Trees of Wilson : the newsletter of the Wilson County Genealogical Society [2013]

2013·17.1 MB·English

by  Wilson County Genealogical Society (Wilson, N.C.)

TREES OF WILSON
Wilson’s Family Heritage
Chronicles of the re
Wilson County Genealogical Society
January 2013 Volume 22 Number I
President’s The researching WCGS MEETING BETTIE Z. WHITLEY
guidelines I have
Message Wilson County Public Library Biographical History of Primi-
been featuring in
Assembly Room, January 29th tive or Old School Baptist Min-
the past issues of
Trees are suggestions that have 7:00 p. m. isters of the United States
worked for me. You might Please join us for our meeting on “Talented Sisters and
January 29th at the library. Ask at the
have others that work equally “Mothers in Israel”
reception desk for directions.
as well or better. Perhaps you (Published in 1909, Reprinted in
Our program will be presented by Dr.
could send in your suggestions 1984)
Roger Bullard, retired Professor Emeri-
that have been helpful to you.
tus of Religion and Philosophy at Bar- Contributed by J. Robert Boykin
When looking in family ceme-
teries, be sure to take a compo- ton College. Dr. Bullard will speak to Mrs. BETTIE Z. WHITLEY
us about the “History of the First Bap-
sition book and good writing Whitley, Mrs. Bettie Z. The name
tist Church” in Wilson. Dr. Bullard of this sister is familiar to readers
pens for recording the grave
markers. Take some friends wrote The Life and Times of First Bap- of the “Gospel Messenger,” “Zion’s
tist Church, Wilson, North Carolina,
with you for safety and moral Landmark,” “Primitive Monitor” and
support as well. A brush and 1860-2010, which details the church’s other of our papers. Her home is
history. The book is well researched
small hand shovel are also use- in Washington, N. C. Sheisa
ful. I have used shaving cream and documented, has numerous illus- daughter of Kenneth Thigpen and
trations, and biographical information
to cover the stones and fill in Annie L. Lane and was born August
on persons who have had an impact on
the numbers and letters. Just 30, 1857. Her parents died when
the church since its formation in May she was a child which made a deep
squeegee clean the stone, the
shaving cream will stay in the 1860. impression on her tender mind.
numbers and letters to make it Mark your calendars for the 2013 About the age of sixteen years she
easier to read or photograph meetings: was killed to the love of sin but it
them. Old towels can be used January 29 no summer meetings | Was two years before Jesus, the
for cleaning the squeegee. February 26 September 24 sin-bearer of His people, relieved
I keep a “cemetery kit” in my | March 26 October 29 her of its burden. Having brought
car with these items in a con- April 30 November 26 her to the Red Sea, experimen-
tainer to be ready “just in case” | May 28 no December meeting | tally, she was made to stand still
and see the salvation of the Lord
it is needed. A reel type tape
measure is a good idea to take ere she was permitted to pass over
2013 DUES dry shod. She united with the
with you also for recording the
Dues are now being ac- church in 1885 and has since been
dimensions of the cemetery
an active, zealous and warm-
lots. Try to make your direc- cepted for 2013. If dues
hearted member, showing her faith
tions clear and understandable
are not paid by the end of by her works and manifesting love
enough to be able to go back to
January, members may for the cause of truth by a faithful
the graveyard again or give di-
attendance upon the public wor-
rections there to someone else. not receive any additional
If you find a cemetery that ship of the church and a life consis-
issues of Trees of Wilson tent with her profession. Sister
you think has not been re-
corded, please give the infor- until they are paid. Whitley was, in 1875, married to
Mr. W. B. Whitley, which union has
mation to the person in your
been blessed with eleven children.
county who might be heading Contents of This Issue
Her writings are noted for experi-
up the county cemetery sur- Bete Zoe LWI LIO Y oe iearee ierc eee re rom ene I! mental tracing of the Lord’s dealing
veys. In case you don’t know TB OO EN CWS terse hese cae ics cosessecseeetee emesae esZ a
who to contact, take the infor- Isaac & Lucinda Whitley Page ........ poereee 3
pilgrims who have, by them, been
mation to your local library. Fires were a problem in January 1899....... 5
comforted and encouraged on their
They should know who to con- Early 1900’s Obituaries ....,......-...0-------n0-+-- 6
journey.
tact. William David Robbins Bible ................. 10
BVUNIT eS eter eng ee sete ocererscecannedesn caen,ar a: 11 |
Carol M. Forbes }A nnouncements................. les Setaree B ee ey
January 2013 Trees of Wilson Page 1
Trees of Wilson — WCGS 1899 NEWS
Wilson Times
This chronicle is published by the Wilson County
Genealogical Society, organized February 26, Contributed by J. Robert Boykin
1991. Address: P.O. Box 802, Wilson, NC
Wilson Times, August 28, 1899
27894-0802. Telephone [phone]. Internet
LOCAL NEWS
address: http:/Awww.wegs.org
Court week.
Trees is published monthly except for Decem- The county has gone Republican.
ber and July. An annual index is published with a The state has gone Republican.
spring issue. Trees is indexed in PERSI. Active The United States has gone Republican.
membership in WCGS is for a calendar year and The election passed off quietly. No fights.
includes a subscription to the ten issues published Remember the bicycle tournament at the Watson Ware-
each year. Annual individual membership is $20, house.
family membership is $25. Mr. G. Frank Lamm informs us that twins were born at his
Materials of genealogical interest to the mem- house last week at exactly 16 minutes to 1 o’clock.
bers of WCGS are accepted for publication at the This is the year the typical “yaller dog” could have been
discretion of the Editors and should pertain to elected in Wilson county if he had been on the right side.
families with connections in Wilson County and We regret the death of the little child of Mr. J. S. Owens of
its neighboring and parent counties. WCGS can-
Saratoga, last Wednesday night. The disease was scarlet fe-
not accept any responsibility for the content of
ver.
contributed materials, including errors and omis-
The Young Men’s Democratic Club was instrumental in giving
sions. Please direct any questions to the contribu-
prompt election return to the citizens, and Messrs. Ernest
tor. Their names and addresses will be provided
Deans, T. M. Anderson, Jr., and Wilson deserve thanks.
upon request for worthwhile purposes.
