eet bel paaitannl ; pl : | : fae _ ea fan. ti ae pete Pre, ee ee” is oa, Peng | a fs in ‘a ey ; Cd Cia : a a tesses{ i¢ NRG range eats as att ia pina : Cf fi f i } j i i k { i | je easenenaitae ied Lda} ua RARE Gan Cie tt THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW A History By JOSEPH PARSONS BROWN The Owen G. Dunn Company New Bern, N. C. J. Y. JOYNER LIPRRARY EAST CAROLINA UNiversiry COPYRIGHT 1960 JOSEPH PARSONS BROWN JACKSONVILLE, N. C. SECOND PRINTING 1971 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Dedicated to the memory of my Mother Mary Alice Cox Brown of the fifth generation in the line of the first Charles Cox who came to Onslow in 1740 and of my Father Joseph Marion Brown of the ninth generation in the line of the first John Browne who came to America in 1661 CONTENTS Geography of the County.. Settlement and Formation of dine Gountal The Courthouse and the Courts The Revolution and Its Leadership. Washington’s Visit Edward B. Dudley Developments to the Civil War. The People ............. The County Goes ) “War The War Comes to Onslow. Civil War Leadership Reconstruction Onslow Gazette ... The Farmers Organization in Politics. Daniel Lindsay Russell _._. Cyrus Thompson Hill E. King .. Rodolph Duffy Frank Thompson Z The Press in Onslow ... John W. Shackelford ee, Dr. James Lloyd Nicholson. Public Education Since 1840. Walter M. Thompson . World War I Prosperity and Panic World War II Modern Onslow Begins to Shape Up... Farm Life and Living. Public Services Home Demonstration Work _ : ‘ The Onslow County Board of Health. Onslow Education is Big Business... Public Library Service in the County. Contemporary Onslow The Church in the County. The Richlands of New River Chape The Church of England Free Will Baptist ......... The Primitive Baptist The Baptist Renaissance The Methodist Church The Christian Church The Presbyterian Church . The Lutheran Church CONTENTS—Continued The Pentecostal Holiness Church. Infant of Prague Parish Jacksonville Hebrew Congregation ..................- Other Churches .......... The Baptist Churches of Colored People... The Primitive Baptist Church African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church... APPENDICES A Geological Paper on the Onslow Area..........--.::::-- The Calf Pasture of the Conference. The Hammock Philanthropy .......... The White Oak River... oe The Legend of Queens Creek Methodist Church Evolution of the County Seat Town _. cts Progressive Communities Jacksonville Swansboro .. Richlands .... Catharine Lake . Verona-Dixon-Folkstone -. Holly Ridge Missile Test. Georgetown Piney Green—Belgrade Hubert—Sneads Ferry -.. Kellum Station PERSONALITIES Madam William Cray . James Battle Avirette James G. Scott Dr. Julian V. Hofmann . Isham B. Hudson Colonel George Gillette . Hon. Alex H. Koonce—Fitzhugh Lee Morris. Lucile Browning Edward W. Summersill Nere E. Day Elijah M. Koonce John R. Gurganus Women Graduates—Henderson for Congress. Business as Usual _ The Old North State Roster of Settlers Who Took Up Land Grants Onslow Regiments of Militia. Onslow Soldiers in the Revolution Onslow Soldiers in the War of 1812 Onslow Soldiers in the Confederate Army... Political Parties and Public Questions Onslow Representation in the Assembly. Members General Assembly The Onslow County Bar, Physicians, Surgeons, Specialists Vv FOREWORD This book could properly be entitled “Onslow’s part in the history of North Carolina.” It consists of studies made from time to time on various subjects and makes no attempt at being a chronological history of the Coun- ty. They have, however, been arranged for publication in as nearly that order as possible. In addition to history, there are appendices. They contain papers too valuable to be lost, of articles, letters and accumulated facts which the writer believes should be preserved. The history is authentic, the appendices are as they were originally written. Taken as a whole, the book represents what could be collected up to this time. If this study inspires students to a wider knowledge of the County’s history, or some more scholarly treat- ment of the subjects at hand, it will have attained its purpose. —THE AUTHOR INTRODUCTION To write and publish a book is no small matter—that is, any kind of book. But to do the essential research, to select the salient portions and to discard the less certain and non-essential items, and then to author an entire book of history—well, that is a much greater matter—a matter more full of meaning ane responsibility than is the task and art of just putting out a boo of fiction or expository prose. This work, Soe Keine offered to the public of Onslow County, by J. Parsons Brown, was much in his mind and a large volume of research material was already collected, when I first became closely acquainted with his interest and work more than lage years ago. Since then, at times, and over the last five bok ie frequent instances, I have had discussions with Mr. Brown a ou his work and his hope of ultimate publication. I have also, a’ several such times, gone over portions of the written text and have discussed with Mr. Brown the arrangement and presenta- tions of certain divisions of his subject-matter. ; Therefore, I am a qualified witness to the vast work and pains Mr. Brown has invested in his effort to present to you the story of Onslow County. Having spent a good part of my own adult life in abstracting the land title records of the county and know- ing those records to be only one of the sources from which the materials of this book have been gathered, I can assure the read- ers that a love for such work and a desire to render a needed service are the greatest compensation the author can ever gain for his labor. P : Me Be will be the last person to claim perfection for his work. There is no fixed or determined outline for county his- tories and there are few productions in this field that could serve as a guide line for depicting the story of Onslow—one of the oldest and most singular of the North Carolina Sisterhood of counties. But the vast changes that have come about here with- in the past twenty years, while not rendering the task easier, have pointed up the need for preserving the traditions of the Old County lest they be lost in the hustle and bustle of this new age. When the New Order of this generation is integrated and crystallized into the New County, possibly improved facilities and extended exploration will enable someone to write another and more modern history of Onslow County. Mr. Brown, if then living, or his living spirit if then departed be his person, will be the first to acclaim such production and allow all its merits of research and text. : I am privileged in this way to introduce this work; and I com- mend it to careful examination and study of all Onslow Ss many sons and daughters of this and all coming generations. Jacksonville, N. C. NERE E. Day August 22, 1960. “ £ ° — 3 3 9 - 3 3 3 5 = e = = rs 3 » 3 ~ 3 o a a Fy 2 a Ee ° . 3 £ £ < = a £ = = 2 2 e 3 8 £ £ = r--) - 3 PS 2 & = = o £ = a cy ° = 3 > t o 2 ° [4 = a HISTORY GEOGRAPHY OF THE COUNTY Onslow County lies along the seashore in the southeastern section of the state of North Carolina, extending from thirty miles north of Wilmington to twenty miles south of New Bern. Its northerly boundary is White Oak River; its southeastern border is the Atlantic Ocean. New River, from its head to its mouth, is wholly within the county and is a beautiful stream which falls about seventy-five feet downhill in a distance of about fifty miles. The Inland Waterway Canal parallels the Atlantic Ocean for a distance of fifty miles. The river and sounds of Onslow Bay make up some of the best fishing grounds on the Atlantic seaboard. The poco- sins are noted for good hunting in season. Its beaches are de- veloping into resort areas easily reached by an ever increasing population. Hard surfaced highways make every point within the county easily acccessible. Onslow County is a bell shaped area of about fifty miles in every direction and includes about 483,800 acres of land and water. Of this total the Federal government holds title to about 85,200 acres. The North Carolina Forestry Foundation owns within the county something like 50,000 acres, which included with all other forest areas, amounts to approximately 288,350 acres of productive forest area. Other lands of no present com- mercial value cover about 30,233 acres. The urban coverage amounts to about 12,500 acres in the county, leaving about 60,000 acres on which to produce crops each year. Of the main crops, the following figures are approximate: all purpose corn, 26,500 acres; tobacco, 7,000 acres (1956), 5,001 acres (1957); peanuts, 1,200 acres; soybeans for oil, 5,057 acres; white potatoes for sale, 102 acres; sweet potatoes for sale, 361 acres. Improved pasturage for livestock and poultry amounts to 6,500 acres. The number of dairy animals came to 800 in 1956, the beef cattle 1681 in 1957. Hens and pullets in egg production 43,000. (Exact figures may be obtained from the Agriculture Agent for any given item for any given period of time.) About 11,000 people are engaged in the farming opera- tion each year. Corn and tobacco acreages are being cut each year. Beef cattle are gradually being increased. In 1958 there were 563 fishing boats licensed in Onslow County. They were manned, on an average, by a crew of two persons. 2 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Onslow County oyster production has grown tremendously since 1945, when 24,000 pounds of oyster meat was taken. In 1958, 207,624 pounds was sold commercially. This does not include those taken for home consumption. The take for 1958 also in- cluded 27,945 pounds of clams. NOTE: Bibliographic information furnished the writer by Don Halsey, County Agricultural Agent, and from Mr. C. G. Holland, Fisheries Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Development, More- head City, North Carolina. SETTLEMENT AND FORMATION OF THE COUNTY Settlement The first white men to make homes in what is now Onslow County were William Brown, Henry Warren and Thomas Worsley, who in 1706 came here and settled on New River. Brown’s papers were dated March 2, 1705/6. Those of Warren, March 7, 1705/6, stated that his boundary “touched Captain Brown’s line.” Besides the land taken up by Worsley on Town Creek he, two years later in 1708, crossed the river and entered another tract on Duck Creek. : Their homes they located on an old field which had once been the site of an Indian town. Brown and his associates called the point “Ye Olde Towne Point,” and the little creek nearby they named “Ye Olde Towne Creek.” (Note: many years later Old Towne Point became the site of the county seat town of John- ston. The town was destroyed by a storm in 1752.) : Brown, Warren and Worsley were Englishmen. For six years these three families remained alone in the Onslow wilderness, but in 1713 a Frenchman, John Nasaugue, passed them by and paddled his lone canoe several miles on up the stream to a point beyond where Jacksonville ee is. Bi new home was located st Branch of New River. Sane phe Seats up New River, was confronted by three large streams which came together off what we now know as Paradise Point. Toward the right a branch came in which he called, “The North East Branch of N ew River. The one com- ing from the opposite side of the river he named, “The South West Branch of New River,” while the middle stream straight ahead and bearing left he named, “The North West Branch of New River.” The names of the first two have remained, but the North West Branch later became identified as part of New River eee the next eighteen years 35 other families took up land in Onslow. First along the White Oak, down along the coast through Queens Creek, Bear Inlet, Duck Creek and up New River to Stones Creek they came, passing Old Towne Point, an on up the river toward “the Rich Lands.’ In Switzerland and in England were numbers of Protestant refugees who had fled Germany on account of religious persecu- tion. What to do with these thrifty but homeless people soon became a problem in those countries. ; Among the Nobles who gave thought to the solution of the problem was Baron Christopher De Graffenreidt of Switzerland. He organized a company to finance the settlement of a colony of 4 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW them on lands, situated between the Neuse and White Oak Rivers, which he had secured from the Lords Proprietors. Two boat- loads landed at New Bern during the year 1709-1710. The price for land on the Wee Toc (White Oak) River was one pound sterling for each 100 acres, and was rented to the settlers at 6 pence per hundred acres annually. When De Graffenreidt brought his colonists to New Berne he planned to settle all of them on the Neuse and White Oak rivers and had made arrangements to furnish each family with live- stock (especially hogs and sheep) and supplies until such time as they became self-supporting. In addition, quit rents were payable to the proprietors annually. By 1718 the choice sites on De Graffenreidt’s lands had largely been taken. There being no roads, the rivers were used both for travel and transportation, and so the settler who had no water front on his farm found himself at a disadvantage. To get homes on the water the new settlers pushed on across the Wee Toc into “Onslow.”” Here no payments would have to be made, quit rents could be avoided for some time, while choice lands and water fronts could still be had. Most attractive was the offering of rich lands which could be had for the taking. Here they could worship God as they pleas- ed, had the liberty to act on their own initiative, and an oppor- tunity to pursue their plans and purposes in whatever way to them seemed best, without let or hindrance. Many welcomed the opportunity to come to the new lands of Onslow. The company organized to finance the colony, however, failed to supply the settlers’ needs as they had agreed, and De Graffen- reidt was forced to manage as best he could. To make matters worse, about this time the Tuscarora Indians went on the war- path and murdered many of the settlers. The Indians were finally defeated and De Graffenreidt went back home, but the hardy settlers stayed on, cleared land and built homes. Settlers also came into Onslow from Wilmington and the North East Cape Fear and made homes in the southern and western portion of the county, so Onslow was an overflow settlement from two directions. No one took up large acreage of land or brought a large company of settlers at any one time. The colonists soon became used to the life of the Carolina wilderness and, judging by letters they wrote back home, were happy and would not have traded their new homes for the old. They often mentioned the freedom from oppression and the ease in getting a living here, especially in the growing of livestock. “Onslow’’ Formed into a County For many years the date of the formation of Onslow into a county has been under question. Historians generally agree SETTLEMENT AND FORMATION 5 upon 1734 as the correct date, and most listings of the formation of the One Hundred Counties have shown that as the accepted date for Onslow. To learn the facts of the case as to Onslow, a search was made through the journals of the Assembly and the Minutes of the County Court under whom the Precinct operated; the result be- ing that not only has the correct date been ascertained, but the peculiar circumstances surrounding the action has been brought to light. The first Governor sent over by the King following his pur- chase of the Carolina Colonies was George Burrington. Soon after assuming his duties, the Governor and Council received a petition from the citizens of White Oak, New River and Topsail asking the formation of a new Precinct, and pointing out the difficulty for the citizens in getting to the courts in Carteret and New Hanover. The future Precinct of Onslow contained some notable persons and the reception by the Governor seems to have been favorable from the first. On November 28, 1731, the Governor and Council, at a meet- ing held at Edenton, acted upon the petition and named the Jus- tices to carry on the administration of the new unit. From a photostatic copy of the original Order in Council show- ing the erection and naming of Onslow Precinct taken from the Governor’s office files by the State Department of Archives and History November 18, 1954, a true transcription taken from Colonial Records, Volume III, pages 256 and 257, is as follows: North Carolina—SS At a Council held at the Council Chamber in Edenton the 23’d day of November Anno Domini 1731 Present His Excellency George Burrington Esq. &c The Honorable Joseph Jenour_) Edmd Porter ) Esquires, Members Robert Halton ) of His John Lovick ) Majesty’s Council Edmond Gale __) Upon petition of the inhabitants of White Oak, New River and Topsail, along the sea-shore praying to have a new Precinct erected from New Topsail to Batrams Point on the East side of White Oak River and this Board thereon taking into considera- tion the great hardship and expences the inhabitants within the limits above mention’d are at in going to Carteret Precinct Court His Excellency, by and with the advice and consent of his Maj- 6 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW esty’s Council doth make the following bounds into a Precinct Viz. Beginning at Bogue Inlet from Batrams Point on Bogue Sound including or taking it two miles on the North East side of White Oak River for the East and North East bounds and from New Topsail Inlet including all the lands on the Creeks and Branches that run into New River to be the South and West bounds of the Said Precinct is hereby called and distinguished by the name of Onslow Precinct, and that a Commission issue for the same with such privileges as other Precincts have or enjoy, and it is further ordered that the said Precinct shall be and continue according to the above bounds until there shall be a further division of other Precincts and Counties. Ordered that a Commission of the Peace issue for Onslow Pre- cinct Directed to James Tunis, Edward Marshburn, Joseph Mont- ford, James Murry, James Taylor, Lazarus Thomas, Thomas Johnston, Capt. Francis Brice, Christopher Dudley, Nicholas Hunter, Abraham Mitchell, Rich’d Nickson and John Frederick constituting and appointing them Justices of the Peace for and within the said Precinct, which Court is to sit on the First Tues- day in January, April, July and October yearly. By Order x Ok Governor Burrington thought well of the new Precinct and in answer to his critics gave reasons for his action in the matter. He said, “Some time after I came to this country with His Majesty’s Commission the people inhabiting on White Oak River and Onslow River and parts adjacent presented a petition to me and the Council, praying they might be erected into and made a new Precinct. The reason the petitioners set forth appeared so fair and just that what they desired was granted Viz. They were made a new Precinct by the name of Onslow, which Pre- einct contains a square of above fifty miles and will soon be (in all likelihood) one of the most considerable in the Province.” The Assembly at Edenton July 3, 1733, however, refused to seat the representatives from Onslow and Bladen without fur- ther consideration, and on July 7, 1733, named a Committee head- ed by Captain William Downing to study the case and report its finding to the Assembly. Captain Downing’s Committee set up a number of reasons against admission and so reported. Some of the reasons set forth in the Report were: “The Constitution of 1698 provided that as the country shall encrease the Representatives shall also proportionally encrease if the Com- mons so desires.” “We are of the opinion that a method of enlarging the number of As- sembly men by order of Governor and Council is not agreeable to the SETTLEMENT AND FORMATION Constitution, that the Representatives of the people are the proper judges what encrease is necessary, nor ought any encrease be made without their assent.” “Nor do we find that any power is given to the Governor and Council of this Province by Royal Commission, to act in such affairs without the Assembly.” “Upon the whole we humbly propose it to the House as our opinion that the Members returned for the new Precincts be not admitted, the Assembly not having been consulted in, or agreed to such an encrease.” The Committee also suggested a conference with the Governor and Council concerning the subject matter of the New Precincts, but the Governor would have none of it. The argument for and against became bitter. Strange to say, the fight against was being led by two of the Governor’s own Council, Nathaniel Rice and John Baptista Ashe, who spoke dis- paragingly of the new Precincts. Several new Precincts had already been formed by the Gov- ernor and Council by which process membership in the Assembly had increased at a rapid rate, thus giving the Governor an over- powering influence in the Assembly, which prided itself as rep- resenting the people and protecting them against encroachment upon their rights by royal prerogative. On November 11, 1734, a Bill was ordered brought in “To Con- firm and Establish the new Precincts which had been considered in the last Assembly.”** The Bill appeared on the floor and was read the first time, passed and sent to the upper House.** Having passed a second reading, the Act was read and passed on its Third Reading on February 13, 1734/5 and sent to the Upper House for concurrence.*® Upon the Third passage by the Council the Bill finally became Law February 19, 1734/5 and was ordered engrossed.*? Justices were named March 28, 1734/5. What changes, if any, took place back home in the Precinct are not plain. Since early days the Court had held its ‘Session in the “Court-house on New River,” but the Session held in July, 1735, met in the house of Christian Heidleburg. No reason is given as to why no further use was made of the old Courthouse, but action was taken to erect a new one. Whether the change of regime had any bearing on this we do not know. Text of the major portion of the Act of Confirmation is as follows: *See bibliographical notes at end of chapter. THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Laws of North Carolina 1 7384/5 Chapter VIII An Act to Confirm and Establish the Precincts of Onslow (and Bladen) and for appointing them distinct Parishes. “That a Precinct be erected at New River by the name of Onslow Precinct and that the said Precinct be bounded to the Northward by the White Oak River from the mouth to the head thereof; and to the Southward by a Creek that comes out of the Sound, and comes across New River Road, called the Bay Swamp or Beasleys Creek. “ “ That the Justices of the aforesaid Precinct shall have full power and authority to appoint a place for a Church, Court-house and Prison and to tax all taxable persons in the said Precinct for raising a sum of money sufficient to defray the charges of the above buildings pursuant to an Act entitled “An Act for Settling Precinct Courts and Court- houses.” “a Article VIII And whereas there hath been several Courts held in the Precinct of Onslow by a Commission from the Governor, George Burrington, Esq. Therefore be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all proceedings of that Court (Saving the Right of Appeal) are hereby de- clared good and valid.’’*® The Assembly recognized in Article VIII of the new Law that a County Court was in operation in Onslow and confirmed its action. The first book of “Minutes” of the earliest Onslow Courts has been “Lost.” The first volume in existence which may be seen is in the Department of Archives and History in Raleigh, bear- ing on its face page the inscription, “Onslow Court Minutes from January 1, 1733/4,” and is a continued story brought forward from previous chapters. Inasmuch as the Act of Confirmation did not become Law un- til February 19, 1734/5, this Book contains eighteen months of the old Precinct Court Proceedings. No notation appears as to where one ends and the other begins. The boundaries of the County as delineated in the two Acts varies but little (not more than three miles at any point). In the former, the “Northern Border” extended to two miles East of White Oak River, giving control to Onslow of both banks of the River for use of Ferries (or bridges), while the later Act made the river “from its mouth to the head thereof” the boundary, which was a natural one. *See bibliographical notes at end of chapter. SETTLEMENT AND FORMATION 9 Of the original Justices appointed in 1731, four of the five outstanding leaders on the first Commission were retained on the second Board in 1735. These were Edward Marshburn, Chris- topher Dudley, Nicholas Hunter and Abram Mitchell. One of the leaders, Thomas Johnston, failed of reappointment. Notable new members appointed were John Starkey and Christopher Heidleburg. Nine members were dropped and eight new ones appointed. Reasons for failure to reappointment were not al- ways political. 3 ; The Assembly did not claim to be forming a new Precinct, but to confirm and establish the Precinct of Onslow as it already existed, and it specifically acted to validate the work done before the present action. The Assembly having thus asserted its au- thority, the Onslow Representatives were then seated. The Court which met at Heidleburg’s home planned a new Courthouse to be located on North East, but it seems that the plans were changed at least once. John Williams, one of the County’s leading citizens, contracted to build it but for some reason “declined his bargain,’ and a second contract was let to Joseph and Stephen Howard, who completed the house ready for use in 1737. The new Courthouse was in use only seven years, and in April, 1744, “The Court being met at ye place where ye Courthouse formerly stood and finding ye house by some malishus and evil disposed person was burnt, adjourned to ye house of John Taylor.” Whether the man who “burnt” the Courthouse was “malishus” because he belonged to another political faction, we do not know; and whether the First Minute Book perished in the Courthouse fire or was destroyed by design is a question which will probably remain unanswered. : The argument between the Governor and Assembly having been settled temporarily, Onslow had really become the ‘“‘present seat of enthusiasm in the Province,” and the Governor spoke of the Precinct as a land of “promise.” New families began com- ing in and for several years afterward the number averaged about ten families per year. es 1765 the GaGa influx almost doubled until 1775, the beginning of the Revolution, when all immigration ceased. None came between 1775 and 1780. However, although the war had not yet ended, the year 1780 saw 58 new arrivals, and the next year almost as many. Other high years were 1785 with 57 fam- ilies, and 1793 with 48 new entrants.*® Familiar Names Checking over the list, one might be surprised to see so many of those early names which are still to be found with us today. Such names as: Ambrose, Aman, Avery, Alphin, Andrews, 10 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Brown, Bell, Bachelor, Barber, Brinson, Brock, Basden, Burns, Burton, Bryan, Bowen, Bender, Crawford, Clark, Cooper, Cox, Conway, Chase, Costin, Croome, Cowell, Dudley, Davis, Dixon, Edens, Frank, Farnel, Fonville, Grant, Gurganus, Gould, Griffin, Hawkins, Hemby, Hunter, Harker, Harrison, Howard, Hill, Hen- derson, Humphrey, Hewitt, Higgins, Hadnot, Huffman, Horne, Handcock, Innett, Jones, Johnson, James, Jarman, King, Kel- lum, Lewis, Littleton, Lee, Mitchell, Moore, Mills, Morton, Marshburn, Murray, Melton, Miller, Marshall, Mumford, Morris, Murrill, Rhodes, Ramsey, Sanderson, Sutton, Scott, Simpson, Sanders, Simmons, Shepard, Smith, Shaw, Spicer, Screws, Tay- lor, Trott, Venters, Ward, Williams, Waters, Wood and Yopp, are a few of the early names found in the record who are still with us today. Community and Place Names “White Oak” is the oldest name in the County, the Indian name for the river being “Wee Toc”, which means White Oak. Bear Banks was then Bare Banks and the creek took the same name. There were five Mill Creeks in the County. Alexander Nicola, a Frenchman, settled down near the Sound. The creek which ran nearby was called at first “The Frenchman’s Creek,” now French’s Creek. The Old Town Creek was so called because on its banks was the site of an abandoned Indian Town. Queen Creek was named in honor of the Queen back in England. Stones Creek and Bay was named for Captain William Stone, the Coun- ty’s earliest surveyor. New River was “New” to settlers both from New Bern and Wilmington. King’s Creek honored the King. Wallace’s Creek, Browns Creek, Starkeys Creek, Grants Creek, Harry’s (Harris) Creek, Hopes, (Hope Dexter) Creek, Batchel- or’s Delight, Moores Creek, Ashes Creek, Hadnots Point, Patrick Branch, Mitchell Swamp, Francks Pond, Spicer’s Bay, Chadwick Bay, Sneads Ferry, each took its name from persons owning land or living nearby. Other places got their names from physical characteristics such as South West, North East, Great Creek, Scales Creek, Topsail Sound, Blue Creek, Mill Swamp, Gravelly Run, Flat Swamp, Muddy Creek, Stump Sound, Alum Spring, Jumping (Run) River, Dewdrop Branch, Rocky Run, Haws Run, Haw Branch and Horse Neck Swamp. Names that lead us to know why they were so called are: Turkey Creek, Blue Creek, Poplar Branch, Half Moon, Hickory Branch, Gum Branch, Cypress Creek, White House Creek, Plum Branch, Scales Creek, Troublesome Run, Trapps Creek, Buck Branch, Wolf Swamp, Back Swamp, Indian Spring, Black Creek, Shak- SETTLEMENT AND FORMATION 11 ing Creek, Howling Pond, Hominy Swamp, Sandy Run and Holly Shelter. f : Two Mile, Five Mile, Seven Mile, Nine Mile, and Ten Mile are each named from their approximate distance from the ancient “Rich Lands Chapel.” Incidentally “Old Chapel” Creek runs into White Oak near Grants Creek, indicating that an early church stood there. Benjamin Screws was the first man to settle on The Nine Mile in 1767. Two years later John Lester took up land at the Blazed Pine. School House Branch shows that an early school stood there. Grants Creek was named for Alexander Grant, who settled there in 1736. Catherine Lake was early known as “The Crane Ponds near Alum Spring.” Later it was ‘“Ashe’s Pond.” s The site of the Chapel was called “‘Chapel Hill.” Cowhorn Swamp néar Richlands should be Cohan’s Swamp. Courthouse Bay was the site of the first Courthouse. Old Town Point later became Johnston, the county seat town. The town was destroyed by a storm in 1752 after which it again took the name of Old Town Point. About 1827, Woodhouse Rhodes willed to his son, Durhant Hatch Rhodes, a Negro boy named “Seven.” Sir Arthur Onslow Onslow County was named for Arthur Onslow, for more than 33 years Speaker of the British House of Commons. During that time Sir Arthur won fame as a champion of democracy at a time when that idea of government had not yet become popular, a fact which bespeaks his progressive and liberal characteristics as a statesman. . : ng By ingenuity and tact he not only maintained his position, but gained prestige and respect for himself as time went on. Most popular man in Britain at that time was Sir Robert Wal- pole, the first Prime Minister as such. Walpole had stepped into British political activities and made a name for himself by sta- bilizing Britain’s economy during a recession following the infla- tionary period known in English history as “The South Sea Bubble.” Almost everyone had invested money in a promotional lottery designed to finance new lands, mines, etc., in the South Seas. When the people realized that the lottery would never pay off, panic seized the country and a depression such as the nation had not known before followed, causing much loss and suffering among those who had invested heavily. The Prime Minister took advantage of his popularity and power to bring about certain reforms which he believed neces- 12 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW sary. Among these was the transferral of Parliamentary power from the House of Lords to the House of Commons which was, democratically speaking, making still further progress from the time when the King relinquished many of his traditional rights to the Lords in Parliament. Besides being a disciple of Walpole, Onslow was popular in his own right. Having entered Parliament at the age of 29, he remained in that body for 41 years, 33 of which he was speaker of the House of Commons. This is a longer time than any other person has occupied this important post. Onslow came of a distinguished family in Britain. The first of the line was Richard Onslow, first of the family to become Speaker. He lived from 1528 to 1571 and made a solid reputa- tion for himself in the second Parliament of Elizabeth. Another Richard distinguished himself as a staunch supporter of Cromwell and the protestant Commonwealth. He commanded his own regiment of Roundheads during the English Civil War and narrowly escaped prosecution upon the restoration of Charles II. Soldier and parliamentarian, he never became Speaker. The third Richard Onslow (1654-1717) was Speaker of the Commons 1708-1710 in the third parliament of Queen Anne. One year before his death he was elevated to the Peerage and moved over to the House of Lords. Onslows have distinguished themselves before and since Sir Arthur’s time. “The family can boast an admiral, a Lieutenant- General, a musician and composer of international fame, as well as earls, lords, barons, knights, and in later years, diplomats in numbers which become confusing as we attempt to count them. In very truth, Onslow is a grand old name (“Eddy”).” Sir Arthur Onslow worked hand in hand with Walpole, the Prime Minister. They seem to have made a wonderful team. Onslow was a democrat in a very liberal sense for a statesman of his time. A man of unblemished integrity and much ability, the third member of his family to become speaker of the House, “His knowledge of the constitution equalled his attachment to re “He was an inflexible champion against encroachment by the Lords upon the rights of the Commons.” A further study of him cannot be made in this book, but living down on White Oak River in the new county was a man even more democratic than Arthur Onslow. So powerful was he that the Governor afterward said of him that he swayed the members of the Colonial Assembly as he willed, and that they follow him like chickens. He was John Starkey of Onslow County. The public life of Arthur Onslow had made an impression in far off SETTLEMENT AND FORMATION 13 America. One can almost imagine plain John Starkey in 1731 insisting that the new county then being erected, and in which he himself lived, be named for the democratic nobleman Arthur Onslow. Two hundred and sixteen years later the people of Onslow unveiled in their Courthouse a print of Sir Arthur Onslow, for whom the county was named and who was Speaker of the British House of Commons. The picture, published in London in 1803 from an original painting by Hogarth and Sir James Thornhill, was dedicated to Earl Onslow. It represents the House of Com- mons in the administration of Sir Robert Walpole, the central figure in which is the Right Honorable Sir Arthur Onslow. : The painting was given by Lady Halifax, wife of Lord Hali- fax, British Ambassador to the United States. Lady Halifax, before her marriage, was a member of the Onslow family and is a direct descendant of Arthur Onslow. A request was made to Dr. Christopher Crittenden, Director of the State Department of Archives and History by the County Historian for cooperation in securing a picture of Arthur Onslow. Dr. Crittenden took the matter up with the Department of State in Washington and was referred to the British Embassy. The big surprise came in the form of a letter from Lady Halifax saying that she was greatly interested in this matter and that she took great pleasure in pre- senting the print of the distinguished member of her family. The Presentation and Acceptance program took place Monday, March 8, 1947, at 2:30 P.M. during a session of Superior Court presided over by Judge Henry L. Stevens of Warsaw. After appropriate remarks, Judge Stevens turned the session over to Parsons Brown, County Historian, who acted as Master of Cere- monies. The presentation was made by Mr. H. H. Eddy on behalf of the Department of Archives and History, Raleigh. Judge Stevens accepted for the people of the County ina happy and appropriate speech, and ordered that the proceedings of the day be entered upon the Court Minutes by the Clerk as a perma- nent record for future reference. Judge Stevens said he hoped the picture would hang upon the walls for coming generations to look upon and admire and be proud of its antiquity. “Arthur Onslow’s life is evidence of the evolution of Democ- racy,” he said. Brief speeches of acceptance and appreciation were made by Community leadership including: The Reverend Carl B. Craig for the Ministers Billy Arthur for Press and Radio Albert Ellis for American Legion and Kiwanis Club Charlie C. Clark for Farmers of the County 14 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Mayor Raymond Askew for the Town and Chamber of Com- merce Mrs. Annie Price for Daughters of the Confederacy Miss Marguerite Henderson for Farm Women of the County Mrs. W. L. Ketchum for the Woman’s Club ; Mrs. Lillian Russell Ray for th 2 Revolution y for the Daughters of the American Mrs. R. H. Merrill of Swansboro John D. Warlick for the Onslow County Bar. Bibliography—Chapter I “Land Grants to 1800” Onslow Count Jacksonville, North Carolina De Graffenreidt’s Account of His Colonies, Saunders: “The Colonial Records of North Carolina.” Note (*1) Volume III Page 256 (*2) Ibid Volume III Page 442 (*3) Ibid Volume III Pages 574-576 (*4) Ibid Volume III Page 640 (*5) Ibid Volume III Page 641 (*6) Ibid Volume IV Page 136 (*7) Ibid Volume IV Page 96 (*8) Ibid Volume IV Page 119 (*9) Land Grants to 1800 in Register’s Office, ords y Records, Register of Deeds Office, Onslow County Rec- (*10) Letter to the author from Dr. C. C. Crittenden, Director of the Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, confirming cor- rectness of dates used in recording changes brought about by the adoption of the new calendar in 1752. THE COURTHOUSE AND THE COURTS On Courthouse Bay The formation of the Precinct of Onslow and the naming of the Justices of the County Court necessitated the erection of a Courthouse. At that time the settlements extended only along the sound and on White Oak and New Rivers. The site selected, which was also intended to contain stocks and whipping post, was located on Courthouse Bay. The Minutes of the first Precinct Courts have been lost, but we know that the Court met there because the minutes of one of the sessions which met in 1734 says, “The Court met in the Courthouse on New River.” Tradition says this Courthouse was made of logs hurriedly constructed and used only for a short time. On North East For some reason, the court met in the house of Christian Hei- dleburg for its July, 1735, session. Here plans were made for the building of a new Courthouse and here was empowered the levying a tax for the purpose. John Williams, one of the County’s leading citizens, was desig- nated to do the work. The description of the house, which was to be located “at any place between the Joseph Howard house and Russell’s line where he shall see the conveniency of a good spring facing the lower side of the North East Branch of New River” was as follows: “Framework 30 feet long and 18 feet wide to be weather boarded with feather edged plank, covered with shingles two feet long and laid on workman like, the house to be built work- man like. A prison 16 feet long and 12 feet wide, the sills of the prison to be 8x10 inches, the sleepers to be laid 4 inches apart and the floor to be laid with white oak plank 2 inches thick, the sides to be studded with studs 4 inches square, and placed 4 inches apart with a partition in the middle and weather boarded with good clapboards, laid overhead with joists 4 inches apart, the loft laid with inch plank. The house to be covered with shingles, after the same form of the courthouse; and to make a pair of stocks and a whipping post.” But Williams “declined his bargain” and the contract was let to Joseph and Stephen Howard, who built the house. Some dif- ference between the Howards and the court was settled by arbi- tration. The following indicates that the house was in use for only seven years “at a court begun and held for Onslow County at 16 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW ye place where ye court was formerly held for said county on ye first Tuesday in April, 1744, present his Majesties Justice John Starkey, Sam Foyle, Ab’m Mitchell and Richard Fields, Gentle- men. The Court being met at ye place where ye court house formerly stood and finding ye house by some malishus and evil disposed person was burnt, they were pleased to adjourn ye court to ye house of John Taylor.” The County Builds a County Seat Town at Old Town Point As before stated, the courthouse on North East was burned and the problem of reconstruction now presented itself. The population of the county now consisted of about two hun- dred families scattered over most of the county. Many of them were men and women of prominence, owning slaves and farms with large cleared acreage. Shipping with New England and the West Indies was carried on by a few of the planters. A mail passed through Onslow between New Bern and Wilmington, but no “town” had yet developed and planters still looked to New Bern or Wilmington, not only for trade, but for social and edu- cational advantages. To remedy this it was proposed to lay off a town, build a court- house and hold court there. A “gaol”, stocks and whipping post were also to be built. Here could be developed a center of trade and culture among our own people, and so the decision was made. A town was laid off and inducements offered to attract new in- habitants to it. The location of the new county town, which was to be called “Johnston” in honor of Governor Gabriel Johnston, was to be on a bluff now called “Old Town Point” and “Old Town Creek,” and was connected with the opposite shore by a ferry. An Act was passed by the Assembly and ratified by Mr. Hope Dexter, who owned the land, in 1741. The Town was to be laid out by a Commission composed of Samuel Johnston, John Star- key, Jonathan Tremain, Samuel James and James Foyle, the last named also to act as Treasurer. The Town was to be laid off in lots and streets and the lots were to be assigned to pros- pective inhabitants by vote of the Commission, the receipts to be paid to Mr. Dexter on the 25th of March each year. Each person receiving a lot agreed to build within two years a substantial frame house of at least 16 x 24 feet. Failure to do so forfeited his title to the land. He was also obligated to en- close the lot with a good fence and keep it clear of shrubbery and weeds. ‘ The Courthouse was to be erected upon a public square and the town was to contain.100 acres to be laid off into lots of one- half acre each, and Mr. Dexter could reserve any lots for himself as he chose. = THE COURTHOUSE AND THE COURTS 17 i owever, was doomed to destruction for in 1752 a Reais an tidal wave overflowed Charleston, South Caro- lina, and followed the coast northward until it reached the Court- house town, where it blew away the Courthouse and carried much of it, and many of the records in it, entirely across New River, there two miles wide, but some fell in the river. : Tradition says the storm took with it across the river a Live boy, age about 4 years, and he was, when found, so frightene that when asked his name he could only reply, ““Hadnot,” so ie place was named Hadnot Point. The boy was named Charles opted by the County. : : Ryne eee ee in the town, including the residence us Thomas Black, the clerk, was destroyed, the County lost many of its records and the town was abandoned. At Wantlands Ferry When a new Courthouse was being planned in 1754-5 to replace the one destroyed by the storm, the population had extended SO far toward the upper portion of the County that the old town of Johnston was no longer considered a suitable location, and the present site, then known as Wantlands Ferry, was selected. A bill for the erection of a Courthouse at Wantland s Ferry was enacted in 1755 and the County took over operation of the ferry immediately. The town remained Wantlands Ferry. In Jan- uary, 1756, Wantland gave the County one acre of land convenient to the river and spring for the Courthouse site. ; John Starkey, Stephen Lee and Carey Godbee were appointed to see the land laid off and to contract with workmen to construct the buildings. The contract was let to William Gibson and the building was to have sash and glass for the windows, ye be painted, and the prison was to be made strong. However, five years later the “gaol” was deemed insufficient and Solomon Grant was employed to build a new one, which he did. % Courts were held in the new Courthouse first in July, 1757. Roads were laid out to connect with all portions of the County. Wantland kept an Inn there until his death in 1760. His widow, Mrs. Mary Wantland, continued the business. A bill for the laying off of a town at the ferry, to be Hamer Onslow Courthouse, was passed in 1785, and was so called unti 1842, when the name was changed to Jacksonville in honor of General Andrew Jackson. The Fifth Courthouse i c ry f Cornwallis at In 1787, about six years after the surrender 0 Yorktown, it was decided that the old Wantland Courthouse mas old, dilapidated and unfit for further use, so the young free 18 like structure was de of def a Mere c made of defecti - rials and poorly put together. So at the end of a Horse eat it was necessary to rebuild and this time it was determined to erect a modern building handsome in appearance. The Courthouse In March, 1904, the old Court House w , » the as declared to be t nee ee nee Suitable and was condemned by the Giind and the Judge as utterly insufficient f, i the public business of the County. a enact The Commissioners declared a lar i 2 ger and more commod ens House to be a public necessity, and so bonds to the atihint 0 $24,000 were issued for the construction of a new building completed, considered a very modern and up- to-date structure. This Court House was i i t cture. in use it was rebuilt into the one now standing. ae The Present Courthouse Dedicated The handsome, new Courthouse, the eighth cost of more than $250,000.00, was Raa atear epee To Billy Arthur, Editor and Publisher, i i F eo » £0es credit for publish- ing two very creditable Special Editions of The siete THE COURTHOUSE AND THE COURTS 19 Views, one before the event giving something of the history of Courts and Courthouses in Onslow County to date, and another edition afterward entitled “Courthouse Dedication” (speeches, ete.) printed in full. The Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions The County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions was some- thing like our county court, having also the administrative duties of our County Commissioners, the probationary powers of the Clerk of the Court and the recording duties of the Register of Deeds. Prior to 1738 the court was referred to as the “Precinct Court.” That year the Precincts were converted into “counties” and in the court act it is referred to as “County Court.’’ The title “Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions” was first legally be- stowed by the court act of 1760. The Court was made up of the Justices of the Peace of the County. The Justices sat separately at any time or place, and heard minor cases whose decisions could be appealed to the regu- lar meetings which met at the Courthouse four times yearly. Jointly they composed the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions. The Court’s activities included: Trial of minor cases limited generally to fines of 20 to 40 pounds, heard all civil actions at common law, had exclusive jurisdiction over the crimes of slaves, appointed and controlled administrators, executors and guard- ians, and acted as the governing body of the county. Later it appointed the Board of Superintendents of Common Schools, created in 1839. The Court was abolished in 1868 and the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions passed away, but the minutes it kept make up a detailed history of the county and its people. In Onslow these minutes are complete since 1734. Typical activities in a day’s session might include: Settlement of a dispute as to the value of 2 barrels of turpentine and a quan- tity of pitch; providing for the laying out of a new road from Joseph Howard’s house on North East to the Chapel Spring; a ferry to be placed at Joseph Howard’s and the naming of Charles Cox overseer on the King’s road from the Ferry to New River; Edward Wingfield marrying the widow of Joseph Mumford re- quired to give bond for protection of property belonging to the children of the said Joseph Mumford; the registering of an ear- mark for stock for an individual owner; Mary Pope swears a bastard child to John Cooper, who is required to give bond that he not only will pay Mary $18.00 per year but will see that the child may not become a public charge; a homeless child is ap- prenticed to John Williams with the proviso that the child be Morgan to furnish di for bastardy, “left this G to keep a ta tardy cases; fe to Whitehouse Onslow Court Minutes Pleas and Quarter Raleigh, N. C. Crittenden and Lacy: North Carolina, Pag Bibliography—Chapter Il , Volume II, Page 39 General Int tea roduction to the Historical Records of JOHN STARKEY AND THE COLONIAL PERIOD John Starkey was Onslow’s first citizen in more ways than one. When the County was confirmed in 1735 she sent Starkey as her first representative to the General Assembly and kept him there continuously for 31 years until his death in 1765. Just where he lived is not certain, however, the Starkey burial ground is on “The Bluff” about 4 miles above Swansboro on the Onslow side of White Oak River. So he may have lived there. The markers were destroyed during the Civil War (Morris). It is said that every specie of manufacture was carried on at his place, so much so that his farm was as nearly self supporting as could possibly be. So highly esteemed was he by the people that he was appointed executor for most people who died near him, and guardian for large numbers of orphans. Included among these were Samuel Johnston (afterwards Governor) and his sister Hannah (who later married James Iredell), children of Samuel Johnston, Sur- veyor General of North Carolina, the elder Samuel being brother of Governor Gabriel Johnston. They became shining lights in society and in the political life of the State. To Starkey belongs the honor of introducing the first bill for free schools in North Carolina in 1749. That the bill failed of passage indicates how far ahead of his colleagues he was, for not until 75 years later did North Carolina really establish a system of free schools. In the legislative halls he was active in all its deliberations, served on every important committee, was on commissions for public buildings in Wilmington and New Bern, and for the con- struction of forts at the mouth of Cape Fear and at Bear Inlet. In his own county he supervised the letting of contracts for more than one of Onslow’s early courthouses, was Colonel of the Militia, served in the Justices court from the time it met in How- ard’s house on the North East branch of New River in 1735 until 1756, when he, with Stephen Lee and Carey Godhee, was appoint- ed to see the land laid off which is the site of the present Court- house at Jacksonville, then known as Wantlands Ferry. The County’s financing was almost solely entrusted to his manage- ment. Payments were made by him whether it be for the con- struction of the prison or the bringing from Boston of a standard of weights and measures, each County then being required to keep a set. In 1750 he became Treasurer of the Southern District of North Carolina, “This together with his inflexible defense of the As- sembly against the encroachment upon its powers, by the Kings’ THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW officers, and by his commanding personality, he became the most powerful figure in the province of North Carolina.” The Lords Proprietors held the lands of the State in fee by a grant direct from the King and by its terms were the Sovereign power in the government, appointing the Governor and also the Council, or upper house of the Assembly. To strengthen their power these lands were not sold to the settlers but granted to them upon the payment of “quit rent” thus giving the Proprietors all the privileges of landlords as well as Sovereigns. They and their governors looked upon the whole governing system as ma- chinery to oversee and administer the details of governing those lands so as to be profitable to the owners. The people, on the other hand, considered themselves as still citizens of the British Commonwealth with all rights guaran- teed under the Great Charter and Bill of Rights, and so refused to be treated as tenants only. They elected Assemblymen who maintained their rights and added to them whenever possible. For many years the quarrel turned on whether the quit rents would be paid in the products of the farm or in cash. When paid in produce, the price to be allowed, and whether the royal agent would call at the farm to collect them were bones of contention. When a new Governor came in one of his first acts would be to order the quit rent paid in cash, and immediately a storm of pro- test would arise. Too, the Governor and Assembly were each jealous of their rights and each determined to maintain them. As an example of how assidious the Governor and Council were in upholding the King’s prerogative, a communication from the House to the Council used the salutation, “Gentlemen of His Maj- esties Council” instead of the usual, “May it please your Honors,” causing quite a commotion in the Council. The message had been sent by Mr. Starkey and Mr. Hill. Council asked whether a mis- take had been made, and upon being assured that the House con- sidered the different style of address both reasonable and proper, at once referred the question to the Governor, who thereupon dissolved the Assembly. The House never returned to the former style of address, however, but generally used the words, “Gentle- men of His Majesties Council.” It seems an agreement had been reached between some of the Northern members and Governor Dobbs to establish a seat of Government on Tower Hill near Kinston, on a farm the Gov- ernor had purchased for the purpose. Also, the King had agreed to reimburse the colonies for expense incurred in the French and Indian War. One item of 50,000 pounds was to be divided be- tween Virginia, North and South Carolina. It was expected North Carolina’s share would be about 15,000 pounds, of which only about 7,789 pounds ever materialized. JOHN STARKEY AND THE COLONIAL PERIOD 23 The most virile leader of the Assembly was J ohn Starkey, and it was probably he who engineered a meeting held in aaa between the two Treasurers and two or three leading dennis : the Assembly to lay plans to prevent this, then large sum, es: - ing into the hands of the Governor. These leaders prepared a bill which provided that the specie be lodged with the Treasurer, to be paid out by an Agent appointed by the Committee of Corre- spondence, who were in turn named by the Assembly. a As the Governor was very anxious to have the new wants City situated on his land at Tower Hill, Mr. Starkey Aen ae that the capital location Bill and the specie control Bills go han in hand, which the Governor said was “Mr. Starkey s price with- out which he would oppose it,’ but the Council failed to act on the bills, which “greatly inflamed the leaders of the Assembly. The Assembly proposed to pay the agent only 150 pounds per annum for two years, the balance to be used to establish a free school in each county. The Governor would not agree, but pro- posed that the money be deposited in the Bank of England to pay fees due the Mother Country, to build forts, ete. He asked the Lords to decide who should control the funds, but himself used part of the money from time to time in fitting out troops in New York and elsewhere, and so the quarrel continued. On January 22, 1759, Starkey was on the Committee of Corre- spondence to employ an agent in England to represent the State in the matters before the King, Lords or Boards of Trade, and on several other Committees, and was almost invariably chosen moderator when the House assembled as a committee of the whole. He introduced the Bill to provide a semi-monthly mail from Suffolk in Virginia to Brunswick and Charles Town, South Carolina. The contract was let to James Davis, the public print- er at New Bern. The route passed through Onslow from iam burton’s (White Oak School) via Sneads Ferry toward Wil- mington. es eve That Starkey won many precedents from the King is sue seen, so much so that Governor Dobbs said of him, “He was is e most designing man in the whole province ; that he yas a ie fessed Republican, in every instance, taking from His Bact prerogative, encroaching upon the right of Council au a ae to the power of the Assembly, to make himself popu ae i getting into the Assembly, he continued to make ee pony . by opposing all taxes that did not turn out to his profit, oa ey attempting to gain power to the Assembly at the Cans nee Majestie’s rights; and that finally, he made inne sou enough to induce the Assembly to appoint him one o « nee urers of the Province without any limitations as to term 0 oe a circumstance that greatly increased his power ; which he hesi- arkey called himself “Treasurer fi or th tS (Relbio-d) cna ree ee was a man of good oe : ‘ » much liked and esteemed b ple, having won their confiden i "ae He ] ce by his capacity and dili # Hees said a great part of his popularity aes tue, a g ae a Pain coat, having a bald head while ike Station in life wore Silver Shoe-buck] rai ae ane a big wig. When he said Colonel Starkey ae » Governor Dobbs, being an Irishman, doubtless meant that he did not wear one of the he wore his own hair—that is to say big wigs in style in that day. . That Starkey did not kee ople y had a different view of the matter, Onslow elected him to the Assembly and the Assembly confided 1 D , fim ith he h £. : hi with t 1 hest offices within its gift Carolina from the ti were later, and SOE Loe : looked upon as an un- He died in 1765. Bibliography Letter of Fitzhugh Lee Morris to the writer Journals of 'The General Assembly Biographical History of North Carolina by Charles L. Van No pe Colonial Records of North Carolina sass Colonel R. M. Sanders in the Colonial Records THE REVOLUTION AND ITS LEADERSHIP Setting Up the State By 1774 dissatisfaction with the British policies had reached such a state that leaders of the people determined to voice a pro- test to the British King. To prevent any expression, the Gov- ernor refused to call any session at all. At a meeting between John Harvey, Samuel Johnston, Willie Jones and Edward Bun- combe it was agreed to call a convention to meet at New Berne August 25, 1774. John Harvey himself issued the call and was chosen moderator, an honor for Onslow for, although he lived in Perquimans, he represented Onslow along with William Gray and Benjamin Harvey. Resolutions were passed declaring it wrong to tax the people without their consent or to send any man out of his country for trial, threatened a boycott against England unless wrongs were righted, elected delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and appointed a Committee of Safety, which practically took over the entire government. The Second Provincial Congress met April 1775. Onslow’s members were Edward Starkey, Henry Rhodes and William Cray. John Harvey having died, the Third Convention was called by Samuel Johnston, who was named moderator. Isaac Guion, Henry Rhodes, Edward Starkey, John Spicer and John King represented Onslow. At this Convention the Committee of Safety was superseded by the Provincial Council who took over the Executive duties of government. It was to consist of two members from each Dis- trict, and a Member-at-Large from the entire state, 13 in all. Johnston was chosen Member-at-Large, and thus became, for all practical purposes, the Executive head of the state. The Fourth Provincial Congress met at Halifax, where George Mitchell, Benjamin Doty, John Spicer, John King and John Norman sat for Onslow. Here a resolution declaring for complete independ- ance from England was passed April 12, 1776. North Carolina thus took a more drastic step than any state had thus far done. The Fifth Congress at Halifax, November, 1776, framed a constitution. John Spicer, Thomas Johnston, Benjamin Doty and Henry Rhodes represented Onslow. John Spicer took a leading part in the activities and helped frame the Bill of Rights in the constitution. Edward Starkey was named on the first Council of State; also on the three succeeding ones. William Cray was on the Council in 1777, and both Starkey and Cray were on the Council of 1778: Spicer was elected first in 1785. When the adoption of the Constitution of the United States Was to be considered, the Convention met in Hillsboro July 21. 26 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW 1788, and chose Governor Samuel Johnston ag president. much debate, wherein William R. Davie, James Iredell and Archi- bald McLain advocated adoption at once, and Willie Jones, Thom- as Person and others proposed to withhold ratification until a Bill jority of the convention voted onstitution was rejected. Edward Starkey, iel Yates, Thomas John- ston and John Spicer, Jr., delegates from Onslow, all voted against ratification in 1788. In 1789 when the Constitution was again up for consideration, the whole state had become convinced that North Carolina should enter the Union; most of the objections had been removed from the constitution, and So ratification became a mere formality. Robert Snead, Dani , George Mitchell and Edward Ward represented Onslow and all voted for ratification. Al] this caused North Carolina to be the last state but one to enter the Union, and too late to take part in the election of Washington as first presi- dent. In the Field “The smoothness with which the Tories were put down at Moores Creek Bridge and elsewhere demonstrated the efficiency .of the new government and the genius of its military leaders.” The officers of the Onslow Militia that year (1775) were Wil- liam Cray, Colonel; Henry Rhodes, Lieutenant Colonel; Thomas Johnston and James Howard, Majors. Colonel Rhodes was to collect and pay for all firearms in the county. In 1776 a company of militia was raised in Onslow with offi- cers as follows: Ephrain Battle, Captain; James Foy, Lieuten- ant, and William Shaw, Ensign. An independent company was raised between New River and Deep Inlet with John King, Cap- tain; but for some reason its organization did not last long. John Lambert was a second Lieutenant in the 1st Regiment, Conti- nental line. The 1st and 2nd Regiments were in the South Caro- lina campaign. The next year these and other troops set out for Washington’s army. Onslow had goldiers in both the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, 1777, and with General Robert Howe at Sa- vannah. To help supply Washington’s army, the following supplies were ordered raised in Onslow: “35 hats, 143 yds. linen, 70 yds. heavy cotton or wool, 70 pairs shoes and 70 pairs stockings.” The 2nd Regiment took an important part in the storming of Stony Point on the Hudson, by General Wayne. North Carolina lost many in the surrender of General Lincoln at Charleston. These prisoners were held by the British at THE REVOLUTION AND ITS LEADERSHIP 27 iti f life. After rleston and received only the bare necessities o ife ‘ ee the permission ie eee ee er mander, to do so, ‘The venture , i See CaO and put under command of Colonel John “these ie eae a sailed for Charleston laden with tobacco, clot: mdi eanaece plies for the Americans held there as pene # a doe mission by the British officer, the Adven ure W. ge cs Charleston by the British ship of war, COOTER eee ed and her crew imprisoned. North Caro ina, thi ee States Congress, enolesiee to a ree orice ul imi sation, but the matter was re f eee and thus a settlement was deferred in- SS the British commander at ais tonne es his men to Burgaw where he built, at Rutherford’s Mill, a scutle fication from which to operate toward New Bern. i a ae lington, with about 600 men from Craven, Dobbs, longs ene Onslow Counties was stationed at the Rich Lands ( a eri ‘ Lake). His army was short of both ammunition and ad General Lillington called upon the Duplin troops for Bids ow- ever, before opposition could be made, Major Craig s spgps penetrated into Onslow and secured in that fertile section nee ed supplies. But when the people collected, finding that warm wor was to be expected they returned to their stronghold. : ahi nas in June, 1781. General Lillington’s letter asking for aid follows: Rich Lands, 28 June 1781, 10 A.M. Sir: ; ~_ “The enemy are advancing this morning from Ruther s Mill with about 800 Tories and Regulars. You will ee to march forward immediately with all the Horse see 00 you can muster. Not a moment is to be lost. We sha ae dezvous at Hines where I hope to have a pg en be : is evening. Everything will depend on your quick dispatch. “IT am Sir, Your Humble Servant, ALEXANDER LILLINGTON, SBIiGr2 “To Major Molton, Duplin County” illi rote Governor Burke that On July 2 Colonel William Caswell wrote c he falind the British in Onslow reaping wheat and conecane al the cattle they could, and saying that Colonel George Mitchell o Onslow was posted against them. 28 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW On July 16 Colonel Kenan wrote Governor Burke, “Onslow is threatened by the British and ask aid.” General Lillington called upon all men that can be raised in Duplin County to march to the Rich Lands Chapel in Onslow saying, “The people there may have to give up in order to save their property if help does not come, but that will be the last step.” Aiso, on July 24 General Lillington to Governor Burke said, “They (the British) have been as far as the Rich Lands of New River and plundered some few of the inhabitants, but their stay was short owing to the spirit of the people who they found were collecting very fast. They retreated to Rutherford’s Mill at this time.” Also in a letter from the Trent, General Lillington com- plained that this District was being neglected, saying that citi- zens were being expelled from their homes, their farms ravaged, and their negroes being carried off by the British. However, Craig reached New Bern August 19, 1781, having recruited many Tories in the counties through which he passed. The latter part of the same month, while at New Bern, Major Craig heard that General Wayne was at Halifax. He therefore recrossed the Trent and marched his army through the Rich Lands and back to Wilmington, followed by Colonel Mitchell’s small force. In the latter part of that year another company of 100 men was ordered raised. They were stationed at Swansboro. King raised a company of 40 horses for the protection of the salt works on Topsail Sound, also another company on New River with Amos Love, Captain. Major Craig expected to raise another army after Cornwallis surrendered, but soon realized that British rule in America was ended, and when General Rutherford reached Wilmington he found Craig had sailed away. It is difficult to tell just who the Onslow soldiers were because the state was divided into six military districts and with the exception of the Militia all officers were appointed by the dis- trict. Onslow was in the Wilmington District and had soldiers in the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 10th regiments. The militia were organ- ized by counties and commanded by native officers. “When the Whigs were successful, the Tories were discouraged and lay low, but when the British had the advantage they became bolder and either formed into companies and fought for the Brit- ish, or flocked to the British army.” Onslow was remarkably free from Tories, but there were some who were virile and active. In 1782 the treaty of peace was signed, and by 1783 all the North Carolina soldiers had returned home. The war was over. THE REVOLUTION AND ITS LEADERSHIP NOTE The Royal Oak The Royal Oak stood on the county line eer Seta eae nate It is said that on the return march a British soldier ha v the thick top of an oak tree from which he coula ens on Der ener Mitchell’s men s) the assed by. However, some of Colonel I ae in the tres top. He was ordered down and without much ado was cana hanged on the same oak tree which was thereafter known as the Shadi The tree stood where the Onslow-Jones line crosses the ane S: ee road. The decayed stump was removed when the roadway was w sometime about 1916. Leadership sade ail The leadership in Onslow just prior to and during the = lution was able and efficient. Fortunate it was for the veers of Onslow that this was so, for not only civil matters claime their attention, but the British invaded the county several Himes and wrought destruction of crops and livestock and carried o slavi henever possible. De of the most outstanding men have been selected here, but other patriots almost equally aggressive and effective lived in the county and took part in the conflict. 4 John Starkey’s direction of colonial affairs of the county had been wise, efficient and progressive. Younger men like Cray, Rhodes, Spicer, Mitchell and Edward Starkey had learned in that school and followed its methods. A reading of the minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, though its members were active participants in the events leading up to the Revolution when not in session, shows not a single reference to the fact that the storm of war was roar- ing loudly overhead. 5 ; : No Wetted of war or military matters is made in the minutes, no change in procedure took place. So informally did the change from Royal authority to a government of the people take place that the minutes make note of it only as follows: April 10. 1776, Present: “His Majesty’s Justices” James Howard Robert Snead Seth Ward October 1, 1776, “Entered by order of the Committee.” January 1, 1777, State of North Carolina, Onslow County Justices Present: 5 William Cray John Brinson THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Benajah Doty James Howard Seth Ward Thomas Johnson Richard Jarrott Stephen Williams Jacob C. Craft Reuben Grant ‘Qualified by taking the oath prescribed by the Congress.” Thus we see the evolution h t of the County Court fro avert at wader Hae of the people of the state nat ee vine y had burgeoned out into a free American Onslow, like other counties of th i _ 0 f e state, had its militi - ee yeaa two ‘° four companies being enrolled Get Gethe ' were he uarter] Sti me Gsinsieanee Gal y, generally at the same time as ome of these officers were ili h TS V good military men for thei 7 ae ae their companies in good form, and the men Pear geetind ‘ : rough the sturdy cooperation of these wise leaders the : pee a phy ieee well its own territory but sent men and S to the Continental Line. The stor folds i i the sketches of our individual leaders which follow: ets William Cray Onslow was fortunate in havin ; v g a great leader to tak - iy S place in the person of William Cray. He lived nate aay ape a ne intersection of Duck Creek and New River, and S for twenty years promi i re Leia ears prominent in County and State affairs, un- (In legal papers which he wrote, h i , he referred Ss ead me Records Book C; Page 278.) ec NEE ibe n those days the county was governed b i , y the Just vere appointed by the General Assembly. They Ey ae ae orate same position as the County Commissioners do now a Soe eee aa as many, or as few, men as necessary ; € machinery of the County gov t de Cray’s time in Onslow it took viet beg peat , only one. For several years h ard Cone aah Clerks Hesse, Colonel of Militia, fieatatoee Pr: us was the head of the entire Count "i The deepening of New Rive Sea Sean. € r was then, as now, an i rt question before the people, and in 176 j . deine { ' 1 the Assembly devis scheme by which the money ec i i ee ea by | ould i appropriation, as would Hoe neta ee The United States government did not then exist and the State THE REVOLUTION AND ITS LEADERSHIP 31 had complete authority in such matters. The amount of 1200 pounds was to be raised by lottery, and William Cray, Richard Ward and Henry Rhodes were the Trustees in charge. The plans were to sell one thousand tickets at thirty shillings each at the courthouse door, and prizes were offered for those drawing the lucky numbers. This method of raising money was looked upon by many as gambling, and when the Board of Trade in London heard about it they objected to Governor Dobbs and decreed that, “he not consent to a like law in the future,” but the benefits, if any, in this case had already been had. In 1764 Cray was elected to the Assembly for the first time, and continued as our representative each year but one, until 1775, when the form of government changed. He grew with the service, soon became active and had a large part in the proceed- ings of the Assembly. (An interesting bill introduced by him allowed Jane Wilton 19 pounds to repay the damage done her by a storm.) In 1770 and 1771 the State was stirred by the demands of the Regulators, an organization for the purpose of bringing about a more just levy and collection of taxes, and to abolish over- charges made by officials of the counties concerned. Officials generally ignored these demands and the Regulators in some cases resorted to violence. To put down what he termed “rebellion”, Governor Tryon marched through the territory on a “grand parade”. Onslow was called upon to furnish a company and Colonel Cray was ordered to march his men to Colonel William Bryan’s in Johnston County, there to unite with Tryon’s forces. Cray’s report showed his company consisted of: 1 Colonel, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Ensign, 1 Adjutant, 1 Clerk, 2 Sergeants, 1 Drummer, 42 privates, 2 Servants, 6 horses and 1 cart. Governor Tryon was very courteous to his officers and each day a new field officer was put in command. Colonel Cray served as Field Officer on May 9, June 10 and June 15. Each day a new pass word was given and one day the countersign was “Onslow.” During the battle the Onslow troops were to form on the left of the second line, and in case of flank attack they, with the Carteret troops, were to form an angle to cover the attack. The Regulators were severely beaten at Alamance in Orange County. On May 16th Governor Tryon announced a “glorious victory over the obstinate and infatuous rebels.” The dead were buried and a thanksgiving service held. After the battle Colonel Cray was appointed to sell the cap- tured horses and turn the money over to the public treasurer. Colonel Cray, like most other citizens of North Carolina, bit- terly opposed the Stamp Act and other oppressions in practice 32 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW from 1765 to the outbreak of the Revolution, but. the ideas of independence of the mother country had not then entered the minds of the colonists, and this explains the loyalty of Cray and others at Alamance, who later actively opposed the British. The matter of upholding the civil government became another ques- tion when that government undertook, through armed force, to impose arbitrary measures which limited too much the liberties of the people. A new Governor, Josiah Martin, took the reins of government and many people hoped for an improvement in governmental relations, but instead, the new Governor failed the people even more miserably than had the former. The happenings of the time caused much excitement among the people, and when news came of the battle of Lexington, everyone knew the blow had fallen. The news was carried by messenger from Boston, through Rhode Island, New York and states fur- ther south until it reached New Bern. Thence it was sent in haste to Onslow, where it was received by William Cray, for the Committee of Safety, on Sunday morning, 10 o’clock, May 7, 1775. The dispatch was rushed on to the New Hanover Com- mittee accompanied by the following letter: Onslow County, May 7, 1775 Gentlemen: About an hour past, I received the enclosed papers. Dis- perse with them to your adjoining counties. Keeping a copy of James Lockwood’s letter. Pray write what to do. Weare: William Cray Seth Ward Joseph French Edward Ward Robert Snead Enclosed is the last Gazette for Brunswick. To the Wilmington and Brunswick committees, For Cornelius Harnet, Colonel John Ashe or any of the com- mittee for Wilmington. Received and forwarded by William Cray, New River, May 1, 1775. * %* ES * After Governor Martin took refuge on the British ship of war “Cruiser”, and attack was expected upon the town of Wilming- ton and Minute Men from the adjoining counties were called to their aid in fortifying the city. Colonel Cray and his company marched, promptly, but the expected attack did not come. 3 THE REVOLUTION AND ITS LEADERSHIP 3 Onslow’s part in the battle of Moore’s er alae Bie send Colonel Cray and his eM ee en f the Tories throug! uplin Co ; f ang acter discouraged the Tories and encouraged the Whigs th Carolina. WA cae carers which show isonet and pee se ars = Cray in his efforts to apprehend ritish susp ge ee letter of Edward Howard written to Governor ne i dered by Colonel Cray in which he complains that he had been or f J ne i tate his predicament a: to leave the Province. He goes on to s a : i : also Cray reported the cap fF to take the oath of allegiance ; a hiretot eleven deserters taken in Onslow, five of ee oe hanged, which so aroused the ire of the British that Majo d retaliation. fl Seige tind to Governor Caswell dated November 1, Pate Ae liam Cray, Jr., says he has captured and ee ite coe foth ing the attalion: deserters to the Colonel commanding me illi ili d, Starret Burns, William Renn, William Hall, William Howarc . au st age ee ton, Edward Hammonds, Martin Hamm S, fase Henry Williamson, James Ward and Bae Ni aaa : i itution in » @ After the adoption of the Consti y j house of the General As: was allowed one Senator in the upper I ee lected to that office for Onslow. sembly, and Colonel Cray was e Bey au low i i tor Cray was elected to the neil. During his first term, Sena ( are. i hosen for their special a y The Councilors of State were c ae nity he General Assembly, a dis out from among members of t ; ae ted President of the Coun honor. The next year he was elec ee , i i i t New Bern in Novem i on at Kinston in August, also a nee He held this position until November 29, 1778, whey ie died. He was buried at his plantation on Duck Creek. e co tributed a great share in establishing the new state. i c ite land for the Marine aie Fee Tain RiGee e baa eae Ti Ee oa? others, removed Le cemetery. at Montford Point road near Jacksonville, where ce) t a fitting monument in his i ay. The county should erec' ; 1 in hi Lae ete citizens might more fully appreciate his service in the setting up of the new state. Henry Rhodes Colonel Henry Rhodes began his public ei as aes a public citizens did in the early life of the coun y, py aber pointed a Justice of the Peace, which office wae Hon gee more important one than it is generally considere aes hoy. because the county government was then principally h . f ay he: iza- eae to the Revolution, the counties maintained an organiza tion of militia which met in their respective communities at ions. Each lo crue subordinate officer, while the Ouse was in command of In 1778, while Cr “ies Rhodes was Sheriff other county offices, Prior to 1775, the Legislature consiste ed the Council, and d of an upper house call- Colonel Rhodes 75, the last ses- He was a delegate to the at New Bern, April, 1775; gust, 1775. ested in military Each county was appo each com pany rtioned one or more compani : e had its own officers, Ee THE REVOLUTION AND ITS LEADERSHIP 35 Note: In the effort of the State to send aid to South Carolina and Georgia against the British, his son Woodhouse was among those drafted into Service. Domestic reasons would not admit of the absence from home of both Colonel Rhodes and his son, and Colonel Rhodes promptly offered his resignation as Superintendent of Printing, but his service was too valuable to be dispensed with and the Assembly exempted his son in order that the father might continue his work on the currency issue. He favored and worked for the bill to confiscate property of persons who were inimical to the welfare of the new state, was active in conduct of the proceedings of the House, was mentioned for the Council, but instead was made Treasurer of the Wilming- ton District. Just when he died we do not know, but mention is made of a settlement of his estate in 1788. He lived at and is buried in an unmarked grave at Rhodes’ Point on New River. Of his im- mediate family he in his will mentions his wife, Elizabeth, his sons Woodhouse and Henry, and daughters Sarah Ward, Eliza- beth Fonville, Alice, Mary and Henrietta. He was a useful man, and in his later years devoted every energy he possessed to the prosecution of the war and the set- ting up of an independent government in the State. John Spicer John Spicer lived on Spicers Bay in the extreme southern end of the County, and like most others of Onslow’s early leaders, had some experience in military affairs in the militia of the county, and also like most of them, had been one of the Justices. His first experience as a lawmaker came in 1773 when he serv- ed a term in the Colonial Assembly along with William Cray. In August, 1777, at Hillsboro, he with others represented Onslow in the Third Provincial Congress. When two regiments were ordered for the Continental Line Colonel Spicer aided in recruit- ing these troops and himself became Paymaster in the 2nd Regi- ment and made the South Carolina campaign along with his regi- ment. He was a delegate to the 4th Provincial Congress which met at Halifax in April, 1776. His next important legislative assignment was in the 5th Provincial Congress at Halifax, where a new constitution was to be drafted. A historian has rated him one of the ablest members of that body. He was on the commit- tee to prepare a Bill of Rights for the constitution, which was considered essential in State papers of that day, and for lack of which North Carolina may have withheld her approval of the Constitution of the U. S. in 1788. In 1777 he reenlisted in the Continental line but later in the year was elected to the Senate. in April following. was a man of many honors besides his legislative and Spicer military career, having been on the court of the Admiralty for Brunswick in 1783 and being on a commission to construct a public building in Wilmington at the time of his death. He was a busy and useful ma his injuries, 185.) Edward Starkey the Starkey burying es above Swansboro i Later the family ersection of Starkey Creek and White Oak River, the home known as the “Yellow House” stood not far from where White Oak consolidated school now stands Edward Starkey entered the Coloni sion in 1775, a most turb i tees of Correspondence other colonies, i the Committee on Claims, and with others, chase rigging, anchors and i 37 THE REVOLUTION AND ITS LEADERSHIP ginia for the State of North Carolina. With the new const ianey which he had helped to form went into effect, he wae on ihe inet Council of State. That same ven ee Geen ner cs saliwae he British fleet, but becomi s 2a : pei ee the ship to her Saige) uae aie as pene i hite Oak Inlet, now Swans oro, ace a Starkey occasioning we writing of two letters by i ich are preserved in the records. : ; see rad teat elected to the Commons in ae ape ae also reelected to the Council and in 1783 became Spea Ons: . . . eae pe Hane first, Starkey occupied an ee poston among his contemporaries. His ready wisdom and one pant ing of questions before the Assembly peemedsty on PS ae master the situation in every circumstance and soo: lete confidence of his contemporaries. : gare was deeply interested in educations waa naires Trustees of the James Innes Academy in New. an Ae minke mote education in his own county, he in 17 ie Dp ae lowing resolution: “Whereas the establishing (o) se a he at convenient places for the education of youth MT Hei te ho with great advantage to inhabitants of their state, ., gree proposed that two schools be established in Sais : ave: Rich Lands with Edward Starkey, James pores ee y ree Lewis Williams, William Shackelford, and oe eae oe tees, and one at Swansboro, with George Mitche yee ahs: aa William Nelms and Joseph Lillibridge, trustees. : s ee he made ample provision for the education and are 4 of his nieces “in a manner suitable to her station in li se its In 1784 he was on the Commission of Spee tone 2" Inlet. He remained in the House of Commons unti aa i rie Edward Starkey was a religious Hecate re is re Se ti times were so profane that he consi ered it in ete i i nd unfeigned belie “to make a public confession of my sincere 2 : ea hae i i ping and trusting, in the merits of the Holy and Blessed ioe 2 ns Gad i i ‘giveness for through Him alone, to receive remission and fo 88 for manifold sins and wickedness 5 ee en Ane heared Then in the next paragraph he directe me i I have been executor, him b id “especially orphans for whom ave beet and alee the ingtelment with these words: “Desiring all my relations, friends and acquaintances to pray for the peace a iet of soul.” athe will, written in 1781, shows he owned part of ms fend formerly owned by Treasurer John Starkey, and also ve aie himself left no descendants. The date of probate is illeg and the date of his death is uncertain, probably about 1788 or 1789. 38 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW George Mitchell Colonel George Mitchell, according to Mr. Morris, was a son of Abram Mitchell, Onslow planter, and wife Kesiah Hunter of Hunter’s Creek section of Carteret. Mr. Morris also says that Colonel Mitchell grew up in the home of Emanuel Jones at Mt. Pleasant near Swansboro, and himself lived near Montford’s Mill, 3 miles east of Piney Green on what is now Camp Lejeune military reservation. Prior to the Revolution Captain Mitchell had been active in the militia service and in 1776 commanded a company of foot soldiers in the 6th Regiment of the Continental Line under Col- onel Alexander Lillington, and at one time through some dis- satisfaction caused by the failure of the soldiers to get pay as promptly as to them seemed proper, Captain Mitchell advanced 135 pounds with which to finance the company until proper arrangements could be made, thus demonstrating his patriotism in a very substantial way. He held the following positions of honor in the County: 1778 Elected to the House of Commons from Onslow. 1780 Representative in the Assembly and Major of Militia. 1781 Colonel in Militia—Active against British. 1783 Trustee of Academy at Swansboro. 1784 Commissioner of Navigation for Bogue Inlet. 1786 Senator from Onslow. 1787 Reelected to the Senate. Resigned as Colonel of the Militia. Colonel Mitchell was a fighter, knew the swamps and sounds of Onslow and was always ready with his little company for a skir- mish with the British or to put down Tories and prevent their activities in the county. When Craig marched to New Bern and back, it was Colonel Mitchell who followed and harassed them in every way possible. His love for the American cause, his patriotism and capacity for service, was demonstrated time and again. The tradition of The Royal Oak is supposed to have originated from this campaign. Samuel Johnston (Johnston spent only his youth in Onslow.) Samuel Johnston was born in Dundee, Scotland, December 15, 1738, came to North Carolina in 1736 with his parents who set- tled in Onslow County. His father, also named Samuel, was a brother of Governor Gabriel Johnston and Surveyor General of the Province. The elder Samuel soon died and Samuel, with his sister Hannah grew up in the home of John Starkey and received invaluable training there. She later married James Iredell, perhaps the leading THE REVOLUTION AND ITS LEADERSHIP 39 Jurist of that day in the colony. Samuel finished his education in Edenton and New England. In 1754 he located in Edenton, where he became Clerk of the Chowan County Court. In 1765 he bought a plantation which he named “Hayes,” for Sir Walter Raleigh’s estate in England. He represented Chowan in the Assembly from 1761 to 1765, was in the Provincial Congress in 1774, 1775 and 1776 presiding over the Congress at Halifax, and receiving the thanks of the house couched in the highest terms. The resolution read: “Resolved that the thanks of this House be given to Honorable Samuel Johnston, Esq., for his able, faithful and assiduous dis- charge of the high and important duty of President of this Con- gress having in that, as in all other stations, proven himself the firm and liberal patron of liberty, and a wise and zealous friend and asserter of the rights of mankind.” May 14, 1776. Johnston was, however, fearful of what the new experiment would bring as the result of placing the ballot in untrained hands. Speaking of the new constitution he said, “There is one thing I cannot bear. The inhabitants are impowered to elect the Jus- tices in their respective Counties, who have to be Judges, of the County Court.” He also said: “I am in great pain for the honor of the Prov- ince. A set of men without reading, experience or principle to govern them.” Johnston was the leader of the conservatives in the state and in close association with James Iredell and William Hooper. Led by these men a large group of the better educated people in East- ern North Carolina favored only the most conservative measures and wanted the new government patterned as nearly like that of Great Britain as possible. This attitude cost him the election and he was defeated for reelection to the Provincial Congress. Al- though not a member of the convention, Johnston’s advice was sought on many important questions. He, however, maintained an attitude of aloofness and sometimes criticized severely the acts of the dominant party. When the constitution was completed he was not enthusiastic about it, but said, “Ours will probably do as well as that adopted by any other colony.” Johnston was fighting for a principle of government he believed to be safe and against one that he believed to be radical. hie He was in 1777 elected Treasurer of the Northern district of the state, but declined to serve. The honor of office alone did not attract him. Boh Johnston was too valuable a man to be allowed to remain idle and in 1780 the state sent him as a delegate to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia. There his great resourcefulness was recognized and when the New Confederation went into operation 40 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW he was chosen its first President, an honor which he declined. There Johnston, with others, began to designate Washington as the Leader of the Conservatives. In North Carolina, Johnston, always the leader of the Con- servatives, was in 1787 elected Governor of the state, causing jubilation in the Federalist camp. It was expected that John- ston’s election as Governor would aid in ratification of the con- stitution of the United States, then up for consideration by the its strong supporters, and when the con- as named moderator. William R. Davie led a brilliant fight for its adoption, but the convention reserved its decision until a Bill of Rights should be adopted. The next year it was adopted and North Carolina came into the United States. Upon the adoption of the constitution, Governor Johnston and Benjamin Hawkins were selected the first United States Sena- tors. At that time Senators were elected for a period of but two years, and the fear of the central government caused the Legis- lature to expect its members in Congress to be governed in all matters by the wishes of the Assembly who considered itself as the direct representative of the people. Johnston felt that, being raised should be left to the themselves. To add to the discontent with Federalist policies, Washington had issued a proclamation of neutrality in the French i ing a great many Federalists. wed, Johnston was defeated for the Senate by Governor Alexander Martin. In 1800 Mr. Johnston was appointed Judge of The Superior Court of Chowan County, where he served until November of 1803. He died in Edenton in 1816 (aged 83) and is buried there. In reviewing some of his work he himself said, “I was a mere instrument in the business under the direction of the people all occasions Johnston stood by his convictions at all times without fear of popular opinion or of what the result might mean to him politic- ally. Truly, he was, as a contemporary said of him, “As honest and true as he was able and obstinate.” WASHINGTON’S VISIT ; ruar., is the birthday of S school boy knows, February 22 is. Pe erik All of us have heey him eee “sa i VAG the importan ts ther of His Country,’’ because of x haa eee Se of independence and in the setting up of the tice believed in the United Siateet pnerica alhouen e i at the . ‘ here were only 13 small states in the country : reels was solicitous for the welfare BS ihe Un eas 2 ° ° 0 : knew that Britain owned Canada on the OW d all of the Louisiana Florida on the south, and France owne a a4 i ississi River. So deeply intereste Territory west of the Mississippi Te 4 ae t re tion’s welfare and protec: as that he often prayed for the na a a ba deeply, he was interested that its people become good itiz "Lepage To es for himself the resources and possibilities gf the. pew nation, Washington traveled through the 13 states a oun on along the road at public “ordinarys,’ as inns were eallg those days, where he met and talked with local citizens. re them he forened what they expected of the new Boy Snane ae ide what extent they supported its policies. It pas.O8 aca 1688 tours that the first President passed through Ons om on pa in which he made three stops. Wherever he wen s peor thronged to greet him, flags were flown, bells rung eo oer tions were given in his honor. Through Virginia in Ds Nout Carolina in his chariot of State, Grae by POUR DOTAPE: i assing through Halifax, Tarboro an ew Bern. : eThe Presidential Party reached Onslow April 22, Miah Pipten ing the county from Shines (Old Comfort) tae at ispow Richlands (but then not even a house) on yey nen un, he f d tore, a chapel and an or inary : mney omnes he did not stop at the inn but ene on pn to Averitts, where he took breakfast. Passing oa oring tae the party crossed South West and proceeded to ONE OTLs dicks Run, where the party had lunch. are siterncon, 2) aan am to Sage’s Ordinary just on this side of the inowivese eae where lodging was engaged a the Pane According to his custom, Washington kept a att and br comment, though not very complimentary to our section o state, is interesting. : : After 4 few brilliant days at New Bern eee vee again his journey southward. From his own peony nad yeflate of Friday, April 22, 1791, we read: “Friday 22, uneee pase t of horse and many of the principal Gepflenetof ey | Tues recommenced my journey, dined at a place called Trenton, all indifferent houses.” The house of Shines m —Bated at a ged at one Sages’ 20 M. bey’d it, entioned by Washington is at present the drinking water the President inquired what OTWAY BURNS AND HIS SNAPDRAGON Although England had recognized the United States as an independent nation following the Revolution, she regarded Amer- ica as owing her independence more to circumstance than to powerful armies, so she treated our ships and our representatives with something like contempt. American ships were searched on the merest pretense and American seamen impressed. Indians were incited to unrest and the American flag insulted. To avenge these wrongs the United States went to war with Great Britain in 1812. The most spectacular campaigns were carried on on the high seas and peculiar among these were the privateers fitted out to prey on British commerce. The most famous of these was commanded by Captain Otway Burns, who was born and reared in Onslow County. Captain Burns’ grandfather came to Onslow from Glasgow, Scotland, and settled on Queens Creek three miles by water from Swansboro. ‘His choice of lands near the sea afterwards pro- foundly affected the life of his grandson,” said Chief Justice Walter Clark. Francis Burns had one son, Otway, father of Captain Otway Burns who was born in 1775 and must have remembered hearing wonderful tales about British warfare in America when he was only a lad. Otway was reared on the Burns plantation, which overlooks Bogue Sound in front and Queens Creek on the left. There the great white beach stands like mountains of snow and the old Atlantic is music to ears attuned to catch it. : At Swansboro sailors with boats from up and down the coast and as far away as the West Indies and South America told tales of the sea which fascinated the boy, as they had Sir Walter Raleigh long years before. From them he “learned the arts and duties of a sailor, learned the strength and endurance which must be put into vessels which ply the storms of the ocean, learned and resolved to see and experience them for himself.” He grew into manhood and in 1809 married Miss Grant, daughter of Reuben Grant, planter, merchant, legislator and promes citizen of Onslow. In 1819 his only son, Owen, was orn. After marriage he determined to remove to Beaufort, which he did, but soon became Commander of a coaster plying between New Bern and points as far north as Portland, Maine. He was on one of these trips when he heard that the United States had, on June 18, 1812, declared war on England. His friends urged him to remodel his ship into a privateer at once, but he considered her too slow so he sailed to New York and 44 merce on the coast o Greenland, stil] on a British trail. 2 recapture of many pri zes.” One day one old fellow On March 3rd A fight ensued j i ealaingoniliti n which the Green, William Barnes, urse were killed in ¢ nap Dragon saile e dangerous and subt] e d on her fourth voyage OTWAY BURNS AND HIS SNAPDRAGON 45 she left her master on the shore suffering with rheumatism. Lieutenant De Cokely had long been Burns’ right-hand man and he was put in charge of the ship, but the genius of Burns was not there to save, and on June 29, 1814, she was carried to Hali- fax, a prize of the British Man-of-War “Leopard.” De Cokely was killed on the deck. The Snap Dragon was carried to Eng- land and her crew to Dartmoor prison. This ends the story of the Snap Dragon. Such a man and such a ship brings to mind tales from the old Norse Vikings in ages long ago. When we would condemn methods of warfare as conducted by privateers, we remember they were legitimate in those days and that they were the only recourse for weak nations when attacked by the strong, and that without the privateers the United States would probably have lost the war of 1812. After the war Captain Burns returned to his ship building. One of the swiftest and best of his manufacture he named “Snap Dragon” in honor of the old warhorse he had loved so much. His first wife having died, he in 1814 married Miss Jane Hall of Beaufort. For her he built a handsome home where he lived 23 years. That his services were appreciated we know, for he was elected to the Legislature twelve years; seven years in the House of Commons and five in the Senate. As one would naturally sup- pose, in politics he followed that other sturdy old fighter Andrew Jackson. He viewed all matters of debate from a statewide standpoint. His fairness rose above sectional differences. The contest between the East and West was then on in full blast. The East, through an out-of-date system of representation, had con- trol of the law making body and of course wished to keep it. The convention of 1835 was called to remedy this evil and although his home counties opposed the change, Burns favored it. He would sacrifice his popularity rather than his opinion. The vote in Carteret was 32 for and 352 against the amendments, while Onslow voted 97 for and 357 against. After 1834 Burns was not a candidate for re-election. But his enlightened position was appreciated by the West so much that when Yancey County was formed, her county seat was named in his honor. Captain Burns received from President Jackson the appointment as life boat keeper at Portsmouth, North Carolina, where he and his third wife, who was Miss Jane Smith of Smyrna, made their home. For many years they lived quietly, but when his third wife died he soon followed, and on October 25, 1850, he passed away. 46 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW He was buried at Beaufort and a monument bearing one of the guns of the old Snap Dragon marks his grave. As long as Onslow and the State can produce such defenders and such wise legislators as Otway Burns, we need not fear. The war ended in 1815. FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE WAR OF 1812 William Cray died in 1778 while the Reo en progress, and the decade following the vane a (1789) and of Rhodes (1788), Spicer (1789), Edward Starkey itchell (1791). ; ; nNeS acts county affairs during the inte aa close of the Revolution and the beginning 0. a y nee nen included Thomas Johnson, Daniel and Dev re We Cae, Grant, John Spicer, Jr., Christopher Dudley ees Gries Zachariah Barrow, Nathaniel Loomus, Jesse ue ian ee Russell, George W. Mitchell, George Ward, a Savard Wile John Fulwood, William French, Benjamin Date ee liar liams, John E. Spicer, Lemuel Doty, Edward Ward, sr., ley. 3 g ae oh ees ee was the oldest in point Ue ad and one of the ablest. Joseph Scott Cray Vee NG pee ae Cray; John Spicer, Jr. was probably a son of as Lear rn Revolution. New names coming up during HS re aes Grant, Dudley and Ward. Of these, Beye JB u ey es ae, came Governor, General Edward Ward, Jr. Ae a dice county in the state senate, first in 1811, the sors f ehae Belial entered the House of Commons. General Mee ae as = Se Ward, has long been prominent in county affair nslow in the Commons. j cet more than any other individual, sone oe county’s activities during the quarter century Deus eae death in 1834. Probably all of these men ers ped oe Peace and members of the Court of Pleas an ene ae Bae and together with their families formed the eli - e pee oe then developing in Onslow, and which conn oe a to the Civil War. All were large planters and s eye eon their homes scattered throughout the COUN ae Ginitaoies plantation at its peak. A quotation from the wi o eee Dudley says: “Sometime in the year 1837 I ae a ond ee ward B., the plantation on which I reside a a ues , hundred of my negroes to be selected by fami c babi Slaves were the unit of measure of the pla those days. If to this social and economic background of mae eae could also add an active participation in the lawmaking of the State, his position was permanently and very satisfactorily fixed. = < @ £ = £ 9 2 = ° 2 3 a a = 3 > a EDWARD B. DUDLEY (1789-1855) Edward B. Dudley, first governor elected by the people of North Carolina, was a member of a family long identified with the public life of the Eastern Seaboard from the Isle of Wight County, Virginia, where they lived in 1704 to 1728, when the first Christopher took up land on the west side of White Oak River while that area was yet a part of Carteret County. Three years later when Onslow became a county, the first Dudley was included on the first Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the new county, in 1731. In Onslow that record continued and grew even better. Dudleys were outsvanding wherever they lived and were al- ways in the forefront in public service, were land hungry and astute businessmen. They utilized the advantage of the free land available to them at that time and improved every circum- stance that came their way. Edward had the attainments of wealth, education and training in public affairs early in life, and we shall see how well he took advantage of his opportunity. Edward B. Dudley was born two miles above Jacksonville on his father’s plantation on the Half Moon Road. His official biography says he was educated at the local academy, but we have no record of an academy, as such, in this area at that time. In the Military Mr. Dudley had an outstanding military record in the militia of this district. He is listed as a second major in the Onslow Regiment of Militia in 1809 at the age of 20. This regiment, along with others, was directed to the protection of the Port of Wilmington. In 1814 he was named Colonel of the Regiment, which later consolidated with those of New Hanover, Brunswick, Duplin and Jones counties into the Third Brigade, when the Onslow man became Brigadier General of the Sixth Division commanded by Major General William Blount. During the war the eastern North Carolina coast was under constant blockade by the British and though no land attack had been made, the proximity of the enemy caused a tenseness and concern which is reflected in letters written by Major Dudley to the Adjutant General regarding munitions promised, but not yet delivered, to the Onslow forces, and pointing up that a force of 100 men proposed for Swansboro lacked supplies and a commis- sary, and asking for information and instructions. . 