Smith | Fourth Generation Inclusive

May 13, 2015

Smith goes above and beyond.

Felix Smith, a free man of color of this County, generously stepped forward and contributed Twenty dollars towards equipping and uniforming the Yanceyville Grays, at a late meeting held for that purpose. It was suggested that Smith was too liberal for his means, but he insisted that the whole amoung should be taken, and was willing to give more and fight for Southern rights too, if necessary. Most of the free people of color in the Southern States are acting with a patriotic loyalty that some of the whites would do to imitate. With regard to the slaves we could raise several companies in Caswell who would esteem it a pleasure to fight old Abe and his minions to the death. Our Cook would whip him out of his shirt and then hang him for a dog as high as his brother old John Brown danced in the air. We’ll stand a wager that she can lick Abe and Scott thrown in, in a fair fight.

The Milton Chronicle, 24 May 1861.

In the 1850 census of Caswell County: Mary Coile, 102, white; Felix Smith, 38, black, farm laborer, born in Caswell County.

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June 24, 2014

Found in the creek.

Drowned. – The body of a free negro by the name of Starkey Smith was found yesterday in Smith’s Creek, near Bailey’s brick yard. Coroner Jones has summoned a jury and an inquest will be held this afternoon.

Wilmington Daily Herald, 1 May 1860.

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May 16, 2014

Details of a transaction.

RALEIGH, May 20, 1869.

K.P. BATTLE, ESQ.:

Dear Sir: I have to state that Jeptha Horton and myself purchased of William Smith (free colored) his tract of land (less than 100 acres) lying in the vicinity of Raleigh, and not long afterwards sold it to John Hutchins, of Wake county, who paid the purchase money, and received a proper deed for the same about the year 1853.

I have conversed with Mr. Horton, and he thinks both he and I signed the deed, and that Smith’s deed to us was at the time delivered over to Mr. Hutchins. Mr. Horton was the active agent in the purchase and sale of this property, and my own recollections at this late date of the entire transaction are very meagre and imperfect. Yours, W.W. VASS

The deed from Wm. Smith, barber, to W.W. Vass and Jeptha Horton in fee, is registered and date February, 1853.

Wm. Smith bought of John Suggs in 1838 and 1826, as appears from the registry books. BATTLE & SONS.

The Daily Standard (Raleigh), 27 May 1869.

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June 13, 2013

BOLO: muscular, broad-shouldered, narrow-hipped murderer with cleft chin.

$100 Reward.

A PROCLAMATION.

By His Excellency, WM. A. GRAHAM, Governor of North Carolina.

HAVING been officially informed, that John Brown, a free mulatto, late of the County of Halifax, did on the 11^th, instant, in said County, commit murder, by killing one James Smith, of said County, and hath fled from Justice , and escaped probably beyond the limits of this State.

Now to the end that the said John Brown may be arrested and brought to trial, for said offence, I do hereby issue this my Proclamation, offering a reward of One Hundred Dollars, for his apprehension and delivery to the Sheriff of Halifax County, or for his commitment to any Jail in the United States, to answer for the crime aforesaid, provided the same be more than a hundred miles distant from the Court House of Halifax aforesaid.

The said John Brown is represented to be a bright Mulatto, a Blacksmith by trade, about 35 years of age, about, (probably above) 6 feet high, with broad shoulders, but narrow hips, large limbs, particularly his arms and hands, weighs 175 or 180 lbs., has a considerable dent, more than a dimple, in his chin, very free and bold in his speech, has free papers from Northampton County Court, had on when last seen, and usually wears, brown homespun clothes, a green Blanket overcoat, much worn, and a high bell crowned hat. He had recently sold off his property, intending to remove to Indiana or Illinois, has relatives in Danville, Va., and will probably attempt to pass that place in his flight.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina, at the City of Raleigh, this 14^th of March, 1848. WILL: A. GRAHAM

By the Governor: W.W. MORRISON, Private Secretary.

Raleigh Register, 15 March 1848.

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June 7, 2013

A mulatto of that class called free negroes.

The committee of Divorce and Alimony to whom was refered the petition of William Smith of Heartford county have considered the Same and Report:

That it appears from the petition its self, that, the petitioner is a mulatoe of that class commonly called free Negroes. The committee are of opinion, that it is not only contrary to the true policy of this state, But unbecomeing the dignity of this house, to act on applications of this sort. The [sic] therefore recommend the adoption of the accompanying Resolution – Resolved, that the Member who Introduced the petitioner William Smith of Heartford county have leave to withdraw the same.

Respectfully submitted, /s/ Mathew Bain, Chm.

General Assembly Session Records, January 1827, North Carolina State Archives.

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April 19, 2013

A reward for apprehending a slave.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA.