Mr. A. J. Jones, of Snow Hill, editor of “Our Sunny South,”
Transcripts of original records are recorded
was married last week to Miss Nora Gurganus at the store of
with the original spelling and punctuation.
N. Baker in this city. It must have been a Gretna Green affair.
Queries from WCGS members are accepted and
{Editor’s Note: Gretna Green, Scotland, just over the border
posted at [email protected]
with England, was the destination of English couples who
Officers 2013 wished to marry by eloping.]
President: Carol McKeel Forbes The First National Bank for the better security of the inter-
Vice President: Jeffrey Scott ests of its patrons, put in a new time lock of the modern make.
Secretary: Deborah Webb We may add that the piles of money within the safe fairly daz-
Treasurer: Wanda Lamm Taylor zled the reporter.
Board Members: Carrol! Gaissert, This morning at 7 o’clock Mr. Julius Hardy turned loose
Jerry Stancil, Joan Howell eleven carrier pigeons. These pigeons had been sent from
Past Presidents: Joan Howell, Reese Ferrell, York Penn. by Mr. __ [not named] who will time them. Mes-
Katye Alford, Henry Powell, Sue Powell,
sages will be sent on paper by the pigeons.
Carol Forbes, Wanda Lamm Taylor
Last Sunday a large picture which had hung for about ten
Journal Editor: Sue Powell
years in the home of Mrs. Brodie, in this city, fell, and in doing
Contributors: J. Robert Boykin I,
so knocked the clock from the mantel. When the clock was
Lisa Henderson, Albert Page, Judy Pate
found it had stopped at 16 minutes to 1 o’clock.
Committees:
Last Monday night a large clock at Dr. W. P. Mercer’s in
H. B. Johnston Papers: Sue Powell
Edgecombe county, which had run continuously for a very long
Cemetery Publications: Joan Howell
time, stopped at 16 minutes to 1 o’clock. No reason could be
Internet Coordinators: Horace Peele,
assigned for this peculiar incident. Wonder if it was indicative
Carol Forbes
of Bryan’s defeat?
Programs: Carol Forbes, Sue Powell, Wanda
We are requested to announce that the meeting of the
Taylor, Jerry Stancil
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society for the Washington Dis-
Please send address changes to WCGS, PO Box trict will convene in the Wilson M. E. Church to-night, Novem-
802, Wilson, NC 27894.
ber 6th. The sermon will be preached on Sunday morning by
Email: [email protected]
Rev. Mr. Mooreman, of Washington. Rev. D. H. Tuttle will
Trees is mailed under our non-profit bulk mailing
preach to-night. The public is cordially invited to attend.
permit to subscribers of record at the date of mail-
The many friends in this city of Mr. J. A. Crews, Jr. will be
ing. Bulk mail is not forwarded by the Post Office.
glad to see the following complimentary notice of him in the
Contents © 2013, Wilson County Genealogical Elkhart, Indiana, Review: “Students are arriving daily to at-
Society, Inc. All rights reserved. No items may
tend the conservatory of Military band music. The latest arri-
be used without permission in writing from
val is Mr. J. A. Crews, Jr., of Wilson, N. C., who will take a
WCGS except for brief reviews.
course on the trombone. Mr. Crews is a typical southerner,
WCGS has been designated as a 501(c)3 non- and has the regular southern dialect. During his short stay in
profit corporation by the U.S. Internal Revenue Elkhart, he made many friends, and is becoming quite popular.
Service. The Tax Identification number for
He is a genial young gentleman.” — Messenger.
WCGS is 56-1869136.
(continued on page __)
a a Ee eee ee eee
Page 2 Trees of Wilson January 2013
ISAAC AND LUCINDA WHITLEY PAGE old Isaac Page family and their known home in the
FAMILY REVISITED back ground. Kate Ohno included a picture of this
Contributed by Albert R. Page Sr.
Thirteen years ago, after completing re-
search on the Isaac Page family, I wrote a four
and one half page article on this family and in-
cluded my survey of the Isaac Page family
graveyard which was located on the north side
of the old Page farm that was slightly more
than a mile south of the Upper Town Creek ,
Primitive Church.‘ Over the years that old Page Mind
farm has changed owners a number of times. it
Today this 284 acre farm is one of many farms “7
owned by Jerome and Diane Vick.* ¥
Isaac Page Family Photographed
Back in the 1990's I met Donald Wayne
Harper from Deep Run, North Carolina, and he 4
ne 7 SW wre
shared some of his Page family research with =i
Hite mgy pip tape ge
me. His wife was descended from old Isaac and *-
Lucinda Page through son Mark Cadmus "Cad" %
Isaac Page home on page 157 in her book Wilson
Page and wife Alice Virginia Bridgers' son Russell
County Architectural Heritage.'! Some modifications
Mark Page and wife Celia Lamm. Russell Page had
of the home are obvious in the Ohno picture com-
been a policeman in Stantonsburg and a guard in the
pared to its original construction. In Wilson County
state prison system. He and some of his family
there were many of these "Federal house" types
members are buried in the Stantonsburg Cemetery.?
constructed in the different townships. As examples
If my memory serves me correctly now about twenty
one should view the William Davis Petway home on
years after the fact I recall that Donald Harper had a
page 157 and the Joseph John Pender home on page
picture of the Isaac Page family standing by their
74 in Ohno's book.??