50 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW It was signed “your humble Serv’t.” “Edward B. Dudley” “O.C.R.M.” Onslow County Regiment of Militia In the Assembly sentative until November 21st of that year. next term refused to stand for reelection; in served as the last Bo the Assembly, the cities, as convention of 1835. rough representative in such, not being represented after the President, Wilmington-Weldon Railroad On March 14, 1836, twenty- 1835 the Governors were to be elect- by the Legislature, as had formerly been done, and a e state Democratic, the popularity of the FH for internal im- provements,” i i ove! made his appeal Principally on that line, Mr. Dudley was elected Governor by about 4000 majority. His majority, however, for the second ed by the people, instead of 51 EDWARD B. DUDLEY r of being term reached nearly 15,000. To him belongs the honor nslow voted the first Governor elected by all of the Panna in 1838, against him the first time, but he care Onslow County. that being the only time the Whigs carrie ing Governor, Acting on his pre-election promise, eae ae canals and Dudley advocated state aid for railroads, sf organized and be- Yivers and navigation companies, and ae d Weldon Railroad. came the first President of the Wilmer road, which, when The State invested all told $900,000.00 in t Rie in the world. finished in 1840, was probably the longest rai * Dudley to the Other important recommendations by Gore a cutting of Legislature were: A Homestead Exemption lune a peniten- an inlet at Nags Head, building of an Beha ee Schools. tiary, and the establishing of a system of Co tate’s first citizen, Mr. Dudley had long been honored as ine St he was, while and in 1847, when Daniel Webster visited t spe Mr, Webster cept iimington, entertained in the duction of the hospitality €xpressed his keen delight and appreciatio SO graciously extended by his host. 4 Ss. The home is still standing and is one of the mington. Married Life A 7 firs ier of the Mr. Dudley was married two times, ., Cashier 0 Wood, eldest dauenter of William Haywood, ne Novy. 24, 1815). State Bank, Raleigh, in 1815. (Raleigh ee tember 8, 1845, in Mr. Dudley was married a second time, . ed him. His chil- Wilmington, to Mrs. Jane Cowan, who surv dren were by his first wife. (F. L. Morris). Death - 30, 1855. The Governor Dudley died in Wilmington on ee news to the Dubie Per» in draped columns, announce? Tr ee cemetery. Public and named the place of burial as Oa noe Th Hall, where resolutions of respect Ae the time, business was suspended, Were. flown at half-mast. t gp) James Sprun i In “Chronicles of the Cape Fear Bee by Colonel oa Pages 229.931, appears a great oration d be sought out an ert H. Cowan of Wilmington, which shoul Dudley and his con- 122d by students of the attainments of Mr. ate of North Caro- : t: tribution to the civic improvements of the S Ma. + to Miss Eliza E. Hay- 52 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW A Record of Permanent Value Onslow County rates him as a great citizen and is proud that it could supply just what the State needed most at the time—a Governor who had the capacity to make internal improvements of permanent value, at a time when the State needed them more than it needed anything else. DEVELOPMENTS TO THE CIVIL WAR The First Hundred Years of Life in Onslow The first public improvement desired by the early settlers vias public roads. At almost every session of the County Court ng tions were presented asking for a new public road, senenaly only a few miles in length, leading to a ferry, a mill or ac une The settlers knew that they themselves would have to bui : and maintain these roads, the laws providing that a man ys on the roads so many days in each year. All they asked ube permission to build the road and overseers to supervise the w om ; Another important public utility was the ferry across he streams which were too deep to be forded by wagons and cattle. The Court allowed some enterprising citizen to build and operate a ferry and set the fees which he might charge for his service. Grist mills were built, where sufficient water power could ne generated, generally by the constructing of a dam penoes, the creeks and rivers. Here corn and wheat were ground into bread. The miller took “toll” and the proportion which he might take Was regulated by law. These were our first manufacturing establishments. Later, sawmills were added, when enough power could be had. Usually a carpenter shop was operated nearby an the blacksmith was an honored citizen inthe community. For the farmer he built cart wheels, ox yokes, plows, hoes, blades, scythes and almost every tool to be found on the farm. In fact, he repair- ed everything from a gun or pistol to a log carriage. Bie reee mill-ponds beside the mill were pleasant places to spend an idle hour. pe The settler’s first thought upon arrival was the building of a house in which to live. The first houses were built of logs, as Was also the first courthouse. The location of the house depended upon finding a spring nearby from which to get drinking WALES: Every courthouse built in the county, including the site of the present one, were located where the “conveniency” of a good spring could be had. tae had e be cleared, but in the meantime, food was neces- sary—so the men resorted to the age old occupations of pane and hunting, with good success. To these were added the gat ; ering of turpentine. The turpentine still vied with the gris mills for first place in the lives of the people. Trade was carried on by water and every planter had his dock where boats could load and unload. . Livestock included hogs, cattle, horses and sheep. Letters written by the settlers commented upon the ease in getting a living here, especially in the growing of livestock; and pointed 54 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW out that hogs needed only to be fed enough to keep them gentle. The fields were fenced while cattle roamed the woods and devour- ed whatever they cared to eat. The people learned from necessity to do many things for themselves, such as curing meats of every kind, storing potatoes and vegetables, and the making of sauer- kraut from both cabbage and collards. A carry-over from that day to this is the curing of the well-known Onslow County Hams, still practiced by Onslow County farmers and enjoyed by many people over a wide area. The making of wines and whiskey was an early occupation for many, and was known to be the underlying reason for most of the trouble between the Whites and Indians. The appeals made by some of the Indian Chiefs to the authorities to prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors to the red men must even yet bring shame to the descendant of the paleface, who prized his trade in whiskey more than he valued the life of his neighbors or peace in his community. The earlier houses were made of logs and chinked with mud or clay exactly as some of our tobacco barns were. The chimneys were made of sticks penned into proper shape and covered inside and out with clay. The roof was generally made of boards, rived by hand. At first nails were unknown and the boards were held in place by long poles fastened at each end with a wooden peg. Inside one of the early colonial homes could be seen a fireplace sometimes four feet tall and five or six feet wide, and on the hearth strange baking pans on long legs, to be set over the coals, and having a lid on which more coals were heaped when baking so as to bake evenly through and through. Pots or kettles were suspended over the fire from a hook. Frying pan handles were often two feet in length. The furniture was very simple—the beds were made fast to the walls like a shelf. Stools and benches were made by splitting a log open and putting in peg-legs, leaving the flat side up to sit upon. The hinges and latches on the doors were made of wood, the latch could be raised from the outside by a string run through the door. The windows were of wood and hinged same as the doors. Drinking water was supplied from wells and springs and was drunk from gourds. Some of these wells are still in use. They were dug deep down into the earth and furnished water sweet and refreshing. Being deep, they were not affected by the ex- tremes of the seasons and so seemed warm in winter and cool in summer. When the farmer wished a new collar for his mule or ox he went into the woods and got a vine and wrapped it with moss, skins and other things, tied them all securely with rawhide strings, and the new collar was ready for use. The only lights 55 DEVELOPMENTS TO THE CIVIL WAR Were candles made of tallow, molded at home, or ae en eee in the fireplace. Even kerosene lamps were unknown. in the Were no matches and fires were carefully covered for Aint. morning. Fires were sometimes started by striking a fae Gr ste Little food could be brought over from England, fue cane supplied game from the forest and fish and shrimp ane oysters ae the river and sounds. pore oon the far: rew his own corn, pate bee ees ae Sh year the man of the family dato e Wilmington or New Bern for supplies, and to market w d wool he had to sell. Later, clothing was made from cotton eESiesost grown on the farm and spun and woven by the women. - aa every family had its spinning wheel and loom, and ee on the yee made to supply the planter’s family and the slave arm. i When the men were not busy on the farm they oe forest gathering turpentine for sale, which was Se river crop.” Turpentine products were hauled to landings on and garden vegeta- and inlets and shipped by boat to Wilmington. Sports and Recreation A look at the sporting and recreational activi of the ante-bellum period together with places an terest to them brings a charming picture—a charm w almost passed away in this day of rush and confusion. ma se These activities were limtied to no class, but Were ees We all from the wealthy planter to the humblest slave. os Bi pleasures of these rural people could be had without rae nae without price, depending for their success only upon fae et tive and aggressiveness of the participants. Most UE AER the square dance enjoyed by everybody. Sometimes invi a ‘ Were written, but usually none was required. If the ee Pi pened to be Yuletide, holly and mistletoe festooned the walls ar ceilings. Pee Country pienics, held at church, sc " were attended by hundreds of people, who usually spre on the ground. 5 Nae Gane days were held at the county seat four times a yee) On this day the justices from over the county met oh ec0u : house in a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions to try any paaes which came before it. Besides justices, lawyers and ouher nota- bles present, horse traders, hawkers of all kinds of wares, reme- dies, fakers and fortune tellers came to the county seat and slay” ed throughout the week if court lasted that long. Men and by e men of all shades of character, drunk and sober, took the wee off and enjoyed themselves. Politicians and soapbox orators ties of the people d events of in- hich has hool, or other public places ad dinner 56 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW raved until the close of the week, when the natives returned to their homes and the politicians, horse-traders and medicine sales- men moved on to the next county seat for a repeat performance. Musters were usually held at the county seat at the same time as County Court. Companies of militia, each under a Captain, met for general muster. The whole county was under command of a Colonel. The day usually ended with a grand parade. Shooting matches were held, usually at the crossroads store. Here “chances” were taken at so much per shot, for chickens— with a turkey as the grand prize. The marksman with the most bullseyes to his credit won the turkey. Quilting parties were held, the lady of the home inviting neighboring women over to help get out a quilt. While the ladies gossiped of rumors and fashions, a brand new bed quilt was com- pleted in an afternoon which would ordinarily have consumed more than a week of time. Young people enjoyed candy pullings. Some person familiar with the art cooked the candy, made from sugar or syrup flavored to perfection. When all was ready, with buttered fingers, each couple began to pull. When the candy became hard and brittle it could be broken into short sticks ready for serving. At pea-shellings the neighbors came over after supper and ‘assisted in shelling the seed peanuts. They were very pleasant occasions for the young people. In the fall when the corn had been broken and hauled from the field preparations were begun for the corn shucking. The corn was laid in piles on the ground where men and boys began the task of tearing the shucks from the ear. Hidden among the ears of corn was an occasional pint of spirits, while the first man finding a red ear of corn kissed the prettiest girl to be found at the party. The corn shucking usually ended with a square dance. Log rollings were had back in the days when the lands were being cleared from the forest. Dozens of men came and with “hand spikes” carried great logs to the “log-heap” where they were burned. Fires often burned for weeks. A great supper was spread by the planter and those who indulged their taste for liquors mostly went home happy. The same method prevailed in the barn notching, railsplitting, woodcutting, housemoving, etc. A spirit of neighborliness and fun shucked the corn, rolled the logs into a heap, notched the farmer’s barn, split rails for his fences, cut wood with which to cure his tobacco or moved his house to another location. It was this spirit of pulling together in the doing of great tasks which has made America great, and that spirit has been at its best in Onslow. ; s 57 DEVELOPMENTS TO THE CIVIL WAR 5 Hunting and fishing also have always been a sary ee Onslow. Pocosins and swamps abound with deer, poe? ea squirrel, coon, opossum, rabbit, skunk, etc., gS aN sounds abound in fish, oysters, clams and shrimp. — d with wild During the winter season the waters were covere ; pie ae ducks and geese, and forests and fields with mad nA oahae quail. Any man, rich or poor, could enjoy hunting ane ae to his heart’s content in Onslow. Only recently have laws tion the conservation of wild life been enacted and the preserva of this immense source of pleasure and profit begun. aanre There have been no cities in Onslow. Often the Sate store supplied most of the country’s needs. A trip Bae eae the a year to Wilmington or New Bern was usually ma ; Kinston farm to carry produce such as cotton or pork, or later to insti- or Greenville to sell tobacco. The crossroads store wee ha hate tution in the life of early Onslow. Here people ie Fann community gathered on Saturdays or holidays. z a and mo- candidate for political office; here elections were he mentous questions decided. Schools were generally operate after the busy season on the farm. Plat while neighbors were allowed to patroniz fee. Usually school was kept in a sma could be had. This accounts io ine teeny a Fortunately there was nearly always the county arene more advanced study could be take the course at the old field school. Dramatic plays and debates wer mencement time and “speeches” were re or a few months before and 2 lanters employed a teacher e the school for a small ll house wherever one “old field school.” : two academies in n following i t com- e nearly always given a cited several times dur- ing the school year. The institution highest in the esteem of the People was the church. Usually built of logs, or later Boe, these chapels consisted of a single large room. u a cutee was had once each month. A revival was held ee ee and great interest and enthusiasm worked up. — noe: BP gious significance the church was also the social ce community. ue The years 1800 to 1840 were a period of religious upheee Ans reclassification of church groups. Many of the aie ie ee Beate church groups were reorganized or took on new te and county during those years. : The innate ability of a people to enjoy themselves, myer hone occupied in earning a living, is a cietineuien as ane me athe Civilization. The people of the Old South probably ha world in this respect. Samuel Johnston Edward B. Dudley Hannah Johnston Iredell Otway Burns THE PEOPLE arger planter group, but while their number was small, they ruled the county with a firm hand and exercised a power far beyond that which their number would justify. Illustrating this, although a minority, So strict was their control of the electorate that when a conven- tion was proposed in 1835 to remedy notorious political wrong of long standing in the State, “For convention” polled only 31 votes in the county. The issue was whether the slave-holding East would continue to control the State, although the West had long surpassed it in population. - When the amendment correcting t ollowing action by the convention, nearly 4 to 1. The same element carried the co sider secession by 631 to 98. ee Although it was necessary to ratify the constitutior in order for the State to return to the Union, Onslow re he evil was being considered, Onslow voted against it by unty for a convention to con- jected it 724 to 417. When the Suffrage Amendment was being consid- ered in 1900, the county voted for the amendment 1531 to 171. Onslow County has veered from the Democratic Party only twice since 1835. In 1928 the figures were for Alfred E. Smith, Democrat, 1072; Herbert Hoover, Republican, 250% } _ Our best account of the plantation system by an eye witness is “The Old Plantation” by Averit, who was reared on what is now the Venters farm three miles below Richlands on the Jack- sonville highway. Most plantations were not so pretentious how- ever. The plantation workers were organized into groups with a foreman, who was usually a member of the group. The Slave Slavery, the greatest blight on the pages of American history, began in 1619 when negroes from Africa were first sold to the Colonists at Jamestown, Virginia. Slavery was profitable. As time went on it became more SO. First, in the clearing of the new lands and bringing them into cultivation. Later, the slave produced good money for his master working in the turpentine forest. j i i f the cotton gin the growing of cotton opened up a great new and profitable field for slave labor. The ever broadening acres and the ever increasing number of slaves in the South built up a landed aristocracy, the like of which could be found nowhere else. (It was from this planter class that the lawyer, doctors and professional men who made up the General Assembly came.) Needless to say, legislative enact- 60 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW ments were designed to protect the system. These laws became known as “codes.” Under the codes all the liberties allowed the negro gradually disappeared. New laws were made from time to time, or old ones changed, as experience proved the need. Not only were the laws made more stringent, but Patrols were appointed to range the woods and plantations to enforce their edicts. While the letter of the Slave Code was strict, in private prac- tice the negro had many liberties. According to the code, the slave might not intermarry or cohabit with a free negro, but many free negroes not only married slaves, but bought the lib- erty of the slave from the master who owned them. Some even petitioned the General Assembly to grant them freedom. Also, the slave might not leave the plantation of his master, but the colored man often made errands to the mill, store or elsewhere for his master, or even for himself, with the master’s team and wagon. Legally, he might not carry a gun, but one of the highest pleasures the negro had was when, with dog and gun, he went “coon hunting” in the swamps and low grounds of the commun- ity, or “possum hunting” down among the ‘“‘simmon trees.” The law said no master might teach a slave to read and write, but many slaves not only wrote splendidly and read the Bible for themselves, but in some cases acted as teachers for the white children as well as for those of his own race. Another restriction was that no slave might preach the Gospel or hold prayer meeting, but many slaves belonged to and attend- ed the same church as the master. Almost every old church Rec- ord Book had its list of colored members, and when freedom came this membership was the nucleus around which their first congregations were built. In Onslow one colored church dates back to 1869. Despite his legal impediments, the lot of the slave, aside from the fact of bondage, was not a bad one. A majority of the white masters were benevolently inclined toward the black man, and it was generally known that the slave, from his position of social security and well-being, looked with disdain upon both the free negro and the “poor white trash.” From an impartial examination of much information that has come down to us, both written and from the testimony of those who lived at the time, these facts seem to stand out: As a whole, the master provided better for the physical wants of the slave than the free negro could provide for himself, but on the other hand, to use an argument quoted by Bassett, “The essence of the misery of slavery in the South and elsewhere was not physical suffering, however frequently or infrequently that 61 THE PEOPLE cat hedness May have occurred, but the mental and spiritual wrete that follows a loss of liberty.” : s. By In 1790, 32 percent of the whole population were plexes 1830 the percent had increased to 40%. emain- During the three decades before 1860 the latter figure r H i 9.5. ed almost unchanged, the percentage in 1860 Peng cee ee t The increase between 1790 and 1860 eens paper ee their numbers were augmented by sources 0 . was for- Increase, probably by importation, although this trade bidden, POPULATION SCHEDULE IN ONSLOW 1790-1860 - ree Census Vous Total White Colored Slaves 1748 1790 - CSE W387 3555 84 3144 1830°% Sue 7814 4569 ae 3499 1860) Tene ara eee OSes Set etween 1830 Q 2 P black b The unchanged proportions of white and ina: Carrie and 1860 Reena to indicate that little trade in slaves on during that period. : ; We do know, however, that during these years slave-drivers «oinia southward roamed the country from Maryland and Virginia 2 otton planta- Purchasing as many negroes as possible were panies rustlers tions of Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. | ontemporary ac- “worked” Onslow we know from a descriptive ¢ ount of a camp on New River. : from the Probably the caravan was following ne Dae sales or orth through New Bern and Ee at any time after Purchases are indicated for Onslow Count 1830, Yeoman and Poor White Not all white people in the county, pri hea negroes or owned nde. a not all white people ey oe A Were poor white trash. There was a Beet People even in the East before the war who wn land, but no efficient and progressive, who owned their 0 Slaves. These people worked hard them have come the great so-cal le are Honest, sturdy and dependable, these peop! ts from this class our best citizens. Outstanding among Presidents were Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson. or to 1860, were wealthy 62 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW they could secure. To get a living they hunted, fished, hired out by the day, worked in the turpentine woods, made axe handles, tubs, washboards, chairs, baskets and barrels, all by hand. (Some . of these articles were excellent hand work.) Some of the Poor Whites tended turpentine woods and kept fires away from the boxes for the planter, who paid them a pit- tance for their service. Others stilled mean liquor, got into brawls, were vicious and often got into trouble. From these has come that class of our people today who never seem to be able to make a living, who will work only when driven by necessity, have little respect for the law and are often resentful toward those in better circumstances than themselves. Indentured Servant In colonial days a form of servitude was represented by a few persons in North Carloina and Onslow County by Indentured Servants. This class was made up of people who could not pay their debts or other expenses, and to secure payment bound themselves to a master who paid for them the required sum. Some of these, perhaps, were men who pledged themselves for a limited time to secure payment of debt and to avoid going to jail. The Apprentice The apprentice was usually a child without home or oppor- tunity who was bound to a master by the court, who accepted responsibility for the upbringing of the child. Included always was the schooling of the child to enable the reading of the Bible, writing and figures. Freedom came for the apprentice upon reaching the age of maturity. While a certain form of servitude for the ward is implied in the contract between the court and the master, the master had obligations in the matter also, and had to furnish bond to guarantee their fulfillment. The apprenticeship was generally looked upon as a benevolent act by the master toward his ward, and few complaints are read in the records for abuse of its provisions. Wards usually grew into good citizens. The Free Negro The free negro in North Carolina had the most unenviable position of any class of people living within the State. He was literally despised and rejected by men of all classes and colors. The Plantation owner regarded him as an object of contempt and distrust, but most of all feared the influence of the free negro upon the slaves of the plantation. The slave, from his position of security and economic safety, THE PEOPLE inferior regarded the free negro, with hier and need, as an 10. Person, scarcely worthy of consideration. z ealis- The attitude of the poor whites was more 1s mete SE ial tic. To them, the free black man was Re eged in the (not individually) because of the compen enerally under- getting of jobs, (in which the free negro cou tai d expediency bid), houses, lands, ete. The elements of chance f both classes of the moment were deep in the warp and ava he dislike of the and caused a mutual distrust between them. anand continued Poor Whites for the Free Negro was deep seate rew fiercer. to increase in intensity as economic pen ae Free Negro In colonial and early years of the ae ote in the gen- Seems to have been treated very well. He could v eral election prior to 1835. h its high sounding Immediately following the Revolution, wit olin terms of vail sien tes equal,” etc., a great ick of Vir- tarily freed their slaves. Laws in the neighbor! ae toward free ginia and South Carolina being much more HENCN’ som came Colored people than those of this state, aie number of free Over into North Carolina to live. Thus es iahitiGly rapid negroes in North Carolina increased at aa he free negro was rate. Like all poverty ridden Popa t he would do was not always scrupulous or dependable. W a he could be lik- uncertain. Driven by necessity or expedien YF eartainty caused ened unto a motor without a governor. This a and to attempt the planter to fear what he might do, or try nies? to curb his activities by legal action. eat From th ting up of the constitu +t had ceased Public eee ieee BY In the northern states Ate unit by to be profitable, while in the South the ae uch a setup the Which a planter’s wealth was estimated. In s “ree negro did not fit in well. 7 nter re- Agitation and outside interference with bee we for the garded as his own private affairs caused resen ssed which to us Protection of the slavery system, laws Ne - st Seem wholly unreasonable, cruel and unsele if He was a black The free negro’s troubles were multiplie HA man in Amer- man. (Many of them were not black.) The ‘oyed some privi- ica was presumed to be a slave, and while he a ing called upon leges, he had few rights, and was constantly Ni early as 1723 © Prove his freedom or his right to be ear n after 90 days a freed slave leaving the state might not ae ve aera absence under penalty of being sold again into : n to intermarry In 1741 the Free Negro was refused permissio d, the marriage With white persons and of those already married, slavery had been @ 64 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW was annulled. Slaves could be freed for “Meritorious Service” only, and the merit was to be adjudged in open court. In 1799 seducing a slave to run away was made a felony, and in 1785 Free Negroes were required to register with the authori- ties. He was given a cloth badge to be worn on the left arm as an identification. In 1795 numbers of free negroes were reported to be going about the country committing thefts and alarming the inhabi- tants. To curb these activities laws were passed allowing the Justices to call out the militia. Captives unable to make bond were sold. In 1812 no slave could be given his freedom unless bond could be furnished guaranteeing that he would not become a public charge. In 1830 the bond was increased to $1,000.00. Notice of intended manumission was required to be posted in three public places in the country over a given period of time. The year 1821 saw a furor of excitement in the counties of Onslow, Jones, Carteret, and Duplin caused by the report that a band of the “most daring runaways who, well armed and equip- ped, had long defied civil authority and in open day had ravaged farms, burnt houses and had ravished a number of females,” were hiding out in the White Oak Pocosin. Two companies of militia were called out and sent on a “negro hunt” with orders to put down the insurrection and restore order. The one battle of the occasion came about as two detachments of the searchers, each thinking the other to be the desperadoes, fired on each other “with no little slaughter on both sides” wrote the Fayetteville Observer. After 26 days the soldiers returned to their homes. In 1831 the enactment of the Code almost wiped out the few rights which the free negro still retained. Some restrictions included within the laws enacted that year were: The Free Negro might not peddle his wares outside the county in which he lived; he might not own spiritous liquors, gamble, dance or own firearms; he might not associate with slaves after sundown on Sunday. If a ship came into port having on board free persons of color, it was quarantined to prevent communication, and Free Negroes might not visit the ship. The climax to the “code” provided that no Free Negro might preach the gospel. By 1851 the Free Negro’s position had become so strained that 51 of them made a dramatic appeal to The General Assem- bly to secure for them from the United States Government lands in the West to which they might go, but the resolution was tabled and no action in the matter was ever taken. The number of free negroes in Onslow never exceeded 200 5 THE PEOPLE 6 Persons, ranging all the way from mendicants and uel? en families, to owners of real estate and slave owners W aged and lived very well. 2 The first census in 1790 listed two free negroes oe eee fires in Onslow—Jemboy” with 6 and “Virgil Dry who liste veted Free Negroes owning slaves in the county in 1830 were as follows: 2 slaves _5 slaves 8 slaves Caesar Loomus -. ay Benjamin Jarman .....---- Rose Winislow —.— Luke White - Samson Lawrence - who The census of 1860 showed seven free persons of color owned tate, and 24 owning personal property. Tree Mts colored persons in Onslow in Riee ae, years later, in 1830, their number had reached 10 ond ae the census showed a total of 162, seven of whom ow Own homes. Occupations - ified as Free Negro tradesmen in Onslow in 1860 were classifie follows: Carpenters Coopers Engineer __ Farm hands Farmers Fishermen Masons Seamstress Servants Spinners Wash woman . Miscellaneous The Humphrey-Walser Bill . in The situation in which the Free Negro found himself i can only be described as desperate. Bas We duced The first bill introduced in the House and the third introdu ; llow- in the Senate that year provided “That two years shall be a 1859 w in this state, 0 ed... to all free persons of color who are n ll return to be to remove out of the same; and all those who sha arrested and sold as provided in this act” . - - 66 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW “Be it further enacted, that the Governor of the state do issue his proclamation, commanding all free persons of color who are now in the state, to remove from the same before the 1st day of January, 1860”... The Bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Lott W. Humphrey of Onslow and Representative Henry Walser of Da- vidson County and bore their names. Humphrey had received a petition from his constituents de- scribing the evils of the free negro population and urging that the Assembly give serious attention to this problem. The whole state was unanimous in its desire to have something done about the problem of the Free Negro, but the severity of the Humphrey Bill caused many newspapers and members of the Assembly to pause and reflect. Amendments were suggested and finally consideration of the bill was postponed indefinitely. With the election of Lincoln, the storm burst over the heads of the people and the Free Negro problem deepened into a much darker picture—war between the North and South. Bibliography “Slavery in North Carolina”—John Spencer Bassett. Johns Hopkins Univer- sity Press. “The Free Negro in North Carolina’—Franklin Bureau of the Census, Letter to the Writer, March 9, 1944 THE COUNTY GOES TO WAR Following Lincoln’s call for volunteers to be used nesinal. the Southern States, North Carolina seceded from the Union, abay 20, 1861. In July, the first great battle was fought at Bu ae in Northern Virginia, resulting in an overwhelming victory the Confederates. : In Onslow, as elsewhere in the South, excitement was high and Passions were at white heat. eve Musters, as the countrywide meetings of the militia rate Called, were utilized as recruiting days. Interest was especia y high now, speeches were made and volunteers called OF "i Wartime Musters were memorable days in Onslowis tite On that day the young men of the county volunteered for eae at once. Their names were recorded on the Minutes, ane a Sheriff W. D. Humphrey. A. J. Murrell, Chairman, certifie oo the bottom of the list: I certify that the above named gia are volunteers and gone to war. This September 3, 1861. A. J. MurRELL, Chairman. It had been hoped by Mr. Lincoln that all southern opposition Would be put down in 90 days and the war ended. in 90 The southerners, too, believed the war would be ee tie days, but they anticipated a much different ending eich ot envisioned by Mr. Lincoln. Events proved how wrong €m were. imits i sa The County Court lost no time in backing to the ar aa unteer soldiers. Bonds for $10,000.00 were ordered so military tax levied. “ i Volunteers were offered a bonus of $150.00 and Seay ad Pocket change. Volunteers brought whatever guns they had, One being listed as having a pistol and Bowie knife. Court Personnel The Court itself consisted of the following Justices: IN AF. Murrell, E. W. Montford, O. B. Sanders, John bo aed J. Ww. Hardison, Harvey Cox, E. W. Fonville, J. H. ious . wa kins, Joseph Ennett, J. M. Scott, B. R. Henderson, Leyte te Vy H: Sandlin, B. B. Barry, Owen Huggins, John Shepard, Blisha Walton, J. M. Wooten, Stratton Burton, David E. pends ayas Marshall, Leander Moore, Thomas B. Holland and Z. M. Coston. Finance Committee 4 ven Hug- A Committ d of A. J. Murrell, Sheriff, Owen sins, J. H. Foy. E,W Fonville and E. W. Montford were empow- 68 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW ered to borrow money as needed up to $3,000.00 from banks or individuals. Public Welfare The following persons were named a committee to look after families of soldiers absent from home: Stump Sound: Hill E. King, Jarrot Gornto and John Whitehurst. Lower South West: H. H. Sandlin, John Shepard and Burrell E. Dixon. Upper South West: Stephen Dixon, Henry Jarman and B. H. Bryan. Lower Richlands: Jonathan W. Thompson, E. Murrell, Jr. and Christopher Stevens. Upper Richlands: Harvey Cox, Uzza Mills and Abner Ervin. Half Moon: David E. Sandlin, E. W. Montford and Robert White. White Oak: John A. Coston, Green Hatchell and B. R. Henderson. Wolf Pit: George Ward, Benjamin Pollard and H. B. Handcock. North West: B. C. Smith, Thomas Henderson and T. Haskins. Swansboro: Daniel A. Hargett, Thomas B. Holland and D. A. Humphrey. Harvey Cox was directed to purchase and store food to be dis- tributed to the families of soldiers. A. J. Murrell was appoint- ed to distribute it as necessity demanded. An appeal was made to the authorities at Raleigh for assistance, and they responded generously. Christopher Stephens went to the capitol for the money. His security, $20,000.00, was made by John P. Cox and A. J. Murrell. Cotton cards were supplied the dependent families, as all cot- ton was carded, spun and woven by hand. (A peculiar happening occurred when the Sheriff of Carteret County was forced to take the oath of office before the Onslow County Court, because the enemy had overrun his county.) By March 1864 provisions and food were so scarce that an appeal was made to Colonel Peter Mallett, Commandant of Con- scripts in North Carolina, that “He will in view of the deficiency of provisions in the county grant as many details for this year, or until the crop is secured to farmers as in his judgment will be compatible with the interest of the service, or such condition as will secure the greatest production of grain for the benefits of the families of soldiers who are away in the army.” In December of that year another loan of $30,000.00 was float- ed with which to purchase provisions for the needy. The energetic way in which the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions used its powers to provide for the families of the sol- diers is worthy of commendation. THE COUNTY GOES TO WAR 69 As before stated, its authority was both administrative and judicial, and the Court’s efforts to maintain the morale of the fighters should be better known to the citizens of the county today. Onslow Military Records—Introduction The purpose of the following military records is that the it erary of any individual soldier from Onslow may be trace throughout the war by following the movement of the coma to which he belonged. Some regiments containing a few Ons oy men have not been included. The records of these men can pe traced through “Clark’s North Carolina Regiment Histories, ne which goes credit for the record of the Onslow companies in the following pages. Companies E and G—Third Regiment In less than a month after Lincoln’s call for seventy-five thou- Sand volunteers and before North Carolina had seceded nT the Union, volunteers by companies had been pouring in a r- Were being received by Governor a These troops were 0 ganized into regiments as fast as possible. 6 One of the contiede of them, The Third, lors eee . Garysburg in May, 1861. Two companies in this peed et Panies E and G, were from Onslow and fought through the en tire war. 1861 with Marquis L. F Company E was recruited early in Ws aed Redd, Capit He, however, soon resigned and was Cie a by W. T. Ennett, who distinguished himself and was later pr Mmoted to Major. P i i About tliotenants time Company G was organized with ante = Rhodes, Captain. He was killed while leading his men mn attle of Sharpsburg. . ry These Romine Wane both in the 3rd Regiment, eek td of one is practically that of the other, and so are sketc ðer. Fi ; attached to At Acquia Creek, Virginia, the 3rd Regiment was *G old boro Anderson Brigade July, 1861, but were soon ordered ee New to meet an expected attack of Burnside coming up es her ern. They remained in the state until June, 1862, Ie gene Were again ordered to Virginia. Shortly after the battle o Pines they did a little picket duty and lost a few men. eae Their first battle was Ellison’s Mill, where they mae and tack. They had a small part in the battle of Mechanicsville, “at Underwent a grilling fire, although not engaged, at oe ed Malvern Hill the 3rd made the main attack and advanc 70 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW nearer the Union lines than any other troops. At Cramptons Gap they did wonderful execution without loss to themselves, being protected by a hill. The next afternoon, September 16, 1862, began the battle of Sharpsburg. The Confederates advanced through an open field surrounding a farm house, sleeping on their arms in the orchard that night. At 7:30 next moring they renewed the attack. The battle wavered back and forth until the Confederate ammunition gave out. The men lay down on the ground but the Federals did not advance. When a new supply was received they again moved forward. Both sides claimed the victory, but Lee withdrew into Virginia. The Confederate loss was great. The Federals lost even more. For 22 hours the men went without water. The Brigade Commander, General Anderson, was fatally wounded, Captain Edwin H. Rhodes of Company G was killed, Solomon Gornto succeeding him as Captain. The Regiment won the praise of General Hill for its gallantry during the battle. After the battle of Sharpsburg, Captain Ennett of Company E was promoted to Major. The winter of 1862-3 was spent near Fredericksburg on picket duty. At Chancellorsville, the Regiment was in the second line, but became mixed with the first line. They, however, captured much artillery. General Lee now again marched his army into Maryland, and while passing the old battlefield of Sharpsburg a memorial serv- ice was held over the graves of their comrades who had fallen there the year before. After a burial service had been read by Chaplain Patterson, Captain J. J. Metts, who was now Captain of Company G, and his men were detailed to fire a military salute over the graves of the dead, a distinguished honor for the Onslow Company. The occasion was attended by both the first and third regiment. It was a solemn service. Tears stole down the cheeks of many stalwart men. The Third took part in the battle of Winchester in June, 1863, and on the second day at Gettysburg lost about three-fourths of its entire number. Returning to Virginia they wintered on the Rapidan in 1863- 64, much of the time in zero weather. At Spottsylvania almost the entire Regiment was captured, the remnant was then consolidated with the First Regiment. Again they moved northward to within sight of the dome of the Capitol in Washington, then retired down the Valley of Vir- ginia, skirmishing continuously, once capturing Sheridan’s Head- quarters, all his artillery and 1500 men at Cedar Creek. On December 20, 1864, at Petersburg, they entrenched them- THE COUNTY GOES TO WAR Selves and fought there until March, 1865, and then fought a retreat to Amelia Courthouse and to Farmville. ; At Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865, the day of Lee’s surrender, in an attack the Regiment drove the enemy more than a mile, captured a battery and several pieces of artillery. PEE ing the last three days from April 6 to 9th, the entire Regimen Was under command of Major Ennett of Onslow (Company on The North Carolina Regiments had an understanding wit the Governor that all promotions be by recommendation or ce Pointment of the commanding officer of the Regiment. In the Spring of 1862, while near Goldsboro, a vacancy of Second Lieu- tenant occurred in Company G. Orders came from headquarters for an election to fill the vacancy. Colonel Mears, knowing ine Spirit of the men, passed the order on down to Lieutenant olor De Rossett who, on going down to the Onslow Company and ane ing Lieutenant Quince in charge, gave the orders to him to be Carried out. Standing behind the Captain’s tent, Colonel DeRossett over- pearl the nomination and election which took place about as ollows: - 4 Lieutenant Quince, “. . . Sergeant, make the men fall in sal arms.” This was done quickly and addressing the men he on the order and remarked, “Men, there are two candidates for the office,” naming them, “and there is but one of them worth a D—M, and I nominate him. All who are in favor of electing Sergeant . . . come to a shoulder. Company shoulder ab: Then turning to the Orderly Sergeant remarked, “Sergeant, take charge of the company and dismiss them.” flee Inside of an hour Colonel Quince reported the election duly held in accordance with Order Number ——- Company B—24th Regiment The 14th Volunteers was organized at Weldon on July me Aes and included Company B from Onslow under command © aptain Geor . Duffy. £ They were at Oy atcha to the Kanawha Valley in Western irginia to reinforce General John B. Floyd’s army against the Nnion General Rosecrans. Back to Richmond and to Murphreysboro, where they were reorganized into the 24th Regiment. In the reorganization, Dr. Charles Duffy became Assistant Surgeon. th The newly formed Regiment reached Virginia in time for : Seven Days Battle on June 26-July 2; at White Oak Swamp, @ Malvern Hill, Drewry’s Bluff, City Point and north of Petersburg ey fought until McClellan’s army was forced back and Lee €cided to carry the war into the North. 72 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The first night in Maryland, Captain Duffy with a detachment was sent to attack an enemy picket at Monocacy Bridge. Cross- ing the canal an attack was made in which Captain Duffy was severely wounded, and he and several of the men taken prisoners. Lieutenant William T. Ellis now became Captain of Company B. At Sharpsburg they dislodged a part of the Federal force from behind a stone fence in such good style that General Stewart, who was watching them, said, “Every soldier in that command was worthy to be made a commander.” Next day General Lee withdrew into Virginia via Martinsburg, where a great battle was fought. The 24th, along with a South Carolina and Georgia Division, was posted behind a stone wall on Marye’s Heights. These be- came a center of attack by the Federals, but was so ably defended that Burnside lost 12,000 men while Lee lost 5,000. However, the 24th lost heavily. Shortly afterward the Regiment was sent into Eastern North Carolina to protect the Wilmington-Weldon Railroad. They marched to Weldon, Goldsboro, Wilmington, Kenansville, Kin- ston, Wyse Fork, Gum Swamp, driving the enemy as far as Deep Gully ten miles below New Bern. By June 10th they were at Blackwater, Virginia. Several of them were in swimming when the Federals approached, but the boys dressed in time to save themselves. One day they ate break- fast at General Ransome’s home, on the march to Drewry’s Bluff, June 16, had a skirmish, also at Bottoms Bridge, July 4, 1863. Scouting in Eastern North Carolina again, they went from Petersburg to Weldon, Tarboro, Hamilton, Washington, William- ston, Weldon, Tarboro, Goldsboro, Kinston, Petersburg, Vir- ginia, then back to Weldon in the order named. Next they marched to Suffolk to drive out some negro cavalry then in pos- session of the town. Some of the negroes took refuge in the houses in the city and were burned up in them. The rest escaped. By March 12, 1864, they were again at Weldon. By the latter part of 1863 Eastern North Carolina was suf- fering from raids of the Federals stationed in Plymouth, Wash- ington and New Bern. General Pickett was put in command in the hope that he could recapture New Bern. After his failure to do this General Hoke was put in command. In conjunction with Captain Cooke and the Albemarle he made a combined land and water attack on the Federal garrison at Plymouth. The battle began about sunset April 24, 1864. Passing to the right through some woods near the town, Hoke’s men passed through the town, capturing every fortification. About midnight there came a lull in the fighting. Company B occupied the extreme THE CoUNTY GOES TO WAR right of Ransome’s Brigade and aided in A asta a Worth. It was a brilliant victory. Ransome’s ae Me aa dom equaled in the entire war. Hoke was promoted to Maj General. P d Hoke’s The Federals now withdrew from Washington, an men at once marched against New Bern. General Butler now threatened pee and Hoke’s army Was hurried away to help defend that city. __ At Drewry’s Bluff they assisted in the bottling up - pen Grant now marched into Petersburg, and for the Confede life in the trenches began. For nine months, in battle almost every day, oft the ee lines were less than 100 yards apart on only part a ir lot was the sight of the dead and dying all about them. T a ft a hard one, yet they fought on until almost none Se s aerde At “The Crater” they took part in the ota f fea in negro soldiers, and remained there until the stench o the crater became almost unbearable. . On March 24th, they rallied and captured more than Sele a the enemy’s line, but the next day whole CoP eae ‘Oats rounded by overpowering numbers and captured a few a until all were gone. P = Most of them were taken to prisons at Point Lookout, Mary land, or Johnston’s Island, New York. Company A—35th Regiment Company A, 35th Regiment, was mustered in at Janeen September 6, 1861, and moved at once to Camp eae Clau Ae Where we find them in November without arms, W1 re, with Barry, Captain. They numbered ae ae meet eS other companies, organized into the 35th Regiment. They received their initiation when Burnside attacked Now Bern in March, 1862, but for want bos aay an Support were routed and retreated to Kinston. 4 At Kinston the Regiment was reorganized, S. Pye hee Coming Captain of Company A, and soon began the onk flit to the battlefields of Virginia. They took part fi i nts in Au- Seven Pines and Malvern Hill in July, at Loudon t ‘Sharpsburg gust, shelled Harpers Ferry in September, were a dericksburg in September, and in the thick of the battle at Frede m December, 1862. ing in- ey the battle an offering was made for the suffering 1n abitants of the stricken city. : The first half of 1863 was spent in Eastern Nore a first at Kenansville, then to Goldsboro, Kinston, Cove ’ turning to Virginia in June. 74 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW About this time Captain S. B. Taylor was promoted to Major and Lieutenant H. W. Humphrey became Captain. The 35th Regiment assisted in driving the Federals out of Suffolk and lost more men at Plymouth than any other regiment. Here two Onslow men especially distinguished themselves. Major Taylor, while leading his men against one of the Fed- eral Forts, was wounded in the left leg. The fort was taken and the name changed from Fort Comfort to Fort Jones in honor of Colonel Jones of the 35th. Cavanaugh’s Feat Corporal W. N. Rose, who was a courier in General Ransom’s army, in his account in Clark’s Regimental History, from which most of this is taken, says, “It was now night and I had delivered a message from Captain Lane in charge of the skirmishers to General Ransom, with regard to the force of the enemy at the Creek, when Lieutenant Applewhite of Texas, acting as aide to General Ransom, was standing by and asked permission to take this man (myself) and go to the Creek and ascertain if the bridge had been burned. Ransom at first objected but finally yielded and Applewhite and myself set out, but did not go far before we met General Dearing of our cavalry and one other man who joined us and we four soon stood on the bank of the Creek. The bridge had been burned and a small boat was on the opposite side. Dearing asked who could swim the creek and get the boat, and no sooner said than the man we did not know was across the creek and had the boat. The enemy, as we soon learn- ed, was about forty paces from us behind breastworks. The man that swam the creek, we have learned since the war, was Wil- liam Cavanaugh from Onslow County. It was a brave deed, and we mention it simply to show the material that composed the Southern army then around Plymouth, and no doubt there were hundreds of equally brave spirits in that unequal contest, some of whom fell that night and next morning in the storming of this strong citadel.” This and other brave deeds enabled General Hoke to drive the Federals out of Plymouth. Here, April 19, 1864, Ransom’s Bri- gade captured an army larger than its own number. The Onslow company assisted in the bottling up of Butler at Drewry’s Bluff, stood the brunt of the attack, but with severe loss at Bermuda Hundreds, where Colonel Jones of the 35th Regiment was killed after being wounded three times, resulting in the selection of Lieutenant Colonel Johnston to command the Regiment and the promotion of Major Simon B. Taylor to be Lieutenant Colonel, June 13, 1864. THE CounTY GOES TO WAR j t the left of the The Onslow company was in the trenches a salient at “The Crater” July 30, 1864, and repelled. seven aise there. Here Lieutenant Taylor received a slight w head. 3 In the siege of Petersburg, the Onslow Compenvollt ee than eight months in the ground, walked in wet De =e Lael rations and slept in dirt covered pits. Lan Se instead reached by crawling in wet ditches with no she pate esos or sun. Food was brought to the front in doeere merrsl shoulder, from a mile in the seats ae Re ee ment lost heavily, half of its number bel . 1 April 1, 1865. was a dark day for these braye eg i oeaae Taylor was wounded for the third time and Cae ere rene ball fracturing the bones of his right arm. 0 Pe eae tured, killed or wounded that eight days later a Resiment were at Appomattox, only eighty men out of the entire Xes’ surrendered. 3 ASD: ¢ its The 35th was ruled by moral force. It is said dats none o pe officers were ever put down, no privates wha eer ane rept iik no more honorable record was made by any es Side during the war. Companies B and H—41st Regiment The 41st Regiment, 3rd Cavalry, contained two companie Onslow County soldiers. ; Company B organized in 1861 with E. | assumed the name “Gatling’s Dragoons a of 189 men. On November 30, 1863, Bryan Captain. was After the capture of New Bern, the duty of Compe oabd to picket the streams of Onslow County, but had ski the Federals at New Bern and Washington. _ Company H, Humphrey Troops was organize - Moore, Captain, and numbered 99 men. belonged were The 41st Regiment to which these companies ds, swamps, natives of Eastern North Carolina and knew its roa tecting the fords, ete. To them was assigned the duty of ve mhey-were Coast all the way from the James to the Cape va yainst forays, Constantly gathering supplies, protecting erate ae £arrisoning forts and guarding crossroads, for th Carolina fell A great portion of the Eastern coast of ay k of watching into northern hands early in the war. and the tas Sous atic them to prevent their further intrusion inland wa work and One. The nature of the operation demanded speedy WY ttn a familiarity with the country. Often one Company, or Cut Squad, found itself far separated from their comra s of _W. Ward, Captain. They # nd had a full strength + Southerland became d in 1862 with J. THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW orders and with only their own initiative to depend upon. This method of warfare made good soldiers, but left little time for written records—and to our loss, little is known of their activi- ties. With the Federal cordon tightening its grip about the throat of the Confederacy, the 41st was on April 22, 1864, ordered to Virginia to try to stay their advance as much as possible. August 25th that year was fought the battle of Reams Station, in which our companies were actively engaged. The last winter of the war was spent around Richmond and Petersburg, most of the time with Hampton. In retaliation for alleged cruelty to Federals confined in southern prisons, three Onslow men from North Carolina, along with others who were imprisoned at Fort Delaware, were trans- ferred to Morris Island where they were placed immediately in front of Battery Wagner and if a missile fell short by so much as a second, it struck death and destruction in our ranks. Includ- ed among these were First Lieutenant T. B. Henderson of Onslow, Company H, 41st Regiment, and Second Lieutenant A. J. Gurganus, J. E. King and L. J. Henderson from Onslow, all belonging to the Third Regiment. Company K—61st Regiment Company K of the 61st Regiment was a mixed company con- taining many soldiers from Jones County, and had an enlisted strength of 106. The officers were, in the order named: Captain F. D. Koonce, Thomas G. Henson and S. W. Noble. 1st Lieutenant: H. Clay Koonce and J. A. Galloway. 2nd Lieutenant: Samuel Gooch, Calhoun Haskins and S. E. Koonce. The casualty list included: died 24, discharged 6, killed i% prisoner 19 and wounded 15, leaving an active strength at the surrender of only 42 men. The Regiment was organized at Camp Lamb, Wilmington, Au- gust 1862, and attached to Clingman’s Brigade. On September 14, 1862, they began a march which took them in the order named to Goldsboro, Tarboro, Plymouth, Spring Green, Tarboro, Green- ville and Kinston. On December 11, 1862, the Federals under General Foster set out from New Bern to destroy the railroad bridge at Goldsboro, which they did after overpowering the small Confederate force at Kinston and White Hall. The Onslow Company was in the engagements both at Southwest and at Neuse River Bridge, but were so far outnumbered that their resistance seemed feeble. From Goldsboro to Wilmington, Charleston and Savannah, back THE COUNTY GOES TO WAR to Sullivans Island, to Charleston, to Wilmington, Petersburg, Drewry’s Bluff, Bermuda Hundreds, Cold Harbor, the ia soon brought them again to South West where they ee gue a losing battle, as was also the one which followed at Be Ville. The Regiment was paroled near High Point on May 2 sae While long marches and overwhelming numbers seeme Ht the lot of this Regiment, their valor was proven even in ce if and death from exhaustion and disease of more than one-tour their entire number. THE WAR COMES TO ONSLOW The Invasion by Land The war began in April, 1861. In March, 1862, crn expedition captured New Bern, and Fort Macon was April of the same year. : é i From these points raiding parties were sent into ihe ne ah ing counties to gather supplies and do what damage eee To combat them, independent companies were = ae i. Later these companies, sometimes known as arise angers, “Dragoons,” etc., being merged into regiments. E Company F, of the 41st Regiment, raised in Burke eens jane commanded by Captain Perkins, met one of these rai re pees at Big North East Bridge, 6 miles below y oskeony eat ae Swansboro, killing 1 captain and 5 privates, and ro others. j a About the beginning of 1863 a detachment of New ee ae sachusetts and Pennsylvania troops raided Swansboro, little damage. : : On January 21, 1863, General G. W. Smith vrs ge Cavalry and artillery about 3 miles from a ee a ae the same time General Whiting esha 1,000 Federa and 6 pieces of artillery at Jacksonville. ; ‘ The next day they withdrew to the White Oak se ad they were joined by 3 Confederate AcserEETe In this had captured 3 prisoners, 3 wagons and 6 mules. : The road from Richlands toward Comfort in Jones penn Was completely blocked by trees felled by the Con ¢ si tgs In January, General Whiting marched his Conte de Bue a through Onslow on their way to attack the Union bar Newport. J: In March, 1864, an expedition under Colonel Jourgon, giver Mont, headed by the United States gunboat Briain eee tenant Muse commanding, was ordered to Da a. oe aot Purpose of capturing contraband goods. An alt me te ae Was made to land, but being prevented by a vio. oe ae other attempt was made on the following day, bu ee a erate musketry fire was too strong, they being force to their vessel. On the same trip, one of the Union vessels eniered Hea me and burned a boat containing a cargo of salt and leather, Captured and carried off 43 negroes. j : About a month later, April 30, 1864, Colonel J qurden wath his Vermont troops again attacked Swansboro, from fA es a time, with better success, capturing a Lieutenant, Pp ’ 80 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW 2 Homeguards with their arms, and carrying off 2 citizens, de- stroying 8 or 4 boats and 225 barrels of fish, which were salted and ready for shipment to the Confederates at Kinston. In July, 1864, Captain George T. Duffy of the Invalids Corps, was assigned to command the Port at White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, by the Adjutant General under orders from the Secre- tary of War at Richmond. This is about the extent to which the enemy were actually on Onslow County soil. -The Battle of New River In the fall of 1862 the coast of the Carolinas was being watch- ed closely by the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron under Rear Admiral S. P. Lee. Local operations were under command of Commander H. K. Davenport. As pointed out above, Federal vessels would sail into small harbors and inlets and carry off slaves, burn stores, warehouses and supplies, and do other dam- age. The expedition against Jacksonville was carried out by the United States Steamer “Ellis,” under the command of Lieutenant W. B. Cushing, who later distinguished himself at Plymouth when he blew up the Confederate iron clad steamer “Albemarle.” According to Lieutenant Cushing’s report, his agenda was about as follows: Entered New River early in the morning of November 23, 1862, with the purpose to sweep the river of any vessel to be found there, capture the town of Jacksonville, take the Wilmington mail and destroy any salt-works to be found. “Tt was planned to surprise the enemy going up, and to fight my way out coming back.” The Lieutenant reports that he sighted a vessel loaded with cotton and turpentine which had been fired by her owners to prevent capture by the Federals. He also says that he reached Jacksonville about 1 P.M., raided the Courthouse and Post Office, captured 25 stands of arms and much important mail. In addition, he says he confiscated negroes belonging to the Confederate Postmaster, and left Jacksonville at 2:30 P.M. the same day. Passing the site of the burning ves- sel of the forenoon, the Lieutenant says he fired his guns to quiet some rifle fire, which he did effectively. Learning that the Ellis could not clear the mouth of the river in the darkness it was decided to anchor for the night. The Lieu- tenant, accompanied by five volunteers, remained with the vessel, but dispatched a schooner with the crew and as many supplies as could be taken out beyond the bar. With the coming of the dawn, the Confederates under Lieu- tenants Adams and Newkirk, opened fire from their positions on the shore, disabling the engine of the Ellis, which had to be THE WAR COMES TO ONSLOW 81 abandoned. Lieutenant Cushing escaped in a light boat, reach- Ing the schooner several hours later. The Lieutenant reported to his superior, Commander Daven- Port, who dispatched the report with his approvel to Rear Ad- miral S. P. Lee, who expressed his admiration for the heroic feat. In an additional report made from the U. S. S. Hetzel on No- vember 29, off New Bern, Lieutenant Cushing says the mail taken at Jacksonville was lost with the steamer. From it he learned that Longstreet’s men were in the State, that Eastern North Carolina expected to be given up; also that bitterness was wide- Spread among the people on account of the Conscript Laws of the Confederacy and the lack of clothing and shoes. Salt was Teported $20.00 per pound and sole leather $7.00 per pound. Brigadier General W. H. C. Whiting, Confederate States Army, Commanding Defenses of the Cape Fear River, in reporting to Major General Gustavus W. Smith at Richmond Headquarters: Wilmington, N. C., November 28, 1862 General: I have the pleasure of reporting that Captain New- kirk of the cavalry, and Captain Adams, with a section of a field battery have destroyed a steam gun boat of the enemy on New Iver. Her crew escaped. Her armament, ammunition, small arms and many articles of value will be saved. The enemy at- tempted to fire her, but being of iron, little damage was done. Great credit is due Captains Newkirk and Adams and their officers and men. Very respectfully, W. H. C. WHITING, : Brigadier General, Commanding Mr. Nansa Covil of Marines, N. C., related to the writer in ‘ 922 how piers were extended to the sunken vessel and the cargo fansported by colored labor from ship to shore. The whole project required about three weeks,” he said. An inventory of the cargo would be interesting. CIVIL WAR LEADERSHIP Captain Claude Barry Claude Barry lived at Gum Branch. The house has been burn- ed. Son of Bryan Buckner Barry and Mary Murrill. Married Celestia Rosser Crossland, June 26, 1860. In his young days went to California in the Gold Rush. Later returned to Onslow, where he lived at the outbreak of the war. A daughter lives in Texas. Claude Barry entered the service 6 September, 1861, in Onslow County, age 36. Elected Captain of what later became Company A, 35th North Carolina Regiment, Infantry Confederate States Army, on the day of his enlistment. He immediately took his Company to Camp Mangum, Raleigh, where we find them in No- vember of that year still without arms. They numbered 136 men. The Company took part in the disastrous campaign around New Bern where they were routed. A month later, Barry died, whether from wounds or disease could not be determined by this writer. Dr. Charles Duffy, Jr.. When Company B of the 24th was organized, Dr. Charles Duffy, Jr. became First Sergeant and within 10 months had be- Come Surgeon of the regiment. He enlisted 6 May, 1861 and was appointed Assistant Surgeon 5 February, 1862. The last mili- tary record on file is dated December, 1863. The first of the Duffys to come to Onslow was Dr. James Ed- Ward Stringer Duffy, who came to Swansboro from Kingstown, Ireland. Dr. James immediately began the practice of his pro- fession throughout the area. i i The story is told that the young and handsome physician, While attending a patient one day, was seated at the dining table busily engaged in rolling pills, as doctors did in those days. Be- ing unaware of the doctor’s presence, a certain young lady also Came over to visit the sick. After some attention to her make- Up, ete. she was introduced to the doctor. Immediately upon the leavetaking, the young lady is said to have told her hostess that She had “Seen her man in the well” only that day. As soon as She saw him she said to herself, “That’s him. That’s my man in the well.” Sure enough, the young lady, who was Miss Cla- Tissa Noble Handcock, and young Dr. James Edward Stringer Duffy, were married April 10, 1828. They became the parents of Captain George T. Duffy. Six years after the arrival of Dr. Duffy at Swansboro, a bro- ther Charles, also a physician, arrived in Onslow. Doctor Charles 84 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW CiviL WAR LEADERSHIP 85 purchased land near Catherine Lake and also practiced medicine The first night in Maryland, Captain Duffy with a detachment there. The doctor married Miss Nancy Howse, probably a was sent to attack an enemy picket at Monocacy Bridge. There daughter of Buckner Howse and Rosamond Everett, who were the Captain was severely wounded, and he and several of his men married in 1800. They became parents of Surgeon Charles taken prisoners. Lieutenant William T. Ellis now became Cap- Duffy and Honorable Rodolph Duffy, Attorney at Law. tain of the Onslow Company. Three years following the coming of Doctor Charles, the In June, 1864, he is shown as “Put on the retired list,’”’ only to father, also named Charles, arrived in America from Ireland, be followed a month later by this notation, “Assigned to command bringing his family, except the wife and mother, who died before the Port of White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, by the Adjutant leaving Ireland. (Her maiden name was Stringer.) The elder General under orders from the Secretary of War at Richmond.” Charles made his home in New Bern. His children, besides The record shows him paroled at Greensboro, North Carolina, James and Charles above, were Thomas and Walter, both physi- May 1, 1865, with the remark “supernumerary officer and not cians, Frank and Richard, both druggists, Samuel, Annie and . assigned to duty.” one other daughter. Returning to Swansboro at the end of the war, he remained The Duffys have distinguished themselves in medicine, and a few years until he accepted the management of The Neuse and have had a prominent place in public life since coming to Caro- Trent Transportation Company, with office in New Bern, to lina. which he removed with his family, remaining until his death. Surgeon Duffy following the war also removed to New Bern, where he married Miss Sophia Moore of that city. Sergeant Lawrence E. Duffy ‘ Lawrence E. Duffy was at Metropolitan College, New York .Captain George T. Duffy City, preparing for cnteanee to West Point when he heard of Captain George T. Duffy was a son of Dr. James E. S. Duffy. John Brown’s insurrection. That was in 1859. He had received Born March 22, 1837, and reared in Swansboro. Educated at his appointment to West Point through Hon. Thomas L. Cling- the Swansboro Academy. Married Miss Agnes Moore of Swans- man, Representative in Congress from the _. District at the boro. ; time. There were a number of the students there who were Their children were: Walter, who lived in Virginia and mar- Southerners and often arguments and tempers reached the boil- ried there; Charles, who sailed around Cape Horn to Oregon ing point and sometimes personal encounters ensued. The high where he settled, married, lived and died; Susan, married Mr. feelings engendered among people, both North and South, made Gus Pittman of Swansboro; George, Jr., married Miss Wolfing- the approach of war evident to any serious observer, ton and made their home in New Bern. southern boys left the school and returned to their homes. For some years the future Captain, upon his graduation from Mr. Duffy helped to organize a White Horse Company. the academy, taught school and merchandised in Swansboro, which later was consolidated with Company B, 24th North Caro- where he lived at the outbreak of the war. lina Regiment. He won the rank of Ordinance Sergeant by com- His military record was furnished by Major General Edward petitive examination. Later he was transferred to Company I F. Witsell, of the Adjutant General’s Office in Washington, in to fill a vacancy there. a letter dated 26 February, 1948: “The records show that George _ The 24th took part in many fiercely fought battles of the war. T. Duffy, Captain, Company B, North Carolina Infantry, Con- including Antietam, Fredericksburg, the siege of Petersburg, federate States Army, entered the service 6 May, ASG 1A ae Seven Days around Richmond, Seven Pines, Drury’s Bluff and Captain Duffy’s Company of Onslow soldiers was included in Plymouth. As late as March 27, 1865, thirteen days before Lee’s the organization of the 14th Volunteers at Weldon, July 18, 1861. Surrender, they took part in the capture of Fort Steadman in They were sent at once to reinforce General John B. Floyd in the Union lines at Petersburg by Hanson’s Brigade, the only Western Virginia against General Rosecrans. Later the Volun- Point where the Union lines were broken, and while the gain teers were at Murphreesboro, becoming a part of the 24th North Was only temporary, its capture by the Southerners was a feat Carolina Regiment, returned to Virginia, where they took part of bravery and courage. in the battles at White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Drewry’s While in the field Sergeant Duffy was called to the Staff of Bluff and others, in which General McClellan was driven back, Genera} Matt Ransome. The next fighting gone Oy Ransome’s allowing Lee to carry the war to the North. ~ Brigade was done at Five Forks April 1, 1865. Here Mr. Duffy 86 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW was captured, being sent first to the old Capitol in Washington, then to Johnson’s Island on Lake Erie. The outstanding feature of the imprisonment was the kindness ~ of the Commandant, Colonel Hill, a one-armed soldier in charge of the Post. Mr. Duffy was there when Lincoln’s assassination was an- nounced. No demonstration was allowed. The thoughtfulness of Colonel Hill extended beyond the discharge of his prisoners, who were discharged a few at a time, in order to provide food, as far as available to the men who were enroute to their homes. Most of them had no money and were hundreds of miles from home, so the Colonel’s provisions must have filled a very real need. Lawrence was one of ten children of Charles and Nancy Howse Duffy. His grandfather, also named Charles, a distinguished surgeon born in Ireland, spent the last five years of his life in New Bern, where he is buried. Lawrence married first Miss Kate Pearsall Herring of Ken- ansville, and then Miss Alice Cox of Onslow. There were several children by each marriage. Dr. William T. Ennett Dr. Ennett appears also in Miss Bloodworth’s splendid History of Pender County, as he removed to that county and married following the war between the states. Miss Bloodworth says: “Major Ennett was a physician and highly accomplished, mar- ried Sarah McIntire and settled in Burgaw, where he practiced his profession and reared his family of three daughters.” The Records show that William T. Ennett, 1st Lieutenant, Company E, 3rd North Carolina Infantry, Confederate States Army, was mustered into service 16-May, 1861, age 23 years. He was promoted to Captain of the Company 12 December, 1861, and to Major of the Regiment 8 October, 1863. Captured 12 May, 1864. Exchanged 10 August, 1864. Shown as imprisoned at Belle Plain, Virginia, Ft. Delaware, Delaware, and at Hilton Head, South Carolina. Surrendered by General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, 9 April, 1865. (Official War Dept. Record.) The Regiment began the fight at Ellyson’s Mill, was at Mal- vern Hill where it led the main attack, and advanced further than any other troops, and also at Crampton’s Gap, where their loss was light, being well protected from enemy shells by a hill. Following the battle of Sharpsburg, September 16, 1862, Cap- tain Ennett was promoted to Major of the Regiment. During the last three days of the war, from April 6 to April 9, 1865, the entire regiment was under the command of Major CIVIL WAR LEADERSHIP Ennett of Onslow. On the day of Lee’s surrender Ennett’s Regi- ment drove the enemy more than a mile and captured a battery and several pieces of artillery. _At this writing have not determined where Major Ennett re- Sided in Onslow, but presume that he lived in Stump Sound Township, as have most members of that family up to the pres- ent time. Captain Solomon Gornto (1831- ) Solomon Gornto entered the Confederate service May 16, 1861, about a month after firing on Sumter. Company G, to which he belonged, was the first company, but one, which contained Onslow soldiers. When the Company was organized, Mr. Gornto became 1st Lieutenant. He was then 30 years old. The 8rd North Carolina Regiment, which included Company B, went at once to Virginia, returned to Goldsboro for nearly a year and then marched back to Virginia, where they were engag- ed in battles at Ellyson’s Mill and Mechanicsville, and were under heavy fire though not engaged at Gaines Mill. They made the main attack at Malvern Hill and a glorious record for themselves. On September 16, 1862, came the battle of Sharpsburg, where Captain Edward H. Rhodes of Company G was killed. Mr. Gornto then succeeded to that rank. The Company went on until Appomattox but individual officer rec- Ords are not clear. After the war Captain Gornto returned to his home, located a few miles south of Piney Green. He married Mariah Ward, sister of Rev. Benjamin Ward, in January, 1864. There were three children, none of whom survived. Mr. Gornto then adopted a nephew and a niece, Solomon and Nannie Hewitt, who lived te Ylpe old age but never married. Mr. Gornto operated a large farm, was a carpenter and builder by occupation, was known for his integrity and many fine per- Sonal characteristics. When the Federal Government took over lands for use of the Marine Base, the Gornto-Hewitt farm was included and the home destroyed. Captain Henry W. Humphrey (1837-1917) The official record says that Henry W. Humphrey was enroll- ed September 6, 1861, which is the date of the organization of Company A, later to become a part of the 35th, the North Caro- lina Regiment. At the organization Humphrey was made Ist Sergeant, age 24. He became 2nd Lieutenant April 7, 1862, 1st Lieutenant April 21, 1862, and Captain June 15, 1863. The Com- Pany muster roll for January and February, 1865, shows him 88 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW “Absent—home on wounded furlough.” No later record found. Just when Captain Humphrey was wounded is not of record, but one of his soldiers has told of an occasion when the Captain, while sitting in his tent, had a narrow escape from a minnie ball passing through the rim of his hat. On another day, while in combat, a ball passed through the hem of his coat. Mr. Humphrey married Mary ~~. _:~He lived about one-half mile north of Richlands on his plantation. The house is still standing, now owned by Mr. G. F. Huffman, I think. Fol- lowing the war Captain Humphrey gave his time mostly to his farming. Always in search of improved tools with which to save labor and cost, he made many experiments in seed selection and gave much study to scientific methods in farming, as a re- sult of which his farm produced more per acre than other farms about him, and he set the pace for other farmers living nearby. In the fields of war, business, agriculture and citizenship, Humphrey rated “a good soldier,” and during his eighty years contributed much to the history of Onslow County. He is buried in the Koonce cemetery, Richlands, N. C. Died 1917. Age 80. Captain Lott W. Humphrey Lott W. Humphrey was born near Richlands in 1830. His father, William Humphrey, was a wealthy planter and the fam- ily was aristocratic and prominent in the county, both socially and politically. Lott Humphrey was elected to the House of Commons, first in 1854 at the age of 24, where he served two terms followed by two terms in the Senate. During these years he read law under the famous jurist, Jus- tice Richmond Pearson of Richmond Hill, Yadkin County, and was admitted to the bar in 1857 while a member of the House. In both House and Senate he succeeded Edward W. Fonville. One of the earliest advocates of a convention to consider seces- sion, Humphrey at once busied himself in recruiting volunteers and organizing them into units to be sent to training camps. He, himself, entered the service as a Lieutenant in 1861. The next year another company, known as “Humphrey Troop,” were organized, and consolidated with others in the 31st Regi- ment, Cavalry. The Federals early in the war had made inroads into Eastern North Carolina and it became necessary to post guards from the James to the Cape Fear to protect the coast and prevent raids by the Federals into the surrounding country. To this duty the 41st Regiment was assigned. As these men were scattered over a wide area and in small detachments, few reports were made and little is known of their activities. Up and down the streams, 89 CIviL WAR LEADERSHIP rivers and sounds, over hidden roads and ee ae vigil day and night, skirmishing often, little real ot send on, but the Federals knew they were there and ae e service During 1863 Humphrey resigned from the military and became Solicitor in the county court. panes During the latter part of the war, because ot a ily at dif- residing near the coast, Humphrey maintained his RG ironic- ferent places, finally locating them at Goldsboro a that town ally, just in time to see the coming of the Yankees to and the end of the war. : i Humphrey never returned to Onslow, but ue rt pee in the Wayne Capital, and later in 1872 represente anonded in the State Senate. He was in 1874 named by Governor Railway a the Presidency of the Atlantic and North Carolina Ompany for a period of three years. hit st Back eee ‘the Civil War, at the organization of te ah Regiment, Humphrey was elected Colonel of the ean ened Some reason Governor Vance ignored this els ate one 7 never the appointment of another man instead. This eee and forgot, nor forgave. Years afterward, in 1873, fog ate, and Morrison were candidates for the United States” retaliated When the balloting had reached a deadlock, Bumpy Rtont Y engineering the opposition toward the suppor ht resentment causing the defeat of Vance. This, in turn, broug: himself ex- from friends of Vance, and Humphrey soon found hi se of his cluded from party councils. This probably was seers Soing over to the Republicans, which he did soon at Eee only in In those days negroes held the balance of DO mecwuelll the Republican Party, but in the Congressional Distr Furnifold {n 1886 the Democratic Congressional nominee was rey. AS M. Simmons of Jones County, son-in-law of Lott sae So long as negroes stood together they could win an ele Sagi and Simmons’ chance of election hung upon whether ug OR him. €publicans could agree upon a single candidate to the negroes © Humphrey goes the credit that a feud among. d: James E. Split the party that year and two candidates appa ae negroes O'Hara, a mulatto, (who it is said “conferred wi aon through the back door while receiving white Ue split, as the front door’) and Israel Abbott, a black man. fie 50th Might be expected, gave Simmons his first election Congress. buried at Golds- Humphrey died February 12, 1891, and is boro, ger of Captain Francis D. Koonce (1837-1911) it rancis D. When the war between the states began in 1861 Francis Koonce was a young attorney practicing in Richlands. 90 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Educated at Richlands Academy, Randolph-Macon College and the University of North Carolina, he had studied law under that venerable “Father of Lawyers” Judge Richmond Pearson of Statesville, North Carolina, and was admitted to the Bar in 1858 at the age of 24. At 26 he had been named Democratic Presidential Elector in the Campaign of 1860, which culminated in the election of Abra- ham Lincoln. His group favored remaining in the Union. In April 1862, Mr. Koonce set about raising a company to help guard the area east of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. Officers of the Company elected were: Francis D. Koonce, Cap- tain; H. Clay Koonce, 1st Lieutenant and Samuel Gouch, 2nd Lieutenant. The Company, which included men from Onslow and Jones Counties became Company K and was, along with other com- panies, organized as the 61st North Carolina Regiment at Camp Lamb, Wilmington, North Carolina, in August, 1862. During the first winter Company K took part in the battles of Kinston and White Hall, but the odds were too great and the Confed- erates lost heavily both at South West and at Neuse River Bridge. The name of Captain Koonce was dropped from the rolls Feb- ruary 3, 1863, for reason unknown to us now. Returning to his law practice, we hear nothing further until 1878, when we see him named as candidate for Congress on the “Greenback” ticket. (The Greenback Party favored the increase of currency by the printing of paper money and could be consid- ered the forerunner of the Populist Party.) Later in the cam- paign Koonce withdrew from the contest, which resulted in the defeat of the Democratic Candidate Alfred M. Waddell by Daniel Russell, Republican. (The Democrats never forgave him that.) Eight years later, in the campaign which culminated in the election of Honorable Charles W. McClammy of Scotts Hill to the Congress, Koonce ran as an independent. Sometime about the year 1888 Mr. Koonce received from Presi- dent Benjamin Harrison the appointment of United States Com- missioner. Duties of the office included the taking of evidence in cases of crime against the Federal Statutes, and where prob- able cause was found, the binding over defendants to Federal Court for trial. Again in 1892, an unsuccessful candidate for Congress, this time endorsed by the Populist Party, he was de- feated by Honorable B. F. Grady of Duplin County, Democrat. Francis D. Koonce was an independent thinker who opposed disunion but went along with his state into the Confederacy. Just when he began drifting away from his Democratic colleagues is unknown to this writer, but his appearance on the Greenback CIviL WAR LEADERSHIP ticket in 1878 indicates his dissatisfaction with Democratic poli- cies in Washington and his withdrawal from the campaign re- sulting in the election of Daniel L. Russell, Republican, empha- sizes the fact. Eight years later he was still “independent” but in 1888 his appointment as United States Commissioner by Pres- ident Benjamin Harrison, a Republican, evidently came In ap- preciation for his service in splitting the Democratic party or as an active Republican. That he was still considered more or less independent, however, is indicated when he received the Saderais teu of the Populists in his campaign for Congress 1n 92. That his sympathy lay with the farmers we know because of his great fight in the farmers Alliance and third party cam- paigns during the eighties and nineties. Whether on the popular side of an issue made little difference to him and he espoused whatever cause he chose with a zeal which could not be mistaken by friend or enemy. : The College of Nashville, Tennesseee, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1903 while he was serving as Mayor of Richlands, his native town. He had in 1857 married Hannah Rebecca Rhodes, daughter of Henry Rhodes and wife Zilphia Franck at Shines ‘‘Old Comfort in Jones County. Sons were Honorable A. H. Koonce, private secretary to Congressman Fowler, 1897, Mr. H. B. Koonce, and one daughter, Mrs. Zannie Creagh Hatch, who in 1958 celebrated her 98rd birthday. She resides in the old home beside the Meth- odist Church in Richlands. Captain Marquis LaFayette Redd (1824-1871) Marquis L. F. Redd, Captain, Company E, 3rd North Carolina Infantry. In the early days of the war Redd, who had previously served as Sheriff of the County, raised a company of recruits which subsequently became Company E, North Carolina Southern roops. Whether Mark saw action on the field is doubtful because soon after the war began he and a number of his men were detailed to make salt, a very scarce commodity at that time in the Con- federate States. Having lived by the Stump Sound all his life, Mark knew the how and the why of salt-making. Barges were filled with salt water, and then were poled by hand back to the mainland to be emptied in large but shallow pans made of iron, under which fires were kept burning day and night to evaporate the water. This method of obtaining this most neces- Sary commodity was slow and laborious, but the only one avail- able to the Southerners for the duration of the war. 92 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Captain Redd descended from a long line of Scottish ancestry, the family having come from Scotland to Virginia four or five generations earlier. His father was Sigmund Redd, who mar- ried Susan Andrews of Trenton, in Jones County. Sigmund Redd built his home on a ridge overlooking the sparkling waters of Stump Sound and the blue expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, and there reared a family of ten children, of which Mark was the oldest son, and next to Sarah, the eldest of all. It must have been a jolly family, for even in their old age they retained a lot of humor and love of fun. Susan said she, “Never took more trou- ble to heart than she could kick off with her heels.” They were noted for their jet black hair and black eyes, were all good citi- zens and esteemed over a wide territory in which they were known. In such a home Mark grew up. School facilities at that time were poor, but he seems to have gotten some good training some- where. His father owned large acreage and several servants. For sport boys of that day and station hunted, rowed, fished and square-danced. Although Mark weighed over 200 pounds, he is said to have excelled most persons of his acquaintance in the grace and ease, as well as the greater variety of steps with which he could make the hours go by. For work there was, besides the general farm supervision, the making of turpentine, fishing on the beach, where crews of men manned huge surf boats to row out into the ocean and surround with nets the schools of mullets that ran close to the shore on their journeys to the warmer waters for the winter. These were salted away in barrels and kegs for winter use, or sold to traders who carried them to inland markets. Mark was elected Sheriff of the County in 1854. During his term it became his painful duty to execute a man convicted of a most heinous crime. He was hanged on the Courthouse Square in Jacksonville. Mr. Redd was married on October 8, 1946, to Emily Ann Sid- bury, daughter of William and Rebecca Burnett Sidbury. Their only child, Susan Rebecca Redd, married Hill E. King. Captain Bryant Southerland Where Mr. Southerland lived prior to his marriage to Amanda Ervin is unknown to this writer. Miss Ervin was the daughter of the late Abner Ervin and sister to the later John A. Ervin. After marriage, the Southerlands lived in Richlands, where they resided at the outbreak of the Civil War. War Department records show that he entered the service December 28, 1861, age 30. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant May 15, 1862, and to Captain about April, 1864. Clark’s Regimental History says he succeeded Captain HE. W. Ward on November CiviL WAR LEADERSHIP 93 30, 1863, which is probably correct, as no exact date is mentioned in the official record. The duty of the 41st Regiment, of which Company B was a part, was to patrol the area in Eastern North Carolina. Being always on the move, little record was kept. In April, 1864, the 41st was ordered to report to General Lee around Richmond. Soon after at Hanover Court House, Vir- ginia, Captain Southerland was captured. An inspection report dated January, 1865, shows him “a prisoner of war Jacksonville, North Carolina.” No later record has been found. However, if he survived the war his wife or her family never knew it. He never came back. One daughter survived him. She is reported to have married a Middleton and resided in Goldsboro. Colonel Simon B. Taylor, Company A, 35th Regiment (This paper appeared first in the News and Views of Jack- sonville, N. C. Deep down in the heart of every true Southerner “Tee's Im- mortals” are still marching—tramping with steady tread through the corridors of time. The Southern soldier devoted to a conviction for which each of them would die, captained by a leader at once so superb as to be matchless when measured by any standard, has been, and will remain through all time, emblematic of the courage of con- viction which allows that a people be overpowered but never conquered. Then came Appomattox, the Gethsemane of the Confederacy, When all was lost save honor. Overpowered by sheer weight of numbers and resources, the Southerner returned to his home and began the rebuilding of a Civilization which is destined to produce a commonwealth of enterprise and achievement the like of which has heretofore been unknown. We are the children of those brave men of the South and proud of our Sires. This year on Lee’s Birthday, January 19th, we Point to one of the “Immortals” and claim him as our own. Colonel Simon B. Taylor’s record in the war between the states Was exceptional and was probably unsurpassed by that of any other soldier on either side during that terrible conflict. the regiment at Kinston became the Captain 0 Regiment. He took part in the battles of Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg. During the first half of 1863 Captain Taylor’s men were ordered back to Eastern North Carolina but returned to Virginia in June when he was promoted 94 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW to Major of the Regiment, being succeeded as Captain by Henry W. Humphrey. At Plymouth, Major Taylor distinguished himself. He is said to have been the first Confederate to mount the parapet when the first fort was taken from the Federal works. It was here that he received his first wound, being shot through the leg. At Bermuda Hundreds, Colonel Jones of the 35th was killed. He was much beloved by his men, and when Fort Comfort was captured at Plymouth the men had it rechristened “Fort Jones” in his honor. Colonel Jones was succeeded by Colonel Johnston and Major Taylor became a Lieutenant-Colonel succeeding Col- onel Johnston. At the Crater July 30, 1864, Colonel Taylor received a slight wound in the head, but remained with his men. For eight months in the trenches around Petersburg they underwent all the hor- rors of war until the dark first day of April, 1865, when the Regiment lost nearly half its number. Here Colonel Taylor was wounded for the third time, being shot through the arm, then captured and taken to a Federal field hospital. There the doctor ‘prepared to amputate the wounded limb, but Colonel Taylor re- fused to allow the operation to be made. From then on, no atten- tion was given to him at all until he made an appeal to the Camp Inspector, who ordered the wound treated, thus probably saving his life. Colonel Taylor often afterward expressed the wish to know the Inspector’s name because he felt this to have been an act of surpassing kindness from a generous enemy. Colonel Taylor knew both Generals Lee and Jackson person- ally, and in an interview long after the war said, “Many times I saw them and shook hands with them during the war. Every- body loved them. Long lines of people used to wait to speak to them after battle, or church services. They should be kindly remembered and honored.” Colonel Taylor was born in Lenoir County in 1834. He served an apprenticeship with a merchant in Kinston and received as his two years pay a suit of clothes and $50.00 in money. The year following the war he married Miss Sallie Murrill of Onslow, and after her death married her sister Nannie—both ladies according to the best traditions of the Old South. Colonel Taylor made his home at Catherine Lake, where for 65 years he engaged in merchandising, manufacturing of naval stores, and in agricultural pursuits, doing a large time supply business, as such often aiding men when they needed it badly, especially during the hard times following the war. He held several County Offices including that of County Treas- urer, before that office was abolished in Onslow, Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, etc... . CiviL WAR LEADERSHIP 95 Colonel Taylor lived to a ripe old age and maintained an in- terest in current events as long as he lived, was active in local politics, and followed progress and invention in minute detail. He was especially enthusiastic over the great feat of Colonel Lindbergh in crossing the Atlantic in 1927 and shortly before his death predicted that the next war would be in the air. As long as he lived Colonel Taylor loved and attended the re- union of the Old Confederate Soldiers. He was a Mason and a member of the Christian Church, being for many years one of the Trustees of Atlantic Christian College. He died in 1929 and is buried at Catherine Lake. His place in our history is secure. Captain Edward W. Ward Edward W. Ward, Captain, Company B, 41st State Troops, Confederate States Army, entered the service December 28, 1861, at Jacksonville, also shown as Swansboro, North Carolina, age 24 years. He tendered his resignation October 26, 1863, on ac- count of physical disability, which was accepted to date Novem- ber 30, 1863. To Captain Ward goes the credit for the organization of Com- pany B, to which he was named Captain at the organization. It numbered 130 men. After the capture of New Bern Company B’s duty was to patrol the roads and streams of Eastern North Carolina as a guard against further intrusion by the Federals. They ranged as far north as New Bern and Washington, North Carolina. After Captain ward had been succeeded by Captain Souther- land, the company took part in the campaign around Richmond. After the capture of Captain Southerland at Hanover Court House, it does not appear what became of Company B. Perhaps they were scattered among the other companies where they fought on till the close of the war. In the census of 1860 “E. Ward” was a practicing physician, Post office Piney Green. After the war he resided at his planta- tion “Cedar Point” near the mouth of New River. In 1880, al- though still practicing medicine, he was also well known as a farmer and merchant. Bibliography dirs. Effie Harrell: Letter to this writer. icial Records War Department, Washington, D. Cc. Unsigned article in the New Bernian, March 20, 1927, Page 2. ame of History. Statt-writer History of North Carolina. Volume 6, page 149. pout Carolina Manual 1913. Osephus Daniels Tar Heel Editor, page 499. ohn R. Shaw: letter to this writer. RECONSTRUCTION While the eastern counties were in control of the Union forces, Several efforts were made by Union sympathizers to organize a Union government for the invaded territory. Among those active in this were Charles Henry Foster, a native of Maine, and Marble Nash Taylor, a Methodist Minister who had been with the Confederates at Hatteras but turned traitor and did what he could to spy on them. At a so-called Convention at Hatteras November 18, 1861, Taylor received a letter from one J. W. Bailey in Lima, New York, which illustrates how baseless was the authority under which they acted. The letter reads as follows: Lima, New York November 15, 1861 Dear Sir: I address you this line to request you to represent the Union Men of Onslow County, North Carolina, in State Convention to organize : a Provincial Government, having once been a resident of the County and knowing something of the feeling there existing. I am respectfully, J. W. BAILey Col. Simon B. Taylor, C.S.A. Lt. William B. Cushing, U.S.N. Rey. M. N. Taylor The voting was only in Hyde County, and the United States Would not allow them representation in Congress. Taylor afterwards became a newspaper correspondent and F Oster commanded a company of Negro soldiers, but was dis- missed by Butler. The Legislature which met immediately following the war was “Corrupt beyond Measure.” The state was plundered and debt Created, the proceeds from which the state received little or no benefit. Governor Holden, appointed by President Johnston, was look- = ada as representing the power of the Carpetbagger in the State. ; In 1870 the Democrats regained control of the Assembly and immediately a movement was begun to impeach the governor +. . one Negro member voting against the Governor, who was ae “Bitten by his own dog”, as a prominent Democrat de- i Clared i eid several Co we that cheat A Rake mater was appointed to conduct the trial, and among the six members of this Board was James G. Scott, who Was Representative from Onslow. ; i The Governor was charged with high crimes against the state, 98 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW found guilty and forbidden ever to hold office again in North Carolina. Onslow, however, fared much better during Reconstruction than our neighboring county of Jones, where the Sheriff was removed by General Canby, a northern man, and a majority of the County Commissioners were negroes. There Colonel J. H. Nethercutt, Sheriff and the county’s foremost citizen, was mur- dered while sitting by his own fireside. In Onslow, the Democrats retained control throughout the entire period and thus most of the horrors of reconstruction were happily averted. The surrender of Lee and Johnson brought the end of the war. A period of reconstruction then began. If the kindly hand of Lincoln could have prevailed, most of its horrors might have been avoided. The President, however, was assassinated by a Southern sym- pathizer, although neither sponsored, supported nor approved by the Southern people. The events which followed increased the bitterness between the North and the South, and Congress then took charge. Many of its leaders had long hated the South and now saw a grand opportunity to vent some of their wrath upon the Southern people. That the South was prostrate and had surrendered in full faith made no difference to them. Reconstruction plans included the adoption of a new constitu- tion by each state, and the North Carolina convention met in 1868 for the purpose of framing the new instrument. It was adopted by a majority of such voters as could vote. The war settled several things, among which was: 1. No state might again leave the Union; that Federal power superceded State power wherever the two seemed to clash. 2. Slavery was abolished and the former slave given the franchise. The colored man was at a loss to know what to do with his new power. Carpetbaggers sprang up everywhere ready to ad- vise him, who together with scalawags and renegade southern whites got control of the situation and the poor negroes soon became tools in their hands. The situation went from bad to worse, many lives were lost and much racial hatred engendered. Secret societies, working under cover, sprang up overnight and began a systematic clean- up of the situation, and while their method cannot be justified, the results were soon apparent, and for the better. The freeing of the slaves hit the landed aristocracy every- where. Many a planter found himself “land poor” leaving his broad acres with no one to tend them. A system worked out RECONSTRUCTION 99 later allowed the former slave to rent lands from his former Mas- ter and pay rent from the proceeds of the crop. Another vital blow to the Planters’ prestige was the destruc- tion of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions. Under the new setup the County was to be governed by Coun- ty Commissioners, whose power was considerably curtailed. The Justices found themselves shorn of all duties or privileges except the trial of minor cases, the performance of marriage rites, ete. Among the last of the Onslow Court’s official acts was the adoption of a proposal to sell the old site of the County Home at Catherine Lake and to purchase and erect a new one. ; The violence of the reconstruction period with its fierce social upheaval made its mark deep in the lives of the people, not only of Onslow, but throughout the South. The Reconstruction policy has borne its full fruitage throughout the years. The scar will long remain. Bibliography Hamilton: Reconstruction in North Carolina. Marquis L. F. Redd ONSLOW GAZETTE The post office at Onslow Court House, Onslow County, North Carolina, was established April 1, 1814. Eden Bell was the first postmaster. The name of the post office was changed to Jack- sonville August 20, 1873, with Rufus K. Pelletier as postmaster. Richlands, Onslow County, was established June 8, 1826, with John A. Avirett as first postmaster. _ Swansborough, Onslow County, North Carolina, was estab- lished April 1, 1799, with A. Carmalt as first postmaster. The name of the office was changed to Swansboro April 16, 1811. The office was discontinued October 31, 1845. William P. Fer- rand postmaster. The office was reestablished February 5, 1846, and Charles H. Barnum was appointed postmaster. Records of the Post Office Department in the National Archives show that a post office was established at Marines, Onslow Coun- ty, on August 31, 1885, with Wiley N. Marine appointed as the Only postmaster. It was discontinued on December 27, 1886. A post office was established at Pollard, Onslow County, on October 21, 1885. Its name was changed to Marines on April 2, 1890. The Post Office Department has informed us that this office was discontinued on September 30, 1941. Names of the Postmasters and dates of their appointment were: Edward S. Smith October 21, 1885 Lewis Marine July 1, 1897 Edward B. Smith. June 12, 1914 Frank A. Smith June 14, 1928 The Postoffice at Marines was closed when the United States Government took over the area for the Marine Base. i According to records of the Post Office Department now in Cur custody, a post office was established at Comfort on April 27, 1847, with E. S. F. Giles appointed as postmaster. It was discontinued on June 9, 1851; reestablished on April 23, 1852; discontinued on December 6, 1866; and reestablished on August 1, 1873. An early mail route including Comfort was No. 2828, from Strickland’s Depot (via Kenansville, Hallsville, Richlands, Mar- ket P lace, and Comfort) to Trenton, let for the period 1847-51, to Joseph Allen of Trenton, North Carolina, 57 miles and back, Once a week, for $379 per annum. Onslow Post Masters 1883 Onslow Courthouse _.....John Connor 1833 Richlands John Avirette 1833 Comfort Jacob Giles THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW 1853 xewir en tories uses seg epee gen oem E. S. F. Giles 1835 Onslow Courthouse _...__..____-G. C. Marvin TYAS ne alle wae kj Sa _John Avirette 1885 Comfort OH F107 Wolssl 28.99% B. Shine 1839 Trenton _Frances DuVal 1839 Onslow Courthouse. Sate Grant 1839 Richlands William H. Murrill Gazetteer, United States of America, by Haskel and Smith, published New York, 1845, pp. 567, 496 and 646 gives the follow- ing information concerning Onslow County: Richlands, post office in Onslow County, N. C. It con- tains a Methodist Church, one store and eight inhabi- tants. Onslow Courthouse, post village in Onslow County, N. C.; Situated on the Hast side of New River.- It con- tains a court house and a few dwellings. Swansborough, post village in Onslow County, N. C. Situated on the West side of the estuary of Whittock (White Oak) River, opposite to Bogue Inlet and con- tains about 50 inhabitants. Post offices in 1854 as given in John Hayward’s Gazeteer of the United States of America: Angola, Catharine Lake, Foys Store, Palo Alto, Piney Green, Richlands, Sneads Ferry, Stump Sound and Swansborough. Onslow in 1860 Let us take a look at Onslow in 1860. The population number- ed, according to the United States Census, 8,856 persons. There were nine churches, viz: 4 Methodist : Swansboro Tab- ernacle, Queens Creek and Richlands. 5 Baptist: North East, Palo Alto, South West, Wards Mill, Yopps and Stump Sound. Two Lawyers: James G. Scott and F. D. Koonce. Nine Doctors: Cador G. Cox, Richlands; George N. Everett, Golden Place; Charles Duffy, Sr., Catharine Lake; Charles Duffy, Jr., Catharine Lake; John W. Hill, Piney Green; W. J. Montford, Jacksonville; Elisha Porter, Jacksonville; Richard W. Ward, Jacksonville, and Edward W. Ward, Piney Green. Seven Ministers: J. D. Buie, John F. Mattocks, John W. Burns, John C. Hewitt, Ben J. Pollard, Job Smith and Asa Sidbury. Ten Post Offices: Onslow Courthouse, Catharine Lake, Golden Place, Gum Branch, Palo Alto, Piney Green, Richlands, Swans- boro and Wards Mill. ONSLOW GAZETTE There were 14 Post Offices in Onslow in 1862: Amans Store Wolf Pitt Catharine Lake Haw Branch Golden Place Onslow Courthouse Gum Branch Palestine Piney Green Palo Alto Sneads Ferry Richlands Swansboro Stones Bay Again, let us take a look at the County 20 years later. There were: Fourteen Post Offices: Amans Store, Catharine Lake, Duck Creek, Jacksonville, Palo Alto, Peanut, Richlands, Silver Dale, sieads Ferry, Stump Sound, Swansboro, Tar Landing and Wards ill. Seven Lawyers: T. E. Gilman, Jacksonville; F. D. Koonce, Richlands; R. W. Nixon, Jacksonville; E. B. Sanders, Swans- ae James G. Scott, Jacksonville and Frank Thompson, Rich- ands. Seven Doctors: C. Duffy, Catharine Lake; M. C. Hoyt, Jack- Sonville; Doctor McLendon, Sneads Ferry; W. J. Montford, Wards Mill; J. L. Nicholson, Richlands; Cyrus Thompson, Jack- Sonville and Doctor Wooten, Catharine Lake. : Four Schools (evidently Prep Schools or Academies) : Catha- rine Lake Academy, H. C. Bowen, Master; Piney Green, E. Hy- man, Master; Richlands Academy, F. Thompson, Master, and Swansboro Academy with Claude Frazel, Master. Two acres of tobacco produced 730 pounds and 6,658 acres of Cotton produced 2,841 bales. Merchants: George W. Smith, Silverdale; T. Arthur, Wards Mill; G. W. Blake, Jacksonville; J. F. Boggs, Catharine Lake; M. V. D. Everett; Peanut; A. F. Farnell, Wards Mill; J. O. Foy, Richlands; M. T. Foy, Amans Store; J. O. Frazel, Wards Mill; Thomas Gilman, Wards Mill; Gurganus and Gurganus, General Merchandise and Liquor Store, Jacksonville; B. 19s Hall, Tar Landing; Hall and Pearsall, Tar Landing; E. B. Hargett, Silver- dale; Hargett and Shackelford, Richlands; James Hartsfield, Catharine Lake; M. C. Hoyt, Jacksonville; A. C. Huggins, Jack- Sonville; D. E. Humphrey, Jacksonville; E. M. Mattocks, Swans- boro; E. W. Murrill, Gum Branch; Z. A. Pittman, Swansboro; Provow and Wilkins, Sneads Ferry; Sabiston Brothers, Palo Alto; N. S. Shepard, Palo Alto; George Simmons, Catharine Lake; George Smith, Silverdale; Steed and Mills, Richlands; S: B. Taylor, Catharine Lake; E. W. Ward, Duck Creek; Williams and Connelly, Sneads Ferry; L. O. Wood Liquor Store, Jack- sonville; B. W. Jenkins, Sneads Ferry; J. P. Jones, Wards Mill; 104 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW H. E. King, Peanut; Henry Koonce, Richlands; T. S. Littleton, Swansboro and W. N. Marine General Merchandise and Liquor Store, Sneads Ferry. Bibliography General Services Administration, National Archives and Records Service, Washington 25, D. C. Haskell and Smith, New York 1845 Gazetteer, United States of America. THE FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS IN POLITICS The end of the Civil War brought freedom to the slaves, the result being that farm labor was at a premium. In the eae alized condition of the State at the time, planters were unable to hire such labor as was available. On the other hand, the pe slaves were unable to support their families on the wages offere them. Of course, cash rental for land was out of the GuesHion, To meet these needs a share crop system was worked out py which the planter furnished the land and equipment while the tenant did the labor of cultivating and housing the crops. a The tenant, even then, required subsistence while he uae e Crop. In answer to this the crop-lien system came into ee Under its provisions the “time merchant” agreed to run : farmer until he could sell the crops and pay for supplies use during the year. ; Mee: As foe harder, the crop-lien class increased anh as included small farmers who owned their own homes, ae cluded white as well as colored tenants. As financial oon i none grew more stringent, more and more people became depen upon the time payment plan. f ; Cotton, ae ce rineeareth crop in North Carolina, dropped m Price from $1.00 per pound at the close of the Civil War, mg ae 1895 when it reached a low of less than 5 cents per pound. — a bacco was little better. During the same years in the agricu tural West, corn sold for 15 cents and wheat at 30 cents per bushel. As a result of the hard times farmers found themselves tase ing deeper in debt, unable to pay off crop-liens, and pe ee forced to mortgage their real estate. With continue PH uide Cline came the prospect of losing even their farms an le 0) i Moreover, men saw themselves and their families descending Social and financial scale and were powerless to stop. ’ The governments, National and State, could or would do noth ing to relieve the situation. : Strange as it may seem when the farmer looked around him, everybody else seemed to be prospering very well. After acre the problem, farm leaders placed ihe bees about as follows: on the time merchant and the banks, Ww. % niet acted together, they placed the blame for time prices en ih Z rate of interest. The railroads were blamed for ex o ita : freight rates which often discriminated against them a uae a industry. They believed that the tariff favored indus ry 'e He expense of the farmer, that the agriculturist was the vie ins an unjust system of taxation even in state and local levies. ey 106 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW also believed that the great Trusts controlled a monopoly on everything the farmer bought or sold. The farmer argued also that the Government was in league with his enemies because it failed to protect him or to attempt any regulation of the evils of which he complained. To support and confirm this contention, he charged that the Government actually aided the enemy by its failure to make available an ade- quate supply of currency. Leaders of farm thought believed that their only hope lay in the organization of the farmers them- selves for concerted action in the problems with which they were confronted. Their opportunity came with the coming of “The Grange,” which appeared first about 1873. In two years its membership in North Carolina numbered 10,000. In 1876 it began “The Greenback Party,” which polled in the national elec- tion a million votes. The Silver Purchasing Act of that year and the reissue of Greenback largely attained the object for which the Greenback Party had fought, and it soon began to decline. (Hicks: The Populist Revolt.) About 1875 the Farmers Alliance appeared first in Texas. It cooperated with the Greenbacks and almost went down with them, but under the magnetic influence of C. W. McCune, their number grew and multiplied. Organized first in North Carolina in 1887 under the leadership of Colonel L. L. Polk, Editor of the Progressive Farmer, the Alliance wielded a powerful influence in the State. In 1891 it claimed a membership of 10,000 in North Carolina alone. Presidents of the State Organization included S. B. Alexander, Elias Carr and Marion Butler. Upon the accession of Butler to the Presidency of the National Alliance, Cyrus Thompson of Onslow was elected State President. The names of Major W. A. Graham and Harry Skinner, believed to be the author of the Sub-Treasury Plan, were also prominent in its affairs. Carolina leadership rated splendidly among other such farm leaders as C. W. McCune of Texas, Milton George of Illinois, Ben Tillman of South Carolina, Tom Watson in Georgia, Allen in Nebraska, Donnelly in Minnesota, Weaver in Iowa, Field in Vir- gina, and Jerry Simpson in Kansas, all of whom were able, ag- gressive leaders and in dead earnest. The Alliance adopted a program of National legislation which it believed would, if enacted, remedy the ills it complained of. The program included the instituting of: (1) National Sub-Treasuries made up of storage and offices for agri- cultural products, against the contents of which currency could be issued, thus decentralizing and making more elastic the cur- rency. They contended the Government could issue money against any wealth it possessed and was not therefore dependent upon TuE FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS IN POLITICS gold, silver, and bonds as a base for currency. Harry Skinner of North Carolina was author of the plan. toaster (2) Second only to the Sub Treasury Act would be a provisio the free and unlimited coinage of silver. (3) National Banks would be abolished, and eid (4) Dealings in futures in Agricultural Products prohibited. On the State Program were such important items as: (a) The establishing of a State Agricultural and Mechanical ae (b) The establishing of a Railroad Commission for the contro rail freights and tariffs. (c) The 6% Interest Law. (d) A Secret Ballot. (e) The Practice of Economy in State Government. oe (£) Encouragement of Education, Agriculture and Manufac r In the meantime, the demand for the oreaniZayen ite fe Hie Political party had become strong in the Wes we By power South, for fear of giving the negro voters the ba Teor olitical the organized farmer favored cooperation ae : tad ne the party which best subscribed to principles advoca farmer. é . By 1892, however, the North Carolina Alliance ied Peat convinced that neither of the old parties a ok eed A reform and they, too, decided on separate poli ica, ss Being convention was held in Raleigh in August with 72 aati Pita represented. A ticket headed by W. P. Exum was th the Demo- Carr opposed the move and not only remained pa te for Gov- crats but was nominated by them as their cave Pia turn of ernor. The Republicans, of course, were pleased ie chance to events for they saw in the division of the Democrats a win the election. 