We take Monday’s proceedings from the Standard. Our Reporters’ letters annexed furnish those of Tuesday and Wednesday.

… Wednesday, Jan’y 30^th.

Mr Peebles, a bill to pay to Evans Ferguson and Ben Smith, free persons of color, of Northampton County, $400, the reward by the Governor for the apprehension of Ephraim, a slave, for the murder of his master, Mr. Woodruff. Passed and sent to the Senate.

…

Carolina Observer, 4 February 1861.

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March 15, 2013

Free-Issue Death Certificates: MISCELLANEOUS, no. 9.

W.H. (Willon Hatch) Brooks. Died 21 May 1925, Mitchell, Bertie County. Colored. Married. Farmer. Born 29 April 1860 in Wayne County to Wright Casey and Caline Brooks. Informant, Dave Brooks.

In the 1860 census of Indian Springs, Wayne County: Annis Brooks, 51, Caroline, 20, Bassel, 14, Elizabeth, 10, and Hatch, 2 months.

Louisa Davis. Died 23 August 1915, New Hope, Wayne County. Colored. Widow. Born 19 July 1840 in NC to Peter Ward and Milly Smith. Buried New Hope township. Informant, Clarisy Davis, Goldsboro.

Isham Smith. Died 12 February 1914, Fork, Wayne County, Colored. Married. Undertaker. Born North Carolina to unknown parents. Buried in Goldsboro. Informant, W.W. Faison.

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. [Sidenote: Isham Smith married Nancy Henderson, daughter of James and Louisa Armwood Henderson and sister or half-sister to Lewis and John Henderson and others. Isham and Nancy’s daughter Annie Smith married James Guess, who took over his father-in-law’s undertaking business and operated James Guess Funeral Home into the mid-20th century. — LYH]

Fannie S. Norwood. Died August 1930, Wilmington, New Hanover County. Resided 520 Walnut. Negro. Widowed. Teacher. Born in 1846 in Wilmington to James D. Sampson of Sampson County and Francinea Kellogg of Wilmington. Buried in Pine Forest. Informant, Mrs. S.E. Merrick, 520 Walnut.

In the 1850 census of Wilmington, New Hanover County: Jas. Sampson, 44, carpenter, wife Fanny, 39, children Jas., 20, Jos., 18, and Benj’a, all apprentices, John, 14, Mary, 12, M.A., 10, George, 8, Fanny, 4, and Nathan, 2.

William Petapher. Died 4 May 1910, New Bern, Craven County. Colored. Married. Shoemaker. Born 1843 to Wright Petapher and unknown mother. Buried Greenwood cemetery. Informant, Rosa Petapher.

Cesero Wiggins. Died [no day] April 1924, New Bern, Craven County. Negro. Carpenter. Resided 24 Crooked. Widower of Clarncie Wiggins. Born 1860 in New Bern to Wright Pettipher and Sarah Wiggins. Buried at Pettiphords cemetery. Informant Louisa Wiggins.

In the 1860 census of Neuse River, Craven County: Sarah Wiggins, 35, day laborer, Martha, 14, Julia, 12, Sabine, 10, Rebecca, 8, and Cicero, 6.

Theophilus George. Died 26 February 1918, #5, Craven County. Negro. Married to Hepsey George. Born 10 July 1850 to Theophilus George and Sarah Harkley. Informant, Oscar Frazier.

Mary F. Carter. Died 27 July 1915, North Harlour, Craven County. Negro. Married. Born 10 April 1863 in Craven County to Lige George and Sarah Fenner, both of Craven County. Buried Cohogue. Informant, A.V. George.

In the 1860 census of Goodings, Craven County: Elijah George, 50, farmer, wife Sarah, 30, Theophilus, 20, Timothy, 8, Nancy, 10, J.P., 4, and T.J., 2.

Bailey Godette. Died 22 June 1915, No. 5, Craven County. Negro. Married. Farmer. Born 15 May 1861 in North Harlowe to Andrew Godette and Debah George, both of North Harlowe. Buried North Harlowe cemetery. Informant, Debah Jackson, 99 Bern Street.

In the 1860 census of Goodings, Craven County: Andrew Godett, 24, day laborer, Mary F., 27, William B., 6, Nancy, 4, and Sarah A., 3 months.

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January 17, 2013

Counterfeiters for good.