fence south of the family home there on the Town
Creek Road. Possibly eleven family members are ac- Observations of the Isaac Page Graveyard
counted for in this old black and white photo that . The Isaac Page graveyard was surveyed and in-
dates back more than one hundred years.* It had to cluded in my original article on this family in Trees
have been taken before Isaac Page died on the 18" May of 1999.'? I will present some new information
of November in 1908.° This many years later I can about this graveyard next. My nephew Mike Page
only be reasonably sure of two principle members of and I were in the graveyard in May of 2011. Time
the Page family in the photograph. Isaac Cadmus has not treated this cemetery favorably and the dis-
Page and wife Lucinda Whitley are obvious to the interest adds substantially also. Only about six or
writer. They are the third and fourth persons to seven of the head stones are modern. The other
the left in the picture. There were seven sons and fourteen markers are made from concrete. The
three daughters born to Isaac and Lucinda Page.° family etched the identifying information in the
All family members are not present in his picture concrete when it was still wet. Too soon after this
due to deaths and marriages that took them away act was concluded the concrete set up and nearly
from their ancestral home by the time this picture closed up the attempt to record name, birth and
was taken.’ In this writer’s opinion the two fe- death dates. Today one can hardly make out the
males to the left of Lucinda Page are probably her original information. Years of weathering does not
daughters Mattie and Emma. It is difficult with any do any good either. Included in this paper I am
certainty to distinguish exactly who the adult males supplying my placement description map of the lay-
are in this picture. It appears to me that since sons out of these graves and headstones which is exactly
Turner, Edward and Furnie Page never married or north of where the old home used to stand prior to
left home they are in this picture.® My guess is that its being torn down in the last decade. Today only
the older adult male to the left of Emma is Emma's old trees mark the home place location some 100
husband Joshua Lawrence Batts.’ I first thought the yards east of the Town Creek Road. Even though
little boy was grandson Buck Petway, but after the graveyard is only fifty yards north of the old
checking the records, I found that Buck was proba- home place right on the edge of what is now woods
bly much older at the time this picture was taken. and cultivated farm land, it usually cannot be seen
Likely the boy is a son of Emma and Joshua Batts. I from the road unless you know that it is there.
feel that the five young men in this picture are sons Like so many other old cemeteries today this one is
Daniel, Turner, Edward, Furnie, and grandson Buck not often cared for. Hopefully that will change in
Petway who lived with his grandparents Isaac and the near future.
Lucinda after his mother died about 1885.*°
(continued on page 4)
The general value of this picture is that it is of the
eg
January 2013 Trees of Wilson Page 3
(Isaac & Lucinda Whitley Page, continued from page 3) of the Isaac Page family foot print in the old Town
Creek area except the family graveyard now in dis-
New Isaac Page Family Information
Isaac Cadmus Page and Lucinda Whitley had ten repair.
children that are identified
East
on the Wilson and Edge-
combe County census re-
cords.'* Four of the ten Te ee
John £.P e Lenda : MinwieM ae ). Pa
Page children, Turner, Ed-
ward, Furnie and Martha /2. Dec.[ 8 MK Dec. 0il6e,‘ 21S ept.1938 = If Ape f
/ZJuw. |
Lena "Mattie," never mar-
Dau.
ried. They had no children MM.
according to the records ob-
served by this writer." The Gladys Mark 6. Furwie Edmacd Jake lWmDaniel ee
other six older siblings, Fred, 3] Max. 1370 Faagee ait fk toe [pra Padea ng Pak ag Halts
Anna, Emma, Mark, Mack 3 Jaw. /64! May [M0 2% Mar. [4 after [940 (3D ee./937 H Mar.1 43
Dau. of M4 +4Mar./908
and Cad, were married, and AY. Fe
age
they produced 48 grandchil- North
dren that were accounted lela Twfart South
for through the census re-
21 Sep1- [$67 27 983
E1989
cords and the family grave- 2 Iuly ($§§ 30
yard. Fred and Maggie
Draughn Page had ten chil- Walter Aya Buck Tsaac C. LuciwdaW . Turner Martha
dren, Effie M., Maud C., fetwa etw fetwa fage ae, A7 4
Myers Walter, Lula C., Fred Abt. 1865 ABbetf.o e|e [8y96 AXYt:: [883 iid1 929 9Sily (15 [8 Jal. /1 942 Pr1a9%s
L., Frank R. Harvey L., 4 Taw. 194i 19 Nv. [906
Maggie Ruth and Vance Lin-
wood Page.!® Anna Missouri
West
and William Davis Petway
appear to have had only two
children before Anna died prematurely about 1885. The Isaac Page Graveyard Diagram
Buck and Walter Petway seem to be the only off- Identification of Above Family Members
spring of this union.‘? Emma Page and Joshua Law- John E. Page was a son of Mack & Minnie Page.
rence Batts according to the 1910 Wilson County Lena Page was a daughter of Mack & Minnie Page.
Census had eighteen children and six were reported Mack M. Page was the second son of Isaac & Lucinda
to be dead by that time. Those that could be identi- Page. Minnie Mae Draughn Page a daughter of John
fied were Alice, Minnie C., David, Grover C., Sula G. Draughn and Elizabeth Bridgers. Gladys N. Page
Grace, Franklin, Isaac, Lela, "Infant", Edgar W., Ives was a daughter of Cad & Alice Page. Mark Cad Page
H., Furnie, Beecher, Ora, Emma Ruth, Anna M. and was the fourth son of Isaac & Lucinda Page. Furnie
Norman Benjamin.?® Mack Page and wife Minnie Page was the seventh son of Isaac & Lucinda Page.
Draughn had five children. They were John E., Edward Page was the sixth son of Isaac & Lucinda
Lenda, Maggie L., Ollen and Alma Ruth. William Page. Jake Page was a son of Daniel & Loni Page.
Daniel Page and Lonnie Harrell had five children. William Daniel Page was the third son of Isaac &
They were Isaac A., William Staton, William D., Jake Lucinda Page. Loni Estelle Harrell Page was a daugh-
and Mark.'? Cad Page and Alice Virginia Bridgers ter of John T. Harrell & Elizabeth Jane Garner
had eight children before Cad was shot to death by (Gardner?). Lela and "Infant" seem to be children of
his son Ernest in 1908.7° They were Gladys N., Emma Page & Joshua Batts. Walter and Buck Pet-
Floyd, Ernest, Hazel, Russell Lee, Wade and Bruce.*! way were children of Anna & William D. Petway.
These families largely lived in Gardners/Toisnot Anna Page Petway was the oldest daughter of Isaac &
Townships early on. They could be found from Lucinda Page. Isaac Cadmus Page was the son of Ely
Penders Crossroad to the Upper Town Creek Primi- and Elizabeth Page. Lucinda Whitley Page was a
tive Baptist Church area. In addition to the old daughter of Jacob Whitley & Mary Ann Johnston.
Isaac Page cemetery, some were buried in the Fred Turner Page was the 5" son of Isaac & Lucinda Page.