5 Daniel L. Russell, leader of the Republicans, even proposed ntcte t that that party dispense with nominating a slate reese te é advocated instead the endorsing of the Populis a nates Republicans, however, named a ticket headed by D. M. , candidate for Governor. : ‘ The Populists polled 44,728 votes and captured 3 So Sn Assembly. This gave them the balance of power in tics in North Carolina. ‘ +s The Republicans saw that the Populist tea ee fone and its leadership the most aggressive in the poll a ese State. At that time Russell and other ee ee ote oa tainly would not have been averse to a line-up of anata On Populists if by so doing they could win over the 4 “i a4 shat the other hand, while some progress had been ma va dcamed by cooperating with the Democrats, a good many § ee ee. necessary had not been taken, and relief from grieva 108 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW plained of had been slow in coming, so in 1894 a “fusion” was arranged between the two minority parties. The coalition swept the State electing a majority of the General Assembly, seven congressmen and both United States Senators. In 1896 the Populists supported the National Democratic can- didates but could not come to terms with the State Organization, so the “Fusion” with the State Republicans continued, although Bryan, the Democratic Candidate for President, carried the State. The Fusionists elected Daniel L. Russell, Republican, Govern- or, and Cyrus Thompson, Populist, Secretary of State. James M. Mewborn, a Populist, was named Commissioner of Agricul- ture. By 1898 the Democrats regained the majority in the Assem- bly and fusion politics in North Carolina was on the way out. The question now arises as to what had the farmers gained by their entrance into politics? How much of their program had been actually enacted into law? Populist Claim of Attainment Some of their most important legislative claims included: (a) Strengthening of the Department of Agriculture. (b) The establishing of a College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts separate from the University of North Carolina, and a school for the Deaf and Dumb. (c) The setting up of a Railroad Commission to regulate the tariffs charged by the railways and to see that the roads paid their share of the taxes. (d) The establishing of a Woman’s College at Greensboro for the education of young women. (Thanks to Charles D. McIver.) (e) Increased apportionment for Public Schools. (f) Legal rate of interest set at 6%. (g) Provided that County Commissioners, heretofore elected by the magistrates, be elected by popular vote. (h) A normal school for Negro teachers and an Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes were established in spite of the fact that the “Negro Question” hung like a pall over everything which the Republican Party did or was suspected of doing, and to a lesser degree upon the Populists also when they fused with the Republicans. The National Congress failed to take much action in assisting the Farmers, but the natural course of things seemed to favor them. The next few years saw new mines of gold come into produc- tion, causing some inflation and prosperity. The war with Spain created a demand for trade and added to the inflationary process already under way. THE FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS IN POLITICS 109 The enactment of the above program, together ee of prices bringing more satisfactory living prea sroaetng all, the coming of the White Supremacy fanialae ae latte: Caused the Populists to forego partisan politics in me eee turn to the old political parties—but to which old politi would they go? ; The Potlista in the fusion with the eee had ae bad bargain for themselves, and during the whole a tae Farmers movement the Democrats had not ceased wa ra and put the blame for evils of ae aor aL Republica held the Populists as accessories to the fact. The White Supremacy Campaign swept across the rapes tee the mountains to the sea. In its wake former poles a We Melted away and most of the Populists returned to the fad asta from whom they had come. Not all of them, Leer oar of the Populist leaders who had suffered most by i Nn sbi Name calling by the Democrats never returned but w eeanditie Republicans instead. Butler and Thompson were ee Ate examples of these latter. Russell had been a Repu the close of the Civil ‘ie vA ieeainis? What was Onslow’s part in all o: Sie First, the County ae thoroughly organized by ns ean being ably and skillfully led. Taking a cue ae seta tenerd and State farm organizations which had such ee e esti and periodicals as The National Economist, The ae F armer, and The Caucasian, the organized farmers is 2 acaplial Promoted a Party organ in The Onslow Blade, ell fa a ak ed by Hill E. King at his home at Folkstone, a s ae pes Paper will be found in another chapter. No copies 0 te ahesiaale available now but its importance in politics at ees eects Cated when it is known that to offset its inpnene t ee oaeae felt it necessary to establish a newspaper in Jackso , they did. ji iN fet. of the Alliance too often overlooked was its epucers hat had been done Speeches advocating reforms and explaining w upon the lives of or was trying to be done, and its possible effect i 5 the aie So aroused were they that women and ae ae far and near came, and great dinners were a re sar ettheir came to take part in the discussions and learn how Plan ive. OE Gs Onaee tana eae to the State organization Se ere Cyrus Thompson who was for a time State Teeny ee is dent and President of the State Alliance. So impor ad fatpam: addresses considered that they were sometimes printe 110 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW phlet form for distribution throughout the State. Copies can be seen of one or more of these booklets in the State Library at Raleigh today. Hill E. King, besides his newspaper effort at home, became chief clerk to the Senate during the Legislative sessions of 1895 and 1897. A careful check of the papers named above shows a number of happenings in Onslow too long and too detailed for inclusion here. Incidentally, the Peoples Party was scientifically organized in Onslow. Besides Dr. Thompson with his State wide vision and King with his Blade, the Chairman who presided at Party con- ventions and who did the party field work was William M. Bar- bee of Richlands. Militant and aggressive, he was the engineer who put party plans into operation in the most effective way. Last of the big four was Francis D. Koonce, Richlands lawyer and candidate for Judge of the Sixth Judicial District. F. D. Shaw, W. W. Russell, J. W. Fountain, A. F. Farnell and G. W. Ward were prominent in the party workings. The Onslow Hustings were lively in those days. Opponents of the Populists were Rodolph Duffy, Democratic Chairman, Frank Thompson, (brother of Dr. Cyrus) Lawyer and Repre- sentative in the Assembly, and Elijah M. Koonce. Joint “speak- ings” were arranged and debates held, in which “neither side asked or gave quarter and no holds were barred.” Illustrative of the manner of the campaigning carried on in Eastern North Carolina in those days we quote from Josephus Daniels in his book, ‘Editor in Politics,” page 299, in which he tells of an engagement in which he was to speak for the Demo- crats at Chineapin in Duplin County and what occurred there. “Quote”: “The morning I arrived in Duplin there came a message from the Populist Chairman asking for a division of time with Dr. Cyrus Thompson. It was accepted and the program was that I was to speak first and then Dr. Thompson. When I arrived there were about fifty or seventy-five Democrats present, and perhaps twenty-five or thirty Populists. There were very few Republicans in Duplin except Ne- groes and there was not many of them present. A few were on the outskirts. Thompson was there and a few of the faithful, but about time I finished speaking and Thompson was about to speak, after a brass band number, two or three hundred Populists rode up shout- ing and took possession of the meeting. They hadn’t come to hear me, but they gave Thompson such a reception as that section had never seen before, nor since, I suppose. I had made my long speech to the Democrats and a few Populists. The Populists had arranged a spectacular demonstration. All carried corn-stalks and waved them, and when Thompson got up to speak, they gave him such an ovation as might have been staged in a National Democratic Con- vention. From the beginning of his speech he never made a threat THE FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS IN POLITICS 111 or told a story that they didn’t all rise up and cheer, It was terri- ble. Our small body of Democrats, faithful and true did the best they could for me but they were outnumbered six to one. The Popu- lists had been drilled and it looked more like a crusade than a cam- paign on their part. I always had great respect for Cyrus Thomp- son’s speaking ability after that day.” Those days are gone, but the bitterness engendered during those campaigns remained as long as the participants lived, an even today one speaks diffidently in mentioning any of the per- Sonalities concerned for fear of stirring up old prejudices which Should remain undisturbed. ‘ is ae One thought should remain regardless of details and opinions : The trend toward peonage, serfdom and decline of the Ameri- can Farmer during the 80’s and 90’s was definitely halted in the United States by the spontaneous organization af the Farmers themselves, under their own leadership and the impression made by them at that time changed American History—for the better. DANIEL LINDSAY RUSSELL Daniel L. Russell was elected Governor of North Carolina in the fusion election of 1896. Next to W. W. Holden, he probably holds the unenviable record oerenie the most unloved individual ever to have occupied that ice. Brilliant and erratic, he had a long record in public life before Coming to that important post. Onslow’s interest in him comes from the fact that his was one of the oldest families in the County, while his grandfather, with whom he grew up, was one of the wealthiest as well as the most honored of ante-bellum Onslow’s citizens. Russell was born in Brunswick County August 7, 1845. While very young his parents died and the boy came to the home of his grandparents on White Oak, where he grew up in the artisto- cratic tradition of the Old South. The plantation with its many Servants, with his every wish gratified, with education, affluence and all that went with it probably made its impression upon him and influenced his reactions throughout his long public career. A story is told that while attending a nearby school, a servant Was sent with a warm lunch for the boy each day. Observing he was the only one being so pampered, he refused to eat the food and ordered the servant back home saying that “if the other boys could eat cold lunch so could he.” ; Russell early entered Bingham School in Orange County, con- Sidered one of the best Prep Schools in the State at that time, following which he entered the University of North Carolina. The coming of the Civil War, however, ended his college career. _ Entering the war as a Lieutenant in the Confederate Army, little can be said of his military record. In 1864 he was elected to the House of Commons from Brunswick County while yet only 20 years of age, serving two years. At the end of that time he Was admitted to the Bar and began the practice of his protes- Sion in Wilmington. _At the end of the war Russell accepted defeat and protested his loyalty to the Union, which was a turning point in his career. In 1868, while yet only 23 years of age, he was elected J udge of the Circuit Court of the 4th Judicial District, a position which he held for 6 years. In 1876 he was again in the House of Com- os from Brunswick. That same year he attended the Repub- ican National Convention in Cincinnati, which nominated Hayes idential Elector on and Wheeler, and was himself named a Presi the ticket that Fall. In 1878, taking the advantages of a split in the Democratic Jonel A. M. Waddell and Ex- ranks caused by a fight between Co 114 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Lieutenant Governor Charles M. Steadman, candidates for Con- gress on the Democratic ticket, Russell by a ruse, entered a ticket in the contest as a Republican only 10 days before the election and won a majority of the ballots cast. He was not a candidate for reelection in 1880. In 1892 we hear him suggesting that the Republican party put out no candidates that year, but endorse those nominated by the Populist Party. Not.so well known is the fact that both old Parties courted the Populists in the hope of winning them over, knowing that the Populists held the balance of power in the State at the time. Russell, wise old politician that he was, saw the making of a-defeat for the Democrats even then had his advice been followed, but the Republicans selected a slate of their own, thus postponing that defeat for another term. The Populists were not satisfied with the cooperation that they had had from the Democrats and, “would be ready to talk with the Republicans by another election” he said, and again Russell’s surmise was correct. At the Republican Convention in 1896 he was a candidate for Governor. He was opposed by Oliver Dock- ery, who was supposed to have a majority of the convention, but by a combination with the forces of Judge Boyd, Russell was nominated by a fraction of a vote, while the Dockery forces cried “Fraud!” A fusion was arranged between the Republicans and Populists and certain candidates were endorsed in each camp. The strength of the Populists and the weakness of “Cleveland and five cent cotton” carried the election for the fusionists and a change of administration was immediately at hand. As Russell entered upon his duties as Governor there was fear and dread in the hearts of many people. The Governor had made himself odious to the best people of the State when back as Circuit Judge he had ruled that under the 15th Amendment a Negro had a legal right to buy a ticket and enter a theater re- served for white people. They never forgave him that. What he would do as Governor of the State remained to be seen. The details of Russell’s action while Governor must be left to the historian, but a review of his public life appeared in the News and Observer the morning after his death May 15, 1908. So comprehensive and so wisely was the editorial worded that most of its statements now seem to be considered Judgment of History. Since Reconstruction days had passed away, little trouble had been caused by the negro in politics until the resumption of Re- publican rule in 1896. Russell had always before contended that the negro was basic- ally unfit to hold public office, that “he stole all the week and tice of law. DANIEL LINDSAY RUSSELL 115 prayed it off on Sunday,” but upon becoming a candidate for Governor, when he needed every negro vote he could get, he is said to have declared that “the negro should have his oats and fodder.” At another time he declared he “had been nursed by a Negro Mammy and stood for the Negro,” but the sudden about-face fooled few of the Negroes, most of whom did not trust him. ; A convention of Negroes held in Raleigh endorsed Guthrie, the Populist candidate, but as always, the Negro vote was cor- raled and voted enmasse for the Republican candidate when election day came. ‘iva Whether animated by his desire to aid the Negro (which is doubtful) or by a desire for vengeance against his political enemies, Governor Russell asked the enactment of an act which Would allow the Governor to appoint an additional alderman for each one elected by the people in each town in the State. In this way enough of his own men could be named by the Governor to control any city whenever he so desired. In the East where the vote was close, this action threw con- trol of the cities into hands of Negro Aldermen, Justices of the Peace and School Committeemen. ee At that time the Negro was ignorant and easily influenced by bad white and Negro leadership. The result was a rule of cor- ruption and race prejudice unequaled since Reconstruction days. Matters grew worse and culminated in a race riot in Wil- mington. The trouble ended with the assumption of power by Community action, driving the Radicals from power and their leaders from the city. Threats were even made against the life of the Governor himself should he attempt to return to the city. Peace in the city was soon restored under Democratic rule, and peace loving Negroes returned to their homes from which they had fled. White women again walked the streets in safety and order was resumed in the life of the community. Little wonder that “his administration was always u fire” or that there ‘was always discord to contend with.” The Democrats contended that organized corruption, misrule and bloodshed were represented in the person of Daniel L. Rus- Sell. In the election of 1898 the Democrats regained control of nder the Assembly and the Governor’s influence with the law making o eclipse with the White body deeli i iti went int y declined. His political sun Nee ees the pra supremacy campaign of 1900 and Russe The part Russell played in the noted South Dakota Bond Case as been argued pro and con between Democrats and Repub- licans since that case was begun in 1901. The carpetbag Legis- lature of 1866 under the pretense of raising funds with which to 116 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW repair the railroads of the State had issued bonds which when sold brought only 25 cents to 60 cents on the dollar. Later these bonds, then owned by various brokers. throughout the nation and Cuba, were from time to time presented for collection. To settle the troublesome question, the State in 1879 arranged with most of its creditors to pay off the indebtedness at something like 25 cents on the dollar. One of the owners of bonds (amounting to approximately $250,000) Simon Shafer and Brother of New York, thinking that as the State improved economically the worth of the bonds would increase, refused to settle at the time. About 25 years later a number of the bonds were presented by the owners to the State of South Dakota apparently with the understanding that South Dakota would bring suit against North Carolina to test their validity and compel payment. This was done and the Su- preme Court decided in favor of South Dakota. Final disposi- tion of the bonds and what rate of discount, if any, was made is not important here, but the part played by Mr. Russell is of interest. Facts which should be known about these bonds are: . The bonds were issued by a discredited Assembly made up of Carpet Baggers, scalawags and ignorant men, many of whom fattened at the expense of the State while North Carolina was prostrate from war and over-run by Federal Armies. These bonds were sold at whatever was offered (usually about one-fourth of the face value) not one cent of which benefit ever accrued to the State of North Carolina. Demands for payment had been made while Russell was Gov- ernor, upon which demand the Governor promised to “look into it.” The Assembly refused payment. While this matter was still unsettled, Russell, together with Marion Butler, W. N. Coler Co. and R. F. Pettigrew were advertising in New York papers for other southern bonds which they said could be collected. The evidence seems to be that Russell not only did nothing to protect the State in the bond action but succeeded in delaying action in the matter until his term of office was concluded when he, in collusion with those parties named above, sought to specu- late upon the misfortune of his native State and compel pay- ment of the repudiated securities. Perhaps no question of the legality of his actions in the matter can be raised here, but one fact that though North Carolina had honored him by election to the office of Governor of the State he was soon found in the camp of the enemy and in the service of a State subservient to the special interest as was South Dakota at that time, places the Governor in a very unfavorable light to say the least. DANIEL LINDSAY RUSSELL 117 Adjectives used in describing the actions of Governor Russell depended upon who was using them. His friends said he came of a good family of aristocratic traditions (see footntes), one of the youngest men ever entrusted with public office. (Legisla- ture at 20 and Judge at 22.) That he was uncompromising, an able lawyer, shrewd politician, impulsive and warm hearted. His enemies blamed him with all the evils and corruption which occurred during his administration. They gave him credit for none of the good and said that organized corruption, mis- rule and bloodshed were represented in his person, that his ad- ministration was always under fire and for good reason—his Own misdeeds. That he was prejudiced, arrogant and vindictive. He, himself, said, “There is retribution in history,’ and he meant it. Another has said that he “had a memory for wrongs and a joy in paying them off.” Whatever his motives were dur- ing the Governorship old retribution finally struck like a cyclone and carried him and his political machine into oblivion. His last years were spent in his law office in Wilmington and on his plantation in Brunswick County. § His remains were interred in the family burial ground at Hickory Hill on the White Oak River in Onslow County May 15, 1908. Cyrus Thompson Thomas A. McIntyre Hill E. King Mrs. Mcintyre CYRUS THOMPSON ae most versatile character Onslow has produced since John rkey was Cyrus Thompson, farmer, teacher, physician, poli- tici : ; : ician, statesman, humorist and philosopher, in every facet of which he was more than successful. He lived in a day when to one enjoyed a ane a stand meant a fight to maintain it, and no ght more than he when he believed his cause a just one and for the public good. Cyrus Thompson was born in Upper Richlands as that terri- t that time. aw around the head of New River was called a the or M. Parrott, in a memorial address delivered before sae edical Society of North Carolina, gave something of his mily background and of the community in which he lived when he said: During the years immediately preceding the Civil War, as it the remarkable com- Me before, and has been since, there was ae in Onslow County. Its soil was fertile, so much so that € little Post Office from which the weekly mail was distributed Wes called Richlands by common consent.” The climate in this section, as it is in all Hastern North Caro- lina, is almost ideal. Its winters are tempered by the Gulf Stream which flows scarcely fifty miles away, the temperature its summers are moderated and its humidity lowered by ocean breezes. fe was a beautiful section. Lazy, enticins mae rap flow slowly to the sea bearing in Bee fish natural to the Eastern counties. dost: core rugged cypress and great cedars vel] Oo! and a multitude of other flowering s race yellow jasmines were a feast to the eye of man. The liquid notes me abe wood thrush, the clarion call of the cardinal, the whistle he quail set in tune with the call of the crow, the mourning of ihe dove, the call of the lark, accompanied by the music of the ocking bird, made the woods ring with melodies of nature’s e old-time flowers symphony. Palms, rose-bowered homes and th as a setting beautiful to behold. _ They were high and holy standards of life there and high Ceals to live up to. Ree neighborhood was peopled w reme Hast lived the Averetts, an outstanding Carolina family. ae household was born the distinguished Episcopal clergy- Ben ames Battle Averett. In those days there came from Ire- tie ee graduate of classical and medical department of Duff niversity of Dublin a young man named Duffy, Dr. Charles y, Sr. He was the father of Dr. Charles Duffy, Jr. and Dr. enticing waters, balm for their bosoms all Its lordly pines, interspersed with hrubs graced with ith a great people. To the THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Frank Duffy, both of whom received—and they deserved them— highest honors of this Society. Into this household was born a great lawyer, the Hon. Rodolph Duffy. To the extreme west there lived the Browns. This was a very strong family intellec- tually, morally and physically. Almost in the center there lived aman named Frank Thompson, Sr. He was a man of rare learning and culture. He married Miss Leah Brown. She was of the Brown family to which I have referred. She was a typical Southern lady of unusual charm and brilliancy. To this union there was born a number of children, all of whom were outstand- ing; notably, Frank Thompson, Jr., who obtained a great repu- tation throughout the State asa lawyer of unusual forensic power. In the early days of 1855 there was born the most dis- tinguished son which Onslow has ever produced; they called him Cyrus—Cyrus Thompson. His father, being a man of unusual learning and great mentality, and his mother of like mental at- tainments, had their children educated especially in classics and music. “The best of private schools were provided in this neighbor- hood. During strategic times private tutors were employed in the Thompson home. “Following his studies at the local academy Cyrus attended Randolph Macon College, finishing there with the class of 1876, going directly to the University of Virginia Medical School. After a year he transferred to the School of Medicine of the University of Tulane in Louisiana where he graduated in 1878. Here let me quote Dr. L. B. McBrayer, who said: “These were only the preparation of Dr.’ Thompson for the wonderful educa- tion that was to follow. Dr. Thompson continued to be a student so long as he lived. A student of literature, a student of men, a student of the times in which he lived, a student of medicine.” Four years later in 1882 he married Miss Florence Kent of Rich- mond, Virginia. The marriage proved a very congenial one. Returning to Onslow, Dr. Thompson began his practice around Richlands. At first he traveled on horseback and carried his sup- plies in his saddle bags. He has said that his practice was divid- ed into four periods: his horseback days, his buggy practice, his Ford travels and his Chevrolet rounds. Like the “Old Prac- titioner” he made his rounds and nothing stopped him, but un- like him, Dr. Thompson was progressive and to the last kept abreast of the phenomenal progress of his profession. He loved his people and they loved him and had implicit con- fidence in his skill and judgment. Coming from the old Planter group, the Thompson family had long been interested in politics. Some members of the family were in the Assembly in the 1830’s and Franklin Thompson, father Cyrus THOMPSON 121 of Cyrus, appeared as a one from Onslow during the Reconstruction Legislature in 1868. Cyrus was alec to the Assembly in 1883 asa heaegeiet e years later he represented his district in the Senate ag. ; Democratic ticket, with honor to himself and to his bee and “Nothing interests me more than human eae Dr. the varying civilizations founded upon them, t in 1889, serv- Thompson was named County Commissioner firs a eat ed ing for five years, was County Health Officer ont eau medical Examiner during the First World War, an ee aaniath North Carolina Medical Corps was formed, the Weptie a eae Was named a member by the Surgeon General of the States, : i During the 80’s and 90’s the farm population ie: eta tion was grumbling at their lack of recognition by and State governments. : The Geer Party had just passed out of ee ae a Farmers Alliance was already active in Texas an ni went oe had not yet reached North Carolina. Thompson s ee ithe lie his patients in Onslow had brought him face to ieee ee Poverty and degradation brought to the rural one a eoctaued tion prices of farm products then prevailing. Pric 4ay bedonid to decline and financial conditions among seen eaalaeciot More desperate. As time went on, many times ae along with have thought over the farmers’ financial prob se ok wears that of his physical condition, and must aa traat = aitenilt chance of getting pay for his services was slim euch neainzal of the patient, but of the financial system under a Sea Stiontto Thompson, like other farm leaders, agreed tha ae eae be taken by the farmers depended upon Se dee oa ce felt. Cohesive organization with power to make their inf aoa ee The Farmers Alliance came to North Carolina FA cisaltean Oughly non-partisan and with no thought of any aces alte Samation then or later. “The purpose of Ls nomical gov- €ducate the agricultural classes in the science epaietide aneindi: €rnment in a strictly non-partisan spirit. e Aibecdusente vidual or National evils originate in ignorance, os pyapoliticall evils we complain of are political, fastened Gal Gasdonk ure action, the remedy must be based upon poli ae a ieaywed Strictly non-partisan spirit,” he said. “It (| terfere with our deavors to teach, but in no other way does it inte that platform Political notions,” said Cyrus Thompson, “and oe reataidntes he Alliance invites men of all parties, or no party a for membership.” . ‘i # E : in North Caro From that time on, the history of the eae pentane lina is the story of Dr. Thompson’s public li 122 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW become that most of his time was taken by the Alliance and the best thought of which he was capable, he gladly contributed to it. It is said that Doctor Thompson was the only speaker on the Fusion ticket who would meet such Democratic giants as Glenn or Aycock, both of whom were brilliant debaters, both later be- coming Governor of the State. Josephus Daniels said of him: “I always thought he was bet- ter than Butler. Butler had no eloquence, Butler had much of insinuation and invective, but Thompson had eloquence and ve- hemence, he was tremendously interesting in his side-lights and stories, and he had an originality and a quaintness that were attractive. He didn’t talk like anybody else even in private con- versation, and on the stump he had an original way, and my, how he could enthuse the Populists.” (Daniels: Editor in Poli- tics, Page 298.) The growth of the Alliance in North Carolina was phenom- enal. In five years the membership reached 10,000 persons. Much of the time the Onslow man was occupied as State Lec- turer and as such spoke from one end of the State to the other. When Butler became President of the National Alliance Thomp- son became President of the State Organization, when the Alli- ance decided upon a separate party he led it and headed up the Populist ticket as candidate for Governor, and when the Popu- lists fused with the Republicans he was nominated and elected Secretary of State on the fusion ticket. He made many enemies among those who were formerly asso- ciated with him in politics, but he gave small heed to that, going along as he saw fit or as occasion required. The Populists found little sympathy in the Republican Party and the stench of the negro was strong in the Republican camp. Moreover, the Republicans intended to assimilate the Populists with the single purpose of beating the Democrats, and when power was once secured through cooperation, the Republican Party proceeded upon a policy which brought condemnation up- on both parties to the fusion. When the Alliance’s day of usefulness had passed and its mem- bership began returning to the Democratic Party from which most of them had come, its leaders hesitated, because during the entire era of the Farmers’ Revolt they had suffered most from the name-calling by the Democrats and had absorbed much of the blame for the evils of fusionism. Men of the South who went to the Populists were considered traitors to civilization and Dr. Thompson was no exception. He had been rotten-egged and burned in effigy on the public square in Jacksonville; also, it was found out when the ballots were be- ing counted that through the machinations of crooked election Cyrus THOMPSON 123 officials in Jacksonville that his name was printed on a ponaee of the ballots as “Dr. Cyrus Thompson” while on anothse eri it appeared simply as “Cyrus Thompson. chis dale ® cuse formity was of course pounced upon by his enemies as an i‘ * to rob him of votes where the ballots were most numerous. t csi like obstructions were met with from time to hme Py the Populists fought like crusaders and Thompson was ney at to defensive. He was always the aggressor Carr yan ey nee the enemy. The cause for which he fought was dear to # oa and to return to the Democrats was to ue pow se Lene tion. Thompson therefore remained with the Repu tana ee Was again a candidate for Secretary of Pete State thus Aycock and his white supremacy campaign swept Une, i - Se os ending an era in the history of the State and of political p: : in North Carolina. All of the old issues we during the past three dgadesalliet on to m as long as the participants lived. wag r With the decline of the Populists, Thompson ater active politics. However, his name has been entere i tne Presi- times upon the Republican ticket and he was one is Ppa dential Electors to vote for Herbert Hoover 1n 1928, : time save one, that Onslow ever went Republican. arties. He The Doctor’s interest was broader than political Rep id Tater served on the Selective Draft under President W its apie a in an address before the Medical Society of North Bion day Pinehurst we hear him say: “Although I may 10) cea rs sort of cast my ballot with the majority of you, yet have States (Wil- hesitation in saying that the President of these free “4 aot son) has a vision of World Righteousness and Benet q feahead art of National Living, such as never before anima Reed I of a great and purposeful people. So as a sen ose to teach am righteously proud of him, in his righteous Bur 8 tie righteousness to the Nations. . - - Wilson, em , A hase meet American Spirit, a savor of life unto life, a vessel 0 cayenne: for the Master’s service’. That was Cyrus Thompson sp g from the heart, with no political motive. When the days of politics were over Dr. ie to his medical practice. Unhurried he went about the busir ilos if of healing. To medical therapeutics he added.a piuloson yt mind, often creating an atmosphere in the pie hange his per- Caused the patient to respond immediately and to cians Spective completely, leaving him we With his return to the practice of me 1904, Dr. Thompson became a Fellow of U the State of North Carolina and continued in go re dead but old prejudices engendered ar old associations Thompson returned dicine at Jacksonville in f the Medical Society of od standing until 124 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW the date of his death. Dr. Thompson was elected by the society a member of the State Board of Health in 1913 in which he also retained membership until his death. In this capacity he did much service along the program of the Board in preventive med- icine. At its session at Pinehurst in 1918 the Onslow physician was elevated to the presidency of the organization. On behalf of Governor Bickett he waged a battle for legisla- tion requiring that a label be placed on each bottle of patent or proprietary medicine showing the ingredients it contained. At a hearing conducted in the Senate Chamber in Raleigh the pro- prietary medicine manufacturers were represented by a promi- nent attorney from New York. Dr. Thompson conducted his case with what Dr. L. B. McBrayer called “One of the ablest arguments I ever listened to,” and the opposing attorney to re- mark at the close of the hearing, “I have never before taken such a drubbing in my life.” Another example of the power of ora- tory and logic as applied by the “Knight of Onslow.” “Dr. Cy,” as his friends called him, had a fine sense of humor. Wherever he was, in the company of the simple, or of the great, he knew and spoke their language and to it added a variety which was the spice of life. His “jokes” fitted the occasion whether in a great speech before a learned society or in a small group of friends on the streets of Jacksonville. He purposely used them in the sick room as a tonic and many a hysterical patient laughed at his puns, in spite of himself, and felt better for having done so. His speeches and his observations were replete with sayings which are being repeated yet, and some of which were extremely original. The last public service by Dr. Thompson was as a member of the Aycock Commission appointed by the Governor to erect a statue of the Educational Governor in Statuary Hall, Washing- ton, D. C. In spite of their political differences the two were fast friends in life, and the Doctor delighted in thus honoring his old- time friend. Dr. Thompson was intensely religious. His speeches, always sparkling with original epigrams, were enriched by quotations from Holy Writ and his applications were sometimes marvel- ously relevant to the subject at hand. He read the New Testa- ment in its original Greek and enjoyed it; he probably being the only other layman in the county since Mr. L. G. Woodward to do so. Of the race of man he once said, “A glorious thing it is, and honorable therefore to be aman . . . A man full of Divine pur- pose in living; and the rearing of right-minded and right-hearted men and women is today, and always, man’s chief business, 125 Cyrus THOMPSON . is i ighest humanity’s severest task and sublimest duty. His is the hig fulfillment of our highest purpose.” : snevdectan asitie Of his profession he said, “I love to Lan een ter acto . ° C b most self-sacrificing, the most servicea ublic intelligent man in Ai community—full of reasonableness, P Spirit and sweet charity.” my Of himself he said: “I am a simple- losopher, times think we feel the hand and hear the minded piney woods phi- he sea, where we some- come out of the lowlands by t eS Me [oRvaN Bud Courthouse built in 1904 United States Armory, Home of Headquarters Section and Mortar Platoon, Combat Support Co., Ist Brig., 119th Inf., N.C.N.G., Jacksonville. HILL E. KING (1847-1929) That Hill E. King of Folkstone was chosen Publicity Agent, Lecturer and Organizer of the Farmers Alliance, and that he Was selected to promote the principles for which the Populist Party fought, bespeak the ability of the man. King himself was a farmer and suffered along with them, but he had ideas of what Should be done about it, and was ready to put them into action. He knew the power of the press. There was no paper published between New Bern and Wilmington and so conceived the idea of setting up a newspaper to serve the Populist principles and pro- mote discussion among the farmers of Onslow County. The new Periodical was known as The Onslow Blade, with the caption, “The Blade cuts both ways” indicating that it would oppose either old party, if necessary to promote the principles for which it stood. 3 The two old parties listened with disdain to the complaints of the farmers, and their demands for reform and recognition went unheeded. ) : When nothing else would avail them relief, the Alliance decid- ed upon the organization of a third political party which became known as The Populist Party. To the dismay of both old parties, it was soon discovered by the politicians that the Populists held the balance of power and could therefore fuse with either party, thereby assuring that party success at the polls. : At a Democratic caucus held in Jacksonville, Mr. King and Several others declared their intention of supporting the new Party because its principles were “Right.” Here it is said the Democrats offered him their support as candidate to Congress from this District conditioned that he remain within the ranks of the party. This Mr. King refused, preferring to follow the Path of duty as he saw it. i d Mr. King had always been a Democrat, having represente Onslow two terms in the Assembly, 1885 and 1887, had been appointed Door-Keeper to The House in 1889, both under Demo- cratic rule. Later, under the Populist-Fusion regime, he be- came Trustee of State A. and M. College, Member of the Board of Agriculture, Chief Clerk to the Senate in 1895 and 1897, fol- lowing which the Onslow man became Chief Clerk to the North Carolina Experiment Station. He then moved the family to Raleigh, where he resided until his death in 1929. f For many years Mr. King had served the community and County well. Entering the Confederate Army at age 17, he served the last 18 months of the war as a soldier of 67th Company, Third North 128 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Carolina Regiment, being wounded at Bentonville, last battle of the war, fought after the surrender of General Lee. He was discharged soon after, was barefooted and on crutches, about 250 miles from home. How he reached Kinston is not known now, but upon reaching Richlands, Mr. Kit Stephens gave him food and had a negro to take him home in a cart to the Golden Place, now Folkstone, about five miles from home. He went the rest of the way on foot. For many years Mr. King served as Justice of the Peace. Un- like most Magistrates, he settled most cases out of court, without compensation to himself, wrote deeds and wills for his neighbors, and did other duties relative to the office. In his early days King was full of mischief and fond of danc- ing, according to a member of the family, but in early middle age became converted to the Baptist Church. He later was in- strumental in establishing Providence Baptist Church, giving thirty days labor toward its construction. In those days money was hard to get, and often it was neces- sary to make a trip to Wilmington to take fish and oysters to market—about a three day trip. With only three months formal education his wife, who was Susan Rebecca, daughter of Marquis L. F. Redd, became his tutor and the positions attained by him, and listed above, emphasize the unlimited will power he pos- sessed. Another incident which illustrated his devotion to the public welfare was when the railroad from Wilmington was being pro- moted. Mr. King visited land owners along the right-of-way persuading them to donate the land on which to build the road. He was also instrumental in securing the charter for the build- ing of the line, advancing the fifty dollars necessary fee, later upon the organization of the company the money being refunded. Hill Ennett King was a man of strong will, unlimited vigor and above all, possessed ability and integrity of a high order, which he hesitated not to use for the benefit of his fellow citizens among whom he lived. Bibliography N. C. Manual 1913. Corbitt: Hill E. King. Continued the practice of Law, HONORABLE RODOLPH DUFFY (1855-1924) i ily distingui i ici few fami- Coming from a family distinguished in medicine as lies in the State have been, Rodolph Duffy emerged a ee than successful farmer, lawyer, politician, legislator and p cuting attorney. Quick of wit with ready repartee, Partisan in whatever position he took, ul : Prosecutor, being well trained under such brilliant instructors as Professor L. G. Woodward, Dr. Joseph H. Foy, ae Pe ter Hassell and at Davidson College. Following awe ‘Clark his education, Mr. Duffy read law under Honorable pres of New Bern, and was admitted to the Bar in 1881. Mr. Duffy’s Legislative experience came while pee Populist coalition was in control in 1895 and 1897. ‘ts policy maintained the defense of the Democratic Party and its Conte as he had done on the stump in Onslow and other ae say ties. He lived to see his effort vindicated in the White Sup acy Campaign of 1898 and the victory of 1900. as f the Nominated as the Democratic candidate for Solicitor 1 cted 6th Judicial District, first in 1898, he was elected and A cee, in 1902 and 1906. “He was an honored member of the Carolina Bar Association.” : Following his retirement from the Solicitorship, Mr. Buey taking leadership in the prom tion of whatever was offered for the upbuilding of Pe oe. Such as special tax for schools, bonds for road ses citizens In his advocacy he took to the forum and met wit ¢ e hanes of the local communities in the small one-room s¢ nar art then located throughout the county. This he did as aed for remuneration, but in a very effective manner. Li He, himself, said that he had been considered a radical be Cause of his violent opposition to the policies of ae te ast chants, who without pity or principle often deman af debts Pound of flesh of unfortunate farmers who could not aoe fine due by them. Others, however, knew that Mr. Duffy’s very Sense of justice prompted him and his observat Se coe toE it this and other matters as well, and respected him the Mr. Duffy married Miss Annie Lee Taylor, daughter of Colonel Simon B. Taylor in June, 1898. dynamic in action, intensely Mr. Duffy was an able 130 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW He was a useful man in his community, his County and his State. Bibliography Information given the writer by his Widow, Mrs. Annie Taylor Duffy. Honorable G. V. Cooper: “Rodolph Duffy, an appreciation,” in the Greensboro Daily News, Sunday, November 9, 1924, Page 20. FRANK THOMPSON (1856-1922) Frank Thompson was a native Onslowian, son of ee Thompson, Sr., and his wife Leah Brown. He was educated a the old Richlands Academy and at Randolph-Macon College, where he graduated in 1880. As other student iawyers often did i Studied law under private tutors: Judges ( Was admitted to the Bar in 1882. He was marrie n that day, Franklin Dick and Dillard, and d in 1883 to Miss Nora Hargett. They, with two daughters, composed a con- genial family. Upon Thompson’s admission to the Bar he be: of law, which practice was to last 40 years un 1922. For the first two years he added teaching gan the practice til his death in to the practice of law. As his practice grew, Mr. Thompson opened an oe in Jacksonville and moved his family there in 1889. He ans a Commodious residence on the corner of Old Bridge ae om Streets, now the property of the Baptist Church, but still stand- ing. Frank Thompson was a seasoned lawyer and poli ae ? the onslaught of the Populists on the measures and policies a the two old parties. He, together with Rodolph Duffy, ae leadership of the Democrats in Onslow, where the Populist Bits ership was aggressive and virile. It should be said here i S Democrats retained control in Onslow largely through the efforts of these two peerless leaders. * Thompson was elected to the Assembly first in 1899, also in 901. “He represented the Seventh Senatorial Di bly of 1915, and did initiate, among other im the bill, finally enacted, which established the €nce Library, which said library has become a va. Nent institution of the State.” a ws eset During his long practice Mr. Thompson specia ized, as i largely in litigation pertaining to land titles. He knew es ally most of the land titles in his County, and being a grea a dent, was easily a peer in this field of law—it being mes Y recognized among his associates that no better land title awye: Practiced before the Courts of Eastern North Carolina. In the depth of his thinking, in his understanding of the law tician during strict in the Assem- portant legislation, Legislative Refer- lued and perma- 1382 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW and its application, and in the logic of his presentation before a jury, he was unsurpassed. Bibliography I. M. Bailey in Reports: North Carolina Bar Association Volume 1923, Page 108. (Thanks to Mr. Nere E. Day.) THE PRESS IN ONSLOW Born back in the days of The Third Party and the Red Shirts, the Press of Onslow owed its beginning to the violence and tem- Pers of the political campaigns of the 1890's. Men wanted only a machine with which to secure more votes, and so Mr. King set up his Blade down at Peanut (as Folkstone was called at that time) as the organ of the Populist party in the County. In order to strike back, the Democrats started a newspaper they called The Timec in the town of Jacksonville. They en ployed Arthur Whiteley to operate it. For about four years ac attempted to cover its rival with vilification and vituperation and charges and counter-charges were hurled at each other, a much go that that campaign became one not-to-be-forgotten 1 the amount of sarcasm and mud employed by either party. The Onslow Blade “Peanut Hill King,” as the Democrats called him, was, next to leader in the Populist ting the Onslow “The Blade cuts d Repub- Dr. Cyrus Thompson, the most influential é Party in Onslow County. In 1893 he began prin Blade, which carried at its masthead the slogan: Heth ways,” evidently aiming at both Democrats an lcans, ; : During the years just preceding this time, the Populist Lagat had grown amazingly in the state. Through the influence o He farmer’s organizations, Elias Carr, a leading farmer, or A business, and former president of the Farmers Alliance, had 1 1892 been nominated and elected governor of N orth Carolina. fis The Populist party was the outgrowth of a political ne by the farmers throughout the nation and while it never actua a jae Onslow, it gave the old parties such a jolt as to amou almost to a knock-out. Dr. Cyrus Thompson, later Secretary of State, was ones He 8reat political leaders, not only in Onslow but in the State a Well. He was his party’s nominee for governor 1n 1896. aoe While no paper had ever before been published in Ons i King determined to raise his party’s banner and carry the county in one grand sweep to victory for the Populist party. NO Sony of the Blade is known to be in existence now, but the rebutta offered by Whiteley gives some indication of its contents. ‘ King himself, it is said, grew to manhood unlettered and un- learned. He married Miss Everett, who immediately began teaching her husband to read and write. Working in the turpen- tine woods by day, he studied by night. 134 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Energetic and “glib” of tongue, he rose to leadership among the politicians of the county. Like Thompson, King had previously been elected to the House of Representatives from Onslow on the Democratic ticket. Both were active in the Farmers Alliance and in the Populist party. Incidentally, the Peoples Party was scientifically organized in Onslow. Besides Dr. Thompson, whose vision and activities were statewide, the party had also its publicist in King with his Blade. Chairman and field worker, who presided at party con- ventions, was William M. Barbee of Richlands, who, militant and aggressive, was the engineer who put plans into operation in the most effective way. Another of the big four was Francis D. Koonce, Richlands lawyer and candidate for Judge of the Sixth Judicial District. F. D. Shaw, J. W. Fountain and A. F. Farnell were prominent in the party workings. Economical conditions, popularity of its leaders and methods pursued made for a very formidable organization in Onslow, and its effectiveness was proven by the results obtained at the polls. The last report we have of the Blade was in 1897. King moved to Raleigh where he accepted a political appointment, went into the real estate business and made some money. He never came back to Onslow. The old home at Peanut was burned. The life of the Blade was about four years. The Times The Jacksonville Times also lived just four years and one month. Its first issue appeared October 10, 1894. The Demo- crats realized that if they would retain their hold on the county’s affairs some steps must be taken to stem the tide of Populism. The Republicans had never offered any serious competition in the county, the Negro vote being light, but the Peoples party was in dead earnest and were constantly gaining new ground. That the county remained Democratic is largely due to the efforts of Arthur Whiteley and his Jacksonville Times. Whiteley, probably a native of Pennsylvania, married a Mount Olive girl and came to Jacksonville. Besides his fight on the Populists (the Republicans he considered beneath his notice), he fought the “long term” Democrats within his own party. For several years a “court house ring” had held office in the county and a rising tide of young candidates were demanding that they make way for younger and more virile men as county officials. Those who wished to be retained in office Whiteley called “Office Doodlers” and their followers he named “Long Termers.” The younger men, probably led by John W. Burton, were known as “Short Termers.” Burton—as he said, “rode the tide,” and was elected Clerk of the Court that year. A quotation from THE PRESS IN ONSLOW Whiteley illustrates his stand in the matter. “When the despair- ing wail of an office doodler ‘I am a Democrat’ is used to en- trench himself in power for life, the principles of pemcsen are mocked and blasphemed. Go to the primaries and repu ‘a tg political buzzards and democracy will prosper as never ea ore.” ; Of the Republicans he said: “Those White Men who vote wi the Negroes and then wish to associate with decent white people ee be possessed of a Harveyized steel gall. A man 1s known y the company he keeps.” i : “The Democratic party,” he quoted, “Was never licked wt one licking; never killed with one death, and was never burie with one funeral. It has been known to kick the lid off its coffin and score.” Govan The Times appears peculiar when compared to a mo i newspaper. There were advertisements, plenty of them, on 3 front page. “Scott’s Emulsion,” “Cardui,” “Timothy Hay eo “Vote for the Short Term Candidates.” Luke Avery sold co hi Beautiful figures were the result of wearing R&G oe ag sold by Marine Bros. “Ayer’s Pills” were good for wat te you, the Atlantic Coast Line time table, and “Dr. Save - td Discovery for Consumption.” Whine was quoted, not by Pint, but by the gallon and by the barrel. A special school tax election was voted on throug nat county, but if the school had any friends they were besa mre go to the polls and vote. Hon. Frank Thompson was at fe the county attorney, a “Long Termer,” and a candidate ou ae House of Representatives. Whiteley attacked ene Re 5 a didacy, calling him “The Worst pill in the box. i fice resentment led to a physical attack upon Whiteley in He var i using an umbrella as a weapon. The editor retaliate eta printer’s rule, which he buried deeply in the attorney's st yes i Such was the rancor and feeling engendered by politics in whos ood old days. , Rodolph Duffy, chairman of the Democratic pany: vec ee Peacemaker within the party. He both wrote and spo I 0 Wile end. To his credit, it may be said, he suceeded very we 4 3 liam M. Barbee was the Populist chairman and preside aan both the county and the Sixth Judicial District pone? ee Joint speakings were arranged and the notices bore the na of both Duffy and Barbee. County improvements, for which steamboat, to freight fresh fish and a railroad through Richlands to join An amusing contrast is shown in W Claimed to have achieved during its regime Whiteley contended, were a oysters on New River, and the Coast Line at Kinston. hat the Populist party and Whiteley’s state- 136 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW ment of what had actually been done. The two were published in parallel columns. The market “carefully corrected” in November, 1895, was as follows: Cotton 734, bacon 61%, corn .50, chickens 12 to 25¢ each, eggs, 12, beef, gross, .02, lard -09, yams .40. Flour was offered at $5.00 per barrel and coffee 10¢ per pound. The jail was without an occupant. The New River Herald The New River Herald was begun in 1899 with Edgar Penny as editor; the next year E. M. Koonce was its editor. No copy of the Herald is available. Penny came to Jacksonville from Cary. Democratic. The Courier Fred C. Henderson, school principal and postmaster at his home in Belgrade published The Courier for a short time in 1901. The Messenger In 1902, Lionel Giles began publication of The Messenger at Jacksonville. Giles’ paper lasted about three years. No copies are known to be extant. Enterprise J. B. and A. C. Dawson, brothers, of Tar Landing purchased the Messenger and its equipment and in 1906 changed the name to The Enterprise. Under the various titles The Enterprise, The Weekly Enterprise, and The Jacksonville Enterprise, the paper continued until 1914, the last three years under the man- agement of Marvin M. Capps. No copies are known to exist. The life of the Enterprise was about eight years. The Onslow Progress Nere E. Day began publication of The Onslow Progress in 1912. For three years Mr. Day edited the paper and then employed E. I. Wood in that capacity. With proper public support the Progress would have become a splendid county paper. Much the best the county had had. A complete file of the Progress is said to be on file with the Historical Commission in Raleigh. No copies could be found in Jacksonville. These papers are ex- tremely valuable because they were printed from 1915 through the first World War into 1922. The life of the Progress was 10 years. (If the Commission had files of the Progress they could not be located in 1947.) THE PRESS IN ONSLOW 137 The New River News ; ited b Next was a short lived paper, The New Bost deal aie DS O. F. Crowson, 1926-1928. No copies can be had now. The Onslow County Record Sees t a About 1928 the Wells-Oswals Publishing Compa, Ma are N. C., assumed the editing and printing of The t ed the name to The Onslow County Record, entered Budebh ct Office on March 31, 1928. Local news was ga Richlands and i ille to the printers by correspondents in Jacksonville, ine a few aia cunmuntities: From this, the publishers mae ape Paper. The tax list and other official adver ae e iat Chee The Record, being the only paper bearing an dateline F “mditor’” . F tle of “Editor Jacksonville correspondents who ante eae Parsons includ iss Lois Petteway and f ae aM Bic dited” the paper for about 18 months. All o these before September, 1938. : : the Miss Marjorie Usher became the first fal ton Po matt: Record in September of 1938. During this ee requiring tinued to pe made up and printed in Wallace wi ained indif- the presence of “The Editor” at all. phe nu te ae However, ferent toward the paper and gave it little support. F A ondent of the the loyalty of Mrs. W. S. Ervin, Richlands Sone Ervin wrote Record, should be noted. Year in and year out, M De de Personals and news items from Richlands until a ate Page became almost the feature item in each ies a ae Sees One or two special issues were printed, the ie Sneads Ferry issued on the occasion of the dedication of ae ere ated bridge across New River, August 16, 1939. The being a very August 10th, had a 14-page illustrated edition, creditable one. low IRs AR, pase! Wilmington publisher, pyrehincd oleh ee County Record March 1, 1941, and changed aa for a short Jacksonville Record. Sam Ragan peed a P1941. time. N. G. Gooding became editor in July 0 rovement in the Upon Page’s acquisition of the Record an py SpE OTE Paper was immediately apparent. A more arus more illustra- of headlines and news layout, more adres neate made the tions and larger paper, 8 to 12 pages, well Wit oe Weekly Record one of the best of the small county ‘The News and Views The Onslow County News a ance on Friday, September 23, 1938. been a demand by the Kiwanis Club an ‘ews made its initial appear- ae ‘or some time there had d other public spirited 138 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW citizens for a paper controlled by local influence; a paper which would feature Onslow news and happenings on its front page and boost the county, its resources and possibilities at all times. The News and Views was begun in answer to that demand. J. P. Brown was editor and manager. In an early issue he said: “Tt is axiomatic that if Onslow is ever to achieve anything in the way of internal improvements, public service, it must have an official mouthpiece, an organ through which we may tell the world and each other what we are doing and thinking about.” The paper intended, he said, ‘“‘to present whatever is of interest or benefit to Onslow people in a pungent, scintillating homefolksy sort of way.” The public response was gratifying. The Woman’s Clubs of Jacksonville and Richlands each sold a page of advertising for the first issue, which carried 422 column inches of display adver- tising. Of a booster edition of the paper printed June 2, 1939, five hundred copies were distributed by the club to organizations in northern cities, some as far away as Boston. A glance through the files shows some “big” news breaks, pictures of many local and state persons of prominence and places of interest. From time to time a series of articles based on original research in the history and tradition of Onslow County appeared. An aggressive editorial policy was maintain- ed from the first. Billy Arthur, columnist of New Bern and Charlotte, purchased The News and Views on April 1, 1940. Under the new manage- ment a printing plant was set up in Jacksonville, and once again, after a lapse of many years, a local paper was printed and pub- lished in Onslow. The Record was purchased and merged with the News and Views which became a semi-weekly, later being published six days a week. Under Billy’s editorship, “breezy and readable” describes its style and make-up. The News and Views was a most interesting and readable county paper. J. B. Robinson purchased the News and Views November 1, 19538, and the name was changed to The Daily News on November 23 the same year. The News is a very creditable small town paper published six days a week which carries leased wire services, gives national and world news, and sports, besides good local coverage. Ad- vertising patronage has been gratifying and the News appears to be a firmly established institution in the life of the town and surrounding area. JOHN W. SHACKELFORD John Williams Shackelford was born at Richlands on Novem- ber 16, 1844, son of Doctor John Shackelford and Inglis Ee Phrey. His mother died soon after his birth and he ae =e the home of his Grandfather Colonel Williams eee Was a man of large fortune and much force of ¢ me rahe is His education, auspiciously begun, was rudely in a only 17 the outbreak of the war between the states. Sega: H, years of age, Shackelford enlisted as a private i wu ahe 35th 3rd Regiment, but was later elected a Lieutenant 1 ture near Regiment. His war service was terminated by his cap Greenville and imprisonment at Cape Lookout. _ ; h- Upon his Pettibone he, in August 1865, married Bhs Ia erine Wallace of Richlands. There were no childs and other Mr. Shackelford engaged in agricultural purey $ ntil 1872 business, held various minor offices in the county Remaining when he was elected to the House of Representatives: nate from in the House until 1878 he was then elected to the sie of the the 9th Senatorial District sahil li thennqompg counti f Onslow, Jones and Carteret. : In the ee for the nomination of a cance? be tee from the 3rd Congressional District, the Lee aceltord was Was in 1880 held in Fayetteville and Senator ae Festa Chosen to preside. After several ballots and Beat: name Nominate either of the leading candidates, Shacke nanos Was entered as a dark horse. He immediately fh the Republican ination and was elected by a majority over both the and Greenback candidates. , ; nd In Congress he was assigned to the Commies pre ae Claims and had seemingly started out on a bri janhiee ot iad ill health brought him down to an untimely en January 18, 1883. : nied A usual when a member dies is Tem ton home by a delegation from Congress, W ds on buggies over mud rail and made the long journey to Richlands | course roads and in a downpour of rain, despite which a great con ? . Jd in the Meth- of people gathered for the service ule ue Steed & Son's dist church, then standing about where tne Wallace burying Store now is. “The Old Ba 3 ily ho made friends readi , gee rved neither time nor Money but extended to them a generous hand. John W. Shackelford was a ma and from his friends rich and poor, he rese and in his last moments the good- ness of his heart lingered upon his lips, “That poor woman’s home must be saved; I must help her,” were his last ‘spoken words and were characteristic of John W. Shackelford, the man. Bibliography From photostatic copies of eulogies upon the life of Honorable John W. hackelford taken from the Congressional Record and supplied to me by Honorable Charles L. Abernethy, Representative in Congress, 3rd District, North Carolina, Washington, D. C. 1934. DR. JAMES LLOYD NICHOLSON (1852-1918) When Dr. Cador G. Cox, who had long been the only ees around Richlands, died back in the 1870’s, he left a Pe Se Onslow, Jones and Duplin counties without a doctor, inf that Medical assistance was available even in emengen® ae 3 and area farm homes were far apart, there were no hig Gee Communications were limited to the speed of the , a ae : and the rough dirt roads over which they travele 2 Nicholson To this large and vacant practice Dr. James Agent Came in 1877, remaining in the constant service 0 for 3 ‘ i peter teeter was born near Warsaw in Duplin County, c h Son of the Reverend J. L. Nicholson of the Methodist Chure 1 NI aise ied six months and Lucy Jane Pearsall, his wife. The minister erat to David ; ri before his son was born. Later his mother remar F id for John Middleton, who accepted the boy as his own and di him all that a natural father could have done. ees Of what childhood and youth educational training he receive Ww and of the pre-med work done by the future doctor we now kno 7 . Medi- little, but he received his degree at University College of cine in New York, where he graduated in 1875. : Dr. Michelsen was married three times, first ie Mise Seo Carlton of Duplin County, sefond to ieee! arly) to Miss Ed Sandlin, both of Onslow County. Honors Baits to the Doctor other than the good ele cee in the practice of medicine in his home communi - ‘to the State of the State Medical Society for 38 years, electe f which time Board of Health for 8 years (1897-1905), six years 0 before this he was on the Board of Medical Examiners. (It ee test, and . Oard that young physicianstote ae the fi te or license to begin the practice of me 1eInes)) : It Pe gerry ina ee field of science in whe fee Would distinguish himself: The scientific exponent) praest and hookworm control, eradication and bngatm en low County € directed about the beginning of the century in Ons and Eastern North Carolina. ; i Dr. Nicholson’s work in the field of combating Lease a astern North Carolina was an indirect result of Public Health by Dr. Charles W. Stiles of the United States Nout Gane Service before the Medical Society at Hot pena ee walled lina in 1903, and it would appear that Dr. ae Garaling led attention to the prevalence of the disease in Non he coo eration to a survey to be made by Dr. W. S. Rankin with the cooy of Dr. Nicholson. ctor 142 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW These gentlemen spent much of the time during 1903-04 in the actual work under the auspices of the State Board of Health. Wherever they went they found flies without screens, fly in- fested foods and unsanitary conditions generally prevailing. There were open privies, or no privies, as a result of which hook- worms spread over the surface of the ground to be picked up by barefoot children and others after every rain. Being able to show the public the prevalence of the disease, people began to think and to realize the seriousness of the con- dition at hand. Medical science had now found the remedy, and the Doctors set out to educate the public to its acceptance. Lit- erature furnished by the State Board of Health explained the cause and effect of the disease and clinics were held, especially around Richlands, but also in other communities as well. Rec- ords were kept and case histories made. That the campaign was a success we know now. The public response had been far beyond earlier expectation, pointing up the good work done by the Doctor and his staff. The territory covered included Onslow, Jones and parts of Duplin, but the fame of the work being done by the Onslow phy- sician spread to New Hanover, and a call was received by Dr. Nicholson from the profession in that county to “come over and help us,” which he somehow found time to do. Dr. Edward J. Wood called that a Red Letter Day in that county and named Dr. Nicholson “The Apostle of Hope for the people,” for the splendid information and inspiration he gave them. Said Dr. Wood: “Probably few of you know how he became the apostle of this new discovery and how he blazed a trail through Onslow and adjoining counties carrying the blessed news of thymol. From lethargy and retarded development the youth of that section have sprung up into new life and renewed hope. It will mean the reclamation of a pure strain of Anglo Saxon, far advanced though they were in a degeneracy which owed its origin largely to this soil-infesting parasite.” The depth to which some of our people had descended, both in health and poverty caused by the infestation of hookworm can scarcely be realized now, but the eradication of hookworms and malarial mosquitoes has been the primary essential in the prog- ress of health and sanitation made in Eastern North Carolina in the past half century. The Doctor was a man full of good works. He conducted ex- periments in scientific methods of farming and seed selection on his own farm, he advocated and promoted the building of better roads, promoted a move for an improved school program in Richlands. Dr. JAMES LLOYD NICHOLSON 143 The effort resulted in the establishing first of a Graded a and two years later of the first High School in Onslow Co 2 Richlands, and the Doctor was one of the chief sponsors of the program. F He superintended the Sunday School of his ens fot ee years and promoted the church in every possible way. 7 2 A trast to his good friend, Dr. Cyrus Thompson, Dr. Nicholson Was modest to a degree, soft spoken, a deep thinker, 0 ae judgment, generally arriving at right conclusions, a man Strong convictions and urpose. i When asked why he did not go to a larger city whee ee fe muneration would be greater and the labor less deman a ” replied: “I would not leave my people for any city on cones Truly they were his people and he, like his Master, “came no be ministered unto, but to minister.” eee i months Dr. Cyrus Thompson, who attended him in his las a id Said: “I grieved as I had seen him gradually going an “But See from time to time that much of him was already gone. Hal for him, an upright man, there was no moaning at the bar W he put out to sea.” .“He had, since our early manhood, been my Most. intimate associate, and had lived and labored among my Own people.” ‘ The veaidonté of Onslow are a healthier and happier people because he lived and worked among them. Bibliography From Memorial addresses delivered before the Med ciety i Wilmington, Dr. Carolina by Dr. Cyrus Thompson, Dr. Edward J. eee a Mens and ical Society of North enjamin K. Hays, Dr. H. H. Dodson, Greensboro, ri Nd Others, copies of which were so generously furnishes ty ee ns illiard, Executive Assistant for Public Relations, Medica State of North Carolina. Edited by J. P. Brown. Leonard G. Woodward John R. Gurganus Walter M. Thompson % Isham B. Hudson PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 Old Field Schools and Academies eae a there were no free schools in North Carolina, the dehopine: _ available to children of the State were “old field ste ie n most cases the planter employed a teacher to in- buildi own children and paid all expenses, providing also the ing for its operation. ouse on the planta- ae ae cases classes were held in an outh , such as a vacant tenant house, hence the name “Old Field S ” elisa In eae places the school operated in a nearby “Chap- sever kl abt es were usually called in those days. Sometimes ings ae ers cooperated in maintaining the school, each pay- Capa aoe the expense attached. To other children of the usuall i is became a subscription school, which they were in rei E owed to attend upon payment of five cents per day. people Fed primary educational advantages were had by most Mo ie e and willing to pay for its service. SES : ote time Academies were in operation in one or two in the old aS Sa, where pupils completing the course offered forte eld school could continue their studies in preparation aon ee entrance. These academies were open to students, Cote, Gee 9% the community around, but also from surrounding roomed an fees were required and sometimes board and heath * e had for a nominal sum, either at the school or in the aos oe In Onslow, academies were maintained most of times rs Swansboro and the Rich Lands Chapel, and some- Ghar iney Green and Catharine Lake. ty” in be were granted for “Onslow Acad TAVOREL 1 and for “Swansboro Academy” in 1810. Tradition eaEl ow is that other preparatory schools were operated. As y as 1749, John Starkey of Onslow had introduced a bill in th seh e Assembly providing for the establishing of free schools. The the honor of having bi : ill failed of passage, but to Starkey goes Js in North Carolina. emy in Onslow Coun- i Introduced the first bill for public free schoo Following the French and Indian War, North Carolina receiv- 789 pounds in repayment for pecan England the sum of 7, ey spent by the state in the war. The Assembly, led by e most of this money in treasurer John Starkey, proposed to us Setti ting up one or more free schools in each county. The gov- e of the money and ern. So the however, had other plans for the us the h schools were postponed indefinitely. Again Starkey gets onor for having sponsored a free school for the children of North Carolina. 146 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The Literary Fund By 1825 the Government of the United States had accumulated a surplus of money in the Treasury and the Congress decided to divide it among the states of the Union for such use as they saw fit. North Carolina’s part of this money amounted to nearly a mil- lion and a half dollars, most of which was earmarked for use in setting up free public schools throughout the state. In 1839, at the urging of Governor Edward B. Dudley, a plan to begin opera- tion of the schools was worked out. Each county would have five or ten “Superintendents of Com- mon Schools” named by the Court of Pleas and Quarter Ses- sions, whose duty it was to hold an election as to whether the county would adopt the system, providing at the same time for the raising by taxation of one dollar for each two dollars fur- nished by the state. It was also the duty of the Board of Superintendents to divide the county into districts, appoint committees, employ teachers, and provide a suitable house for the school. At first Onslow was divided into 23 districts. A few houses were built, but most of the schools met in one house this year and another next year, wherever one could be secured. The securing of teachers was probably the greatest problem confronting the communities at any time, due to lack of school facilities, few qualified persons were available for the work. Salaries generally ranged to 25 dollars for women teachers and 30 dollars for men. In 1850 Edward B. Dudley was chairman of County Superintendents. The Schools in Operation No reports are available before 1853, but the report for that year shows: Number of districts, 23; schools taught during the year, 16; whole number of children, 1707; children enrolled in 13 districts, 439; school term average, 3 3/5 months. Salaries averaged 22 dollars per month. Five years later the enrollment had increased to 1827. There were 16 men teachers and 2 women teachers and the length of term had gone up to 4 4/5 months. The county raised by taxation that year $755.12. E. W. Fonville was chairman. The common schools operated at such time as was considered convenient for work on the farms. A short term before the busy season on the farm with another term following that period was the usual procedure. The teachers taught several schools during a twelve-month PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 147 period, sometimes as many as three, it being so arranged that terms ran consecutively. ; 7 An old box of ing in the Department of Archives and a tory at Raleigh show the following persons as teachexsait County during the years 1858-1860. 4 J aa Tadien igient one month in District 23, was paid ah His voucher was signed by J. D. Williams, Nathan wbney 92 for Harvey Cox. Lanier also taught three months in Distric which he received $100.00. Andrew J. P. ae taught ae een ee and reading in District 4 three months for eUU. F Mary F. Etheridge taught 5 months at $25.00 per month in District 18, voucher signed by Green Ha L. H. Huffman. : Buckner H. Strange, 1 month, $30.00, signe and Christopher Stevens. Jacob Giles taught thr District 10, was paid $75.00, voucher signed by Charles Cox and William Heath. Other teachers mentioned included Nancy E. asics one? M. Coston, James R. Hurst, Susan Thompson, Soi aa WwW T. Jonas Jones, Caleb Harriot, C. S. Hurst, G. H. Morton, nila Bannerman, Carilla Cox, Hosea Marshburn, Lot Spano farm P. Frederick, Joseph Montfort, Brice W. Trott, ‘1d, John P. John C. Hewitt, John C. Rochelle, Daniel McDonald «ol Oats and Erasmus H. Coston. Each of these, at Gs Dates Were actively engaged where houses could be ob oP és taught are often blotted, faded or left out. A teacher some ot sea a half-term, the latter half being completed by another Pp tchell, B. R. Hudson and d by John P. Cox ee months in Durant Cox, The Richlands Academy While the Common and Old Field Schools were im Oven in other parts of the County during the 65 year i) Academy, to the opening of the New Century, the ich ones the center under the principalship fo Mr. L. G. Woodwar Ava oe by most of higher education and college preparatory wor itory. The of the youth of Onslow County and adjoining es College, School, under the sponsorship of Randolph (Mate nized, not ave instructions of a high order and was sO ions of higher Only by the citizens of the area, but by the institu : the Academy learning in the state as well. The crane oo Was an important step in education in Onslow Cou ie the estab- Richlands Academy was founded in 1848. Hyper he an'Old lishment of the Academy, Bryant Shines Koonce taug: I ee Field School there. Note: Koonce built the first rest What is now Richlands and operated the first store here. Be i i i rom Academy stood nearby the church. He died while returning 148 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW New York by boat to Wilmington, where he went to purchase a stock of goods. An ardent prohibitionist, he refused the doctor’s prescription of whiskey on his deathbed. Reverend E. L. Perkins was on the Richlands Methodist cir- cuit in 1847 and 1848. In a clipping from the Richmond Chris- tian Advocate he tells the story of the organization in detail. “The citizens of Richlands in Onslow County assembled at Rich- lands Chapel on the 17th day of April, 1848. Mr. Williams Humphrey was called to the chair and Mr. Harvey Cox was ap- pointed Secretary. After prayer had been offered to the throne of Grace, the Reverend E. L. Perkins explained the subject of the meeting. The Reverend William Closs addressed the meeting on the advantage of establishing such an institution at the present time. The Reverend HE. L. Perkins addressed the meeting on education in general and also the peculiar advantages accrued to every community in which there was a classical school established. The meeting was addressed by B. S. Koonce and others.” A Resolution: “That it is expedient to erect in this neighbor- hood an Academy preparatory to Randolph College’ was passed ‘and a committee of five persons, viz: Williams Humphrey, Har- vey Cox, E. L. Perkins, B. S. Koonce, and John A. Averette was appointed to continue organizational work. ‘Mr. Lott Mills presented the Building Committee with a beautiful shaded lot of ground worth $100.00 and $350.00 was subscribed. The organization being completed, the committee soon got busy in the construction of a building. The building which hous- ed the famous Academy could not, by any stretch of imagination, have been credited with adding prestige to the school conducted there. It consisted of a straight building, divided into two rooms, to which a music room was added later. The Academy, being sponsored by Randolph Macon, the College recommended a can- didate for Principal. The trustees accepted the recommendation and Professor L. G. Woodward of Port Royal, Pennsylvania, became the first principal. L. G. Woodward Leonard Groninger Woodward was born June 8, 1815, in Ju- niata County, (about 40 miles northwest of Harrisburg, Penn- sylvania), son of William and Elizabeth (Groninger) Woodward. (Note: His grandfather, one of the pioneers in western Penn- sylvania, was once captured by a tribe of Indians and detained for two years. He finally escaped and returned home.) After coming to Onslow he married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Brock and wife, Barbara Franck. Mr. Woodward took his Mas- ter’s Degree at Dickinson College, Carlysle, Pennsylvania, in PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 149 1846, and taught two years in Virginia before coming to Onslow. A few years later he was offered a professorship of Mathematics in his Alma Mater but chose to remain in Onslow. The Academy opened under very auspi cious circumstances. Mr. Woodward was assisted by Mr. Romulus A. Whitaker of Jones County. The Academy was continued until closed during the Civil War for lack of students; most of the boys having en- listed in the Confederate Army. F ith Mr. Woodward, a northern man in a southern community wi 4 wife of southern lineage, maintained a position of neutrality during the conflict leading up to the Civil War. He owned Ble which he probably received through his wife’s inheritance. When the war was ended, Mr. Woodward resumed his teaching. Stu- dents again entered the old Academy and most planters for “apie around sent their sons to him for instruction preparatory ie entering college and university. From the old Academy ae eed lands, not only Randolph Macon but the University of “i d Carolina and Trinity College (now Duke University) enro a Students, and the Master received letters from. Presidents 0. these institutions commending the excellence of his preparatory Work. Rhom A. Whitaker and his brothers Tom and Fred, nen trio of doctors, of Kinston; W. H. Rhodes, widely known a 2 Carolina teacher; Dr. Cyrus Thompson, physician, later ae tary of State and Presidential Elector; Frank eae sass ie yer; R. D. Thompson, Richlands business men; John W. Shac ; elford, later Representative in Congress; F. D. Koones ae Dr. Cador G. Cox, E. L. Franck, Fred Hargett, W. M. Ber ee, John W. Mills, W. M. Thompson and H. B. Koonce were on Jy few of the pupils sent out from the Academy by Mr. nLobdwenes The curriculum, besides the usual branches, included Latin an Greek. “Thoroughness” was the watchword in all. ob them. 1881 The office of County Superintendent was instituted mu and Woodward was selected as first superintendent. His ead tation as an educator had spread over the state. abe offie re Not then require his full time, and he continued his sesehinetes Well. At the close of his one year term he was re-elected bu died on December 18, 1881. For more than thirty years he had taught Academy. A list of his students would run in eave ce of the Academy made Richlands the e nslow and Jones counties. In a Commencement oration delivered by Mr. aris July 14, 1859, printed in a pamphlet by the New Bern Progrets, he Paid tribute to the common schools of the state in these ae d ere I asked to declare the preserving charm of our eee in the Richlands to hundreds. The ducational center 150 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW nation; I would lead the Inquirer . . . to the common schools of the County. There the minds that rule the land are fashioned.” Other teachers taught in the Academy prior to its closing in 1904, some of whom became prominent later in life, and in other states. A partial list follows: Anthony Rhodes, Mrs. Sallie Wallace, W. A. Welborn, recommended by University of North Carolina; Wade H. Kornegay, later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas; S. J. Veach, Mr. Lenny, Mr. Crocker, W. M. Thompson, later County Superintendent; and A. G. Walton, later Postmaster at Jacksonville. Mr. Walton was the last of the list. He finished the work there in 1904. The Old Academy was torn down and the new Graded School took its place. This, the first graded school established by special vote of the people in Onslow County, and the First High School which soon followed, were the direct outgrowth of the work done by the Richlands Academy. After the War During the Reconstruction Period, public schools were dis- banded. The state lay in dust and defeat and totally at the mercy of a Congress whose activating energy was hatred of the Southern white people. Soon all government, law and social life became demoralized. Moreover, a swarm of vultures came from far and near and seated themselves at the State’s Capital, ready to strike at any visible sign of life left in the old body. These plunderers, made up of northern Carpetbaggers in col- lusion with southern Scalawags, repudiated the state’s public debt, thus causing the financial collapse of all private and public enterprise, banks, colleges, and, of course, the Common Schools. Most of the Literary Fund, on which the antebellum school sys- tem had operated, was gone. During the years 1865 to 1868, people were even allowed to move into the school houses. in order to keep them from rotting down. Under the law, as worked out by the convention of 1868, the County Commissioners took over the duties of a Board of Edu- cation. They elected a County Examiner, who received $2.00 per day while actually employed in the performance of his duties. It was his duty to examine teachers and issue certificates. In Onslow the first Examiner named by the Commissioners was James G. Scott, who served until 1870, when he was succeeded by Edward B. Sanders. The only resources open to the schools now were returns from taxation. A poll tax of $2.00 authorized in 1866-7 was the main dependence of the schools and among reports due from County Chairmen was the current number of polls listed in the county. In Onslow the total numbered 730 white and 292 colored. PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 151 The population of the county in 1870 included 5,173 white Persons and 2,396 Negroes, a total of 7,569. Of those above 21 Years of age, 1,217 whites and 938 Negroes were illiterate. Whites who could not read and write numbered 23 percent, col- Ored 29 percent. There were 2,059 white children and 907 colored children, a total of 2,966 children awaiting all the provisions of a workable System of schools. Against this deplorable condition stood an uncollected poll tax of about $2,000.00 and about $750.00 expected from state sources. An inventory for the year, of teacher personnel available, show- ed: 13 white men teachers, 2 white women teachers, and 2 colored men teachers, a total of 19. There were 19 school houses, 17 Schools operated in private homes, and 2 academies. Up to this time the only public schools known to have been operated for Colored children in Onslow had been those reported in 1869 by J. W. Hood as operated on New River. Hood was a Negro car- Petbagger “of rather unsavory reputation’ who had served on the constitutional convention of 1868. He represented the American Missionary Society and reported to S. S. Ashly as follows: “Three schools on New River and one on Trent.” Even then, due to the disorganization of the school forces and slow- ness of the schools in getting under way, money began to accum- ulate in the treasury. The year 1874 was a year when the County spent $3,172.00 on white schools and $280.00 on colored Schools. R. W. Nixon was Chairman. In 1877 there were 38 white school districts and 18 colored; of these, 24 white schools with an enrollment of 702 and 12 col- Ored schools with an enrollment of 370, a total enrollment of 1,072, operated during the year. E. W. Ward, of Duck Creek, Was County Examiner. He collected two dollars for his services that year. Beginning Again : The Legislature of 1885 provides for a Board of Da a Separate and apart from the County Commissioners. Nee 7 est minute book in Onslow now extant, begins July 6, es . that time Frank Thompson was the Superintendent. e gave d pay only for the time on] i i y part time to the work and recelve mer tuieehe actually spent in the performance of his duties. Yeceived $2.50 per day. There ane 37 white schools in the county; 22 of them ae and 5 built of logs. Ten districts had no building but taug! Wherever a place could be secured for the purpose. The frame buildings were heated by stoves but the five log houses wert heated by fireplaces only. Among the colored of the nineteen 152 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW districts, only ten had houses of any kind. Three of the ten were log houses and one had a fireplace. There were 2,392 children on the white census, but only 1,197, or half, of them attend school anywhere during the year. The length of a term at that time was only eight weeks and one day to the year. The white teacher received $22.85 per month salary while the colored teacher received $20.22 for the same period. The teachers took an examination before the County Superin- tendent once each year. These he graded into first, second and third grades and classified them by sex and color as follows: 1886 (White) (Colored) Male Female Male Female Total list Gradeoa= see Sues 3 0 0 6 2nd Grade 2313) 4 0 22 ordiGradez:] say Burn = s 3 2 9 7 2 37 The amount of money paid into the treasury from all sources amounted in that year to $4,905.11. Of this amount there was spent for all purposes $3,086.05, leaving a balance on hand at the end of the year of $1,819.06. Superintendent Frank Thompson reported there were no schools in the county supported wholly or partly by local taxation - and following a request that he suggest steps promoting of the interest of the school, wrote: ‘““We need a Teacher’s Institute and there ought to be some way devised by which those children whose parents are unable to buy books could have suitable books provided for them.” During the years since 1877, the State had established several Normal Schools, all of which were doing good work among pros- pective teachers, but it was felt that something must be done to reach those teachers already employed in the schools. Edwin A. Alderman and Charles D. McIver conceived the idea of taking the training to the teacher and so the inception of Teachers’ In- stitutes. The Legislature of 1889 selected McIver and Alderman as State Institute Conductors to canvass the State. They came in personal contact with the teachers. Teachers, they said, were poor but improving. Poor schoolhouses, overcrowding, lack of uniformity of textbooks, lack of interest, constant changing of teachers, poverty of the people, low prices, etc., were some of the conditions noted. They suggested improvements and estab- lished training schools. The institutes were a success from the beginning. PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 153 Onslow was one of the first to pledge support to the movement and the same year appropriated $100.00 for one white and one Colored institute. The first Institute held in the county was in the summer of 1890. Thirty-six white and twelve colored teachers enrolled in these training schools. The next year forty-six white and thir- teen colored teachers were listed. There were only forty-four white schools in the county that year, showing that the teachers themselves realized their condition and were anxious to improve. Dr. McIver, himself, conducted the one held in Onslow in 1891, and the Board appropriated $60.00 to pay his expenses. hese Institutes continued tc be held, either in the County, or in coop- eration with another county, for a number of years. — Kk In 1891 Superintendent Thompson reported, concerning books adopted for use by the children: BF “The State-list books are kept for sale in the county by ‘ill Hall and Company, Tar Landing, and by Ward and see Jacksonville, but are not sold at list price to pupils.” (P. 185, Old Minute Book.) The next year he says in answer to the same question: “Nearly So,” but the next year a keener CRT resulted in furnishing them to pupils at the legal margin of ee t esides those named above, Marine Brothers and E. S. See a arines maintained a supply on hand at list price. Hs al be understood that prior to that time school books were a aa ed, ee by the state as at present, but by counties, and had long en the subject of much speculation in price. At the beginning of dhe shoo! year, 1892, Hlijah M. Koonce, who had been a teacher in the county schools, became Rae tendent. It was his administration that brought book ae ie Prices down to list prices. Institutes were continued. In e year 1893, forty-five white teachers and sixteen colored teachers Were examined and certified. In 1895 the office of County Superinte and its duties placed in the hands of the C Ounty Commissioners. ; Two years later, 1899, the Legislature provided for the elec- tion of a County Superintendent who was required to be a prac: tical teacher aed fe ibe had at the time of his election at least two years experience in teaching or public school work, és The work consisted mainly of holding examinations for teach- €rs and an occasional Teachers’ Institute. (Knight.) b A. W. Cooper, who had also been a teacher in the county i ba Came County Supervisor in 1897. During his administration the State Superintendent’s office began a pressure on the coun to br ing about certain improvements in the schools. One of the teforms which was being promoted by the Raleigh Office was ndent was abolished Jerk to the Board of 154 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW the equalizing of the length of terms in the townships of the county. Another improvement being asked for was the grading of the schools so as to secure a uniformity of effort in the school work. To get such reports as they needed, and to get effort on the part of county officials, the Superintendent’s report was made by the “Question and Answer” method. These questions were asked over and over year after year, and were so worded that being unable to answer them affirmatively soon became embar- rassing to the Superintendent whether he favored the proposed action or not. Such questions as those quoted below had a defi- nite purpose in the asking. Were institutes held in the county for teachers of both races? Number in attendance upon each? Have the Committees carried out the law in regard to making the schools of equal length of term? Answer: No. If not, why not? Answer: “Because some teachers will work for so much less than others. In 3/5 of the districts they did so. It looks like they can’t understand it.” Have you graded the schools in the Township? Answer: No; owing to the size of the county, the sparseness of settlers and the geographical boundaries, dangerous creeks, etc., it was impractical. A good many of the districts are so large already that some of the children can’t attend on account of the distance they have to travel. I think the grading system works well when the county is densely settled. “A. W. Cooper, Supervisor.” (Page 310, Old Minute Book.) Two years later Superintendent Cooper reported that the Com- mittee had made the schools of equal length: “As nearly as pos- sible,” and that he had not graded the schools of the townships because of the size of the territory, etc., but was “working in that direction.” (Page 359, Old Minute Book.) In this way Onslow was slowly but surely being dragged out of her lethargy in edu- cational matters. A rustle in the educational breeze of the county became slight- ly perceptible when, in 1901, the Jacksonville School District, the Odd Fellows Lodge, and the County Board of Education, each paying one third of the cost, cooperated in securing a site and erecting a new school building in the town of Jacksonville. The salary scale was filed in the county that year as follows: White per month Colored per month Ste Graders acer wae. oeaeee eee a $30.00 $20.00 2nd Grade 20.00 17.50 3rd Grade 15.00 12.50 There were fifty-three white and twenty colored school dis- tricts reported in the county in 1901. PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 155 Libraries More significant than even some of the school men mee Was the enactment by the Legislature of 1901 of a law whic Provided as a nucleus around which rural schools might build a library; that when the community had raised $10.00 or mor i the county and state would each supplement the sum with a like amount with which to purchase a library for the school. These libraries contained about fifty to a hundred well-chosen voles each, and probably did more to encourage reading in ibe rura communities than any one step in the history of the schoo at 7 This act made it possible for any school to obtain a ame we Selected library for an original investment ie ete upple- mental libraries could be added on the same terms. Thirty-five white and one Negro school availed themselves of the opportunity to secure a library and some supplementa 4 aoe ries were had. The library report for whites showed 3, Volumes and for colored, 66 volumes. Within a few months after passage of t oes Was received for a library from Jarman-Town School, Rich i f lands, and during the year 1902, that school became the site 0 the first public nine in the county with Miss Dora ae first librarian. Almost immediately following came app ontel for libraries from Adams Schoolhouse, South West, Caer pe 5 and Belgrade, with F. D. Shaw, G. J. Scott, S. A. Starling a In), Henderson, librarians. Other schools later took ae oe of state and county aid in buying books for community libraries. he act an application The Equalization Fund Beginning in 1899 the State Legi bropriations to a fund for equalizing Out the state. This money enabled those unable to operate for that length of time to maintain a four month school in ae fe trict. Governor Aycock and his lieutenants began an e ti a of Program such as the state had never known. A m3, 1902 School men was called to meet in his office eA meee and an address to the people of the state known as © commit- tion Against Illiteracy” was formulated. A Sea rolina,” tee for the promotion of Public Education in Nort on The Set out to arouse public opinion and translate it into BY fe : etc Committee wrote articles for the press, to the pepe sa eatin held rallies, open air meetings, and set aside a day tae Gee Carolina Day. The most prominent speakers Fee a aneation” engaged to speak and throughout North Carolina Was on everyone’s tongue. d from year to year, but The Equalizing Fund was increase ‘ : : aid was extenied only to those districts which applied for it. slature began making ap- the school terms through- 156 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Onslow, in 1902, applied for and received $321.19 of this fund. The amount was small, but a beginning had been made which continued to grow. A policy which continued until the state assumed the entire operation of the schools in 1933. In 1902 there were two districts in the county, Richlands and White Oak, which were allowed special permission to pay $35.00 per month each for teachers’ salaries. In 1903 the amount allot- ted to each township was as follows: Richlands $1,677.00 Jacksonville __ 91,135.00 Stump Sound _..._ 1,818.00 Swansboro _.. 1,059.00 White Oak pO, 100500 This was only $1,265.00 more than the allotment made for school purposes in 1885, eighteen years before. There were no local-tax districts in the county. VASLO tA O fameent an tear ren ase tiie Thompson Elected Walter M. Thompson was elected County Superintendent in July, 1903. Thompson’s administration did not mark the begin- ning of an era in Onslow; that era had already begun, but Thompson was its greatest exponent in Onslow County. He had been educated at Trinity College (now Duke University) and had been engaged in teaching in the county prior to becoming Superintendent. He was in sympathy with the new methods just then being employed by the educational forces of the state. He brought to the task an enthusiasm which was contagious. More- over, Thompson had ideas of his own concerning improvements which ought to be made in the management of schools of the county. These rules may not seem so important to us now, but the need for them gives us some idea of the disorganized condition and lack of uniformity in practice prior to that time. They were in- tended to aid in bringing order out of the chaos. 1. Schools are to open promptly at 8:45 and continue six hours exclusive of recesses. There shall be a morning and an afternoon recess not to exceed fifteen minutes each and a noon recess not to exceed sixty minutes each day. 2. Teachers are required to attend meetings of the Teachers’ Association and all meetings called by the Superintendent. The Superintendent may withhold approval of vouchers of those teachers who fail to attend such meetings without valid excuse. PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 157 fteen minutes teacher must ti] the build- 3. Teachers are required to be in the building fi before opening of school each day. At least one remain in school at recesses and in the afternoon un ing is safely closed and the children are sent home. re- 4. Pupils doing damage to the buildings or cosy fet quired to pay for same or they will be expelled from schoo’. 5. The teacher shall spend at least two days of the week te to the opening of school in visiting the parents in the atten- explaining the rules and regulations of the school, special ie tion being paid to those parents of negligent eae ach teacher shall receive $1.00 per day for the time spent 1n work. 6. A teacher, who by persona 50% in attendance of those between the age receive a 19% increase in salary and those teach 25% increase of attendance of the same age, 5% increase in salary. F 7. A reduction of 10% may be made in experiencing a 50% decline in attendance of t btains an increase of eee veg of 16 and 21 shall ers obtaining a shall receive 4 the salary of a teacher hose between the fied that ages of 16 and 21, unless the Superintendent is satis the result came about through no fault of the Loe ee et 8. Teachers are required to report at the end 0 ae Month the names of absentees with the cause of ne a ae a 9. All schools are required to start on the date ot on pa ae by the County Board of Education, and continue, rough Christmas week, to the date of closing. 4 10. The date set for opening this year (1904) is November 7th. (Page 455, Old Minute Book.) Richlands Votes a Special Tax During the last twenty years of the 19th Century, peanetee arger cities and towns in the state had voted a local oe cen- Dlement the school funds, but not until near the close of ogi tury did the rural districts begin levying taxes to lengthen "rt and increase teachers’ salaries. The educational Siete vin 1900 Sun by Governor Aycock and the school men of the sta = es had aroused an interest in schools and a wave of en 4 cade SWept over the state. It reached nee, in 1904 and in a de Spread over practically the entire county. : _ At its September (1904) session the County Board of He tion received a petition signed by forty-nine of the ae ached of a proposed special tax district at Richlands wae Foes it- approximately three miles in every direction from the to le in Self, asking for an election to ascertain the will of wi: 25100 00 2 Proposal to levy a special tax of thirty cents on the rpose Property valuation and ninety cents on the poll for the purP 158 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW of financing a graded school in the district. The election was held November 5, 1904, and the vote showed ninety-nine for the special tax and forty-five against. An appropriation was made by the Board for the erection of a new building and a new move- ment in education was under way in Onslow. Note: The county also purchased the site of the Richlands Female Academy, an institution which had been established by Miss Hattie Blanchard, a native of Wisconsin, sometime about 1875. Miss Blanchard was assisted in the work by her sisters, Miss Myra Blanchard and Mrs. J. M. Miller. The site of the building was near the site of the old Baptist Church and was in operation about ten years. The terms of the sale provided that the proceeds of said sale all be donated to the Public School in Richlands, North Carolina, for the advancement and promotion of Female Education in connection with the said school, October 2, 1905. For several years the above mentioned sum was carried as a fund separate and apart from the tax returns. Mr. Miller was a lumberman and lived in the old Hardy Hotel building, now owned and occupied by Victor Venters. A primary school for boys was sometimes operated along with the Female Academy. Two months after receipt of the Richlands petition, a similar one was received from Swansboro with 37 signatures, but the vote there evidently was against the special tax. However, an- other vote there on the same question was had five years later which showed a vote of twenty-one in favor of the school. The adverse vote in Swansboro seems to have been the only setback suffered by the friends of education in the several elections which followed. On May 6, 1905, Jacksonville voted a special tax supplement by thirty-four to twenty votes. Others Other petitions were received and approved by the Board of Education as follows: (Note: The names as given here are not always exactly as we know them. The districts were known at that time simply by numbers.) 1905—July: Williams Store (Sneads Ferry) signed by thirty voters. 