STOP THE RUNAWAY. $75 REWARD. – Runaway from the subscriber on the 17^th day of September last, a negro fellow by the name of JOLLY. He is about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high; broad shouldered, speaks a little slow, dish faced, and has a trembling in his hands when holding any thing; rather bow legged. I think he can read print. I had another fellow who started off Jolly to Ohio with free passes. Jolly’s was a pass belonging to a free negro by the name of Wilson Smith, who had a genuine certificate signed W. Dismukes, clerk county court of Anson county, and certified by Wm. Johnson, Chairman of said County, certified by the then Governor Edward B. Dudley. Said pass was found on Jolly in Moore county, and the man thought he was a free negro, and let him go on. About the 18^th March last, a friend of mine knowing all about my negroes, pursued Jolly, and came up with him within three miles of Greensboro’, in company with three Virginia Wagoners, and took him. On his way back, Jolly made his escape, and no doubt he will try and get another free pass from the same scoundrel that furnished this with the first.

The other negro was committed to Moore county jail, and I have since got him. His free pass was written, and signed C.Q. Cooley, clerk county court of Montgomery, O. Willie, Chairman – a old paper, entirely counterfeit, though it bore the impress of something resembling a County Seal. No doubt now remains but Simeon D. Pemberton, of Anson County, is the rascal who procured these passes for my negroes. It may be that the counterfeiter, Geasling, of Rockingham County, who was whipped and imprisoned at Wadesborough, wrote one of the passes. When he was discharged, he visited his particular friend, Simeon D. Pemberton, and laid at his house for more than a week, fixing a plan to get my negroes off into the hands of this counterfeiting gang.

I will give $25 for the confinement of Jolly and $50 for proof to convict the rascal who took him off. Simeon D. Pemberton is about the Height of Jolly, (not higher,) large white eyes, black beard, and will weigh from 140 to 150 pounds, a whining voice, very dark complected, and a very ingenuous and cunning fellow. I would warn the public to keep an eye upon him. THOMAS TOMLINSON, Norwood’s P.O., Stanly Co., N.C.

Carolina Watchman, 18 April 1850.

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January 6, 2013

E.E. Smith.

This North Carolina Highway Historical Marker, located northeast of Faison in Duplin County, commemorates Ezekiel Ezra Smith, educator, minister of the gospel, and United States minister to Liberia. Smith’s first wife was William Ann Burnett. For more on his life, see History of the American Negro and his Institutions, Volume 4, Arthur Bunyan Caldwell, ed.; and Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, Volume 5, William S. Powell.

In the 1860 census of North Division, Duplin County: Cassy Smith, 45; her children Charlott, 25, Dorcas, 19, Rebecca, 16, Richard, 14, Mary G., 12, Ezekiel, 8, Theus, 4, and an infant, 2 months; plus Calvin Brock, 10, and Samuel Perlie, 35.

In the 1860 census of Goldsboro, Wayne County, Wm Burnett, 49, barber, and wife Cuzzy, 50. Next door: Dolly Burnett with daughters Polly, 12, Betsy, 5, and William An, 3. Next door to them: Solomon Finch, 28, barkeeper, wife Eliza [née Burnett], 27, seamstress, and children Georgianna, 10, and Thomas Russell Finch, 2.

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October 20, 2012

A very respectable woman and a worthy one.

Elsie Drake filed claim #15804 with the Southern Claims Commission. She was 79 years old and lived near Fayetteville. “I lived on my own land. I have 3 acres all cultivated. Nursing was my occupation.”

“I had one grandson in the Confederate Army as a drummer. His name is Warren Drake. He is living in Montgomery Al. I did not furnish him with anything while in the Rebel servace. He was carried off against my wish. He ran away from the Army and came home. He was a boy of about 14 years old.”

“My feeling was with the union. My language was for the union.”

“I am a widow. My husband has been dead about 15 years. I have 3 children living Thos. Drake … Robt. Drake … Warren Drake. Neither of them was in the confederate servace. They were slaves.”

“I was free at the beginning of the war. My husband was a free man. He bought me about 20 years ago. … I bought some of my property and raised some. Got the money to pay for it by cooking and nursing. John H. Cook was my former owner. I am not and have not been in his employ since my husband bought me.”

Though Elsie Drake appears in neither the 1850 nor 1860 census of Cumberland County, in 1870 she is listed as “Elsey Drake,” age 77, in the household of her son Thomas in Cross Creek township.

Union soldiers took bacon, hogs, corn, flour, coffee, cooking utensils, soap, turkeys, geese, water buckets, bed quilts, tubs, blankets, a shawl and some sugar from her. Witnesses to the theft were Jenette Smith, Mollie Stephens and Ellen Simmons.

Special Commissioner John J. Minor noted: “Her husband … was always free and his wife lived with [him] since I first knew them up to his death. She was a slave belonged to John H. Cook. I presume her husband hired her time up to the time he bought her — She is a very respectable woman and a very worthy one … Her witnesses are all very respectable col’d people.”

Though she appears in neither the 1850 nor 1860 censuses, in 1870, 70 year-old “Elsey” Drake is listed in her son Thomas’ household in Cross Creek township, Cumberland County.

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