Page graveyard on east Langley Road,?* Elm City's Martha Lena "Maggie" Page was the third and last
Cedar Grove Cemetery”’ and the Maplewood Ceme- daughter of Isaac & Lucinda Page.
tery in Wilson.** It is known that Isaac Page lost his
Sources & End Notes
farm to John L. Bailey of Elm City due to default on
1. Albert R. Page, Sr., "Isaac Cadmus Page's Family
payment of debts.*? Fred, Mack and the Batts family
and Graveyard", Trees of Wilson. May 1999,
managed to acquire land of their own in their life
pgs. 4-8. See this source for a fuller biographic cov-
time.*° Maybe the most famous member of this
erage of the family.
Page family was Vance Lynwood Page who became
a major league baseball player with Chicago in the (continued on page 5)
late 1930's and early 1940's.?” Today little remains
eeeRee ,ee eae e e ees ee red
Page 4 Trees of Wilson January 2013
(Isaac and Lucinda Page, continued from page 4) FIRES WERE A PROBLEM IN JANUARY 1899
2. Isaac Page bought this farm of 272 acres in the The Wilson Advance
1870's and managed to hold on to it for what ap- Contributed by Sue Evans Powell
pears to be about thirty years. See Wilson County
January 19, 1899
Courthouse Register of Deeds. E. Jerome and Diana
A Good Idea.
Vick purchased this farm in 1993. See the survey
map in plat book 21 & page 81. Some time ago there appeared an article in this pa-
per upon the need of fire walls in all the stores of Wil-
3. Joan L. Howell, Wilson County. North Carolina
son.
Cemeteries. Vol. I, pgs. 173 -174.
We are glad to note that upon the rebuilding of the
4. Icopied this old Isaac Page family picture for my
personal family files back in the 1990's. interior of the stores occupied by Farmer & Co. and J.
J. Privett at the time of the late fire, that the owner is
5. See Isaac Page's death information on the ceme-
having a brick fire wall put in between the two places.
tery diagram.
This will eliminate to a great extent all danger of fire
6. Sons Fred, Mach, Daniel, Cad, Turner, Edward &
in one store damaging the stock of the other.
Furnie. Daughters Anna, Emma & Mattie.
7. Anna Page Petway was dead by the time this pic- As we Said before, there should be a law in Wilson
requiring such walls to be erected in every building.
ture was taken. Emma, Fred, Cad and Mack were
They are certainly a protection, and will no doubt
married at this time.
make the insurance rates much cheaper.
8. Turner, Edward, Furnie and probably Mattie
stayed home on the farm until their deaths.
False Alarm.
9. My speculation is that this is the Batts family in
Yesterday afternoon, the alarm of fire was given and
the photograph. But it is possible that it might be
the cry went forth that the opera house was on fire.
one of the other brothers who was married at the
Soon a large crowd was at the door trying to get in
time. However, I believe it is the Batts.
and in a few seconds an axe was procured and heavy
10. Daniel married in 1899. The picture could have
blows were being struck to open the door. Just then
been taken before that time. Buck Petway is found
some one within was heard to say “quit knocking
on the census reports right up to his death after the
there is no fire.”
1910 Wilson Co. Census with his grandparents.
It was then found that parties had seen smoke is-
11. Kate Ohno, Wilson County Architectural Heritage.
sueing [sic.] from a crack in the wall in the rear and
See pages 175 & 74.
gave the alarm before investigating.
12. Same as above.
Investigation showed that a defective flue had been
13. See note number one above.
leaking smoke.
14. See note number 6 above.
All this time Carey had been exercising the fire
15. All individual family names came from the 1900
horse around the square.
to 1940 Wilson County Census reports.
16. Same as number 15 above.
Fire.
17. The Isaac Page Graveyard seems to be the only
Last Sunday night about 8:30 o’clock people were
evidence for this conclusion.
called from church and home to see the fire which
18. Same as number 15 above.
blazed on the other side of town near Mr. B. F. Briggs.
19. SATA
It was found to be a house belonging to Annie Barnes,
20. Trees of Wilson reported this incident in October
colored, and occupied by Ed Humphrey and George
2OLL Ga LOS.
Rogers, both colored.
21. Same as number 15 above.
By connecting all the hose in one long line, the two
22. Joan L Howell, Wilson County, North Carolina
fire companies were able to reach the fire and prevent
Cemeteries, Vol. III, pgs. 59-60.
spreading.
23. Howell, Wilson County, North Carolina, Cemeter-
Good work was done by the department.
ies, Vol. II, pgs. 72-73.
We hear that the damaged property was covered by
24. Howell, Wilson County, North Carolina, Cemeter-
insurance.
ies, Vol. IV, pg. 170.
25. Wilson County Courthouse Register of Deeds Of-
Fire.
fice, Deed Book 68, pg. 81 & Bk. 48, Pg. 509.
Yesterday almost 8 o'clock fire was discovered in the
26. See land records in the Wilson County Regis-
cotton yard of Howard, Graves & Co., and in a few
ter of Deeds Office for Fred, Mack and Joshua
seconds over a dozen bales of cotton were enveloped
Batts.
in flames.
27. Ancestry.Com under Vance Linwood Page's name
The alarm was given and in a few minutes the two
includes information via. pictures of the Chicago
companies had streams playing on the blackened
baseball team. Vance Page is photographed in his
bales of cotton.
uniform with teammates.