1906—Oct.: Harris Creek 1907—January: South West 1907—October: Belgrade 1908—April: Marines 1909—May: Stump Sound 1909—Swansboro: Another District 1910—January: Meadow View 1910—April: Heritage PuBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 1910—July : Verona 1911—January: Turkey Creek 1911—April: Silverdale 1911—April: Deppe 4 1911—April: Belgrade, additional territory 1912—Swansboro: Another District 1912—October: North East, Kellum The First High School in the County Richlands, which was the first to vote a : a : county, was also the first in the county to establish a ae ean The Legislature of 1907 authorized the establishmen ta aN high schools and made an appropriation ih their mai and in th mth of July of that year we read: “The Board ordered “That with the consent of the sist Hee of Education a first class Public High School be esta rar ta Richlands, N. C.’ and that seven hundred and ay apes pee dollars be appropriated out of the contingent ane oF ee tion of a suitable building.” (P. 498, Old Minute 9 ey maak Spring of 1911 the school graduated one from a eal enon and the next year (1912) three pupils fplehes ree grades required to complete a standard high schoo Roam In October, 1907, the Superinteneat was first employ full time at a salary of $75.00 per mon ike In 1910 one log sos pbuilding was still in use by ye core People. There were six college graduates teaching in of the county that year. Note: On July 3, 1911, we read: a telegram from Superintendent Walter More saying that his wife is dead in a Ordered that D. F. Howard (member 0% | Thompson on his return and accompany him respect.” In 1912 there were seventy fifty-four for white and nineteen for Negroes. fifty-four contained only one room while among graded school in the “The Board is in receipt of M. Thompson in Balti- hospital there. It was f the Board) meet Mr. home as a mark of 1 houses in the county; ee Forty-two of the the colored people Only three buildings contained more than one room. During the year four white and four colored school houses Were built, costing a total of $5,765.00. Of the teachers ten white and two co uates. : A six month term in every school in the state was reauines under an act passed in 1918 while Locke Craig was pee = Since 1905 the school districts had vied vale Goal herein Voting special taxes to supplement the state and cou wane Every year saw new districts join the rank of the prog : lored were college grad- 160 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW As could be expected, these special tax districts found themselves in position of advantage in hiring teachers, as they were able to pay more than the state schedule and terms were longer. Being more desirable from the teachers’ standpoint, teaching positions in them were more sought after by the better qualified teachers, etc. While encouraging and promoting the special tax districts Superintendent Thompson never lost sight of the equal right of every child to a good education. He preached it from the rostrum and in private conversation, and the minutes of the Board of Education are replete with his expression of anxiety for the child whose opportunity was limited because his local school was not on par with the the rest of the county. Pointing out the impossibility of setting up a standard for schools in the county, while the piecemeal method of taxation persisted, Thompson suggested the adoption of a flat rate throughout the county for the support of schools and thus, by so doing, permit the operation of all schools on an equal basis. He argued that such a plan would insure a standard school with a qualified teacher for those children where no special tax had been voted. The proposal, however, was not quite acceptable to the Board and the plan never materialized. Incidentally, it should be said here that the Board of Education supported remarkably well his leadership and policies generally during his long term of office. The constructive efforts of such members as David F. Howard of Richlands, and Hosea Brown of Jacksonville deserve special attention. The Board of Education, in order to secure the service of a home demonstration agent in the county agreed to as- sume the payment of $450.00 per year as part of that officer’s salary and upon learning that the lady’s car was badly in need of repair, also appropriated $220.00 difference to be paid to secure a new one. During the summer of 1920 a Summer School for Teachers was held at Jacksonville, continuing for six weeks. The county’s part of the expense of conducting the school amounted to $390.00. One-half of the actual expenses incurred by the teachers, who agreed to teach in Onslow, was paid by the county. To the county superintendent’s pressing duties were added that of County Welfare Officer and Mr. Thompson assumed that duty along with the others. Salaries for the Superintendent was set at $2,000.00 per annum and that of the Welfare Officer at $500.00. Total salaries paid to teachers in 1920 were as follows: PusLic EDUCATION SINCE 1840 Elementary Teachers High School schools amounted to The grand total spent in the operation of Serine Cite $150,208.00. Superintendent Thompson’s repo ing June 30, 1921, included the following: White Colored Value rural school property No. rural school houses -- 30 No. class rooms - Brick houses Frame houses Log houses Teacherages Houses built during the year_ Total cost houses mentioned. Districts having no houses No. one-teacher schools No. two-teacher schools _. No. three-teacher schools No. four or more teacher schools Average term in days Libraries Local tax districts _ - Censusitorthely cates eee = as ooo e CNONHOIHOOS Re) a pars 3,814 Difficulties Something of the difficulties confronti the county in 1926 can be learned by quo fendent’s report to the Board. “At age erent lengths of terms, some six, some K Months; ie of the schools having a full sont oe ral While others are trying to give elementary Havarathers with Seven grades, with perhaps only one teacher. : enth grades two teachers are trying to carry the first to the sev high school inclusive, and in addition to this, undertaking to ore that some instruction. It may be seen, therefore, very clear i from one children are required, in order to secure a promouo ix months &rade to another, to accomplish the same work hich is a prac- that others are required to do in eight months, wie tical impossibility.” “The State has declared eight months as t in which the work of a grade can be done an term can be equalized, it is impossible to give €qual opportunity or advantage.” ng the school boards of ting from the Superin- t the schools have dif- en, and others eight he minimum term d until the school every child an 162 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW “With these conditions confronting the Board it has been ascertained that there are twenty-four local tax districts already in the county whose rates range from fifteen to forty cents and that the greater part of all property values of the county are embraced within these districts. “The remaining part of the county is the undeveloped part, which is sparsely populated, so that if they should vote a tax upon themselves, the value being small, the tax thus raised would be insufficient to provide opportunities equal to those in other parts of the county,” said Mr. Thompson. Therefore he urged the adoption of a uniform tax rate through- out the county. However, the resolution favorable to such action written on a fly leaf at the time, was crossed out. “No other business coming before the Board upon motion of F.B.P., the meeting was adjourned.” Those schools not already in the special tax districts were pauper schools, from both an educational and financial stand- point and the Board was content for them to remain so. The next two years was to see the culmination of a quarter- century of planning and persistence. A contract was let for the construction of a modern brick structure at Richlands, costing $29,937.00, followed by another at Jacksonville which cost $28,- 167.00. The First Trucks Thompson’s proposal to purchase trucks to transport high school pupils from the rural districts to the central high schools was rejected at first by the Board of County Commissioners until it was shown that trucks could be operated at lower cost than separate schools could be maintained under the former method. The opposition was led by A. W. Cooper, a former Superintend- ent of Schools, who was then serving on the Board of County Commissioners. Although yielding to overwhelming figures, Cooper never accepted them as his own but allowed passage of the resolution because he realized that public sentiment was against him.” The first purchase of trucks (they were not called buses in those days) was authorized in 1925. The order called for thir- teen Ford trucks. Thompson’s County-Wide Plan On October 19, 1925, a mass meeting of committeemen, teach- ers and friends of education met with the Board of County Com- missioners and of Education in their joint session. Plans evolved at the meeting included the setting up of a cen- tral High School in each township for pupils of that district who PuBLIc EDUCATION SINCE 1840 163 Would, upon completion of the elementary grades, be seen sep to the Central High School four years for graduation. pubiell mary local schools thus became feeders for the Gai consoli- Schools. This was Thompson’s version of the mo seine oe dated school, and a very wise one, as it averted the ne discarding small buildings of use throughout the sore reel Location of the high schools were decided upon Fe hvbas: Co forces of the county began their forward march Ww ae at Rich- tinued to this day. Besides those already in opera ae cone for lands and Jacksonville, plans called for schools 5 k, and at Stump Sound Township, at Tabernacle for White Oa lected at Swansboro for Swansboro founston The locations ‘se that time have remained until today. F The only opposition of importance was to the losatiny oft building at Dixon which was opposed by patrons at Sot Sneads Ferry, and elsewhere, who felt that the bui ae school be at Sneads Ferry, but State Officials favored locating meee near a surfaced highway and so the original plans ae “because No changes were made in the schools for the colore very few own their own homes and are a brane peony (therefore) no permanent plan is possible for there x Bae et tar Although some small districts continued to as be eeihin 2 elections the Central High Schools soon overshadowe snsolidated else and patrons of small schools began asking to pe cae Fee Co- With the high schools and progressively this has bee! Hen ined ordination and teamwork has brought about a new 1 Cation in Onslow and it works. New Building ars ilding pro- The new plan necessitated the initiation of Oe a anole gram. To the $29,937.00 already spent at Richlands, 920, for additional classrooms was added. The Dixon School was designed to cost White Oak School $30,000.00. For some reason Swansboro School were delayed, but finally m be shown later. ination of The adoption of the County-wide plan was the CE ne years of planning and the greatest step yet fake : ede centers the County school system. The central high sc oe ch school also around which a complete unit was planned. ba rby pupils and re- Ricarrmemrauea sent Anse the seventh. ceived from distant communities only to full lida- \ o full conso his partial action was necessary as @ a aneeeay destruction tion, first because public sentiment wou nty. Of the little old sehoal buildings scattered throughout the cou neces- ack of transportation for pupils and finally lack of funds 29,000.00 and the : plans for the aterialized as will 164 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW sary for a sudden changeover into complete consolidation. Soon some of the smaller schools asked to be transferred to the high school, always being encouraged in so doing by the Superintend- ent. As time has gone by, the small one and two teacher school has disappeared, the last one being abandoned in 1953. While the schools had grown and improved with the years, the engineer had grown old with the burden of bringing them up, and so on April 14, 1927, Mr. Thompson was elected Superin- tendent Emeritus and a younger man took over in his stead. Five complete educational units in the county, one for each township in the county, was his aim and while the ideal was not reached during his incumbency, he could see its realization from the heights. The plot and stage setting was the work of his hands. What Joyner was to North Carolina education, Thomp- son was to education in Onslow. Nothing better can be said. The first important item on the agenda when H. Lee Thomas assumed the superintendency was the construction of a central high school for Swansboro township. The friends of education in that area all wanted a high school, but few of them could agree upon a location for it. Swansboro, being the only town in the ‘township, naturally expected it would be located there. More- over, Mr. Blair of the Raleigh office recommended that the build- ing be constructed at that place. He not only pointed out a number of advantages to be had there, but cited the natural beauty of the setting along the waterfront as perfect for the purpose. Bear Creek and Duck Creek also wanted the school located near the center of the territory which was, according to them, somewhere near Bear Creek. They were determined and put up a strong fight. The Board of Education, in its effort to please everybody, wavered from one to the other. Apparently deciding with the state representative, after a hearing from the opposing team, they decided in favor of Bear Creek. The town of Swansboro then asked to be excluded from the new district. It preferred the old school to a new one located down on Bear Creek. Even- tually the State Office “put its foot down’ and named Swansboro as the site of the new building, where it was erected and where it remains. The contract was let May 20, 1929, to Strickland Brothers of Zebulon to cost approximately $45,000.00. The school tax rate that year (1928) was eighty-three cents, with a poll tax levy of $1.50. Mr. Thomas exhibited no characteristic of leadership and when the next election came up, J. G. Allen of Manning, South Caro- lina, was elected to succeed him. Mr. Allen had notions, but no idea of how to get along with the PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 165 Public, and his secretary, Miss Douglas Hand, who was pee the most efficient person ever to do secretarial work in the Par y up to that time, had even less. Farmers traveled twenty mi es to the Superintendent’s office on business only to shuffle ‘id after a three minute conference, often with little or no consid eration given to their problem. Teachers fared little il die When the Board of Education realized the need of ee 1p on the part of the Superintendent, it began looking around ada Suitable man for the place. The members of the Board coul ae little themselves because they came together only one les “th ir Month and were dependent upon the Superintendent for the information and the need for a man with vision was plainly evident. ._ To give some idea of the extent of the program th In the schools, these figures are taken from the bu fiscal year 1929-30: Current Expenses Capital Outlay Debt Service en under way dget for the To expedite the business sessions of the Board it was decided followed by an execu- to hol i ion, d at each meeting an open sess aianenenmeretcloaed tive session. After every one had been hear and the business transacted. ama Mr. Allen advised that employment of teachers holding ; mentary B Certificates be reduced by 40% throughout the be and that not more than 10% of the white teachers be allowed to hold a certificate as low as Elementary B. This arbitrary action caused much dissa Older teachers of the county, many of whom 88 teachers and on whom the system had Importance. sheet While the State talked about plans for increased salaries a tetirement for the aged, these old standbys were fone 8raze. The 10% were put on a salary of $45.00 per month. the Allen probably took the step because of pressure from din aleigh office, but in many cases grave injustice was done a No Onslow it added to the unpopularity of the Superintendent. 4 One seemed to think of a retirement fund for teachers based upo: Years of experience and work done. : renters For some time the County Welfare officer was main y mm d ested in effectuating the Compulsory Attendance Lays au Perated under the County Superintendent. Mrs. W. T. a i Catherine Lake first acted in this capacity followed by Miss Lea tisfaction among the had splendid records grown to its present 166 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Thompson, whose death in September, 1929, occasioned the adop- tion of resolutions by the Board in her honor. Mrs. Hilda G. Kite of Fayetteville filled the unexpired term. ; Mrs. Kite was re-elected July 1, 1930, but a month later the Welfare Office was put upon an eight month basis and the salary fixed at $750.00 per annum. Mrs. J. N. Sanders entered upon this service August 4, 1930. Probably for the first time in the county’s history the Super- intendent refused to O. K. the contract made by the trustees of the Swansboro School with a prospective principal for the school. After a hearing in the matter the Board upheld the Superin- tendent. Fire destroyed the Jacksonville School building during the spring of 1930 and a contract was let for another to cost $39,- 145.50 with an additional $5,700.00 allowed for the installation of plumbing and heating. The site was moved from the south side of College Street to its present location on New Bridge and Warlick Streets. The Board of Education and County Superintendent joined in asking the Onslow representative in the Assembly of 1931 to remove all special tax enactments for school supplements and to levy instead a general county tax of twenty cents on the hundred dollars property evaluation. This last act would have gladdened the heart of Mr. Thompson, whose death had occurred a few months before, because the com- pletion of the five central schools and a uniform tax for schools throughout the county had been his goal for many years. The program he had worked out years before. When a Superintendent of Public Instruction was to be elected in 1931, eleven candidates’ names were filed with the Board. Standing in favor with the Board was B. B. C. Kessler with two votes, A. H. Hatsell with two, and John W. Hargett with one vote. After many days and 155 ballots, Mr. Kessler was named County Superintendent by a three-two vote, May 11, 1931. Even then, at a meeting of the Board held a week later, some of the members tried to rescind their action and passed a resolution demanding that Kessler refuse to accept the appointment or resign from the office; Kessler did neither, but entered upon his duties at the beginning of the fiscal year July 1, 1931, and noth- ing more was done about it. Mr. Kessler was perhaps the ablest school man yet connected with the Onslow system, but factional politics had gotten into the operation of the schools. The office had become a political football, bandied about by whatever faction happened to be in the ascendancy at the time, and Kessler’s political setup was unfortunate from the first. PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1840 167 . The office of Welfare was again consolidated with the Super- Intendent of Education in 1931 and the salary fixed at $1.00 per year and 6¢ per mile. j a The Nation was then in the middle of a financial depression and the national government was spending money for public improvements as rapidly as possible in order to stimulate ss Ployment among the people. Many people were in need, and jobs Could not be found. The Georgetown School Included among projects sponsored by Onslow was that of a County-wide high school building for Negroes. Up to this time, little had been done for the education of Negroes beyond the Mere operation of schools throughout the county. The county had not yet adopted a policy of pupil transportation for Negroes and when the Georgetown Parent-Teachers Association in 1931 offered to present to the county a ton truck to be used in trans- Porting high school students from distant places in the county, the board agreed to accept the truck so that license plates could be had at state rates, but refused to pay for the gas and oil used im the vehicle even though school trucks had already been in Speration in the county a number of years. Upon completion of the Georgetown School, however, buses operated from through- Cut the County. j Also, colored citizens had solicited and contributed brick and Other material while, with the County acting as sponsor, federal funds were used in the construction of the building, the cost pes ing around $30,000.00. It is the only colored high school in Nslow and draws its patronage from throughout the county. 1942 White Colored Total No. children 6-21 3,849 2,020 pee Enrollment Elementary School 2,654 1,194 UF a Enrollment High School 939 214 Be €ngth term in days. = 160 160 Vocation Teachers soa 6 0 102 lementary Teachers - a 68 34 aE High School Teachers we 30 5 iaaeE Total Value Bldgs. & Equip $48,000 $513, at No. Buildings 16 Average value each _ $ 3,000 is 0. Buses in Use 3 Total Disbursements All Purposes..$278,486.98 168 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Two other projects were the erection of a gymnasium at Rich- lands and at Jacksonville. The Richlands school already had obtained a home for its principal some years before. The 1983 election resulted in the selection of Mr. A. H. Hatsell of Belgrade as Superintendent. Mr. Hatsell was Principal of White Oak School at the time of his selection and is a native of Onsiow County. The State Takes Over A drastic change in school affairs took place in 1933 when the State assumed the operation of all schools in the State. This step was taken in view of the fact that the nation was then in the midst of a financial depression, as a result of which the county was unable to collect the taxes and so could not pay the teachers. Briefly, the act provided for the abolition of all local tax levies, the cost of the operation being assumed by the State. Physical equipment, such as buildings, buses, etc., however, were still to be furnished by the county. In this way every child in the state was provided an eight months school term and the state guar- anteed the operation. Much dissatisfaction was caused by the drastic cut in salaries that year, but this appears to have been necessary if the schools were to operate at all. Total current expense for the year 1933-34 for the whole state amounted to $18,296,363.78, a decline of more than five and three-quarter million dollars in a single twelve-month period. In the general slashing of expense of State which followed, as usual its educational system suffered first and most. (Here it should be said that no other state employees received cuts in salary comparable to that of the teachers, and some of those higher up actually received an increase in salary.) Some teach- ers accepted script in lieu of cash and continued the work. The total result of the change in operation begun in 1933, however, proved beneficial to the state as a whole. Many chil- dren under the new setup attended school eight months for the first time, and throughout the state terms were made equal. After a year or two legislative appropriations were increased begin- ning at sixteen million dollars in 1933-34 and reaching twenty- seven million in 1940-1941, this providing increased salaries for teachers and other employees for the extension of the system to include a twelfth grade, and later a ninth month was added to the length of term throughout the state. Since 1937 basal elementary books have been furnished free of cost to the students but most of the high school pupils of the state still are renting all of their books. PusBLic EDUCATION SINCE 1840 169 Onslow Grows Up Since 1942 the pupil enrollment had grown by Games bounds while little preparation had been made to house a ahs flow. Some officials had even entertained the idea that the Would soon be over. f Tax valuation had remained low in spite ot 4 crease which had taken place, and few officials renee the extent of the problem which now presented itself for solution. saa K ] estate In the meantime, prices of building material and rea t had gone sky high. It seemed as if the bear had outgrown his Master and was no longer manageable. 4, 4981; nefechools of When the new Board took over Apri % snflux of he county were literally “bursting at the seams. The aie Jans the new pupils arriving annually had far exceeded any he etthe e of the natural in- * imaginati Board of Education may have had. oe aes teps necessary hh modern educational County Commissioners could net eee © put the nty in position to turn Z . facilities to sah ae hd increasing numbers of pupils A disturbing “the tax rate” which had long been ok Ree Politics of Onslow County. In fact, an effort was ma A ened it in face of the overwhelming needs of the schools. Beeect that at last the irresistible foree had met the Lo ee nphaands tight here in Onslow County with the education of its of children at stake. Classrooms and more classrooms was t te gterias had been cut up into Ea © keep school under stairways, in old ou 3 Ratt ete., while no plans were in sight and no money available . re that if Which to make any more space. The Board was ava perder: by any chance the buildings could be secured, eran be lars more would be necessary to equip them gaat the larger the demand for physical education buildings (gy physical education : otk Schools had become almost constant. There were ine ane a Only two old gyms, one of which had already been Co: Unsafe for use. S In preparation for some move to be made, a pape) Me Or. ate Composed of Dr. W. A. Stumpf of Duke Vipers y; raetet Jenkins of East Carolina College, William P. Duff, Ens: Superin- the State Board of Education, and Mr. O. P. sonneen See tendent of Schools, Duplin County, was asked to ma Showing the needs of the schools at the time. eG he first proposal was the issuance of County bonds in on Amount of $1,100,000. The issue was approved by the voters 2: ay 81, 1952. The bonds were sold for es in schooling he Federal Government provided funds to asst ie What was known as “Federally Connected” children, whose P i hool he crying need. Se I ences were trying t-buildings, garages, 170 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW ents were employed in the Federal service. This fund increased from year to year and the increasing number of children enrolled added very substantially to operating cost and capital outlay funds. The increase in taxable property valuations multiplied time and again, especially at Jacksonville, Swansboro and Dixon Schools, thus bringing in additional funds. (Note: Lack of space prevents the recital of many important happenings which should be recorded here. For detailed ac- count see “Minutes of the Board” in the office of the Superin- tendent of Schools, Jacksonville, N. C.) Following are some of the major projects promoted by the Board to April, 1955, together with additional classrooms, stor- age, etc., and the construction of gymnasiums at all High Schools now, tend to the most adequate school operation in the history of the County: 1952 Clayde A. Erwin Elementary School 1953 Georgetown High School 1953 Silverdale Elementary School 1954 Swansboro High School 1955 Northwoods Elementary School Major additions have been made at Jacksonville High, George- town, Dixon, Thompson Elementary, Richlands, White Oak and Swansboro Elementary. Modern gymnasiums have been con- structed at Jacksonville, Georgetown, Richlands, Dixon, White Oak and Swansboro. Multi-purpose rooms have been completed at Woodson Elementary, Northwoods, Silverdale and Clyde A. Erwin. Onslow school population continues to grow, however, and Superintendent Hudson has estimated that it will be necessary to censtruct a new 12 classroom building each year if the County is to care adequately for its children. WALTER M. THOMPSON Walter M. Thompson was a great educator, a tenehet deere derstood and loved youth. He knew we educational p and could detect a good teacher on sight. = ; F Moreover, he lived in a period in the State 8 mistony Og he “fitted in.” It came natural for him to ats i PA ack Program in Onslow—the great program of the illus He sores and the educational forces which were making themselve mm ae State at the time. hee on of Jonathan W. Thompson and Levicie © ion, during the Civil War (1862) and grew up dune eee Hae and the financial depression which followed. ae ae ‘Neaderny: ity College, he began teaching at the old Richla Ow many years he taught there we do not eal ee De and In 1884 he married Miss Minnie Cox, daug Mrs. Cador Cox of Richlands. A In 1902 he was the successful candidate an cie Brown, he was born d was elected to here he served tendent of he County continuously for represent the county in the General Assembly, whet Only one term, and in 1904, became County Superin Schools. In this capacity he served t years, i - In 1927 his health began to fail, which made pee re tirement, at which time he became Superintendent ch rch "He Tn 1890, he connected himself with the Methodist di t Sunday Was the teacher of the Bible Class in the Metho a ity until School at J acksonville, serving the church in this aes Reh ill health caused his retirement. He was faithful in his illness, 4 student of the Bible and religious thoughts. _ eee etre Whenever his pastor or his close friends vale in the great Quently gave expression to his interest and beliefs i tenths of God. Mazonie traten € was a member of the Masonic LaFayette Lodge #83 at Jacksonville, a member of oad the Council and The Knights of Templar, he was 4 New Bern one of the charter members of Sudan Temple e ic prethren. North Carolina. He loved Masonry and his Meer one hey esteemed him and honored him with many oll lodges of which he was a member. Bein é _ Mr. Thompson, upon the death of his first ae z ae ee Tied Mrs. Beatrice Dixon and the tribute he bald eis Will many years later is beautiful and impressive. 1930 : ‘ llege Street in Jack- 12 1954 the great elementary eee Sieh Brown, Chair- Sonville was, upon the suggestion 0 nity—a member of 172 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW man of the Board of Education, named in honor of Mr. Thomp- son. On April 15, 1954, an oil portrait of him presented by his daughter, Mrs. Agnes Humphrey, was dedicated in his honor. The address was made by Honorable E. W. Summersill. In at- tendance were teachers who had formerly taught under Mr. Thompson. The Thompson School is a fitting monument by a grateful people to a great man. WORLD WAR | The First World War began in Europe in 1914. : For several years prior to this time a struggle a isp: on between England, France, Germany, and to : “ etait Russia and Austria also, for possession of undevelope m Africa, Asia and the Islands of the Pacific. +: To tell the story in detail would be impractical he : te to their geographical location and to the aggressive polonigy ey Cles, England and France rapidly gained supremacy, ee ihe in Africa and the Mediterranean area. This led Goma ae belief that much of the advantage held by these nations Sained at her expense. rope began In preparation for the struggle the nations of Europ 2 aligning ase anee into balance-of-power groups. a ea ver, made little change in the course of events ani ean Soon believed that she not only was losing her Place in i" He but had little share in the colonial possessions of the wor i Where. : Claiming self defense, Germany began the bui Military saenine: whose might was intended to out eee might oppose her. As time went on the German rap toward became more powerful and assumed an arrogant a ] with Other nations and became aggressive and difficult to eS ae The German people were taught to regard themselves as 8 re S other races, and as such, destined to become master orld, The need for living space in Ger also, while much territory lay around ©onsidered inferior peoples whose governmen erful than her own. Such was the “set-up” in June, 1914, when t of Austria was assassinated while on a visit to of Sarajevo. Immediately ultimatums and demand: “rnments of Europe. Alliances alrea Ration pledged aid to its ally, soon invo ee boom of guns and the tread of mare Uurope to its foundation. sae As the war progressed, a blockade of Germany es edit by the Allies. Germany, whose navy was no match or ee AaB ish fleets, retaliated by opening a campaign of unrestY marine warfare against England and France. re, but owing lding of a vast many was becoming acute 4 t she er occupied by what sh‘ z ts were less pow- he Crown Prince the Serbian city d between the gov- ae beind by which one lved all Europe 1n be hing feet soon shook al 174 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The United States Becomes Involved President Woodrow Wilson had all along protested the sink- ing of neutral ships with consequent loss of life. In spite of these warnings, the United States received a note in which Ger- many announced that on February 1, 1917, she would stop all commerce with England, France and Italy with every available weapon and without further notice, within certain prescribed zones designated by her. She condescended to allow one steamer per week to visit England, provided it bore the proper markings which she had named, and entered and returned on specified days. All other American ships found in this zone would be tor- pedoed, she said. This was a virtual declaration of war by Ger- many. President Wilson, who had exhausted every effort to remain neutral and had protested lawless acts by any of the belligerents during the war, now saw that we must fight or remain out of the war under very humiliating circumstances. This was, of course, unthinkable. The President, on April 2, 1917, went before the Congress and asked for a declaration of war on Germany. Two days later Congress completed its action and a state of war was declared. In May, 1917, an Act of Congress provided for the raising of an army by conscription. Under its provisions all male persons between the ages of 21 and 30 years were required to register and be numbered in the order of registration. From this list induc- tees would later be taken. Which registrant would be called first was determined by drawings held at Washington City. The States were for admin- istrative purposes subdivided into districts. North Carolina was divided into an Eastern and a Western District with Onslow, of course, in the Eastern. District Headquarters were at Golds- boro. Local Boards, whose duty it was to activate the program of the War Department locally, were made up of individuals familiar with local conditions and persons; men who were known to be capable, reputable and representative citizens who would be the best judges of the equities of law in its application to their neighbors. To the Local Board the prospective draftee went to register. From it he received all instructions prior to the date of his en- trainment for military camp. June 5, 1917, will be remembered as the first Registration Day. On that date the names of all male persons between the ages of 21 and 30 were to be recorded in order of their registration. On that date 1,193 of Onslow’s young men registered for whatever the future might bring. Wortp War I 175 For those who had reached the age of 21 years since June 5, 1917, another registration was called for June 5, 1918, and still another on August 25th the same year. In these two last regis- trations 188 were added to the list of Onslow eligibles. The rapidity with which the men were being called to the colors can be realized when we learn that nineteen days later a fourth registration was called for. Under the latest call ages of men had been lowered to 18, and included those up to 45 years of age. This call added to those available for selection to mili- tary service 1,587 additional names. The grand total for Onslow in the four registrations numbered 2,918 men. Of these only 420 were accepted at camp. 540 per- Sons received military deferment because of dependency. — From the Recapitulation sheet in the office of the Adjutant General in Raleigh we have the following facts concerning Onslow County men enlisted or inducted in the various branches of the service, viz: ARMY White Colored Total Enlisted or inducted __........._- Zi 131 393 Killed in action : j 3 Wounded : 18 Died of wounds 2 Died of disease 10 Died of disease domestic. Deserters Enlisted and inducted GRAND ToTAL ALL SERVICES Killed in action: Pvt. William L. Morton, Hubert, N. C., October 5, 1918. Pvt. William C. Meadows, Hubert, N. C., September 29, 1918. Pvt. Leslie Foy, Verona, N. C., September 29, 1918. 176 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Fatally wounded: Pvt. Dolphus C. Cooper, Jacksonville, N. C., died July 27, 1918. Cpl. Elmer J. Higgins, Jacksonville, N. C., missing October 2, 1918, died October 5, 1918, in field hospital at Antruche. All those who lost their lives in the war from Onslow were at- tached to the Infantry. Bibliography Records in the Office of the Adjutant General, Raleigh, North Carolina. Thanks to Miss Betsy Lane. PROSPERITY AND PANIC E . . mergency Relief in Onslow need, but dur- There are always those who are on the verge of k due ing the period 1930-35 millions of others were out of wor ; 5 he country. to the closing of the mills and factories throngbout 2 ae still. Every great city had bread lines and business was a cect “The coun ie in the midst of a depression, and oe a fidence was at a low ebb.” “Throughout ue page seemed to fear, and hunger was almost as widespread. No ons without know what to do, and conditions seemed to grow aera a low any relief in sight. Farm marketing had reached TOC) ® ebb that there was no organized market for Bry ades were tobacco sold for ten cents per pound, and lower sr rkets had Passed over without a bid. The cotton and corn ma disappeared altogether. large All hope of financial survival passed when the foe ete and small, began to fail, and one after another wen Yruptey. aD: Such was the condition of the country when Fa 2 Roosevelt came to the presidency in 1933. Imme She coat taking the oath of office, he ordered every bank in en rane Closed for examination. Only those found to be ieee all the Safe basis were allowed to reopen. To prevent hoarding, Sold in the country was called in. There were two banks in Onslow: he Jacksonville bank closed only long enoug hands. ille and Richlan Jace a examination, : he Richlands Was found solvent and reopened for te eter cat of the bank had already closed its doors, but the i ank’s assets paid the depositors in full. Paraben of Wed" To assist in the rehabilitation of the people, Be agencies were initiated, in only two of W sted here. : rment Among the earliest steps taken to relieve S138, the Civilian Conservation Corps came into being Mar ergency.” Which the President called “An essential step in the or rion he work of the CCC included reforestation, WS ests and flood control and soil erosion, and the control of Date near isease. One of the camps, “Camp Hoffman, was 83,000 acres €lgrade in Hoffman Forest. The forest Egle: tion, is used 2nd is owned by the North Carolina Forestry Ao State College, as a testing laboratory for students of Forestry a tyle and only Raleigh. The camps were operated military Sty young, single men were selected to do the work. “adaeinip two The Federal Emergency Relief Administration wa: hich we are inter- 178 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW months later in North Carolina, known as the “North Carolina Emergency Relief Administration.” Its duty was in the fields of employment on public works, agricultural aid and direct re- lief. For the farmers everything necessary to the making of a crop was furnished, including fertilizer, seeds, mules and even the subsistence of the farmer while he made and marketed the crop. Flour and meat, when available, was distributed to the workers cooperating, while clothing was furnished to school chil- dren where urgently needed. The State was divided, for administrative purposes, into Dis- tricts. Onslow was in Districts 25-26, which included Carteret, Craven, Jones and Pamlico Counties. The Administration office was at New Bern. Without giving all personnel connected with the work in the District, Mr. Marion A. Cowell became Rural Rehabilitation Supervisor. Assisting in Onslow was Mrs. Sallie Lee Venters, Senior Case Worker; Mrs. Sallie Saunders, Junior Case Worker, and Mrs. Olethea Teague, Clerical. K. D. Pittman became Works Assignment Clerk, D. D. Justice and L. H. Millis, Farm Foremen, , and Mrs. I. W. Starling, Homemaker. Without attempting to list all possible operations in which the HK. R. A. was authorized to cooperate, the following projects were completed in Onslow during its operation, with cost shown in round numbers, amounting to a total expenditure of $89,974.10. We list the following projects: Drainage in Towns Folkstone Deppe Road Repair _. Walton Road Repairs Dixon-Sneads Ferry _ Oyster planting Swansboro shells on stree Sanitary privies at schools. Jacksonville Garage and Gym. = Paintingathesabove st. nase: sakte Suliines 5 zal Drainage engineering in county. Turkey Creek Drainage Richlands gymnasium _. Queens Creek Bridge Sewer, City Reservoir _. School lunches county Sneads Ferry sewing room Bedding oysters Canning food Farm and garden supervisors. Repair public buildings PROSPERITY AND PANIC E.R.A. Warehouse at Jacksonville Administrative Jail repairs Records _. Janitor Survey fishermen - Swansboro streets _ Richlands drainage Richlands drainage Drainage engineer _ Relief nursing Home-Makers __ School repairs Swansboro Ice House Clerical (three items) Total reported in Onslow County. For the period April 1934 to March 1935. The population of Onslow (1980) was 15,289. Of these 1,035 persons received re- lef in some form during 1935. koe The County’s population was divided into 3,045 families. these 208 received relief in 1935. Per capita expenditure for relief $2.02 against a State Maes = $3.18. This represented for each client $3.49 against a State Verage of $3.10. Liquidation of the E.R.A. began December, 1935. Mrs. cigees : O’Berry’s report, from which this information is taken, W Published September 1, 1936. Note: Besides the above projects, the story of the Bethany Baptist Church should be included here. The story can be found M the section, “The Church in the County,” under The Mission- ary Baptist Church. » Mrs. May F. » Mrs. N. E. Day, H. M. supervision of Walter M. WORLD WAR II In spite of President Wilson’s plea to make the more See democracy, governments in Europe following the fr st ee Ger- bore little resemblance to democracy as we know its teed a Many at Weimar in 1919 formulated a constitution, a Nee republic and elected a President, but the republic Mb Pend: to be short lived. Meanwhile over in Italy, Fascist gre ment ed by Benito Mussolini, overthrew the constitutional rh ge and set up a dictatorship where democracy and civil te w Tak- destroyed, and war and brute force glorified in their s th his ing a cue from Mussolini in Italy, Hitler in Germany, ressed National Socialists in 1933 destroyed the republic, oe cul- all civil liberty and began a persecution of minorities “ miere: Minated in cruelty beyond anything yet known to ane ° and re- garding all treaties, Hitler raised a vast war macnine i inst its Sumed the bullying tactics of the old German i Boule: Rnd Weaker neighbors. As time passed, Germany & 5 Id Started active warfare by marching on to Poland. see ar I, this attack upon a nation brought in allies oy a and the world was soon in the midst of another wor. d we World The President, from experience previously ae number of ar I, made little pretense of neutrality and took a ntact with Steps leading to preparedness for war. In close co a aeaeeo inston Churchill, Premier of Britain, plans were a ee Open the sea lanes between America and Britain at a : : tities lend-lease program implemented the delivery of vast quan of war supplies to the nations at war with Soi ites Nazis and A number of American ships had been sunk Ge ©n October 27, 1941, the President informed Congress that : , bound by many had started a war on the United States. Ua ot a agreement to the German and Italian Axis, on Me e, December a font ee Pearl Harbor in Hawa. OT 4 Congress declared war on Japan, and the war assum Wide proportions for this nation on two fronts. hose used in Registration and induction methods similar to pantraining the first war were used in the second, but instead 2 3 . Bragg for camp, Onslow men were sent by bus directly to *™ for induction. y, Mrs. Sallie Franck, Mrs. Leone Winstead corps of teachers who had taught under the o uv i ° ° =“ oo Ee é = Fd 3 x 2 o =“ fe = fa = 2 a 5 c ° 2 C) a , Mrs. Sandlin, J Back row: Nere E. Da Rkem Taylor. Part of the Front row (I. to r.) Miss Leah Franck Koonce, Mrs. Richard Sylvester. Loy. \. 3. Kellum, and 3. momoren Uke 1S. ASE AL WorLpD War II ty Maysville Onslow’s Part ©Polloksvill _ Onslow County Local Board consisted of W. D. Collins, S. Wil- liam Shaw, Cleveland C. Hines, A. T. Redd, Sr., Charles E. Warn, W. Lee Humphrey, Edward B. Smith and A. M. Frazelle. Physicians included Drs. J. P. Corbett, W. T. Turlington, J ohn P. Henderson, Sr., George E. Gurganus, H. W. Stevens and Lud- low R. Turner. ; The Registrants Advisory Board included I. J. Kellum, Tim- mons Jones and J. J. Cole. The Appeal Board included John D. Warlick and G. W. Phillips. The total number of registrants in the five regi 5 years of age counted 4,478. The over-age regis numbered 1,478. 2 hen quotas for the counties were calculated, credit was al- lowed for all those in service, which showed National Guard 1, Army, Navy and Marine 136, leaving a net quota of 95. 5 While numbers called, etc., are not plain, in Onslow the tota tate of rejections 1940-1945 averaged 48.9 of those called. ; he white rejectees numbered 39.8% or approximately 4 ou of every 10 examined. The colored rate reached 59.9%, or about 6 out of each ten up oY examination. Besides rejections, deferment was allowe Sricultural deferments in Onslow numbere wetdship in the home deferments totaled 10 persons: Vere no conscientious objectors in Onslow. _ : saline Of these figures the total number of rejections is a sad 60 mentary on the health and welfare of the county’s Reh aR Onslow rated 61 among the counties of North Carolina. ee Were 60 counties having a better percentage rating than ait ins 89 counties having a lower percentage of acceptance 18 county. of } / OTrent TWP.3 i b ~ if TWP.4 strations up to trants (45-65) Onslow County, Showing Township Boundaries qd RICHLANDS , PINK HILL BY. we 7 TWe.6 Pink Hill TOPSAIL d when necessary. d 366, or 11.3%. There Figures on inservice acceptances 1941-1946 showed : Inductees (drafted) Enlistees (volunteers) Non Registrants (in service) Total ‘ * Serlew County. Showing Came Lejeune and Hofmann Forest. During the war the National Guard was taken into active Thaice leaving the State without a militia to serve as home guard. Hq I 2 ‘dino for the organizing of Ssembly passed an Act providing Mas iis Bye ome Guard. This was done by the Governor oe e S41 Ditthe treme Guard service expired July 15, 184 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Camp Davis Camp Davis Anti-Aircraft Training Center constructed in 1940-41 cost in the neighborhod of $40,000,000 to construct the camp and related installations exclusive of the training program carried on there. It consisted of more than 3000 buildings, a large electric power plant, a central heating plant for the 2000 bed hospital, a large sewage disposal plant, water purification plant, ete. Approximately 50,000 acres of surrounding lands were utilized in the training and practice there. The reserva- tion extended from the Atlantic and included several miles of artillery firing range. In November, 1940, a call was sent out for help. Tradesmen, mechanics, carpenters, electricians, everyone who could, or thought he could hold a job moved on to the pine barrens of Holly Ridge to “get a job.” Wages were high, higher than most people of Eastern North Carolina had ever known. Men used to making two and one-half dollars a day with a hammer and saw began to work at “eight dollars for eight hours” with time and a half for overtime. The call was not, however, confined to Onslow County but reached out a hundred miles in every direction. Special trucks began daily runs from Greenville, Wallace, Goldsboro and else- where to Camp Davis and return, bearing hundreds of men bent on the constructing of a modern military camp overnight. Cabins and camps began to rise in the wiregrass and soon numbered hundreds. Among the men there soon appeared a sprinkling of women and the town of Holly Ridge began to take shape. Holly Ridge proper, which was before this time a single store with a Post Office, soon took on mushroom proportions and included among its business houses hotels, shoeshops, drygoods stores, a bank and many other classes of business too numerous to list here. Camp Davis was named in honor of the late Major General Richmond Pearson Davis, whose distinguished military career covered another period of the nation’s history. The Camp was under command of Colonel Adam E. Potts, CAC. The first troops arrived there in April, 1941. Camp Lejeune Camp Lejeune, largest all purpose Marine Base in the country, is located on both sides of beautiful New River in Onslow County, and is also the county’s largest industry. It represents an invest- ment by the Government of upward of $300,000,000.00 since 1941. With an annual payroll of $65,000,000.00 the area covered by the Base includes 85,000 acres of land and 26,000 acres of water. There are approximately 150 miles of paved road, 100 Word War II tee miles telephone Miles gi i ric li d 175 : Sidewalk, 150 miles electric lines an dings, or square lines. To give some idea of the number of buil ; : floor space, or utility of the various units is nee I Needless to say, recreation facilities are ayallaDt a Ai ng those to be found in cities of upwards of a hundred thousa Population. : ivision Construction was begun in 1940 and the {st Marine Divisio ccupied Tent Camp in the fall of 1941. a) From the land it had been necessary to remove ae Pat homes upward of 720 farm families at a cost of about $1, nd 900.00, many of whem left the county for residence eleewie oa sone of whom became Onslow’s own type of “Displace 3.” Camp Lejeune covers some of the most historic portions > aid County including the site of the first settlement at Se Towne Pointe,” made in 1705/6, the site of the first eara the 7 Courthouse Bay when the County was formed in 4 after Battle of New River when “The Ellis,” a Federal seat ‘Gan! e taid on Jacksonville, was on its return shot throug f the ederate artillery posted on the bluff nearby, allowing only ted scape by Cushing and his men by schooner to a at Outside, stood the Nea : t Town Point stoo r the site of the early settlement a6 wares on which was unty seat town of Johnston, containing My ipping post, most nstructed a courthouse, jail, stocks and bear oh eatied Which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1 re t Most of it into the river. The beginning of the tradition tha Charles Hadnot, a four year old boy, was carried ncnose bac ins i a pegged log hut and retrieved on Hadnot Point, badly g) €ned but unharmed. The boy was adopted by the Coun yee of ater Town Point was the center of the McIntyre ee much 2600 acres, on which he built Onslow Hall, where he oration time while constructing the present railroad from Wilm to Jacks . ecksonville, cat oe oe these, and several other points of historic, I aty Hist, been marked by the Camp in cooperation with Storical Society (1959). et ne Tener line railroad was built in record time Tea a “lng the Marine Base with J. acksonville in Ae ey at co co. of Commandant John A. LeJeune, a veteran t : he Marine Corps. General LeJeune led t noo, starting with Marin 5 in F: €s and soldiers to undying glory in Frane' Janc the Soissons campaign and including St. Mihiel, Mont B 186 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Ridge, Champagne, and the Meuse-Argonne. He remained in command during the Division’s march on the Rhine, and until it was withdrawn from the Army of Occupation in August, 1919. The shooting accuracy of his Marines caused General John J. Pershing to remark that “the deadliest weapon in the world is the United States Marine and his rifle.” Many notable visitors have from time to time visited Camp Lejeune, including in the early months of construction a visit by Secretary of the Navy Knox, July 16, 1941, and on December 18, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt inspected the camp, being the only time since George Washington that a President of the United States has visited Onslow County. Camp Lejeune is designed for beauty as well ax utility. The grounds have been landscaped, graded and planted, the build- ings conform to the master design which includes the waters of the river, creeks, sounds and ocean front. Together they make up a vision of unsurpassed beauty. Plans for man’s worship of his Creator have not been forgot- ten. There are Chaplains—Protestant, Catholic and Jewish— with houses of worship specially provided in the Protestant Chapel with a seating capacity of , and the Catholic Chapel seating approximately Smaller units meet elsewhere as arranged from time to time. Also, there are chapels at Midway, Tarawa I and II, and at Camp Geiger convenient to the area. Camp Lejeune is almost sufficient unto itself. World War II Honor Roll for Onslow County Killed in Action Norwood E. Brinson Howard Horne John A. Ingram John W. Burton, Jr. Jerry M. Chadwick William L. Crews William F. Ervin Homer G. Holden Claude J. Huffman Leston P. Meadows Ray C. Parker Ray L. Ramsey, Sr. Samuel Williams Noland D. Yeomans Lloyd Fox Cecil M. Gurganus Julian R. Hargett C. N. Henderson, Jr. Charles W. Henderson Jacob Morton Preston D. Phillips James E. Rhodes Calvin W. Willis Harold E. Yopp Died of Wounds Cyrus H. Hadnot John M. Sandlin Rowland Pierce Died Non-Battle Raymond W. Barlow Winfred G. Cobb Olliver W. Humphrey Barney O. Kellum Word Wak II 187 Pete Thomas Death cause undetermined George J. Basden Marvin BE. Lancaster Eugene W. Cowell Fred J. Stevens Carl N. Jones Joe M. Sutton Adolphus Ss. Kelly Missing None Navy Casualty List William Henry Berry, BUM! 3c, Navy Capt. Richard J. Huerth, Marines Wallace Berk Marshburn, AMM/Ie, Navy Charles E. Mason, Pvt., Marines William R. McClary, ORs Marines Percy Meadows, S/2c, Navy William Gerard Nicholson, CMoMM/le, Navy Mack Pennawell, S/1c, Navy Luther Williams Provow, AMM/ le, Navy Isaac D. Smith, Cpl., Marines John F. Suggs, Cpl., Marines 188 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The Dispossessed Persons of Onslow In all the highly emotional chain of events which happened in Onslow during the selection of sites for Camp Davis and Camp Lejeune, and in the excitement of war and casualties, there re- mains the picture of the dispossessed persons of Onslow—people who occupied the lands on which it was proposed to build the military installation. The order to evacuate came to them as a paralyzing shock, leaving them stunned and hopeless and without money with which to move. These people had never known any other homes but these. For generations the same families had owned and cultivated the same lands. Most of them had never been away from home for more than a day or two at a time, if at all. Moreover, they were ordered to leave the area within a given time, which seemed to them impossible. These Dispossessed Persons were faced with an immediate probiem of: 1. where to go? 2. how to buy a place, if one could be found, not having suf- ficient funds with which to purchase another farm, even if such lands could be found. What could they hope for? These questions remained unanswered. These hopeless people would have been even more desperate had they known that the average time which would elapse be- tween the condemning of the land and the receipt of the check in payment for the property would be about two years. The problem could not be solved in short order because in their case the Federal red tape was long drawn out. Actual figures are not available here, but Mr. E. B. Smith, who was active in much of the proceedings at the time, estimates the population who lived in the affected area to have numbered approximately 720 families, or about 2400 persons. The total land acreage he remembers as about 8,500 acres which was ap- praised at an average value of approximately $12.00 per acre. Of course, there was much dissatisfaction, first with the fact of the dispossession, but most with the price offered. Several groups appealed to the Federal Court sitting in New Bern, where an average increase of about 12% was allowed. At first the appropriation for purchase of the lands amounted to 1.5 million dollars, but the exact amount spent, if known, would probably exceed that figure. In any case, the man who lost his lands to the military suf- fered because of the increased prices he was forced to pay for Wor.tp War II j reset- other land to replace his own. In some cases the cae M ee a tlement took from two to five years, most of which tim total loss to the individual concerned. A number of these good citizens were lo : manently, sufficient land for them not being ee nder an mated 10% settled in the adjoining counties of Pe Plin, some as far away as Brunswick County. time has been The tragedy of the event that transpired at ae hi impression largely lost in the boom of war and inflation, but ae heartbreak "pon the lives of the victims of the drama, and oe ill remain of those who lost their homes cannot be erased and w With the participants as long as they live. + to the county per- : lable. An esti- d Du- Kellumtown A large element of those who found thems ho, far heir homes were about a hundred families of Sd ore a from being confused, took steps to remedy the si On the highway a few miles below Be ae Willi elves dispossessed of Pasture” of about a hundred acres owne William Chadwick as lum. These people as a group selected se, etc. It WES sPokesman to see Mr. Kellum for terms aa in property just found that the overnment had allowed f “nough to pay for the land—but what to do for eeenniaalé of Anyway, the deal was closed and along throug: pegan to rise the Site, on a ridge, a street was laid out. Huts with brush here and there, mostly with dirt floors and nae ardens and Shelters. There was not enough cleared land aeariie with the tobacco acreage which they had been allowed to them from off the base land. : “ as no Next to aliéiter was the need for drainage. — apaden an Well drained and not enough half-drained land Prd transferred the few acres of tobacco allotment which eae made to the from the old location,” said Chadwick. A visit ae road man office of the Negro Farm Agent at New Bern. e. I went to Hrote down something on a piece of paper i , Negro County the place in New Bern where he said to go and t ‘Gon man. Mr. Agent sent me to Mr. Harper, the Soil Conservati ” 4 ‘ ight on out. h : arper and another man with him came "Conservationist work- ip scCording to Mr. Jake T. Harper, the Conservaiionn ia. RE With the Lower Neuse Soil Conservation eat: of no out- 10n was bad. No field drainage was possible a swamp, which n for the water from the field ditches. The ma gh it, drain- Vas not a ~ to do it. “ge was possible, and blasting wa ditch i n 'rangement was made to get the dy ina were opened Surveved by Harper was blown. Small field dite 190 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Word War II 191 into the new outlet. Everybody shared the cost and the benefit. and clinics were held from time to time at Midway Park, Holly The cost of the ditch was $840.00 for three thousand pounds of, Ridge and the F H A Trailer Park on Camp Lejeune. d dynamite. Nothing else was bought. The labor to set the charge From a small staff Dr. Stevens, with the aid of the American was all freely given from among the men of the prospective Red Cross, Federal Government (Children’s Bureau), Camp village. Lejeune and Camp Davis officials, supervised and staffed with The land was divided into plots from one to seventeen acres nurses seven different offices throughout the Pender and Onslow according to the needs of each. District. During the construction of Camp Davis and Camp An acre of ground was picked for the school. The building Lejeune his offices were the focal point for the required immun- was erected and the teacher furnished by the regular school sys- izations protecting the more than 200,000 construction workers tem. Some 45 children were enrolled. (The school was the last in Onslow and Pender counties. one-room school in the county, the students there being trans- The sanitation staff of the department was greatly enlarged to ferred to the modern plant at Silverdale upon completion of that Care for the rapidly increasing population, and the food handling building in 1954. establishments increased from seven in 1940 to one hundred and Several of the men have jobs at the Marine Base or elsewhere. Seventy-two in 1943. Some are tenants on land nearby. Houses now are well built The results of the work done by the personnel of the Health and neatly painted. Whenever there is a job to be done which District has proven that malaria can be controlled and prevented. involves much labor, the word goes out and plenty of volunteer Onslow and Pender counties were among the first to receive the help is on hand to get it done in short order. “There was nothing use of the new insecticide D.D.T. This work continues in con- but water, woods and rattlesnakes when we came here, and it junction with the malaria control units. : : _ was not unusual to kill from four to seven rattlesnakes in a Dr. Stevens also took an active lead in county and city atta: single day,” says Chadwick. including the Onslow County Hospital—this project being open- The church is held in highest esteem here and the membership ed in April, 1943. Since that time much material aid has come includes all the village of church-going age. from his department in supporting the Onslow County Hospiiel Kellumtown citizens are proud of their village and it is worthy Three years later the County purchased the hospital in of their pride. equipment from the Federal Works Agency for the sum of $: Within Kellumtown live a hundred or more Negro families 000. This was considered a very good investment, as the origina who in 1941 represented some of the war’s displaced persons on Cost is known to have been much more. int this side of the Atlantic. The job of relocating these DPs of Dr. Stevens resigned his work here in 1944 to accept antes - Onslow County posed the same problems that still remain for ment ag Director of the County and City of Wilson Health De- millions abroad today. The manner in which the Kellumtown Partment. A t Negroes went about their relocation might serve as an example While here he had a part in, or was connected with, ast of conservation of soil, of water and of human resources and as €very activity or organization interested in civic life or pu 4 an example of good leadership and perseverance. welfare, was a member of the Baptist Chureh, a good citizen an Bibliography: The major portion of this article appeared in the Newys and @ useful man in the community. Observer in its issue of May 2, 1948, Section IV, Page 3. Cc In 1951 it was decided to mode anette its part of the : F a ounty voted $250,000.00 with which to peesent BD ee Ries Cost. i ined and the Bi Establishing A Health Department won oe Brendel Bes, completed. Onslow citizens Building @ County Hospital are proud of their new hospital. With the coming of the Base, with the influx of population it was necessary to set up an administration for the control and prevention of disease. To meet this need the Onslow-Pender Health District was set up under the direction of Dr. H. W. Ste vens, who made his headquarters in Jacksonville, beginning in December, 1940. Other offices were opened at Atkinson, Burgaw and Richlands, rnize the whole unit and the MODERN ONSLOW BEGINS TO SHAPE UP The Form of County Government Changed Prior to 1868 County affairs were administered by the County Court composed of the Justice from throughout the County. The Court tried all cases to come before it and controlled every activ- ity of County affairs. Under the constitution and laws of 1868 all this was changed. It was provided that a Commission of five persons, to be known as County Commissioners, be charged with control of the County Government. Other county officers included a Sheriff, Treas- urer, Register of Deeds, Clerk of Court and Coroner. The first Board of Commissioners included Christopher Ste- vens, W. H. Barker, Jasper Ethridge, Bryan Hatsell and D. A. Hargett. The Slate of County Officers included: Elijah Murrill, Sheriff ; Simon B. Taylor, Treasurer; L. W. Hargett, Register of Deeds; and A. C. Huggins, Clerk of the Court. The Commissioners also acted as a Board of Education, nam- ing James G. Scott as County Examiner. Townships Laid Out As soon as bonds of County officers were made and accepted it was the duty of the Commissioners to divide the County into Townships and delineate boundaries for them. Townships were, for voting purposes, subdivided into Precincts. The Minutes of January 6, 1869, read as follows: Office of County Commissioners State of North Carolina Onslow County January 6, 1869 At a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, the day above mentioned, at the residence of Jasper Ethridge: Present Jasper Ethridge, Chairman; Christopher Stevens, D. A. Hargett and Bryan Hatsell. The Commissioners proceeded to divide the County into Town- ships according to the following metes and bounds, to wit: STUMP SOUND TOWNSHIP Beginning at the mouth of New River and running up the river to the mouth of South West, thence up same (South West) to the main public road leading from Jacksonville to Wilming- ton, known as Holly Shelter road, thence along said road west- 194 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW wardly to the Onslow and New Hanover county line, thence southwardly along said line to the sound, or ocean and along the beach or ocean easterly to the beginning. The election for municipal officers shall be held at a place called “Worm Ridge” located about 4 miles from “The Golden Place,” it being the same where Benjamin Simmons now resides, and known here-to-fore as the Groves or Cooper place. JACKSONVILLE TOWNSHIP Beginning at the mouth of the Great North East running up the same North Westwardly to Bachelors Delight, thence down Bachelors Delight to the river, thence across the river to the mouth of Gravelly Run to the head thereof, thence a straight line crossing the main at or near the seven-mile post to the head of Box Branch, thence down the said branch to the South West, thence across the South West to the mouth of Panther Branch, thence up the same along and with the old district line between upper South West and Lower Richlands District to the County line, then down the New Hanover and Onslow county line to Stump Sound Township, thence along said line to the South West prong of New River, thence down the said South West to the mouth thereof at New River, thence across New River to the mouth of the Great North East, the place of beginning. The place of public meeting or for election of municipal offi- cers to be held at Jacksonville. RICHLANDS TOWNSHIP Beginning at the mouth of Bachelors Delight running up the same to the Percoson to the Jones County line, thence along the same to the Duplin County line, thence along the same to the New Hanover County line, thence along the same to the Jack- sonville Township line and down the same to New River at the mouth of Gravelly Run, thence across the river to the mouth of Bachelors Delight the place of beginning. The place of public meeting for the election of municipal offi- cers held at Richlands Chapel, or village. SWANSBORO TOWNSHIP Beginning at the mouth of New River, thence eastwardly along the beach or seashore to Bogue Inlet, thence to the mouth of White Oak River, thence up the river to the mouth of Mill Creek, or Boiling Spring Branch, thence up the same to the head, or where it intersects with the original line dividing Swansboro and White Oak Districts, thence along the same to the Percoson MODERN ONSLOW BEGINS To SHAPE UP 195 head of Wallace’s Creek and down same to New River, and down said New River to the mouth thereof the place of beginning. The place of public meeting for election of municipal officers to be held at “Linwood” at or near Queens Creek. WHITE OAK TOWNSHIP Beginning at the mouth of the Great North East running up same to the Percoson thence with the Percoson to the head of White Oak River, thence down the same to the mouth of Mill Creek or Boiling Spring Branch, thence up the same with the line of Swansboro Township across the New River, and up the river to the mouth of the Great North East prong thereof, the place of beginning. The place of public meeting for the election of municipal offi- cers to be held at Mr. William Melville’s about two miles from the fork of the road where Calvin D. Morton now resides and immediately upon the road leading to the said Calvin D. Morton. Other items included provision for dividing the County into school districts, of which there were 23, and the appointment of Committees for each. It was the duty of the School Committee to ascertain and report: (a) The number of children, white and black, male and female (b) Number of school houses “now standing” (c) Number of houses required to be erected (d) Number of schools in operation. The number of deaf, dumb, blind and insane, both white and colored was also determined. Vestry Day was observed by making a provision for 72 persons and the County Tax Rate included: .20 cents on the Hundred Dollars for the poor .05 cents on the Hundred Dollars for schools -06%4 cents on the Hundred Dollars for County Expense -90 cents on each poll Jurors received $1.50 per day while on duty. The Poor House The Poor House at Alum Spring being beyond repair, it was decided on November 7, 1871, to purchase a site at the intersec- tion of the old Richlands-Jacksonville and Catharine Lake Road. Christopher Stevens and James Bryan were named to make the purchase, the price agreed being $2.00 per acre. Stevens con- tracted to build the house and Anthony Rhodes was named “Keeper.” This about completed the reorganization of the Coun- ty government under the Constitution of 1868. 196 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The County Home In October, 1924, the County decided to build a new County Home for its poor and voted $25,000 for the purpose. L. L. Mallard of Kinston, architect, was selected to prepare plans and specifications. The Home was located at the intersec- tion of the Richlands and Wilmington Highways. The construc- tion work was done by U. A. Underwood of Raleigh, North Caro- lina. The Dividing Lines About 1906 a dispute over the line between Onslow and Pen- der was settled by a survey in which J. I. Heritage, cooperating with a surveyor from Pender located the correct boundary be- tween the two counties. The same method was used in like cases with Duplin and Jones Counties since that time. The Coming of the Railroads A Railroad Company known as the East Carolina Railway Company was organized in 1887 at New Bern with C. E. Foy, President. The purpose of the company was to construct a line to Jack- sonville in Onslow County. Seven years later the company was absorbed by The Wilming- ton, New Bern and Norfolk Rail Road Company. During its short lifetime, however, it appears to have con- structed the 37 miles between New Bern and Jacksonville. Another Company known as The Wilmington and East Caro- lina Rail Road Company with Daniel L. Russell, President, was organized in Wilmington in 1895. Just what this company actually did is not clear, but evidently it, too, was absorbed by the Wilmington, New Bern and Norfolk Rail Road Company, which was also organized in Wilmington, in the same year. The Wilmington, New Bern and Norfolk lived only 2 years. The only rails laid by this company, according to Emory Hous- ton, reached the city limits of Wilmington toward Jacksonville when a receivership was declared. The receivership was taken over by the Wilmington and New Bern Railway Company, whose president was Thomas G. McIn- tyre, a New York financier who was destined to make quite an impression upon Onslow County. Not only did McIntyre build the Rail Road to Jacksonville, but he purchased the Old Town Point Plantation and constructed “Onslow Hall” as a club house where he spent much time and entertained lavishly. The plantation was operated scientifically. Blooded horses, cattle, hogs and poultry were produced and an- nual fairs held to exhibit the products of the farm. MODERN ONSLOW BEGINS TO SHAPE UP 197 The public was invited and visitors from throughout Onslow and other counties came to enjoy the show. A feature of the program was the fine horse racing on a track built for the pur- pose. Nights were resplendent with balls held at the great House. Electricity was not available, but brilliant burning bar- rels of tar were placed along the roads from Verona at regular intervals to guide the guests to the point of interest. During its hey-dey the plantation is said to have counted 28 miles of graded roads and employed dozens of servants and operators. An honored member of the staff of “operators” during “The Gay Nineties” at The Hall is still living here at Jacksonville and remembers many of the incidents and events connected with the noted personalities who gathered there. Emory Houston was 88 years of age last March. He was born near Richlands in 1867 and has lived in Onslow County all of his life. Times were hard on the farm in those days and Emory had only three weeks of school. He says however he reached “Baker” in the Blue Back spelling book during that time. At the age of 21 he married Frances James of Stones Bay, born the same year as himself. He purchased a farm of 80 acres in that community for $200.00; with farming and fishing the family lived very well. He remembers producing five bales of cotton one year, for which he received from 10¢ to 15¢ per pound. Then came Town Point with its glamour and its cash. The wages were “so much” including a house and garden free of rent. Soon he was promoted to “The House,” where he became personal attendant to the great man himself. Emory and Frances have been married 67 years. They now live at Bell Fork. They have been members of Sandy Run Missionary Bap- tist Church for more than fifty years. His prayers each night are very personal talks with The Master and the burden of these prayers has always been that God would show him the way to go for another day. In this kind of faith Emory and Frances have each reached the ripe old age of 88 and are still together, heading for the century mark. Under a New Bern date line of November, 1887, the County was asked to subscribe $60,000 stock in a road to run from Wil- mington to New Bern. The plan proposed that construction of the line begin both at New Bern and Wilmington and proceed toward Onslow. The contract provided that for each mile of railroad laid with- in the County the Company would receive the sum of $2,000.00, funds to be derived from the sale of bonds which would be float- ed by the County if the proposal was approved by popular vote. The New Bern branch reached Hawk Side about 1893-4, 198 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The vote being favorable to the issuance of the bonds it was expected that work would begin at once on the construction of the line, when to the dismay of citizens of the county, it was learned that Russell did not intend to bring the Wilmington line to Jacksonville at all, but intended to cross the river at “No- mans-friend”’ several miles below the County seat. The connec- tion here is not clear because the New Bern line was about com- pleted to Jacksonville. For a while it looked as though the whole plan might fall through. Russell wrote a letter to the County Commissioners saying that he proposed to connect the Railroad with deep water, and besides Jacksonville was 15 miles further and would cost the County a total of $90,000 instead of the $60,000 originally asked for. The mixup seems to have been an effort on the part of Russell to get more money out of the County. No record is available as to why the plans were changed to bring the road to Jacksonville, and it appears that although approved by popular vote no money at all was paid to the Railroad until 1896. A suit begun by the Company to compel payment by the County, filed in Lenoir County, was compromised by the County paying $40,000 instead of $60,000, and surrendering its stock in the road. The County issued bonds covering the amount bearing interest at 6%, but at the end of 10 years refunded the balance with bonds bearing only 4% interest. The whole issue was paid off in 1936. The Railroad is said to have paid tax enough to retire the bonds in full. If one wonders why so many companies were organized with the avowed purpose of constructing a rail line from Wilmington to New Bern, all within a short space of time but with so little accomplished by each, we need to know that the companies of themselves owned little capital but were organized with the hope that the counties through which the proposed line passed would vote bonds to supply the capital. The exception seems to have been the East Carolina Railway Company organized in 1887 at New Bern with C. E. Foy, Presi- dent. This Company constructed the 37 miles from New Bern to Jacksonville. C. E. Foy of New Bern and Daniel L. Russell of Wilmington were the chief competitors; however, their lines were absorbed by the Wilmington, New Bern and Norfolk Railroad. It, too, was sold under foreclosure July, 1897. The new company was the Wilmington and New Bern Railway Company whose Presi- dent was Thomas G. McIntyre, who gets the credit of completing the line from Wilmington to Jacksonville. McIntyre sold the Wilmington and New Bern Railroad to the Wilmington and Weldon December 1, 1897. The Wilmington MODERN ONSLOW BEGINS TO SHAPE UP 199 and Weldon was in turn merged with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company of Virginia on May 2, 1900. The Coast Line was then the third largest railway system in the State. It is understood that Mr. McIntyre was a very wealthy man from New York. He entertained many of his northern friends on his estate near Verona. After selling his railroad he returned to New York and engaged in some water front activities until his death. Another report is that he made other investments in South America, in which he lost heavily. The Dover and South Bound Railroad Sometime about 1900 the Goldsboro Lumber Company built the Dover and Southbound Railroad, first as a timber road, but for about 25 years passenger, freight and mail service was main- tained between Dover, Comfort and Richlands. Later the service was discontinued and the road was taken up. Other timber roads from New Bern and Kinston were built into the County and removed, but no public service was ever offered by them. A movement to secure a rail line from Lillington to Swansboro was begun in 1917 and a vote by townships was had along the proposed line. In every case the vote was favorable to the pro- posal, but for some reason the road was never built, probably because of the entrance of the United States into the first World War. Commercial Waterways in Onslow County The Inland Waterway runs from Norfolk to Florida, passing through North Carolina via Elizabeth City, New Bern and Wil- mington. This important watercourse traverses the entire coast of Onslow. The canal enables shipping to pass safely on its way, free from the perils of Cape Hatteras and other danger spots along the outer coast. Commercial watercourses in Onslow include, besides the canal, a turning basin at Swansboro and a deepened channel in New River from the Inland Waterway to Jacksonville. The first improvement of New River was provided for in 1761, when an Act allowed the raising of two thousand pounds for the deepening of the river. One thousand tickets were sold at the Courthouse door. Persons holding lucky numbers drew prizes, and three prominent citizens supervised the lottery. The results are not clear now, but the question was then, as now, the need of a good commercial waterway available to the people of the County. Nothing else appears to have been done for three quarters of a century until 1836, when the Rivers and Harbors Act of July, 200 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW 1836, appropriated $5,000.00 for removing oyster rock shoals in the river by dredging. Two years later $20,000.00 was appro- priated, and a year later $25,000.00, but for what the money was expended is not known here. A definite program was set up for New River in 1882, when it was proposed to secure a hundred and fifty foot channel from the upper portion of the river to its mouth, with a depth of five feet at low water, the cost of which was estimated at $40,000.00. Four years later the channel was said to have been at low water “4 feet, narrow and circuitous.” Tar Landing, 8 miles above Jacksonville was the practical head of navigation, though raft- ing and logging could be carried on for some distance above that point. The Rivers and Harbors Act of August 30, 1935, and January 20, 1938, provided for a channel 90 feet wide, 10 feet deep. The dredging of the channel to Jacksonville was completed in 1939, and the channel to the inlet in 1940. The Inland Waterway along the coast from Norfolk to Florida is a great highway of trade and travel, North and South. Barges loaded with commerce, handsome yachts and small craft ply its course daily. Completed through Onslow in 1931, the channel is 90 feet wide and 12 feet deep at mean low water and was, when dredged, a link in the Beaufort-Cape Fear project. Note: Full credit is gratefully given for all information contained in this paper, and the author wishes to express thanks to the Corps of En- gineers, War Department, Colonel B. C. Snow, District Engineer, Wil- mington, North Carolina, for data furnished in a communication dated March 21, 1947. The Development of Light and Power in the County Prior to 1925 the towns of Jacksonville and Richlands each had a small locally operated electric plant which served a few business houses and lighted the uptown street corners. In that year the Neuse River Electric Company acquired the Jackson- ville plant. It served 112 customers. The Neuse River Company owned distributing systems at Bridgeton, Trenton, Oriental, Vandemere, Bayboro and Pollocks- ville. The 22,000 volt line was extended to Jacksonville in 1927. The Neuse Company was taken over by the Carolina Gas and Electric Company until 1929, when these properties were acquir- ed by the Tide Water Power Company of Wilmington, North Carolina. Something of the business acumen of the officials of the Tide- water Company, and its capacity to act in an emergency is shown when we note its growth previous to and during the years from 1938 to 1944. The Company was first ordered to provide power for the construction of a new army camp to be located across MODERN ONSLOW BEGINS TO SHAPE UP 201 from Holly Ridge. This required a 11,000 volt line. Twelve miles of the line was built in nine days. To meet the critical need all available manpower from the entire company was used on the job. When the camp was completed it required a 110,000 volt line. The line was later extended to the Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune area. The Tidewater rebuilt the 22,000 volt line to New Bern and boosted its power to 33,000 volts in 1943. As an example of the growth of the Jacksonville area, it is interesting to note that in 1938 the company had a peak load of 150 horsepower in the area. In 1944 this peak had jumped to 8,500 horsepower, and at times even higher. As a result of this and other activities, the company was awarded the United States Army and Navy awards for merito- rious service during the war years. The Tidewater in 1947 served slightly more than 2,000 customers in Onslow County through an interconnected system of 130.6 miles of transmission lines. That same year John Covington, Jr., present manager, was as- signed to the Jacksonville office. The Tidewater Power Company was merged with the Caro- lina Power and Light Company in 1952. The Finer Carolina Program The Finer Carolina Program was initiated in 1952 in an effort by the company to develop the communities it served. Realizing that the company prospers in direct proportion to the develop- ment of the communities and adjacent areas reached by their lines, and “to help the citizens to build a prosperous community that is beautiful, complete with modern services, and full of activities for play and recreation.” A contest is put on each year in which prizes are given for the community attaining the best rating in its class; also project prizes are offered to groups, clubs and other organizations. The Finer Carolina Program adds up to the finest thing for boosting Eastern North Carolina ever offered in the area. A first prize for communities was won by Swansboro in the year 1955. The slogan suggested is “Let’s make our town Carolina’s Finest.” How the Farmer Got Lights and Power for His Home Electric lights and power for use on the farms of the state had long been the dream of farm leaders and progressive farm- ers throughout North Carolina. During Governor Bickett’s term so many inquiries were re- ceived from prospective users of electricity wanting counsel and advice that the Governor in 1917 proposed a law whereby 202 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW $5,000.00 was appropirated to employ competent advisors whose service would be available to those who would produce their own power. Sometimes the problem would be whether to harness the creeks and streams on the farms, or to buy individual farm power plants. (The REA had not been thought of at that time.) The University of North Carolina, in collaboration with the State Highway Commission, cooperated wherever possible by furnishing free advice and at the same time publishing articles to educate the ruralist to the uses and benefits of electricity. In 1934 Governor Ehringhaus appointed a committee compos- ed of 13 rural leaders to study the problem of bringing electricity to rural areas. The Commission decided to make a survey from which a practical approach to the matter could be determined. Finance was provided by Mrs. Thomas O’Berry, Administrator of the North Carolina Emergency Relief Administration, from Federal funds allowed for the purpose. Dr. David S. Weaver, Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State College, was selected as Di- rector of the project. Incidentally, it should be said here that Dr. Weaver has been the prime mover in the rural electrification movement in North Carolina since the first survey was made, and continues to lead rural people into the obtaining and use of electrical conveniences on the farm. The survey showed the vast interest of the people in the mat- ter. The committee planned as a follow-up, a campaign to stimulate thought and promote action by the General Assembly, the results being the enactment of a law creating the North Carolina Rural Electrification Authority. It was the duty of this body to (a) promote and encourage the use of electric energy in rural areas, (b) assist communities in organizing Electric Membership Corporations, (c) negotiate with power companies, or with the Federal Government and “do all other things which may be necessary to aid the rural communities of North Caro- lina to secure electric energy. President Roosevelt, in January, 1935, included Rural Elec- trification among his Emergency Relief measures, and in April the Congress made available 100 million dollars to initiate and carry on the work of generating and distributing electricity in rural areas. The REA was created by the President May 11, 19385. It took nearly two years, however, for the State and National Associations to get their plans coordinated. After early in the year 1937 rapid progress was made. The North Carolina Act of May, 1935, provided for a State Electrical Authority, also provided that in cases wherein public power companies could not or would not furnish the energy need- MODERN ONSLOW BEGINS TO SHAPE UP 203 ed, interested individuals may form a Membership Corporation for the purpose of securing a loan with which to construct and operate lines where needed. By June, 1989, all preliminary and ground work for the organization of the Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation had been completed and application was made to the State Authority for a charter. Trustees for the Corporation included: E. B. Smith, Marines; T. M. Rawls, Verona; Albert M. Venters, Jacksonville; E. M. Philyaw, Comfort; B. C. Gray, Trenton; H. Manley Mallard, Trenton; W. Guy Hargett, Richlands; A. B. Ervin, Richlands and J. L. Sasser, Kinston. The Jones-Onslow application was approved by State R.E.A. on July 22, 1939, and funds to the amount of 284,000.00 announc- ed from Washington, as allotted to its use on September, 1939. First President of the Jones-Onslow Corporation was E. B. Smith of Marines. Horace P. Cotton was named Superintendent and L. E. Wooten, permanent engineer. The office was located first at Richlands and later removed to Jacksonville, where it remains. The day is fast approaching when every farm and home will be electrified and life in the County will be given another boost toward perfection. Telephones in the County The earliest telephone service to operate in Onslow County seems to have been inaugurated when permission was granted the Home Telephone and Telegraph Company to erect poles and wires to operate telephones throughout the County in 1906. Little information is known concerning the extent of operation, the number of phones, or even the ownership. It is believed that the stockholders were local citizens and the chief promoter was Dr. Ernest L. Cox, a local physician, residing in Jacksonville. In a few years the local interest was purchased by the South- ern Appalachian Telephone Company of Asheville, North Caro- lina, which was, in turn, acquired by the Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company in 1934. At that time the company had ex- changes at Jacksonville, Richlands and Swansboro. The Rich- lands exchange had 33 telephones, the Swansboro exchange had 15 telephones and the exchange at Jacksonville had 173 tele- phones all operating on magnetos. In 1936 the Carolina converted the Richlands and Swansboro exchanges to dial and in 1937 the Jacksonville exchange was con- verted to dial. In 1941 Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company estab- lished a dial exchange at Holly Ridge which was serving 599 telephones at the end of that year. 204 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW In 1952 the fifth telephone exchange in Onslow County was established when Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company constructed a dial exchange at Sneads Ferry, which was serving 51 telephones in that area at the end of the year. Today at the end of June, 1957, Onslow County is served by these five telephone exchanges: Jacksonville with 5,123 tele- phones, Richlands with 297 telephones, Swansboro with 268 tele- phones, Holly Ridge with 38 telephones and Sneads Ferry with 86 telephones. A total for the County of 5,812. The Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company maintains in this area a modern up-to-date telephone system which furnishes to its patrons service comparable to the best to be had anywhere. Camp Lejeune has its own telephone exchanges which are operated by authorities at the Base. Excellent service is furnish- ed, including local service to Jacksonville. At the beginning of 1960 telephones in the County number 8,200 according to an estimate by Mr. Dan Clark, Manager in this area, Jacksonville, North Carolina. (Thanks to the Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company, and to Mr. John Reed, Supervisor of Information and Advertis- ing, who in a communication to the writer dated Tarboro, North Carolina, June 11, 1957, furnishes most of the facts noted since 1984.) Highway Progress in the County With the advent of the automobile in the County, public senti- ment began demanding improvement in public roads. Around the beginning of the century the Commissioners were besieged with requests for the laying out and constructing of short line roads to connect with the towns and schools of the County, not only, but with routes leading to the markets of the State. Probably the first special tax voted for road improvement was a $10,000.00 bond issue voted by Richlands Township in 1914. This money was to be spent in the purchase of road ma- chinery. At the time, mules were used as motive power for graders, scoops, etc., and stumps were removed from the widened road beds with a stump-puller. No State system was in vogue at the time, but a good beginning had been made in the County. The County had contracted the ‘Good-Roads” fever, which grew in intensity as time went on. To Mr. Rodolph Duffy goes much credit for his public advocacy of this first bond issue, which he did at his own expense in each community in the Township. When the Board met on the first day of July, 1918, it learned that the sum of $6,700.00 was available from the State to the County for use in making preliminary surveys for labor, mate- MODERN ONSLOW BEGINS TO SHAPE UP 205 rials, etc., for improving its highways. The offer was contingent upon the County putting up about one-tenth of that sum. The Board accepted eagerly its share of the expense. Probably no County in the State realized more forcibly the need of good roads than did Onslow, with its vast distances through mud and sand. Public opinion literally compounded in favor of the new road movement. So enthusiastic had Onslow become by 1919 that the County offered to appropriate $250,- 000.00 to be matched by the State and County funds, and ap- pointed Dr. Cyrus Thompson to accompany the delegation to Ral- eigh to make the offer and to urge early and favorable action by the State. The Board asked that the first link of the State System be constructed in Onslow to extend from Tuckahoe on the Jones County line to Swansboro, of course passing through Richlands and Jacksonville. In order to build and repair County roads and bridges into an acceptable condition, “Road and Bridge Bonds” to the amount of $50,000.00 were issued in 1920. Three outlets were prepared for offer to the State: one north from Richlands toward Comfort, one northwest from Richlands by Jarmantown and one by Wal- tons Crossroads toward Burgaw. In 1923 the County’s Representative in the General Assembly secured favorable action on a bill allowing the County to vote $300,000.00 with which to further the good roads program, and by October the first $100,000 was made available. So anxious was the Board for the construction of Highway Number 24 to begin, and the Highway Commission being tem- porarily out of funds, causing delay, the Board tendered a loan of $400,000.00 or as much as was needed to get the work started at once. A. W. Cooper, one of the Commissioners, objected strongly to the proposal and had his vote so recorded. For some reason the Commissioners expected the road to be routed by Fountains and Catharine Lake, while the State Board proposed the routing by Beulaville and Richlands. So strongly did the County Board feel in the matter that it instructed its attorney, E. W. Summersill, to secure an injunction against the State and employed Judge L. R. Varser of Lumberton to assist him. Thomas B. Henderson, one of the Commissioners, opposed this action and asked that his vote be so recorded. The case was withdrawn two years later and a resolution pass- ed advising that in the future the locating of all roads would be left to the discretion of the State Highway Commission. These Highway Rules were adopted by the State Highway Commission : 206 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW (1) No trailer wheels less than 3 inches in diameter to be used on the Highways (2) No trailer to carry more than 1,000 pounds on 3 inch tires and 350 pounds allowed for each additional inch of tire diameter (3) Only one trailer allowed to each vehicle Onslow is crossed by two trunk lines traversing the County roughly from north to south, and from east to west. The first of these is United States Highway Number 17 leading from New York to Florida. In North Carolina this line connects with the cities of Wilmington, New Bern, Edenton and Elizabeth City. From south #17 enters Onslow at the Pender County line, passing through Holly Ridge, Folkstone, Dixon, Verona and Jacksonville, and crosses White Oak River at Belgrade, a dis- tance of 40 miles. This, being the most important route in the county, was built first. The hard surfacing was completed to Jacksonville by Christmas 1924. The northern half of the line was completed in August (1925). Constant improvement has resulted from widening, resurfacing and other work done from time to time. North Carolina Highway Number 24 leads from Beaufort and Swansboro in the east, to Fayetteville in the west. Work was begun at the county line near Beulaville in the early part of 1930, and reached J acksonville before the end of the year. The lower end of the line, however, took much longer. At first plans were to route the new road by way of Pumpkin Center to Piney Green, and work was actually begun on that road, put the hardsurfacing was begun at Swansboro and completed to Piney Green. It was then decided to cross North East at the present site and money was allocated to build the bridge and the route was finished to Jacksonville in 1934. Since that time lat- eral roads have become a network leading to every area in the County. For a long number of years the Burgaw highway re- mained uncompleted but was finally finished in 1949. A great step forward in construction and maintenance of pub- lic roads was made in 1931 when by legislative enactment the State assumed all responsibility for all road work done in the State. What this step meant to the progress of the road pro- gram in the State can be surmised when it is known that poorer counties had little road machinery and the county line was the boundary beyond which county road crews could not go. No long range program could be instituted because of financial limita- tions and lack of trained personnel to carry on the work. These restrictions largely disappeared when the State assumed opera- tion. Since that time the number of miles of roads improved in MODERN ONSLOW BEGINS TO SHAPE UP 207 North Carolina has multiplied many ti y times and then DECE ENS has fared well. x Nar agi on en W. Kerr Scott was a candidate for Governor i 1 V n 1948 promised if elected to secure much legislation which would se fit the rural areas of the State. Scott was, at that time, fighting the old Democratic machine and many jibes were made at the supioeed impracticaiaty or even the impossibility of effectuat- g such a plan as that bein i Tear g suggested by the candidate for When the votes were counted, however, M 1 } 0 ; , Mr. Scott had b nominated. With the coming of the new year and his haan ias tion as Governor, and with the convening of the General As- peas the rete? in his message to the Assembly asked that y for action to bring about what he te Cohn uy Orne for the whole state. ere icy taid members of the Assembly were i generally hostile to the Go Forward program, but among the Acts finally secured by the Governor, and other progressives associated with him, was the calling of an election to determine whether the State would, in addition to the usual appropriation made for such purposes, is- sue $200 million dollars in bonds for the improvement of second- ary roads and $25 million dollars for the expansion of schools The program was approved by large majorities. , The vote in Onslow June 4, 1949, was as follows: Both issues carried in every Precinct in the County. The new road program featured ‘Farm to Market Roads” as well as the standard primary system already being promoted. oe country Eee were graded and “black-topped,” thus pro- ng year round service from the ] t i eter ae das rural homes to the highway It should be pointed out that the constructi be poin uction of these second- ary roads eliminating the mud and dust, ease of transportation to schools, markets, etc., from the farmer’s door marks an ad- vance in good living for rural people second only in i i to the rural electrification program. yi Ne. PAROS Since the completion of this i ! ion program the State Highway and Public Works Commission has emphasized work along foe lines principally as follows: ‘Rebuilding, Remodeling, Resurfacing and Relocating,” all of which is directed t i ng, oward and the making of good roads better. sash aid 208 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW A summary sheet furnished by the Commission shows the present setup of road work in Onslow under five classifications (as of January 1, 1957) as follows: 142.2 miles paved Rural State Highways 6.1 miles paved Municipal State Highways 207.6 miles Paved Rural County Roads 7.0 miles Paved Municipal County Roads 223.4 miles of unpaved Rural County (Dirt) Roads Total mileage all roads in the County—1,886.3. County Historian Named The first official Historian named for the County was Dr. Cyrus Thompson, who himself had great knowledge of and part in the making of the history of his day and section. He, however, took no active interest in the preservation of that history. Upon the decease of Dr. Thompson in 1938, the County Board of Education named J. Parsons Brown, then of Richlands, as his successor. Historical Society Organized The Onslow Historical Society was organized at the old Meth- odist Church on Mill Avenue, September 24, 1954. To Mrs. Lil- lian Russell Ray should go the credit for calling the first meeting and the securing of Dr. D. L. Corbitt of the Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, as advisor in the matter of organ- ization, etc. Mrs. Ray was named first President of the organ- ization. “The purpose of a Historical Society,” said Dr. Corbitt, “is to produce a history,” and it is hoped that the Society in coopera- tion with the Historian will not long delay doing just that. The most historical spot in Jacksonville is the Wantland Spring site, until recently the home of Mrs. Eliza Morton, now deceased. It is located at the east end of the bridge crossing New River on Old Bridge Street. The spring, which enabled the locating of the Courthouse here in 1755, is still running. The Society has recently secured the purchase of this historic site through the cooperation of the County Commissioners, who donated the initial payment of $1,000.00 at a meeting held July 24, 1957. It is the purpose of the Society to restore the old Morton Home as a temporary head- quarters. The lot faces New River the full extent of the short block extending from Old Bridge Street to New Bridge Street, and is potentially a center of culture for the area. It is hoped to erect on the property a modern fireproof structure to house items of historic significance, to contain a collection of materials on the history and genealogy of the County, and to furnish a MoDERN ONSLOW BEGINS TO SHAPE UP 209 home for the Society. The possibilities for future development seem limited only to the amount of interest taken by the people of the Town and County in their own achievements and culture. Bibliography Rural Electrification in North Carolina—Deutsch The Electrification of Rural North Carolina in the University of North Caro- lina News Letter of February 27, 1947—Weaver Thanks to Mr. James M. Grainger, Principal Engineer, North Carolina Rural Electrification Authority, Raleigh, North Carolina Information furnished by the State Highway and Public Works Commission Minutes: Board of County Commissioners, Registers Office, Jacksonville, N. C. State Highway and Public Works Commission, Raleigh, N. C. Two communications, the first dated December 20, 1944, to the writer. Thanks to Mr. W. Vance Baise, State Highway Engineer; the second dated June 26, 1957, also to the writer, thanks to Mr. James S. Burch, Engineer of Statistics and Planning. Adams Schoolhouse and Community Building. FARM LIFE AND LIVING For more than two centuries the people of Onslow obtained their living from the soil and waters of the county. Upon reaching this new land the settler bent every energy to building for himself a house, following which he cleared the forest so as to plant food crops. His cleared acreage being small, he fenced it and kept the livestock out. In this way the swamps and pocosins served as a range from which stock could subsist for most of the year. During the early years homes were built along the waterways for two reasons: first, the waterways were used for highways of travel, and second, fish and other seafoods along with wild game supplied meat for the settler’s table. Soon the chipping of long leaf pine for turpentine and resin brought in good money until in Onslow, naval stores became the “money crop.” Tar Landing got its name because from that point the products of the forest were shipped to Wilmington and elsewhere, and it is said that during many years Swansboro led all ports along the coast in shipping of naval stores. The small percentage of cleared lands as compared to forest explains why Onslow always opposed the stock law long after most of the State had adopted it. The Statewide Stock Law, how- ever, included the County in its provisions, opening the way for the making of pastures and the growing of better livestock. From 1870 to 1900 lumbering superseded turpentine as the most important industry in the county. By 1900 timber was largely gone from the county and farmers looked for a new source of income. Up to this time little tobacco had been grown but about the year 1900 Mr. Isaac N. Henderson of Hubert, and Dr. J. L. Nicholson of Richlands began experimenting in a small way in its growth. Mr. Henderson planted two acres, which he haul- ed to the market in Durham. Soon, however, warehouses ap- peared in Kinston and the tobacco market had its beginning in Eastern North Carolina. Dr. Nicholson’s experiment at Rich- lands included several of his neighbors. Expert curers were secured from the older belt and Richlands soon exceeded all other areas in the production of the golden leaf. The story is told that a Richlands farmer, learning that to- bacco seed could be had at Farmville, in Pitt County. Never having seen tobacco seed, his problem was getting them trans- ported from that place to Richlands. So as to be sure, he hitched a pair of mules to the wagon and headed for Pitt County. To his surprise the seller measured the seed out to him in a thimble, two measures of which he assured the Onslow man would be ample for his needs. Tobacco growing multiplied in Onslow un- 212 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW til it surpassed all other crops in value and has become the money crop. Now the number of acres available on each farm determines the value of the farm. As time passed by farming became a science and a system was worked out whereby County Agricultural agents were employed to advise with and furnish to farmers the ‘“‘know-how”’ of land preparation, fertilizing and production of farm crops. Agricul- ture classes in school for farm boys who, through experiment and practice, learn the facts necessary to successful farm operation, have grown a generation of farmers who have in turn brought a revolution in farming which together with improved machin- ery and modern fertilizers have made the former production records look insignificant. Prior to the Roosevelt Administration the National Govern- ment had taken little interest in the farmer’s welfare or prog- ress. Price declines and starvation prices received little atten- tion from Washington. The President recommended legislation for providing credit for production of crops and price supports for maintaining prices. For the first time the farmer had the ear of the powers-that-be in Washington. This, together with the coming to the farms of electric lights and power, and the hard surfacing of farm to market roads, good ears and trucks, tractors, telephones, television and refrig- eration have had the effect of revolutionizing farm life and liv- ing in Onslow County. Neil M. Smith Neil M. Smith came to the County in the spring of 1928, a re- markable man with a program. For nine years he taught, fought, preached and organized, made many enemies and more friends. No phase of farm life in Onslow but felt the impact of his dynamic personality, and most of them were organized and work- ing when he left here in 1987. To the soil building program he added 4-H clubs having a membership of 116 in 1930, led farmers of the county in purchas- ing six pure bred bulls, by which 110 calves were sired the first year. Under a program of winter cover crops 5,000 acres were planted in 1931, the same year 162 calves were sired, and a record kept of 913 milk cows in the county. Experiments with other farm crops were made and 22 car- loads of stock and 7,009 pounds of poultry were sold coopera- tively. A new venture in buying and selling was begun with the or- ganization in March of 1930 of the Onslow Mutual Exchange. FARM LIFE AND LIVING 213 Nine groups, total 75 persons, subscribed for stock in the new enterprise, which did business during its first eight months amounting to $18,072.34. The Exchange buys from the farmer and it buys for him. It handles such difficult items as hogs, poultry serum-virus, ferti- lizer, feeds, soda, rye, oats, barley, rape, Austrian winter peas, vetch, insecticides, bee supplies, tankage, potato plants, etc., etc. For the first time in history the farmers took a day off to drive over the county and see outstanding work done by others in the county. The caravan of farmers and their wives usually reached Catharine’s Lake in time for a picnic spread on the Lake yard. This in spite of the financial depression which was rapidly get- ting worse throughout the nation. About this time the Production Credit Association was organ- ized, through which members obtained production loans on which to grow acrop. Business the first year amounted to $26,699.75. 1933 marked the depth of the depression, but the Mutual Ex- change did a $50,000 business that year. For those farmers who lacked credit with which to buy needed supplies, a national seed loan organization was set up. Behind each and all of these activ- ities in the county Smith was the motivating spirit. When the crop control program was inaugurated, the County Agent put it over in Onslow. Forest fire control started in 1935, a debt adjustment commit- tee acted as intermediary between persons unable to pay debts and their creditors. Advice was given to 54 clients during 1935. A Civilian Conservation Corps Camp was opened in Hofmann Forest for unemployed youths. The Farm Bureau Federation reached Onslow and the Onslow Mutual Exchange consolidated with the Farmers Cooperative Exchange, an organization cover- ing a number of states, offering the Onslow organization a much wider possibility of services. Smith considered the organization of the Exchange, its suc- cess and growth through a period of financial disaster, as the outstanding project of his administration. