 2^nd Sworn to and Subscribed to Before me the Day & date first Written George Flowers JP

Records of Slaves and Free Persons of Color, Wayne County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

Nearly forty years after this statement was made, Charity Bryant’s granddaughter Minta Bryant Brown, a woman of color, sued one of Fereby Simmons’ descendants to take possession of a parcel of land.

January 20, 2013

Eliza Simmons Bryant.

ELIZA SIMMONS BRYANT (1827–1907) founded a home in Cleveland, Ohio, for elderly African-Americans, many, freed slaves. The Cleveland Home for Aged Colored People, now known as Eliza Bryant Village, continues to serve some of Cleveland’s most vulnerable residents.

Eliza Bryant’s official biography asserts that she “was born in North Carolina to Polly Simmons, a slave, and her master. She was raised on a plantation in Wayne County. In 1848, Polly Simmons was freed, and moved with her family to Cleveland, Ohio, where she purchased a home, with funds from her master.” In fact, Eliza was born free to Polly Simmons, who was part of a large family whose freedom dated from at least the mid-18^th century. Her father may have been white, and may have employed her mother, but was not her master. (Eliza turned 21 in about 1848 — was a release from an indenture the “freedom” attributed to her mother in her bio?) The 1850 census of the South Side of the Neuse, Wayne County, shows: Polly Simmons, 47, her children Eliza, 23, Buckner, 21, and George, 18; plus Nancy A., 17, and Willie Grice, 15, and Rufus Daniel, 14; all described as mulatto. They are listed among a cluster of Simmonses, including 84 year-old Phereby Simmons, who may have been Polly’s mother.

Photo courtesy of http://www.elizabryant.org. Wikipedia; US Federal Population Schedule.

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January 19, 2013

Complaint for possession of land.

North Carolina, Wayne County } In Superior Court April Term 1892.

David Brown and wife Minta Brown vs. Sallie Simmons and Frank Winn – Complaint.

The plaintiffs for their complaint allege, I. That prior to the [blank] day of April 1854 David Simmons was the owner in fee of a tract of land in Wayne County near the town of Mount Olive on which the defendant Sallie Simmons now lives, bounded as follows, Beginning at a pine and running thence S 82 poles to a pine, then S 87 W 81 poles to a pine, the N 47 W 46 poles to a pine, then N 5 E 56 poles to a stake, then East 110 poles to the beginning containing 57 acres more or less.

II. That on said [blank] day of April 1854 the said David Simmons conveyed said tract of land for life to his mother Ita Simmons reserving an annual rent of one penny by deed duly admitted to probate and registered in Wayne County.

III. That thereafter on the 23^rd day of April 1855 the said David Simmons conveyed said land in fee to one James McDuffie by deed duly admitted to probate and registered in Wayne County.

IV. That thereafter the said McDuffie died in the County of Wayne leaving a last will and testament by which he devised said land in fee to the plaintiff Minta Brown (then Minta Bryant) subject to the life estate of the said Ita Simmons.

V. That soon after the execution of said deed to Ita Simmons set out in the second paragraph of this complaint, the said Ita Simmons took possession of said land under said deed and remained in possession thereof until her death in the year 1891.

VI. That the plaintiff Minta Brown is the owner in fee of said land and in entitled to recover possession thereof.

VII. That the defendants are now in possession of said land and wrongfully withholding the same from the plaintiffs.

Wherefore the plaintiffs pray for Judgment.

1. That the plaintiff Minta Brown is the owner in fee of said land.

2. For possession & costs.

Minta Brown being duly sworn says, That the facts stated in the foregoing complaint as of her own knowledge over time and then states on information and belief she believes to be true. Minta X Brown Sworn to & subscribed before me this 9 day of April 1892. Jno. D. Taylor, Clerk Superior Court, New Hanover County

In the 1850 census of the South Side of the Neuse, Wayne County: Ity Simmons, 40, born in Duplin County, with sons David, 22, cooper, and George, 20, hireling; all mulatto. Also, Sally Bryan, 30, and her children Arimenta, 8, Penny, 6, Charley, 4, and Caroline, 4, and Charity Bryan, 70, perhaps her mother. Arimenta and Penny were described as mulatto; the rest of the family, white. In the 1860 census of Indian Springs, Wayne County, Minta Bryant, 23, and her children Mitchel, 4, Edith, 6, and Rufus Bryant, 2, all mulatto, lived in the household of James McDuffee, 41. [Was McDuffie the father of Bryant’s children?]

Ita Simmons Estate Papers, Estate Records, Wayne County Records, North Carolina State Archives. US Federal Population Schedules.

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January 18, 2013

5 chears, one cubbard, 3 bee gumes.

“Account of the Sale of the property of Matthew Aldridg Deceased sold by Joseph Hollowell Adm. on a credit of six months, Nov 20^th 1868”

His widow [Catherine Boseman (or Simmons) Aldridge] purchased five “chears”, cart wheels and an axle, two tables (one small), two beds and furniture, “one cubbard & contents,” a clock, a gun, “3 Bee Gumes & work bench,” a tub dipper, kitchen furniture, a blind mare and two beehives. Green Simmons, George Simmons and David Winn purchased tools, and “Robbert Aldridg,” who likely was Matthew Aldridge’s brother, bought the fourth and fifth beehive choices. A note on William Carter for a $27.50 debt, due 1 January 1869, was described as doubtful. The Application for Letters of Administration in the file notes that Aldridge’s heirs were John Henry Aldridge, Wm. Aldridge, Frances Aldridge, Della Aldridge, Mary Ann Aldridge, Joanna Aldridge, and James Thomas Aldridge.

In the 1860 census of Buck Swamp, Wayne County: Matthew Aldridge, 50, wife Catharine, 28, and children William, 10, John H., 16, Frances, 7, Delia, 3, and Mary A., 1, with James Boseman, 26. All the Aldridges described as mulatto, and Matthew and James worked as railroad hands. Matthew reported owning $200 real estate and $25 personal property.

Estate Records, Wayne County Records, North Carolina State Archives; US Federal Population Schedules.

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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 2, 2012

The first free colored person he recollects he ever saw.

State of North Carolina, Wayne County } August the 3^rd 1853

Jesse Martin after being Duly Sworn Deposeth & Says as follows (viz) that he has known Fariby Simons a free Woman of Color for the last Sixty or Sixty five years and was Raisd within one of Two Miles of hir She was the first free Colord person he Recolects Ever saw and She was Cald free Fariby in the Neighborhood the Deponant further Sais She the Said Fariby Simons Never was considered to be a Slave the Said Fariby Simons livd with William Burnham She & Burnham would have a fawling out at Some times & she thretend to leave him Said Burnham and they would have to Compremise to Keep hir from leaving but She was concidered By all knew his that She was free & has Remaind So to the present time further the Deponant Sayeth Not August the 3^rd 1853 then was the above written certificate of Jesse Martin Sworn to & Subscribed to before me George Flowers JP /s/ J Martin

Jesse Martin’s affidavit Evidence of Phereby Simmons freedom Recorded Aug 6 1853

Records of Slaves and Free People of Color, Wayne County Miscellaneous Records, North Carolina State Archives.

This is one of four sworn statements by whites attesting to Fereby Simmons’ freedom. They were recorded in Docket Recording Book 11, p. 346, with this notation: “The following papers were presented to the court & permission asked to have them Registered & Recorded for the better security of the evidence therein contained, the court doth therefore grant said request, let them be recorded.” Office of the Clerk of Superior Court, Wayne County Courthouse, Goldsboro.

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