Eight or ten were badly burned on the ends, and
there was no insurance. It is thought that the origin
of the fire was a lighted cigarette thrown in among
the bales.
a nn nn EEE ESSE
January 2013 Trees of Wilson Page 5
EBLa a
EARLY 1900’S OBITUARIES church at the Falls of Tar River. He was sick three
months and 22 days and confined to his bed most of
Wilson Times
the time. His suffering was great but he seemed to
Contributed by J. Robert Boykin
bear it with much patience and Christian fortitude, for
Zion’s Landmark, May 15, 1909 his faith in Christ was strong. He said he was willing
BENNETT BULLOCK for the Lord’s will to be done, and if it was his will to
This well known, pleasant brother fell asleep in Je- call him home death would be a sweet relief to him.
sus between the first and second Sunday in April. He Just before he died I asked him how he felt. He
was well and widely known among our people. He said “All is well with me for I am going home to rest
and Sister Bullock have been model, exemplary Bap- with Jesus.” While he was dying he looked up at me
tists many years. Their house has been a pleasant and saw me grieving and said “Oh! Mattie, I do not
home for our people, and they have entertained want you to grieve after me, for my sufferings will
many. soon be over, and I shall be at rest, and told me to
They labored with their own hands and provided get Brother Gold to preach his funeral, and then
well for their family, and the Lord greatly blest their called for my mother three times, but he passed
labors so they had plenty. Each one was in the 73rd away before she could get to him. Oh! it seems so
year of their lives, and they had been married about hard to give him up, but the Lord’s will be done. Only
54 years. They loved while young and married early those that have lost their bosom friend know how
in life, and loved each other all their lives, and lived hard it is to watch the cold hand of death approaching
like husband and wife should live. to take our loved ones from us. He leaves a wife,
Brother Bullock was girded with the principles that mother, two brothers, one sister and a host of friends
make a man strong to run a race, and he has fought to mourn their loss, ....
a good fight, and has gone home to be with Jesus. His wife,
A short while ago I visited them. Sister Bullock was MATTIE GRIFFIN.
so attentive to him and said, When he is gone what
shall I do? Oh I shall be so lonesome. But He that Zion’s Landmark, January 15, 1902
gave her that good husband will be still a better hus- PERCY HAM
band to her. Sister Percy Ham, whose father and mother were
P.D.G. Burwell and Sallie Edmondson, was born April the
10th, 1814, and died October 7th, 1901, aged 87
Zion’s Landmark, July 1, 1909
years, 5 months and 27 days—a ripe old age. She
BROTHER BENNETT BULLOCK
was married at about 16 years of age to Erastus
Whereas Brother Bennett Bullock departed this life
Ham, and was the mother.of 14 children, 6 of them
on the 6th day of April, 1909, the Primitive Baptist
still living.
church at Healthy Plains feels a deep sense of loss
She was received into the church at Nahunta,
sustained in his death.
Wayne county, N. C., about 1855, and remained a
Be it resolved that Bennett Bullock was a man
devoted and exemplary member of that church until
whose life illustrated the faith that he professed. This
her departure.
means that he was honest and conscientious, and
Sister Ham was, through her gifted pen, well known
that he performed to the utmost of his ability the du-
to many readers of the LANDMARK. Her deep and pro-
ties of a good citizen. To the poor and distressed he
found knowledge of the bible, her rich Christian ex-
was ever kind and sympathetic; in his community, he
perience, and her brightness of gift, fitted her for
was a neighbor and a brother, whose influence was a
conversation. Rarely has it been my lot to listen to
blessing and a benediction; in his family, he was a
any more gifted in conversation. The doctrine of the
good husband and father. We bless God for his life
Lord Jesus was her theme, and with great zeal, cou-
and example.
pled with knowledge, did she contend for the faith ....
Be it further resolved, that a copy of these resolu-
With great clearness of mind and prudence in counsel —
tions be by our clerk spread upon the minutes, and
did she declare the law in Zion, and shout for the bat-
that a copy be sent to the family of our deceased
tle. She earnestly contended for the word of the
brother, and that a copy be forwarded to the Zion’s
Lord, and meekly bowed to that word. One had no
Landmark for publication.
room to doubt her faithfulness in Zion.
ELDER G, W. BOSWELL, Moderator.
What a judge of preaching she was, and how won-
W. F. BoyKIN, Asst. Clerk.
derfully did she hold up the hands of him that was
weak and give drink to him that was thirsty! What an
Zion's Landmark, March 15, 1903
open, clear, easily read, living epistle, known of all,
ANDREW J. GRIFFIN
Death has visited our home and taken my dear was sister Ham!
... Her patience I learn had its perfect work in her
husband. He was the youngest son of John and
last days. Her love and submission were so bright!
Sarah Griffin, and was born in Edgecombe county, N.
She said the Lord told her in her last sickness that
C., July 4, 1863, and departed this life June 26, 1902,
making his stay on earth 39 years, 1 month and 22 she belonged to him. ...
days. He was a good, kind, devoted husband to me, When they attempted to relieve her she would say
and was a strict member of the Primitive Baptist (continued on page 7)
TS
Page 6 Trees of Wilson January 2013
LL LE LT PT Pe I LT TEN LEN BETO RD IPT PS FSI I NT YA RAD TIPE HG ETE SP PETE
(Early 1900 Obituaries, continued from page 6) talked beautifully during his sickness, often saying he
to them, “Let me alone. Let me go to him.” It is far wanted to hear Elder Isaac Jones preach again. Not
better to depart and be with Christ. Her last words long before he died he sang a beautiful song and said
uttered were, “Let me go, let me go.”.... Sweetly and his blessed Jesus was coming to carry him across the
peacefully, gentle and loving as an infant in its dark river of death. Then just before he passed away
he turned his eyes to the wall and prayed the pretti-
mother’s arms, she fell asleep in the smile of him who
is the feast of the soul. est prayer she ever heard and died happy.
Her children loved and honored her to an uncom- He was buried next day near his mother, near
mon degree. She loved her children and prayed for Smithfield, N. C. He leaves a father, step mother, six
brothers and two sisters besides many relatives and
them. ...