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Overstreet in 1937. Onslow County Extension Agents County Agricultural Agents J. C. Parker... 1909-1912 John D. Brandon ___ 1925-1928 W. B. Murrill (part Neil M. Smith 1928-1937 time) _______.____ 1918-1914 Hugh Overstreet 1937-1944 J. B. Cox (part time) 1913-1914 Charlie C. Clark 1945-1952 Grover Dickey 1917-1918 J. G. Allgood 1952-1956 D. L. Latham __.___ 1919-1922 Donald A. Halsey __ 1957- THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW County Home Economic Agents Ava Myatt 1918- Margaret Henderson Janie McFadyn ____.1919-1920 --.-1946-1947 Margaret Martin __.1920-1922 Miss Furches _ 1947-1948 Dana Thompson Edith H. Arthur. 1948-1950 Kate Alexander Miss Butler __. 1950-1951 Hattie Mae Morrisy_1923- Miss Johnson 1951-1952 Sallie Brooks 1929-1935 Carolyn Small 1952-1956 Helen Carlton __._1936-1987 Jean Hood -.1956-1957 Frances Dunn 1937-1939 Jean Trogden 1957-1960 Ruth B. Rhyne 1939-1942 Olivia Edmunson __1960- Laura Beaty 1942-1945 AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE By DONALD H. HALSEY The Public Services closest to the people, with the exception of the public school system in Onslow County, are the Agricul- tural Extension Service, the Public Health Service and the Pub- lie Library. It is the purpose of this chapter to make plain just how these services are administered so as to reach the people. The Agricultural Extension Service in Onslow County is per- sonified largely by the “County Agent’ and the “County Home Agent.” The Extension services are housed in the Agriculture Building on the corner of Warlick and College Streets. To understand the term “Extension,” the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, by Congress, provided for the setting up at each Land- Grant College a service “to diffuse among the people useful and practical information on subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics, and to encourage the application of the same.” These workers have been very aptly called the “Field Faculty,” of State College in North Carolina. Extension—An Out-of-School System of Education The work of the agricultural extension service is strictly in the field of education. The mission is education, but not through the traditional classroom approach. Extension is responsible for carrying technical, economic, and social information which has a bearing on farming and homemaking to the people of the State, and assisting them in adapting and using this information to improve their farming and homemaking. The teaching is done on the farms, in the homes, and in the communities by demon- strations, farm and home visits, bulletins, leaflets, radio, tele- vision, news articles, etc., with the help of voluntary local leaders. Results cannot be measured in terms of academic achievements but by improvements made by the people them- selves through the use of the information and assistance made available to them through the extension service. It should be pointed out that the State Organization is headed by a Director, and a Home Demonstration Agent, and assistants. Then there is the District Supervisor, Subject matter Specialist, County Farm Agent and assistants, County Home Agent and assistants, including clerical workers. These last two are the local Demonstration Agents. 216 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Program Based on Needs of People The Extension program includes work with adult men and women and also boys and girls. The major phases might be de- scribed as (1) work with adult farmers on all problems of pro- duction and marketing, (2) work with adult women through home demonstration work on problems of homemaking and fam- ily life, (3) work with rural youth through 4-H Clubs, (4) work with selected families on farm and home development, and (5) work with non-farm and urban people on foods and nutrition, clothing, consumer education, policy, and other applicable sub- jects. The Farm and Home Agents have unlimited resources of knowledge and research available to them through bulletins showing the results of tests made at experiment stations on both the National and State. Laboratory tests are available for special services, such as plant or animal diseases, soil and fertilizer tests, etc. The scope of the work being done in Onslow can be seen from the following tabulation: ACTIVITIES REPORTED FOR 1959 IN ONSLOW Farm & Home Visits Made.._.......------------+-------- 2,977 Office & Telephone Calls received. 11,230 Radio & Television Programs given... 330 Bulletins Distributedss ees 22a eee 165035 No. Adult Meetings Held... ses . 424 Attendance sss es i eis 12,031 No. Youth Meetings Held Attendance ORGANIZATION: No. Home Demonstration Clubs —..-..---------- No. Members of Home Demon. Clubs -_. aig 9G Now 4-H Clb sts ares tag aren ees ge ee a 20 Na, Z8t- Giwly Wignloow 222 ee YAY The County Farm Agent in Onslow is Donald H. Halsey, and the County Home Agent is Miss Olivia Edminton. They appear to be doing a wonderful job. (Thanks to Mr. Donald H. Halsey.) HOME DEMONSTRATION WORK By SARA ASBELL, Home Economics Agent Home Demonstration work is a great adult educational pro- gram. People are helped where they are and with what they have. It is out of school education of the finest type. Our pro- grams cover all phases of home economics: Foods and Nutrition, Clothing, Food Conservation, Marketing, Housing, Home Man- agement, House Furnishings, Family Relations, Home Beautify- ing. Our program is flexible, constantly changing as people change and as they grow and develop. Also, a part of home dem- onstration are the extra curricular programs: music, recreation, good reading, citizenship, health and safety. Today’s home dem- onstration program takes into account that today’s homemaker and her family face increasingly complex adjustments to the world around them. Fast changing living patterns, family roles and family relationships in the home and community are broad- ening the number and scope of problems confronting the family. For this reason adult services to meet the problems are a grow- ing demand and fill an important wide-spread need. Most women participating in home demonstration programs are trying to learn to live and work congenially with others; to better use time, money and energy to reach family goals; to choose food and clothing, home furnishings, household equipment and other essentials to attain a satisfying way of life; to keep the household running smoothly; to provide a comfortable, con- venient and attractive home; to understand the relation of nutri- tious foods, suitable clothing and adequate housing to the health and well being of each family member. Stressed in family living programs this year are educational services in planning and managing family resources, in good health, human relations, safety and in consumer information on foods, clothing and equipment. Onslow County has 17 organized Home Demonstration Clubs with 337 members. The following are names of Clubs and Presi- dents: Hominy Swamp—Mrs. Everitte Barbee, Taylortown— Mrs. G. H. Sanderson, Bell Oak—Mrs. Jean Parsons, Deppe— Mrs. Marie Adones, Grants Creek—Mrs. R. S. Provost, South- west—Mrs. Clifton Tallman, Sandhill—Mrs. Fred Hunter, White Oak—Mrs. Linwood Mallard, Silverdale—Mrs. Joseph Riggs, Harris Creek—Mrs. Charles Williams, Sneads Ferry— Mrs. Paul Merritt, Haws Run—Mrs. E. R. Ferrell, Morris Land- ing—Mrs. Fred Hardison, Piney Green—Mrs. L. G. Aman, Meadowview—Mrs. Emory Greer, Meadow Branch—Mrs. Etta Mae Trott, Hubert—Mrs. Dunnie Frazier. 218 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW In addition to these 17 Clubs, the Nine Mile Sewing Club has been organized and there are 20 members. Home Demonstration Clubs are organized in natural commun- ities and hold monthly meetings in the homes, at the schools, in club rooms or community houses. Home Economic Agents meet with the clubs six times or less a year. Club Leaders are respon- sible for club meetings six times or more a year. Each Club has home economics project leaders, 4-H leaders and committee chairmen. County project leaders are: Foods and Nutrition—Mrs. John- ny Meadows, Home Gardens—Mrs. Joseph Riggs, Home poultry —Mrs. Emory Greer, Home Dairy—Mrs. Perry Brown, Food Conservation—Mrs. L. L. King, Housing and Home Furnishings —Mrs. Grayson Fountain, Home Management—Mrs. J. H. Gil- lette, Family Life—Mrs. W. O. Taylor, Home Beautification— Mrs. John Hall, Clothing—Mrs. James Justice, Arts & Crafts— Mrs. Horace Mazingo, Community Service—Mrs. J. E. Whaley, Health & Safety—Mrs. Royden Caulk, Education—Mrs. Alice Horne, Citizenship—Mrs. Grayson Fountain, International Re- lations—Mrs. Rachel Taylor, Music—Mrs. A. D. Dalton, Public- ity—Mrs. Grayson Fountain, Recreation—Mrs. Nemmie Whaley, Loan Fund—Mrs. Lemmie Taylor, Markets—Mrs. Alma Shep- ard, 4-H Club Leader—Mrs. Royden Caulk. Onslow County Home Demonstration Club Council officers are: President—Mrs. Grayson Fountain, Vice President—Mrs. L. L. King, Secretary—Mrs. L. G. Aman, Treasurer—Mrs. Royden Caulk. Onslow County is a member of the 20th District Federation of Home Demonstration Clubs. Some other events that the Home Economics Extension Staff are responsible for are: 1. Onslow County Fair Exhibits. 2. Onslow County Dairy Princess Contest 3. Craft Workshop in Manteo each year during summer Many civic organizations have called upon the Home Economic Agents to give demonstrations for their programs which we are always happy to do. THE ONSLOW COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH, ITS STAFF AND THEIR ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR 1959 The Board of Health with its exofficio and members at large for the year 1959 include: Dr. Charles B. Johnson, Chairman; Mr. J. H. Justice, Chairman Onslow County Board of Commis- sioners; Mr. I. B. Hudson, Superintendent Onslow County Schools; Mr. A. J. Lewis, Mayor City of Jacksonville; Mrs. Twiggs Randall, Dr. W. T. Turlington and Mr. Albert Rachide, Pharmacist; Dr. Eleanor H. Williams, Director; Nurses: Mrs. Julia Woodbury, R.N., Mrs. Jean Greer, R.N., Mrs. Anna Huff- man, R.N., and Mrs. Raye Faulkner, R.N.; Sanitarians: Mr. J. H. Moore, Senior Sanitarian, Mr. Richard Koonce, Junior Sani- tarian; Clerks: Mrs. Naomi Cardwell, Stenographer-Clerk, Mrs. Mildred Nelson, Clerk; United States Public Health Representa- tive: Mr. William Casto, District Epidemiologist. Public Health is the practice of preventive medicine and hy- giene. This means working towards the prevention of acute ill- nesses and epidemics, and, also, as far as possible to prevent chronic illness or disability. When chronic illness does occur, we try to prevent physical and emotional complications which may arise, and affect not only the patient but the family group as well. Public Health works constantly to promote good sanita- tion both in the homes and in public places, to prevent accidents whether by mechanical agents, firearms, fires, and especially as far as young children are concerned, with poisons. To accomplish this we must not only give the proper “shots”, and make the proper inspections, but also educate the citizens of Onslow County in generally better ways of life. This means the continuing education of our staff through courses, seminars, and workshops, and the cooperation of professional and civic groups in the County. Major Areas of Education 1. Poison Control Center. This center was established at the Onslow Memorial Hospital two years ago. There is a library of books, and the National Clearing House for Poison Control of the U. S. Public Health Service, Bethesda, Maryland, supplies the Center with an active file on all commercial products. A Public Health Nurse does the “follow-up” visits, when indicated, to instruct the family in the handling of poisons. 2. The sanitarians attended seminars, district meetings, and workshops throughout the year. 8. A dentist from the Division of Oral Hygiene of the State Board of Health visited the schools, giving lectures, screening the children, and treating as many as possible. 220 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW 4. Pre-school clinics were held which involved conferences with the mother, and distribution of health education material. Where indicated a nurse visits in the home. 5. Teacher-nurse-physician screening was done in the schools. All first grade children in the Jacksonville Township schools were screened by the Health Director. 6. Maternal and child health conferences were held, with the distribution of educational health material. Home visits were made where indicated. 7. Tuberculin “patch testing’ was carried out in several of the schools. 8. A hookworm survey was carried out in all the schools. 9. Two mobile x-ray units were stationed here for four weeks for a tuberculosis survey. A total of 5,015 people were x-rayed, and 8 active new cases were found. Communicable Disease Control The control of communicable disease is carried out by “shots” of the vaccines, and drugs, available in the Health Department. It is furthered by education in personal hygiene and sanitation. In some cases a disease is tracked to its source, and then either eliminated or controlled. A team of U.S. Public Health consult- ants from the State Board of Health is available for epidemiolog- ical investigations, and assisted us last year with the polio cases, and also with our one typhoid case. The nurses go into the homes where there is a communicable disease, and instruct the family in isolation care of the patient, and terminal disinfection. We treat venereal disease cases, and their contacts. North Carolina statutes require all children to be immunized against diphtheria, whooping-cough, tetanus, and polio before they enter school. We examine all foodhandlers for chronic, or acute, disease be- fore they are given a permit to work. School Health One of the aims of Public Health is to bring children up to the first year of school in good health, and also to better the health of children already in school who have defects. Many of the children are not seen by us until the pre-school clinics. At these clinics the child’s health is discussed with the parents, and rec- ommendations are made in regard to any defects found, so that these may be corrected before the child enters school. Pre-school clinics are not held in the Jacksonville Township schools because there is such a marked population shift. Instead, at the start of the school year, all first grade pupils are screened by the Health Director, and where defects are found the nurse PUBLIC SERVICES 221 contacts the family. Teachers also screen their pupils, and refer them to the nurse, who in turn refers them to a physician. Finan- cial aid, where needed, is supplied by State contributed “School Health Funds”, the Crippled Children’s Section of the State Board of Health, the Onslow County Chapter of the Easter Seal Society and National Foundation for Poliomyelitis, and the local United Funds. Some Facts (September 1959—June 1960) PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT 1. Number of children referred for care REFERRALS, AND MEDICAL OR DENTAL CARE Te LOLA, ReLOR DS Spt agent oe cee ee eee ee General health ___. Behavior problems . Ears _. TReeth*e 240" Monsilsr2 : Orthopedics _ 10. Children secured care by physicians. 11. Children secured care by dentists 12. Children secured care by State dentist 18. Hookworm treatments given — Crippled Children The first Friday of every month a “Clinic for Crippled Chil- dren and Adults” is held at the Health Department, under the joint sponsorship of the United Funds, and the Crippled Chil- dren’s Section of the State Board of Health. Specialists from the Orthopedic Division of the Department of Surgery, North Carolina Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill, attend these clinics. 1. Onslow County Crippled Children on Active File 2. Onslow County Children Attending Clinic... No. of Visits. (Some go to other clinics) 3h News Cases, Admitted int 1959.23 2? Se ee 4. Nursing Visits to Crippled Children (Tabulation of adult patients is not made. The overall at- tendance averages 65 a month.) Maternal and Infant Health Studies can be classified as fol- lows: 1. Statistics for Maternal Health 222 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW 2. Maternal Supervision by Health Department 8. Infant Supervision 4. Child Health Supervision Immunization: Immunization for communicable diseases, such as diphtheria, typhoid, polio, tetanus, rabies, measles, scarlet fever, food poisoning, meningitis and malaria. Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis tests made, 1,380. Number films taken, 1,630. Active cases in the sanatoria, 28, cases under su- pervision in homes, 125, active, 1, arrested, 124. Venereal diseases detected and treated (old and new) 524. A nursing service is rendered in some cases such as cerebral palsy, mental health, cancer, heart and kidney diseases or attacks. Milk Control There are three plant producer dairies in Onslow County which sell milk to pasteurization plants in other counties. A total of ten visits was made to these dairies. “Spot” samples of milk are picked up from trucks delivering milk from outside pasteuriza- tion plants, and taken to laboratories in New Hanover and Cra- ven Counties for examination. Two hundred and six (206) were picked up. Estimated Daily Sale of Milk in Onslow County a. Market milk 317,806 gallons b. Cream .. 12,181 gallons Buttermilk __ .. 44,521 gallons Chocolate milk 185,967 gallons U.S. Public Health Rating for Onslow County (Latest rating May 13, 1959) . Raw milk sold to plants Pasteurization plants _ Pasteurized milk During 1959 the following establishments were inspected by the Board: Abattoirs, 1; Foodhandling, 14; Drug stores and drink stands, restaurants and cafes, 96; Institutions, Public (in- spected, not rated) Boarding homes, 3, Jails, 1; Institutions, Pub- lic or Private (inspected and rated), Hospitals, 1, Rest homes and nursing homes, 1; Lodging places, Hotels, 1, Tourist Courts, 6; Meat Markets, 100; School Lunchrooms, 32. Note: Information may be had from Dr. R. H. Williams, Di- rector of Public Health, whenever desired. ONSLOW EDUCATION IS BIG BUSINESS (By I. B. Hupson) Onslow County schools, with an expenditure of $2,214,187.23 for the school year 1958-59, may well be classified as “big busi- ness.” Of this expenditure the State of North Carolina provided $1,356,700.99, while expenditures from County funds amounted to $857,486.24. Included in the county share mentioned above was the sum of $345,177.31 of funds supplied from Federal sources under Public Law 874 and Public Law 815. A further division of federally derived funds will give $315,221.80 for Current Expense and $29,955.51 for Capital Outlay. This would leave a net figure of $512,308.93 from county-supplied funds. The budget for 1959-60 will run considerably in excess of the funds received for the previous year. This will result from increased personnel, increased salaries and the receipt of $750,- 000.00 from Federal funds for Capital Outlay and Current Ex- pense. Expenditures from all sources for the year 1959-60 will be around the three-million-dollar mark. The Onslow High School, a 25-classroom facility now under construction on Henderson Drive, is contracted at $446,732.76. Classrooms should be ready for occupancy by January 1, 1961. On this project the Federal government is supplying $374,655.00, leaving a balance to be paid by the county in the sum of $72,077.76. On April 21, 1960, the County Board of Education was given a reservation of Federal funds amounting to $244,125.00. These funds will be used in constructing a 12-room elementary school for the Negro race in the Bell Fork area. The school board. al- ready owns a 25-acre school site which was acquired at a price of $21,600.00. The present insurable value of school buildings and apparatus for the entire county is $5,592,100.00. One hundred and seven state owned school buses transport daily more than 7,000 students. The daily mileage of the buses is 3,500 miles. Practically all buses are driven by students, mostly boys, but there are quite a number of girl drivers. There are a few adult drivers also. The average daily membership of pupils in 1959-60 is 10,996. The average daily membership for all schools ten years ago was 5,845. The schools had at that time 184 teachers. Today the number of teachers is 374, which is 190 more than served the schools ten years ago. Ten years ago school buildings and apparatus were valued at 224 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW $785,182.00. The school property has increased more than seven fold within the decade (712%) and now stands at $5,592,100.00. On July 1, 1951, Isham B. Hudson became County Superin- tendent of Schools, succeeding B. B. C. Kessler, who had served as County Superintendent for the four preceding years. A renaissance in education has taken place during the nine years of the present incumbent. Capital Outlay expenditures from Fed- eral, State, and County funds have amounted to $3,934,420. Ma- jor improvements have been made as follows: 150 New Classrooms New Libraries Old Libraries completely remodeled New Gymnasiums New Auditoriums New Band Rooms New Vocational Agriculture Shops New Home Economics Rooms New Industrial Arts Room Remodeled Industrial Arts Rooms New Boiler Rooms at old buildings New Lunchrooms at schools not previously having a lunch- room Residences for Principals Residences for Vocational Agriculture Teachers Additional Stalls at County Garage Maintenance Building Pree NNN ANWNAWA 197 Completed Units Expenditures from all sources in 1950-51 were $621,064.90 of which the State supplied $489,064.90 and the County $131,300.09. Expenditures increased for 1958-59 over nine years ago by 356 percent to $2,214,187.28. County expenditures went up from $131,300.09 to $512,308.93 (or 390 per cent.) Three years ago a five per cent salary supplement above the State salary schedule was put into effect. Onslow’s present sal- ary schedule is the seventh highest of all of the State’s one hun- dred county units, and ranks 16th in the seventy-four city units. This is an achievement of which the Board of Education is very proud. PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE IN ONSLOW COUNTY By Miss ADELAIDE MCLARTY The Public Library Service had its beginnings under the aus- pices of the Richlands Woman’s Club and its first library was located in Richlands. The Library doors were opened to the public on August, 1936. Mrs. Irene Koonce Brown was its Li- brarian and served in this capacity until February, 1960. Par- ticularly active in the furtherance of this service were Mrs. Hugh Ragsdale, Mrs. Lewis Sylvester, Mrs. Victor Venters, Mrs. Ben- jamin Brock and Mrs. C. W. Sutton. Today, Mrs. Lewis Syl- vester serves on the Onslow County Library Board and Mrs. Victor Venters served as the first Chairman of National Library Week for Onslow County in 1957. Those serving on the present Onslow County Library Board are: Mr. Hubert G. Hargett, Chairman, Jacksonville, Mr. James E. Jenkins, Treasurer, Jack- sonville, Mrs. W. E. Brown, Jacksonville, Mrs. William E. Mat- tox, White Oak, Mrs. Lewis Sylvester, Richlands, and Maj. U.S. M.C. Ret. William H. Kay, Swansboro. 1937, the library was closed because space could not be found but was reopened the following year having expanded from a book collection of 160 to 820 volumes. Considerable expansion of library service began in 1940. It was then that books were placed in outlying regions around Rich- lands. In this year, the Onslow County Board of Commissioners contributed for the first time to the financial support of the Li- brary. The Board contributed $300.00. In 19438, the Board of Commissioners raised this to $600.00, the City of Richlands $150.00 and in 1944, the City of Jacksonville contributed $600.00. In 1960, Onslow County contributed $9,942.00, the City of Jack- sonville $3,000, the City of Richlands $800.00 and the City of Swansboro $250.00. In 1949, the Main Library was moved from Richlands to Jack- sonville. Since this time, it has been located in a number of places over the city. Among its locations have been Pine Lodge and the County Courthouse. It is at present located in the County Building on Mill Avenue. In 1960, it boasts 33,269 vol- umes with a circulation for the period 1959-1960 of 89,803 books. Of greater pride is the work the library is doing and the serv- ices it offers the citizens of Onslow County. Among the services offered today are: Reference Service by telephone, Film Service, Inter-Library Loan Service, Bookmobile Service to the County lines, County-wide Summer Reading Program for the children and a Great Books Discussion Group for adults sponsored jointly 226 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW by the Onslow County Public Library and the Central Library of Camp Lejeune. Both libraries cooperate with each other. In the Spring of 1960, these libraries sponsored a “World of Books” Book Fair, the first of its kind in Eastern North Carolina. The Library Staff includes: Miss Adelaide McLarty, Libra- rian, Mrs. Iola Powell and Mrs. Syble Heath of Jacksonville, Mrs. Adeline Humphrey of Richlands and Mrs. Louise Passing- ham of Swansboro. Mrs. Annie Mae Ruffin of Jacksonville serves as janitor. The Library is becoming known throughout coastal Carolina for its Library displays in connection with various civic activi- ties. For the past three years, library displays have been includ- ed as a part of the annual Flower Show sponsored by the Onslow County Garden Club Council and the annual Art Show sponsored by the Jacksonville Recreation Department. CONTEMPORARY ONSLOW Onslow County ranks second among the 100 counties in the State in per capita income, with a projected 1960 figure of $2,318.00, Governor Hodges said in a speech before the Greater Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce January 15, 1960. Prior to 1940, twenty years ago, no one dreamed the magic change which has occurred since that time would or could take place in Onslow County. At that time people were living well, crime was practically unknown and most of the time the jail was without an occupant. People produced to a great extent their own subsistence, and lived with it. Farm lands were the source of whatever wealth or lack of it there existed in the County at the time. Some cash had flashed through the area as virgin tim- ber had been cut and carried away, leaving thousands of acres of drying tops and ruined undergrowth of which forest fires soon destroyed what remained. A citizen having ten or twenty thousand dollars in property and cash was considered well-to-do. Ordinary labor could be had for one dollar per day. The per capita income in money was low. Then came the military bases with their construction and spiraling wages. An influx of people, all seeming to converge on Onslow County, moved in. Property values soared. Old times and old values were gone forever. The population of the county in 1940, according to the United States Census, numbered 17,939. The town of Jacksonville counted 873 persons. Today the County has a tax valuation of $63,000,000.00 and an estimated earned income of $75,000,000.00. 97% of all resi- dences, both rural and urban, have electric lights and power, 8,200 telephones are in operation covering every section of the County, and 40% of the highways are hard surfaced (1958). This includes the so called “Scott Roads” leading from the farm- er’s door to markets throughout the world. “From a business and industrial standpoint you are ideally situated between two of the fastest growing ports on the South Atlantic coast—Morehead City and Wilmington,” said the Gov- ernor. The climate is ideal the year round, snows and freezes being practically unknown. Labor can work out of doors ap- proximately 300 days per year. The only sad note in the whole grand symphony is the fact that Onslow County smoke-cured hams and New River Oysters are disappearing from the markets, the first owing to the fact that farmers market their pigs on foot and keep their meat in a deep freeze, while the latter is due to the admission of salt laden water into the rivers and sounds of the county, making the water less productive of this fine food. 228 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Where once it was necessary to buy supplies at the country store or to make annual trips to New Bern or Wilmington to carry produce and to purchase the family necessities, it is now possible to buy all of one’s needs in the nearby towns in the County, where may be found well equipped department stores and shopping centers, sales agencies for all leading makes of cars and trucks, as well as appliances, furniture, medical supplies and farm equipment. Onslow has its own 75 bed hospital together with a Health Department, expertly manned and equipped for any emergency, according to modern medical practices. The Marine Base has a 2500 patient hospital fully equipped at all times. Onslow is served by two great banking systems with eight branches scattered throughout the area. These financial insti- tutions have ample capital and surplus for safe and dependable operation, insured against loss to depositors at all times. The county offers advantages to industry through a mild cli- mate, not only, but good transportation is available in any direc- tion, also through an untapped supply of labor off the farms and Marine wives who would welcome a chance to do some construc- tive work as well as men who, having completed their military service, would seek employment in civilian lines. Forest Products A great share of Onslow’s resources comes through the cut- ting and sale of young pine timber for pulpwood. This stock is hauled to points of shipment, either on rail lines or to ports on the River from which it is carried by freight to great paper mills at Plymouth, North Carolina, and elsewhere. There the logs are dissolved in chemicals, dried and processed into rolls of paper for wrapping or converted into packing cases for use in the ship- ping of furniture, mattresses, drygoods and a thousand other items of commerce in everyday use. The cutting of gum and poplar for the making of plywood and furniture is also impor- tant. The estimated value of the pulpwood industry in Onslow County is $914,130.00 annually, lumber $400,000.00 and other forest products (poles, ties, etc.) $20,000.00, a total of $1,334,- 130.00. Onslow ranks second among the 100 counties of the State in pulpwood production. Products of the Farm Agriculture in the County, despite the fact that Camp Lejeune covers 85,000 acres and Hofmann Forest another 50,000, is still a resource of which we can be proud. Crops grown include to- bacco, cotton, peanuts, corn, wheat, oats, soybeans, white pota- PUBLIC SERVICES 229 toes, yams, lespedeza, hay, sorghum, cucumbers, tomatoes and watermelon total value approximating $5,373,515.00. Livestock, while not up to its capacity, brings an annual re- turn of about $1,563,600.00. These consist of hogs, beef cattle, other cattle, milk, broilers and hens. Agriculture, as always, has a great uncounted reserve, pro- duced for home consumption, such as garden vegetables, fruits, corn, meat, potatoes and watermelons grown and consumed by the farmers themselves, of which no record is made and no ac- count taken. Fish and other seafood produced in 1958 for sale include oys- ters, 28,118 bushels, with 150 oyster-bottoms leased by the State to operators in the County, also 27,945 pounds of clam meat. 563 boats using commercial fishing equipment were licensed in Onslow that year. The catch included, in inland waters, trout, croakers, flounders, spots and jumping mullets. The ocean catch includes blues, mackerel, trout, sea bass, sea mullets and others. According to a report of the North Carolina Division of Com- mercial Fisheries for 1959 the following seafoods were taken in Onslow: Hara Shrimp Fish Oysters Clams Crabs (Lbs. ) (Lbs.) (Bu.) (Bu.) _..(Lbs.) Sneads Ferry 81,800 392,300 17,655 630 83,670 Swansboro . 1,700 57,980 2,130 129 6,500 Hubert _.. - 23,350 4,561 Holly Ridge - 1,500 4,500 3,772 478,130 28,118 Sports and Recreation The County is rich in sports and recreation, being situated on Onslow Bay where sports-fishing is at its best, where party boats are available for outside fishing from Swansboro, Sneads Ferry and in smaller numbers from the sounds and inlets up and down the coast. Also available in inland waters is the catching of shrimp, clams and oysters as well as good hook-and-line fishing in both salt and fresh water. Boating is a growing sport on inland waters. Hunting offers good recreation in season, in Hofmann Forest and in the swamps and pocosins where deer, bear and many fur- bearing animals are available. For the studiously inclined the area offers the opportunity to study geology, forestry, soils and marine deposits, the whole section having been formerly covered by the Atlantic Ocean. The County and surrounding territory is underlain by marine formations of different ages, the New and White Oak Rivers being valleys cut at a time when the sea-level was higher than at 230 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW present. All provide a valuable study to those interested along these lines. A visit to Belgrade is suggested, where thousands of tons of this shell-rock-mineral composition is mined and processed ready for use in surfacing of roads and the making of concrete blocks, foundations, etc. Onslow County ranks seventh in per capita income and tenth in population among the 100 counties of the State, according to reports from the Department of Tax Research, and the prelimi- nary report of the United States Census for 1960. Tax Research showed that Onslow County citizens in 1958, (the latest completed), earned an average of $1,671. Onslow is exceeded in population by nine other counties in the State as follows: Mecklenburg, Guilford, Forsyth, Wake, Cum- berland, Buncombe, Gaston, Durham and Robeson. Onslow population count in 1960 showed 83,494. Governor Burrington, British Royal Governor in 1734, said: “Onslow is the present seat of inthusiasm in the Province.” The same seems to be holding true in the County in 1960. Growth and progress seems to be the underlying feature of every activity operating in Onslow County today. Good schools and churches are available to all citizens of the county, the educational facilities of which will soon be enhanced by the establishing in the county of a Junior College if plans now being promoted are carried out. Onslow is a land of opportunity for the farmer, the doctor, the investor, the promoter, the industrialist, the sportsman or for the man whose wish is simply to retire from the activities with which he has been so long associated, and take it easy for awhile. The Church In The County “Hlect from every nation Yet one o’er all the earth” INTRODUCTORY: There will be some repetition in the first few paragraphs of this paper. This is made necessary in order to bring together in one place the varied and interesting history of New River chapel. Some points stand out: The early beginning of this congregation as compared with other churches in the State; the continuous and unbroken record, though at times passing from one denomination to another of very differing doctrines and practices. While other changes were not always so violent, yet all of these events passed without a complete break in the record of the church, which record has been con- tinuous for 230 years now (1960). One other fact should be pointed out; the number of churches which have from time to time branched out, or had their an- tecedents here. Where could be found another congregation which can claim as legitimate offspring—eleven active, working churches within its own outreach? Every church member in Onslow should become familiar with this outstanding record. What is told here represents what I have been able to learn as to how and when a certain religious faith moved into this area, from whence it came, and something of those who brought it here. The facts are given as accurately as they could be had by me, but no statement is guaranteed if it pertains to doctrine, belief or any subject which is open to argument. While I promise to respect your opinion, I refuse to argue with you on any of the points presented here. —THE AUTHOR. THE RICH LANDS OF NEW RIVER CHAPEL The beginning of organized religion in South Eastern North Carolina. The story of how a simple free chapel in the wilderness of Onslow County, far from any church or minister grew and multiplied until it became the mother of eleven active working congregations, scattered over a wide area. There were no churches nearer to Onslow in 1731 than Cape Fear, nor were there ministers available other than those at Cape Fear, Edenton, or Bath. Fortunately, a free chapel had been constructed at the Rich Lands, and its location with reference to New Bern and Wilming- ton made it of strategic importance. Onslow was connected with those points by the Post Road, which passed through Onslow from Suffolk to Charleston, but at that time this road was little more than a bridle path. A few of the ministers visited New River from time to time and each of them gave it favorable comment, but each mentioned the difficulty in getting there, and the distance necessary to travel. The first six or eight years only ministers of the Estab- lished Church came to New River. Onslow was an enthusiastic and progressive community and each denomination observed the advantage to be had there and planned accordingly. The Baptist church was first organized in North Carolina by Paul Palmer, who could be rated Father of that church in the state. Palmer began his work up near the Virginia line and planted his first church there in 1727. He went about throughout eastern North Carolina and organized church after church, reach- ing New River (Union Chapel) probably between 1735 and 1740. He was a great preacher and the Baptist owe to him much of the strength and stability as well as the aggressive zeal in spreading the gospel which has characterized that church since that time. The General or Free Will Baptist The church, located on Chapel Hill, in Onslow, attracted the attention of the great revivalist and was picked by him as the site of one of his early churches. Nearby on the same ground was a store, an inn, and a blacksmith shop. Many years later when Washington’s Southern Tour was be- ing projected, he sent Major Jackson along the intended route to make arrangements for the great man’s entertainment. The Rich Lands Inn was selected by the Major, but for some reason, the President preferred to stop at Averittes, where he break- fasted on Saturday, April 2, 1791. (Tradition says that when 234 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Washington reached the inn he found it infested wi therefore refused to stay for even the feeding of 18 ee : Unfortunately the exact date that Palmer came to New River is not known, but we know that it followed soon after his visit to New England in 1730, and therefore a reasonable assumption would pl iShes ing” ie a lace Palmer’s gathering” of a church here about 1785 Whether New River or New B i ern should be in third Be are not sure; the date for New Bern, we are sure, is cae r. Paschal, great Baptist historian, says, “New River was one of the earliest Baptist churches, as wel i to be established in this region.” Didi ndash reek tne The Separates Prior to 1756 the Baptist at New Ri ; } ver had been é face me Baptist. About that time there arose sere Srwiene S ee North Carolina a group of Christians known as iSoiar- ates. tne Separates were led by Shubal Stearns, one of the great ee ers of all time. They were an evangelistic body who ac- Eo ed no creed but the Bible and crusaded with an ardor which ae epee piaiorian a has been unsurpassed since the Saviour 0 Heaven. hey almost took over Baptist ch i N on Carolina and South Carolina, Virginia dat GRORSSA tae ce ee gathered the remnant of Paul Palmer’s old eee nm at New River and soon a thriving church was in The Separates originated at Sand s y Creek and spr ne They preached regeneration, made sdiivebte aun erie ee: ae sas the Potomac and the Chesapeake to Beware € Savannah and united these churches in on iati The Sandy Creek.” (Paschal: Histor BRCORESIin Behe d, ie : y of North Carolina Bapti P272.) “They believed God often i sealers pied Bie relieved gave evident tok i will; that such indication of the divine pleasure, BAC ELiRG oP the nature of inspiration w FeeGu 2 bid BOTS ere above, though not contrary to When the Sandy Creek Associati i Ww : d ion, third oldest Baptist ciation in America, b i i ie eee a ies » began in 1758 New River was a Charter With the coming of the Se 1 parates the church attai i greatness, making great progress in missions as well as ae Bas coming one of the great religious centers of the State = eS nowibs: the reorganization, Ezekiel Hunter, who was ordain ed about this time, accepted the pastorate and retained it until morality during his ch influence, THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 235 The Church of New River showed great missionary zeal. An important event occurred when Charles Markland left New River and moved to South West in Lenoir County about 1760. There he made 15 converts, gathering them into a congregation which in October of 1762 was constituted a church by a presbytery sent from Sandy Creek. Thus South West, our present Christian Church was organized as a Separate Baptist Church, making the first congregation to be nurtured by ministers from the New River Church. (Paschal: Wistory of North Carolina Baptist P. 316.) In 1762 Hunter made a journey to Lockwood’s Folly where he reinspired the church there, baptized some new members and made that church a branch of New River. Two other churches, Livingston Creek in Brunswick, and White Swamp in Bladen, were organized by Mr. Hunter, and became branches of New River Church. He preached the Gospel throughout the counties of Duplin, Jones, Carteret and New Hanover. Besides the three named above White Oak in Jones, Newport River in Carteret, and Muddy Creek in Duplin were points mothered by the New River Chapel and its ministers. Strange as it may seem today, the Separates soon found them- selves swamped in a fog of conservatism and in a few years their very name had all but disappeared from the annals of current history. The Primitive Baptist Following the decline of the Separates, for some years the church operated as a United Baptist Church, which included members of all shades of opinion, Free Will, Separate, and Primitive. Ezekiel Hunter was succeeded by Robert Nixon, who in turn was followed by Moses Barfield, 1795, both of whom were desig- nated as United Baptist. Silas Carter, who began in 1808, and Benjamin Johnston, who followed in 1817, were Regular Baptist ministers. Opposed to all other elements was the Calvinist among the Baptist who condemned all missionary activities, taught predes- tination and required an experience of Grace for membership. These people, known as Primitive Baptist, had since the coming of the Reverend John Gano to the state in 1755, been making unprecedented progress in taking over and renovating the con- gregations according to their own idea of doctrine and procedure. According to Dodd, the method of reorganization was about as follows: “The first act was to disband the organization which had previously existed. Then all who desired to become a part of the new organization were required to stand an examination 236 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW which was conducted by approved Particular Baptist Ministers who were present for that purpose. In the test the applicant was asked to tell the time when and the place where he had had an experience of grace. Many applicants failed to qualify.” Whether this procedure or part of it happened at New River is not known now, but Parham Pucket, strong Primitive Baptist minister, began his pastorate of the New River Church in 1827 and continued for 16 years. New River had since 1788 been part of the Kehukee Associa- tion, but not until 1827 did the church come under the ministry of a Primitive pastor. In some Association minutes, Puckett is mentioned as “Ring- leader of Anti-mission discord.” Under his ministry, the mem- bership of the church declined to 14 persons. Evolution of the Name At first the Chapel was called the Rich Lands of New River Chapel, and variously Rich Land Chapel or New River Chapel. In 1808 it was known as Chapel Run. In 1843 as Richlands Chapel. In 1851 it became Union Chapel which it has remained for 108 years. Missionary Baptist After 1851, The Missionary Baptist maintained ministers there. In that year Nathan Askew preached, succeeded in 1864 by J. B. Faison, in 1865 by J. E. King, 1866 by J. N. Stallings, in 1870 by G. S. Best, and during 1875 and 1876 by E. A. Best. J. R. Oliver of Tar Landing and A. B. Alderman of Jacksonville closed the Baptist Ministry there in 1880 and the church was left off the Baptist roll in 1881. Disciples of Christ In 1875 Cyrus Brown of Tuckahoe, at his own expense, em- ployed Dr. Joseph H. Foy, noted teacher and preacher of the Disciples of Christ, to hold a revival there, and two years later Joshua L. Burns, Disciple State Evangelist, on December 2 1877, organized the Disciples into a church with 48 members, known since that time as Union Chapel Christian Church. This was the end of the old mixed up congregation with its confusion and factionism. The Primitive element went to the South West Onslow Primitive Baptist Church. The Missioners a little later organized Emma’s Chapel Church which developed into the pres- ent Richlands Baptist Church, and still later a remnant met and organized the Catherine Lake Baptist Church. First Elders of the Christian congregation were Colonel Simon THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 237 B. Taylor and William Cox. First Deacons were George Simmons and Mr. Padrick. Follow-up ministers have given it permanence. Services continue on a fulltime basis. The Methodist New River also had its Methodist history. Joseph Pilmour visited here in 1772. Particulars of his visit are unknown but there seem to have been Methodist here since that time. The Ballards are mentioned as the first Methodist in Onslow County. The most active of the early Methodist leaders was Bishop Francis Asbury. Sometime Ete the Revolution, probably about 18138, the Metho- dist Church at Chapel was rebuilt near its present location at what is now Richlands. It was a log house, being known as “Oak Grove.” Later a frame building was erected containing galleries for the slaves. The present handsome structure was ilt in 1939. : ee eleven churches sponsored by or coming out of the Rich Lands of New River Chapel include: Church Minister Date South West Lenoir Lockwoods Folly. Livingstone’s Creek. White Swamp White Oak Muddy Creek. Newport River Richlands Methodist Union Chapel Disciple Richlands Baptist. Catharine Lake Baptist. Rope Iam eter Be Richlands of New River Chapel now Union Chapel since 1730 South West Primitive Baptist Church, 1796 Sandy Run Baptist Church 1864, Old- est Colored Church in the County. Historic home now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Victor Venters, Richlands. THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND Episcopal In Colonial times the Church of England was also the State Church in the Colonies. Dr. Thomas Bray, an English clergyman of the Established Church then preaching in Maryland, conceived the idea of organ- izing the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, in England to promote the work of the Church in America. This he did in 1698 and a charter was issued for it in 1701. It provided for the appointment of vestries and the levying of a tax to support the ministry, erect churches, etc. Under its provisions parishes were laid out and churches provided for. Onslow was in the St. John Parish. At first there were no organizations, no local congregations and no meeting houses. Planters here and there, realizing the need for houses of worship and following the custom of land- lords in Europe, sometimes erected Chapels or free churches where services could be held whenever a minister came through. The Law provided that when a Parish Priest could be found to locate on the field—his salary be paid by a tax levied for the purpose upon the inhabitants of the Parish. In Onslow Outstanding in its day was the Rich Lands of the New River Chapel, which was located about 244 miles south of the present Richlands on Chapel Run. Who first built the chapel is not known now, but it attracted ministers from both the Cape Fear and the Albemarle areas. Soon after the organization of the county, Dr. Richard Marsden from the St. James Parish at Cape Fear made several visits into Onslow where he preached, as did Reverend John LaPierre, also from Cape Fear, who represented the inhabitants as “Above 100 families of poor people, but desirous of having the Holy Gospel set up among them.” Reverend James Moir, also from Cape Fear, visited the county between 1742 and 1747. From Bath town, May 1761, Reverend Alexander Stewart, the mis- sionary of St. Thomas, told the society at London, “Last winter I went as far southerly as New River, 80 miles from home in Onslow County, the present seat of enthusiasm in the Province, where having preached twice, the few remaining Episcopals there were, they said, very thankful to have the word preached to them again.” Years later, at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, there were still no established churches in Onslow. 240 Another reason, probably most potent of all, many people be- longed to churches of different persuasion and so could not reconcile themselves to support a State Church of whose teach- ings they did not approve, while the church of their choice was dependent solely upon its own resources. So little progress was made. There is one Episcopal Church in the County today. St. Anne’s Episcopal Church The St. Anne’s Episco persons who got togeth continued to meet for about three years. In 1943 a church building was completed on land donated for the purpose by Mrs. Annie Price, and the first Service was held on Easter Day of that year with the Reverend Walter R. Noe, Priest in Charge. Later the Reverend Webster R. Horstman did an outstanding urch. The present pastor is the Reverend A. E. and handsome structure is now (1958) under construction in the Northwoods section of the city. The mem- bership now numbers 275, pal Church began with a little group of er at the Onslow Theatre, where they FREE WILL BAPTIST There seems to have been Baptist in North Carolina since the first settlements, though not formally organized. Most often the English Clergy referred to them as “Dissenters.” They, with the Quakers, were referred to as Dissenters because they refused to accept the teachings of the established Church and because they opposed the levying of taxes to support its ministry. When the county was organized in 1731, the New River Church nter of activity and was so recognized by the ctors of the Established Church, one of whom declared that the area was then, “The present seat of enthusiasm in the Province.” Paul Palmer, great evangelist, native of Maryland, who was baptized in Delaware and ordained in Connecticut, who had organized the first Baptist Church in Maryland, came to North Carolina and organized the first Baptist Church in the state at Chowan in 1727, and the second at Camden-Shiloh in 1729, Palmer was an evangelist who baptized his converts and set up a church organization, after which he moved on to another field. The church, located on Chapel Hill in Onslow, also attracted the attention of the great Baptist revivalist and was picked by 9 THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 241 him as the site of one of his early churches. eee on the same ground was a store, an a cr ee ae ee ie iver has been placed t ird or fou : ae First church organized by him was Fa ps a in 1729. Whether New River or New aie ee a ss not sure. The New Bern date we } : Fy Di Basdhal says “New River was one of the Se tist churches, as well as one of the most active to be esta i i ion.” : : = - ate Sandy Creek Separate pee Lae ae ion i rica was formed in 1758, ew River was La Wes River was fourth in i ee Fei ere a ane % v : tes, being in order; Sandy Cree i 0 Ones ah New River. That New une ae ee pipe io rful, as well as most influential church so . River pens beyond question. a ee hi ming of the great eparate le : K Pata Steals the church attained its greatness, pres great progress in missions as well as itself becoming one ligious centers of the State. ; : ce Say oes the reorganization, wre ee el i is ti the pastora dained about this time, accepted ‘ i Hie i er for Onslow o until his death in 1773. He was a mem tbat fluence felt for morality General Assembly and made his in EST ae i is stay in the Assembly, where he wielde at ta the death of Hunter, he was succeeded as laa sh Robert Nixon, a remarkably pious and zealous wee a. Christ. At first he was a Separate, but later joined the = eee Association. He preached at a number of mission points Columbus County to Jones and Carteret cree ae eat Another influential character at New River before ae Charles Markland, who ministered there, but pomeyet ne south west of Lenoir County church at that ue eae became a close friend of Gaye Sesrell a i i ae ee lutionary War he joine e Amer: my. ee nee ere the Board of Trustees that organized imepbs Academy at Kinston in the year 1785. The last accoun his preaching was at South West (Lenoir) in 1772. fale At the New River Chapel, Robert Nixon was sucpesd daby Moses Barfield, assisted by John Wilkins, United Baptist, a eae about this time that Benjamin Rhodes, a natixe oF New River, moved to Mill Creek in Johnston Couns jae ies an ; i bership to his he would have transferred his mem y anerabeme he could not, under the New River cons ‘ ae een so he remained faithful to the old chapel. One of the most damaging rifts the Baptists have had, came in 1847 when it was learned that a number of ministers, as well as laymen, were also members of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges, to which many of the older ministers were s Swamp, Wayne County, passed ared themselves “Separate from Three years later it was proposed to a resolution in which they decl: all societies of the day.” expunge the resolution from the record. The proposal, however, lution was reaffirmed. The Conference failed, and in 1853 the reso divided and some ministers as well as laymen left the Confer- ence and went to the Union Baptist ; however, the Union Baptist weakened and soon disappeared from the State. (Dodd pp. 55- 59.) Five of the Union ministers and many of the members went to the Disciples of Christ. A notable example was the Reverend Samuel W. Summerell, who for many years was well known among rural Disciples in Eastern North Carolina (Ware; A History of North Carolina Disciples), and the Reverend C. W. Howard of Kinston. were, during these years, infil churches were known as Free Folkstone Free Will Baptist Church Folkstone Free Will] Baptist Church is the oldest church of the denomination in Onslow County. The first church there was 9, in an old school building located near the Pearson home, now known as the Dick Everette home. Of the nine charter members, six women and three men, four are living today (1959) as listed by Mrs. Sunny A. Heath Hansley. They are Mrs. Marinda Parker, Mr. Lawrence Parker, Mrs Essie Parker and Mrs. Eliza Rhodes. Five have since gone to their reward: Miss Nellie King, Mr. Walter Midgett, Mrs. Sudie Ketchum, Mr. Beauregard Rhodes and Mrs. Lucy Yopp. The minister leading in the organization was the Reverend J. N. Edwards of Goldsboro, who, being licensed but not ordained, 94° THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 243 A cee 7 eothis it necessary to get an ordained minister to baptize 3 ae oa The Reverend J. W. Alford of Moreen’ as came and administered the ordinance. The Sees range pastored the church for seventeen years. Mr. im was first Deacon and Miss Nellie King the first x e = ine oe Ministers who have served the Church at a a beet ear clude: besides Reverend Edwards, R. C. Kenne y Seles tor, L. J. Potter, Solomon Duff, Lloyd Vernon, G. W. . L. Parker. 0, bolts its short history the church at ae Co oa to the Gospel Ministry, four men: David W. Han re ete Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Hansley, ordained in 1932, sae HH ns He aeAaia cane: iy e ie sete ty of Mt Olive Junior the organization of the church a / » an > ae Salen College at Mt. Olive, North Carolina. He is pes laa First Free Will Baptist Church at Kinston, ot Sager nae rother, the Reverend C. B. Hansley, son o : ’ eae, was ordained from the Folkstone pale te considerable work in the Pee Dee Association loaf tee and is now pastor of the church at New ae oe Sr aeons The Reverend O. B. Everett was ordained aoe Church. He organized the church in Wilmington. pistes one Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Parker were charter ay SOEs beginning. Today the church is being eG tet Mae the Reverend L. L. Parker, who grew up in an 3 Gan ceeainea ne ehtrSH at Folkstone has been the tee a work of Mrs. Sunny A. Hansley. The date cei et gy a first church building is not available now, but rane mae 1988 gave the lot for a new building (the spas orale? bx begun in 1947. The Reverends David W. and ; re Sle her sons, and the Reverends O. B. Everette an a ee ete are her sons-in-law. She has a sister, Mrs. 3 a ee i Mrs. Hansley was active in the establishing 0 i hurch in Wilmington. Fs ae at Folkstone has had a useful ae ae part in the spreading of the Gospel in Onslow an ene eal See ae ‘213 The Reverend L. L. rship toda i : } eee Hea wnat The Sunday School numbers 160, with Malcolm Duff as the Superintendent. Jacksonville i i dern and up-to- iginal Free Will Baptist now have a mo Pes een in the City of Jacksonville, located on College 244 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Street. The Reverend D. Lee Whaley has been the pastor since 1949, From an idea of John K. Rhodes and wife back in 1942, the church has grown to its present proportions and a membership of 241. A five week revival was held by the Reverend Rashie Kennedy of Beulaville, after which the Reverend David C. Hansley was located as pastor. The church was organized September 15, 1943. An old store building on Railroad Street was used for ten months following the organization. Mr. Rhodes then purchased a spacious lot on College Street, the site of the present building. A tent was erected on the lot for temporary use, and with the help of Mr. Hansley a building was begun in 1945. Mr. Hansley worked almost constantly with hammer and saw, by himself in the daytime and with volunteer helpers at night and after hours. After a struggle, the house was enclosed. During the preaching of Mr. Hansley at Jacksonville a young man, A. B. Chandler of Broadhead, Kentucky, came forward and expressed a desire to enter the ministry. He was ordained at the Folkstone Church and now lives at Ahoskie, North Carolina. The pastor received a call to the pastorate at Ayden, North Carolina, and accepted in 1949. The Reverend Whaley then assumed the pastorate. Much credit should go to the Womans Auxiliary since its inception in 1945. Its work has been of immeasurable import- ance to the church in all its activities since that time. The Sunday School (1959) numbers an enrollment of about 260. The Superintendent is Carl Johnson. In Onslow County In recent years the Free Will Baptist in Onslow have made rapid gains. There are eight churches or Mission Points, including Folk- stone, Sneads Ferry, Jacksonville, Verona, Community, Calvary, Mt. Zion and Emanuel, with an approximate membership of 600 persons. Active ministers who have been ordained or licensed to preach are Lloyd Vernon, Richlands; J. T. Forrest, Dixon; D. Lee Whaley, Jacksonville; O. B. Everett, Holly Ridge; Willie Justice, Jacksonville; Lemmie Taylor, Richlands and Herbert Bryan, Richlands. Mr. Whaley in 1957 closed his pastorate at the Jacksonville Church in preparation for his new work at Anchorage, Alaska, where he is presently located conducting a mission for his church. Reverend Cutlar is the present pastor at Jacksonville. THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY The State Convention According to the latest report the Free Will Baptist State Convention is composed of 11 conferences or associations, 415 churches or mission points with a ministry of 125 ministers and licenciates, and a membership of 45,000. The Educational Unit for the State is Mt. Olive Junior College, Mt. Olive, N. C. THE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST he Primitive Baptist are of the Calvinistic order, anti- aii Bed suriay School oppose Bible Societies, State Con- ventions, or Theological Seminaries and are perhaps of all Bap- tist the most orthodox. “Called of God,” “Saved by Grace, “Door of Experience,” and “Predestination” are terms with vee distinct meanings in the Primitive Church. Any member wi tell you that the Primitive is the oldest order of religious associa- tions in the United States, the only correct one, and based upon he teachings of the Bible only. § i To ee a member of the Church one is required not eed to have had an experience of Grace, but to recite the ape whey and the place where the experience took place. Even t a s d prospective member may be sent back for further ands er acceptance by the Church, the member may be excluded up conviction of disorder or serious misbehavior. The local congre- gation is the highest and final authority on all questions to come re the Church. ; te defection among the Free Wills to the Particulars ee when some of the regular ministers began to preach me a vinistic doctrine to their congregations soon after 1750, ead effectuated through the efforts of the Reverend Robert ; - liams. He was a native of Northampton County but move! : : Welch Neck in South Carolina, where he became stare - in the teaching of the Charleston Association. He then ne urne to Kehukee and began preaching. In his zeal he calle up the Philadelphia Association for help. The Association cone the Reverend John Gano, one of the most eminent Vege : his day, to Carolina. (Later Gano became a Chaplain ee va ington’s Army.) According to Dodd, the first act of the = ticulars in taking over a church was to disband the regular organization, after which an examination of the individual mem- bers was made as to their conversion, experience and practices. Those selected formed the new Primitive Baptist Church. , With the exception of New River Chapel, which Gicepr ty had gone through several evolutions as to its doctrina a sistency, all other Baptist churches in the county prior to the Civil War were of the Primitive faith. 246 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW North East Primitive Baptist Church The North East Primitive Baptist Church is located about 3 miles east of Pumpkin Center. No records are available now as to the institution of North East Primitive Baptist Church, but Bishop Asbury, the great Methodist divine on hig way from Swansbury to the Rich Lands, made the following entry in his diary January 28, 1791: “We rode 16 miles to an old Chapel on the way to the Rich Lands— I spoke a little and administered the Sacrament, after which I rode, cold and hungry, 16 miles more to brother C. Ballard’s, (Richlands Chapel) .” The good Bishop seems not to have remembered to set down the name of the “Old Chapel” where he “Preached a little,” but judging the route and distance traveled at that time, “The Old Chapel” could only have been old North East Church, which was “old” in 1791. It, like a great many other churches, began as a free chapel and evidently was free to any denomination in 1791. One old Clerks Book 1863-189 0 gives nothing important. Mem- bership about 40. South West Tradition says that the Church was at first located on Plum Point at the intersection of the South West and New River. Just when the church was moved to its present location is not known. The present building is the second to be built on the same yard. In the Preamble of the old Decorum adopted November 6, 1796, which date probably marks the institution of the church at its present location, we read: “We, the baptized Church of Christ on New River, South West, hath unanimously agreed among ourselves to hold conference 4 times in every year or oftener, if necessary, to rectify dis- orders and for the better carrying on our Christian religion in the world and in performance of the same, we pray Almighty God to be with us.” “So we make this Decorum by which we desire to be guided.” Etc. ... In Minutes of the ordination of Edward W. Cox, years later, the Church was spoken of as “The Predestinarian Baptist Church at South West, New River.” However, the Church officials usually spoke of the Church as the “Baptist Church of Christ” when speaking of the institution. These Quarterly sessions of the Church nearly always follow the order set by the old Decorum. The meeting always opens with praise and prayer by a prominent Elder, who is usually 7 THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 24 chosen Moderato1. Then the State of the a ae into. If no trouble between members or misbe eet svauseitte duals is reported, “All is well.” If, on the aos dew ee aNd remains to be settled between members, or i ah pr baeen ghee ducting himself other than in accordance oe De satnteak ies practice of the Church, “All S not ta unti justed or the member disciplined. RT Yor oe occasion two women brought oe Re ba ein! church and both were excluded from members ip anh 5 Ee aa nae see a a Rae and ly in intoxicants. er : : : eo Slate ey of the Church for his mistake, all was for iven and forgotten. aa" : on o Visiting brethren were formally invited to sit and worship i to with the conference and absentee members pene Piagecces give a legitimate reason for their absence. e oe then opened the “Door of Experience _for ee cosa seats members, at which time anyone wishing i ete Scar ie was permitted to tell the time when, and the p niaeternereae or she had had an experience of Grace, Deas Weekcamn been convicted of sin and had found relief in p illi ss of God to forgive sin. ie ; s ; Sarre persons declared their disbelief on pitagtacia and were promptly excluded by a majority vote 0 Berane gee of the Church period was soe, by see received from other churches which came cre pee ees pe or at the hand of ae apteryal ane) penis i i turn, after which dismissa’ i Porte tee atenn in 1850 included 21 men, 31 women, 7 colored 14 colored women. : atte Bee were allowed to take membership, but parmsslons at the Master was required. In 1851 we read: 1 ae ‘ ‘ m You can receive Be’y to the church if you a es areas so. Her owners are willing to it. May 23, vars ; Be: ge The conferences continued throughout the Be a a pane reference to the struggle, or inference is made ¢ uri: a Pe ee ing the conflict. In 1877, however, we find w oe. Sete to be made as to the intention of the colored ne in attendance at the services. No reply is Feo is ss oer While most denominations differed and divide Abate tate arising before the Civil War, the “Old Baptist papers ee fraternity, and immediately following Cee atau gates appeared in the annual sessions Nor : ee na taigate The Conference programs were usually note on eS ae and reverence; however, on one occasion one 0 248 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW that he considered himself quested that his name b action was taken at the ti him the next year. In 1878 Joseph Ennett, aged member, plate to the church as an emblem of his |] Elder presiding, brance of the aged brother. Wards Will The Baptist Church afterwards known as Wards Will was organized in the home of Br. yant Hatsell about 1832. Two years later General Edward Ward proposed to give the land and money with which to build a chure h home for the young congregation. The offer was accepted an d the place was named Wards Will Church. For some years W. ards Will was used by all denomina- tions for sacred Services, and was used also as a school and community building. Years later the church rines Post Office where Marine Base. Wards Will passed out of existence in 1941. was relocated about a mile from Ma- it remained until the coming of the Stump Sound Stump Sound Primitive Baptist Church is located East of Holly Ridge, just off the Holly Ridge-Tar Landing Road. The Church contains but a single room. The large cemetery extends along two sides of the grounds. Sand ridges, pine forest and wire grass complete the picture. From an old book in the to be not right in his mind, so re- € removed from the church list. No me, but a letter of dismissal was given presented a cup and ove for it, and Aaron accepted the token in loving remem- Y 249 THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY CY i ing House at that time. At first it was known as ey aE ee are on Stump Sound.” The original roll senna He Hassel coh Stephen Coston, Charles Hardison, John Ho ae SU aoe kins, James Anders, John Whitehurst, William j a te Jenkins Auza Jenkins, Elenor Jenkins, Margare os eos Howard, Nancy Coston, Sarah Jenkins, Gatsey r nee aa Elder Samuel Holt was elected moder i i olored = church grew slowly, receiving some white en ae o members until 1894, when through some res ee cae congregation weakened it badly. Today it oe cae bership roll contains names of female evils ee eS male member was the Clerk of the Church, Be ate a he failed to measure up to the standard set, a out by the congregation. The membership numbers 17. Yopps Meeting House insti st 8, The Yopps Primitive Baptist Church was TE a a 1885. The list of Charter members include ees Wood, Elijah Hobbs, Elza Hardison, Benjamin Russell, George Y Gerard Daniel McDaniel, Edward Hobbs, mbar James Redd, Asa Sidbury, Jere W. SO mee ie von Jarvis, Millie Hardison, Mary McDaniel, TA cahtP ie Mae Jenkins, Levinia Wilkins, Jackey Spore Sea aes mie Wood Crecey Sidbury, Druzella Redd, Sara 7 ae Sy eae Sell Ann Stephens, Margaret Stephens, Ae ee ee J emima Cragg, Fannie Taylor, Elizabeth Curtis irty-three Charter members. eres Tee mace of Faith, the Covenant and Rue ee, ue copies from an earlier book but the Minutes beg: ERE The first date shown is July 2, 1892, ere ae Another Minute book begins with 1941 and is fe 1 scaee ete hatnoe Both are in the hands of Mrs. Eunice Jarvis, Fu The membership now numbers 14. Palo Alto i ing is known Palo Alto church is mentioned in 1860, but nothing is of it now. The White Oak Association car ane si The White Oak Primitive Baptist association, Dayle hi OBE ae churches appear was organized at Stump Soun Sound (Holly Ridge), Sneads Ferry) and Stump idee), Vespers a only churches in Onslow on the Associatio 250 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW roll. Others came in later. Association of 1842 we find tion declare a non-fellowshi In a Minute book of the White Oak the following: “We as an Associa- ip as to Masonry, Missionary, Bible and Tract Societies, Campbellism, State Conventions, Theological Seminaries and all other new institutions that have the appear- ance of a speculation on the Gospel.” “We know but two socie- ties Civil and Religious.” This shows something of the restric- tions imposed on the members of the Church in that day. The White Oak now contains seventeen churches, with a mem- bership of approximately 500. Elders who have been prominen organization include Asa Sidbury, Samuel Holt, Lewis J. Puckett, D. Davis, Benjamin J. Pollard, N. t in church affairs since its Josiah Smith, Parham Puckett, J. Mott, Edward W. Cox, Aaron H. Willey, Jabez Smith, Jabe wn, Job Smith, John C. Hewitt , Riley Jones, B. - Brown, Edward F. Pollard, R. P. Bachelor, R. W. Gurganus, L. L. Yopp, L. E. Bryan, W. A. Walton and Eddie Humphrey. ? The Covenant The Covenant adop tion August 8, 1835: ted at Yopps Meetinghouse at its organiza- ‘D up the discipline , in the most brotherly affection deavor punctually to observe the following In brotherly love to pray for each other, to watch over one another, and if need be in the most tender and affectionate manner to reprove one another, that is, if we discover anything amiss in a brother or sister, to ding to the direction given aint Matthew’s Gospel; and not to of the Church that we are members of. toward each other, while we en rules: by our Lord in the 18th Chapter of S be whispering and backbiting. “We also agree, with God’s assistance, to pray in our attend our Church meetings, to observe the Lord’s Day, and not to absent ourselves from Communion or the Lord’ giving satisfaction at the next conference, or first in po own families, to keep it Holy, s Supper without wer. “To be ready to communicate to the defraying of church expense and for the support of the ministry. “Not irregular to depart from the fello remove to distant churches without a regula: “These things we do cov in the name of, and by the a wship of the Church, nor to r dismission. enant and agree to observe, and keep sacred ssistance of the Holy Trinity, Amen. THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY Articles of Faith ARTICLE I ble, of We believe in the Being of God, as Almighty Beene ee Ea Pe infinite wisdom, for Justice, Holiness, Ere ae iar eee afireites? that God has revealed Himself in His word under Son and Holy Ghost. ARTICLE II i urpose We believe that God, before the foundation of the Baraat é ahead of His own glory did elect a certain number of a ib sae earteaal! oe Life, and that this election is particular, eternal an the creatures part. ARTICLE III i tallen We also believe that it is utterly out of the rae: Ragin truly, creatures, to keep the Law of God perfectly, sees igotste or believe in Christ except they be drawn by the Holy ARTICLE IV y ns i H inted time and way. by mea i that in God’s own appoin d wi te we Poke ordained, that the Elect shall be Sat hee ae zed and sanctified, and that it is impossible they baat Lit Bae Dat 2 that they shall be made willing by Divine Grace to mercy. ARTICLE V i y by imputed We believe that justification in the sight of oe ene Dp righteousness of Jesus Christ, received and applied by eee be called We believe in like manner, that God’s Elect shall notre, ee and justified, but that they shall be converted, born ; by effectual working of God’s Holy Spirit. ARTICLE VII i by His Grace, We believe that such as are converted, qusen se i meee y Shall persevere in holiness and never fall finally i pete ‘ le, to walk We believe it to be a duty, incumbent upon all of Nadie Wieck Ite re righteously in all good works, not in the old covenan rinciple of and the favor of the Lord by it, but only as a duty from a Pp love. ARTICLE IX rdinances, both We believe Baptism and the Lord’s Supper Sr haapesbty who were Delong ingeton tie colyentatacn ae Peete ik agutae baptized according i while in unbelief w : vingly ata hoa that such ought to be baptized after they are sa converted into the faith of Christ. ARTICLE X sector We believe the regular Church ought to be governed by one discip. 252 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW ARTICLE XI We believe in the resurrection of the dead, both the just and the un- just, and a General Judgment. ARTICLE XII We believe that no minister has a right to the administration of the Ordinances, only such as are regular called and come under position of hands by the Presbytery. ARTICLE XIII Lastly, we do believe that for the mutual comfort, union and satisfaction of the several churches of the aforesaid faith and order that we ought to meet in an association way, wherein each church ought to represent the case by their Delegates and attend as often as is necessary to advise with the several churches in conference, and the decision of matters in such an association not to be imposing on or in any way binding on the churches without their consent, but only to set and act as an advisory council. Elder Aaron Davis Outstanding among ministers of his church in his day was Elder Aaron Davis. He lived during the period of the county history when much religious change was in the making, when political tempers were at the boiling point culminating in the Civil War, and for twenty years following that event. During all the religious and political upheaval he clung to the old faith as he knew it, and proved himself a pillar of strength for his people and his time. He was born, labored and died in Onslow County. His contribution deserves better treatment than is pos- sible at this late day. Back about the year 1800 two brothers, Matthew and Aaron Davis came to Onslow from their homes near the intersection of the Lenoir, Duplin and Jones County lines for the purpose of tending cattle and turpentine. They had rented large acreage of land on what is now Nine and Ten Mile creeks and along the Onslow, Duplin and Pender County lines from Elder Edward W. Cox who lived at or near Catharine Lake. Sometime after arrival Matthew married Palmette Screws, whose family already lived there. Her ancestor Benjamin Screws had taken up land on Nine Mile Creek in the year 1767, thus becoming the first settler to receive a land grant from the King for land in that part of Onslow County. Descendants of Matthew and Palmetta are living in that community today. Aaron, who made his home near what is now Blakes Cross- roads, met and married Rebecca Marshburn of near Cypress Creek, just over the Duplin line. There were 11 children: Aaron, Jr., Sam, Tom, Jessie, Uzzia, Rebecca, Mary, Nannie, Annie, Mittie and Rittie. What became of them or their families is not, for the purpose of this paper, important. The first son, Aaron, Jr., is the object of our interest. He lived to be a man THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 253 of influence and a preacher of distinction in his denomination in Nor rolina. d R Sore ee he, himself, owned or attained does sh ore a but the great amount of time he gave to his ge Bogs he traveled on horseback and on foot, and the pve enorete expended must have made an seems impression 0 an ersons who heard him in his day. ; ; ‘ ee born March 30, 1812; what schooling, os hal ie known now, the time or experience of conver ao rennet plece is not known, but is presumed to LANs gel ‘ices Cypress Creek or South West Church. The o ee Pia at have reaches back only to February 4, 1837, when san aBaptlak Cox was licensed to preach by “The pea nennee bbe Church at South West, of New River,” and to May Rae comet the licenciate was fully approved as a rela fare aed The fact that Aaron is not mentioned at Sout i Se peli ane when he was already deeply interested and ac aut pai ioats indicates that he may have been a member at UY aeooraerts Note: The old Cypress Creek Church, however, sip ee Mr. John Alonza Hewitt, who was for fifty teen ac One, “Old denomination, was successor to much older chure ee ae ace Meadow” church, stood over the line in Duplin A aaa a the other, which stood not far from where old pate ooigesee? recently stood, was known as “Black Pond. eS ants tions both being led by Elder Aaron Davis, tee os emai one church. (The date of the coalition is not know writer.) eer? The following list of elections or peng nnen sere yee ae of the busy life Elder Davis led from 1850 unti 1888, thirty-eight years later. 1850—Messenger to the Kehukee Association at Lawrence, Edgecombe County. rod 1851—Messenger from this Association to the Kehukee at Peach Tree in Franklin County. sl 1852—With N. H. Wiley and Josiah Smith to the Association at Conoho, Martin County. i her places in the years 1853—To Flat Swamp, Pitt County. Ot ae 1857, 1858, 1859 and 1861. At the Falls of the Tar River (Rocky Mount) in 1866. The year following at Cross Roads in Edgecomb County, the i Sermon on Sunday, a Onslow Elder preached the Convention — : hs eae recived for the Association’s most eae ae: er. It is estimated that ten thousand persons heard at ea these points. 254 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW There are only two pastorates that he held which we are cer- tain about—South West chosen in 1856 and North East after 1863. Of course, he held meetings and preached all those years but the old records cannot be found now. Unlike modern preach- ers, his time was spent almost solely in one locality ; only when delegated to other associations as a fraternal delegate repre- senting his own did he leave this area for another. How many persons he pledged in marriage or baptism, or how many times he was called on for comfort in time of sorrow during his 38 years of active ministry, the record does not show. Elder Davis was married first to Polly Cooper of South West and three children were born to them. His first wife having died, he then married Charlotte Howard, daughter of Ben Howard of North East, by whom he also had three children. He died in 1888 and is buried at old South West Church. Bib: Minutes, South West Primitive Baptist Church. Information furnished by Mr. John Alonza Hewitt to the Author in personal conversation. THE BAPTIST RENAISSANCE : he The great revival in progress in Kentucky at ine en abeie century (1790) soon spread across other states, ee IRONS Carolina around 1800, moving like a tidal ware acr See Great camp meetings were held in Guilford, rang ees by Rowan, Cumberland, and other counties, pane. . nee pee thousands, finally reaching the Kehukee area. | % Seaton there had been some discontent with the restric iv pe eters being preached in the Association of Carolina, te mike es logical and heartwarming words of the eee neces ears of the ministers and lyme of ss Kehukee they responded as if in answer to a Call. ’ . ee Statins things happened during these eG A argc 4 times left the convert shaken and penitent, bu San teediental which came out of it more than i ea al vane eye evils,” says Dr. Richard Furman. Lemuel ur’ 4 vs Re ae leaders in Carolina, hearing of the great Ne Bul caught determined to go and see for himself. pee 4 SaaS the seraphic flame.” To the Association at rae i eine none Burkitt recounted what he had seen in Kentuc Tisass igi caught from there, too, and spread as delegates bile Sud pied home churches telling the good news with emoti nd ened ness.” Sometimes converts cried out for mercy oe Battie God in such a manner as staid old Kehukee had no Vesper “The methods used in that revival cannot be rec acai the Statement of Principles on which ies gels Se to the Kehukee Association.” Ministers of the Prim ys protested but the movement was already peyont. se eit L. The great Leader appeared in the person of foie Guataet Sh Ross who, at the Association meeting at Conoho ge Saas Martin County in October, 1803, introduced a query sient “Is not the Kehukee Association with all her Sao ae respectable friends, called on in Providence, in rapes we step forward in support of that missionary aes aiteront great God is so wonderfully reviving mite << a?” denominations of good men in various parts of i re ti The query was a call to carry the Gospel to t ‘. gtr A the world, and the Association a year later he ado CHa the missionary cause and named a committee oe ne eetiaae like minded persons in the Portsmouth and Neuse ; f Feuer A number of churches withdrew and ore Ste nek Association in 1805. These churches now felt t ae gen to take any forward step their people might ae iy is missionary in spirit and henceforth their ministry 256 THE COMMONWEALTH oF ONSLOW an educated ministry. This new outloo. result of the Great Revival and was Baptist thinking. A missionary societ: Meetinghouse in Bertie County which into the Baptist State Convention. marvelous, and today, outnumber any other Protestant church in America. In Onslow The Missionary Ba at the Union Cha ciation. The gr Puckett, who fo ught for the old faith and delayed, vented, the com plete loss of the Chapel by the Calv after the Civil War. After 1851 the Rich Lands Chapel became known as Union Chapel, but missionary influence there remained perfunctory until after the war. About 1877 the Disciples of Christ took over the old Church, and the missionaries a little later constructed a new building at Emma’s Chapel and at Catharine Lake. The earliest Missionary Baptist congregations in Onslow (other than the services held at Union Chapel, which were discontinued) were Piney Grove, 1869, Enon Chapel, 1872, and Grants Creek, 1874, each of which is known to be much older than the dates show. It seems churches were instituted only after the con- gregation had become self-supporting. Dates given are the dates of organization as shown in the Association minutes. Eleven churches were enrolled by the Missionary Baptists in Onslow by 1900. There is now in Onslow County a total of 20 Baptist Churches, aving a membership of 4,319, giving annual gifts amounting d owning property in the amount of $1,235,358.21. Piney Grove Baptist Church In 1869 fourteen tically the same sit church which, according to the minut the oldest continuing Baptist Church Grove, three and one-half miles wes Belgrade Road. These fourteen persons included: John Holland, Missouri Holland, Edward Morton, Marinda Morton, Edward Jones, John Stanley, Mary Stanley, Furn Guthrie, Laura Guthrie, Jim Phillips and Mrs. Phillips, W. P. Watson, Kittie Watson and Riley Jones. people met in an old schoolhouse on prac- e as the present grounds and organized a es of the Association, is in the County at Piney t of Swansboro on the k had come about as a indeed a renaissance in grew in twenty-five years Their progress has been as the Southern Baptist Convention, they ptist made some inroads into the church pel between 1844 and 1864 in the Union Asgso- eat anti-Missions leader there was Parham if not pre- inists until 257 THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY ildi essary It soon became apparent that a larger seer ce a so plans were laid to build one to replace Ae peace oa house. Sills and timber were hewn by han oe a ac eut at Holland’s Water Mill and peste OE ee acil pegs. The house was completed and dedignie? i The over-all size of the new church was . P. Watson. One acre of land was deeded by Mr. onde wy ees: The first pastor was the Reverend Bealaneny ae cons were John Holland, Edward Jones a i organ- About a year later a Sunday School (July ep a ore a ized with Captain Riney Foster as Superinten on Cea ite Abdell Humphrey. In 1928 a B.Y.P.U. was specter ths Reverend J. D. Howell for the training 8 vousere ee youth work, however, did not make proere a beta areana ceased to exist. It was reorganized in 1940 by F i f i ionificance happened in the summer 0 ose sakes cree eenieg of both Carolinas ere ite chiens to band themselves Oe a aa a ie ae ae he ene ReReee ne brought not on ee ae a sheeater their utter dependence upon God, but a Be ome eee aoulWNaateling! Many realized that they had ee Gee a oun spiritual lives and their church. wie ey ee they prayed, repairing and painting the ¢ See et Hi sete event happened at the end of the week. Go Oe eGren es i le and sent the wonderful, life-giving eee oe wae rateut at any of these meetings but they pe ae acs Bet miehvas J. P. Odom, Herbert Odom, V. N. ae ae Toned and tind Bright. This should remind us that God i when men are ready to pay the price. pea In the early 1940’s a new building was relates nee in 1949. The dedication sermon was pee Huggins, State Secretary of the Baptist Co t of In 1951 a parsonage was begun and completed ‘at a cos about $15,000.00. pare i i the construc happenings which point up ies Ca fe aie nee Grove aur a ae Bane tel ce 1953 seven young men deal Me eer Goins ministry from this church. EDERS Oe ay oat Gerald Riggs, Eldridge Vinson, Paul S. Pak Dae ee pert. Warren Peper and Tucker R. Littleton. Son ae, lege preparing themselves, while others Oks iy Lean throughout the United States. One of t en Dee care the present pastor of old Piney Grove Church. 258 THE call in 1957 a new ed on December 22, 195 Total gifts for th COMMONWEALTH oF ONSLOW ucational plant was built. It was dedicated e year 1958 exceeded $10,000.00. The property is rated at $50,000.00. Bib: Reverend Paul S. 0 Church dom: Minutes and History of Piney Grove Baptist THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY Enon Chapel By Mrs. S. A. Starling and Mrs. John N. Starling ; , and was Enon Baptist Church was organized neuer a ee listed in composed of sixteen members. Twenty Maia W. J. Montfort, the old church record book as follows: (Ma L. O. Fonville, (Fe- Bi We Ward, soldmin, Gilet dog i pee reaty auto Make Fe ee ee eR rte aU aetEn eat eH Mollie C. Ward, Susan A. Thompson, Sara ¥ : Fonville, ‘Mollie Melton, Holland Melton, E. Littleton, Ree “Abbie Montfort. Fonville, Rena Freeman, Carolin Brown wAbbie Montfort, wife One of the organizing members, Mrs. hh the name of Enon. of Dr. William J. Montfort, gave the Oe eden Brake Sound pS sh AGO ie AS ee called Enon Chapel i er i : i een wien a new building was ereied one mie below Piney Gren ? f urch was mov ] Fe ine eos SU PARC ER when Camp Lejeune acquired t territory. 5, 1872. Elder B. J. Covington was called as er os oe lek. The next Pastor was Mr. earl auc taille + ‘ the Pastoal G . Knight was un ‘ ill Pastor. ue Be ia In 1877 W. B. eB fae ce by March, 1878, mention in old record _ 1879 “Services by our our Pastor, Brother Sandlin; April 12, 81, the record shows Pastor Brother Utley.” January 25, Ne ‘meeting T. J. Leary that Brother Alderman was Pastor. At t ri ‘ee e “Fall of 1883” was called. He presumably served unti d until October, when Mr. C. S. Cashwell became Pastor and an aod that Ted. 1886, at which time, upon resigning, he receipe Saad pat Baker be called. Mr. Baker accepted the “if came Pastor for until September, 1888. Mr. Ben Ward then ts d the work in one Sear followed by A. T. Howe—who agen pune Debeok March, 1890, and resigned in July, 1891. in November, 1891, filled the remainder of that year, Mata da caleee tn SSE Mr. Ben Ward was again called and serve Pastor until 1897, 1893, followed then by J. W. Nobles, who was k, being followed at which time B. H. Matthews apeumed ihe lites sueceeded by a by Charles Paul, who resigned in 1902, bis sande’ plowed young Mr. Hobbs, who remained a very ewe time about by Reverend Edwards. It was just prior aa Hubert, North 1900, that Reverend Isaac Newton Henderson sass ame LAS Carolina, served as Interim Pastor and he ren e to time. Mr. E. C: A ndrews was called emaining with the church for four years, field and at that ti those churches as f the close of 1929, but served only a short while, Wilmington, was called in Ma Seven years, until 1937. Re Pastor for seven years, 1937- the second Sunday in J uly, verend A. L. Benton Served as 1944. It was during his pastorate, 1942, that the first service was held 1947, Reverend was called to the gett, our present , long time Sunday ns during this period. € spring THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY s added gas heat were installed. Prior to ane ne reODI ae aa . Recently a new a hip eee epee restrooms have been pomp le dept tes abies Serving at this time are J. Leroy Hendereo ae ee, Won che N. Starling, L. Borden Farnell, Sr., i hurch paseet the church had a membership of 145, and a ¢ budget of $2500.00. Grants Creek i t first What later became Grants Creek Baptist Chursiwet teat: known as Capernium Baptist Chureh, began merci pee ices held occasionally in an old log panne niles trons tite was known as the Allen Jones farm, abou haa nulla Was present location. Later, for one eee aces ahishastod 0 . Nerney Oh a Weide ithe Association minutes show f its organization. aiieiniee mt feat He one building was erected. ee Stee that time has been known as the Grants Cust ent Cae The church membership now exceeds 190. Be has more than 150 enrolled. The Minister is He ee Siler and the Sunday School Suoennienden! a8 ee iG The Church poueibubions spronimate is one of the oldest Ethel Riggs is the Clerk. ran Missionary Baptist Churches in Onslow County Tar Landing iles from Tar Landing Baptist Church, located ne about Jacksonville, on the Richlands Highway 2 bec stood across the 1870 or 1875 in a little red schoolhouse which stood ac preach- road from its present location. Other denomina Tose Aaneetd ed there. Two known charter members pene Hill” Baptist Thomas Jarman. The church was then calle Church. : me changed to Tar ildi erected in 1900 and the na dineanas Landing ertohonuschs mhasland forfthe iisesh bneldlne ee donate by W. F. Langley and wife Hattie La = le Seraricd Page Tosa Cole and William Wilson, Ai: hive the mem- of inactivity the Reverend M. E. Dee eat a includes full bership and perfected an organization eee a Young Peoples’ time services, a thriving Sa a eres the Tar Landing Ce See OR eae the Jacksonville First Baptist Church. 262 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW In 1953, following a collision in which a motorist left the highway and crashed his car into the building, killing himself and a passenger, and doing much damage, the old building was sold and a small but elegant new church was constructed. The membership now (1958) numbers 120 persons. The Reverend Anthony Gurganus, who is a product of the local church, edu- cated at Wake Forest College, is the Pastor. He was ordained here. The Superintendent is Mr. Edward Cole. (From notes made by the Reverend Victor L. Andrews.) The Richlands Baptist Church Formerly known as Emma’s Chapel, was an offspring of the former members at Union Chapel old Baptist Church, and mem- bers living over a wide area who came together in the yard of Starkey Cox and organized themselves into a church in 1880. At first the congregation called themselves Emma’s Chapel in honor of the first Mrs. Dr. James L. Nicholson of Richlands, who was one of the active promoters. Other members on the charter list included Starkey Cox, his wife and his son Ned Cox, Franklin D. Shaw and wife, Mrs. Lizzie Jarman, Mrs. Mar- tha J. Barbee, Fountain Williams and wife of Tuckahoe, Mrs. Lott Mills, and John Marshburn and wife of Catharine Lake. Not quite clear seems the appearance of a building in 1882, but few facts remain about this structure, In 1844 Emma’s Chapel and 19 othe into the Atlantic Association. For many years the old church stood on Wilmington Street where the old cemetery remains, but in 1913 a new site was purchased and the building completed in 1915. Cement blocks of which the church was constructed were made on the grounds by members of the church. r churches were organized “The Richlands Baptist Church.” Early members remembered b 263 THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 3 ‘> t in 1958 reached $12,420.00. The Sunday School Superintenden i Barbee. : . eee D. M. Clemmons, present pastor.) Salem-Sneads Ferry i i and About 1880 John Olliver began ae in sats eee aie groves around Sneads Ferry. Charter mem Gane 3 ates, gleton, Christian Williams, Rena Rouse, pba ata aa Henrietta Canady, Sarah Williams, Elizahe a Tana? Moore, Mary E. Hansley, D. R. Canady and ate aude’ Burgess Williams donated a lot about 188) abe Paale was constructed which was used until aN me Galea present building was erected on land purchased fro a i ae Trustees included A. M. Grant, Dr. L. D. esha 7. and Joseph Batts.* Mrs. Maggie King is Clerk. The Sunday School unig Oe - tice is Superintendent. : : CH ena now totals 192 and gifts in 1958 showed $8,000.00. r L. Andrews (*Information to this point furnished me by Ferengi is eet in 1936. Figures from Minutes of the Wilmington Catharine Lake i i Ma Catharine Lake Missionary Baptist Church wae preety 21, 1890, with eighteen charter members. T ae senate P. Cox i N. Kennedy, John Marshburn, Char es. ee line Cox Nancy C. Duffy, Alvania Barber, ee eae Sue Brown, Peannie Murrill, Julia Mayshbiat Bi ae aan burn, Lillie D. Marshburn, Sallie Padrick, Ms i Biel cs it Virginia Kennedy, Callie Cox, and Jane Bar| saa pe ee charge were the Reverends Meeks and Carlton. as the first Pastor. i Heres eae Dr. Charles Duffy and wife Nanvad wy Presented a lot, and a building was begun at ciao abe was admitted to The Great Eastern Association, Rileys Creek in the fall of that same year. peril Malls mh The Sunday School was organized in 19: 1 Aa ig tay now (1958) numbers 51. The Church Ny ers i Ae bers 45. The Minister is Reverend W. B. oN at tendent of the Sunday School is Mrs. patton i hg tcy (From notes made by Reverend Victor L. F Jacksonville First Baptist Church Organized in 1890, the charter members gonels aie os J. Jarman, J. H. Foy, Mrs. Nancy M. Jarman, Mrs. 264 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW son, Mrs. L. A. Moore, Miss Henrietta Jarman and N. Mason. The Reverend A. T. Howell was mainly responsible for the organization, which was sponsored by the Tar Landing Church. O. T. Meeks was clerk. D. N. Page and R. P. Hinton were leaders and workers in the new church. The first building was erected on what is now the vacant lot opposite the church, in 1891. Of the present plant the smaller of the brick structures was erected in 1930 after which the old building was torn down and rebuilt on the site of the present Bethany Baptist Church in the Nine Mile Community, all under the oversight of Reverend Victor L. Andrews, the Pastor of First Church. The cost of the new building in Jacksonville was approximately $9,000.00. In 1945 the present sanctuary was planned and the construc- tion began January, 1950. The rebuilding of the old church on another location is told in another page. Outstanding in the history of the church was the pastorate of the Reverend Victory L. Andrews, for which he deserves wide commendation. During the years 1928-1936 inclusive, he preached, not only at the First Baptist Church, but at a number of mission points elsewhere in the county as well. Additional purchases of property and buildings have been added from time to time, Dr. M. R. Brown is the present pastor. The church has a membership estimated to be about 850 persons, with a property valuation exceeding $200,000.00. Gifts reported for the year 1958 amounted to $38,150. The Sunday School enrolls a total of 453. Mr. Wade Higgins is Superintendent. All departments of the church are fully organized and at work, including Brother- hood work, Royal Ambassadors, Womens Missionary Society, Training Union and Recreational facilities. (From notes furnished by Reverend Burgess, and from min- utes of the Wilmington Association, 1958.) Swansboro Baptist Church The Swansboro Baptist Church was organized in 1896 but it is known that there were Baptists there much earlier. For many years prior to 1878 an old Free Church stood near the east end of the present Elementary School. Only the ceme- tery is left now. In that year the old building, being badly in need of repair, was blown down. The old church, which con- tained a balcony, was a home for all faiths. Noted ministers of all denominations preached there. Rivalry as to who could produce the “biggest guns” and make the most impression on the community included both Baptist and Methodist. Whether THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 265 this is the structure in which Bishop Asbury Sane a interest in 1785 (?) is not surely known, but cou have been the same one. : : It is said that some great revivals were held ee Tee Cashwell; Methodist, Kendall and Moore and Ueki ne At the organization in 1896 charter members ine 4 ase Barnum Russell, Rosa Montford, Virginia Heady, el aa nis, Rebecca Moore, Narcissa Bell, Captain Reiney ies Tyre Foster, Mary Willis, Sabra Willis, Armesia Hill an : Moore. : ‘ : At first there was no sanctuary, the meetings eee seen the old schoolhouse. Johnson Olive and Isaac tae Rie the great leaders who conducted services. Ot oh Se A tee crated workers in the church were Abby Smith, i sis rere J. E. and Frances Watson, Martin and Callie Bloodgood, Piner and Rita Littleton. : In 1897 the young church bought a lot on the eatin as and Water Streets on which was erected a two story on Ae the Masonie Lodge cooperating, and using the ee ee sie their meeting place. About 1930 the lodge sold a (e) Loi ten At first there were no pews except planks laid Ee es a4 logs; the women picked cotton, made and sold ie ere made hand quilts to earn money were which to fu church. The first pastor was Ben Ward. l : Later a Womans Missionary Union was ae ate Barnum Russell, first president. Still later Mrs. ‘ Y a a became president. Outstanding also in leadership for y has been Mrs. Julia B. Pittman. By ¢ In 1957 a beautiful and commodious building was cree the present location donated by Mr. Clyde Pea (0) ees ville, who was at the time engaged in the developme West Swansboro area. : The new church was dedicated December, OE emis Ship is now around 400, the membership being ably Reverend Laurie J. Atkinson. : The value of the property is approximately te ee a gifts for all purposes in 1958 were $21,688.00, the budg being $18,500.00. (Thanks to Mrs. Daisy R. Moore.) Kellum Baptist Church ; & Kellum Baptist Church was organized in 1902 in an old school i ite. house a short distance west of the present si ; The eigve charter members included Mrs. Lyddia Kellum, William Ramsey, Mr. and Mrs. John Bloodworth, Mr. and Mrs. Holland and Mr. and Mrs. Bryant Kellum. 266 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW A building was completed in 1904. William Ramsey and John Bloodworth were the first Deacons. ; The pastor who organized the church was the Baptist pastor in Swansboro that year, but the name is not available to this writer. A new building was constructed in 1946 which is in use at the present time. An interesting incident happened while the church was hold- ing services in the schoolhouse. Someone objected to the use of the schoolhouse for a revival and so the revival was moved to the freight platform at the Coastline Railroad Station, where a number of converts were added to the church, resulting in the erection of a building. The Reverend Johnson Oliver was pastor during the erection of the church. The church now (1958) has a membership of 285, gifts for the year $11,029.92. The total property valuation is recorded at $33,000.00. The Reverend Lee Gregory is the Pastor. (From information given by Mrs. Lucy Morton, Church Clerk.) Atlantic Baptist Church (Marines Post Office) Atlantic-Marines Missionary Baptist Church is the second church caused to go out of existence by the coming of the Marine Base; the other being the Wards Will Primitive Baptist Church. Three other churches—Enons Chapel, Missionary Baptist, Stones Bay Primitive Baptist and Washington Chapel Colored Baptist Church were removed and new buildings erected, at their present locations. Atlantic Baptist Church was organized in 1897. I. H. Mar- shall gave the site in 1898. Though small, the church was active and aggressive, and had a good Sunday School. The life of the Church was about 45 years. Bethany Baptist Church (Nine Mile) Bethany Baptist Church was organized in 1934 by the Reverend Victor L. Andrews. For some time prior to this Mr. Andrews, Pastor of the Jacksonville Church, had preached in the Nine Mile Schoolhouse, which stood nearby. The account of the con- struction of this church will be found elsewhere in this work. The Church Membership is now (1958) 147. The Sunday School enrollment numbers 231. The pastor is the Reverend L. L. King. The Sunday School Superintendent is Mr. Lloyd Williams. The story of the construction is as follows: THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY A permanent improvement which can be credited beech work in Onslow County was in the moving and reconstructing: ‘ the old building of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville to a new location where it became Bethany Baptist Church. The Reverend Victor L. Andrews was Pastor of the Church in Jacksonville at the time and to him is due credit for ee ing the job and organizing the congregation at Bethany. fost some time he had been preaching in the old schoolhouse whic stood nearby. The church in Jacksonville stood in front of and Opposite to the present First Baptist Church. The old building was composed of good timbers and was about 30% smaller ane being rebuilt, but remarkably little new lumber was require to rebuild it. se At the beginning of the project a few of those most ski a Were named carpenters, the others did whatever they could as the work progressed rapidly, when it Is considered Reape three days per week was allowed on public work, the other ee being used on the farms which the ERA clients were require to tend growing food, for themselves and families. For ahve: days public work the worker was paid sixty cents per day. This writer supervised the work and Mr. Andrews kept us sup- plied with nails and supplies needed, most of which were oe tributed by the merchants of Jacksonville. Truck owners 0. Jacksonville moved the lumber to its new location without charge. The window sections were moved whole and replaced as nearly as possible in the same way as before. ; Everything went well until the roof was to be applied. There Was no money with which to buy roofing, as none had been i cluded in the project. There were great cypress trees in nearby swamps if the owners would allow them to be cut, and if us Were any of those employed on the project who could bolt, me and draw shingles. Finally Tom Swinson was selected for t ie job and picked two or three helpers to do the work. The resu was that several thousand shingles, ample for the need, mare made. The problem then became how to get them transporte about three miles to the site of the building. There wee Bs Money for that either. This phase of the problem was so ved by allowing one man a day’s pay for half a day’s work wi the use of his old car which had been transformed into a pick-up truck, so the shingles were at last placed on the site where needed. Efficiency had no place on that job, but initiative ae necessary at every turn. However, the Church was eau y completed and on the Day of Dedication a large crowd was present. The Speaker, the Honorable James A. Powers of Kins- ton, Solicitor of the District Superior Courts, spoke on “The 268 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Evils in the Use of Alcohol.” Mr. Andrews of course presided, and a great dinner was spread on the grounds and a happy oc- casion went off nicely. The church is still standing as a witness to the initiative of the builders, to the ERA who paid the men, and as a reminder of God’s effort to build the men and women of a community into better citizens and to the saving of his people throughout the years. Bibliography: This I saw and had a part in at the time. — J. P. Brown Bethlehem Bethlehem Baptist Church is located on the Jacksonville-Gum Branch Road and was organized in 1920 by Reverend M. E. Eubank, with a membership of 30 to 40 persons. The land was purchased from T. W. and Mollie Hancock. It was deeded to W. B. Marshburn, L. C. Marshburn and J. D. Greer, Trustees, November 5, 1920. The present 1958 membership numbers 179. The Pastor is the Reverend Junie S. Barnes. The church has contributed one minister, the Reverend Donald Howard. Gifts made by the church in 1958 totaled $4,816.75. The Bible School Superintendent is Mr. J. D. Avery. (Thanks to Mr. E. W. Greer, Church Clerk, Jacksonville, Route 1.) Bethel Chapel Bethel Chapel Baptist Church was organized in 1955, being sponsored by the Bethlehem Church. The membership in 1958 numbered 32. Miss Carolyn Ramsey is Church Clerk. Franklin Brown is Sunday School Superintendent. (Thanks to Miss Ramsey, Route 1, Jacksonville, N. C.) Bear Creek Baptist Church This church was organized by Mr. Johnson Olive in 1898 on land owned by Mr. Jim Phillips. At first some meetings were held in a Brush Harbor, but a small frame building was erected, the exact date of which is not available now. Known charter members include Mr. and Mrs. Furman Guthrie, Mrs. Irene Burns, Mr. and Mrs. Van Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Phillips, Mrs. Hepsey Moseley, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Foreman, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Reed, Miss Rhoda Phillips, Mrs. Martha Guthrie Burns, B. A. Guthrie, Mrs. Sarah Jones, Guthrie Jones, Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Peebles, and Mr. Matthews. THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 269 1958 reports show a membership of 106, property worth $8,- 000.00, and gifts amounting to $3,958.00. Bibliography: Thanks to Mrs. Freshwater and Mrs. Reed in personal inter- views. ? Bib: Paschal History of North Carolina Baptists, pp. 541-547. 2 Minutes: Atlantic Baptist Association, Seventy-fifth Annual Session October 30, 1958. noe : ; ' Minutes: The Wilmington Baptist Association, Fifty-eighth Annua Session October 21, 1958. Statistical Tables Statistical Table 1958 Church Founded Members Total Gifts Property Value Piney Grove ===) 11869 212 $ 10,461.44 $ 50,000.00 Enon Chapel _ Beg 72 145 5,338.98 2,500.00 Grants Creek 1938 3,894.00 17,000.00 Tar Landing 165 6,448.00 25,000.00 Richlands __ 244 12,813.00 40,000.00 192 8,000.00 65,000.00 Providence ____ 178 7,300.00 40,000.00 Catharine Lake _ 45 875.00 3,000.00 Jacksonville —____ 953 38,150.00 207,000.00 Swansboro ___. 389 21,688.00 170,000.00 Bear Creek ____. 