P. D. GOLD friends, to miss his sweet and gentle voice and man-
ners, and good deeds. But I, for one, feel to say
Zion’s Landmark, March 15, 1903 “Dear Needham, with Jesus remain. ... let us try to
NEEDHAM G. MASSEY emulate his example in life, live a quiet, peaceable
By request of the bereaved family it becomes my life, in Godliness and honesty, and may our last mo-
ments be as happy as were his.
sad duty to write an obituary of a dear cousin,
[Poetry omitted. ]
Needham G. Massey, son of Needham G. Massey Sr.,
of Bentonville, Johnston Co., N. C. Written by his affectionate cousin,
Cousin Needham was born and reared till a few EMMA GILBERT.
years ago, near Smithfield, and was a bright, robust, Benson, N. C.
promising boy, until about six years ago, when a se-
Zion’s Landmark, May 15, 1904
vere case of typhoid fever and probably pneumonia
R. L. NEWTON
almost destroyed his health; he was never well and
It is with a sad heart I make the attempt to write
strong again like he was before, and he suffered a
great deal, for he had a persevering nature, and often the death of our death [sic.] father who was born
overtaxed his strength. March the 10th, 1844, and died on the night of March
His mother, (my father’s sister) died when he was a the 17th, 1904, making her [sic.] stay on earth 60
years and 70 days. Pa was married to Elizabeth H.
little boy, and Aunt Fannis, his mother’s sister be-
Williford, and they lived happily together for thirty-
came his step mother, and loved the children, of
one years. Nine. children were born unto them, six
course, better than any other could. Needham was a
great comfort to her. sons and three daughters, all living. He also leaves
three brothers and three sisters, and six grandchil-
Though Needham was delicate physically, he was
dren with his living wife and many friends to moan his
very intelligent, and had an exceptionally good mem-
loss. Pa had been complaining for several days with a
ory. He thirsted for knowledge, loved books, and
cold and the headache, but was up the most of the
pursued his studies diligently and with a steady pur-
time until the 8th of March when he took his bed and
pose, and was very ambitious to become a useful
was never able to sit up but very little any more. I
man. I think he was preparing for Civil Service. He
am certain that he felt that he could not stay with us
had hosts of friends, and was much loved by his
long from what he said before and after he was taken
teachers and school mates, won high honors at
sick. On Monday evening before he took his bed.
Turlington Institute.
[sic.] Tuesday we had been stripping tobacco and had
I once had a long conversation with him in which he
told me of his hope in Jesus, and of his love for the stopped to put some in the pit, and mama asked him
if he needed her and he told her yes, and she asked
Primitive Baptist doctrine. I think, had he lived, he
where was her place, and he told her to sit down
would have joined the Primitive Baptist church some-
there and stay with him, and he wanted her to stay
time. He had a very sweet voice, and was skilled in
with him as long as he lived. The next day he was so
vocal music, was very fond of music.
sick we had the doctor to see him. He said his stom-
Needham began teaching a school near Micro last
ach was out of order; and gave him some medicine,
November, and was getting on finely till about the
but it never seemed to do him much good; and on
first of January, he was taken sick, suffered greatly
Saturday he seemed so much worse that we got him
for 8 days with appendicitis, and died about 4 o’clock
to let us send for the doctor again. He came, and we
in the morning of January 10th, 1908 at the age of 24
had another doctor. They said he had pleurisy and
years, 8 months and 28 days. He wrote home of his
bronchitis. We all did all we could, but alas we could
sickness but the letter did not reach them till after
not stay the cold, icy hand of death gathering so fast
they received news of his death. Oh! what a shock to
over his bed side. No tongue could tell, nor no words
them all, to think he died away from home, and not
could express hof [sic.] heartrendering it was to give
one of them could be with him to nurse him and re-
up papa. He told us that the medicine would not do
ceive his dying message.
him any good, but he would take it to please us. I
Needham was boarding at the home of Mrs. O. P.
never saw any one more humble and submissive. He
Rose, and the family and friends, I suppose, did all
was never heard to mourn or complain.
they could for him, as did Dr. Person also. It grieved
You might ask him how he felt, and he would say
the students and frends [sic.] sorely to give him up.
Mrs. Rose said he was such a good boy, and that he (continued on page 8)
OO
January 2013 Trees of Wilson Page 7
(Early 1900's Obituaries, continued from page 7) send for publication in the Landmark a short sketch of
the little one, the son of our dear Brother and Sister
he felt weak and his side hurt. He seemed to try to
Standfield, who lives near Farmville, N. C. The child
keep his sufferings hid from us all he could.
first saw the light of nature, December 23, 1907, and
On Tuesday morning before he died that night he
departed this life April 11, 1909, making his stay here
told everybody that asked him how he felt that he felt
one year, three months and eighteen days. He was
better. But we could see that he was getting weaker.
laid in his last and undisturbed resting place here late
He would watch us just as close. I believe he was
in the afternoon of the 2nd Sunday, and the writer of
bidding us a silent farewell. The doctor got there an
this sketch was called upon to hold services at the
hour or two before he died, and he said there was no
grave of the little one which he did.
hopes [sic.], he was bound to die. Oh, the agony of
I very much sympathize with our dear brother and
those hours, no one will ever know but those that
sister because of their loss for they were much de-
have had the trial. Just a little while before he
voted to it. It is hard for our children to be taken
breathed the last he heard us crying, and he raised
from us after our affection for them has been deeply
his eyes and said, Oh what are you all doing, don’t
cemented. ...
grieve after me, I’m on my way home. ... He was in
Eugene was a bright and beautiful little child and
his right mind till the last, and died without a strug-
was much loved, not only by his parents, but others
gle. ... Pa joined the church at Tar River July the
of the family and friends. His illness was pneumonia
24th, 1886, and was baptized by Elder A. Blalock and
and was a severe case from the first. All was done to
remained a faithful member until his death; never ab-
counteract its course that could be done, a good phy-
sent from his meetings unless providentially hin-
sician and the family generally, but the Lord’s call
dered. He was chosen clerk and deacon, which
must be obeyed, his love is stronger than our’s.
places he satisfactorily filled.
Our’s is too weak to keep those here that we love, so
Oh, how we miss dear pa. No one knows but those
those who depart to be with the Lord are better off
that have lost a precious father. We miss his gentle
than those left here in our care.
voice and kind advice. No one can make home bright
and provide like a father. I know that we ought not
Written by
to grieve after papa, but it does seem so hard some-
G. D. ROBERSON.
times to think that we will never see his dear face
again. Pa wanted mama to stay with him all the Robersonville, N. C.
time, which she did, never leaving the room but a few
minutes at the time. It is a heavy blow to her. ... Zion’s Landmark, November 15, 1908
HARRIET STOTT
Written by his daughter,
Harriet Stott was born February 28, 1862 and died
Indie Newton.
June 7, 1908.
She was the daughter of Arnold and Zilpha Nichols.
Zion’s Landmark, November 15, 1908
She married Godfrey Stott January 6, 1883. Unto
J. T. RENFROW
this union were born eight children, only three are
Whereas Brother J. T. Renfrow departed this life
living, one girl and two boys. She first joined the
September 24, 1908, and the church of Contentnea
Free Will Baptist church, but eight months before her
feels a deep sense of loss sustained in his death.
death she left them and united with the Primitive
Be it resolved, that Brother Renfrow whose life il-
Baptists. She was meek and lowly and loved by the
lustrated the life professed. This means that he was
honest and conscientious and that he performed to brethren. Her funeral was conducted by her paster
the utmost of his ability the duty of a good citizen. Elder G. W. Boswell.
To the poor and distressed he was ever kind and J. M. BURNETTE.
sympathetic, causing the widows’ hearts to sing and
the poor to call him a friend in deed. In his commu- Zion’s Landmark, December 15, 1902
nity he was neighborly, and a brother whose influ- PENELOPE C. VICK
ence was a blessing and a benediction. It becomes my sad duty to write the obituary notice
In his family he was a good husband and father. of the life and death of my dear companion. She was
As a church member few excelled him. He showed the daughter of James and Charlotte Pitt, was born in
his faith by his works. Edgecombe county, N. C., May 28th 1838, and died
We bless God for his life and example. Be it further July 23, 1902. She was first married to Joel Price,
resolved that a copy of these resolutions be spread about the year 1866; to them was born one son. She
upon record, and a copy sent to Zion’s Landmark, was left a widow about four or five years, when we
and a copy be sent to the family of the deceased. were married on January 14th, 1874. To us were
ELDER G. W. BOSWELL, Moderator, born two daughters, both of which survive. She
S. D. BOYKIN, Clerk. united with the Primitive Baptist church at Williams
meeting house, on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in
Zion’s Landmark, June 15, 1909 November 1883 and lived a consistent and faithful
THOMAS EUGENE STANDFIELD member the remainder of her life, never being absent
By request of the bereaved and heart-stricken fa- from her church unless Providentially hindered, until
ther of the infant child, Thomas Eugene Standfield, I (continued on page 9)
artcoonn ee eeet ee ens i Rtaeinnaneninn ie
Page 8 Trees of Wilson January 2013
(Early 1900's Obituaries, continued from page 8) desire, it seemed was to be with me and her children,
and I often feel to regret not staying at the house
her health gave way. She would go with me cold or
with her more than I did. One of our daughters lived
hot, often leaving home through rain or snow, and
four miles from us, but never failed to come and see
riding seven miles to attend her church and meet with
her mother once a week, unless sickness prevented.
the brethren and sisters. Oh, my dear brethren and
Our other daughter was living with us, and was kind
sisters, if Ih ad been as faithful to my church and
and dutiful to her mother in all her afflictions, never
pastor as my dear wife was I would feel like I had not
failing to wait on her day or night. She said a few
fallen so far from my duty as I have. She was always
days before she died she loved her children and she
ready to contribute her little mite to defraying the
loved her husband, for he had always been so good
church expenses, and never forgetting her pastor,
and kind to her in all her afflictions.
and when she would see some old and afflicted
She told me a few days before she died she could
brother or sister (if she did not know them) she would
ask me who they were and ask me to give them not be with us long, and she wanted me to have her
buried at Williams.
something for her. She was ever mindful of the poor
and needy at home or abroad. Sometimes she would My heart’s desire was, when the time came for us
see in LANDMARK of some poor brother or sister af- to be separated, if it was the Lord’s will, to make
death easy for her, and I have every reason to be-
flicted and in needy circumstances and would want to
lieve my prayer was granted.
help them, and it was one of her greatest pleasures
She was a kind and dutiful wife and affectionate
to have our brethren and sisters to visit us, and espe-
mother. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her
cially the travelling ministers. She often stayed at
home when there was a traveling minister to preach husband also, and he praiseth her.
at our church so that I could bring the preacher home Her remains were followed by a large concourse of
relatives and friends, and interred in the cemetery at
with me. It never seemed that she felt like she had
Williams meeting house, Edgecombe County.
done enough for the servants of our God. She was a
She leaves an afflicted husband, three children,
subscriber to ZION’S LANDMARK when we were married
eight grand-children, one brother and five sisters to
and that and her Bible were her constant companions
mourn for our loved one.
until about three months before she died, when her
Pray for me, dear brethren and sisters. Your hum-
health got so bad she could not read, and then she
ble brother in tribulation,
would ask me to read some in the LANDMARK and Bible
W. W. VICK.
for her. Salvation by grace and grace alone was her
only theme.
Zion’s Landmark, June 15, 1905
Now, dear readers, I know you cannot sympathize
SISTER N. M. WILLIAMS
with me in my sad bereavement, unless you have wit-
Sister Williams, daughter of John and Evelyn Mar-
nessed some of these sad afflictions yourself. I have
tial, was born August 29th 1840 and died March 20,
stood around the bedside of my dear old mother and
1905—was married to S. R. Williams January 8, 1874.
other relatives and friends when their spirits were
They had born to them five children, three boys and
taking their everlasting flight to Him who gave it, but
two girls. The youngest one died when eleven years
when the time came to be separated from the one
old, all the rest are living.
that I believe God gave me for a help-mate, it
One week before Sister Williams died she was taken
seemed that all I had was departing, all my hopes
worse off. She said she was bound to die, for death
and pleasures in this world were gone. We lived to-
had come, and she was bound to go. She told me the
gether 28 years and 6 months, as pleasant and
shadow of death had past [sic.] over her; and then
agreeable as any man and wife could. She was al-
came a light place for her. Friday about 5 o’clock she
ways ready to do something for the comfort of me
was taken worse off again. She was taken for death
and her children. She had a slight stroke of paralysis
this time. Her oldest son was out in the yard griev-
about 20 years ago, but soon recovered from that,
ing. His little sister Lucy, that is dead came to him
and her health was as good as usual up to Feb. 1900
and told him not to grieve, mother was well, and she
when she had another stroke, then she lost the entire
had come after her. Sister Williams united with the
use of her right side and never walked another step
church at Toisnot, Elm City, September 25, 1886, and
during the two years and six months of her life,
was a true and consistent member, ever present
though she was not confined to her bed but a few
when not providentially hindered. She was a true
days before she died. I procured an invalid chair for
wife, and loving mother. Just before she died she
her and she could be carried anywhere over the
begged the Lord to take her out of her punishment.