104 4,400.00 8,000.00 Ee lima 5 285 11,029.92 33,000.00 4,896.73 20,000.00 Bettany ae 5 840.00 3,000.00 0) Harris Creek —_ 173 5,795.00 30,000.00 Calvary 187 845.51 ; Midville 365 36,321.00 49,781.00 re suai 239 17,342.00 50,000.00 Brookwood _ 277 eta 74,620.00 32 : 358.21 20 Churches Total $331,957.21 $1,235,358 Bib: Minutes Wilmington and Atlantic Baptist Association 1958 Paschal History North Carolina Baptist pp. 541-547 THE METHODIST CHURCH John and Charles Wesley were students in Oxford University, England. They saw and felt the need of more consecration and deeper spiritual insight in the lives of the members of the established church. To bring this about they, in 1729, began organizing societies or classes—sometimes called “Holy Clubs.” These clubs, intended to be largely devotional, soon became evangelistic and began preaching the Gospel. So enthusiastically did they carry on that the movement spread throughout England and reached America as early as 1760. The first of the pioneer preachers was Joseph Pilmour, an Englishman who was converted under the preaching of John Wesley. He began organizing classes in the Southern States, reaching North Carolina in 1772. He traveled from Norfolk via New Bern to Wilmington, thus passing through Onslow County on his way. The exact places at which he spoke are not known, but there seems to have been Methodist in Onslow since the time of his visit. He joined the itinerary in 1765. Coming to America in 1769 he stayed until 1774, when he returned to his own country. Fol- lowing the Revolution he again came to America. Joining the Protestant Episcopal Church, he held pastorates in Philadelphia and New York. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the University of Pennsylvania. He was one of the really great preachers of his time. His southern tour was made before the Revolution while connected with the Methodist Society in January, 1773. _ The first Methodist Societies in North Carolina were organ- ized in Warren and Halifax counties in 1776. Preachers who had been working in Virginia and who were responsible for the clubs in North Carolina were George Whitefield, Deverough Jarrott and Robert Williams. They counted 683 members, which One year later had grown to 930. Other preachers who followed were Dromgool Poythress, Tatum, John King, John Dickens, Lee Roy Cole and Edward Pride. In 1800 Francis Poythress was the state’s first presiding Elder and his territory extended from the Cape Fear to the Virginia line. In 1790 there were four circuits—Camden, Bertie, Roanoke and New River. After the formation of the Church in 1784, the first annual Conference was held in the home of Green Hill near Louisburg on April 20, 1785. The New River circuit was formed in 1785 and included Ons- 272 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW low, Craven, Carteret and Jones counties, and Reverend Lee Roy Cole, a native of Virginia, was appointed to the charge. The next year New River was combined with New Bern and Wilmington. In 1777 Mr. Cole had attended a conference held at Deer Creek, Maryland, as representative of the churches in North Carolina. At one time he was suspended from his pulpit for reasons unknown to us, but his good name was retrieved when the next year the Conference invited him to return to his church and soon afterward promoted him to the eldership of the New Bern, New River and Wilmington circuit. Other godly men who preached in this circuit include Wiley and William Beaufort, William Ormond and Thomas Easter. It is a matter of sincere regret that so little is known of these, the founders of Methodism in Onslow County. The New River circuit was short lived. After only seven years the area, which was much too large for one minister, was divided into two. One part, called Goshen, included Onslow, and the other was known as the Trent. The Trent included churches in Jones and Lenoir counties. The same year, 1792, William Ormond of Kinston held pastorate in New River. He might well have been called one of God’s noblemen when We consider the accomplishments of his short lifetime. He was born near Kinston, North Carolina, in 1769, was converted at 18 years of age and was in Conference first in 1791, being only 23 years of age when on the Goshen charge. A historian says he was no ordinary man. Advancing rapidly, he held pastorates at Washington, Georgia; at Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia. While in Norfolk yellow fever broke out and friends urged him to leave the place but he said, “I might as well die of fever as any other affliction, and there is as direct a passage from Norfolk to Heaven as from any other part of the globe.” He died in 1803, aged 34. At his death he left a legacy to the Con- ference, and another to build Ormond’s Chapel, which stands between Kinston and Snow Hill in Lenoir County. In his short lifetime he distinguished himself in his Master’s service, and the Methodists are still reaping good from seeds sown by him. The most active of the early Methodist leaders was Bishop Frances Ashbury. He was a native of England who consecrated his life to the winning of converts to the new order. He came to America in 1771 and traveled back and forth from New Eng- land to Georgia, reaching North Carolina first in 1780 and coming to Swansboro first in 1785. THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY Asbury’s Journal 1785 Wednesday April 6, 1785 : it Pteached at Swansbury in sight of the sea Here are a wicked people indeed; nevertheless a few have joined society. 1785 Saturday and Sunday December 24 and 25 ae one We held Quarterly meeting at Swansbury, many people— religion. 17 rsday January 27 : ie a LaE ey to hee at Swansbury—the people were bags eb eae O that God may bless his Word to them. I returned to Bro act T.-s a mile out of town, but the people found where I was Ee came out. Jan. 28 we rode 16 miles to an old chapel Oe East) on the way to Richlands. I spoke a little and gamlnieteree the sacrament after which I rode cold and hungry 16 miles mor to Brother C. Ballards. (New River Chapel) December 20 “At the Richlands but amongst spiritually poor people. I had i 4 xt about 30 hearers and here are a few precious souls. aca rie day preached at Stones Bay. (Lot Ballard lived near erie ; Chapel. He is mentioned as the first Methodist in the ve February 17 , Preached at Richlands Chapel. ‘Cold. Slaves not permitted to come into house.” February 28 : : Came to Lot Ballard’s at the Richlands of New River. Preached from Luke 19-10 Serious but unaffected congregation. Py and Mary Ballard gone to rest. (Ballards were Mee etoee Ashbury came to Onslow.) 18 years a Methodist, ono Perry, a backslider from the Baptist.” Regenerated by e ; Me “became a preacher and deacon, died on way, to appointm . Neither were slaveholders—Hail happy souls. January 24 : “It was not at all agreeable to me to see nearly 100 slaves stand ing outside and peeping in at the door, whilst the pore ae half empty. They were not worthy to come in pecaus were black! Farewell, farewell to that house forever! Feb. 17 : i i Arrived at Chapel too late for service. “I conclude I shall hav no more appointments between Wilmington and New Bera; uae There is a description of people we must noe Propel Bee people of Onslow seem to resemble the CNN seat please not God and are contrary to all men. Farewell, ; Oh unhappy people.” Feb. 16 ‘ Lodged with Lot Ballard—no services. Jan. 21 Stopped at Ballard’s. Dec. 21 i: At Ballards “‘Lot lives in Jerusalum. Jan. 29 Preached at Ballards THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Jan. 27 At Richlands ‘‘Stopped with Gains Rowe—God is worshipped in . their house. Oh what a change in here. Poor Africans once oppressed have now great privileges allowed them. Jan. 30 “Preached and ordained Lot Ballard” (probably grandson of original Lot Ballard. Mr. Ashbury’s legs had given out; he conducted the ordination as well as preaching services on his knees. ) Jan. 22 At Lot Ballard’s Bishop Ashbury had long been in ill health brought on by ex- posure, etc. He died March 16, 1816. He had been the means of implanting the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States on a permanent basis. Prior to the Revolution the Methodists operated as societies within the mother Church of England, but the war changed its status and in 1784 at Baltimore it was organized as the Methodist Episcopal Church. Sometime after the Revolution, probably about 1813, the Meth- odist Church at Chapel was rebuilt near its present location at Richlands. It was a log house at first, being known as Oak Grove. Later a frame building was erected containing galleries for the slaves. The present handsome building was erected in 1939. Two other congregations of the Methodists in the county, those at Tabernacle and Queens Creek, have early records. The Methodist Church in the state is divided into the “North Carolina Conference” and the “Western North Carolina Con- ference,” each presided over by a Bishop, who is the ranking officer in his Conference. The Conference convenes in annual sessions. The churches of the state are divided for administrative pur- poses into districts, each presided over by a Presiding Elder, or Superintendent. Onslow is in the Wilmington District. Each District is subdivided into Charges, each in charge of a pastor. In Onslow, the Methodist Church now (1958) has a member- ship of 2,828 persons covering the county’s area grouped in twelve churches as follows: Carols Chapel, Oak Grove, Queens Creek, Belgrade, Richlands, Gum Branch, Haw Branch, Jackson- ville, Midway, Tabernacle, Swansboro and Verona, with a total property valuation of approximately $1,500,000. Organization dates in most cases are approximate, owing to lack of records available. THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY Richlands Methodist Church Richlands Methodist Church had its beginning in the old New River Chapel where at one time congregations of both Methodist and Baptist met in the same building on different Sundays. Just who organized the church is not known now. The Bishop Ashbury visited the community 12 times, one of which visits may have been to the new log building at Oak Grove, to which the congregation had removed by 1818. j ; Little of historic value is known of the intervening period, but in 1848 the minister, Reverend E. L. Perkins, who was on the circuit that year, took an active part in the organization of the Richlands Academy. The meeting was held in the old Richlands Chapel. Mr. Perkins addressed the meeting on the advantages of edu- cation in general and pointed up the advantages accruing to every community in which a classical school was established. The long and useful record of the Academy proved the wisdom of the action taken at the time. ees That the contribution of the church to the community life throughout the years is not known to us now is a tragic fact. Several buildings have succeeded each other, all on practically the same site, the present one having been completed in 1939. In 1958 the membership had reached a total of 361 and the Property valuation an estimated value of $18,500.00. Swansboro Methodist Church Swansboro Methodist history began with a visit there in 1785 by Bishop Ashbury. He preached there three times in two years. Swansboro, like many other places in the county, shad a free church where several denominations preached from time to time. This old building stood near where the Elementary School now stands, the cemetery of which remains as its only remaining vestige since 1878 when it was blown down during a storm. It had a balcony and was used as a school. Prior to the Civil War, and until 1880, an Academy had been Operated at the corner of Church and Elm Streets. In that year Claude Frazel was reported “Master” in what was probably its last session. For years the old building stood abandoned and unused. Time picked off its timbers one at a time until the final crash put an end to its existence about the year 1889. Soon after the Methodists began negotiations to secure part or all of the property for a church. In spite of some question of title, the lot was secured and a building erected some time about 1890. j The old site had been considered as “belonging to the children 276 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW of Swansboro” and anybody’s right of conveyance was questioned. The conclusion seems to have been that the Methodists secured part of the lot on a 99 year lease. The old M. E. Church still (1958) stands on the corner. The Northern Methodists built a church here about the same time the M. E. Church was built. Mr. Graham of the Marshal- burg Academy came here and organized and looked after the building of the church. Their pastor was a Mr. Burnette. A Mr. Matthews from the western part of the State, together with his wife, set up a school here about 1903. About 1907 Matthews sold out to the Unitarians, who also purchased the Northern Methodist building adjoining the Matthews property, then added a brick building about 1927. Three years later the Unitarians sold out to the Methodist Episcopal Church and left. For several years the old church on the corner of Church and Elm Streets stood vacant and unused, but later was sold and used for a warehouse. In the plant formerly used as a school and church, together with some rearranging and remodeling, the Methodists in Swans- boro now have a very adequate and spacious building with a total property valuation of about $35,000.00 The membership (1958) numbers 329 persons. Tabernacle and Queens Creek Methodist Churches The deed for the land on which Tabernacie Methodist Church stands was deeded to Trustees by Thomas A. Bell, dated August 26, 1829, The Trustees, which seem to be the same as those named for Queens Creek, includes John G, Lloyd, John Freeman, Ebenezer Burnap, Mitchell Barlow and James Wade. These men all lived in the area now covered by the two churches. The personnel of the Trustees was changed slightly four years later when John Morton on December 20, 1833, deeded land at Queens Creek on which to build a church. The Trustees at that time included James Coston, James Provost, Daniel Rogers, Erasmus Coston, Robert W. Coston, Jonathan Ketchum, John Freeman and Mitchell Barbour. Freeman and Barbour are on both lists. From very reliable tradition, however, it is known that both churches had been “going concerns” much longer than that. Tradition also says that Lorenzo Dow preached here in 1804; also, that Erasmus Hill, early preacher of Methodism, conducted a service under improvised tabernacles, one of which was located about where White Oak School now stands, between the years 1794 and 1810. 1806 has been named as the year when a great revival swept over this area. That date has been accepted as the likely one THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 277 by both Reverend H. Leroy Harris, pastor on this charge in 1838, when he wrote “A Sketch of Tabernacle Church, and Mr. Fitzhugh Lee Morris, native of White Oak, historian, and an authority on the history of this section. Their conclusion seems logical. : Tiaanis Hill married a local girl, daughter of the widow of Josiah Holt, which occasioned the Bishop’s caustic comment that he was afraid that Erasmus Hill will desert the Gospel for a rich wife. He may very well have met her during the revival held at the Brush Harbor. That he was a man of much ability, Wwe know. Tabernacle Methodist Church At Tabernacle, according to tradition handed down from “Bill” Jones through his son John Starkey Jones, ‘Hill could be heard singing late at night as he passed the Jones home at Yellow House on his return from holding services. Jones spent the winters at the Yellow House, home of his mother-in-law, and the summers at his Swansboro home at Mt. Pleasant Plan- tation, between the years 1794 and 1810, which places the be- ginning of the church between those dates.” (Morris) As to the name: It seems that the temporary brush shelter used at first, having been spoken of as “The Tabernacle,” the term was carried over to the permanent structure. i The present building seems to have been erected about 18 5 Mr. David. W. Sanders, a large slave holder in the community, though himself not a member, donated $500 on condition that quarters be provided in which his slaves. could worship. The gallery built at that time for the slaves was removed when the building was remodeled, probably about 1897. The first pastor, too early to date, is believed to have been Elijah Grinade, followed by Roberson about 1810 and Erasmus Hill (who seems not to have deserted the Gospel after all) about 1815. E : The Reverend Dougan Johnson (1856-1861) married ee Thompson of Richlands, daughter of Frank Thompson and wife Leah Brown. The Reverend George Hardison married Miss Mary Elizabeth Coston, a local resident of near Deppe. The Reverend F. B. McCall married Miss Ella Bell of Hubert. The Reverend Robert L. Warlick of Burke County married Miss Dora Coston, daughter of John D. Coston and sister of Mrs. George Hardison. The Reverend John Mattocks was a native of Onslow. The Rev- erend Bowie is said to have been a skilled horse trainer. The Reverend Stephenson was said to be “too big” for the place, having a wife, two children, a nurse and a pair of mules; seems to have driven around in a two seated phaeton and enjoyed 278 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW hearty meals with his parishioners. He soon left for an up-state point on account of his health. The Reverend Perkins assisted in organizing the old Richlands Academy in 1848. M. H. Moore came here in 1879, wrote “The Calf Pasture of the Conference.” (See below.) Another donor who should be mentioned here is Mr. David S. Aman, “Patriot, soldier, Christian,’ who took membership at Tabernacle soon after coming here in 1866. Many improve- ments were suggested from time to time by him and generally followed by the query, “Will you let me give it?” There being no objection, Mr. Aman proceeded to have the work done. In his will, dated 1926, an additional gratuity of $500 “was made to the church, the interest of which goes into the current expense account. Contributions made by him during his lifetime are thus continued indefinitely though he is gone. Mr. R. J. Aman in 1921 contributed a $500 donation to Onslow Circuit, of which Tabernacle was a part. Most of the money was lost through the failure of a Wilmington bank. Tabernacle in 1958 had 191 members and property probably worth $10,000. Bibliography: Letter from Mr. F. L. Morris to Mrs. C. M. Ward dated July 19, 1948. H. Leroy Harris ‘‘A Sketch of Tabernacle Church.” Queens Creek Methodist Church The earliest historical information we have on Queens Creek is the Brush Harbor revivals calculated to have covered the area about 1806. Lorenzo Dow may have preached here in 1804. Bishop Asbury preached in Swansboro two trips in 1785 and one in 1791, after which he seems to have discontinued his work there, as no further mention is made of that place. Mr. Asbury kept a diary which he called his “Journal.” The only mention he makes of preaching at other points nearby, the good Bishop says that on 28 January, 1791 “We rode 16 miles from Swansboro to an old chapel (North East) on the way to the Rich Lands. I spoke a little and administered the sacrament, after which I rode, cold and hungry, 16 miles more to Brother C. Ballard’s.” (The Rich Lands.) The truth of the matter seems to be that under the fine lay leadership of the men named on the two committees named above, plus the preaching of ordained ministers when they were available, Methodism was planted on a permanent basis in East- ern Onslow, and full credit should be given them by the mem- bership of today. They were the salt of the earth, both as church men and as Christian citizens. THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 279 Following the Brush Harbor services a log chapel was con- structed probably about 1809 or 1810. The first frame structure is believed to have been built about 1816 on land donated by Jonathan Ketchum. The present structure was built about 1880. Other improvements have been made from time to time, and the property is now estimated to be worth approximately $12,000. Queens Creek now (1958) has a membership of 154 persons. Trinity Methodist Church Jacksonville, North Carolina The first house for Christian worship in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was provided in 1851, when the Lafayette Lodge Num- ber 88, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons purchased a two story frame building. The Masons utilized the upper story as a lodge room and on the lower floor they provided a free church open to all Christians for worship of God. While it is impossible accurately to ascertain the exact date of the founding of the Methodist Church body in the Town of Jacksonville, it is reasonable to assume that there was a group of Methodists worshipping together prior to the War Between the States. The earliest recorded reference to the Jacksonville Church is found in the Methodist Episcopal Advocate, published in Raleigh, North Carolina, February, 1866. During these years the group of Methodists and also the Baptists conducted their Services of worship on the lower floor of the Masonic Lodge building. During the last years of the nineteenth century, there were Many attempts to erect a church building for the worship of Methodists in Jacksonville. In August 1893, Mr. and Mrs. David S. Aman gave a lot to the Methodist Church with the provision that if a church building were not erected within two years the property would revert to the donors. This attempt to build a church was not successful. However, during the summer of 1894, while in a revival campaign under the leadership of the Reverend G. W. Starling, pastor, a lot was procured from the Onslow Land and Improvement Company, located on Mill Avenue and Third Street and a Board of Trustees of the Jacksonville Methodist Church was elected. These Trustees, George W. Tay- lor, Charles Gerock, and Frank Thompson, with the assistance of the pastor, succeeded in raising the sum of five hundred and twenty dollars ($520.00), which with the one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) secured from the Board of Church Ex- tension was sufficient for the erection of a suitable house of worship. The corner stone for the church was laid November 15, 1894, on the present site of the church and officially named the Trinity Methodist Church. 280 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Throughout the years the church building has been improved and remodeled to accommodate the growth of the church and to provide better facilities for the church’s program.. Most significant of these improvements were: the erection..of the church school annex at the rear of the church in 1912, the erection of a two story brick building to replace the first annex in 1930, and the complete remodeling of the church edifice in 1940. The first church school annex was erected during the pastorate of the Reverend P. D. Woodall in 1912. This building consisted of a two room frame building conforming in architec- ture with the main church building. This annex and the church were utilized until 1930, when they having proven totally in- adequate, the Reverend L. A. Watts led the church to erect the present church school building. This brick building con- sists of two floors. The lower floor is divided into three rooms, a hall and one rest room; the upper floor provides kitchen and dining facilities, and an additional rest room. The dining room can be divided by folding doors for class room space. During 1939, while the Reverend H. L. Davis was pastor, a movement was launched to renovate the church edifice, but nothing con- crete was accomplished. Then in 1940 a reconstruction of the church was begun and through the strenuous efforts of the Reverend I. T. Poole the church was completely renovated and reopened for worship in June 1941. The newly constructed brick building is an English Chapel type church built along Roman- esque lines. The church and church school buildings have been furnished during the years 1941 to 1944, The earliest available records reveal that the Jacksonville Methodists were originally served by the pastor of the Onslow Circuit of the Wilmington District, which circuit consisted of practically all of the Methodist groups within the bounds of Onslow County. At the 1896 session of the North Carolina Annual Conference, Jacksonville was taken from the Onslow Circuit and Richlands was taken from the Duplin Circuit to form a new charge known as the Jacksonville-Richlands Charge. The Jacksonville-Richlands Charge was divided in 1912-1913. During these two years, Jacksonville, Dixon, Sneads Ferry, and Folkstone constituted the Jacksonville Charge. This arrange- ment proving impracticable, Jacksonville and Richlands were reunited at the 1913 session of the Annual Conference and re- mained as a unit until the Charge was divided in the Fall of 1941. This division created the Jacksonville Charge, which con- sisted of Jacksonville and Verona. In 1957 a new and handsome building was completed on the present site. The new building is one of the most beautiful THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 281 i i bership numbers and modern church plants in the city. The mem eleven hundred persons and in 1959 closed a budget of $37,000.00. Reverend T. R. Jenkins is Pastor. r 944. Bibliography: Bulletin issued by the church dated November 12, 1 Minutes of North Carolina Conference, 1958. Carroll Chapel Methodist Church Sneads Ferry, North Carolina igi ta The Sneads Ferry Methodist Church originally stood abou half mile further aan toward Peru in the Pine thicket and yas organized about 1962 by the Reverend Mr. Jessie Marlowe, held a revival there with much success. i Mr. Bob Moore gave the land but many years lnverysitid the building was moved to its present location, since wi ic ae additions have been made, including a fellowship hal poeta mately 60’ x 70’ which was completed within about six m b beginning May Ist, 1958. : eG als ae can be remembered at this late days the Cpa membership included Robert and Ella Moore, Sam eee Lewis, David Lewis, Daisy Lewis, Minnie Lewis, Jo rs ae Mamie Moore, Guy Moore, Sadie Moore, Lillie Moores es Lewis, Julia Midgette, Cornelia Midgette, Annie ari ae Guthrie, Ed and Mrs. Lewis, Murray Guthrie a rity nae wife, Lizzie Sykes, Annie Shepard, Pearl Grant, B. L. - oe and Mr. W. B. Davis and his wife, Mrs. Maggie Davis, who nished this information from memory. i The membership numbers 150, with property ers aera at $15,000.00. Three young men have gone out to the mi from this church as follows: Bobby Jenkins, Holiness P. D. Jenkins, Free Will Baptist W. R. King, Methodist Haw Branch Methodist Church For many years bmn er au Schoolhouse, according to Mrs. E. L. ile grew up in the community. Usually the aipiniere Po the way from Kenansville to Richlands and preac ad ‘ aM She names much older members than have before ee or tioned, Jonathan W. Thompson and Frank Thompson. ese Scribes the first building (1898) and says it had an ares a for colored members. It had a door on each end an 2 ae Soil tition between the races, but all the seats fronted ows ee pulpit, which was beside the front door. After the colore D ope had their own church, the seats and pulpit were reverse Jd on Haw Branch in a Frazelle of Raleigh, who 282 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW under the leadership of Reverend Mr. Kendall, the back entrance being closed, the pulpit and altar were placed there. “This, of course, deprived us of the privilege of seeing who was entering without looking around.” Speaking of the services, she says: “So on his way Saturday to Richlands he stopped to preach, our only sermon of the month. We guessed at the time of his arrival as best we could and congregated for the service when he finally arrived.” “Richlands had Sunday night services and all pedestrians who had lanterns turned out, eager for the message. We were de- lighted when Haw Branch was placed on Richlands-Jacksonville and Gum Branch circuit with parsonage at Richlands. Then we had services Sunday and Sunday night. It was then the dead old church began showing signs of life.” She names as stewards E. L. Frazelle, W. L. Williams and Mr. Basden. Between 1896 and 1898 a church building was erected by R. D. Thompson and Bill Rouse, builder and carpenter for the Metho- dist Church at Haw Branch, on land given by Ned Howard. The charter membership list is not available at this date, but has been named for me by Mr Hiram Williams, who re- members the event, and whose father W. L. Williams, was one of the trustees, as the families of Basil Basden, Ned Howard, Bob Thompson, Frank Howard, Jessie Williams and possibly others. The old frame building was in use seventeen to twenty years when the congregation moved to the present location and sold the old site to James K. Carter, February 6, 1915. Trustees who signed the deed to Carter were R. D. Frazzelle, A. H. Ervin, L. W. Hargett, W. L. Williams, D. F. Howard and W. B. Hargett. Carter used the building as a residence but several years later fire razed it to the ground and nothing remains to mark the spot. Haw Branch in 1958 reported a membership list of 79 persons, and property including the parsonage worth about $35,000.00. Thanks to Mr. Hiram Williams of Haw Branch and Mrs. E. L. Frazelle of 110 E. Lane Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Oak Grove Methodist Church Oak Grove Methodist met for three or four years in the old East Bear Creek School house during the early 1920's. In 1926 the property of the Unitarian church became avail- able and a committee named, composed of D. W. Russell, C. R. Webb and I. E. Rogers to consider the value and advisability of purchase by the Methodists. The Unitarians held the land from Mr. D. J. Sanders only so THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 283 long as it was used as a church, so the building was es ae Methodists and the land returnéd to the Sete ae , heirs of which deeded the land to the Methodist Me Hees An Advisory Commission was named to Seah eget te & model the property, including E. I. Riggs, W. rt Pie Sa W. D. Sanders, J. F. Kellum, James Reed, Frank McCa W. E. Winberry. : : Service was begun in the spa ene year. Extensive re pairs and additions were made in 1955-1957. The Sunday School was organized back in the clea ee days about 1922 or 1923, with Mrs. Pauline Mattocks : Superintendent. The church now has a membership of 134 persons. (1958) (Thanks to Mrs. William A. Sherratt) Belgrade Methodist Church The building at Belgrade Methodist Church eoenetigne deve the date of 1918, when the church was dedicated, but of HEE or two before that date the congregation had me th 2 if ministry of the Reverend Thomas Lee in an old sc’ 00 gues The Belgrade Church came out of the Tabernacle Church. In 1958 the church had a membership of 165. Gum Branch Methodist Church i inati hed in the old For many years different denominations preache Schoolhouse prior to 1910, when J. W. Burton and ue ica H. E. Grimsley, J. B. Murrill and G. R. Venters Purpose of building a church. f It seems to have been understood at the time pe ata building would also serve as a public building o pte crowds from the school, for a lodge hall, and canis Ee tion meetings as well as becoming a free church in denominations might hold services. 5 : Materials were donated by citizens of the community—timber, brick, roofing, ete. : Bus At first different denominations preached in ne ney A et also, but soon the Methodists were in the ascendancy denominations faded out of the picture. Upon investigation as to title in 1927, no deed to the property coul nor was it recorded in Jacksonville, so a new death na ell this time to the Methodist py oo The instrument was signed by the two ae He 7 ian ee trustees, (Grimsly was dead) as well as by Mr. ns . sped New Trustees for the Methodist Episcopal were G. R. ; J. B. Murrill and Mrs. Effie Harrell. 284 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The date 8 June, 1927, J. B. Murrill (Seal) THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH G. R. Venters (Seal) Surviving Trustees J. W. Burton (Seal) Martha Burton (Seal) The Disciples of Christ in Onslow County In order that we may understand something a ee that body of Christians known as Disciples 0 nd growth, area I would like to point out something of their r’ ee the State, ofhow dheyséprend\outfoveuithekensiorm Con a iyeiakint reaching first our neighboring county of Jones, Sat ni 1962 root in Onslow County, having reached Jacksonvl “fe ns among For two hundred years prior to 1825 D Sea a effective the Protestants multiplied in number, so Weare . Disciplines, the efforts of each. Then, too, there were man-ma' re s than the creeds and catachisms which were either more or 7 Bible and Bible and thereby erroneous, or just the same as therefore unnecessary. ‘ : ecu- Much time and energy was taken in the propagation of p Book 150, Page 587. The membership in 1958 numbered 38 persons. The Sunday School enrolls about 65 members with Mr. Albert Venters as Superintendent. Bibliography: Information from Mr. Albert Venters and Mrs. Effie Harrell Register of Deeds Office, Book 150, Page 537, Onslow Registry, Jacksonville, N. C. Midway Methodist Church Midway Methodist Church was organized in 1891 with 20 members, their location being over in the village of Stella on the Carteret side of White Oak. The site was given by Mrs. Mollie Barker. Sometime about 1908 Lebanon Church, which stood about four miles from Swansboro, was abandoned and some time later the building was allowed to be moved piece by piece, to the Stella location. There improvements and remodeling were added to the church to make it serviceable. About 1926 it was discovered that no deed existed to the church property, which made it unacceptable to Methodist order and so a new site was decided upon, this time about a half mile from Stella on the Onslow side of White Oak River. By this time the membership numbered 74 persons. The site this time was deeded to the church by Mrs. Mollie A. Mattocks. Trustees on the cornerstone are named as C. M. Coston, Rudolph Pelletier and George D. Mattocks. The membership now numbers 1953, the Sunday Schools en- rolls ___, with Mr. Hosea Parker as Superintendent. Thanks to Mrs. Dixie Mattocks, Church Treasurer, and Mr. Gerald Pelletier. Verona Methodist Church For several years services were held in the old schoolhouse by the Methodist minister at Jacksonville. There were two members there at the time, these were Mrs. Annie Humphrey and Mrs. L. M. Rawls. Others came but carried their membership at Jacksonville prior to the erection of the new church at Verona in 1937. The church has a membership of 45 and a Sunday School enrollment of 60, with Mr. L. W. Thomas as Superintendent. (Thanks to Mrs. T. M. Rawls.) n liar doctrines which should have gone to combat ee ee evils. As a solution to the problem, foe er ae ae Noe Virginia proposed a union of all the churches Be Cee Testament as its only “Rule of Faith and Prac - ze ee Posed to restore Christianity to its original aaa es ing all ritual which had accumulated since Aposto ae se nee About the same time Barton W. Stone, who let ip Reese) from Dr. Caldwell’s “Log College” near Greens ee te part in the Great Revival as a Presbyterian pe a dissatisfied with the confusion and conflicting eee ae ligon and he, too, strangely enough, came to ae rie Same conclusions and took the same stand as oe fee followers of Campbell and Stone merged Sede: SRR forming a new organization to be known as “Disciple: the members of which would be Christians only. A oien THB The strength of their plea was its anon an ee ae Bible Only” as a motto, the Disciples grew by. ee nares The restoration of primitive beliefs and aa ‘ ae has long since become an ideal toward which a church n work. mie In Anis Middle Atlantic States the Disciple a eee arose within the Presbyterian Church, as it di ae praeeay tucky and Ohio. In North Carolina, however, the Discip grew within the Baptist Church. ? ; a The Tava chara in North Carolina have ce uy eee and again, and Onslow has had an as a a Pe has made history during the years. First of a ee Were generally divided into Calvinist, called Prim ee Arminians, called “Free Wills,” even when meeting in 286 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW building. Sometimes one denomination was in the ascendancy and sometimes the other, but Baptists who came to North Car- olina were called General Baptist and organized themselves into the Kehukee Association containing both Primitives and Free Wills. North Carolina About 1756, there arose among the Baptists of North Carolina a group of Christians calling themselves “Separates.” The Separates were led by Shubel Stearns, one of the great preachers of all time. They were an evangelistic body who ac- cepted no creed but the Bible observed the Lords Supper each Lords Day and crusaded with an ardor which a Baptist Historian says has been unsurpassed since the Saviour ascended to Heaven. They almost took over Baptist churches in North and South Car- olina, Virginia and Georgia. Stearns and the Separates gathered the remnant of Paul Palmer’s old congregation at New River and soon a thriving church was in full sway. So free were they from the trappings of church disciplines, rituals, articles of Faith and other man-made regulations that a noted author has called them “Campbellites ahead of their time. If these spiritual revivalists of ancient precedents among the Baptist had called themselves “Christians” or “Disciples of Christ” instead of “Separates” Thomas and Alexander Campbell would have found their work well advanced, and Barton W. Stone would have found his conclusions ready-made for his acceptance. Opposed to these Separates, however, was the Calvinistic element among the Baptist who condemned all missionary ac- tivities, all Sunday School work taught predestination and re- quired an experience of Grace for membership. Strange as it may seem today, the Separates soon found them- selves swamped in a fog of conservatism and in a few years their very name had all but disappeared from the annals of current history. But while the Separates as such seemed headed for oblivion, there were always individuals who stood up like the tree before the storm and preached what was then counted radical doctrine, the growth and promotion of which produced at first “Christian Baptist,” and then “Christians Only.” The first meeting of what we know as Disciples of Christ among the Baptist met at Little Sister Church (the Mother Church of the present Gordon Street Church of Christ in Kins- ton) February 23, 1831. They were led by such men as General William Clark and Jeremiah Leggett, Abraham Congleton and John P. Dunn. Needless to say, when the Neuse Association THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 287 met at Ft. Barnwell in 1833 these radical preachers were eX- cluded from membership. General Clark also resigned from pastorate of his churches, which churches immediately recalled him. He agreed to resume his work upon one condition, that the church renounce human authority of every description whatever, in matters of religion. Copies were sent to the other nearby churches, several of which adopted them. Much the same thing was going on among the Free Will Baptist and it is said that at Wheat Swamp in 1843 “the volcano bursted among them. : Leaders in both movements now felt that a statewide meet- ing should be held of those who favored the Bible as the only rule. The meeting was called and met at Hookerton Green County May 2, 1845, where the two wings of Disciple thought Were welded into a single cohesive Union Meeting of Disciples of Christ. “The Disciples” now counted 26 preachers, 30 churches and 1859 members in North Carolina. There were no Onslow Churches represented in the Hooker- ton meeting, but Pleasant Hill, Jones County, which had since 1837 called itself “Christian Baptist” was on the original roll. These preachers went out to carry the new gospel throughout Carolina. They preached in the old chapels, schoolhouses and abandoned store buildings, wherever they could get shelter, to present the Plea. : When a meeting began nobody knew how long it would last. Sometimes interest mounted as time went on for a month, but at the end of the time a church had been planted, Elders and Deacons named, and provision made for once-a-month preach- ing. This accounts for the fact that the total membership of a new church was sometimes reported as baptised that same year. John P. Dunn-and Dr. John T. Walsh were the great leaders in North Carolina. The Conference sent fraternal delegates to other Denominational Associations and promoted unity in every way possible. By the close of the Civil War the Union Baptist had also merged with the Disciples. ssh Atlantic Christian College is the Educational Institution of the Disciples of Christ in North Carolina. ; Their Annual Conference is now known as the North Carolina Christian Missionary Convention. It continues from time to time in adjourned sessions of the Board, and employs a full time Secretary. Richlands Christian Church The first Christian Church in Onslow was known as “Christian Prospect” and was built on the lands of Jere Jarman. It stood 288 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW near the intersection of Routes 24 and 258 about two miles west of Richlands, not far from what is now known as Jarmans Fork. Jere Jarman and William Basden were the active leaders. A little later a building to be used as both schoolhouse and church, known as Brown’s schoolhouse, was erected about two miles northwest of Christian Prospect on lands owned by Zacheus Brown. In 1882 H. C. Bowen, who also operated a school at Catharine Lake, led these congregations to cooperate in the erection of a frame building on the site of the present location in Richlands. William Basden was the active leader in its erection and himself gave all the lumber and two bales of cotton that the building might be completed. The house was dedicated in 1884, with Bowen as its first pastor, William Basden and W. H. Banks were named Elders, W. C. Jarman, C. C. Basden, Deacons, and Isaac Brown, L. E. Duffy, W. H. Banks and John A. Huffman, Trustees. In 1910 under the leadership of John W. Tyndall, a new and larger building was erected. A campaign to raise material and labor was put on and work on the new building begun. “The first day there were twenty five or thirty at work and the number increased until there were over 100 men working at one time. The women served dinner and the men worked. One day the men worked until ten o’clock at night. On the eighth day it was dedicated by the pastor. At one time in 1918 Percy G. Cross held a revival meeting there which lasted four weeks with 65 additions, the free will offering during the meeting amounted to $428.00. The Church has been evangelistic; Dennis Davis, one of the ablest preachers in Eastern North Carolina following the Civil War, received part of his training at H. C. Bowen’s School at Catharine Lake. Three brothers, Joseph A., John T. and Guy Saunders, Andrew Askew and Clement Cox all dedicated themselves to the min- istry, and Abijah Jarman to the Young Mens’ Christian Associa- tion work, while Tyndall was pastor. Later, Cecil A. Jarman began training for the ministry. He was educated at Atlantic Christian College, Emory and Yale Universities, later became Pastor of the First Christian Church, Wilson, North Carolina, and was elected President of Atlantic Christian College. This is an exceptional record and is probably unsurpassed by other churches in the area. In 1934 a new and modern brick veneered plant was begun. The new building was dedicated August 80, 1936, by Dr. Cecil A. Jarman, a native and member of the old church there. THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 289 isti bership of The Richlands Christian Church now has a mem 250 and a budget of $11,600. Sunday School numbers 125. Mr. Harvey Barbee is Superintendent. (Thanks to Mr. Brisson, the present Pastor.) Union Chapel Christian Church Back to old New River Chapel. In 1877 the congregation there consisted of 13 pele ene females. Four years later the church was droppe Baptist roll and the old organization ceased to exist. ae In 1875 Cyrus Brown of Tuckahoe, at his own ae ae ployed Dr. Joseph H. Foy, noted teacher and preac on A Disciples of Christ, to hold a revival there, and me a eS Joshua L. Burns, Disciple State Evangelist, ne 4; A iahets, 1877, organized the Disciples into a church wi CHGrehaareie known since that time as Union Chapel Christian : ‘i seve aril was the end of the old mixed up Centar He eee oe ; and factionism. The Primitive element went to Sak, a t Onslow Primitive Baptist Church, the pe para iste me organized Emma’s Chapel Church, which develope easel ent Richlands Baptist Church and still He rem organized the Catharine Lake Baptist Church. : are First elders of the Christian congregation were coe B. Taylor and William Cox; first deacons George Mr. Padrick 5 ' : : i i rvices con Follow-up ministries have given it permanence. Se: tinue on a full time basis. ae ; eee Early able preachers included Virgil A. Wilson, H. C. Bo and Dennis W. Davis. The long history of the old church by Dr. Charles C. Ware, Archivist o has been told in a brochure f the Discipliana Library, : ane Atlantic Christian College, Wilson, North Carolina. In it ill or delineates the efforts of the Church of England, Free Wil a Padi ist, General Baptist, Separate Baptist, Methodist, Behe sae eH Missionary Baptist and finally, the penance sraetagpice able ministers to proclaim the good news, a ete aan agreement prevented any permanent progress ay paige to enshrine the old Chapel with an aura of history equalled among American churches. af icerica Suna iten tend Application has been made to the H ; ‘ for the placiig of a marker noting the location of the old Chape i hen which promises to preserve some of the history of the days w! churches were far apart in doctrine as well as in uit eee Since 1730 when New River was the only chape 290 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW New Bern and the Cape Fear, one and sometimes two denomina- tions have continued to hold services at the Chapel. First the Episcopals ceased their effort there when the Baptist became too strong for them to cope with, only to be followed by the Methodist demanding a share of the time, which they did until 1818 when they began preaching at Oak Grove, site of the present Richlands Methodist Church. Union Chapel Christian Church has 65 members and seems to be doing a great work in the community. The Sunday School has an enrollment of 102, with Mr. Elwood Jarman as Superin- tendent. The First Christian Church Jacksonville, N. C. First Christian held its first meeting in the old State Theatre, February 24, 1952, with the Reverend Charles W. Riggs, State Evangelist, doing the preaching. The Reverend Charles C. Ware, State Secretary, was present and spoke words of encouragement. Work preliminary to this beginning had consisted in the collecting of names of former members of the church there residing in the Jacksonville area, and the proposing by Mr. Brown to the State Board that it assign a minister to the area for a period of three months, at the end of which time no further assistance would be asked unless the outlook for the establishing of a church seemed favorable. At the end of the term the minister was reassigned for another quarter. At the fourth Session a church with a full corps of officers was instituted, and at the fifth meeting the Church Sunday Bible School was organized, including a Superintendent, officers and teachers, all of which steps were taken by the congregation on its own initiative. First officers of the church included: J. P. Brown and B. H. Bostic, Elders; Wayne C. Brady, W. L. Sawyer, J. Herbert Leary and Garland Richardson, Deacons. J. Parsons Brown was named Clerk. Trustees were named as follows: J. P. Brown, Harold W. Koonce and L. B. Fordham. B. H. Bostic became first Superintendent of Bible School. First additions to the church by primary obedience were Mr. and Mrs. Henry T. Jarman and Billy J. Beisner a Marine. Following several months of meetings at the armory, a prop- erty on New Bern Road was purchased, a pastor secured, and the new church was on its way. THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 291 The securing of funds was a cooperative venture on the part of local members and State and National Missionary Societies. Thanks should be given to the Reverend E. B. Quick, minister at Richlands, who assisted and advised meee the local group at every opportunity and in every way possible. Ag eEaulyy 1958, the membership numbered 138 persons, the Sunday School enrolled 208 members. Egbert T. Rouse is present Superintendent. The budget in 1958 reached $10,119.68. Two ministerial students, Allen Rhodes and Marshall Parvin, have gone out from this church. : : The property, including the preacher’s house, is considered to be worth at least forty thousand dollars today, but already there is talk of the need of a new, larger and more adequate grounds site and a building adequate to meet the needs of a growing congregation with an unlimited outlook into the future. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH For many years the only church in Jacksonville was an old lodge and church building which stood between Court Street and the railroad on the North side of New Bridge Street. Any denomination could preach there with permission. It was called the old Free Church. It was in this building that the Presbyterians began holding services occasionally prior to 1910. Reverend S. H. Isler of Goldsboro generally did the preaching. Later another combination building-school-lodge was erected on the triangle at College and Third Streets and Mill Avenue, and the Presbyterian Church was organized there April 4, 1911. Reverend J. S. Crowley, pastor of Emanuel Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, and Mr. A. J. Howell, one of the elders there who was a candidate for the ministry at the time, com- pleted the organization. The following members in good standing were enrolled: Dr. and Mrs. R. W. Ward, Misses Annie and Myrtle Cole, Mrs. H. M. Loy, Mrs. E. I. Wood, Mrs. L. Shepard and Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Cole. Upon examination Reverend Mr. Crowell pronounced and declared the organization to be the First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville. Mr. H. M. Loy, who was a member in good standing of the Methodist Church, offered himself as a candidate for member- ship. Mr. Loy and Mr. Cyrus Cole were named elders, and Messrs. E. I. Wood and J. J. Cole, deacons. Then for one year under the ministry of Reverend Mr. Wood, services were held once a month in the Methodist Church. The building committee was composed of R. W. Ward, Chair- man, H. M. Loy, D. H. Cole, Joe Bell, J. J. Cole, Mrs. M. F. Fletcher, Mrs. Cyrus Thompson, Mrs. R. W. Ward and Mrs. E. I. Wood. The church was built in 1915 or 1916. Other additions from time to time brought the property value up to about $40,000. Other ministers included: Reverend J. R. Phipps Reverend Edgar Woods Reverend W. M. Currie 1917-1922 __--1922-1923 1923-1928 1928-1942 1942-1952 _---1952-1954 1954-1957 Reverend Frank L. Goodman Reverend Carl B. Craig Reverend John S. Steele Under the ministry of Mr. Steele a new church was built on Johnson Boulevard. The new church was occupied January iG), 294 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW 1958, and is one of the most handsome, new and modern edifices in the city. The membership in 1958 passed the three hundred mark and gifts for the year totaled $27,000. Besides the church in Jacksonville, the Presbyterians have a self supporting church at King Chapel and one at Antioch. Of especial significance has been the work done by the ladies from the time they first met while the house was under con- struction, seated in front of the building on piles of lumber, boxes, boards, etc., until the present time. The ladies have carried a great share of the total program. The present pastor is Reverend W. M. Schotanus. THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR By B. A. Barringer The Lutheran Church, located on Lejeune Boulevard, is the result of our adult Bible class, begun in the home of Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Barringer, 107 Koonce Circle. The class was organized the fourth Sunday of October, 1952, and continued in this home until May of the following year. Arrangements were then made to expand the work to include, Sunday School classes for the children and worship services for the entire group. The American Legion building in downtown Jacksonville was secured. The Reverend John Y. Yoder, Jr., a seminary student at that time, was sent by the church authorities to conduct services for the summer months of 1953. The Reverend Glenn Barger, at that time a U. S. Navy Chap- lain stationed at Camp Lejeune, assumed responsibility for the work and things continued in the same way until the arrival of. Reverend T. C. Plexico, who assumed his duties as pastor the first Sunday of November, 1953. , A parsonage and six acres of ground for a Church site were bought in the fall of 1953 at a total cost of $37,500.00. In August of 1958 a new educational plant was completed, costing around $75,000.00 counting equipment. Fra: The congregation served scores of Lutheran Christians who served in the varied military organizations stationed at Camp Lejeune. The membership of the congregation is transient in character, but permanent residents are being added to the roll from time to time. Membership continues around 800 at all times. The annual budget of the congregation is some $15,000.00 per year. i I | } 1h ' i i + { i THE PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS CHURCH The Churches of The Pentecostal Holiness are making much headway in Onslow. According to the Minute Book of the North Carolina Conference and the latest information available there are five churches in the county, viz: Name Date M’ship S.S. Value Minister Jacksonville ____1952 57 103 $28,000 M. D. McPherson 100 15,000 Harold Turpin Hood Memorial __1927 2 55 10,000 R. N. Hood Sneads Ferry .____ 1952 2 2,500 Furnie Walton Swansboro ____ _ 1952 12,000 Durwood Peletier SHORT HISTORY OF THE INFANT OF PRAGUE PARISH Prior to 1941 Catholic Mass was said occasionally iy cared ville on the St. Peters Train Chapel or by one of t e poe from St. Paul’s Church in New Bern, North paren pais Howard Lane was one of the first priests to preach a feet sonville. In 1941 Father William O’Byrne was aD ee nore resident pastor by Bishop McGuiness. A two story ho Chapel bought on Railroad Street, the downstairs served as on ene and office, while the upstairs became the living a ‘ re Father O’Byrne. Father O’Byrne was warmly meee athlete People of Jacksonville and fhe SURE ics exceptionally popular as a speaker an . The all weil began to take shape and a lot was purchased at the corner of Mildred Avenue and Chaney AEN eelin O’Byrne contracted ill health and Father ere Meter etlin became the next pastor of the new parish. Fat a oat interested Mr. Dwight Phillips, a non-catholic, a ean cee secure a better site for the church. Father Me aun capi transferred to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and Fa ane Father Mahoney, who had served as Assinar pee unde O’Byrne became the third pastor in Jacksonville. Mee these years was offered at the house on Balle sien the U.S.O. Building on Tallman Street, and Midway a carpet Mahoney converted the Copa Cabana Night Clu nee ee Chapel. The parish had its struggles, honey ee i Upon his Mahconey’s management it soon became out of = s eee application as a Chaplain in the United States 2 enti Ambrose Rohrbacher became the pastor in 1950. pe ee worked for a school. His first endeavor was i oe = ae being conducted by the Spanish Sisters, Daug. tee Tee in 1952. The following year in September of 195 ia eee Grace and three other Sisters of Mercy from Mea ee Mee the Infant of Prague Parochial School. With is e nes the Marines in great numbers because of the Kore AAs the school grew in great numbers, this also ies cent ee Rohrbacher to extend the church building, build a co buy additional property. F Tn 1957 the ea pastor Lawrence C. None eee duties on January 24th. His first task was to re ue Ree ie debt and at the same time build an additional scho a enrollment had increased to 650 children. It oe aa we to add a cry room for parents with babies whic Mn te 150 people onto the church. The Warn Home was p 298 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW and moved to the church property on Mildred Avenue which is now used as the church rectory. In January of 1960 Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Phillips assigned two and one half acres of ground adjacent to the City Hall to the Infant of Prague Church. At the present time there are five Masses said each Sunday in the church and additional Masses are offered at Holly Ridge, Camp Knox Trailer Park, Tarawa Terrace and Midway Park. The Rectory is presently staffed by Father Lawrence C. New- man, Father Robert MacMillan and Father Charles Mulholland. The school is in the capable hands of Sister Mary Teresa and five Sisters of Mercy and 6 Lay Teachers. The annual budget of the church and school is presently set at $125,000.00. The perm- anent parishioners are looking forward to the day when the Parochial System of Education is completely established and a new church which will face the Circle Drive Motor Court on Highway 17. (Thanks to Father Newman.) JACKSONVILLE HEBREW CONGREGATION B‘NAI MORDECAI “Kingdoms arise and Kingdoms pass away, But Israel endureth forever” Jacksonville Hebrew Congregation B’Nai Mordecai began under the sporsorship of the North Carolina Association a ae ish Men and Women. In 1953 Rabbi Harold Friedman, fn yn traveling Rabbi, began a circuit composed of ten communities North Carolina in which he would conduct services and one o which would be Jacksonville. History At a meeting held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. an enh August 5, 1954, Rabbi Harold A. Friedman explaine Atby the tions of the Circuit Riding Rabbi program sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Jewish Men. Those presen Have imously endorsed the program and yoted to be a tele Congregation. On June 17th, 1955, the State of Nor 7 He- granted a Certificate of ppt ae to the Jacksonville brew Congregation B’nai Mordecai, Inc. Chaves mentees were as follows: Milton Adler, Mr. ene Wee T. Feldstein, Sam Fleishman, Will Fleishman, Mr. an Tota Lester Gould, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kalet, Mr. and pe Ee Katzin, Dr. and Mrs. M. Katzin, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Leder, a the Margolis Family. Also Mr. and Mrs. Izzy Messenger, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Peck, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Popkin, Mr. and Mrs. Ben poly ee oo and Mrs. Julius Segerman, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Su re aes Mrs. Morris Trachtenberg, and Mr. and Mrs. Martin at ee At the first election of officers, December 8, 1954, the ic Presi officers and Board of Trustees were elected: Jack ue Stheas- dent, Maurice Margolis—Vice President, Leonard Suls— urer, and Jerry Popkin—Secretary. Board of Trustees: Morris Trachtenberg, Sam Leder, Ike Margolis, Lester Gould, Harold Sherman, and Leon Margolis. Meeting places and Sunday school locations were ee a the beginning, services were conducted in the rooms setae Peck’s bakery. Later they were held in roomy ee INS a Dept. Store. And after that, in the Katzin a ee Grey meeting February 10, 1955, it was decided to a a ceed structure for use as a place of worship, Sunday oe noo. oF Hie hall and kitchen. Mr. Jerry Popkin donated a portion 0 located on Wardolo and Warlick Streets. 300 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW At a Hadassah installation dinner of Mrs. Leonard Suls as president, May 25, 1955, Mr. I. D. Blumenthal, President of the North Carolina Association of Jewish Men spurred on the build- ing fund campaign by agreeing to match all money which had already been contributed to it, which amounted to $1,300.00. The firm of Leavitt Associates, Norfolk, Virginia was employ- ed to draw the plans for the building. Ground was broken Sep- tember 18, 1956. As early as 1955 money was being collected for the purpose of building a synagogue, and on September 18, 1956 Maurice Margolis turned the first spadeful of earth, with appropriate ceremony attended by the Mayor of the city and other notables. Previous to that time members of the Jewish faith in Jack- sonville had to travel to Wilmington for worship observance of their high and holy days. The membership has grown from 20 families in the beginning to 32 families at the present time. In the absence of a Rabbi, Mr. Phillip Katzin conducts serv- ices and instructs in language and ritual. Note: The first Jewish family to come to Jacksonville was the Margolis, who came in January 1912 and opened up business on Court Street. In 1917 the firm purchased the George Hurst store at 634 Court Street and is still located there. Wolf Adler came in 1938 and purchased the R. P. Hinton building. Mrs. Adler and the children came in 1938, also Mrs. Jennie Shapiro came in 1938 and opened “Jean’s Five and Ten” store. Since 1941 the Jewish community has grown rapidly. OTHER CHURCHES Other churches, recently established, which should be men- tioned with their locations include: Bible Baptist (conservative), 114 Roosevelt Road, Jackson- ville, N. C. Christian Tabernacle (Independent Holiness), Old Bridge Ex- tension, Jacksonville, N. C. Church of Christ, 111 Roosevelt Road, Jacksonville, nk . Four Square Gospel, Marine Blvd., North, Jacksonville, N. C. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Elizabeth Road, Jacksonville, N. C. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hiway 17 & Old Bridge St., Jackson- ville, N. C. Church of the Nazarene, 11 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville, INOS Church of God, Hiway 17, South, Jacksonville, N. C. Swansboro Evangelistic Chapel, Swansboro, N. C. River-Side Chapel, Free Will Holiness, Richlands, N. C. Emanuel Church, Free Will Holiness, Richlands, N.C. Howards Chapel, Richlands, N. C. Basdens Chapel, Free Will Holiness, Haw Branch, Richlands, INEICS Four Square Gospel Church, Marine B’lv’d Church of Christ (colored), Bellfork, Jacksonville, N. C. St. Mildred Catholic Church, Swansboro, N. C. Topsail Beach Chapel, Topsail Beach, N. C. St. Peters by the Sea (Episcopal), Swansboro, N. C. Mt. Sinai Church, 315 Ford St., Jacksonville, N.C. THE BAPTIST CHURCHES OF COLORED PEOPLE Sandy Run Baptist Church Sandy Run is the oldest Negro Baptist church in Onslow County. It was organized by Cornelius Scott, who came here from upper Jones County in 1864, and soon a log chapel was built which stood across the road from the present site. How long the log church was used is not known now, but a frame building was built which was used until 1953 when a newly constructed brick veneered plant was dedicated. This is the handsome building now in use. Reverend E. W. Wooten led the church in its campaign of renovation. The dedication services lasted six days in which visiting churches, their ministers and choirs, each conducted services. Climaxing the series was the Dedication sermon by Reverend L. R. Rease, President of the Trent River Oakey Grove Association, and an address by Dr. W. R. Strassner, President of Shaw University, Sunday afternoon, March 22, 1953. The sanctuary has a seating capacity of 380 persons. Some of the earliest members known to have belonged to Sandy Run were: George and Hopie White, Hester Dudley, Mary Arnold, George and Huldah Council, Alfred and Sophia Murrill, Sealy Marshall, Betsey Ambrose, Ned Ettleton and Alice Brown. The church now (1958) has a membership of 280 and a Sunday School enrollment of 200. Property valuation is estimated at $95,000.00. The Superintendent is Herman Pearson, and Frances Washington is the church clerk: Marshall Chapel Located on Piney-Green-Pumpkin Center Road, Marshall Chapel began with the preaching of the Reverend A. J. Jones about the year 1879 under a brush shelter. Soon a small log chapel was built on the road between the present site and the North East Branch of New River. The present land was furnished by Mariah Sanders, who was before her marriage a Marshall, for whom the church was named, but the title proved defective and it was finally purchased from Mr. Gilman. ; The first church was of wood but in 1942 the present brick structure was done as a remodeling job under the pastorship of the Reverend Becton. Some of the first members of the church, most of whom are gone, include Martha Hawkins, Tobe Ambrose, Jane Everton, Daniel Chadwick, Frank Gibbs, with Jerry Chadwick, first Clerk. 304 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The membership now (1958) numbers 130, with a Bible School of 76. The Sunday School Superintendent is H. M. Ward. Emma Wright is Secretary. The property is valued at $15,000.00. Evening View The cornerstone at Evening View says the church was founded in 1903 by W. H. Phillips, L. R. Rease and T. Dudley, but for some time before that services had been held in brush shelter located on the road about where James’ Garage now stands, then known as the Edmond French place. The first Deacons were E. W. Watson and C. M. Burge. Henry Phillips was the author- ized beginner of this church. He was assisted by Willie Dove, Andrew Thompson and Isaac Montford. A frame building was erected at the French place, which was later removed to the present site. Additions have been made from time to time. The present property is valued at $3,500.00. Evening View now (1958) has 86 members. E. W. Watson is Superintendent and Ellen Burge is Secretary. The First Baptist Church (Court Street) The congregation of what is now the First Baptist Church began as a mission by Reverend J. T. Kerr in the year 1913. The mission was organized as a church in 1914. The Reverend Kerr had recently come to Onslow to enter the public school system, in which he was to distinguish himself, and in which he would remain as long as he lived. He died in 1932. Organizational work done by Reverend Kerr was under the sponsorship of The Trent River-Oakey Grove Association, which gave official status to the work. To Mrs. Kerr should go much of the credit for what has happened since that day. Meetings were held at first in the Masonic Hall, but in 1922 the congre- gation moved into its new church, which was a small wooden building on Kerr Street. Pastors to the present time besides Reverend Kerr have been the following ministers: A. J, Boney, J. A. Lewis, McKinley Hawkins, D. M. Mitchell and the present pastor. The present handsome structure began with the presentation by the ladies of the church of a lot on Court Street in 1952, and work on the church began at once. The building was a cooperative enterprise of all the departments, boards and the Sunday School. Present value of the property is estimated at $60,000.00. The membership (1958) numbers 190, The Reverend Elijah Gray has since the beginning carried 305 THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY d gone the ball in every good work and as pastors have come and g has filled the pulpit ably and effectively. Rersaratt < Lee a Deacons: Oscar Roberson, Chairman; oe pbinnies Young, George Sandlin, S. Dudley, John Ander: DeVane. hool and j A Sunday Se Sones ge ena ne dereud Walker began d D. T. Walker, Pastor. is direction ke eeectiecs in 1955, and the char ee or naantst is showing unprecedented growth. Professor J. W- is Church Clerk. Washington Chapel Washington Chapel, located the railroad, was organized in 1 ld in a schoolhouse by the nd thus yaa San was not ordained until the next year a ini arterly it was necessary for him to secure a ao to hold Qu Association when the time came for that. eens 6a Sena Work began on the church in cea ot Sanne eerdiceanie later became Marine Base land until ; to evacuate church as well as homes. nite A new site was selected for ee ee crossing on Camp Lejeune road. = anes Bill George Washington and E. J. i h. mem- BeBe Re ames Hees been of wood, the eee ae C: bership lists 105, the Bible School enrolls 69, intendent. Oliver and the Church Clerk, and I. W. rete Superin The property value is estimated at $5,000.00. fe a Lejeune Highway a oth eRe some months cera he Reverend N. A. Sandlin. h near the railroad cornerstone honors leading spirits in New Dixon Chapel ilt and j Chapel was built : th West, New Dixon Chi eed RPO Beale employed on the Lee aa oa a bors by the fabulous railroad builder, Mr. or- : int. The church was located on his plantation at Town Poin s, church organizer, ganized in 1903 with the Reverend A. dh Leena Shepard and n as first pastor. First members were ia ‘wife Abbie, Deacon d an Y wife Viola, Deacon James Shepar ry James, Delila Chew, George Shepard! and his ee see Le Tes Pearson. For a Annie) Lofton, Chatles Eee ara d worshipped in a normal the church grew an cided to nUmEE eee the United States Government de i New : ide the beautiful al h Marine Base astri ted from Dee ena SAT dist the inhabitants would be evacua 306 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW their homes and churches to another location, they knew not where. Out on the highway near Verona was another little congre- gation meeting at a small church known as Mill Run. This church had been organized in 1914 by the Reverend N. A. Sandlin, on land purchased from Mr. Roy Justice. It, too, moved slowly along until the coming of the Base when they, too, would be evacuated. In 1942 a new site was proposed at which Dixon Chapel and Mill Run would combine into one congregation, to be known as New Dixon Chapel, and the building of a new church begun. A small frame structure was located one half mile west of Waltons Crossroad on a branch road. In 1958 work was begun on a block cement structure which will, when completed, compose a very commodious church home. The Reverend J. N. Kornegay, Jr. is the present pastor and leader in the good work. The Cooperation now has 65 members and a building worth probably $10,000.00. Jenkins Chapel Located at Sneads Ferry. 70 years ago the church was called Capp’s Chapel. Built about 3 miles from its present site toward Dixon, it remained for about 10 years, when it was moved a few hundred yards and rebuilt on land given by J. B. Jenkins. The church was named in his honor. Ten years again, it moved, this time to its present location, about 1909. The first Pastor was Sol Henderson, who it is said stuttered when he talked, but he could preach and he could sing. He was succeeded by Andrew J. Jones and J. D. White. There is now (1959) under construction on the same site a new block building which will, when it is completed, greatly increase the capacity and utility of the church. It appears that much progress is being made at J enkins Chapel. When work on the building is completed the property should have a value of $10,000.00. There is now (1958) a church membership of 91, with a Sunday School enrollment of 65. J. GC. Cook is Superintendent. The oldest living members are Mary Bell and Luther Hardison. Daisy Tyrance is Church Clerk. St. Stephen St. Stephen’s Chapel is a mission point near Silverdale which has a reported membership of 17. 07 THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 3 Belgrade First Baptist : a First Baptist of Belgrade is the only Baptist on es ae county belonging to the Eastern Association. ik The associated with The Trent River Oakey Grove hae * as vane church was erected in 1958. Membership 70, Sunday Se rollment of 60, with Frank Murphy Superintendent. St. Louis ome esc aan Located at Gum Branch. In 1885 Simon ea ae saan ae ing and holding meetings in an old outhouse on a i iar a site as that of the present structure. The next p Til Reverend Haddock of Jones County. Soon Be ay: was completed under the leadership of Reveren eae Sr. This building was later burned down, and a atte sist belie by Reverend Reaves. Now the old Reaves a 1 eg ee replaced by a handsome building which would be a much larger congregation. : © peal Among the first members at St. Louis were Joe Spencer a é . Ve wife, Dinah, Jim Spencer and his wife Eliza, and ee ane erend Tony Pearsal was an early preacher. The “ae construc: is the Reverend A. J. Kornegay, Jr., who leads in Feralas tion of the new building. The membership Aan oe Sie the property should be valued at about $25,000. aan inten School Superintendent is Herman Hyman. The cle White. (Thanks to Mamie and Lucy Jones.) Union Baptist rille-Ri ds Highway. The church is located on the Jacksonville-Richlands Ae Organized in 1935 by Reverend M. B. pias Na iets was the first pastor. First Deacons: George Sie my re ide Petteway, Charlie Jones, W. B. Basnight, Ssed foe heniding tus Petteway, John Thomas and C. T. Hea mide reate GOH was of frame. The present brick structure W Cae (eta pletely enclosing the old building which they The membership until the new one was ready for inside finish. V enrolls 50, with now numbers 60 persons. The Sunday pane, the present Oscar Shepard Superintendent. W. C. 0 is eee enout pastor. Ruth Shepard is the clerk. The property $25,000.00. Kellumtown First Baptist The First Baptist Church of Kellu Henry McClammie, Lessie Tyrance, oe veille, George and Estelle Elleby went ou mtown began in 1939 when Brown, Pearl Fon- nae om Marshall Chapel 3808 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW and were joined by Edna Shepard to start a new Mission and a new church. Soon Delitha Fonveille, Dolphus Hawkins and his twin Dorothy Hawkins were recruited as new members. Reverend B. G. Washington preached and Dissouri Chadwick organized a Sunday School. ' The third year the evacuees from the Marine Base bought the land around the church and began to build homes there. The first building was of wood but a new building is now under construction which will be much larger, more modern and attrac- tive as a church home. The membership numbers 85, the Sunday School enrolls 67 members. Edna Shepard is Church Clerk. Church Organized Members Sandy Run RA Ria os Bee S64! 218 Marshall Chapel __ __ de td Bh SIO) 130 St. Louis Chapel cies rowe a ~.--1885 104 Jenkins Chapel _--_ 7 ly a oy wh lal Lf fo) 91 Evening View _____ aries. a a ALEXIS} 86 New Dixon Chapel oe AA NG 08 65 Washington Chapel ___ Yee EE ba 94 fe 191154! Jacksonville First __ Set eee Cree RerUT OA: Union Baptist _____ ri reo he AD OS e935) Kellumtown First ___ St. Stephens __ Belgrade First _ Total Membership ____ THE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH The Primitive Baptist Churches (Colored) with their loca- tions are as follows: Mariah’s Chapel, Highway 17, South Hartsfield Chapel, near Bell Fork Edna’s Chapel, Rhodes Town Jacksonville-Richlands Road Catharine’s Chapel, Richlands-Gum Branch Road Foy’s Chapel, near Verona THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH The AMEZ Church had been in operation in the Noa number of years, but the first appearance in NO was in 1864, ‘ He The statistical table that year shows North Speers ated composed of one preacher, two elders, three ree oie church buildings, 2,654 members and 1,414 Sunday bers. a New Bern joined the connection ttt Ria’ ang, ea Edwar Hill as its representative to the General Conterence. scent That there were 2,654 colored Methodist in the state is a counted for by missionaries sent here fr and by work done by Asbury and others 0 nation. ria Nearly all of the AMEZ ministers who came to Onslow ca from the New Bern area. The number of ess See organized in 1869-1870 leads to the conclusion that " ate Lane Church was planted here by a promotion sponsored by church at New Bern. i There were a number of native members she comme pe longed to white churches who joined the new in ey nomination as soon as the opportunity presented itself. om northern states f the AME denomi- St. Thomas at Swansboro : St. Thomas AMEZ church stands about a mile weet oat bridge on the old road just beyond the White Element a ate ald Nash Bell, who was born in 1875, says the para nite as long as he can remember. He attended chure a small boy. He thinks the approximate founding o be about 1869. The house has recently been repaire “i Kigreate Some of the early members were: Nelson Blount an aaeaite Celia, Isaac J. Bell and wife aera gees 2 E. r, and Philip Chavis and wife, Caroline. ae itr is reaae there being few colored ore aed Swansboro, but the few have tried to hold the Serta - a In spite of its long life it has a membership 0 rena 20 persons, and a Sunday School of about the same St. Paul at Silverdale i of The first church of the St. Paul congregation was made logs and stood about two miles east of the enema 4 Bertha Evans, who was born in 1884, thinks tha ora. She minister was Reverend Badger of New Bern oe baer moved was converted there and was about 15 when to Palo Alto. 310 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Mr. David Aman offered a site about three miles toward Bel- grade from the present location, which was accepted and a plank church erected. The Reverend John E. Morris was the minister there for 20 years. He was also a teacher and a leader of the community. In 1906 a deed was made by Eli and Sabrah Ambrose to trustees: John Mattocks, Lorenza Taylor and John E. Morris, and a frame church was built on the present site. This building was wrecked by a hurricane. When the church was to be rebuilt blocks and bricks were used which will, when completed, be a modern and practica] church structure. The minister who brought the congregation to Silverdale was the Reverend Andrew Rober- son of New Bern. The present (1960) minister is the Reverend H. E. Hagler, who is located there. The membership numbers a little over 100. The Bible School enrolls about 60, with Zennie Jones as Superintendent. (Thanks to Reverend H. D. Mattocks and Bertha Evans.) St. Julia at Jacksonville Services of the future St. Julia church first began in 1873 at a log cabin on the lands of Washington Humphrey some miles west of Jacksonville. Just who the first minister was is not clear now, but some of the early members were Jake and Carrie Sanders, Dolph and Maude Everett, John and Marinda Aman, Ed Hill, a brick layer, and his wife from Swansboro. During the 1890’s meetings were held in one of the millhouses which stood near the railroad trestle. A lot was acquired in Georgetown. John and Selia Pittman deeded the land in 1898. The services were held in the old academy until a frame building was completed. This building was used until 1908, when a lot was secured in Jack- sonville, acquired by deed from A. D. Everett and Maude, to trustees A. D, Everett, John Aman, Ed Hill, Cape Jones and L. Jarman. (Onslow Registry, Book 97, P. 497) A frame church was built which was used until 1941 when it burned to the ground. Upon seeking a permit to rebuild, it was learned that no wooden construction would be allowed so it was decided to use cement blocks instead. A contract was let to one “Perry” of Kinston, who was to make the blocks and lay the walls for an agreed sum. Misfortune still tagged along, however, for one day while eating lunch Perry accidentally drank from a bottle of acid used for cleaning brick instead of a soft drink he had intended. He was rushed to a hospital in Kinston, but he died from the effect of the acid. When construction was resumed it was determined to use brick instead of blocks. Some 3,000 bricks were secured from THE CHURCH IN THE COUNTY 311 a recently built school building surplus and with others a new sanctuary was completed in 1942. ‘ Mr. aa deeded es additional lot of ground at reaper ea in 1955, which nearly doubled the ground area. Imme y 14 foot extension was added to the church. The completed building measures 40 x 72 feet. Pee e000) The parsonage was built in 1954 at a cost of abou pi Mention should be made here of the fact that nore ue one of the members, secured a permit and raised $1,600. use on the parsonage. Others did well too. : The probable value of the church property today Seats The membership numbers 185 persons, with a a aHohee Tha enrollment of 80. The superintendent is Serena pe ae minister is the Reverend A. W. Williams, who is 8 sixth year with the church. Union Chapel When the United States Government took over Oech the Marine Base along New River in 1941, Lae ae ic Creel stood on Hadnot Point, and Hazels Chapel stood on ae ore The two churches being forced to evacuate united the: to buy a new site on Highway 24, on the Se oe Road. A lot was secured from Ella Henderson Faint Chavel new building begun. They called the new chure AMEZ. t Today there is a membership of 74, a Sunday School enrollmen of 30. The Superintendent is Alvin Hobbs. St. Stephens at Belgrade A deed was made to Nash Mattocks, Meadows by John C. Bell for sas ant pe roviding that when the church cease wont pe to the Bell heirs. A building was paduaer ae completed, being razed by a storm before pines oars > Blt happened during the twenty-five years 1S nek Ne Aye The present building was begun in 1935 and complete Schcolehroll! church membership is about 85 and the Sunday ment about the same. hn John Duncan and Jo ptember 27, 1910, operate the title Little Zion at Sneads Ferry A deed for the land on which Little in 1885 by Fannie Sidbury and Burges Stump Sound AMEZ Church, a eras nap and John Everett. According Ae 4 lay in “the old Willie Field” on “A road running Main Road to the Creek” containing thr. caer Evidence collected in the community inalca ion now stands was deeded ae "Williams to Trustees of h Mumford, Joseph Bur- he description the land from the ree quarters of an acre. the church is 312 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW older than the deed, but impression would indicat as St. Thomas and St. Paul, suggestin gelist may have been sen: ut the same time. quite the same as AME know what the difference is, conferences with different bishops. was made by Captain H. Rhodes, Pearl Humphrey, dated February 1, 1903. i e beginning of the organization of the church is not known. Another deed to the ch wife. There seems to be no record ke makes difficult the ascertaining of th most Methodist churches. The membership numbers about 100 School enrollment of about 65. Haw Branch AME (Book 81, Page 362) y A. Z. Jarman and pt by the church, which e facts. This is true in members, with a Sunday land made over by Jonas o leks Trustees for Haw Branch AME Church, for Three Dollars. (Book 49, Page 349) Whether the church was an organized body before that time, , but it is believed that service i i schoolhouse, for a year or two before that. The church is doing much good work in the Haw Branch community. Blooming Hill sr the old Fire Tower site. Bibliography: Onslow Registry Book 43, Page 464. March 2, 1885. Personal visits to personnel of the churches, Bradley: A History of the AME Zion Church. Positive proof is lacking. The general e about 1870, or about the same time g that an organizing evan- ‘ea, who succeeded in plant- Z, but no one seems to except that they meet at different APPENDICES REA A GEOLOGICAL PAPER ON THE ONSLOW A and the earth and ‘So much change has the thousands of Cons ly grasp the idea or h have come about. ars, been studying them have learned “In the beginning God created the HEN the earth was without form and veld taken place on this planet of ours seas turies since that time that we can sc ee picture in our imagination the chans’s ae Geologists have, for over a peries ae the soils and rocks of the earth an Sens aenihee totale much about the substances and formati i boot SIME up the earth. Based on these findings one periods of time certain definite changes took place in a periods with the ac- during the earth’s existence. Indeed ea Tat hey Gann BS companying changes are so clearly te many of these very classified into Eras, Periods and aan units of time for our definite periods, subdivided into smaier s ion. { wor tae no one knows when a oe is and each of them overlapped LS Het, “Beginning” may be roughly divide riod began or ended, t the time since the The Divisions of Time ; up of i 1. The Azoic Era, in which the ee was made up rocks and contained no life of any kin 7 p ates Seu ea 2. The Proterozoie Era, in which ewe se Re cuttlefish, and the earliest forms of life asa ae mussels, oysters, clams and other shellfis : habit ein 3 The Palezoic Era then followed, aoa hes of the sea and life “mentioned above, may be added the fis the beginnings of plant life. 4. Next came the ee reptiles, such as Dinosaur, Snakes, etc.; some of which could fly as a th had become chalky. By this time the surface rocks of the ea Have aetialine 5. The Cenozoic Era, the first part of ie of mammals upon aN rti Period, began with the appeara Is were able to main- th carth That these warm blooded ap indi ates that vegetable aint mselves and nurse their young 1n Daa Nee cloneawatl and marine life had by that time Persicanoisie Era, known plentiful. During the latter part of ue pon aHeteae nvand as the Quarternary Period, ea bade and continues to ; ow ’ life in the form that we now kn the present time. gneous i i ich saw middle life, whic : ovens Turtles, Greco bird, inhabiting the earth. 314 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Some scientists estimate the ages of the earth to run about as follows: 1. The Azoic Era—50% of elapsed time. The Proterozoic Era—25% of elapsed time. - Palezoic Era—1214% of elapsed time. . Mesozoic Era—6y, % of elapsed time. Cenozoic—Tertiary Period, 80,000 years ; Quarternary Per- iod, 40,000 years. Formations Deposited In the centuries which have gone by since the Azoic Era the earth, both land and water, has been undergoing a constant change. Besides the natural process of weathering, the eleva- tion of land and sea have varied from time to time, the sea at one time coming up on the land as far as the Sand Hill section of the state, 500 feet above its present level. How long the sea remained at each level we do not know, but at each recession the water left as its high-water mark an abandoned beach-level in the form of a terrace, and deposited silt and sediment over the inundated area, now known to geologists as “formations,” each of which is of a distinct type, and has been classified and named. The Terraces, 6 in number, across the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, descend like giant steps from the Piedmont to the sea. Beginning with the La Fayette, which runs through the counties from Fayetteville to Rocky Mount and Halifax, the succeeding terraces known as the Coharie, the Sunderland, the Wicommico, the Chowan and the Pamlico follow each other in the order named as we travel toward the sea; the Pamlico being the low level North and East of Beaufort, and a strip of sand about 10 miles in width along the sea shore from Beaufort to Wilming- ton. The Cenozoic Era mentioned above may, for convenience, be divided and subdivided as follows: Cenozoic Era—Tertiary Period: Eocene Age (Castle Hayne), Miocene Age (Trent), Pleiocene Age; Quarternary Period: Pleis- tocene Age (Sand), Recent. Onslow County is underlain by deposits of three principal ages. The lowest and oldest is the Castle Hayne marl of Eocene Age which underlies the county North and West of Jackson- ville, through Duplin and Pender Counties, extending westward to beyond the North East Cape Fear River. The next younger is a shell rock called the Trent Marl of Miocene Age which un- derlies a triangular area between Jacksonville, Silverdale, and the head of White Oak River, reaching northward to beyond New Bern. The Pleistocene Sand is of recent formation. 315 GEOLOGICAL PAPER ON ONSLOW AREA The Castle Hayne Formation F ‘ of The Castle Hayne Formation, which reap es 2 eee se 50 feet, underlies the northern third of the cou 4 f peated up of Calcerous Marls, and fossiliferous limestone, i ic deposit with porous layers of sand and resting a i bre sare “4 base several feet thick. The formation crop sane then’ seen at Sabiston’s near Jacksonville, N. C., at nrancks farm, Chapel and Doctors Bridges. The 5 ae cannes along farms all near Richlands. Also it is especially He Comfort in the Trent River shore on the Simmons farm lution channels Jones County. The sand layers and also the ia yh Gti due to in the limestone furnish water in large supp Bias that found its lime content is hard, but to a lesser degree in the Trent. The Trent Formation s a thick- The Trent Formation, which in some places reaches a y rtion of the county ness of 100 feet, and which covers that por aa the head of ane eon ieee cae Bee Marl, Fossiliferous White Oak River, is made up than a liitesténg and sandstone deposits. Oyster ee te Trent. foot in length have been found in the Hew so pendubt eontaln This region is underlain by limestone sheer ae satanniaibed ing cavernous and solution channels which ur ily hard, due to supply of artesian water. The water 1s eo ies sometime its calcium (lime) solution content, and contal ' to excess. Bee vels and : sand, gra The Pleistocene Formation consisting of tle and conceals loams cover the tidewater surface like a as and there on the older formations except in onteerepDiags ata also contains cuts, rivers, banks, hillsides, etc.; this s percents aa water usually not so plentiful, so hard, or © iron as the older formations. New River Formed hanged During the Pleistocene Epoch the level of the ocean © d- : kk and forth accor: several times and the shore-line shifted erates 42 feet ingly. One of the stands of the sea was ime lay some- abit ite present level. The seashore at that time lay where near Jacksonville. valleys were cut in the former sea Soh flooded the cuts, t above present sea level a i level, and Hig cea e hale the ocean was at its lower = iver. } : now New Rive converted them into estuaries, one of which is 316 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW White Oak River was probably formed at the same time and in the same way. Sea level then fell considerably below its present level but later rose to its present position. The ocean is said to be rising again slowly but surely over the land at the present time, but a lifetime is too short to detect the change by natural observation. Bays and Pocosons The Bays and Pocosons occupy depressions in the old sea bot- tom. Some of them appear to have been original hollows. Others may have been formed by the removal in solution of limey rocks below the surface. Lakes Catharine Lake and other smaller lakes in the county were formed from cavities under the surface of the earth. These cavities came about in the solution of the limestone rocks, and in time grew to the proportions of underground caverns. The caving in of these caverns produced craters in the earth, which when filled with water, became lakes. Some of the lakes have neither inlet nor outlet, but the water remains clear because its supply is based on subterraneous channels which are con- stantly flowing from a higher level toward the ocean, thus pre- venting stagnation. Springs Springs are currents of water issuing from the ground. They originate from surface water as rain or snow and are of two kinds: Intermittent and Perennial. Intermittent springs flow only at intervals. Their sources usually being nearby and depend- ent on seasons of rainfall for a supply. Perennial springs originate from sources which furnish water constantly. Practically all strata in the Coastal Plain inclines toward the ocean. Water which falls to the earth as rain or snow penetrates through the ground until it comes to a layer of rock or impassable earth which it follows along until it comes to an outlet at the foot of some cliff. Sometimes the sources of a spring must be sought in mountains or uplands, hundreds of miles away. In their underground journey spring waters absorb mineral elements from the earth. If they become strongly impregnated, they are known as mineral springs. Saline springs contain salt; sulphur springs, compounds of sulphur ; chalybeate springs, iron; caleareous springs, lime; calcareous springs are hard or limewater and so on. Probably the most widely known springs in Onslow are the 317 GEOLOGICAL PAPER ON ONSLOW AREA ; p it! Alum Spring at Catharine Lake which was at one time the site of the County Home, and the Wantland Spring ag eat ene of the concrete bridge across New River at ae se ae = importance of springs in the lives of the early se ion of this later seen when it is known that because of the Ween ncthe spring that James Wantland built ante AS eile following its destruction operation of a ferry sree eee Bie site for locating the new Court Hous: by a storm at old Town Point, then the town of goons Hee The act for erection of the new Court House ae rane be situated near a good spring. Wantland, being a & d man, donated a parcel of land for the Court House and allowe : of the dona- the use of his spring. The acceptance by the Co ie ehick tion changed Wantland’s Ferry into Onslow Court later became known as Jacksonville. i i es G Bibliography: Letter, W. C. Mendenhall, Director United Stat Survey, Washington. ; 5 UG United States Geological Survey a oa ek Peper Naas 2. North Carolina Geological and Economic Survey, eological w 3 = z 6 3 a can AvoM Uae SPRINGS Ricwanns IHustrating Geological Formations in the County “THE CALF PASTURE OF THE CONFERENCE” By M. H. Moore That is what the preachers of my conference called yan circuit. It was by no means an insignificant field, judg the area it embraced or by the numerica bership. There were seven congregations to be arent a alone territory to be covered extended perhaps thirty m rand the Onslow Bay and half as far back into the interior. wgele circuit had been supplied for years and years by youne ay, writ in their first year in the itinerancy, and from ie 5 2 AGTE the sobriquet. It had manifested a marvelous capacity ae open taining a certain standard of its own from year mn ai world defiance of the spirit of progress in other pertaie ing of the and in positive contradiction of the oft-repeated BENE ae ligion.” preachers that “there is no such thing as standing 2 pera Perhaps, too, its name was against it; it was so easy f of the “Qnslow” into “on slow.” Certain it is that the ecgh t field conference bore testimony to arrested development in pier oh whatever the cause. For the year preceding my. Ben paid with it they reported the sum of $199.70 as hapa aan ad the pastor as salary. Considering the fact that Me d that such been planted there for more than a hundred years ew others of heroic spirits as Pilmoor, Asbury, McKendree, this was by the pioneer days had proclaimed the gospel there, ding elder no means an encouraging report. That good, old presi es to Dr. William Closs, said to me, when I had been SomERsien at go there: “I have known Onslow circuit for ee it. It it is just the same now that it sae Oe a eae has not lost a thing, and it has not gainea a é P The idea—now ts entirely obsolete to be called gldstapous —that it was good for a young man to bear the yoke in y 4 A e in 1879. was strictly in vogue in the North Carolina Conferenc eee One of the first and most important lessons a saunS yy eat had to learn was “how to stand trials.” Bape ana aie educational equipment were desirable, but no schoo mere to take place of the training school of hard parvicest Bat than a diploma from Vanderbilt was allowed to es tte preacher from appearing before the committee 0 be ae on the “ordinary branches of an English eougeens Oe react preacher, vain of his college diploma, had ventnree Aes Dr. Closs, “Where were you educated ye and the wit! enna became a standing joke in the conference: ‘At the plo pes ee —an institution with which I suppose you are not acdu : 320 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW A young preacher’s two years’ probation in the conference was mainly for the purpose of testing his mettle and ascertaining if his capacity for endurance justified the faith of his friends that he had the making of a preacher in him.” Onslow circuit had long been a favorite field for such experiments that it may be said to have won its sobriquet fairly. It was understood that if a young preacher “made good” there, his presiding elder would say of him at the next session of conference: “He has done a faithful year’s work, Bishop, in a hard field, and is entitled to a better appointment.” It Was an open secret, however, that many of the pastors sent to this circuit had not depended al- together on the proverbial insight of presiding elders into minis- terial mettle, but had shown a decided inclination to find wives among the daughters of Onslow, and to come to the next session of conference with a married man’s claim on the appointing power—a claim which in those chivalric days was sometimes thought to secure promotion as surely and as promptly as mettle and merit. When my appointment was announced many of the preachers began to twit me good-naturedly about my calf pasture, and to tell all manner of stories of the life of the people there. One wanted to know if I had ever hunted bears, another if I had ever had any experience with panthers, another if I could ride a banker pony. All sorts of fun they made of the prospects be- fore me. Of course I understood the spirit of this teasing, and did not take seriously the pictures they drew of my future hard- ships in the calf pasture. Indeed, I was so full of the thought of preaching the gospel, so well assured of the high honor of being permitted to preach it anywhere, that I really did not give myself a moment’s concern about any inconvenience to which I might be subjected. My predecessor, having been duly promoted to a station, gave me the “plan” of the circuit made out in due and ancient form, and soon after the adjournment of conference I was mounted on a good horse and starting out on the one-hundred-and-sixty-mile ride to my first appointment. If I had any serious misgivings as to my well-being in the calf pasture, they would surely have been dispelled by the kindnesses showered upon me by the good people of Tabernacle church, where I preached my first sermon. I knew that the people had asked that an elderly man be sent them as pastor that year. I knew that they had come to believe that the long succession of boy pastors had seriously interfered with the proper development of the charge, and I knew full well that the beardless boy in the pulpit that day was antipodal to all that they had deemed necessary for the progress of the Work; but I would never have known their views by their greetings. Their 321 ” “THE CALF PASTURE OF THE CONFERENCE i jections. I was ap- church loyalty buried all their previous objections. é ing more was pointed by the bishop; I was their preach Baie 5 a uekporn said about the need of an elderly man. Beh. transparent to wide open to me with a cordiality that eee a boarding place, be misunderstood; and when I inquired oes my making their George Mattocks and David Aman insisted 0 that the only way houses my home with such genuine ead time between the out of the matter was for me to divide my ; n two; nor weuld either ever accept one ce for the preacher’s board. I may pee ae Sale: but I will say just here that the simple hanes cbaKet ide the salary seemed, I had more clear ae oy GAG REEHOL year in that calf pasture than I have hee eae or large district in all the thirty years 0 ry vatveteatt (panties Tabernacle had shown me the bright si wansboro. NA i Ww et to see Swans mm but there was another side. I] was ae Recta and a thron first appointment there was on a ae sen abies When: the of curious people came to hear the a5 acomacl and welcome service was over I waited for some oe 0) einen patient me as at Tabernacle, but in vain. fa eee s aieseuinrial Ee a word except one young man, who rema: imself ++ liohts he introduced himse a specail eae Bie nd the night? I told and ask re I was going to Spe I was par- ive rin ee debatable question ae as ak hestiad tio ticularly interested in at that moment. dled hopes fell at that himself (My! how my newly kindled hol ter, and would Bons imse hat he boarded with his married sister, steeped eae ee ae his room with me. This Le eaenaiterente a i lacrity sufficient to silence any pe et took occasion ey a ‘neler ae provided. The next morning he utterly dis- ae thank my hostess for her hospitality, Nee ne she would comfited me by remarking that she bed an my inquiring the never see another Methodist preacher. 4 d made ‘ i redecessor ha’ cause of her special aversion, she said my P: ins, and that r hus angry by reproving hin ea preacher faa feat et unpleasant since that time i Me cence ness fi the house. As I had learned es Leernidenlleaat and sambling and licentiousness of the li hile claiming ‘ who, W: help delivering my soul to this poor On ea rortiengodleds to be a follower of Christ, had so easily y: od. The fa off toward Queen’s Creek in a ST ila Bro- Swansboro reception had dampened my ar nai while waiting for ther Costen’s I stopped over for dinner, ; oe lutrorttehe little the meal took down a volume of Asbury s hae entry “I think I library. As I opened it my eyes fell on 822 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW shali have no more appointments between Wilmington -and Newbern. The people of Onslow resemble the ancient Jews; they fear not God, and are contrary to all men.” I think I have quoted it correctly. I have not read it from that day to this, but the words were burned on my brain in the mood that I was in that day. They resounded in my ears as I rode along the lonely, sandy road and looked at the stunted pines by the wayside and listened to the monotonous song of the sea. I had not then learned that even America’s great pioneer bishop sometimes had the blues, and that his judgment was not infallible. Two weeks later I had an afternoon appointment at Swans- boro. How glad I was that I was to be there in the afternoon instead of at the evening hour! It afforded me an opportunity of seeking in the country the hospitality which I had found So scant in the little town. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, but I found no one at the church. Was this place to be utterly closed against me: As I wandered a small boy came up and handed me the key to the church, saying: “Here’s your key, sir; Mr. Ward’s gone off, and he told me to give it to you when you come.” “Is anybody coming out to preaching?” I asked. “T dunno, sir.” “And what are you going to do?” “Goin’ fishin’, sir.” I went into the church, and taking the Bible from the pulpit, began to read. Then I got down on my knees at the altar and ged boy preacher poured out the agony r of God, I did it then and there. And wered me as surely as to Jacob. When I arose from my knees the street was filled with people coming to church. The house was filled. The peace of God was in the boy preacher’s heart and the unction of the Spirit was on his lips. Never can I forget the services which followed. Tears rolled down cheeks unused to Weeping; “amens” came from lips that had not uttered them for many a day. My courage was so revived that the depression I had experienced seemed a thing of the long ago. My faith reached out for the salvation of Swansboro. And then a thought came to me as an inspiration. My quarterly meeting was advertised for a month hence, but by some oversight the place had not been selected for the meet- ing. Why not ask Swansboro to invite the body? I put the question to the congregation and every hand went up. When the benediction was pronounced, the people thronged to the pulpit to invite the young preacher home and to assure him that the latchstring was always on the outside of the door. Never again did I dread going to Swansboro. ey 323 “THE CALF PASTURE OF THE CONFERENCE , at When I got back to George Mattocks’, he told me of a gre idge had occasion that was to transpire in a few days. eran Ae been built across White Oak river, a abonsiseen Stouttiarihe Onslow from Jones county, and which se a uheuBtidée wide arm of the sea at that point. The building ae had been a costly enterprise for the two eects a agnidal pletion was to be celebrated with great uate} eee phrenologist of great local influence was to a Sra hee and a great crowd was expected to be prese bedi by attend- sured me that I “could get acquainted with every ing” and I determined to do so. ‘acai: The crowd proved to be all that Mattocks ioe seit e Barker made the address, as announced, ie = edu e ues inject into it not a little of his skepticism. ee Ups te the applause that was given to his sneers a se a case ee impressed with the fact that he was pec ene Fea darest ordinary ability and of large information. A eche corners I was introduced to him as the new ee ae “Dr, Barker, His greeting was friendly, and I ventured to : istian.” an ee : “Se nea ates Wiens do I; but God made me deficient 0 : , i ’t believe.” faith, sir. My credulity is small, sir. Can’t ea A sr Pen His answer came rapidly, unconcernedly, it the poor little with a certain pity rather than nana him) Then’ he preacher who had made such a silly remar hanges people— proceeded: “Now, you say that your Eee ‘inclinations, and makes them new creatures, takes away ne < You say. that imparts pure and good desires and aspira parle pt calsanio old things pass away, and that the Pace there is a new more, and the man who lied, lies no more; eee hexStean birth—a birth to righteousness by the Paere seairge srt answer to prayer. Now, sir, hon many mem When I told him, he continued: porrow Yen and how many of them do you ies peers Hee a hundred dollars without executing a sen Dr. Koonce, on many of them can equal in integrity my Ire nd knows nothing my side of the river, who has no specs eae isieveryainch of any supernatural work of the Spirit, bu bond? You haven't a man and a gentleman, whose word is his i a single one, Mr. Moore; and unti 5 ° it.” i '. Koonce I can not believe 1n 1 was too Lanois rouble about my situation was that there : e number of much truth in Barker’s charge we did anes up to any nominal members whose lives would no t a professing Christ- correct standard; and Dr. Koonce, while no ] your religion can produce 824 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW ian, had in his forty years’ practice in that community built up a reputation for sweetness of disposition for high integrity of character, which any Christian might well covet. And I parted with Dr. Barker that day with the feeling that he had had the best of that little debate. But “God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to per- form.” It was not to be the end of my relations with Dr. Barker. The very next Sabbath Dr. Koonce attended the Jones circuit quarterly meeting and heard a sermon from Dr. Closs which sent him home to read his Bible and pray for personal salva- tion as he had never done before. On the following Wednesday, at his home, Dr. Koonce was “glorious converted.” He fairly “rode on the sky” in his new joy, and was anxious to be baptized and join the church as soon as possible. Puckett, the boy preacher on the Jones circuit, was, like my- self, unordained; so the result was that Dr. Koonce determined to come to Swansboro to my quarterly meeting, be baptized by my presiding elder, Dr. Burkhead, and go back to his home church. Of course Dr. Barker came along to see his old friend take his new vows. And as I saw them drive over the bridge which Barker had dedicated, Dr. Koonce full of peace and joy and Barker looking as I imagined Cornwallis looked at Yorktown, I began to feel that evil is not so triumphant in the world after all. Lingurn S. Burkhead was the greatest presiding elder I ever knew. At that time he was about fifty-five years old, straight as an arrow, conscious of the irresistible power of the Truth, and with a directness and execution that I never knew in an- other, he delivered the gospel he had been commissioned to preach to men of high and low estate alike. After preaching on Saturday morning, he called on Dr. Koonce to make a state- ment of his religious experience before taking his baptismal vows. The scene that followed was a memorable one. There was not a dry eye in the house. I can see Barker now as he sat there with the great tears trickling like rain down his cheeks. The invitation was given for penitents to come to the altar. One of the greatest sinners in Swansboro came forward under mighty conviction. The announcement was made that the services would be protracted indefinitely. When the congregation had been dismissed for the morning, Dr. Burkhead walked down the aisle of the church to where Barker was standing, and, taking him by the hand, said simply: “Barker, why didn’t you come to the altar this morning?” One boy preacher was looking on in amazement and asking himself: “Is this the way to treat infidels? Is this the way to 325 “THE CALF PASTURE OF THE CONFERENCE ove the unbelief of deal with learned skepticism, and to rem ae ne mighty minds—simply to ask a man why he didn’t g altar?” Heads But Barker’s answer astonished me no less eed Ae ote directness and courage: “I knew I should pate arte: but ‘conscience makes cowards of us all. soiree eae Oa morrow; but I am coming Monday, and sha and we will both seek conversion.” depot Now, at the risk of being accounte ) ee am going to make a confession. I did not believe that Ba ist- would be seen at that meeting. I was sure as I was of my ex: : are ide out of reach ence that he would sleep of his conviction and hi oe Lome” of Burkhead’s bullets. “O, ye of little faith!” Not pb a ea ing went on with increasing interest and nae there was Dr. thronged. On Monday morning sure enoug tion to penitents Barker with his wife. And when the invita be the altar. It was given, they were the first to arise and go Nore a eNeD was but an instant before he arose with a sp isa Barker, lead his face. “Let us pray,” said Dr. Burkhead. ; us in prayer.” ‘ new So oe had the arms of rebellion been erounes ‘ Fen He first recruit been commissioned for warfare for on 1 me to undo sentence of Dr. Barker’s prayer was: pee oe the life that the evil that I have done.” It was the keynote that hour until he was to live, the battle he was to wage ieee dead suddenly that day, a few years later, when he droppe and went to meet his ascended Lord. a ean hennows After that the revival grew like fire in dry ine af Napoleon of Dr. Barker’s conversion was like the ue i ‘ at Waterloo. The doubting Thomases ile: vow Saul of Tarsus hi : ivable; but thi ! first; the thing was inconceivable ; bu eatingeto spoke for himself He went with me from one m . i Jory from one another, and Onslow circuit was In a blaze ike eons we end to the other. I shall never forget his - . rks were : ‘ opening remal Tabernacle as a witness for Christ. His op eu in a new after this fashion: “My friends, I appear pe au nticel: role today. You have known me as a skep aoa have never as a drinking man, and as a profane ak you one side thought of me as a Christian man. ae al that you knew of of my life that you never knew. Back of a boyhood prayed me there was a good old father who fone his boy and lead morning, noon and night that God would 4 spare aliaed atin him to Christ. That was a long time a eee have been like morning that those prayers of that old fa iaoy dave® bread cast on the waters that returns after , oubting Thomas,” I 326 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The effect was electrical. Strong men broke down and sur- rendered as Barker had surrendered, and I found myself lead- ing one victorious charge after another until, broken down by continuous labor, I became the victim of that malarious section and was prostrated by a long spell of fever. And through that sickness the angels of mercy were many. The good Doctor came twenty miles to visit me and would not have a cent in compen- sation. Sister Aman was like a mother. I could not have been more tenderly cared for in my father’s house. At the following session of conference my presiding elder said of me when my name was called: “Bishop, he has had the greatest revival known in that section since the war, and there is no reason why he should not be returned except that he de- serves a better appointment,” and, as the conference counted such things, I was promoted. But I have never ceased to thank God for the calf pasture. The experience there has been worth more to me than any other training I have had. And in the thirty years that have passed I have had occasion to explain certain deficiencies in great preachers by the fact that they had escaped, to their hurt, one year at least in the calf pasture of the conference. —Nashville Christian Advocate. THE HAMMOCK PHILANTHROPY : history Outstanding act of philanthropy im modern Onslow i cialist is the donation by Dr. William Sharpe, nrsierians Le of Philadelphia and New York, of his estate 0: a tin eee the Negro teachers of North Carolina for a samen e ee tion, conferences and other professional uses. puilysae sane interesting one and should be told here more w ilable. j jhe, ‘Dr. Shane has written a book which he calls an autobiography : i na In it he talks “shop,” always an interesting Sanne doctor and a layman, and so informative that eae seceaentel might profit by reading it and with benefit to aa ahdigesds As early as 1914 Dr. Sharpe began hunting Ha cgatG nants along the North Carolina coast. One of his Brees esnnty: was Onslow Rod and Gun Club on New River ee aan he. Charmed by the delightful climate, good hunting F iet to be found shellfish, and above all, the seclusion and ae own” to which d of civilization. f open field and h, wide, level and firm there, the Doctor “just had to have a place es he could retreat from the nerve racking ae : “The Hammock was the answer, 4600 ac woodlands, 4 miles on the Atlantic beac ; ” enough to permit the landing of airplanes. eanuts, “The tad itself was good. Tobacco, cotton, corn, P il, turkey, watermelon and garden crops. Then ae sclera spear- ducks, geese, fishing for channel bass, blue fis Hang of hardshell ing of flounder at night, and above all, oe nd everywhere.” clams, oysters, crabs and shrimp, which a co Hurst and wife The employment by the Doctor of John id the attachment Gertrude as manager-operators of the anion xeaeateitnied which grew up between them, though of di ee of which both the tide in an important transaction, the e i the good for a parties concerned hope and believe will be to long time to come. Time passed on. The Doctor and Hammock time and again. The hopes an purchase had been fully gratified. The Do cauetonoe! the Biblical limitation of three score and ten ve Jo, would deed The story is told that the Doctor and ee saad their only use the property to John and his wife Skins ing been a teacher and behoof forever,” but Gertrude herself, p aon and of those and wishing to express her love of the ve given instead to engaged in it, suggested that the el - their use and en- the North Carolina Teachers Association tor his friends came to The d expectations the ctor was now nearing 328 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW joyment; and the good Doctor agreed both as to the action and to the purpose. Eight thousand teachers thus stand to benefit by the self renunciation of Gertrude Hurst, teacher and housewife, and by the beneficence of Dr. William Sharpe, specialist in neurosurgery and humanity. THE WHITE OAK RIVER By F. L. Morris i transpor- White Oak River served as a highway of travel and i ; the auto- tation for two hundred years before seilgoadenae 50 miles mobile came. It is not a great river—on - ah in northern from its head in the center of White Oak ven into the Atlantic Onslow County to Bogue Inlet, where it empues Ocean. ‘ he camping ground of the Prior to the railroads it had been the jan Point indicate the Indians, and the deep beds of shells at Ce ith or even cen- Indians had opened oysters there for Senet in the mention turies. In old permanent homes of the In r Jones County and of old Indian fields, and Indian Creek in lowe Gracie in. Onslow Indian Camp Branch, a prong of pare 3 County must have been their larger sett em a I eeenaaes renee But these Indians joined the Tuscaroras rs in 1711 and had the settlers along the Neuse and Trent ve settlers began to fled their White Oak homes when the wh! Vi arrive in 1718. : ‘ from Vir- The one came from further north in ae Be She Coun- ginia, Maryland, Connecticut and LE a paeenn oar ordered a ty ee set up in 1722, and in 1723 the Car ABE Beaufort is bridle road laid out from the court house Three years later now) to a plantation on White Oak River. New River, farther the Carteret Court established a ferry over ettlements then be- west, for convenience of travelers to the s ginning on the Cape Fear. ite Oak River settlemen laid out up ne ae RANGE as to location of roads to be la : he Carteret the river on both sides. The question was cat pene This Court, which named a commission to settle ominent men of the commission included twelve of the oe Samuel Jones, Sr., settlement: Richard Pitts, John Rober a nter, Richard Wil- Thomas Houston, John Gillet, Nicholas ai Peter Starkey, liamson, Esq., David Barvs Alesen'sh Grant, 7 i Edmond Lowell. ; names of RohartsHlammis on aa White Oak River pemetinte dae in lower some of these men, as follows: Holston cae line between Jones Jones County ; Hunter’s, formerly Deep ee near Swansboro, and Carteret counties; and in Onslow, Pl Great Swamp. De- Grant’s, and Starkey’s formerly known é* tT te Oak River. scendants of most of these men still live ee and the Colonial On November 23, 1731, Governor Burringto ts grew rapidly, for in 1728 330 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Council set up the new County of Onslow, including White Oak River and two miles to the east. With New River, this gave Onslow two rivers all to itself. But four years later the two miles east was restored to Carteret, and White Oak River became the boundary line. The river continued to be the line until 1778, when Jones County was formed, replacing Carteret on the river’s east side from its head to Black Swamp, three miles below the present town of Maysville. A few years later Jones County was extended further down the east side of White Oak River to Hunter's Creek, present line between Jones and Carteret counties. In 1754, the White Oak Company of the Onslow Regiment of Militia was composed of 86 officers and men. The company area included all the west side of White Oak River from its head to Bogue Inlet, including Queens Creek and westward to Bear Creek. The colonel of the regiment was John Starkey of White Oak River, and the company officers were Stephen Lee, captain; Solomon Grant, lieutenant ; John Dudley, ensign. Sergeants were Theophilus Weeks, Anthony Charlescraft, John Howell and Rich- ard Pitts. Corporals were Peter Badcock and Samuel Spearman, while James Rook was drummer and Charles Hay clerk. That so many men could be found who were able to equip themselves with guns and ammunition for drill and inspection shows the settlement had grown up and was prosperous. The wealth was from turpentine and tar, hides, and “pickled beef and pork,” exported through Bogue Inlet. Turpentine was one of the earliest exports mentioned in Onslow Court minutes of 1734, Pitch-Kettle Branch in lower Jones is the site of early tar-making. Inspectors, appointed by the Colonial Assembly for the im- portant landings, saw to it that only properly cured and casked commodities were shipped. One of the great leaders of the White Oak River community was Col. John Starkey. With the exception of one session, he was a member of the Assembly from Onslow from 1734 until his death in 1765, and he was one of the two Colonial Treasurers from 1750 until his death. As a popular leader in the Assembly, he was a thorn in the side of Governor Dobbs, who removed him from the office of colonel of militia. Dobbs said Starkey got his popularity from “having a bald head, Wearing a plain coat and shoe-strings.” He meant that it was the custom for men in Starkey’s station to wear big wigs and shoe-buckles. Starkey was succeeded as colonel of the Onslow regiment by another White Oak man, Col. Stephen Lee. When the Revolution came on, Edward Starkey, a nephew of Col. John Starkey, was the representative of Onslow County in 831 THE WHITE OAK RIVER in the Provincial Con- presaod of aie Patriot: Case one lies the Crown. Other gresses of the Patriot Cause in caauepamnne Colonial White Oak River men represented Ce packhalselnis7Ol2, Sri che oe nea Seana 1762, John Backhouse 5 of the Convention at Halifax and Richard Wallace in 1762. ae Edward Starkey were members 01 pAeeeys Was ieee declared independence of Britain. oats natn ndetiie also one of the eight men who formed the Sta the Revolution. ; : -aneheraimmies tofethe White Oak River men also did their part : imaaenfandean ion. There were no active Tories 0 i rece ees mae to keep moving the exports See salted made living worth while. Beef and pork Ee Seeemeee near the mouth of the river for the pes ea apt side of the There is tradition of a British raid on t a Kilby Jones gave river at Starkey’s Creek, when Militia ba ihe ‘ward, my men the curious order, “Advance a few, steps bac 7 ” i damage was those Redcoats look mighty dangerous.” But little done. a th of the river was The war over, the village near me eae! Tt had been chartered as a town by the name 0 a known as Week’s Wharf, Bogue and New To Jaen iye tudae d an 2 Later, Swansboro was made a hd nha 1785, and collector of customs appointe vk, Philadelphia, New schooners and sloops arrived from enema Charleston t ilmington, Beaufort, Dartmou ieagnot en ae July, 1789, to March, 1790, eleven ¢ i ? to 65 tons schooners of 15 to 60 tons and eight eae molasses, brought in salt, rum, water tumblers, ballas ‘, qaaifor ther ports coffee, gin, and flour, indicating active ie tell of loved The White Oak community’s maritime pasaenel Jones came ones who went to sea and never returned. i i ‘ne captain, went to sea REE MEE Ghuceiagion cee ea a son at sea. An- ard never came back. Christopher eae fore he returned like other young man was at sea five years De One from the dead. i nufacturing In the days over a century 380, a eee anchored countries arrived loaded with general merc 1d out. Some made at Swansboro until their cargoes were cone selling at both regular trips and the captains pees ap were awaited with retail and wholesale, and their arrivals sg: eee Chapel Swamp for a creek on ee yaar ie thought to mean that the early saan has come down. religious services there. If so, no recor 332 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW But tradition is definite that Peter Starkey held at least lay services at his home, and it is also said that he was an ordained minister of the Church of England. Baptists, who had established a church on New River in 1757, soon thereafter established the White Oak Church as an warmey and in 1791 the Church at Hadnot’s Creek in Carteret County was established with James Sanders as its pastor. The visits of Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury to Swansboro must have created a great impression. On April 6, 1785, Asbury records that he preached “at Swansbury in sight of the sea,” where a few had already joined the Methodist Society. On De- cember 24-25 of the same year he came again to Swansboro and held quarterly meetings, reporting “many people, little religion.” On January 26, 1791, he preached to “a large congregation at a private home on White Oak River” and the next day had many attentive hearers at Swansboro. After this service he returned to a home a mile out of town, but the people found where he was and went out, causing him to write that “Some- times I am tried when I cannot enjoy my hours of retirement.” In the War of 1812, Otway Burns of Queens Creek with other White Oak River men did much in the privateers to win the war on the sea. After that, trade continued with oak and hickory staves added to the exports until in the 1840’s, when cotton came into the trade until the Civil War, during which White Oak River was a line between the forces of the Federals stationed at Newport and New Bern and the Confederates defending the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, lifeline of the armies in Virginia. Several raids were made by the Federal armies into the area, one by way of Maysville towards Swansboro. It was in this raid that Palo Alto Plantation of Mrs. D. W. Sanders was wrecked, furniture carried away, and her carriage loaded with slaves and driven off. Her husband, one of the wealthiest planters of the section, had died in 1860, and her grandson, Daniel Lindsay Russell, later Governor, was away. Her slaves went off except two old Negro women, and she moved to Wilmington, never re- turning to what had been one of the finest homes in the section. It still stands as a memorial to the Age of Cotton. After the Civil War came the sawmills at Stella and Swans- boro, to which logs were floated down creeks to the river, there rafted and towed to the mills, cut into lumber and shipped out Bogue Inlet to northern cities. Also oystering on the four miles of oyster rocks above Swansboro was quite an industry, filling many a can with the delicious bivalves. Steamers brought in fertilizer and merchandise for the stores 333 THE WHITE OAK RIVER i k at Swansboro, Stella and nearby landings, and too away turpen- m Wil- oat e hee 1890’s the railroad was completed fro P sville, about mington to New River, crossing White Oak Sea to Swans- five miles above navigation. This was a disapp their port would boro people, who had hoped that the value oe A branchelie be increased by a crossing at a Sa ae ae at Palo Alto was projected and surveyed to Bunga rate i promote ale Plantation, but it was not built. Other e i ro were projected roads to make use of the port at eG and another from but not built. One was from Goldsboro in Lillington in 1919. : Now the Inland Waterway gives las n greater depth than bog , omni! nesieny be oe LighWaye to inland points which carry ds. ‘no in manufactured goo ducts on automobile trucks and bring 1n Deer roadsdowe Swansboro a north and south Bogue Inlet, and it is con- ven an all RSE raat its Sater the Coastal Highway crosses, gton, and the central parts both sides from Maysville, where \ connecting with New Bern and Wilmin of the State. The river may not be fe e still a very good fishing place to beat, what with its winds from the oc and warming in winter. ssential as in ee ee te its section has a Cll ! ae ean—cooling in summer Ye Old Brick Store Old Ferrand House Both Built by W. P. Ferrand in the 1840's, Swansboro THE LEGEND OF QUEENS CREEK METHODIST CHURCH By Mrs. W. A. Sherratt of Queens Creek Church consisted The very first sanctuary sist as in a benediction of a Green Cathedral, pine boughs arched over the heads of the worshippers—who sat on placed logs as pews. The architect and builder—GOD—@ gift of nature to his children. What could be a more fitting place of worship for the beginning of a church that was destined to live through the centuries— producing, molding and inspiring men as workers as well as worshippers in His vineyard? Here sat men, women and children, eager for the nourishment of the “Bread of Life” the messenger of GOD, known as “The Circuit Rider,” fired with what seemed an inner volcano on the message from our Savior. Through tradition, shop Francis Asbury d 1780. The presided as organizing minis first members were nine men to God and were baptized with water from a brought by one of the communicants and filled from the nearby spring. Those nine included a Burns, 4 Bell, a Coston, a Freeman, Ward. De- a Phillips, a Rogers, a Riggs, a Winberry and a 5 scendants from these original members are now workers in not only this church but in different Christian denominations all over the country. ; The sun and rain beating down on the heads of these earliest parishioners made it advisable to build a brush shelter to ward off these elements of nature. The second sanctuary was estab- lished under these protecting boughs and leaves piled high to form a sturdy shelter. : The next place of worship was puilt by the faithful and loving of the church. A log cabin hands of the early Christian workers near the spring and a short distance present church building. This log structure was replace me building d too small upon the same site in 1816. This, too, soon prove dded rooms on each for the fast growing congregation so they a side. The slaves sitting in a shed on the north, the men on the the center portion. south side and the women and children in iter The original sanctuaries, including the frame puilding of 1816, were built on land given to Queens Creek Church by Jonathan Ketchum, Sr., but the deed-of-gift was nev records. (In those days one considered such unnecessary and even in kind a preach of fai 336 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Mr. Jonathan Ketchum died in 1818 and this land and.his plan- tation surrounding it, which included between two and three thousand acres of land and two mill ponds (one of which was later known as the Henderson Mill Pond and is now in the process of being restored by Mr. J. R. Carroll) were inherited by heirs and soon sold into the possession of other parties. On December 20, 1833, a deed of land was made from “John Morton to James Coston, John Anderson Coston, Erasmus H. Coston, Robert W. Coston, Jonathan Ketchum, II, James Provost, Dan’! Rogers, John Freeman and Michael Barber and their suc- cessors in office as trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States—for the purpose of erecting a building and establishing thereon a house as a place of worship to be under the superintendence of the said trustees and their suc- cessors in office forever chosen and appointed according to the rules and discipline of said church and every respect always sub- ject to the rules and discipline of the general and annual confer- ence of said church in the U. S.” (From the original charter.) The present church is located on this land and was built around 1880. (The writer of this article remembers hearing of one building that was burned, whether that was before this or whether it was the log structure, she has no idea.) It was de- cided to build this one some distance from the old spring and earlier building since some of the members of the congregation thought it better to be nearer and facing the main road. Ma- terial for the building was donated by friends of the church for miles around. The ceiling being given by the then Governor and Mrs. D. L. Russell, who had the lumber shipped by water from Wilmington to Bear Creek, from where it was hauled by oxen to the church. The original pulpit for this building was built by the late Henry Willis and the altar rail was hand- carved from two pine trees which had grown in a curved shape on the old Bell Plantation by the late Ed Markette. The church has been remodeled recently by the present members, some of which are descendants of these who were the first members in the late 1700’s. The old spring of which we hear so much was back of the old log church. It was dug in the side of a hill and walled with logs to keep sand from filling it. The fellowship enjoyed by those dear friends and neighbors as they met there before time for preaching to begin to quench their thirst after the long dusty walks or buggy rides must have been a rich experience in- deed. Among the early pastors of the church were: The Reverends Filmore, McKendree, Coston (Mr. Jimmy), Henderson, Moore, LEGEND OF QUEENS CREEK CHURCH 337 Mattocks, Covington, Tuttle, Petteway, Bell, Starling, Jenkins (whose son is the present pastor at Trinity in Jacksonville), Mc- Call, Reed, Underwood, Bowles and a score of others, each con- tributing his part toward the building of faith and good works. A rich heritage passed on to others who would follow. BY Perhaps the hardest years in its growth were during the Civil War. Both Confederate and Federal troops camped on the church grounds and it is said many of the old fat heart-of-pine-slabs, hand-carved and placed as markers to the earliest graves in the old cemetery were burned in order to furnish some warmth to freezing soldiers. But in spite of trying and discouraging days that followed the war and reconstruction the light of faith and hope was kept ever burning and services at Queens Creek never ceased. Much of the success during these hard years was due to the great faith and work of such dedicated men as John Ander- son Coston, Jonathan Ketchum, Erasmus Coston, Daniel Russell, Bryan Hatsell, Daniel Rogers, Dexter Morton and many, many others of like strong wills and resourcefulness. : Thus, each congregation through the years helps to fix the destiny of generations-to-follow, a continuity which is, in part, eternity. ea - a = = i] Q 2 F] o a a o = ® < EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTY SEAT TOWN Wantland Gives the Site for a Courthouse—1756 “James Wantland comes into open court and agrees with His Majesty’s Justices to lay off and give to the county one acre of land being part of his plantation at Wantland Ferry conven- ient to the river and spring in order to build a court house prison and stocks for the county, and further agrees with the said Justices to lay out so many acres of land convenient to the said courthouse, etc., as may be erected by any person or persons, they paying him at the rate of twenty shillings for every half acre land as they shall want to purchase and will make them good titles to the same.” “James Wantland” “Wit: Wm. Cray January 5, 1756 at courthouse on North East” Onslow Court Minutes, Volume 8, Page 39 * * * John Starkey, Stephen Lee and Carey Godbee were appointed to see the land laid off and to contract with workmen to con- struct the buildings, which they did. But James Wantland died in 1760 and his holdings passed on to William Wantland, but no deed could be found for the land on which the Courthouse stood. William also died and William’s daughter Sarah, with her hus- band James Watson, had settled in Tennessee. In 1798 a deed was made by them conveying the land on which the Courthouse had stood for 24 years, to Edward Ward, Chairman of the Coun- ty Court (Book B, Page 8). A committee composed of Jeremiah Watson, Samuel Scott and Alex Johnston were appointed by the County to confer with Sarah and confirm her part in the trans- action. The committee reported in 1799. (Book B, Page 228, Onslow County Registry.) The Wantlands were large land hold- ers around the Ferry, much of which was sold to William Dennis by the Watsons after they moved to Tennessee. Sarah’s grand- mother was Mary Pounds. She was the wife of James Wantland. An Act for Setting Up Onslow Courthouse Laws of N. C. 1755 An act to appoint the place for erecting the courthouse and prison in the County of Onslow and other purposes therein men- tioned. Whereas by experience it is found that the situation of the courthouse in Onslow County, before it was destroyed by the 340 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW storms was not central and by reason of a wide ferry often im- passable—very inconvenient to the greatest part of the inhabi- tants and that'there are no homes for accommodation near the place; for remedy whereof, I Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Assembly, and by the authority of the same, that the Justices of the County of Onslow shall have full power and author- ity, and are hereby required within the space of six months next after the passing of the act; to erect a courthouse, prison pillory and stocks for the use of the county and to agree with workmen to build and finish the same at Wantland Ferry, in said County. And be it further enacted that so much of the counties taxes heretofore annually levied for that purpose and now in the hands of the Justices shall be applied to the erecting of the said new courthouse prison, pillory and stocks near Wantlands Ferry and to no other purpose whatsoever, and that hereafter all elections and other business of the said County shall be transacted at the said courthouse by this act appointed to be built and erected. And be it further enacted for the convenience of the inhabitants of the said county passing to and from the said courthouse to transact their public business, the ferry called Wantland Ferry at all such times shall be maintained at the county charge to be paid out of the county tax. ; And be it further enacted that so much of an Act en- titled “An Act for appointing and laying out a town at Mittams Point (Old Town Point) on the south side of New River in Onslow County by the name of Johns- ton or so much thereof as relates to holding the court and transacting all other public business for the said county in the town of Johnston is hereby forever hence- forth repealed.” An Act To Establish and Incorporate a Town at Onslow Courthouse In the County of Onslow by the Name of Jacksonville Laws of North Carolina 1842 Section I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina and it is hereby enacted by authority of the same, that a town is hereby established at Onslow Courthouse in the County of Onslow by the name of Jacksonville. EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTY SEAT TOWN 841 Section II. Be it further enacted that the government of said town shall be vested in the following persons; Viz. Buckner House, George J. Ward, Franklin 8S. Humphrey, and Owen Hug- gins, and said Commissioners and their successors in office ap- pointed agreeable to the direction of this Bill shall be and they are hereby incorporated into a body politic by the name of, “The Commissioners of the town of Jacksonville,” and by such name, shall have succession and a common seal, sue and be sued, and by such name shall have power from time to time and at all times hereafter to adopt such rules and regulations and pass such by-laws and ordinances as they or a majority of them may think necessary or expedient for the good government of the town. Section III. Be it further enacted that if at any time here- after any of the persons appointed Commissioners by this bill shall refuse to act or die, or remove themselves away, the re- maining Commissioners being duly qualified shall fill up such vacancy by electing or appointing some other fit person which commissioner so elected or appointed shall have and possess the same power and be under the same restrictions with those in whose stead they were appointed. Br) Section IV. Be it further enacted that jurisdiction and au- thority of said Commissioners shall extend over all the lots or parcels of land that have heretofore been laid off in lots or that may hereafter be acquired from the proprietors of the lands annexed to said town. Ratified the 12th day of December, 1842. Bye wid hs «| 2am pee Present Courthouse Dedicated April 4, 1949 PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITIES THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE For many years the Courthouse, stocks and whipping post made up almost the whole town, and it was called simply “Ons- low Courthouse.” For some time prior to the coming of the Courthouse it had been known as Wantlands Ferry. Here James Wantland op- erated a ferry across the river and a tavern at which travelers found accommodations. In 1752 the county seat town of Johnston was destroyed by a hurricane, and when the question of a more central location for the new Courthouse arose Wantlands place seemed ideal for the purpose. A spring for water was available, which was re- quired, and the ferry was already in operation. The exact details are not named but Wantland gave a parcel of land on which to erect the county buildings and the county assumed operation of the ferry. William Gibson contracted to build the first Courthouse here, which he did in 1756. Here for the first time the building was to have glass windows and to be painted; also, the Judges’ dais was to be raised above the common level. Court was held in the new Courthouse first in 1757. The town remained “Wantlands” until 1785 when a bill was passed setting up a town at the ferry to be named Onslow Court- house, which it remained until 1842 when its name was again changed, this time to J: acksonville, in honor of General Andrew Jackson. The Post Office was established at Onslow Courthouse in 1814, with Eden Bell, Postmaster. The name of the Post Office was not changed, however, until August 20, 1873, Rufus Pelle- tier, Postmaster. The town had been Jacksonville since 1842 so that for 31 years the town had one name and its Post Office another, a very unusual occurrence. The town was described in 1845 as follows: “ONSLOW COURT HOUSE: Post village in Onslow County, North Carolina, situ- ated on the East side of New River. It contains a Courthouse and a few dwellings.” (Haskell and Smith Gazette 1845.) The old town with its Courthouse had lived through the stir- ring times of Revolutionary days, and heard the tramp of the British soldier, has seen the lordly planter in all his glory rise like a meteor only to be cut down by the blood and tears of Civil War. Proud in his history he still voted with the Con- servatives and so avoided most of the horrors of Reconstruc- 844 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW tion. This old courtyard has seen brothers fall out and fight, not only with mud but with rotten eggs as well. Through two World Wars men have marched to the Court- house and pledged their all that the American way might pre- vail in the earth. During the Civil War seven companies were recruited here and forwarded intc the Confederate service. A few of them came back. In the First World War 503 persons served in the various services out of a registration of 2,918 men. These were sent to camp by train from Jacksonville. In the Second World War 1914 Onslow men served in the three services. These were sent to Fort Bragg by bus from Jackson- ville. The Chamber of Commerce Jacksonville has a live Chamber of Commerce. From infor- mation furnished by them we give a summary of some of its activities and facts about the city. The Chamber is awake to opportunities for improving the city’s commercial and industrial potentials; works for the cleaning and beautifying of the city streets, builds good will with farmers, corporations such as transportation companies and others. Committees are named to deal with such lines as agriculture, better business, civic affairs, the securing of a Community College, highway and road promotion, the seeking of industry for the city, military affairs, national affairs, retail] promotion, etc. Indeed, they have a hand in every phase of promoting a better city for better living and increased progress for the trade and educational facilities of the community. In the census of 1940 the population of Jacksonville was re- ported as 873 persons. With the coming of Camp Davis and Camp Lejeune, the town began an expansion program which has continued to this day. The city limits are, however, useful only for administrative purposes. 14,000 persons live within those limits, while in a six mile radius there are approximately 24,000 more, totaling 38,000 in the metropolitan area. The figures for the County, according to unofficial returns are now in excess of 83,000, a trade area of which Jacksonville is the hub, with a purchasing income estimated by the Chamber of Commerce at 64 million dollars annually. According to the same source, there are approximately 3,000 homes in Jacksonville and about 5,560 more in the metropolitan area, making a total of 8,642 homes of which Jacksonville is the local trading center. The business districts of Jacksonville are modern and up-to- date having in excess of 500 retail outlets and professional men PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITIES 345 men in the Greater Jacksonville area. There are 203 re- al eutlete in Jacksonville proper. These can be broken ee as follows: 40 food stores, 39 eating and drinking establishment Ss, 16 general merchandise, 21 apparel, 15 auto dealers, 20 service stations, 4 building supplies and 4 drug stores, and others. as Food and auto sales lead in Onslow County with the tota retail sales of Jacksonville being 2514 million dollars each phe Onslow County retail sales are in excess of 60 million dollars an ne been an enormous growth in the residential areas of Jacksonville during the past ten years. Residential building permits for the years 1953-1957 total in excess of 41% ee dollars, with more than 300 residential units being complete for the years 1958-1959. : ; ee aaa hare good news services, an alert daily pee and two radio stations which subscribe to several of the note rvices. i airmen e can be your home while you hunt and fish in the forests, rivers, creeks and ocean that are in or ene om Onslow County. In our forests and plains there are to be foun bear, deer, quail, rabbit, wild turkey, duck, geese and many irds and animals. f Sore ate ee aed on beautiful New River, which has been known for many generations as a fresh water fisherman’s nse dise. The great game hunting preserve, known as Hoffman Forest, covers 80,000 acres and almost reaches the city. Coastal Highway U. S. 17 runs through dackgonglen. a =a Highway 24 from Beaufort to Fayetteville passes throug e i to west. ; Re has one trunk line railroad, besides a branch une connecting with Camp Lejeune. 26 buses leave ie oe day for points in all directions—besides 30 locals daily, connect- i i amp Lejeune. : See tae good transportation and travel services. Ap- plication has been made for plane service to be established here and the outlook is good, it appears now. ae Jacksonville is today one of Eastern North Carolina’s most ities. The city has grown from a small farming com- res Se people in 1940 to a city of approximately 14,000 « Teo CResnieN for the city is the Council-Manager form. The Mayor is elected at large and the four members of the Council are elected to represent the four Wards of the a The Council appoints the City Manager who is charged wit the administration of the city’s affairs and is responsible to the City Council. 346 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The city has a planning board, recreation commission, ceme- tery commission and a zoning board, as advisors. The various departments of the city are well staffed and organized to give efficient service to its citizens. The city is equipped with modern water and sewage plants with a two million gallon daily capacity each. The city adminis- tration is now making plans to expand both of these facilities to meet future needs. The majority of the streets of Jacksonville are paved with curb and gutter, which was financed through street improvement bonds and property owners assessed to pay off these bonds. All streets that have been paved were by petition of the property owners fronting the street. Jacksonville has a modern fire department with three trucks, a 1200 gallon tanker and a fire prevention truck. Seven full time paid firemen and a voluntary fire department man this equipment. An interested group of individuals are working to establish a two year Community Junior College in Jacksonville. Churches of practically all denominations have congregations in the Jackosnville area. There are 72 white churches and 27 colored churches in the city and county. 386 civic clubs and auxiliaries spearhead, various projects each year to improve the community. Jacksonville is a progressive, planning, working, growing community of friendly people, located in a setting suited to either work or play. SWANSBORO An Act Setting Up the Town and Its First School—1783 We give the law, in large part, as follows: “Whereas, the establishing of public schools at convenient places for the education of youth will be attended with great advantage to the inhabitants of this State; “Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, and it ig hereby enacted by the same, that George Mitchell, Reuben Grant, William Nelms, Joseph Lillibridge and John Pasteur, Esquires, be and they are hereby constituted and appointed trustees with full power and author- ity to receive into their hands and possession all monies which have been heretofore or may be hereafter subscribed for the purpose of erecting a public school in the village commonly called New-Town, at the mouth of White Oak River in Onslow County, and to ask for and demand of the several subscribers all sums by them respectively subscribed; and in case of re- fusal by any of them to pay the same, to sue for and recover PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITIES 347 ion of debt in the name of the trustees, the sum which re noth so refusing shall have subscribed ...and the rae when collected to be applied by the said trustees . . . towards purchasing a lot of ground in the said village and for sae thereon a suitable and convenient house, to contract with an employ tutors, and to perform every act and thing they or majority of them shall tie sie a for the advancemen ion of the said school. : manatee: fain enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the said village of New-Town shall be and is hereby erected into a town by the name of Swannsboro, and that the trustees for the school aforesaid shall be and they are hereby appointed commissioners of the said town.” And should any of the com- missioners die or resign, the remaining commissioners were i thers in their stead. ‘ The ieee cdma iasionas were to pass such rules and others “as to them shall seem meet for removing all nuisances: within the bounds of the said town, for persons to remove dirt ra rubbish from before their doors, to grub and clean their lots, = pulling down all wooden chimneys built in the said town, oa prevent the building thereof for the future, in order to preven danger by fire.”’ Six months notice was to be given the owners of wooden chimneys already built. A Modern Progressive City The Town of Swansboro has an estimated population in excess of 2,000 people. Located on a high bluff on White Oak ee Bogue Sound and the Inland Waterway. Quite a few of "3 older residents get their living from a ane best of boat- i cilities for fishing parties are available here. ‘ oe newer housing projects developed here have given the town a very cosmopolitan population. The town claims two thousand inhabitants, twenty million fish,” and a summer cli- mate 12 degrees cooler which, with a very mild winter, makes an ideal location for people to live, with all water and sewage facilities, free garbage collection every day, practically all streets paved, and having a tax rate of only $1.00 per hundred. Swans- boro is the oldest town in the county and one of the most progressive. f The following paper written by Lucy Green gives a true ac- count of the town’s early history: Early History by Lucy Greene i eal i der the names of Founded in the early 1700’s, it existed un p Week’s Wharf, Bogue and for several years as New Town before 848 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW it was named in honor of Samuel Swann, Speaker of the Colonial Assembly and official representative of Onslow in the Assembly. Its honored citizen “was a surveyor by trade and a lawyer of surpassing ability and eloquence,” it is related. He was the editor of Swann’s Revival or “Yellow Jacket” and a nephew of Edward Mosely and an uncle of John Ashe. Although he lived in New Hanover County, he represented Onslow in the Assembly for 24 years (1738-1762) and for 22 years was speaker of the House. He is also reported to have been the first surveyor to have crossed the great Dismal Swamp while engaged in locating the dividing line between this state and Virginia. In 1783, after his retirement, an act was passed by the Assem- bly of North Carolina officially changing the name of the com- munity to “Swansboro” and at the same time a bill to establish a school there was also passed by that august body. The White Oak River, on whose banks the community stands, has played a large role not only in the development of Swansboro, but also in the development of both Onslow and Carteret coun- ties whose banks it washes. It served as a highway of travel and transportation for 200 years before the coming of the railroad and highway transpor- tation, although its entire length from its source in the center of the White Oak Pocosin in northern Onslow County to Bogue Inlet, where it makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean is a mere 50 miles. Before the coming of the white settlers, Indian settlements were established on each side of the river and the wrath of Hurricane Hazel in 1954 bared the skeleton of one of these early Indian inhabitants on a bed of shells on an island in the White Oak, near Swansboro. Other evidence of their existence there is found in old deeds indicating they had permanent homes. Indian fields, Indian Creek in lower Jones county and Indian Camp Branch, a tributary of Starkey’s Creek in Onslow County, are believed to have been part of their large settlement. At Cedar Point, on the east side of the river, are deep beds of shells where the Indians apparently opened oysters and clams for generations, perhaps for centuries. These tribes along the White Oak joined the Tuscaroras in the massacre of the settlers along the Trent and Neuse Rivers in 1711, and in 1713, when the white settlers began to arrive, they fled their homes. During these next few years the settlements along White Oak River were under the control of Carteret County. In 1728 a squabble as to the location of roads to be laid out along both PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITIES 849 sides of the river was taken to Carteret Court and a commission named to settle the differences. , The commission included 12 of the most prominent men of the settlement: Richard Pitts, John Roberts, Samuel Jones, Thomas Houston, John Gillet, Nichols Hunter, Richard William- son, David Barry, Alexander Grant, Peter Starkey, Robert Harris and Edmond Lowell. But roads along the White Oak River were not enough for the people on the west side, where Swansboro is now located, and they petitioned for a county of their own. On November 23, 1731, Governor Burrington granted their request and the new county was named in honor of Arthur Onslow, who for more than 31 years was speaker in the House of Commons in the British Parliament. : : The new boundary line gave Onslow the entire White Oak River and strong objection was made by Carteret County against it. Thus in the 1735 session of Assembly the dividing line was moved to the center of the river, where it has since remained. By the outbreak of the Revolutionary War the White Oak section was showing evidence of considerable wealth and industry. The odor of pine tar clung to the wharves where it went forth, together with turpentine and resin from the mighty pine forests, to all corners of the world. Hides, pickled beef and pork were also exported from Bogue Sound but turpentine was one of the earliest mentioned products to bring prosperity to the settlement, being mentioned in coun- ty minutes in 1734. Turpentine and tar making continued for over 100 years as one of the chief sources of revenue in the area. The census of 1860 listed 60 turpentine stills in Onslow and inspectors appointed by the Colonial Assembly for important landings and shipping points regularly checked the wharves at Swansboro to see to it that only properly cured and casked com- modities were shipped. John Starkey was Colonel of the regiment and a great leader in the White Oak Community. Unfortunately he was also a thorn in the flesh of Governor Dobbs in the role of a popular leader in the Assembly and the governor removed him from his militia office in retaliation. He was succeeded as colonel by Stephen Lee. : ; : After the outbreak of the Revolution, White Oak River men did their part in the armies of the Revolution. There were no active Tories on the river and an effort was made to keep the exports and imports moving from the wharves at Swansboro. Beef and pork were salted near the mouth of the river for the American armies. ? nie Following the war the district took on increased activity. 350 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW River and maritime traffic increased. Naval stores continued to be the prime exports, along with lumber and staves. Later cot- ton also was loaded at the little ‘“city-by-the-sea.” The War of 1812-14 had no effect on the river traffic, accord- ing to historians, but Onslowans and descendants of some of the White Oak settlers are wont to glory in fact that their forebears formed the crew of the hardy privateer Otway Burns of Queens Creek, who causd considerable discomfort for British shipping. At the turn of the century Swansboro had been made a port of entry and an admiralty judge and collector of customs ap- pointed. The post office was also established there, in April 1799 and A. Carmalt was the first postmaster. The office was discontinued October 31, 1845, while William P. Ferrand was postmaster, but reestablished February 5, 1846, when Charles H. Barnum was named postmaster. At the outbreak of the Civil War one of the show-places of the area was Palo Alto Plantation, owned by David W. Sanders, and the entire plantation was given over to the raising of cot- ton. During a raid by Federal troops the place was overrun by soldiers, the house and barns plundered and the slaves driven off. Today the house stands as a memorial to the cotton era in this area. Capture of Fort Macon in April, 1862, by Federal troops in- creased the military activity along the Swansboro bank of the White Oak river with the river forming a natural barrier for the Federal troops coming into Carteret County after the battle of New Bern. But it brought a halt to river traffic and its at- tendant industries. Federal troops made a stamping ground for the next three years of the western part of Carteret County and made frequent forays to dislodge the Johnnies from their position along the west side of the river but without success. The burning of the bridge at Cedar Point slowed the onslaught of the Yankees for when they attempted boat crossings they were met by strong opposition. At no time did Federal troops in any number effect a crossing here and to reach the rear of the Confederates at Swansboro, Federal troops were obliged to work their way along the river road to Maysville. No battles of any consequence took place during these years but many a proud Confederate son and daughter recalls stories of scouting and cavalry parties that sent the Yanks on many a useless march between their camps and the river. The years have brought many changes but river traffic con- tinues, though today it is largely that of fishermen, while pleas- ure resorts have taken the place of Indian oyster roasts. PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITIES Ye Old Brick Store The first Postmaster at Swansboro was William P. Ferrand. He graduated at the University of North Carolina and became one of the biggest operators in turpentine and naval stores. He built the old brick store about 1843 and operated his business there. The brick for the walls were brought from England, the foundations were made of rock which had been used by vessels for ballast. He is buried over in Carteret, across from Swans- boro. The second Postmaster was Charles H. Barnum who came to Swansboro about 1845. He came from Bethel, Connecticut, was a kinsman of P. T. Barnum, the showman. (Their grandfathers were brothers.) He married Alice Hargett of Onslow, she being a granddaughter of Daniel Ambrose. Barnum and his wife are buried on the Hammock. One of Charles H. Barnum’s sons, Ned, was private secretary to P. T., the showman. He is buried in Swansboro, and his son Robert Barnum owns the old brick store and resides there at this time (1959). Some tall tales are told about the old store during and follow- ing the Civil War. At one time during the war there were seven steamers lying at anchor off the shore. Eben Piner of Carteret, who piloted the steamers there, came ashore with some of the captains from the ships, up to the brick store which was the gathering place where the populace came to get all the news. Billy Russell, too young to be in the war, was asked by Piner, “Where is Major?” Major, who was Billy’s brother, was a Lieutenant in Company I. Billy told him he was away at war, but if he was here he would beat H. out of you. Major was said to be the strongest man in the county. While here the Yankees plundered the town, stealing hogs, chickens and anything else they could carry away in their arms. Ornaments in the Hargett house which held back the window drapes were unscrewed and taken, all but one. They killed a calf in back of the Gibson house, which stood where the Bank now is, and dragged it through the house, on out the front door. Mrs. Emmaline Bell pleaded and begged so hard for them not to take her pony that they yielded after being shamed by her. The Barnum home that stood where the Dave Wade home is now was plundered and all the jewelry taken. Puss, the daughter of Charles and Alice Hargett Barnum, had a beautiful calico pony and when they heard that the Yankees were coming, had him curry combed backwards with mud to make him ugly so they wouldn’t take him. They didn’t take him. (Thanks to Mrs. Daisy Moore.) THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW RICHLANDS An Act to Incorporate the Town, 1880 The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact: Section 1. That the town of Richlands, in Onslow County, be and the same is hereby incorporated by the name and style of the “Town of Richlands and shall be subject to all the provisions contained in Chapter One Hundred and Eleven (111) Battle’s Revisal, not inconsistent with the constitution or the laws of North Carolina and the United States. Section 2. That the corporate limits of said Town shall be as follows: beginning at the center of the Methodist Church and running one-half mile North, South, East and West, Comprising oné mile square. Section 38. That until their successors are elected under the _ laws of the State, L. W. Harget shall act as Mayor, Uzza Mills, S. J. Veach and F. D. Koonce shall act as Commissioners and M. B. Steed shall act as Marshal of the said Town. Section 4. That it shall be the duty of the persons elected under the laws of the State to go before some Justice of the Peace for said County and take the oath prescribed by law within five days after their election. Section 5. That all fines collected for violation of any town Ordinance shall go into the Town Treasury for the benefit of the Town. Section 6. That no license shall be granted to sell spirituous liquors within the corporate limits of the town by the Commis- sioners. Section 7. This Act shall be in force from and after its rati- fication. Read three times in General Assembly, and ratified the 29th March, A. D. 1880. * * * Modern or “Upper Richlands” is successor to The Rich Lands of New River which stood on Chapel Run, two and one-half miles south of its present location. The first building within the present town was Oak Grove log chapel, first Methodist church in the county, built in 1813. The first residence and store was owned and operated by Bryant Shines Koonce, probably not far from what is now known as Koonce’s Fork, probably opposite Koonce Cemetery, toward town. It is known that prior to the Civil War west and northbound traffic was routed from Koonce Fork toward Jarman Fork, and PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITIES 853 that Harget street was not laid out unti) many years after that event. During the Civil War Richlands consisted of a church, two stores, a school building, gin and sawmill and probably five resi- dences. It was up to that time called Upper Richlands. The Town Incorporated The Town of Richlands was first incorporated in 1880. This Act remained in force until 1905 when the present charter was obtained. When the Town was incorporated it contained, besides the Academy with Mr. Woodward, Master, one doctor, Dr. Cador G. Cox; four stores, (1) J. O. Foy, (2) Harget and Shackelford, (3) Steed and Mills, (4) Henry Koonce. Just when the Post Office was relocated from New River Chapel to Richlands is not known by this writer. Following Governor Aycock’s educational crusade begun in 1900, Richlands in 1904 proposed a special tax for the purpose of establishing a Graded School, this becoming the first graded school in the county. First High School in the County Two years later, within a few months after enactment of a law providing for a first class Public High School, the Richlands High School was begun, it also being the first in the county. The Richlands High and Elementary Schools now (1960) en- roll approximately 1,600 pupils and further improvements are being provided for as this is being written. Richlands has a background of some of the finest farming lands in the county. The area was the first in the county to develop the growing of bright-leaf tobacco. The town is progressive, 90% of its streets being hard-sur- faced, and modern conveniences such as water and sewage dis- posal are available everywhere. According to the best information available at present, Rich- Jands has a population of approximately 1,000 persons, 375 residences, 22 stores and stations, 1 sawmill, 7 churches, (4 white and 3 colored), 2 doctors, 2 schools (1 white High and Elementary and 1 Colored Elementary), 3 libraries (1 Public and 2 School), 2 auto sales, 2 insurance, 1 bank, 1 community house and 1 public playground. The tax rate is $1.00 per hundred. (Thanks to Mrs. Irene Koonce Brown.) 354 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW THE LEGEND OF CATHARINE’S LAKE Catharine’s Lake is a quaint little village on the lakefront Jacksonville-Chinquapin Road. The “Lake-yard” consists of two or three acres of beach along the lakeside, and on which is fronted the residences of the village and on which British sol- diers encamped during the Revolution. For many years following the Civil War, the Lake was the home of Colonel Simon B. Taylor who operated a general store and turpentine distillery there. When the Federals came through during the war the resin at the still was thrown into the lake to prevent its falling into the hands of the northern forces. Fifty years later the resin was recovered and sold for more than its original price. The community has possibilities of rare beauty if it could be properly designed and developed. “Alum Spring,” another beauty possibility, is located about a mile west of Catharine’s Lake. It is said that romance had to do with the naming of the lake in early days. In colonial times the area was called first, the “Crane Ponds,” later when the Chapel lands were owned by Mr. Ashe the lake was called “Ashe’s Pond.” Some years prior to the Civil War Miss Catharine Cole, of New Bern, came to the lake to teach school. A young man of the community by the name of John Alfred Avirette, Jr., was immediately attracted by her grace and beauty and soon began paying serious court to the young lady. Through the shady lanes by carriage and on the lake by boat, the young people whiled away most of their idle hours together. Avirette built for his lady-love the finest house in the community overlooking the waters of the lake, complete in every detail, it contained upon its rooftop an ultra modern sun room fitted for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment, equipped for bathing, lounging and for happy living. In addition, he proposed to name the beautiful little lake “Catharine,” just for her. Here was one of Nature’s beauty spots, here love and beauty could know perfection, and life could be complete. The “.. . and they lived happily ever afterwards” ending was not to be however. School closed and Catharine returned to her home, where she disregarded her promises to her lover, forgot the charm of her so recent surroundings, including the lovely house built especially for her, and according to the legend mar- ried another man. Who, when, why or where we do not know, but she left a very beautiful name for the most beautiful lake of them all, since that time known as “Catharine’s Lake.” (Thanks to Mrs. Annie Taylor Duffy and Miss Clara Simmons.) PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITIES 855 VERONA Verona, Dixon, Folkstone and Holly Ridge all had their births as stations on the Wilmington and Onslow Railroad in the late 1890’s. Verona was at first known as Wenona, according to Mr. Taylor, who was the first operator to keep the station there. When the name was changed to Verona is not known by this writer. Tradition is that the name was given in honor of a lady member of the McIntyre family. Today Verona is a lovely little residentlal village of two or three dozen homes and a half dozen stores and stations, three churches and a grist mill. When the Railroad was in the building stage Verona was the station used by the McIntyres, the estate being about three miles east. This gave it prestige. Many people living there to- day are employed on the Base. DIXON Dixon Station, Dixon Store and Dixon High and Elementary School make up the present community of Dixon. Until a few years ago Dixon had a Post Office, too. When the new Consolidated School was constructed the present site was selected over Sneads Ferry or Marines because the State wanted the school located on a hard surfaced highway. Mr. Lester Dixon could be called the proud Father of Dixon proper, but there are many good families living within a mile or two of the Dixon Community Center. FOLKSTONE Folkstone is the center of intersecting roads where highways from the Base, by way of Sneads Ferry and Swansboro, intersect with United States Highway No. 17 between Wilmington, Jack- sonville and New Bern. The “town” consists of three or four stores, a church and three or four residences. The Post Office was discontinued a few years ago. The Golden Place, famous gathering place prior to the Civil War was located a few hundred yards east toward Tar Landing- on-the-Sound. It has been said that Folkstone was named by Mr. McIntyre in honor of Folkstone, in England, one of his favorite resorts. Tradition also says. without proof I suppose, that the McIntyres came to America from Folkstone. HOLLY RIDGE Holly Ridge was a store-post-office-station all in one when the site of Camp Davis was selected in 1940. For a year or two its growth was unprecedented while the military base, the town, many stores, stations and residences were being constructed. 356 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW In Colonial days Robert Sage owned the Stage coach line from New Bern to Wilmington. He also operated an Inn known as “Sage’s Ordinary” which stood about 114 miles from what is now Holly Ridge on the line between Onslow and New Hanover (now Pender). He had his schedule so arranged that passengers spent the night at his place “Holly Shelter,” traveling North or South. Also coaches were changed there and fresh horses supplied. It is said that during the Revolution he displayed a picture of King George in the Inn, but he convinced the Colonial Authori- ties that he could get more valuable information from the British for his Country by having the picture, so he was allowed to keep it hanging. He was considered a patriot. On Saturday, April 23, 1791, Washington, while on his South- ern Tour, spent the night there. When the Railroad came along in the Eighteen Nineties the station was built out on the nearby ridge and called “Holly Ridge”. (Thanks to Mrs. Sarah Cowan Darden, 112 Pine St., Farmville, N. C.) MISSILE TEST FIRST BEGUN AT HOLLY RIDGE Among the first attempts of the United States to perfect a missile was started in 1947 at Holly Ridge, on the former site of Camp Davis. The research work was conducted by the Naval Ordnance Test- ing Station in conjunction with Kellet Corporation and the Ap- plied Physics laboratory staff of Johns Hopkins University. The large towers, which may still be seen at Holly Ridge on the Camp Davis site, were used as tracking stations for missiles fired from the base. One of the large buildings still standing and now occupied by a building supply business, was used as an assembly station. “The whole neighborhood was jarred when the first missile was fired from the Camp Davis site.” These historical events were described by MSgt. Paul Danoski when he addressed the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club concerning the activities of the Bomb Disposal Unit of the United States Marine Corps at Cowell Auditorium Tuesday, December 15, 1959. Thanks to Daily News reporting December 16, 1959. GEORGETOWN HIGH Georgetown has an unusual and interesting history. Several characteristics present themselves. First, the school was established by the Trent River-Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Association at Pollocksville in Jones County in 1890. Ministers and Trustees at the beginning were PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITIES 357 named as follows: S. M. Scott, C. S. Scott, Senus Hill, W. H. Haddock, J. E. Everette, W. H. Moore and A. J. Jones. Its purpose to train the youth of the church Ten years later in 1900 the school was transferred to George- town and a dormitory added for students too far from home with the poor transportation available in that day. Sponsors who contributed to its suport in those early years included the Trent River Association, the school faculty, Dr. Sharp, Parent-Teacher Association chapters at Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry, Marshal Chapel and. Richlands. In many cases the teachers contributed the last months check to meet expenses. The first principal seems to have been Professor W. H. Hill followed by H. J. Hyman and W. W. Parker. As time went on the State took over the payment of the Principal’s salary and assumed more and more of the control and expense of operating the school. The first trucks traveled from Sneads Ferry, Richlands, and Piney Green, being operated by the Association, but the miltiplicity of enrollment made the Association effort seem most ineffective. With the taking over of the schools by the State in 1933 came a new era for Georgetown. A new building to be built of brick was proposed, and colored citizens contributed several thousand bricks as their contribution to the effort. Funds were secured as a Federal project during the depression in the early thirties resulting in the first unit of the modern brick structure now in use. Buses were routed throughout the County and a first class Negro High School was in the making. Credit for much of the early progress at Georgetown should be given the Reverend J. T. Kerr. He came into the County in 1912 and concentrated his effort toward improving the schools of his race and the establishing of a church in the town of Jacksonville. (The First Baptist Church now on Court Street.) The city later named a street in his honor. He died in 1932. He was succeeded as Principal by Professor Clifton McLendon and by the present Principal, J. W. Broadhurst. In the early fifties the county voted a $1,100,000.00 bond issue plus money Allocated for federally connected children by the United States Government. Georgetown’s share of this money for capital improvement was $375,000.00, which more than doubled the capacity of the school, plus modern equipment and a modern gymnasium equaling the best in the County. The school has a good band, an excellent recreation program and a splendid agricultural course. In 1958 Georgetown became a fully accredited member of the Southern Association of Col- leges and Secondary Schools, an exceptional achievement. Professor J. W. Broadhurst, Principal since 1937, is an ex- 358 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW cellent administrator. Under his supervision the school has made outstanding progress. He is also active in church and welfare work; is constantly promoting the uplift of his community, both educationally and morally. The 1959-1960 enrollment was in excess of 1500 students, with a corps of 49 teachers. The steady growth in enrollment over a period of years points up the fact that more classrooms will soon be needed, with more teachers to man them. The problem is a continuing one. (Thanks to Elora Leven, Annie Washington and Mrs. J. W. Broadhurst.) PINEY GREEN Piney Green is an old and long time gateway to the area which is now Base-land. The ancient post road passed from White Oak by Piney Green, Wards Mill (later called Montfords Mill) on to Duck Creek, Gillette and to Sneads Ferry and Wil- mington. Many of the elite of Onslow’s early history, north and south along the route, as well as from Beaufort and Swansboro by the sea passed by Piney Green in their travels to and fro. Piney Green was one of the early postoffices in the county and an im- portant center of activity. When the military took over, the road was relocated on what is now Holcombe Boulevard at the Camp Lejeune Main Gate, and the road by Montfords Mill was closed. Piney Green is located on Highway 24 between Jacksonville and Swansboro and the community is being rapidly populated. New homes are being built in numbers. Enon Chapel Church is located there. Several stores and stations are to be found in the area, and progress seems to be in evidence everywhere. BELGRADE Belgrade is a community of a dozen or so residences, a half dozen stations and garages, and a Methodist Church. It is located on the South bank of White Oak River opposite Mays- ville, Jones County. White Oak School is about two miles east toward Swansboro. A branch of Superior Stone Company located here mines thousands of tons of mar] for use in concrete and other structural uses over a wide area. Marl is a substance, the residue of the old sea bottom left here in deposits when the ocean receded to its present level. It is made up of shells, minerals, etc., and analyzes a high percent of lime, is sometimes used instead of lime in the treat- ment of acid soil for growing crops. PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITIES 359 Highways, power and telephone lines branch here for upper White Oak and eastward to Silverdale and Swansboro. HUBERT Hubert is an excellent community on Highway 24 between Jacksonville and Swansboro, having unusually attractive homes, a post office, stores and stations. Here is the intersecting road leading through Camp Lejeune Marine Base and Sneads Ferry. Queens Creek Methodist Church, one of the older churches in the county, is located here. SNEADS FERRY The place was at first known as the Lower Ferry on New River. The first ferry to be located there was licensed by Carteret County, to Edmund Ennett in 1725. (Onslow did not become a county until 1731.) The first Post Road from Suffolk to Charles Town, 1757, crossed New River there. The Post Rider bearing the news of the Battle of Lexington crossed here. In 1760 Robert Snead settled there. He was an attorney at law, as was his father John Snead. A license to operate a tavern was granted to him in the same year. The place has since that time been called Sneads Ferry. In 1791 the whole state was stirred when Snead, leading at- torney in the county, shot and killed Colonel George W. Mitchell, Revolutionary hero, in a political argument at Onslow Court- house. Snead was tried and convicted in Superior Court in Wilmington, but when he appeared before the court for sentence carried with him a pardon-in-full, signed by the Governor of the State. The particulars are not all clear as to why the mur- der occurred in the first place, or why the Governor was so prompt to prevent the execution of a sentence of any kind. Robert Snead died in the last days of 1798, or early 1799. His will was probated in 1802. A map of the area dated 1770 shows two ferries there, one from the North bank operated by the Sneads, the other from the South shore by Lewis. Just how the competition was finally adjusted between them is not known to this writer. At first the ferry was made of flat boats, down into which teams and wagons were driven and thus transported across. Another model was a flat topped scow with pulleys along the top side, over which a wire cable reached from shore to shore and along which the scow was propelled by hand with a notched stick. Following the Civil War and for seventy-five years afterwards nothing happened, only time like the river passed prosaically on. The period ending about 1920 is marked by the fact that 360 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW three or four men rounded out nearly a century of service of tugging the old ferry forth and back across the river, motive for which consisted of manpower only. Employed there was Caroline Pearson, a colored man, who it is said received $6.00 per month. Kitt Brown drew the sum of $10.00 per month and James Owens, who prided himself on the speed with which he could dispatch a passenger and his team across the river in almost any kind of weather. Pearson, Brown and Owens are said to have completed a total of sixty-five years continuous service. Jack Prescott later towed the ferry with a motor, being the first to do so. The rig with its equipment was owned by the County. The last few years the ferry-boat was much larger and was propelled along the cable by a motor launch attached to the side of the raft. Progress like the waves of the sea, however, came ever nearer; first The Inland Waterway, then the deepening of New River, and finally the bridge. Built cooperatively by the State Highway Commission and the W.P.A., the long steel bridge was dedicated August 16, 1939. Prominent political figures were present and a great fish fry was enjoyed. Colonel George Gillett acted as master of Ceremonies and Mr. Edward B. Smith and Dr. L. D. Bryan, residing on opposite sides of the river clipped the ribbon. Hard surfaced highways and electricity have redesigned the whole area and Sneads Ferry today is a progressive community covering a few square miles on the South bank of New River and along the Sound. Located near Onslow Bay fishing grounds, fish, clams, oysters and shrimp are available in their season and party boats are to be had at any time from the water front there. Sneads Ferry today takes more fish commercially from the sea than any other port in the County. KELLUM STATION The only store in the community when the Railroad reached here stood about where the Matt Waters home now stands and was begun and has been operated by Mr. Ben Lee Parker since about 1893. Later when the highway came the store was moved across the railway to the West side of the hardsurface. Mr. Parker con- tinued to supply the needs of the neighborhood until a year or two before he died in 1952, a period of nearly 60 years. Kellum Station is now a small village containing a church. railway station, several stores and stations, located in a good farming community, of good neighbors. PERSONALITIES MADAME WILLIAM CRAY Both William Cray, Onslow Revolutionary leader, and his wife came from the colony of French Huguenots around Charles Town, South Carolina, in 1747. Cray himself was of Scotch descent, his wife being of Swiss. Steet: Mrs. Cray’s maiden name was Mary Magdalene de Gignilliatt. She was born June 3, 1726, baptised at 4 months by the Reverend Thomas Merritt. At age 20 she married William, who was two years her junior. A year later the Crays came to North Carolina to live, along with James and Joseph Blount, merchants. i William had, prior to his marriage, been associated with Joseph Pringle, merchant. The Pringles were important mer- chants in Charleston. They may have been kinsmen of Cray, at least Cray was a protege of Pringle. : Coming to North Carolina in 1747 we have no account of their first three years, but in 1750 Cray took a land grant from Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs for 165 acres on Duck Creek and New River, where he built his home and where he was buried until the coming of Camp Lejeune, when the remains were moved, along with the grave stones, to the Federal cemetery at Jack- sonville. 3 In the cemetery at Jacksonville are the markers for Cray ani three of the children, but none for Mrs. Cray, which was lost. The mother of Mrs. Cray was an aunt of the famous Revolu- tionary General, Francis Marion, often called “The Swamp Fox,” so named because of his hit-and-run method of fighting the British, who were always uncomfortable as long as he was near. Associated with Marion was such partisans as Sumter, Pickens and Lee, the last of whom was the father of Robert E. Lee, the great Confederate Chieftain. ; Before her marriage, Mrs. Cray’s mother was Esther Marion. She married Henry de Gignilliat. : The story of Henry is equally interesting. He was a son of Jean le Gignilliat and Susanne le Serrurier, a daughter of Jacques le Serrurier and Elizabeth Leger. ON Jean de Gignilliatt was the son of Abraham de Gignilliatt who came to America before the Edict of Nantes. saat 5 Esther Marion above was the daughter of Benjamin Marion and wife Judith Baluet. Benjamin’s parents were Jean Marion and wife Perene Boulignan. Jean’s father was Gabriel Marion of New Rochelle, France. Esther had a brother Gabriel who was the father of General Marion. The General’s mother was Esther Cordes. The General married Esther Videau. 862 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Mary Magdalene Cray had a number of children, how many we do not know. Of the five who grew to adulthood we have: William, Jr., married Elizabeth Randall. Mary married Joseph French. Henrieta Joseph Scott married Frances Howard. Charlotte married 1st James Davis, 2nd Enoch Hancock. For a number of years Joseph Scott Cray was the County Clerk. The family was long prominent in the affairs of Onslow County. It is regretted that we know so little about the Cray ancestry. Note: The Crays were of Scottish descent. The Marions were French. The Gignilliatts were Swiss. They were all citizens of the Huguenot settlement near Charleston. (Thanks to Mrs. H. L. Jones, New Bern, N. C.) THE REVEREND JAMES BATTLE AVIRETT 1837-1912 The following sketch was furnished by the Library of Con- gress in a communication dated April 9, 1959. Mr. Avirett was the author of “The Old Plantation,” a de- scriptive story of life on the old plantation before the war; and of “Memoirs of General Turner Ashby and His Compeers,” Army of Northern Virginia. He delivered the oration on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the central shaft in the North Carolina plot in the Stonewall cemetery, Winchester, Virginia, September 17, 1897. Mr. Avirett was born on the Avirett plantation (1837) near New River Chapel. The following “official” sketch is taken from “The (Episcopal) American Church Almanac and Yearbook for 1913. (New York, Edwin S. Gorham, 1912). “Retired Priest of the Diocese of North Carolina. He was ordered deacon in 1861 by Bishop Meade. He was a chaplain in General Turner Ashby’s brigade of the Confederate Army. After the war he was advanced to the priesthood. In 1899 he retired from the rectorship of St. Pauls, Louisburg, N. C., since which he held no active charge. For several years after his re- tirement he wrote editorials for “The Cumberland Evening Times,” of which his only son, Colonel John W. Averitt, was PERSONALITIES 363 editor. Mr. Avirett is said to have been the last surviving acai of the Confederate Army, having served in an Alabama Regiment. He died in the Western Maryland Hospital at Cumber- land, Maryland, February 17, 1912, aged 75 years. In an effort to contact the family of Colonel John W. Avirett in Cumberland remains unanswered and unreturned. JAMES G. SCOTT James G. Scott was a brilliant lawyer who lived in Onslow during the 1860’s and for upward of twenty years afterward. He lived on what is now the Country Club Estates, and is buried there. Where he came from to Onslow seems to have long been a mystery. He married Mary Jennete French, of whom we know nothing. James and Mary had three children, two boys and a girl. Older people here remember J ohn, who was for many years a rural mail carrier. He never married. yee Julia : was an artist. Along with many others she painted ‘The Old Bridge which spanned the river here many years before the construc- tion of the modern concrete bridges we now have. This was an excellent piecé of work showing the draw with the island Lad ground and gives a striking impression upon first sight. n- other son “Jim,” a teacher by profession, was killed in an acci- dent in Chicago. Scott’s first appearance in public life seems to have been when in 1868, and for two terms he acted as County Examiner for the County teachers of public schools. : ; tig tao aseied to the Assembly in 1870, representing this district at a time when the strife and turmoil of the battlefield had transferred to the legislative halls. At a time also when the Conservatives were regaining control of the Legislature. It was at this session of the Assembly that petitions poured in asking the impeachment of Governor Holden for his part in the Reconstruction fiasco in North Carolina. , _ Ina court of impeachment in North Carolina, when the Gov- ernor is on trial the Chief Justice presides over the Senate, which hears charges against him and decides the guilt or in- nocence of the accused. The House of Representatives on ee part of the people prosecutes the case through a “Board o Managers” selected from the best legal talent to be found among its members. A two-thirds vote is necessary to convict. For nearly two months a total of 170 witnesses were see amined and arguments pro and con of course followed. e i from office for- Governor was found guilty and was suspended f ( ever; the first and only time in the history of the State in which 364 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW a Governor has been tried or impeached during his term of office. Although Scott was serving his first term in the Assembly, his selection as a member of the House Board of Managers bespeaks confidence in his reputation as an attorney by his fellow legislators. Scott was elected to the State Senate in 1872 and served one term only. Since 1868 there had been much complaint regarding the Carpetbag Constitution under which the State operated at the time. A Constitutional Convention was called in 1875 at which about thirty amendments and changes were made. Although John W. Shackelford represented the County in the Assembly, Scott was selected as Onslow’s Delegate to the Constitutional Convention. The record now consists of the following only: James G. Scott—1826-1884, Mary Jennete French Scott—1830- 1904; John Scott—1864-1943, Julia Scott—1861-1945. No descendants were left and the family name disappeared completely. DR. JULIAN V. HOFMANN AND THE NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY FOUNDATION Dr. J. V. Hofmann, for whom Hofmann Forest is named, is a native of Minnesota. He joined the faculty of North Carolina State College in 1929 and began the organization of the Division of Forestry, of which he became Director in 1932, and of which he has made one of the top institutions of its kind in the country. Dr. Hofmann taught his students that scientific forestry as a money making industry is not only possible but practical as well. However, he needed a laboratory to prove it. He con- ceived the idea of purchasing the large acreage in Jones and Onslow counties, then owned by Allison heirs. A number of problems, however, immediately presented themselves: Where could the money be found with which to make the purchase? The heirs by now numbered hundreds scattered throughout the nation, all of whom had to be contacted. How? The college, being a State institution, could take no part in the venture, nor could any of its credits be used for any pur- pose other than that for which it had been allocated. How to get the property without involving the college resources—that was the problem. The banks were cynical about the practical value of the pro- posal and fellow Forestry teachers doubted the so practical PERSONALITIES 365 approach to the problem. In those days pocosons were consid- ered good only to hold the world together, and many said it couldn’t be done, but the Doctor stated his determination to demonstrate the correctness of the idea or to cease to teach the theory as a fact. : : The property became the North Carolina Forestry Foundation in 1934. Bonds were issued payable over a period of fifteen years, and sold over a wide area. ‘ E 3 In 1948 Dr. Hofmann was ready to put his theory into practice. He resigned his post with the college and assumed direction of the Hofmann Forestry experiment. The forest consists of over 83,000 acres and is regarded as the largest outdoor labora- tory for students of forestry in the world. All bonds have been paid at maturity as planned, and the lands have been drained, fire lanes laid, seedlings planted, thinned, grown to maturity and cut for sale as pulpwood. His claim that an acre of land can be more profitable producing pulpwood than in growing sawmill timber has been proven, as can be seen by farmers, forestrymen and others who care to investigate the experiment being made there. “If we cannot make it pay we should return the land to the Indians,” says Dr. Hofmann, but he does not propose to start doing that so long as there is a market for the products which can be produced in the forest of Onslow and Jones counties. At the same time the forest has been developed into a great game preserve and the hunting of deer, bear and other animals is allowed by permit several days each year in season. ' The protection from fire, drainage of excess water, the seeding of pine trees and the scientific thinning, growing and marketing of the products of the area under supervision is, all told, a re- markable success story, and the success of the story is due to Dr. Hofmann, in whose mind the theory originated. ISHAM B. HUDSON Isham B. Hudson has been County Superintendent of Public Education since 1951. To evaluate the service he has rendered to the county and its children since that time would be impossible. To begin with, Mr. Hudson is a man dedicated to the task he has set for himself as a vocation in life, is a trained man, skilled in the work of Education. He earned the degrees of A.B. and LL.B. at Wake Forest College, completed requirements for the Masters at the University of North Carolina, except writing a thesis. He also did graduate work at the University of Edin- burgh, Scotland. He was admitted to the Bar in 1920. 366 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Before coming to Onslow Mr. Hudson had 15 years in rural and Urban schools, also 16 years at Andrews, North Carolina, where at the end of his fifth year there, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen passed the following resolution: “On motion unani- mously carried: That we extend to him the thanks and apprecia- tion of the Town of Andrews for the tone and spirit in which, without antagonism and in harmony has so efficiently and well led and conducted the Andrews Schools for the past five years; and in addition has so well fitted into the woof and fiber of our civic structure and into the religious life of Andrews and Chero- kee County.” When Mr. Hudson came to Jacksonville the county school system was swamped with an influx of population of both mili- tary and civilians. So many classrooms were needed that it seemed almost necessary to build a new system. Up to that time people had been proud of the old Thompson setup, includ- ing the gradual increase in enrollment and the few new build- ings needed from time to time. No plans, however, could be executed because of a lack of funds. The whole problem fell into the laps of the Superin- tendent and the new Board recently elected. Soon negotiations were initiated with the Federal Government for funds, and here Mr. Hudson’s legal training came into play. Technical red tape was soon smoothed away by him, thus saving the county large sums in attorney fees, and accelerating the school improvement program as well. Among the school man’s social attainments have been: Baptist State Convention, Member General Board_1946-1949 Baptist Council on Christian Education. 1946-1949 N.C.E.A. Western District President 1944-1945 American Legion, Post Commander, Woodmen of the World, Rotarian, Post President Wake Forest Honor Society, Golden Bough Mr. Hudson’s moral standards are high, nothing shady or unscrupulous would be considered by him, nor imputed by him to others unless proven by facts beyond doubt. The Superintendent maintains at fingertip efficiency an office staff composed of Mr. James E. Jenkins, first assistant; Mrs. Mildred Rawls, bookkeeper and Miss Jane Frazelle, assistant bookkeeper. Miss Bettie Barnes is private secretary. Born in Sampson County in 1895, married Miss Eleanor Chown- ing of Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1926; they have two sons and a daughter. Mrs. Hudson herself is a graduate teacher, musician and choir director, is excellent in Public School Music. PERSONALITIES COLONEL GEORGE GILLETTE Colonel George Gillette has distinguished himself in both civil- ian and military affairs. Born in 1888 on that area which later became Camp Lejeune, he was the son of William Isaac and Rena Winberry Gillette. His father died when George was two years of age, and his mother remarried. He attended school the short terms then kept at the village of Marines when in session and worked on the plantation, in the store, and on freighters and fishing boats on the river and sounds around Marines, leaving little time for play. At 14 he accepted a job in Wilmington, and five years later entered State College, from which he graduated in Electrical Engineering, following which he returned to Wilmington and the Tidewater Power Company. During the Mexican trouble in 1916 he went to the border with Co. A 105th Engineers. This was the beginning of 30 years serv- ice in the military. From the Mexican border he went to France, where he won the silver star for heroism under fire in the battle of the Lasselle River, and a promotion to Major. At the end of the war he returned to Wilmington, but a year later re-entered the military with the rank of Captain. Duty took him to Camp Jackson, Fort Storey, Schenectady, Mussell Shoals, Wilmington and Boston on flood control of rivers and harbors, and a dam on the West River in Vermont. In 1946 he became Division Engineer for the South Atlantic with headquarters at Atlanta. Other assignments led him to the West Coast and Panama. A significant contribution made by the Colonel was the map- ping of the Carolinas Coast Line, which he called the “Un- guarded Front Line of National Defense,” which probably led to the selection later of the area for the location of Camp Davis and Camp Lejeune. é In 1948 Colonel Gillette accepted the post of Executive Direc- tor of the State Ports Authority. He sparked the drive that won $7,500,000.00 for improvement of Wilmington and Morehead City ports. Colonel Gillette has been picked by the United Nations to serve an indefinite period as waterway and port consultant for the Republic of Congo. He has served in similar posts with the World Bank and other organizations. : ¥ His most recent assignment was for the United Nations in Thailand. THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW HONORABLE ALEX. H. KOONCE Teacher—Attorney at Law. Native of Richlands, son of Francis D. and Hannah Rhodes Koonce. Educated at Richlands Academy and the University of North Carolina, from which he graduated in 1893. Taught for several years at Catharine Lake, Pollocksville, Nashville, Roper, White- ville, terminating with five years in the teaching of Math at Cullowhee, N. C. Mr. Koonce was a candidate for the State Senate on the Popu- list ticket in 1898, but was defeated. Became secretary to Con- gressman John E. Fowler, Populist member in the Fifty-Fifth Congress, one term, 1897-1899. Studied Law and was admitted to the Bar in 1912. Married Lettita Lyles Doswell of Richmond, Virginia, in 1901, three children. Practiced Law in Richlands after 1933. FITZHUGH LEE MORRIS Fitzhugh Lee Morris distinguished himself in the field of local history and genealogy. For many years he was employed by Mr. John Sprunt Hill doing research on the Lineage of Sons of the American Revolution, which he later published as “The Lineage Book.” He developed a great source of local history, some of which was published from time to time in the local papers. He knew and loved every foot of the White Oak River area and contributed an article to the Rivers of America series on the White Oak River; also, he did manu- scripts on “Starkeys of Onslow’ and “Dudley and Sneed Fami- lies of Onslow,” each very complete on the subject at hand. Morris was himself a descendant of one of the Starkeys, which probably accounted for his great interest in this notable family and this historic area. His genealogy is as follows: 1 John Starkey marriel Elcie Wharton 2 Sarah Starkey married William Jones 3 John S. Jones married Jane Owens of South Carolina 4 Elcie Jones married John Q. A. Morris 5 Fitzhugh Lee Morris, who lived about four miles east of Belgrade toward Grants Creek. He never married. Accuracy and detail in the work that he did was a valuable contribution to local and county history. PERSONALITIES LUCILE BROWNING Lucile Browning is a native of Onslow County. She became a noted singer in the Metropolitan Opera, making her debut about 1937 in a role she had not rehearsed. A last minute cast change in “Die Walkure” put her on the stage of the Metropoli- tan sooner than she had anticipated, and she sang the part of “Rossweisse . Later she was in “Rigoletto,” “Madam But- terfly,” “Faust,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Mignon” and others. Miss Browning had come from North Carolina on a Julliard School of Music scholarship. Her music teacher at Durham had encouraged her toward a musical career. At Julliard she came under the tutelage of the late Marcella Sembrich, who had gained much renown as a teacher, and as a singer in the Metropolitan. Mme. Sembrich worked with her in New York and at Lake George, N. Y., where she met her future husband, Robert Som- mers. They were married in October of 1935. ; Miss Browning was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh L. Brown of Jacksonville. She has many relatives in and around Richlands. Hers has been a continuing success. Named above are only a small percentage of her successes and Onslow is proud of her accomplishments. She resides in New York State. EDWARD W. SUMMERSILL Edward W. Summersill has long been a leader in legal and political circles in the County. His capacity in both fields is widely known. For many years he, with his brother R. Nobe Summersill, maintained an office in the First Citizens Bank Building where legal practice grew with the population of the town. ‘ He has been Attorney for the County, Attorney for the City and Attorney for the County Board of Education. Mr. Summersill is a master of the Judicial processes, excel- lent in prosecution and adept in defense. j A native Onslowian, Summersill received his Jaw degree at Wake Forest College in 1924. He has practiced in Jacksonville for the past 34 years. His popularity in political circles is at- tested by the fact that in each general election groups of friends throughout the area urge him to become a candidate for this or that—State Senator, Representative in the Congress, ete. Mr. Summersill represented Onslow County in the Assembly in 1919. He was elected to the State Senate in 1932 and also in 370 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW 1934, was elected without opposition in 1954, but did not choose to run in 1956. Son of Sheriff E. W. Summersill and wife Estelle Mills, he is a Methodist and a Kiwanian. He lives with his wife Alice Bed- dingfield, and two children, at 110 Koonce Circle in Jacksonville. (Mrs. Summersill is a teacher of music, and active in church and community work.) Honorable Edward W. Summersill is a useful man in his city, his community and his State. NERE E. DAY Nere E. Day, Dean of the Onslow County Bar has practiced here since 1914, with certain exceptions, the first of which, he served during the World War I days in the United States Army for two years (1918-1919). Born at Cook’s Gap, Watauga County, Son of Jessie J. and Rebecca Cook Day, he was educated at Appalachian Training School, Crescent Academy and the University of North Carolina. As did many other young lawyers in that day, young Day mixed some teaching along with and leading up to his law practice, spending some five years in the schools of Rowan and Onslow Counties. In 1912 he secured control of the local news weekly and for three years gave personal attention to its publication. “The Onslow Progress,” became much the best of the local County papers published in Onslow up to that time. The operation of the paper he gradually relinquished to Mr. E. I. Wood, who continued publication throughout the First World War years until 1922. These would be valuable historical materials could they be made available to us now. In 1915 the young attorney was married to Miss Christine Sylvester of Richlands. Two sons are: Nathaniel S. Day, State Highway Engineer, Clinton, and Nere E. Day, Jr., attorney, Virginia Beach, Va. Soon after his admission to the Bar he became associated with Honorable Rodolph Duffy in his practice and located in Jack- sonville. Mr. Day first represented the County in the General Assembly in 1931, and again in 1935, following which for about seven years (1935-1942) was employed by the Lands Division, United States Department of Justice, working mainly with land-titles, and boundary conflicts involving lands of the Eastern band of Cherokee Indians and the United States Forestry lands in West- ern North Carolina. Returning to Onslow Mr. Day continued his work with land PERSONALITIES 371 titles winning for himself an enviable reputation in that phase of legal activity. He probably knows more land titles than any other man in the County. The Goldsboro Lumber Company was engaged in cutting timber along the upper Onslow-Jones Coun- ty line from tracts, the boundaries of which had never been permanently fixed. Upon investigation followed by some court action Mr. Day was assigned by the state to locate and define boundaries and dividing lines between public and private lands; and upon completion to prepare and file maps and descriptions of them in the Courthouse for public reference. The survey con- tinued over a period of months and resulted in savings of hun- dreds of acres and thousands of dollars to the State and to the County. ; Mr. Day has during the years acquired some farm and timber holdings in the County, and in late years has spent much time in maintaining and developing these lands. pe Teaching, publishing, surveying, farming or practicing at Mr. Day maintains a lively interest in Government, politics, i tory and the development of the whole area of roads, ppt s and public improvements. His years of service mM the County has been full and useful ones covering a wide range of activities. ELIJAH M. KOONCE (1857-1921) i i ij é ical American We like to think of Elijah M. Koonce as a typical E citizen in many ways. He was largely a self made man with native ability to grow with experience. ; He was not a man trained in the psychology of the educa iones processes, but he knew how to inspire boys and girls to learn, and for 20 years, in Onslow, he was known as a good vege ee So good, in fact, that he was elected County Superintendent o : ; Z Dar Schools in 1892, an office which he retained for six years. ing his administration he promoted one of the first Teachers Institutes in the state. Though only self-educated Ande realized the importance of training and tried to get some of 1 for his teachers. 