house and yard and to some of the near neighbors’, She said Lord close my life quick. She then said to
and went to the dining room to her meals as regular
as any of us up to about a week before she died. I her son in law, turn me on my right side and let me
would also help her on the buggy and take her to ride go. He did so and she passed away in a few mo-
and to see her neighbors, but she would seldom ever smiesnttesr . andS hea hloesatv esof af riheunsdbsa ntdo, mofuourrn chtihleidrr enl osas,n d buotn e
get down—said it was so much trouble to help her in their loss is her eternal gain. We all mourn after her.
and out. In her last days she seemed to want to be
Written by her sister.
going somewhere, and I continued to carry her until I Z. V. Williams.
saw she was getting too weak to ride. Her greatest
On
January 2013 Trees of Wilson Page 9
TaSR Po
WILLIAM DAVID ROBBINS FAMILY BIBLE Patrick Lee Barnes was born Oct 12, 1966. (child of
Pat)
Contributed by Pat Montgomery
Page 2 names: Patricia Lou Alsup Barnes graduated from Atlantic
Rosa Ellen Johnson of Nash Co. and William David Christian College June, 1966
Robbins of Nash Co. were joined in Holy Matrimony of Pat and Louis Barnes were married in 1961 and di-
March 11, 1908. vorced in 1976.
Louis married again in 1977.
Page 3 names: Pat married Kent Montgomery Dec 30, 1979
William Haywood Johnson was born March 19, 1854
Roberta Lou Ellen Griffin (Johnson) was born Dec. 12, Page 6 names:
1858... died Jun 22, 1927 Mrs Rosa Ellen Johnson Robbins died Jun 39, 1974.
1. William Lonnie Johnson was born May 22, 1882 William David Robbins died Nov 11, 1975 at 1:00.
2. Benjamin Wilton Johnson was born Mar 23, 1885 Sandra Lyle Robbins died Nov. 15, 1976 at 10 pm.
3. Rosa Ellen Johnson was born April 30, 1887 Aunt Ellis Thomas died 1977.
4. Ida Pearl Johnson was born May 11, 1889... died Ralph Rogers David Robbins died March 1, 1981 (born
1926 Sep1913)
5. Arthur Jefferson Johnson was born July 20, 1894. Linwood Pierce Robbins died Sep 9, 1988.
6, Ernest Johnson was born April 1, 1894
Page 7 names:
William Haywood Johnson and Roberta Luellen Griffin Patricia Lou Joyner was born April 27, 1941. (Letha’s
was married 1878 Daughter)
Jimmy E. Johnson and Frances Lula (Lou A.) Rose
was married 1885. Linwood Pierce and Edith Lyle Denson Robbins chil-
William David Robbins was born Feb 24, 1884 dren:
Offie A. Baines was born Sep 17, 1909 1. Brenda Gail Robbins was born Dec 13, 1940.
Josie Gray Leonard was born June 10, 1892 ( 1* 2. Ronald Pierce Robbins was born Dec. 13, 1942.
cousin of Rosa Ellen Johnson, reared by her Parents) 3. Robert Lyn Robbins was born Jan. 25, 1948.
Cora Alice Leonard was born Nov 18, 1894 ( 1* 4. Sandra Lyle Robbins was born June 3, 1952, died
cousin of Rosa Ellen Johnson, reared by her Parents) Nov 15, 1976.
Archie C. Leonard was born May 21, 1897 ( 1% cousin 5. William Bryan Robbins was born Oct. 5, 1953.
of Rosa Ellen Johnson, reared by her Parents)
Sollie Leonard was born Oct 20, 1899°( 1* cousin of Brenda married Foster Little (S/O Effie Gandes Little
Rosa Ellen Johnson, reared by her Parents) Nitz and Foster Alden Little) from Cheshire, Ohio on
Aug 24, 1958.
Page 4 names: They were divorced May 7, 1975. Brenda married
William David Robbins and Rosa Ellen Johnson were Robert Bruce Valentine, May 9, 1975 (s/o Bruce Val-
married Mar 11, 1908. entine and Thelma Lamm Valentine of Spring Hope).
Mary Kathleen Robbins and Offie A. Baines were mar- Children of Brenda and Foster Little:
ried April 21, 1935. Marci Jo Dean, Jun 6, 1960 in Canal Zone, Panama
Letha Mae Robbins and Jeff Joyner married Dec 17, Kandace Kay , Sep 25, 1961
1940. Mark Travis , Sep 13, 1962
Letha and Bill Alsup married Aug. 24, 1950. Andrea Michelle, May 17, 1968 in Columbus , Ohio
Page 5 names: James and Elise Johnson Robbins Children:
Births of Mr and Mrs W D Robbins Children: Michael Thomas Robbins, Aug 11, 1942
Mary Kathleen Robbins was born Jan 21, 1912. James Craig Robbins, Oct 15, 1944, died July 31,
Ralph Rogers David Robbins was born Sep 20, 1913 1984( son was Michael Shane, b. may 31, 1978.)
Letha Mae Robbins was born Aug 24, 1915 Ralph’s children:
James Thomas Robbins was born Nov 6, 1917 1. Ralph David, Jr., b. Apr 28, 1942
Linward Pearce Robbins was born Jun 20, 1919 2. Avis Mae, Oct 2, 1962
Simon Cornelius Robbins was born Jan 5, 1923 3. Doris Robbins, adopted
Grover Lee Robbins was born Feb 12, 1926
Little David’s children:
Joseph Elwood Johnson (nephew Reared by Rosa and 1. Tammie Robbins
David) was born Mar 24, 1920. 2. Ralph David Robbins, III, born Dec 2, 1977
Patricia Lou Joyner was born April 27, 1941 (Letha’s
daughter).
Anthony Keith Barnes was born Mar, 16, 1962. (child
of Pat)
asa Louis Barnes was born Oct 11, 1963. (child of
at
aO e
Page 10 Trees of Wilson January 2013