2 In 1898, at the age of 41, he entered law and was admitted to the Bar that year. His preparation had consisted of a session or two of summer school at the University of North Carolina, plus his home study and determination to advance. Mr. hoe was not a great lawyer but he had a knack of Laas i fer- ences between litigants and of making things right between them. ie In 1904 the County needed a man to represent it in ee ane sembly. In looking around for a candidate, the Democrats offere 872 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Elijah M. Koonce. He was a man of integrity, his experience in the schoolroom, his proven ability as superintendent, together with his knowledge of the law with his common sense approach, pointed him up as the man for the place. Elected first in 1904, he was reelected each biennium until 1914, a longer period of time than any man had served up to that time. In his considera- tion of bills proposed before the Assembly, the State was the unit from which he came to conclusion, for or against. He saw the State as one great unit, with Onslow County as a vital part of it. For a number of years he was Judge of the Onslow County Court, serving in that capacity until the court was abolished. “He was sympathetic in his administration of justice, but firm for the enforcement of law and order.” In 1902 he married Mrs. Dora Coston Warlick. They had one son, Charles Duffy Koonce. Mr. Koonce was a Methodist, a Mason and a member of the North Carolina Bar Association. He died at 64 years of age. His had been a life of usefulness to his fellows, to his County and to his State. Frank Thompson said of him, “We honor his memory for what he was, and love him for what he wanted to be. The County is better for his having lived in it.” Reports: The North Carolina Bar Association, Volumne 1922, page 54. (Thanks to Mr. Nere E. Day.) JOHN R. GURGANUS John R. Gurganus was Deputy under Sheriff E. H. Walton for two years, Sheriff of the County eight years and Clerk of the Superior Court for Thirty years, all of which time he served with credit to himself and satisfaction to the voters. He had more friends and fewer enemies, politically speaking, than any public servant the County has known. His knowledge of law surpassed most of his peers, and his courtesy and genial services were available to any who might need them. For many years he was considered the indispensible element of the Court by lawyers, judges and citizens as well, when legal procedure was being considered in Onslow County. He retired from office December 1956. Born April 5, 1885; Married Miss Toncha Dixon of Jones County November 16, 1918. They reside at 304 Warn Street, Jacksonville. PERSONALITIES FIRST WOMEN GRADUATES WENT FROM ONSLOW The first women to graduate from Trinity College (now Duke) and also the first in North Carolina were the Giles sisters who went from Onslow and graduated in 1878. Fy Mrs. Nancy White Giles, widow moved to Trinity so as to be able to educate her son E. S. F. Giles, Jr. She had three daugh- ters Mary Z. Theresa and Persis P., who were teachers in the local scheols and who desired to take the same course as their brother. Trinity was all-male at the time. Securing private in- structions from members of the faculty the girls prepared for the baccalaureat degree. A vote of the board awarded the diploma under the seperate classification of “Ladies.” Later, in 1885 they received the Mas- ters Degree. : ; The Sisters opened a school for Girls in Greenwood, South Carolina, the same year, and after a long career retired and made their home in that city. a oie Bib; Nora Campbell Chaffin History of Trinity College P. 4 HENDERSON TO CONGRESS David N. Henderson, Judge of the Duplin County Court and native of Hubert, in Onslow County, was named Democratic Candidate for Congress from the Third Congressional District in the June 1960 primary. Nomination is equivalant to election in the district. He succeeds Graham Barden of New Bern who has served 26 years of North Carolina. He served overseas with the Air-force in World War II, and was for a time General Counsel for the House Committee on Education and Labor which Barden headed as Chairman. . " David is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Newton Henderson of an 0 and well known Onslow County family. The elder Henderson pe his family moved to Duplin when David was 4 years of age. He is 39 years old and a practicing attorney. BUSINESS AS USUAL If you have the mistaken idea that doing historical research is all dry-as-dust searching through musty old records, or if you believe that Granddad spent all of his time in the manage- ment of his business, taking Grandma to church in the family coach or entertaining the preacher whenever he came through, you need only to peruse the following letter to learn that Grand- dad was not averse to a little fun sometimes along with his other employment. While our search has not yet revealed Grandma’s views in the matter, we suspect that underneath her flowing train and murmuring taffetas she loved a good time much as the girls do today. Granddad operated a store along with his other business. Bills-of-lading made out by the firm of White and Barnes of 201 Pearl Street, New York, for goods shipped via the steamer “Napoleon,” which plied between Swansboro and New York show that Grandpa catered to the best trade and listed such items as “prints,” “chints,” “Kentucky Jean,” “Brown Linen,” “grass cloth,” “drilling.” “plaid,” “cotton cashmere,” “Irish Linen,” “tick,” “bleached shirting,” black cambric,” “Marsaille Vesting,” “eotton flaggs,” “cotton shawls,” “Blue Italian Silk,” “Ladies Persian Thread Hose,” “6 dozen boxes hooks and eyes,” “8 packs pins,” and sundry other articles to the value of $344.09, all of which are shown as a purchase dated April 19, 1845, and shipped direct to the Colonel back in Onslow County. The owner of the faded old papers together with the Colonel’s real name, and whether the title of Colonel was military or honorary, shall for this purpose remain a mystery, but for all that, they are genuine, and give us an intimate glimpse into the life “Before the War” as it happened right here in Onslow. Along with the order Granddad sent a request for a report on the “State of the Market.” About a month later he received the following reply: New York, May 9, 1845 Dear Colonel,— I cannct hope that a letter from here just now, will be worth the postage, but as you expressed a wish to hear from us, I can at least gratify you that far, and leave the rest to fortune. It is a tolerably large village, this of ours, but with the exception of hanging a man now and then, a race, a murder, BusINEss AS USUAL 375 robbery or some trash of that sort, it is confoundedly lack- ing in excitement and therefore young men become corrupted in morals and are often led into shockingly bad places— apropos of shockingly bad places, reminds me of a visit a night or two since, to a certain dwelling, situated in an odd corner of the city, up a short lane with a lamp on the corner —you would hardly know the place, if I was to describe it more minutely—but that is of no consequence. I had the pleasure of meeting a person there, who tells me she is aware that there is a gentleman residing in the wilds of North Carolina whose name is somewhat similar to yours and from some other circumstances she related concerning the person, I am inclined to believe it must be you. She spoke of him in the most glowing terms and told me that at a time when she was mighty hard up, he, a comparative stranger, came forward with the usual noble nature of the Southern and gave her a helping hand. She respected him much, she loved him more and again and again regretted that he was not then near her that she might tell him so. What the Devil have you been doing? I am afraid some- thing on the sly, for I was not aware of any particular favor shown by you, at least sufficient to bring forth half I listened to, and if you have not been doing more than I know of at present, I can but attribute her fascination to some beauty of your person. We are out and no mistake, in fact Devilish small potatoes when your name is mentioned, and she has become so fastidious as to cut Fuller entirely and only permits me to have a chat with her because I told her I was in correspondence with you. I cannot help saying that I like the girl much, and if it was not for her dam’d stuff about the Colonel I might visit her frequently, if not oftener. She talks now of renting a room in some quiet part of the city where, she intends to support herself with the needle, and I certainly intend to assist her in so laudable an under- taking. But enough of her—there is another individual who speaks of you in somewhat different character, and inquires loudly and often for “That Ring,” but I have told her to go to the devil so often (very impolite to a lady I confess) that I believe she has gone there—I presume you know of whom I speak— What is going on out your way? How get on the girls there, are they handsome, mighty easy or what are they? Pray give me a good long letter with full particulars. I know of nothing here that would interest you much just now, but hope that after hearing from you I shall be able 376 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW to give you a letter worth reading, or at least I shall try to do so. : ETT TIN Andrew will, I expect, write you in a few days with full ROSTER OF S LERS WHO bail UELAND BYecro particulars of the state of the market. ONSLOW COUN 1706-1800 Se eee ene ate waren Only the first grant is recorded under each name: as for this | purpose he is counted a settler from that date. While not en- I remain, } tirely accurate, the list gives an approximation of each settler’s Sees arrival in Onslow County. Names and dates are accurate. The James M. Hunt list includes names of persons prominent in the affairs of the Province who lived in Wilmington, New Bern and elsewhere, Fuller desires to be remembered. THE OLD NORTH STATE Here is a thought we’d like to leave With all those who ’round us live That of everything that God made great The finest of these is the Old North State We sincerely wish when we leave this world That some wondrous scenes to us unfurl But if we are asked we will sure relate Its got to be good to beat the Old North State There may be some who doubt we’ve got The eden of earth—the garden spot We'll still contend until life shall cease This grand ol’ State is God’s Masterpiece With apologies to P. L. Pittman but who never lived in Onslow. Ye Olde Towne Creek 1706 William Brown 1706 Henry Warren 1706 Thomas Worseley The North West Branch of New River 1712 John Nasague 1736 John Farr 1736 Richard Farr 1736 Joseph Howard 1736 Richard Farr, Jr. 1737 James Wallace 1737 Frances Veale 1737 Edward Howard 1737 John Guess 1737 William Williams 1737 Samuel Williams 1737 Samuel Keel 1737 John Wallace 1787 William Morgan 1739 John Cox 1741 Thomas Johnson 1741 Charles Cox 1741 Benjamin Eason 1741 Stephen Williams 1743 William Lester 1743 John Sloun (Sloan) 1744 Sarah Anderson 1744 James Wright 1745 William Maynor 1746 John Howard 1746 William Kellett 1748 Severus Gold 1753 Matthew Whitfield 1756 Benjamin Williams 1756 Thomas Alberson 1756 Jonathan Courtney 1759 Anthoney Lewis 1759 Owen Matthews 1759 Matthew Green 1759 Eleazer Brock 1760 Mathew Gregory 1761 John Melton 1762 William Green 1762 George Brinson 1763 Elwood Anderson 1763 Joseph Lloyd 1764 Thomas German 1764 Daniel Austin 1764 Everett Jenkins 1765 Arthur Ryall 1765 Hopkin Wilkin 1765 Jesse Ballard 1765 Hugh Beasden 1767 Samuel Davis 1767 James Hammond 1767 Robert Knight 1767 William Shaw 1768 Dennison Ashburn 1768 Jesse Williams 1768 Joseph Berryman 1770 James Dunn 1770 John Shackelford 1773 Burthic Gillespie 1775 Simon Russey 1780 Anthony Morris 1780 Jonathan Dixon 1780 John Jarman 1780 John Lewis 1780 William Bennett 1780 Woodhouse Rhodes | | | 378 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW ROSTER OF SETTLERS—1706-1800 379 | | 1780 Arthur Venters 1738 Samuel Jones 1735 William Wells Bogue Sound Hi | 1780 Lawrence Jarman 1743 William Hawkins 1737 ee ‘ 1713 Robert ike i | MH 1780 Reuben Grant 1745 Thomas Dudley 1737 John Martin Franc 1714 Thomas Lee | HI 1780 Richard Frigitith 1749 Anthony Mitchell ' 1738 William Brice 1717 Ross Bell | 1780 Thomas Andrews 1762 Thomas Hunt | 1738 John Calvert 1782 John Scott HM 1780 Stephen Shackelford 1762 Stephen Hawkins 1730 John Starkey Hi 1780 Banister Lester 1768 Stephen Lee 1741 James Akins Bear Creek Inlet and Sound HA 1780 Michael Williams 1773 John Blair 1743 James Rooks 1714 Daniel Richardson Hi 1780 Andrew Laws 1774 Joseph Marshall 1744 Thomas Shepard 1736 John Huggins Mh 1782 James Foy 1775 Abraham Daws 1745 Theophilus Weeks | 1736 Phineas Stephens 1782 William Foster 1775 Zachariah Harker 1746 Samuel & John Fields 4749 Jonathan Woodell Mi 1782 Edward Hammonds 1780 Ezeriah Hawkins 1750 John Simpson 1765 David Swain i 1782 Christopher Huffman 1780 John Lupton 1751 Lewis Trott 1766 Francis Burns i} 1782 Aaron Parker 1780 Benjamin Stephens 1753 William Gibson 1769 John Eliot | 1782 John Humphrey 1782 Amos Parker U753; JORnEM coeaamers 1770 Ezekiel Adams HH 1782 John Mills 1782 Starret Burns pre hifemarseeen ee! 1780 Multiah Strange 1782 Benjamin Ballard 1784 Joseph Mills a 1784 Libbens Hunter 1782 Henry Gibbons 1784 Reuben Grant ee es omy 1787 John Pearson : 1784 Thomas Godfrey 1784 Seth Grant 1764 eee Fos oye 1784 pues Free 1784 Bae ap ere Ha ee Ganenale Waters Stones Creek and Bay 1784 James Mumford 1784 Edward Marcey 2 1716 Richard Sanderson 1784 Francis Oliver 1793 Benjamin Praver oe pe eaceg aa 1717 John Kent 1784 Bishop Dulley 1793 Daniel Rogers 1765 Owen eee 1722 John Lovick 1784 Hardy Gregory 1799 Benjamin Turner 1767 Edward Galloway 1723 Charles Glover 1784 George Clendaval 1769 William Gray 1735 Christopher Deval 1784 Joseph Bullard Coast Lands and Islands 17691'Thomas Guapemn 1741 Samuel Moore 1784 Jesse Gregory 1713 Christopher Gale 1770 John Miller i 1769 Robert Sneads oe Eugen Gaatiey aes Towle ites 1770 Adam Trott 1799 James Glenn Sees nated SbemStarkey 1770 Stephen Fonville : ee rae Hi Sota En Kens 1787 David Ramsey 1780 John Dixon 1780 Sees 1726 William Lewis, Jr. LTS Wea acaminseD 1780 Joseph Lillibridge 1726 John Baptista Ashe 1788 Abraham Baker The White Oak 1780 Abraham Burnap 1726 Charles Harrison 88 seuss) Aan 1713 Edward Worsely 1780 William Hull ¥ia0 Ea ge i ames 1788 John Gilbert 1113 Ivell Martin 1784 Jona kineey 113d an pohantburl 1788 Daniel Humphrey 1713 Ebenezer Harker 1784 Adam Scott 1735 Uriah Ross fi 1789 James Mills _ 1714 William Fryley 1784 Eli West 1735 Cornelus Hate t 1791 Benjamin Oliver 1714 William Reed 1787 Zadoc Mumford 1736 Richard Whitehurs ieee wv haaue Momfore ui Joseph Bell 1791 William Killim ie pe irc corned ohn Murri 14 John Palin 1793 Dexter Gibson ames 1796 Ruth Strange 1720 Maurice Moore 1793 John Arnold 1736 Ebenezer Holmes 1797 Moses Jarman 1727 Thomas Hillman | 1737 Henry Rhodes © tt 1799 Marbry Turner 1729 Robert Atkins Duck Creek 1738 Nathaniel Evere 1729 Christopher Dudley 1715 Fornifold Green 1741 Nathaniel Rice Queens Creek 1730 Richard Williamson 1750 William Cray 1741 John Johnson 1713 Tobias Knight 1730 Enoch Ward, Esq. 1793 Gaberial Hancock 1741 James ee one 1714 George Bell 1735 Robert Simpson 1793 John Hart 1742 John & Zach William 1730 Richard Russell 1735 John Perry 380 1743 1744 1744 1745 1746 1749 1753 1756 1761 1765 1765 1767 1767 1767 1767 1768 1768 1768 1769 1769 1769 1780 1780 1780 1780 1780 1780 1780 1780 1780 1780 1780 1780 1782 1782 1782 1782 1782 1782 1782 1782 1784 1784 1784 1784 1784 1787 1787 1788 1788 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW James Mautland (Want- land?) Jacob Lewis Samuel Ramsey Edward Cummings Robert Courtney Horatio Woodhouse James Morgan David Jones Mathew Carey Benjamin Farnell Absalon Hart William Thomas Plato Smith Jacob Jones Samuel Hatch Abraham Jarrott Elkanah Gentry William Clifton Elizabeth Newton James Nichols Anne Dudley Isham House Levin Campbell Thomas Edings John Lester Charles Hairslipp George Jenkins Herche Warner Jesse Croom Thomas Youell Daniel Ambrose Edward Melton Charles Hardison John Cook Jacob Padgett John Hardison John Royals Josiah Baisden Jeremiah Fonville John King Benjamin Ballard Samuel Chapman John Hawkins James Trevor James Pearson John Yopp Elijah Newton Kilby Jones William Pollock Jonathan Bryant 1788 1788 1791 1791 1793 1793 1793 1799 1799 Thomas Avery John Rhodes Asa Hatch Daniel Bender Hannah Hammonds John Sneads Josiah Howard William Wilkins Nathaniel Loomis Kings Creek 1726 1758 1768 1791 Richard Everead, Esq. Thomas Edens Robert Edge William Whorty Whitlock River 1735 1735 1735 1735 Francis Thirle & dna Lowel Francis Brice John Kernap Edward Fowle Wallace’s Creek 1735 1754 1767 1769 1775 1782 1784 1784 1784 1785 1787 1793 Richard Levitt William Hunter Jacob Hemby John Walker Ottoway Bowens Frederick Burns Houston Roberts George Mitchell George Hazard George Trott Joseph Milton Solomon Burnett The North East Branch of New River 1735 1735 17387 1737 1739 1739 1745 1745 1745 1749 1751 1753 Charles Ratcliff Arthur Mobson Joe Bumpas Frances Sumner Peter Morton George Cooper. Gorsham Howland John Clark Cornelius Bumpas John Holmes Benjamin Turner Thomas Wilcocks 1754 James Rupel 1761 John Smiledge 1763 Thomas Roberts 1764 John Newton 1764 William Travis 1765 Barnaby Henderson 1765 Jonathan Wood 1765 Thomas Fanral 1766 Thomas Burton 1766 John Jarrott 1768 Aaron Fox 1769 John Sambreth 1770 George Keel 1771 John Waters 1772 Downing Everington 1773 Thomas Bryan 1773 Joseph French 1780 Moses Fox 1780 Joseph Bryan 1780 Jacob Huggins 1780 Simon Ward 1782 William Shackelford 1782 Elijah Simmons 1782 John Boston 1782 Ruth Davis 1784 Daniel Averton 1784 Reuben Cook 1784 Samuel Nobels 1785 Joseph Simmons 1785 Michael Frazier 1785 Thomas Cook 1787 Charles Henderson 1788 Thomas Farnell 1788 William Timmons 1791 George Harrison 1793 Sarah Moston, 1793 James Edmundson 1793 Soloman Hicks 1793 John Ward 1798 Ezekiel Henderson 1793 Jesse Milton 1793 Zebede Hancock 1799 Josiah Henderson 1799 Micajah Farnell 1799 Soloman Milton 1799 Mathew Sumner Browns Creek 1735 Joseph Morgan 1758 Seth Ward ROSTER OF SETTLERS—1706-1800 381 South West Branch of New River 1736 1736 1746 1737 1738 1744 1745 1754 1755 1756 1758 1758 1761 1761 1761 1761 1761 1763 1764 1764 1765 1765 1766 1766 1767 1767 1767 1767 1768 1769 1769 1770 1770 1772 1773 1780 1780 1782 1782 1782 1782 1782 1782 1782 1782 1782 1784 1784 1784 John Williams John Middleton Thomas Fulwood Richard Bachelor William Guess James Murray Anne Crawford Lazarus Thomas Adam Brinson James Evans Anthony Moore William Lester James Howard Mathew Brinson Robert Nixon John Stiles Nicholas Gurganus Joseph Lloyd William Alphin Joseph Williams Daniel Yates John Brown Jeremiah Smith John Kannon Charles Stout David Marshburn Arthur Averitt Anthony Everett Jonathan Murray Robert Land John McKinsey John Shepard Joseph Innett Moses Barefield Hugh Thompson William Monroe John Roberson Amos Love Isaac Gion Jonathan Gibson John James Charles Nixon Daniel Shepard William Lloyd Richard Simpson Benjamin Shepard Joseph Alexander William Prescott Ephrian Battle 382 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW 1784 Thomas King 1784 Thomas Pitt 1785 Lewis Jenkins 1785 Zachariah Gurganus 1788 William Sanders 1789 Willoughby Shepard 1793 Robert Coston 1793 Jesse Gurganus 1793 William Gibbs 1797 George Brinson 1799 Thomas Marshburn 1799 Jacob Fields 1799 Elizabeth Shepard Sanders Creek 1736 Nathaniel Avent 1736 Stephen Howard Great Creek 1736 William Crawford 1754 Bryan Hicks 1754 Benjamin Hicks 1762 Thomas Lloyd 1782 Jethro Marshburn Starkey’s Creek 1736 Ishmael Taylor 1767 Abraham Simpson 1767 Joseph Whorton 1774 John Burnaw 1780 William Nelms 1791 Thomas Hewbanks 1793 Ephriam Swift 1793 Thomas Battle Gillet’s Creek 1736 William Shewbridge 1775 Thomas Dulaney 1780 Benjamin Ward Cypress Creek 1736 Michael Taylor 1736 Timothy Clansey 1795 William Blackledge 1782 Samuel Heidlebury 1764 John Beaseley Turkey Creek 1737 Pete Perry 1738 Ezekiel Johnson 1747 Richard Chesson 1751 James Crawford 1760 Charles Railes 1787 John Collier 1788 James Spicer Alligator Creek 1737 Peter Parker 1753 John Norman 1782 Robert McCleary 1788 John Hansley Frenchman’s Creek 1737 Alexander Nicola 1793 Isaac Charlescraft Topsail Sound 1737 Owen Hill 1745 George Bishop, Jr. Beasley Swamp 1737 George Bishop 1739 Thomas Beaseley 1769 Robert Saze 1793 Thomas Barlow 1793 Nance & Easther Penny Goose Creek 1737 John Stoakeley 1745 Thomas Stoakeley 1762 Andrew Fulwood 1768 John King 1769 Charles Hollingsworth Blue Creek 1737 Zacheus Evans 1753 Francis Howard 1765 Phillip Aneau (Aman?) 1788 Jacob Aman 1789 Thomas Crennius Grant’s Creek 1738 William Starkey 1741 John Dudley 1754 Isaac Burnap 1772 Joseph Dickson 1773 Soloman Melville 1780 Christopher Roe 1780 Hezekiah Jones 1789 William Kellan 1793 Carteret Jones RosTER OF SETTLERS—1706-1800 Mill Swamp 1736 Benjamin Sallier 1736 Adam Sutton 1738 William Mills 1753 Jonathan Milton 1753 Robert Milton 1760 Henry Rowley 1761 Moses Prescote 1762 Jesse Williams, Jr. 1767 Jacob Manor 1767 Joseph Figure 1768 Peter Molton 1769 Southey Littleton 1770 Edward Pilcher 1782 David Mills 1784 Jacob Wayne 1788 Dempsey Butler 1788 Cornelius Bruce Gravelly’s Run 1741 John Bearfield Harry’s Creek 1741 Daniel Marshburn 1745 Zach Fields 1761 John Heidlebury Mittimus Creek 1741 Samuel Johnson Sherlow Branch 1744 James Allkins 1750 Anthony Charlescraft Willis Creek 1745 James Ridgeway 1780 James Tew Flat Swamp 1745 Alexander Steel Poplar Branch 1745 William Barber 1761 William Melton 1765 William Haskins 1768 Joseph Brooks 1799 Alexander Melton Muddy Creek 1749 John Butler Half Moon Branch 1751 Richard Curtis 1759 James Bailey 1780 Benjamin Hilyard 1782 Josiah Edwards Hickory Branch 1753 Williams Askins Fulford’s Corner 1753 Christian Heidlebury 1784 Archeleus Chase Gum Branch 1754 Michael Barber 1758 Gibbons Jennings 1793 Hardy Gregory Lewis Creek 1755 Henry Skibbow Choras Branch 1756 John Brock 1782 John Avil Smith’s Branch 1757 Mary Russell 1764 Banister Lester Boysdale Creek 1758 Edward Ward Fields Branch 1758 Mathew James Stump Sound 1759 Stockley Bishop 1769 John Spicer 1782 Samuel Burnap Whitehouse Creek 1759 James Padgett 1793 Judthan Gibson Jenkins Branch 1759 Uz Williams 1793 John Bailey Alum Spring 1760 Jacob Wiley 1780 Jonathan Key 3884 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Fulwood Creek 1760 Richard Barber 1789 Shadrock Hull 1799 Winiford Welch Jumping River 1761 Charles Sanders Hopes Creek 1762 George Brock Plum Branch 1762 John Stone Batchelor’s Delight 1754 Daniel Catholick 1762 James Farr 1787 Thomas Jarman Dewdrap Branch 1763 Alexander Burnett Stewards Branch 1763 Lewis Skibbow Moore’s Creek 1764 Joshua James 1785 Mark Woods Rocky Run 1764 William Jameson 1780 Benjamin Frazier Holston Creek 1764 Henry Simmons Haws Branch 1764 George Shepard 1784 Abraham Gidders Pometa Branch 1765 Aaron Sigley 1780 George Curtis Scales Creek 1765 Benijah Dotey Howards Creek 1765 Levin Scott 1780 William Howard Troublesome Run 1767 John Drape Ashes Creek 1767 James Griffin 1775 William Conway 1784 William Munran Five Mile Swamp 1768 Obed Williams Files Branch 1768 John Waldron Trapps Creek 1768 William Ramsey Nine Mile Swamp 1767 Benjamin Screws 1769 John Crawford 1782 Francis Shackelford Buck Branch 1770 William Shackelford 1793 David Ward Wolf Swamp 17770 William Hammock Chappel Branch 1770 Anderson Gillet Back Swamp 1773 Joseph Pearce 1780 James Brantley 1782 Joseph Summer 1782 Jonathan Wilder 1784 Nathan Supper 1785 Jacob Brown 1788 Thomas Kenney 1788 Thomas Horne 1789 William Paradise 1793 Hillery Brinson 1793 Adam Murrow 1797 Henry Horn 1799 John Averitt Mulberry Branch 1775 James McDaniel McQuinneys Pond 1775 Stanton Spooner Bernetts Creek 1775 Christopher Rowe ROSTER OF SETTLERS—1706-1800 Two Log 1780 Stiron Brinson 1782 William King Horse Neck Swamp 1780 John Coston 1799 Micajah Morton Hadnot’s Point 1780 Whitehurst Hadnot Sellars Branch 1780 Thomas Glenn Patricks Branch 1780 John Gregory Two Mile Swamp 1784 William Webb Indian Spring 1784 Stratton Burton Black Creek 1784 William Lassiter Rudy Branch 1784 William Wheeler 1793 James King Shaking Creek 1787 Samuel Clegg 1792 Alexander Green 1793 James Edens 1793 Benjamin Averitt Morris Ridge—Shelter 1787 Christopher Dudley 1793 Stephen Roach Main Drean Swamp 1787 Absolan Johnston 1788 John Wilkins 1788 James Love Ten Mile Swamp 1787 Abraham Barrow 1774 Joseph Screws 1793 Thomas Wallace Whitley’s Branch 1787 Micajah King Royal Oak 1787 David Weatherspoon Mitchell Swamp 1787 Nathan Stephens Fishing Creek Correll 1787 Jonathan Kitchen Long Branch 1782 Charles Chairs 1784 William W. Taylor 1788 Samuel Pearson Broad Neck 1788 Soloman Ward 1788 John Atkinson Howling Pond 1788 Basil Grant Sandy Run 1788 James Kibble 1793 James Turner 1793 Mason Johnson 1799 Charles Burton 1799 Thomas Heidlebury Franks Pond 1793 Silvanius Askings Burnthouse Branch 1793 Mary Pounds Parrotts Branch 1793 Herman Rose Stirrup Iron Branch 1793 William Scott Ballaway Creek 1793 Jesse Basden Holly Shelter 1793 Butler Cowell 1793 Daniel Harrison 1795 David Allison 386 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Channey Creek 1793 Richard Ward Spicers Bay 1797 Jesse Clegg Chadwicks Bay 1797 Thomas Howard Gregory Creek 1799 William Baysden Maynor’s 1799 Jesse Wood 1799 James Barrens Shackelford 1799 Stephen Shaw Sneads Ferry 1799 William Edmundson Beaverdam 1799 Linton Russell 1793 Dempsey Brown 1782 Charles Chavis ONSLOW REGIMENT OF MILITIA IN 1754 John Starkey, Colonel Edward Ward, Sr., Lt. Colonel Edward Ward, Jr., Major District Bounds The White-Oak Company’s district from the northern bounds of the County to Bear Creek consists of 75 men, 4 sergeants, 2 corporals and 1 drummer. Stephen Lee, Captain. The North-East Company’s district, from Bear Creek to the North East Branch of New River, having 58 men, 1 corporal, 1 drummer. Richard Ward, Captain. The North-West Company’s district, from the North-East of New River bound to the Southwest Branch, having 89 men, 3 sergeants, 2 corporals, 2 drummers. John Shackelford, Captain. The South-West Company’s district, from the South West of New River along the Sound to the South bounds of the County, having 94 men, 3 sergeants. Thomas Hicks, Captain. White Oak Company List of Captain Stephen Lee’s Company on White Oak River, belonging to Colonel John Starkey’s Regiment in Onslow County: Peter Starkey William Hadnot William Howard James Bivens Henry Elliot Edward Wall Benjamin Stephens Richard Williamson William Herbert Richard Westbrook Thomas Knights Nathanael Hancock Phineas Stephens Richard Stephens John Parrot Thomas Owens Benjamin Owens Owen James Joseph Hill Samuel Green Emanuel Jones William Jones Thomas Collins John Burnap Matthias Johnston Stephen Hawkins Joseph Hawkins Gideon Hawkins Anthony Mitchell John Spicer Thomas Perry Samuel Jones John Cahoon Henry Edens Edward Burke Samuel Pierson Richard Field Smith Field Thomas Morris Edmund Thurle William Cook Thomas Webb Alex. Grant Robert Wambeldy Ralph Eaves William Jamison 388 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW David Dudley Isaac Bedel William Dudley William Gipson John Wells Isaac Gipson Nathanael Wells John Booth Hooten Joseph Wells Richard Oldfields William Burnap John Simpson Peter Arnold John Warburton Isaac Burnap John Parkabile Isaac Evans Theophilus Weeks, Sergeant George Bullock Anthony Charlescraft, Ser- Samuel Simpson geant Jabes Ellis Peter Badcock, Corporal Robert Simpson James Rook, Drummer Lewis Trott, Sr. John Howell, Sergeant Lewis Trott, Jr. Richard Pitts, Sergeant Phillip Dunnabow Samuel Spearman, Corporal Jacob Bedel At a muster on Tuesday, the 12th of March, Anno Domini 1754. Present Capt. Stephen Lee, Lieutenant Solomon Grant, Ensign John Dudley. Then it was ordered by Capt. Stephen Lee that the company should meet at Jonathan Melton’s on the No. Et. of New River on Tuesday, the second day of April next, in order to join the rest of the Companies belonging to Col. John Star- key’s Reg’t. at a general muster in order to improve them in their exercise. Vera Copia Test, Char. Hay, Clk. Compa. William Askins, 1 Wolf Thomas Roberts, 1 Cat Mickle Russell, 1 Cat South West Company A muster roll of forces retaken at Henry Rhodes’ on Friday, the 25th of October, 1754, to serve as Militia in a Regiment of foot commanded by the Honorable John Starkey, Esq., in Captain Thomas Hicks’ own Company Viz.: Samuel Alexander, Sergeant George Cooper Thomas Alberson, Sergeant Daniel Rayner Thomas Beasley, Sergeant Nathanael Hedgeman Daniel Hicks William Loyd James Henderson George Jenkins John Heidleburg Thomas Butler Joseph Loyd Horatio James Richard Thomson John Gurganus James Thomson Adam Keeling John Phillips Richard Barber ONSLOW REGIMENT OF MILITIA IN 1754 Hugh Gray John Roberts Nicholas Ruark Daniel Marshburn Ambrose Hill James Padgett Thomas Nicholas Henry Fountain Jonathan Fountain Michael Williams James Waltham John Averild Thomas Rhodes Henry Jenkins John Haws Thomas Loyd James Crawford John King Jarvis Bump Anthony Mooe Sam’! Marshburn Benjamin Shepard Peter Poory Henry Bishop, Jr. John Gray Solomon Rhodes John Crawford Jacob Strout Lewis Jenkins William Fountain Peter Costin William King Thomas Evans Matthew James William Reynolds Stephen Costin William Moore The above forces were mustered, trained and exercised in arms. Ordered that said forces meet at said place on the first Friday in March next, equipped with arms and ammunition and all other accoutrements that the law directs to be, then and there mustered, trained and exercised in arms. forces meet at Jonathan Melton’s on Tuesday, being the 26th inst. November in order for general muster. deceased since 1758: six. Henry Bishop George Shepard William Marchmont Charles Williamson Nathanael Avirette John Coston Thomas Bacher Elias Haden Job Hunter William Hill Simon Hobs John Jones Phillemon Morris Thomas Shelton Greyor Bishop William Devol John Eaden Matthew Brinson Aaron Prescott Joseph Briley William Jenkins Edward Wood Thomas Dickson James Albertson Charles Strout Daniel Fling Smith Shepard Richard Freeman William Bishop John Padgett Robert Simpson William Hunt William Burgis Jnoathan Everette John Hansley James Halford Vera Copia John Hunt, Clerk Orders since that said Number of the force 390 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW North East Company A list of Company of foot under command of Captain Richard Ward in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Starkey. Richard Wallace, Lieutenant Enoch Ward, Ensign Jabez Ellett, Adjutant Benjamin Ward Frances Burns, Sergeant David Jones, Drummer Edmund Howard John Jarrett Andrew Arreckson John Huggins Moses Harding Joseph Thomas Shadr’k Hunter Peter Russell Mithell Russell Henry Simmons Edward Simmons Nicklous King Joseph French Thomas Eadings Joseph Morgain, Jr. John Collins Chris Runnills James McGinnis Jessie Ramsey Dennis Aman Phillip Aman Nath. Hancock William Morgain North West Company George Nuton Aaron Barber William Barber John Cooper William Melton Thomas Roberts William Askins James Russell Richard Morton Peter Morton Peter Steal Joseph Morton Thomas Roberson Thomas Stephens Joseph Barnes Benjamin Farnil George Ward Andrew Chambers Elisha Hunter Ezekiel Hunter James Withrows James Askins William Ahear George Steal John Tommus John Roberson Richard Williamson John Chambers Endorsement Military List. Captain John Shackelford’s Company. Thomas Johnston, Lieutenant James Mills James Howard, Ensign William Shackelford, Clerk John Bradham, Drummer Jesse Williams, Sergeant John Humphrey, Sergeant Lot Williams, Sergeant Frances Gregory, Corporal David Stone, Muster-Master William Mills William Whaley John Whaley Thomas Mills John Galaway James Denson Abraham Lewis Frances Godfrey Luck Barfield Nathanael Jones John Howard John Johnston Richard Melton Elmore Anderson Abel Anderson William Ambrous ONSLOW REGIMENT OF MILITIA IN 1754 John Ambrous Philip Baley Moses Cox David Parker William Stone Hugh Glan Benja Steadham Obed Williams John Johnston Thomas Oldsby John Gregory Amos Williams Joseph Mumford Robert Sanders Charles Sanders Jacob Humphrey Mark Ratlif Arter Royal Gibbons Jennings William Williams Stephen Williams Thomas Farnil Richard Melton John Chapman Henry Burdecker Matthew Brinson Robert Nickson Nathanael Smith Solomon Parker Zachariah Heals Adam Brinson George Brinson John Eavens October ye 5th, 1754. James Eavens William Lester Thomas King William Oldfields William Lews William Williams Joseph Sanderford Timmoth Merril Benjamin Johnston Benjamin Farnil James Moulton, Jr. Daniel Austin Benjamin Hilliard Joseph Berryman Francis Sumner Moses Anderson Samuel Joseph __ Malborn Simmons Robert Courtney Anthony Lewe William Lewe George Hare Eleizer Brock Richard Brock John Melton Richard Hare Titus Hare James Hare Thomas French Robert Melton David Bumpus ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR There seems to be no records of the organizations from Onslow, as such. The State was divided into six districts and companies were known by their Captain’s name only. The following Onslow names are given as taken from the Pension Rolls, 1831: ONSLOW FIELD RETURN. No. 1 Ens. Jehr. Fonvielle Ens. Joseph Wharton Ezek’l Creech John Heartsfield Clint Wine John Aldridge John Hodges John Tull Sam’! Caswell Gray Westbrook Benj. Creech, Jr. John Grant, Jr. Fra’s. Freeman John Parrot Wm. Arrendale Jas. Ingram Wm. Berwich, Jr. Benj. Risher No. 2 Jos’a Barwick John Kennedy Moses Lovick Jacob Ingram Jacob Thompson Fra’s Hill Nathan Arrendale John Brown, Jr. David Heartsfield James Smith Jesse Aldridge Thos. Byrd Jas’a Williams Benj. Byrd Jude Walters Stringer Potts John Barrs Wm. Aldridge (Drafted in Capt. Kennedy’s. Company, 26th July, 1777.) DATE 1777. No. 3 Wm. Vining Joseph Smith Aaron Pool Sanders Bush Jesse Smith Thos. Daniel, Jr. John Woodland John Fontaine Job Williams James Pool Wm. Woodland Wm. Ayler John Creech Moses Westbrook William Berwick Walter Kennedy Fra’s Hodges Jesse Cobb No. 4 Simon Herring David Williams Shadrach Campbell John Cox Sam’! Pool Benj. Bruton, Jr. Staunton Smith John Heartsfield, Jr. Wm. Ferrill Wm. Skinner Wm. Tull Robert Bird Robert Woodland Jos’a Croom Abra. Bush Wm. Brown ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR 393 ONSLOW FIELD RETURN. DATE 1777 Captain John Boston Lt. En. Battle Ens. John Marril Capt. Reuben Grant Lt. Stanton Spooner Ens. George Hazzard Capt. John Spicer Lt. John Spicer Jr. Ens. John Beesley Captain George Mitchell Lt. Thomas Farnel Ens. John Cooper Capt. James Gray Lt. James Foy Ens. Jehr. Fonveille Capt. Stu. Grant Lt. John Starkey Ens. John Wharton Capt. Moses Fox Lt. Solomon Ward Ens. William Jenkins Capt. Richard Brack (Brock) Ens. Thomas Godly Sig. William Gray CAPTAIN ROBERT WHITEHURST SNEAD’S COMPANY, ONSLOW REGIMENT OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL ALEXANDER LILLINGTON’S WILMINGTON DISTRICT BRIGADE OF MAJOR-GENERAL RICHARD CASWELL’S NORTH CAROLINA MILITIA, REVOLUTIONARY ARMY [As Returned in Pay Roll No. 3167.] Name Robert W. Snead... Humphrey Marshall Enoch Thompson Bridger Jones Hezekiah Burns John Hull Peter Stokeley. Joseph Ward Benjamin Averitt_ Abraham Barrow. William Bell John Bender. Richard Brack (Brock) - Matthew Brinson Thomas Burnet. John Carpenter. Thomas Comeings. Aldridge Hadnot_. William Hancock... William Hantley — Samuel Heidleburg-.. Richard Mason Rank Amount Paid a El al _.Captain oe Fs eee A ee 0-0) ‘Lieutenant. 23 see == 22-10-0 eS 110-0) (29- 5-0 ~ ( 9-16-0 Sergeant - _Sergeant _Sergeant __. _Sergeant ..Private ? Private nee 894 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Benjamin Melton_ Thomas Pearson. Michael Petteway.. 5 i aa ONSLOW COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF 1812 Elijah Simmons__ aes Two Companies were detached from the militia of Onslow Mial Turner, for the War of 1812. What part, if any, they had in the war, Thomas Wells. i i or where they were stationed, or when they were discharged John Williams__ by : from the service does not appear now. William Williams.. ty From an old Muster Roll List found in the Department of James Wilson Rt oo Archives and History in Raleigh we give the following: From North Carolina Revolutionary Army Accounts (1783-1784), Book W, NOs ORES in North Carolina Department of Archives ta History, MusTER ROLLS ONSLOW COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE War oF 1812 aleigh, Cc, Second Regiment Eleventh Company detached from the Onslow Regiment Jacob Golden, Captain Isaac Gilbert William Mitchell, Lt. Hardy Pitts, Ens. Benj. Scott Isaac Scott David Scott James Wade Aaron Fox Washington Hamner Jacob Hufman Nathan Thompson Robert Wallace James White Hardy Wood James McCullough Benj. Barrow Wm. Phillips Abner Anders Isaac Henderson Hillary Henderson Beverly Simmons Isaac Huggins Henry Henderson Joseph Simmons Hardy Newton Ezekiel Askins Edward Fonveille Dempsey Wilson Calvin Howard John Wills John Grant William Grant John Stephenson Bazzel Grant Jess Gregory Bryant Williams Ebry Sanding Elijah Hardison Neal Grissom Henry Shepard Burney Humphrey Sam’! Jones Bray Harrell Lewis Stinkman Ephraim King Thos. Alphin Micajah King Thos. Gornto Elijah Russel Alex. Nelson Thomas Ennett Joshua McDonald William Williams Frances Venters Whitehurst Ennett Edw. Pearson Stephen Hawkins Benj. Ward Aldridge Hicks Humphrey Marshal Seth Hadnot William Howard John Milson Isaac Riggs John Crane 396 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Aquilla R. Hill Walter Hatten Hill Williams William Humphrey Lewis. Olliver Moses Cox Sam’! Davis Third Regiment—Onslow County 1% William Mitchell, cap- tain . Titus Howard, 1st lieu- tenant . Hardy Pitts, 2nd lieu- tenant . Lewis Oliver, 8rd lieu- tenant . Hilory Henderson, en- sign . Lott Huffman . George Williams . James Mills . William Calvet . Henry Foster . Henry Hyde . James Strange . Charles Cox . James Harvey . Jesse Wilder . Thomas Hawkins . Absalom Barber . Stephen Calvet . John Brown . Hillkiah Horn . Nathan Futral . Rigdon Whaley . Peter Ambrose . Edmund Littleton . William Parker . John Ellis Isaac Simpson . Reuben Melton . James Barrow . Josiah Hawkins . Everitt Simmons Edward Kellam ; Charles Thompson . Benjamin Littleton . John Murrel William Ennett John Hawkins Malachi Wilder Nickodemus Gurganus Daniel Mitchell Abram Burnet . John Edmondson . Dexter Farnel . Hawkins Marshall . Kilby Henderson . John Eubanks . Otway Hawkins . Purnal Haskins . Robert Caston . John Marshall . John Morton . Enock Haskins . John Gibson, jun . Ezekiel Eubanks . Brice Fields . Henry Wells . Elijah Eubanks, Jun . Bryan Barber . John Gilbert . Jos. Collins, jun . William Gibson, jun . William Carraway . John Garrett . Richard Simmons . Alexander Gray . Edmund Milson . Solomon Davis . Josiah Ward . Elijah Taylor . William Bell . Charles Scott . James Hurst . Jesse Hardison . John Edens . Samuel Nicholas . Peter Venters . Zechariah Evins . Laben Justice . Simon Hobbs . Whitlift Casten . Frederick Mills 76. 17. 78. 19. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF 1812 John Shepard 91. James Lloyd 92. Lewis Thompson 93. Thomas King 94. Jesse Fryer 95. John Higgs 96. George Hinkley 97. William Sammons 98. John Goints 99: David Horn 100. Henry Milton 101. Edward W. Shiver 102. Hosiah Clark 108. Josiah Fayles 104. Moses Jinkins 105. James Baker Obed Eason William A. Pearce James Oman Daniel Marshburn Henry Howard William Orme Thomas Fryer John Bell Samuel Howard John Jones David Riggs James Caston Zechariah Jackson Amos Goints Bibliography: Muster Roll of Soldiers of the War of 1812 Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, North Carolina ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY Onslow had soldiers scattered throughout other companies and other regiments from counties throughout the State. : Reference is made to Moore’s Roster of Confederate Troops - ae Civil War. Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, Third North Carolina Regiment COMPANY E OFFICERS Marquis L. F. Redd, Captain; cm. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; r. i : w. T. Ennett, Captain; p. from 1st Lieut. I aa aia ee ote 1st Lieut.; cm. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Captain Dec. Leander Moore, ist Lieut.; p. from 2d Lieut. Elisha Porter, 1st Lieut.; p. from 2d Lieut. Leander, Moore, 2d Lieut.; cm. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. 1st Lieut. Dec. Elisha Porter, 2d Lieut.; cm. May 16th, ’61; On BS 105 : Dnata aan ee v Onslow co.; p. 1st Lieut. Feb. John P. Oats, 2d Lieut.; p. from Sergt. John E. King, 2d Lieut.; p. from Sersgt. Andrew J. Gurganus, 2d Lieut.; p. from ranks. John W. Stokely, 2d Lieut.; p. from ranks. Non-CoMMISSIONED OFFICERS Edward Williams, 1st Sergt.; e. May 13th, ’64; Onslow co.; dg., Aug., ’62. John P. Oates, 2d Sergt.; e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Lieut. dnote King, 3d Sergt.; e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Lieut; c. May 12th, Caleb N. Everitt, 4th Sergt.; e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. on account of disability. Samuel Mills, 5th Sergt.; e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Sergt Major; w. at Sharpsburg and Chancellorsville. Sigler, Redd, 1st Corporal; e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co. Joseph R. Jenkins, 2d Corporal; e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Malvern Hill; k. May 38rd, ’63, at Chancellorsville. Thomas J. Capps, 3d Corporal; e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co. Lemuel A. Sidbury. 4th Corporal; e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. June 30th, Hiram B. Costam, 5th Corporal; e. May 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Feb. 5th, ’62. eee Marshall, musician, e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; died August PRIVATES Aman, T. F., e. Jan. 29th, 61; Onslow co.; d. April 27th, ’62. Aman, Robert, e. Sept. 1st, 61; Onslow co.; d. Sept. 20th, ’61. Aman, Elijah, e. Jan. 28th, 62; Onslow co.; k. May 3d, ’63, at Chancellorsville. Aman, Robert T., e. May 10th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Feb. 4th, ’62. Anataway, R. E., e. July 15th, ’62; New Hanover co.; d. Sept. 7th, ’62. Barber, Jeremiah, e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co.; d. Feb. 19th, ’63. Barber, William, e. July 15th, ’61; Moore co. Barber, W. R., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co. Bishow Jacob, e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. of w. at Sharpsburg Sept. 30th, Blake, John T., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; dt. Bolton, Merriweather L., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. July 18th, ’61. ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY 399 Breese, Joseph, e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co. Breese, Wm. R., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; k. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, ’62. Breese, Richard F., e. May 16th, 761; Onslow co.; dg. Breese, Joseph, e. May 13th, 762; Onslow co. Bragley, W. M., e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Brinson, G. W., e. July 15th, 762; Onslow co. Breese, James, e. January 28th, 62; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg. Brown, J. J., e. July 15th, 62; Pitt co.; d. Sept. 1st, ’62. Bryan, J. H., e. July 15th, ’62; Pitt co. Bryan, F. J., e. July 15th, 62; Pitt co. Bryan, J. C., e. July 15th, 62: Martin co.: d. of w. at Chancellorsville. Bryan, B. F., e. July 15th, 62; Pitt co.; ¢. May 12th, ’61. Bunting, W. T., e. July 15th, ’62; Pitt co. Brady, W. M., e. July 15th, 62; Moore co. Bullock, Simpson, e. July 15th, ’62; Pitt co.; k. at Sharpsburg. Bullock, J. B., e. July 15th, 62; Pitt co.; w. at Chancellorsville. Caps, P. J., e. May 13th, 61; Onslow co. Carpenter, Robert, e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co.; k. Canady, James J., enlisted May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Malvern Hill July 1st, 62. Curtis, Reubin, e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Jan. 26th, ’62. Cooper, Gabriel, e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; d. of w. at Chancellorsville July ist, ’63. Cox, A. L., e. July 15th, 62; Moore co.; ¢. Nov. 27th, ’63. Cummings, J., e. July 15th, ’62; Pitt co.; d. Sept. 15th, 62. Crul, J. J., e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; c. May 12th, ’64. Davis, Samuel, e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.;' d. March 15th, ’62. Deals, John, e. March 22d, ’63; Onslow co.; w. May 34d, ’63, at Chancellorsville; ce. May 12th, ’64. Deal, Isaac, e. Jan. 27th, 61; Onslow co.; dg. Dec. 2d, ’62. Dunn, B., e. July 13th, ’62; Onslow co. Dunn, Bennett, e. July 13th, °62; Edgecombe co.; w. at Gettysburg. Edens, Hzekiel, e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; d. of w. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, ’62. Edens, James T., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co. é Edens, John D., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; dg. for w. at Malvern Hill. Edens, James A., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; k. at Chancellorsville May 3d, 763. Edens, Jas. H., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; dg. July, 61. Ennett, Thomas, e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; dg. Aug., 61. Ennett, Nathaniel S., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; k. May 34d, ’63, at Chan- cellorsville. Everett, L. J., e. May 13th, 61; Onslow co. Everett, Thomas J., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; w. at Chancellorsville May 8rd, 763. Everett, Wm. T., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. May 7th, ’62. Bverett, W. S., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; k. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, ’62. Farr, G. E., e. March 18th, 62; Onslow co.; dg. March 24th, ’63. Farr, H. J., e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co. Farr, Jackson, e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co. Farr, Richard E., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; dg. March 24th, ’63, for w. at Malvern Hill. Fay, Geo. W., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; d. Aug. 8th, ’62. Freshwater, Wm., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. April, 62. Fields, K. E., e. July 15th, ’62; Chatham co.; ¢. Oct. 11th, ’62. Foard, W. R., e. July 15th, ’62; Pitt co. Geddings, A. J. P., e. May 18th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. at Gettysburg and c. May 12th, ’64. Grant, B. L., e. March 24th, ’62; Onslow co. Gillekin, Isaiah, e. March 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; k. June 26, ’62, at Ellyson’s Mill. Gurganus, Andrew J., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; p. Serg’t and Lieut., and c. May 12th, ’64. 400 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Green, Edward, e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Oct. 20th, ’61. Gurnto, John A., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; k. July 8rd, ’63, at Gettysburg. Hanna, W. S., e. July 15th, ’62; Guilford co.; d. of w. at Sharpsburg. Hansiey, John T., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; c. at Gettysburg. Hansley, Jeremiah J., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co.; w. at Chancellorsville and c. May 12th, ’64. Hardison, Frank, e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Hardison, Jackson, e. June 8th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Aug. 8th, ’62. Heady, Wm., e. July 2d, 61; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg and Gettysburg, and c. May 12th, ’64. Haralson) E. T., e. March 2d, 62; Onslow co.; d. of w. at Malvern Hill July 10th, ’62. Hardison, Daniel J., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Jan., ’62. Hardison, Robert, Jr., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Aug. 20th, ’61. Hardison, Joseph, e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Chancellorsville and c. May 12th, 64. Hardison, Elza, e. Feb. 21st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Chancellorsville. Hicks, R. T. J., e. Feb. 18th, ’62; Onslow co. Hill, Williams, e. Jan. 18th, ’62; Onslow co.; p. Serg’t and c. May 12th, ’64. Hobbs, T. A. J., e. May 2d, 62; Onslow co.; p. Corporal; c. May 12th, ’64. Hobbs, Edward J., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. July 19th, 62, of w. at Ellyson’s Mill. Hobbs, Elza H., e. May 16, 61; Onslow co.; dg. Dec. 14th, ’62. Hobbs, Wm. N., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. June 26th, ’62, at Ellyson’s Mill. Hobbs, Pyram P., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Feb. 19th, ’63. Hobbs, Andrew J., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; k. Sept. 17th, ’62, at Sharps- burg. Hobbs, Joseph E., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg and c. May 12th, ’64. Horn, Owen H., e. May 16th, 61; Onslow co. Horn, David W., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Aug. 12th, ’61. Horn, Jacob R., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Nov. 19th, 62. Howard, John W., e. May 16th, ’61; dg. October 21st, ’61. Hunsucker, G. D., e. July 16th, ’62; Moore co.; w. at Gettysburg; c. May 12th, 64, Jackson, B. B., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co.; k. Sept. 17th, 62, at Sharpsburg. Jarrig Samuel, e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Sept. 15th, 762. Jarris, Dexter B., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal; d. Jenkins, Uzza, e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Gettysburg. Jenkins, Wm.,.H., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg; p. May 2d, 63. Jenkins, Edmund, e. May 16th, ’61; d. Dec. 13th, ’61. Jenkins, Lewis R., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; k. July 1st, 62, at Malvern Hill. Kimbell, W. B., e. July 15th, ’61; Moore co.; dg. Nov. 11th, ’62. King, E. H., e. May 1st, ’62; Onslow co.; p. Serg’t; w. at Chancellorsville. King, J. W., e. July 2d, ’61; Onslow co.; k. Sept. 17, ’62, at Sharpsburg. King, J. E., e. May 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; c. May 12th, ’64. King, John R., e. June 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg; c. May 12th, 64. King, Thos. E., e. May 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Chancellorsville. Manning, A. A., e. July 15th, ’62; Pitt co. Macauley, S. H., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co.; d. Oct. 10th, ’62, of w. received at Sharpsburg. McKethan, Neill, e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co. McLemon, J. H., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co.; c. May 19th, ’64. McLeod, Neil, e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; c. May 12th, ’64. Millis, David H., e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal July 1st, '63. Marshal, John R., e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. Sept 17th, ’62, at Sharps- burg; c. May 12th, ’64. Marshburn, D., e. June 29th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. May 1st, ’62. Marshburn, H., e. June 29th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. June 8th, ’63. ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY Melton, L., e. February 2nd, ’62; Onslow co. Moore, W. W., e. February 2nd, ’62; Onslow co.; tr. to C. S. Navy. Moore, E., e. June 26th, 62; Onslow co.; dg. August 19th, ’62. Patrick, G. W., e. July 2nd, ’62; Onslow co.; w. at Richmond and Chancellors- ville. Paschal, Robert, e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co. Parker, H., e. July 15th, ’62; Pitt co.; dg. November 19th, ’62. Parker, W. E., e. July 16th, ’63; Pitt co.; k. May 8rd, ’63, at Chancellorsville. Parrish, David, e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co. Perter, Eli, e. March 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. of w. received at Sharpsburg. Phillips, William, e. January 29th, ’62; Onslow co.; dg. May 26th, ’62. Phillips, J. W., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co.; w. at Sharpsburg. Phillips, L. S., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co.; d. September 30th, ’62, of w. re- ceived at Sharpsburg. Phillips, C. D., e. July 15th, ’62 Moore co.; w. at Sharpsburg. Phillips, A. W., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co.; w. at Sharpsburg. Phillips, D. C., e. July 15th, 62; Moore co.; k. September 17th,.’62, at Sharps- burg. Phillips, N. W., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co. Piner, James M., e. May 13th, 61; Onslow co.; c. May 19th, ’64. Pollock, Francis M., e. May 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. July 24th, ’61. Redd, Jacob, e. March 22nd, ’63; Onslow co. Richardson, A., e. January 28th, 62; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg. Rogers, James M., e. May 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. in ’62 of w. received at Malvern Hill. Rudd, Francis M., e. May 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant Major; w. at Chancellorsville May 3rd, 63. Sanders, James, e. January 26th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. May 22nd, ’62. Sanders, Shepherd, e. March 18th, ’62; Onslow co.; k. July ist, ’62. Sewell, D. H., e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. January 15th, ’63, of w. re- ceived at Malvern Hill. Shields, R. D., e. July 15th, 62; Moore co.; dg. September 26th, ’62. Smith, N. R., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co. Sinclair, S. W., e. July 15th, 62; Moore co.; d. July ist, ’63. Snevell, T. B., e. Jan. 28th, 62; Onslow co.; d. Aug. 17th, 62. Stokely, John W., e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. 2d Lieut.; w. at Gettysburg and c. May 12th, ’64. Shaplin, ——, e. May 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. July 9th, ’62, or w. received at Ellyson’s Mill June 26th, ’62. Screws, William, e. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. in July, ’61. Taylor, W. H., e. July 15th, 62; Moore co.; dg. May 29th, ’63. Thomas, Warner, e. July 15th, ’62; Pitt co.; w. at Sharpsburg. Tippitt, Lott W., e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. June 27th, ’62, at Cold Har- bor May 12th, ’64. Thompson, Bryant W., e. May 138th, 61; Onslow co.; d. July 1st, 62, of w. re- ceived at Cold Harbor. Tull, Lemuel H., e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Oct. 6th, ’61. Vann, T. N., e. July 15th, ’62; Moore co.; k. May 3d, ’63, at Chancellorsville. Walton, Amos, e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; dg. May 8th, ’62. Walker, Joseph, e. July 15th, ’62; Chatham co. Whitehurst, J. B., e. July 15th, 62; Pitt co. Whitehurst, W. A., e. July 15th, ’62; Pitt co.; d. Sept. 23d, ’63. Williams, Benjamin, e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. in ’62 of w. received at Malvern Hill. Williams, Bryce F., e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. May 3d, ’63, at Chancel- lorsville; c. May 12th, 64. Williams, James R., e. May 138th, ’61; Onslow co.; c. May 12th, ’64. Walton, Jesse, e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. of w. received at Malvern Hill. Watson, John, e. May 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; tr. to C. S. Navy. Weston, Richard, e. May 13th, ’61; Onslow co,; c. and d. in prison. Williams, Hill, e. Jan. 30th, ’62; Onslow co.; p. Corporal Aug. ist, ’63. Yapp, Robert W., e. May 18th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg and Chan- cellorsville. Yopp, R. W., e. July 15th, 62; Pitt co.; c. May 12th, ’64. THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW COMPANY G OFFICERS Edward H. Rhodes, Captain, cm. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; k. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, 62. Solomon Gornto, Captain, p. from 1st Lieutenant. J. J. Metts, Captain, p. from 2d Lieutenant. Solomon Gornto, 1st Lieut., cm. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; r. Jan. 2d, ’63. W. H. Quince, 1st Lieut., p. from 2d Lieut. William H. Quince, 2d Lieut., em. May 16th, ’61; New Hanover co.; p. 1st Lieut. Feb. 21st, ’62. Thomas B. Henderson, 2d Lieut., cm. May 16th, ’61; Onslow co.; r. A. H. Rhodes, 2d Lieut., p. from Serg’t. E. H. Armstrong, 2d Lieut., p. from ranks. J. W. Hanks, 2d Lieut., p. from ranks. J. J. Metts, 2d Lieut., p. from ranks. J. F. Clark, 2d Lieut., p. from ranks. Lewis Henderson, 2nd Lieut., p. from ranks. Non-CoMMISSIONED OFFICERS: Anthony H. Rhodes, 1st Sergeant, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; p. Ist Lieut. Sept. 17th, ’63. Edward W. O. Riggs, 2d Sergeant, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; w. at Gettys- burg July 2d, ’63. Elisha A. Littleton, 3d Sergeant, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. at Gettysburg July 2d, 63. Joseph W. Taylor, 4th Sergeant, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Hillory Henderson, 5th Sergeant, e. July ist, ’61; Onslow co.; tr. to 2d N. C. Cavalry for disability. Basil, Shepherd, 1st Corporal, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Gettysburg July 3d, 63; pr. Nov. 27th, ’63. Lewis Avery, 2d Corporal, e. July 1st, '61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant; w. at Sharpsburg and Chancellorsville. Owen C. Hill, 3d Corporal, e. July ist, 61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant; w. at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and pr. May 12th, ’64. John E. Windell, 4th Corporal, e. July 1st, 61; Orange co.; w. at Malvern Hill. Sharpsburg and Chancellorsville. PRIVATES Aman, George. e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; w. at Ellyson’s Mill June 26th, ’62. Aman, Thomas, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal; d. Jan. 25th, ’62. Aman, Pinkney, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; k. at Sharpsburg. Aman, W. H,, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. at Goldsboro April 14th, 62. Adams, J. A., pr. July 12th, ’61. ’ Armstrong, Edward H., e. Feb. 1st, 62; New Hanover co.; p. 2d Lieut. July 1st, 63. Bass, Charles T., e. July 20th, 62; Sampson co.; d. of w. at Sharpsburg Sept., *62. Boykin, J. T., e. July 25th, ’62; dg. Aug. 19th, ’62. Britt, Lewis, e. July 15th, 62; Wayne co.; d. Sept. 12th, ’62. Barber, Marquis D. L. F., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Brown, Oliver, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. at Gettysburg. Bell, Isaiah, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; k. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, ’62. Bloodgood, James, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Batchelor, William W., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Bradshaw, N. S., e. July 15th, ’62; Sampson co.; d. at Lynchburg Dec. 3rd, 62. Brown, Lovitt, e. July 15th, ’62; Wayne co. 4 , Capps, William, e. July Ist, ’61; Onslow co.; d. June 26th, ’63, of w. received at Chancellorsville. Covile, W. F., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal; w. at Sharpsburg and Gettysburg. Conway, Nicholas J., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; pr. at Sharpsburg. ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY 403 Currin, David, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, ’62. Conway, William A., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. at Goldsboro May 26th, "62. Conway, Elijah H., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. at Malvern Hill. Cain, Richard, e. July 23d, ’62; Sampson co.; d. at Richmond Dec. 20th, ’62. Cain, James S., e. July 23d, 62; Sampson co.; d. at Richmond Dec. 9th, ’62. Carr, Michael, e. July 23d, ’62; Sampson co.; w. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, ’62. Chestnut, John E., e. July 23d,’62; Sampson co. Chestnut, R. B., e. July 15th, ’62; Sampson co.; k. at Gettysburg July 2d, 63. Capps, Abner, e. July 15th, ’62; Wayne co.; pr. May 12th, ’64. Carter, W. M., e. July 15th, ’61; Wake co. Chesnut, Bedford B., e. July 13th, ’62; pr. July 3d, ’63. Cannady, Willet M., e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. July 3d, ’63. Clark, James F., e. Jan. 23d, ’62; p. 2d Lieut. Cottle, Lewis J., e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. at Chancellorsville May 3d, °63; pr. May 12th, ’64. Davis, Benjamin, e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, 62. Dawson, Leonard, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; d. at Camp Howe, Va., in ’61. Dixon, James W., e. July ist, 62; Onslow co.; k. at Gettysburg. Engel, Alexander H., e. July 23d, 62; pr. May 12th, 64. Ezzell, H. H., e. July 23d, 61; Sampson co. Ezzell, E. M., e. July 23d, ’62; Sampson co.; d. at Gordonsville Sept. 20th, ’62. Eubanks, Aaron, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; pr. May 12th, ’64. Eubanks John M., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. May 3d, ’63, at Chancellors- ville. Eubanks, Elisha P., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Sept. 20th, ’62, of w. re- ceived at Sharpsburg. Faison, James C., e. July 23d, ’62; Sampson co.; k. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, 762. Garey, Alfred, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Nov. 8th, ’61, at Fredericksburg. Grant, James H., e. Jan. 15th, 62; Wayne co. Gurganus, Lewis J., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal in '61; d. Jan- uary 7th, ’62. Hanks, John W., e. February 19th, ’62; Chatham co.; p. 2nd Lieut.; w. Sep- tember 17th, ’62, at Sharpsburg. Hewitt, S. H., e. January 28th, 62. Haskins, David, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. May 3d, ’63, at Chancellors- ville. Henderson, Lewis J., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; p. 2nd Lieut. Sept. 1st, ’63; pr. July 12th, ’64. Higgins, Benjamin, e. July ist, 61; w. at Sharpsburg and Chancellorsville; pr. May 12th, ’64. Hardison, Elza, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. July 1st, 62, at Malvern Hill. Henderson, James R., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; d. August 27th, ’61, at Fredericksburg. Hill, James, e. January 28th, ’61; Onslow co.; k. at Sharpsburg in ’62. Hewett, T. F., e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. May 2, ’62, at Chancellors- ville. Hollingsworth, James, e. January 23rd, ’62; Sampson co.; w. Herring, James O., e. January 23rd, ’62; Sampson:co.; k. at Sharpsburg Sep- tember 17th, ’62. Holloman, Nathan, e. Jan. 15th, 62; Wayne co.; d. Feb. 2nd, ’63, at Richmond. Hood, Robert B., e. January 15th, 62; Wayne co. Hood, N. B., e. January 15th, ’62; Wayne co. Holloman, Josiah, e. January 15th, ’62; Wayne co. Johnson, Rigden, e. January 14th, ’62; Wake co. Jones, John B., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; pr. May 12th, ’64. Jones, William C., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. July 2nd, ’63, at Gettysburg; pr. May 12th, ’64. Jones, Joseph W., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Kelly, Thomas, e. January 23rd, ’62; Sampson co.; dg. September 9th, '62. Kellam, Josiah, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. Sept. 17th, ’62, at Sharpsburg. Ketcham, James P., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant; w. at Gettysburg. 404 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Ketcham, Jackson, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. on railroad February 12th, 62. Kellam, William E., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. July 2nd, ’63, at Gettys- burg; pr. May 12th, ’64. Langley, James P., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. July 2d, ’63, at Gettysburg. Littleton, Willoughby S., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Sept. 15th, ’61, at Camp Howe. Littleton, Aretus, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Liles, Samuel, e. July 23d, ’62; Wake co. McCullin, Arin, e. July 23d, 62; Sampson co.; w. at Chancellorsville May 3d, ’63, and pr. May 12th, ’64. Matthews, John D., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Marshburn, John, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Aug. 30th, ’61, at Fredericks- burg. Mills, William, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Marshburn, Jas. H., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Marshburn, Francis, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Dec. 15th, ’61, at Camp Howe. Meadows, Raymond, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; pr. May 12th, ’64. Merritt, G. W., e. Nov. 7th. ’62: Onslow co.; dg. May 26th, ’63. Metts, Jas. J., e. May 15th, ’62; New Hanover co.; p. 2d Lieut, ’62; w. July 2d, 63, at Gettysburg; p. Captain, Dec. 17th, ’64. Morton, Jacob, e. Jan. 28th, 62; Onslow co. Morton, Isaac, e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. June 26th, ’62, at Ellyson’s Mill. Morton, Edward, e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; k. July 1st, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Morton, Hillary, e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. Aug., 62, at Danville. Morton, Archibald, e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. April 1st, 62, at Goldsboro. Morton, George, e. Jan. 28th, 62; Onslow co.; d. April 9th, ’62, at Goldsboro. Odom, Alvin, e. July 23d, ’62; Sampson co.; d. at Gordonsville Sept. 11th, ’62. O’Brien, William, e. Feb. 27th, ’61; Chatham co. Odom, Ruffin, e. March 15th, ’64; pr. May 12th, ’64. Owens, Nathaniel S., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Owens, Dempsey, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; k. July 2d, ’63, at Gettysburg. Oliver, David, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. Sept. 17th, ’62, at Sharpsburg. Pacher, Lewis, e. January 23d, ’62; Sampson co.; pr. May 12th,’ 64. Pool, Simeon, e. Jan. 23d, 62; Wake co. Peterson, Patrick, e. July 23d, 63; Sampson co.; d. at Guinea Station April 18th, ’63. Parrish, Pinkney, e. July 15th, ’62; Wake co.; w. Pipkin, Geo. W., e. July 15th, ’62; Wayne co.; pr. at Sharpsburg. B Pipkin, John W., e. July 15th, ’62; Wayne co.; d. at Guinea Station March 19th, ’63. Phillips, Bryce P., e. Aug. 2d, 61; Onslow co.; d. Sept. 2d, 62, at Richmond. Phillips, Levi, e. Aug. 2d, ’61; Onslow co.; pr. May 12th, ’64. Pool, Jackson, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg; d. April 18th, ’63. Phillips, Aaron, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. March 10th, ’62, at Camp Howe. Phillips, Henry, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. July 1st, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Pool, Howard, e. July 23d, ’62; Wake co. Ray, John, e. March 15th, 62; Chatham co.; k. at Sharpsburg. Ray, Marion, e. March 28th, 62; Chatham co. Reece, William, e. Jan. 28th, 62; Onslow co.; p. Corporal in 62, and w. at Chancellorsville May 3d, ’63. Riggs, John B., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Riggs, Geo. C., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; pr. May 30th, ’64. Riggs, Albert, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Aug. 31st, ’62, at Richmond. Riggs, Barrus, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Ragan, Peter, e. Oct. 30th, ’63; pr. May 12th, 64. 4 Reece, Benjamin, e. July ist, 61; Onslow co.; w. Dec. 13th, ’62, at Fredericks- burg. Riggs, isaac N., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. July 9th, ’62, at Camp Howe. Riggs, Basil M., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. July 2d, ’63, at Gettysburg and pr. Sept. 12th, ’64. ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY 405 Roberson, L. R., e. July 15th, ’62; Sampson co.; d. May 18th, 63, of w. at Chancellorsville. Rich, Albert, e. July 23d, ’62; Sampson co.; pr. May 12th, ’64. Roberson, Edwin B., e. July 1st, ’61; w. July 1st, ’62, at Malvern Hill, and pr. May 12th, ’64. Sammons, John J., e. July ist, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal; w. at Malvern Sanderlin, Robert, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; w.; pr. May 12th, ’64. Seight, Richard R., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Scott, John H., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Scott, Newton, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. July 2d, 63, at Gettysburg. Screws, Wm., e. Jan. 28th, 62; Onslow co.; w. at Malvern Hill and Gettysburg. Shepherd, Jackson, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; w. July 2d, 63, at Gettysburg. Shepherd, James, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; w. May 3d, ’63, at Chancellors- ville, and pr. July 3d, ’63. Smith, Josiah P., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. July 2d, ’63, at Gettysburg, and p, Sergeant. Spc, «William B., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; k. June 26th, ’62, at Ellyson’s Simpson, Wm. A., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; pr. May 12th, ’64. Swinton, James, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; d. Jan. 9th, ’63, at Camp Howe. Seawell, C. W., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Suton, Isaac, e. July 23d, ’62; Sampson co.; k. at Gettysburg July 2d, ’63. Sellors, Amos, e. July 23d, ’62; Sampson co. Sutton, Wm. M., e. July 23d, ’62; Sampson co.; pr. May 12th, ’64. Sutton, Joseph, e. July 23d, 62; Sampson co.; k. at Sharpsburg Sept. 17th, ’62. Smith, Rufus, e. Jan, 15th, ’62; Wake co.; d. at Richmond Sept. 27th, ’62. Smith, Samuel A., e. July 15th, ’62; Wake co. Shepard, J. L., e. July 1st, ’61; pr. July 3d, ’63. Smith, Basil, e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. July 1st, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Tatum, H.S., e. July 23d, 62; Sampson co.; d. at Camp Winder Nov. 24th, ’62. Thompson, William, e. July 15th, ’62; Wayne co.; w. at Gettysburg July 3d, ’63 and pr. May 12th, ’64. Watters, Allen, e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; dg. Welle fiance T., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; k. June 26th, ’62, at Ellyson’s iil. Wood, Willis F., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; k. July ist, 62, at Malvern Hill. Waivans, Andrew J., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; d. Dec. 23d, 63, at Camp owe. Webster, R. M., e. Feb. 28th, ’62; Chatham co.; dg. August, ’62. Wiggins, John E., e. July 15th, 62; pr. May 12th, ’64. Winberry, J. E., e. July 1st, ’61; d. in the hands of the enemy. Mlicins, Wm. L., e. Nov. 12th, 62; Onslow co.; w. May 3d, ’63, at Chancellors- ville. Wilson, Wm. G., e. July 1st, 61; Onslow co.; d. Jan. 3d, ’62, at Camp Howe. Wharton Daniel M., e. July 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Nov. 10th, ’61, at Camp owe. Wieeine, i x, e. uly eae ; Sampson co.; k. at Gettysburg July 2d, ’63. oodell, W. W.. e. «62: 2 Ww. at & ¥ Wilder, George, é, duly 280,68; Wake cou: pviune 1st a Wood, Basil M., e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co. WateerToscnh, e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. July 23d, ’62, of w. at Malvern All. Young, John R., e. August 2d, ’61; Onslow co.; p..Corporal in ’62; d. of w. at Gettysburg July 25th, ’63. Twenty-Fourth North Carolina Regiment COMPANY B. OFFICERS George T. Duffy, Captain, em. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Wm. T. Ellis, Captain, cm. in ’64; Onslow co.; w. in ’64. 406 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW George W. Hufham, 1st Lieut., cm. May 6th, 61; Onslow co. L. O. Frazzell, 1st Lieut., cm. Sept. 22d, ’61; Onslow co. W. T. Ellis, 1st Lieut., Onslow co. J. R. Hurst, 2d Lieut., em. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Henry D. Murrill, 2d Lieut., cm. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Wm. T. Ellis, 2d Lieut., cm. Sept. 22d, ’61; Onslow co. Daniel C. Ward, 2d Lieut., cm May 8th, ’62; Onslow co. Isaac S. Patrick, 2d Lieut., cm. in ’64; Onslow co. Silas M. Venters, 2d Lieut., cm. in ’64; Onslow co. Jacob T. Giles, 2d Lieut., cm. in ’64; Onslow co. Non-CoMMISSIONED OFFICERS, Chas. Duffy, 1st Sergeant, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Ass. Surgeon Feb- ruary 5th, 62. John Wilkins, 2d Sergeant, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. John W. Langly, 3d Sergeant, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Vulcan Frazzell, 4th Sergeant, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; pr. June 17th, ’64. David J. Marshall, 1st Corporal, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. James R. Strange, 2d Corporal, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Nov. 13th, ’61, in Virginia. Jacob F. Giles, 3d Corporal, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Madrid Frazzell, 4th Corporal, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. PRIVATES Adams, Elijah, e. August 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Adams, Reuben, e. Oct. 5th, 61; Wake Co. Alexander, Charles A., e. August 15th, 62; Onslow co. Alphin, Calvin M., e. August 1st, ’61; Onslow co.; c. June 17th, ’64. Alphin, Loomis, e. August 1st, 61; Onslow co. Alphin, Wm. B., e. August 1st, 61; Onslow co.; k. Sept. 17th, ’62, at Sharps- burg. Barry, James B., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Jan. 22d, ’62, at Petersburg. Bell, Owen, e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co.; dg. August 26th, ’61, for disability. Blake, Jacob, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. September 6th, ’61, for disability. Brown, James H., e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co.; d. October 26th, ’61, at Blue Sulphur Springs, Va. Bryan, Benjamin, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Jan. 20th, ’61, at W. S. Springs. Bryan, Lorenzo D., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg. Black, Samuel H., e. October 4th, ’64; Wake co. Cannaday, James, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Fredericksburg. Cannaday, James N., e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co. Cannaday, Owen H., e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co. dg. Cannaday, John, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Capp, Gideon D., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Carroll, Patrick, e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co.; d. Feb. 24th, ’62, at Petersburg. Collins, John, e. May 6th, peL Oust cos 5 Carraway, George W., e. May , 761; Onslow co. Cowell, Martin ML e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; k. Sept. 17th, 762, at Sharps- burg. Costly, john J., e. May 6th, ’61; tr. to 48th Regiment; d. : Davis, Jas. W., e. June 29th, ’62; Onslow co.; k. Dec. 13th, 62, at Fredericks- burg. Davis, Agron R., e. July 15th, ’61; Onslow co. Davis, Stephen, e. June 17th, ’61; Onslow co. Drayford, Alexander, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant. ‘ Dudley, Robert, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. February 18th, 62. Duffy, Lawrence E., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Ord. Sergeant May 18th, 62. Elks, William A., e. September 21st, ’63; Pitt co. Edwards, H. S., e. May 6th, ’61; Northampton co.; p. 3rd Sergeant. Ellis, William T., e. March 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. 2d Lieutenant September 22d, 61; p. Captain in ’64, and w. ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY 407 Eubank, John, e. March 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; pr. June 17th, ’64. Floyd, John, e. March 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Foster, Durant, e. March 28th, ’63; Onslow co.; pr. June 17th, ’64. Foster, Daniel, August 6th. ’61; Onslow co.; k. near Richmond; p. Corporal. Fountain, Jeremiah, e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co.; dg. June, ’61, for disability. Foy, Morris, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dt. rarzely Frank, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. June 6th, ’61, in North Caro- ina. Se James O., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. 1st Lieut. September 22d, Frazzell, Lewis, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. October 24th, ’61, in Vir- ginia. Gray, John T., e. May 6th, ’61; Lenoir co.; dg. December 8th, ’61, for disability. Gurganus, Benjamin, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Giles, Jacob T., Onslow co.; p. 2nd Lieut. Hamby, Thomas J., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Oct. 27th, 61 for dis- ability. Henderson, David J., e. August 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Fredericksburg. Hewett, Thomas J., e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co.; dg. Sept. 6th, ’61, for dis- ability. Howard, Joseph, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Hudson, Bryant, e. August 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Hudson, David J., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Huggins, Augustus C., e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant Major. Humphrey, Lewis B., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Humphreys, Martin, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; pr. June 17th, ’64. Hurst, Robert K., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Johnson, Wm. H., e. May 1st, ’61; Onslow co. Jarvis, Jarvis, e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co. Jones, John P., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; c. June 17th, ’64. Jones, Zadock, e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co. Kellum, Redin, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; c. June 17th, ’64. Kellum, William B., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Sharpsburg. King, Samuel R., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant. King, Stephen L., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. King, Stephen L., e. Aug. 6th, 61; Halifax co. Kennedy, James W., e. May 6th, ’61; Northampton co.; p. 4th Sergeant. Kennedy, Peter B., Onslow co.; tr. to Brem’s Artillery; d. Labaise, Oliver, Onslow co.; tr to Com. K. Littleton, Amasa, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Langley, John W. McGinnis, Jarvis, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. May 26th, ’63, for disability. McKinney, Joseph, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. McKay, Charles, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Marshborne, Hardy, e. Feb. 8th, ’63; Onslow co. Mills, Lewis J., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Sept. 14th, 62. Morris, Brice, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Morris, John, e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co. Morton, Bryan, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Morton, Gaston, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; c. June 17th, ’64. Morton, Micajah, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Morton, William H., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; c. June 14th, ’64. Miller, John, e. Sept. 25th, '64; Wake co. Patrick, Isaac S., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. 2d Lieut. Parker, B., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; c. June 17th, ’64. Parker, Benjamin F., e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co.; w. below Richmond. Parker, Bryan, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Sept. 18th, ’62. Parker, Duncan, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Peace, James M., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Pettaway, Lewis S., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant; pr. Pittman, John M., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Pittman, Needham, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. October 26th, ’61, in Vir- ginia. 408 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Pittman, Oliver E., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Puckett, Jesse W., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Puckett, Lewis N., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Phillips, Robbins, e. Sept. 26th, ’64; Wake co. Parker Edgar, e. September 18th, ’63; Halifax co. Paschal, Elisha, e. October 6th, ’64; Wake co. Reece, B. B., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Reece, John, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. September 19th, ’61, in Virginia. Riggs, James W., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Roberts, John L., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. July 15th, ’61, for disability. Rogers, Amariah, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Scott, David I., e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co. Scott, Edward H., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Shaw, Stephen, e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co. Shaw, Lewis D., e. August 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Shepherd, Christopher, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Shepherd, Edmund, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Speight, Jesse M., e. August 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Speight, John L., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Speight, Miles G., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; k. at Boone’s Mill. Slipens, William, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. December 12th, ’61, in Vir- ginia. Venters, Daniel C., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Oct. 27th, ’61, for dis- ability. Venters, Silas M., e. May 6, ’61; Onslow co.; p. 2d Lieut. Walton, William P., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Ward, Daniel C., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. 2d Lieut. May 8th, ’62; c. Ward, George R., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; tr. to 41st Regiment. Ward, Edgar W., e. August 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Webb, Andrew J., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Wilkins, John W., e. May 6th, 61; Onslow co. White, James K., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Williams, James B., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Williams, James R., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. at Fredericksburg. Williams, Lemuel H., e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Wood, Joshua, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Wood, William, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Woodard, John, e. May 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. July 3rd, ’61, for disability. Thirty-Fifth North Carolina Regiment COMPANY A. OFFICERS Claude Barry, Captain, cm. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Simon B. Taylor, Captain, cm. April 22d, ’62; Onslow co.; p. Major and Lieut.- Colonel. Henry W. Humphrey, Captain, cm. June 15th, ’63; Onslow co. Simon B. Taylor, 1st Lieut., cm. September 6th, ’62; Onslow co. H. W. Humphrey, 1st Lieut., cm. April 23d, ’62; Onslow co.; p. Jesse Humphrey, ist Lieut., cm. June 15th, ’63; Onslow co. C. G. Cox, 2d Lieut., cm. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Assistant Surgeon in 56th Regiment. Owen F. Coston, 2d Lieut., cm. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co. H. W. Humphrey, 2d Lieut., cm. June 15th, ’63; Onslow co.; p. from Sergeant. Brinson Venters, 2d Lieut., cm. June 15th, ’68; Onslow co.; p. from Sergeant. Jesse Humphrey, 2d Lieut., cm. April 2d, 63; Onslow co.; tr. from 13th Regi- ment; p. from ranks. W. T. Cox, 2d Lieut., cm. in 64; Onslow co. Non-CoMMISSIONED OFFICERS Henry W. Humphrey, 1st Sergeant, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. 2nd Lieut. April 9th, ’62. ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY 409 Brinson, Venters, 2d Sergeant, e. September 6th, 61; Onslow co.; p. 2d Lieut. April 21st, ’62. E. B. Sanders, 3d Sergeant, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co. E. B. F. Coston, 4th Sergeant, e. September 6th, 61; Onslow co.; d. June 18th, 62, at Kinston. John L. R. Langley, 5th Sergeant, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Au- gust 5th, ’63, of w. received at Malvern Hill. Thomas A. Williams, 1st Corporal, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Ser- geant. Willis G. Shepherd, 2d Corporal, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg in ’61. Robert George, 3d Corporal, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant. John W. Brown, 4th Corporal, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. in ’61. PRIVATES Aman, D. F., e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Aphin, William S., e. September 6th, ’61; Duplin co.; w. July 1st, ’62 at Mal- vern Hill; d. December 28th, ’62 of w. received Dec. 13th, ’62, at Fred- ericksburg. Ambros, William, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co; d. July 12th, ’62, of w. received at Malvern Hill. Alphin, William, e. September 6th, 61; Onslow co. Brown, John, e. March 10th, ’64; Edgecombe co. Brinson, James, e. April 4th, ’64; Edgecombe co. Ball, D. J., e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Ball, Elijah, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Jan. 7th, ’62, at Raleigh. Basden, Lightborn, e. September 6th, 61; Onslow co.; d. in ’62 at Richmond. Basden, William R., e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. December 13th, ’62, at Fredericksburg. Basden, Bryan, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Basden, Asa, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Basden, Benjamin F., e. September 6th, 61; Onslow co. Brown, Robert W., e. September 6th, ’61; Duplin co. Brown, Lewis F., e. September 6th, ’61; Duplin co.; d. Jan. 31st, ’63, at Lynch- burg. Bryant, Andrew, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Basden, Hosea, e. March 8th, ’62; Onslow co. Cox, Eli, e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Cox, W. T., e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. March 14th, ’62, at New Bern. Coston, E. M., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Coston, Z. M., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. March 14th, ’62, at New Bern; dg. March Ist, ’63. Coston, Jesse W., e. Sept. 6th, 61; Onslow co. Craft, Bryan, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Dec. 27th, ’63. Canada, John, e. Sept. 6th, 61; Onslow co.; tr. to 24th Regiment. Capps, Casson, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Coston, John A., e. Dec. 2d, ’61; Onslow co. Crossland, S. T., Cumberland co.; tr. to 61st Regiment Jan., '64. Coston, David H., e. Jan. 27th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. in ’63 in Maryland. Cox, Charles, Jr., e. April 30th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. at Drury’s Bluff in ’63. Cox, Wm. D., e. April 13th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. Sept. 13th, ’62, at Leasburg. Cox, William, e. May 8th, ’62; Onslow co. Dawson, J. W., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant. Edwards, A. F., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Eubanks, Nathan, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co. Ervin, John A., e. May 8th, ’62; Onslow co. Fountain, F. M., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Feutrel, L. N., e. Sept. 6th, 61; Onslow co.; k. July ist, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Feutrel, Barfield, Jr., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Farrier, Rufus, e. Sept. 6th, 61; Jones co. Foster, E. B., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Foster, William, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. May 16th, ’62. Giles, G. W., e. April 21st, 62; Onslow co.; tr. from S. C. Troops, and p. Ser- geant. 410 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Green, B. F., e. January 1st, ’64; Onslow co.; pr. Hillman, Pinkney, e. March 24, ’63; Onslow co. Horn, Henry, e. June 15th, ’64; Onslow co. Hussey, E. John, e. April 20th, ’61; Duplin co.; tr. from 57th Regiment. Henderson, David, e. August 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. Dec. 13th, ’62, at Fred- ericksburg. Heath, Calvin, e. Sept. 6th, 61; Jones co.; dg. in ’61. Humphrey, Charles, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Jan. 10th, ’62. Humphrey, Daniel, e. Sept. 6, 61; Onslow co. Henderson, Francis, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. July 27th, ’62, at Peters- burg. Henderson, John H., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. July 1st, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Hunter, Hugh A., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant. Horn, Lewis T., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. June 30, ’62, at Goldsboro. Horn, Owen W., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Dec. 1st, ’62, at Richmond. Horn, John A., e. May 12th, ’62; Onslow co.; dg. Horn, John L., e. May 22d, ’62; Duplin co.; d. June 30, ’62, at Petersburg. Horn, Thos. W., e. May 22d, ’62; Duplin co.; d. Aug. 15th, ’62, at Richmond. Horn, Lewis N., e. May 22d, ’62; Onslow co.; d. July 27th, ’62, at Richmond. Horn, P., e. May 22d, 62; Onslow co.; d. June 30th, ’62, at Petersburg. Hemby, Stephen, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Hewitt, Wm. A., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Duplin co.; w. July ist, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Humphrey, Jesse, e. April 31st, ’62; Onslow co.; p. 2d Lieut. April 21st, ’63; tr. from 13th Mississippi Reg’t April 25th, ’62. Henderson, W. H., e. April 30th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. July, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Henderson, Owen, e. March 138th, ’63; Onslow co. Jarman, Emmanuel, e. Sept. 6th, 61; Onslow co.; w. September 17th, 62, at Sharpsburg. Jarman, Willoughby, e. Sept. 6th, 61; Onslow co. Jarman, Job, e. Sept. 9th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. in ’61. Jarman, James, e. Sept. 6th, 61; Onslow co.; dg. in ’61. Jarman, John A., e. April 30th, ’62; Onslow co. Jarman, Thos., Jr., e. May 8th, 62; Onslow co. Jarman, Wm., e. Feb. 16th, ’63; Onslow co. Jarman, Lemuel, e. May 22d, ’62; Onslow co. Jarman, John S., e. April 30th, ’62; Onslow co. Jones, Wm. O., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co.; d. Nov. 14th, ’62, at Mt. Jackson. Jarman, Julius, e. June 6th, 64; Martin co.; pr. Jarman, J. A., Jr., e. March 24th, ’64; Martin co. Kincy, James, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co.; d. Jan. 8th, 62. Kincy, Amos, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co.; dg. May 15th, ’62. Kavanaugh, Wm., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Kellum, George, e. Sept. 6th, 61; Jones co. Kellum, Pinkney, e. March 13th, 62; Jones co. Littleton, George, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co. Lanier, Lovart, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co.; k. July 1st, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Littleton, James H., e. September 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. July Ist, 62, at Malvern Hill. Marshburn, C., e. March 10th, ’64; Onslow co. Marshburn, H. J., e. March 10th, 64; Onslow co. Marshburn, Moses, e. July 23d, ’64; Onslow co. Mills, Bryan, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co.; w. Sept. 17th, 62, at Sharpsburg. Mills, Daniel J., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co.; dg. Marshborn, John, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co. Morton, Leonard, e. May 6th, ’61; Jones co.; w. July 1st, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Murray, W. H., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Duplin co.; p. Corporal. McGowan, Starkey, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Sept., ’62, in Maryland. Mumford, Joseph, e. May 8th, ’62; Jones co. Mumford, Wm. P., e. April 21st, 62; Onslow co. Marshborn, James, e. February 16th, ’63; Onslow co. Marshborn, George R., e. May 22d, ’62; Onslow co. Norris, Wm. L., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Jones co.; d. June 17th, ’62, at Goldsboro. ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY 411 O’Hagan, John, e. April 18th, ’64; Onslow co. Pearce, B. C., e. April 18th, ’64; Wilson co.; dt. Petteway, John, e. Dec. 2d, ’61; Onslow co.; w. Phillips, Peter, e. June 12th, ’62; Lenoir co. Patrick, Owen, e. Febaruary 23d, ’63; Onslow co. Pittman, Jere, e. March 13th, 63; Onslow co.; dg. Shivels, Evan, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Duplin co.; d. Oct. 8th, 62, at Frederick, Md. Stiles, James W., de. Smith, Otway, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Carteret co.; k. July, ’62, at Malvern Hill. Smith, James L., e. April 30th, 62; Duplin co. Scott, Wm., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co. Scott, Benjamin H., e. Jan. 12th, 62; Onslow co. Thompson, Daniel, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; dg. Oct. 1st, ’62. Thomas, Micajah. e. Sept. 6th. 61: Onslow co.; d. Dec. 11th, ’61. Venters, James B., e. Sept. 8th, 61; Onslow co.; d. May 21st, ’62. Whaley, Daniel, e. Sept. 9th, ’61; Duplin co. Whaley, Durant G., e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Duplin co. Whaley, Elzie, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; w. July Ist, ’62, and dg. Whaley, Samuel, e. Sept. 6th, 61; Duplin co. Whaley, Lewis J., e. May 22d, ’62; Duplin co. Waters, Hardy, e. Sept. 6th, ’61; Onslow co.; d. Nov. 11th, ’61. Wiliams, J. W., e. Sept. 6th, 61; Onslow co.; d. Feb. 20th, ’62, at Smithfield, a. Willis, William, e. June 15th, ’64; Onslow co. Forty-First North Carolina Regiment COMPANY B. OFFICERS E. W. Ward, Captain, cm. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Bryan Southerland, cm. Nov. 30th, 63; Onslow co.; p. from 2d Lieut.; pr. May 31st, ’64. L. W. Humphrey, 1st Lieut., cm. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co.; r. Jere W. Spicer, 1st Lieut., cm. Nov. 2d, ’63; Onslow co.; r. M. F. Langly, 1st Lieut., cm. in ’64; Onslow co.; p. from 2d Lieut. Bryan Southerland, 2d Lieut., cm. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. and pr. J. W. Spicer, 2d Lieut., cm. December 28th, 61; Onslow co. David W. Simmons, 2d Lieut., cm. June 21st, ’62; Onslow co.; p. from Ser- geant. Stephen H. Morton, 2d Lieut., cm. Nov. 30th, 63; Onslow co.; p. from ranks. D. Williams, 2d Lieut., cm. in ’64; Onslow co.; p. from Corporal. M. T. Langly, 2d Lieut., cm. in ’64; Onslow co.; p. from ranks. Non-CoMMISSIONED OFFICERS W. Simmons, Ist Sergeant, e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. G. Ward, 2d Sergeant, e. Jan. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. G. Scott, 3d Sergeant, e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. J. Lanier, 4th Sergeant, e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. D. Grissom, 5th Sergeant, e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. R. Henderson, 1st Corporal, e. Dec. 28th, 61; Onslow co. T. Cottle, 2d Corporal, e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. D. Williams, 3d Corporal, e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. 2d Lieut. J. N. Pittman, 4th Corporal, e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Keinmell, C., e. Jan. 21st, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. D. S. Weeks, Q. M. Sergeant, e. Jan. 23d, ’62; Onslow co. D. R. J. D. Cc. D. A. PRIVATES Aman, W. D., e. January 26th, 62; Onslow co. Aman, D. S., e. January 26th, 62; Onslow co. Anthony, B. H., e. Dec. 28th, 61; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant. Bell, E., e. June 5th, ’62; Onslow co. 412 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Bell, W., April 11th, ’64; Lenoir co. Barber, F., e. January 27th, ’62; Onslow co. Barnes, J., e. January 25th, ’62; Onslow co. Bell, John, e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Cannaday, W., e. January 7th, ’62; Onslow co. Cole, R. N., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co.; dt. Crafts, F., e. December 28th, 61; Onslow co. Cranmer, Ed., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Dobson, T., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Dement, A. J., e. November 12th, ’63; Lenoir co. Erwin, G. W., e. July 6th, ’62; Onslow co. Erwin, W. L., e. December 19th, 62; Onslow co.; dt. Ellis, L., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Eubanks, E., e. December 28th, 61; Onslow co. Farnell, B., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Fay, J. V., e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Frazier, N., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Frazier, E., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Freeman, E. W., e. January 27th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Floyd, J. E., e. December 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Frazier, E., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Gregory, Lottle, e. May 4th, ’64; Onslow co. Gurganus, J. J., e. May 4th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Gurganus, W. N., e. July 10th, ’62; Onslow co; dt. Gurganus, G., e. May 1st, 64; Onslow co. Ganees, J., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Garret, B., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. George, W. C., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Gornto, B., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Grey, J. W., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. Corporal; dt. Grey, J. C., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Hardison, E., e. June 7th, ’62; Onslow co. Hewitt, W., e. January 26th, ’62; Onslow co. Henderson, J. S., e. January 2d, ’62; Onslow co. Humphrey, D. J., e. January 2d, ’62; Onslow co. Hurst, A. J., e. December 28th,, ’61; Onslow co. Hatsell, B., e. May 10th, ’62; Onslow co. Henderson, W. R., e. July 5th, ’62; Onslow co. Hill, T. B., e. September Ist, ’63; Onslow co. Humphrey, D. J., e. January 5th, ’62; Onslow co. James, D., e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Jarman, J. E., e. May 1st, ’62; Onslow co. Jenkins, A., e. December 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Jenkins, J. T., e. December 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Jones, E. M., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Justice, C. C., e. December 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Justice, F. M., e. January 10th, ’62; Onslow co. Justice, P., e. January 7th, ’62; Onslow co. Jenkins, B., e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Justice, P., e. January 7th, ’61; Onslow co. Justice, F. M., e. January 14th, 62; Onslow co. Justice, R. W., e. January 24th, ’62; Onslow co. King, E., e. May 10th, ’62; Onslow co. Langly, S., e. May 1st, ’62; Onslow co. Lanier, O. J., e. July 14th, ’62; Onslow co. Lanier, 0. S., e. July 14th, 62; Onslow co. Langly, M. T., e. January 27th, ’62; Onslow co.; p. 1st Lieut. Littleton, D. C., e. December 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Mason, Jr., e. January 24th, ’64; Onslow co. Mattock, E. W., e. January 23d, ’62; Onslow co. Meadows, J. A., e. December 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Meadows, R., e. December 28th, ’62. Melton, S., e. December 28th, ’62; Onslow co. ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY Melton, B., e. December 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Meredith, B. B., e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Morton, John, e. December 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Morton, J. R., e. December 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Morton, S. W., e. July 28th, '62; Onslow co. Murrill, H. D., e. December 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Mason, J. W., e. January 20th, ’62; Onslow co. Mason, M., e. May 1st, ’62; Onslow co. Marshburn, A. H., e. December 19th, ’62; Onslow co. Marshburn, J. N., e. May 10th, 62; Onslow co. Marshall, Jr.. e. May 1st, ’62; Onslow co. Melville, George, e. June 10th, ’62; Onslow co. Merritt, Robert, e. May 17th, ’62; Onslow co. Mills, L. J., e. January 7th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Morton, Jonn, e. December 28th, ’61; Onslow co.; dt. Parker, E., e. May 1st, ’62; Onslow co. Parker, J. J., e. December 8th, ’61; Onslow co. Pittman, J. H., e. December 8th, ’61; Onslow co.; dt. Prower, B. D., e. May 10th, ’62; Onslow co. Parker. B. W.. e. December 28th. ’62: Onslow co. Pettawav, B. H., e. January 24th, ’62; Onslow co. Phillips, R., e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Prood, W. J., e. Jan. 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Prood, J., e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Quinn, A., e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Quinn, F., e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Redd, A., e. January 27th, ’62; Onslow co. Reese, H., e. Dec, 28th, ’61; Onslow co. Rhodes, William, e. Dec. 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Rhea, J. M., e. Dec. 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Rodgers, D., e. January 26th, ’62; Onslow co.; p. Corporal. Rounce, E. R., e. January 24th, ’62; Onslow co. Rochelle, T. B., e. May 10th, ’62; Onslow co., dt. Smith, J. L., e. July 4th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Spicer, J. D., e. March 1st, 62; Onslow co.; P. Surgeon. Spicer, J. W., e. Dec. 28th, ’61; Onslow co.; p. ist Lieut. Simmons, B., e. Dec. 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Southerland, W., e. January 26th, ’62; Onslow co. Stanly, B., e. January 27th, ’62; Onslow co. Stephens, John, e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Trott, W. J., e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Turner, G., e. January 28th, 62; Onslow co. Taylor, A. G., e. September 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Thompson, D. H., e. April 11th, ’64; Lenoir co. Wharton, E., e. Dec. 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Wilkins, W., e. Dec. 29th, 62; Onslow co. Williams, E., e. Dec. 29th, ’62; Onslow co. Williams, S., e. January 23d, ’62; Onslow co. Williams, J., e. January 7th, 62; Onslow co. Williams, J. W., e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Winberry, G., e. January 28th, 62; Onslow co. Wells, G., e. January 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Waters, H., e. June 1st, 62; Onslow co. Williams, H., e. July 8th, ; Onslow co. Yopp, J. J., e. Dec. 28th, 62; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant COMPANY H. OFFICERS Julius W. Moore, Captain, cm. December 10th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Thomas B. Henderson, 1st Lieutenant, cm. December 10th, ’63; Onslow co. A. G. Hawkins, 1st Lieutenant, em. December 10th, '63; Onslow co. James Bryan, 2d Lieutenant, cm. in ’62; Onslow co. B. W. Trott, 2d Lieutenant, cm. in 64; Onslow co. 414 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Non-CoMMISSIONED OFFICERS . W. Shackleford, lst Sergeant, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. . T. Cottle, 2d Sergeant, e. May 15th, 62; Onslow co.; dt. . M. .M F. Brock, 3d Sergeant, e. May 15th, ’62. i. Hawkins, 4th Sergeant, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Jopu . Derbal, 5th Sergeant, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. . Ward, 1st Corporal, e. July 4th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Sim SAR . R. Giles, 2d Corporal, e. October 10th, 62; Onslow co.; pr. . Alderman, 3d Corporal, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. . J. Melton, 4th Corporal, e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. rPagap PRIVATES Alderman, H. S., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Aman, Jere, e. July 14th, 62; Onslow co.; pr. Aman, Jesse, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Aman, A. J., e. March 3d, 63; Onslow co. Barber, T. R., e. March 3d, ’63; Onslow co. Barber, R. T., e. March 3d, ’62; Onslow co. Barber, William, e. December 14th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Brown, W. H., e. July 15th, ’63; Onslow co.; pr. Brown, J. E., e. May 11th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Carraway, T. R., e. May 11th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Costen, Newton, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Costen, J. D., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Croom, Jesse, e. May 15th, 62; Onslow co.; pr. Dawson, R. W., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Duncan, W. B., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co., pr. Ellis, J. E., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Ellis, Elijah, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt.. Ervin, J. A., e. May 8th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Frazier, W. J., e. May 8th, ’62; Onslow co. Freshwater, Elza, e. May 8th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Foy, J. J., e. December 14th, 62; Onslow co.; dt. Freeman, EB. B., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Gallagher, Daniel, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Gilroy, Philip, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Gornto, Nat, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Green, Henry, e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Henderson, L. L., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Henderson, Nat, e. June 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Haney Henry, e. March 3d, ’63; Onslow co. Hollis, Benjamin, e. March 8th, ’63;. Onslow co. Horn, Hosen, e. October 9th, 63; dt. Hawkins, Joseph, e. May 15th, 62; Onslow co.; pr. Humphrey, J. W., e. Dec. 3d, ’62; pr. Humphrey, Edgar, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Jarman, F. L., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Jarman, A. H., e. Nov. 26th, ’62; w. Jones, R. H., e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Jones, Hill, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Kellum, Banister, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Kellum, Bryan, e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Landin, Benjamin, e. May 16th, ’62; Onslow co. Lanier, J. F., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Littleton, D. C., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Littleton, A., e. July 16th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Littleton, E., e. July 16th, 62; Onslow co.; pr. Morton, Asa, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Morton, James, e. May 15th, 62; Onslow co.; p. Morton, William, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Musgrave, Samuel, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Meadows, A. J., e. July 14th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Meadows. Daniel. e. Tnlv 14th ’#2: Onslow eco: nr ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY 415 Milton, E. S., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Mills, V. H., e. December 14th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Melvil, David, e. December 14th, ’62; Onslow co.; ec. Powell, John, e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Provo, J. L., e. December 14th, ’64; Onslow co. Philyaw, James, e. March 3d, ’63; Onslow co.; dt. Padgett, J. W., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Rhodes, B., e. January 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Redd, Segles, e. May 13th, ’61; dt. Shevin, E. H., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Scott, Benjamin, e. June 25th, ’64. Smith, Jesse, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; c. Shaw, F. D., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; c. Southerland, W. H., e. March 13th, ’63; Onslow co.; pr. Southerland, J. H., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Shepherd, Stephen, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Shepherd, Charles, e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Strange, B. H., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Taylor, Stephen, e. March 3d, ’63; Onslow co.; c. Taylor, J. J., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Taylor, J. M., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Taylor, N. H., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Thornell, W. H., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Trott, A., e. Dec. 14th, ’62; Onslow co. Thomas, L. G., e. April 20th, ’64; Onslow co. White, G. W., e. March 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Wharton, E., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. Waters, John, e. July 14th, ’62; Onslow co.; dt. Waters, Allen, e. July 14th, ’62; Onslow co. Whitfield, A. J., e. May 15th, ’61; Onslow co.; pr. Wilkins, J. B., e. May 15th, 62; Onslow co.; dt. Williams, F. F., e. July 14th, 62; Onslow co.; pr. Ward, E. W.,-e. March 3d, ’63; Onslow co. Ward, R. W., e. May 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Sixty-First North Carolina Regiment COMPANY K. OFFICERS F. D. Koonce, Captain, em. April 29th, ’62; Onslow co. Thomas G. Henson, Captain, cm. July 11th, ’62; Onslow co. S. W. Noble, Captain, cm. April 28th, 63; Lenoir co.; p. from 2d Lieut., and tr. from Com. I. H. C. Koonce, 1st Lieut., em. April 29th, ’62; Jones co.; w. J. A. Galloway, 1st Lieut., cm. August 1st, ’63; Onslow co. Samuel L. Gooch, 2d Lieut., cm. April 29th, ’62; Jones co. Calhoun Hoskins, 2d Lieut., cm. June 16th, ’62; Jones co.; r. February Ist, ’63. Simeon E. Koonce, 2d Lieut., cm. June 20th, ’63; Jones co.; tr. from Sergeant in Com. I, 2d Regiment. Non-CoMMISSIONED OFFICERS E. J. Huggins, 1st Sergeant, e. April 28th, ’62; Jones co. Wm. Basden, 2d Sergeant, e. April 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Benjamin F. Burke, 3d Sergeant, e. April 28th, ’62; Jones co.; w. Elsa Simmons, 4th Sergeant, e. April 16th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. Samuel Loftin, 5th Sergeant, e. June 26th, ’62; Lenoir co. John B. West, 1st Corporal, e. February 12th, ’62; Craven co. Frederick Stanly, 2d Corporal, e. April 28th, ’62; Jones co.; w.; pr. Septem- ber 30th, ’64. Daniel J. Mill, 3d Corporal, e. April 28th, 62; Onslow co. George Wood, 4th Corporal, e. April 28th, ’62; Jones co. 416 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW PRIVATES Banks, H., T., Jr., e. April 28th, 62; Jones co.; pr. Barnes, Bennett, e. May 24th, 62; Jones co. Basden, John H., e. April 27th, 62; Onslow co.; pr. Basden, James D., e. April 27th, 62; Onslow co.; w. Basden, Jesse, e. July 14th, ’62; Onslow co. Basden, Wm. H., e. April 29th, 62; Onslow co.; p. Sergeant; d. February 11th, 63, at Wilmington. Becton, Ivey, e. February 13th, 62; Lenoir co.; p. Corporal. Becton, James C., e. April 28th, ’62; Lenoir c p. Corporal. Becton, Jarman, e. June 30th, ’62; Lenoir co. p. Corporal and Sergeant. Brown, Frederick, e. June 30th, 62; Lenoir co.; d. April 21st, ’63. Budd, Green, e. April 29th, ’62; Jones co. Bowen, Edward F., e. June 11th, ’62; Duplin co.; d. October 10th, ’64. Cox, Harman, e. March 10th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. January 5th, ’64. Conway, James, e. March 10th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. November 6, 63. Conway, Oscar, e. March 10th, 62; Onslow co.; w. at Petersburg. Cottle, James D., e. October 13th, ’62; Onslow co. Cottle, John W., e. August 30th, ’62; Onslow co. Cummings, Levi, e. July 14th, ’62; Onslow co.; dg. Nov. 16th, ’63. Costen, Wm., e. March 10th, ’62; Onslow co.; pr. September 3d, ’64. Clark, James, e. February 14th, ’62; Onslow co.; d. Sept. 28th, ’64, of w. Come, e. July 1th, ’62; Jones co.; tr. to Com. A, 40th Reg’t, May 17th, Craft, David, e. July 16th, ’62; Jones co. Dudley, Wm. J., e. Feb. 12th, ’62; Jones co.; dg. March 21st, ’68, for disability. Daugherty, Bluford, e. September 21st, 62; Sampson co.; k. Davis, Anthony, e. August 8th, ’61; Lenoir co. Davis, James T., e. July 13th, ’62; Lenoir co.; d. August, ’64. Davenport, Levi B., e. June 8th, ’62; Lenoir co.; d. May 22d, 64. Eubanks, George W., e. April 28th, ’62; Jones co. Eubanks, John, e. April 28th, ’62; Jones co. Frazier, Jackson, e. March 10th, ’63; Onslow co. Gillet, Colquitt, e. July 12th, 62; Onslow co.; pr. June 16th, 64. Gillett, Colquitt, e. July 17th, ’62; Onslow co. | Gray, John T., e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Hall, John P., e. July 17th, ’62; Jones co. Heath, Jesse W., e. April 29th, 62; Jones co.; pr. September 30th, ’64. Harper, Windall, e. June 8th, 63; Lenoir co.; pr. in ’64. Howard, Samuel, e. May 3d, ’62; Lenoir co.; d. May 10th, ’63. Howard, Hardy, e. June 8th, ’63; Lenoir co. Howard, Stephen, e. August 3d, ’64; Lenoir co. Howard, Samuel S., e. July 27th, ’64; Lenoir co. Howard, Lewis J., e. May Ist, 64; Lenoir co.; pr. September 30th, ’64. Hare, Simon, e. September 29th, 63; Sampson co. Hill, Wm. T., e. June 8th, 64; Lenoir co.; d. December 28th, 63. Hill, John B., e. October ist, ’64; Lenoir co. Huggins, E. G., e. April 28th, 62; Jones co,; p. Sergeant; pr. September 30th, 64, Heath, Samuel, e. July ist, 62; Jones co.; w. and c. Heath, Amos, e. July 17th, ’62; Jones co. Huffman, John H., e. April 29th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. Higgins, F G., e. April 28th, ’62; Jones co.; d. June 26th, ’64, of w. Huffman, Jacob B., e. April 29th, 62; Onslow co. Huffman, William F., e. March 1st, 62; Onslow co. Huggins, William F., e. July 1st, ’62; Jones co. Humphrey, Lewis, e. April 28th, ’62; Onslow co.; dg. September, ’64, for dis- ability. Ivey, Becton, e. February 34, ’62; Craven co.; p. Corporal; pr. September 30th, 64. Jarman, James, e. July 14th, ’62; Onslow co. Jenkins, Amos, e. February 13th, 62; Jones co. Jenkins, James, e. February 13th, ’62; Jones co. 7 ONSLOW SOLDIERS IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY AIT Jones, Zachariah, e. July 10th, ’62; Jones co. Koonce, Gabriel F., e. April 28th, ’62; Jones co.; d. January 1st, ’63, at Wilson. Koonce, Isaac, e. July 1st, 62; Jones co.; pr. in ’64. Koonce, William, e. July 1st, 62; Jones co.; w. Koonce, E. B., e. April 28th, ’62; Onslow co. Killum, Elijah, e. July 16th, 62; Jones co.; dg. May 9th, ’63, for disability. King, Jesse, e. January 24th, 63; Jones co.; d. April 21st, ’63. Koonce, Simon E., e. June 2d, ’63; Jones co.; p. 2d Lieutenant from Sergeant in Com. I, 2d Regiment. Lofton, Eli W., e. June 30th, ’62; Lenoir co.; k. July 29th, ’63, at Battery Wag- ner. Mayburn, James E., e. June 10th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. at Petersburg. Mayburn, Haskill H., e. April 28th, 62; Onslow co.; dg. June 2d, ’63, for dis- ability. Mercer, George F., e. April 24th, ’62; Jones co.; dt. Miller, Lewis, e. October 31st, 68; Duplin co.; d. July 1st, ’64. Milton, William M., e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Noble, Jesse B., e. June 1st, 63; Lenoir co.; p. Sergeant February 6th, 64. Noble, Martin M., e. May 15th, 64; Lenoir co.; tr. from Com. E June 1st, ’63. Oliver, John J., e. July 1st, 62; Jones co.; d. October 29th, ’64, of w. Pittman, Hezekiah, e. July 15th, 62; Onslow co.; dg. for disability. Phillips, Spencer H., e. April 29th, ’62; Jones co. Potter, Nathan W., e. October 10th, ’62; Lenoir co. Riggs, Jos. R., e. July 15th, 62; Onslow co. Riggs, James F., e. July 15th, 62; Onslow co. Riggs, John B., e. July 15th, 62; Onslow co.; d. October 11th, ’63. Riggs, William, e. July 15th, ’62; Onslow co. Smith, Thomas W., e. January 18th, ’64; Lenoir co. Smith, Simmons, e. January 8th, 63; Lenoir co. Smith, Ira, e. January 9th, 64; Lenoir co. Smith, John, e. March 8th, ’62; Lenoir co. Saunders, William, e. April 24th, 62; Jones co.; pr. September 30th, ’64. Saunders, Wm., e. April 24th, ’62; Jones co. Taylor, Jesse, e. July 1st, 62; Lenoir co.; d. of w. Whaley, Felix, e. April 1st, ’62; Lenoir co. Whaley, Finchal, e. July 1st, 62; Lenoir co.; w. and pr. September 30th, ’64. Wholey, George, e. July 1st, 62; Lenoir co. Whaley, James, e. July 1st, 62; Lenoir co.; pr. September 30th, ’64. Williams, Daniel A., e. April 29th, 62; Onslow co.; w. Williams, Henry A., e. April 29th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. in ’64. Wells, Joseph F., e. July, 15th, ’62; Onslow co.; w. June 28th, ’64. Wood, George, e. April 28th, 62; Jones co.; pr. November 16th, 64. Well, Joseph R., e. July 15th, ’62; Jones co. Onslow Votes for President POLITICAL PARTIES AND PUBLIC QUESTIONS POLITICAL PARTIES AND PUBLIC QUESTIONS Alton B. Parker, Democrat Theodore Roosevelt, Republican William J. Bryan, Democrat William Howard Taft, Republican Prior to 1836 Presidential Electors were elected by the Legis- Woodrow Wilson, Democrat lature. The Convention of 1835 changed this so that they were William H. Taft, Republican to be elected by popular vote. Since that time the votes for Theodore Roosevelt, Progressive President have been as follows: Woodrow Wilson, Democrat: 1836 1840 1844 1848 1852 1856 1860 Martin Van Buren, Democrat il a ee a H. L. White, Whig ames M. Cox, Demoer Martin Van Buren, Democrat Warren G. Harding, Republican ee % 5 John W. Davis, Democrat. William Henry Harrison, Whig : er: . James K. Polk, Democrat Calvin Coolidge, Republican A Alfred E. Smith, Democrat Henry, Clay, Whig Herbert Hoover, Republican 5 Franklin D. Roosevelt, Democrat aay, Bee pi te Herbert Hoover, Republican Winfield Scott Whi | Franklin D. Roosevelt, Democrat. 5 S Alfred Landon, Republican Lewis M. Cass, Democrat. James Buchanan, Democrat Millard Fillmore, Whig Franklin D. Roosevelt, Democrat John C. Breckenridge, Independent Wendell Wilkie, Republican Stephen A. Douglas, Democrat | Franklin D. Roosevelt, Democrat John Bell, Whig. Thomas Dewey, Republican Abraham Lincoln, Republican Harry S. Truman, Democrat No vote was taken, the State being at that time a Thomas Dewey, Republican_ member of the Confederate States of America. Henry A. Wallace, Progressive Horatio Seymour, Democrat Strom Thurman, State Rights, Democrat U. S. Grant, Republican 1952 Adlai Stevenson, Democrat Horace Greeley, Liberal Dwight D. Eisenhower, Republican U.S. Grant, Republican 1956 Adlai E. Stevenson, Democrat Dwight D. Eisenhower, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes 1960 John F. Kennedy, Democrat. Winfield S. Hancock, Democrat Richard M. Neon Republican. James A. Garfield, Republican Grover Cleveland, Democrat James G. Blaine, Republican Grover Cleveland, Democrat The Convention of 1835 also provided that the Governor be Benjamin Harrison, Republican elected by the people instead of by the Assembly. An Onslow Grover Cleveland, Democrat County man was the first Governor to be elected by the people. Benjamin Harrison, Republican . James B. Weaver, Populist 1g86 pate _ Se Peet William J. Bryan, Democrat 1838 John Branch, Democrat William McKinley, Republican Edward B. Dudley, Whig William J. Bryan, Democrat 1840 Romulous M. Sanders, Democrat John M. Morehead, Whig Onslow Votes for Governor THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Louis D. Henry, Democrat John M. Morehead, Whig. James B. Shepard, Democrat William A. Graham, Whig David S. Reid, Democrat Charles S. Manley, Whig David S. Reid, Democrat Charles Manley, Whig. David S. Reid, Democrat John Kerr, Whig. Thomas Bragg, Democrat Alfred Dockery, Whig. John E. Ellis, Democrat John Poole, Whig. Zebulon B. Vance W. J. Johnson William W. Holden, Republican A. S. Merrimon, Democrat O. H. Dockery, Republican Elias Carr, Democrat 1896 1900 1904 1908 1912 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 POLITICAL PARTIES AND PUBLIC QUESTIONS Cyrus B. Watson, Democrat Daniel L. Russell, Republican W. A. Guthrie, Populist Charles B. Aycock, Democrat Spencer B. Adams, Republican Robert B. Glenn, Democrat Charles J. Harris, Republican William W. Kitchen, Democrat J. Elwood Cox, Republican Locke Craig, Democrat Thomas Settle, Republican Iredell Mears, Progressive Thomas W. Bickett, Democrat Frank A. Linney, Republican Cameron Morrison, Democrat John J. Parker, Republican Angus W. McLean, Democrat I. M. Meekins, Republican O. Max Gardner, Democrat H. F. Sewell, Republican J. C. B. Erringhaus, Democrat. Clifford Frazier, Republican Clyde R. Hoey, Democrat Gilliam Grissom, Republican J. Melville Broughton, Democrat Robert H. McNeil, Republican R. Gregg Cherry, Democrat Frank C. Patton, Republican William B. Umstead, Democrat H. F. Sewell, Republican Luther H. Hodges, Democrat Kyle Hayes, Republican Terry Sanford, Democrat. Robert L. Gavin, Republican Conventions When the Constitution was first framed, each county was given equal representation regardless of population. By 1835, although the West had a greater population, the East controlled the Assem- bly because of its greater number of counties. When it was pro- posed to call a convention to remedy the defect, Onslow along with other eastern counties, voted against calling a convention. 422 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW The vote was as follows: When the amendments were submitted remedying the above mentioned defect, Onslow voted against them as follows: For Amendments Against Amendments When in 1861 a convention was being agitated to consider seces- sion, Onslow favored the call and sent one disunion Delegate. The vote was: For Convention Against Convention In order for the State to be received again into the Union it was necessary that an amendment abolishing slavery be adopted. The small vote was to be expected. For Ratification Against Ratification Also, it was necessary to adopt the amendment forbidding secession (1865). The vote was almost negligible. To prevent ignorant persons being voted in blocks an amend- ment to the State Constitution known as The Suffrage Amend- ment was proposed in 1900 which provided that no person might vote unless he could read, write and explain the Constitution satisfactorily. To prevent the disfranchisement of any white person “The Grandfather Clause” was included, which provided that this provision might not apply to any person whose fathers voted prior to 1867. Onslow voted: The question of control of alcoholic beverages had long agitated the people of the state. A great part of the state by local elec- tions prevented by law the sale of intoxicating liquors. In 1881 a statewide vote was taken resulting in the continuance of sale in the state. The vote in Onslow: POLITICAL PARTIES AND PUBLIC QUESTIONS Another vote was taken in 1908. The ballot read: For Repeal—E. H. Walton Against Repeal—S. S. Singleton Thirty-three states who voted on the question before North Carolina had without exception favored repeal. The two Carolinas voted “Dry.” North Carolina by a majority of 184,572. Onslow has always voted “Wet.” Soon after the Civil War the question of some railway con- nection with Wilmington was being discussed. One proposition was to subscribe for $50,000 stock in The Planters Railway, a company to be organized to construct a line from Jacksonville to Wilmington. Another proposed to take stock in what was called the Onslow branch of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, to be a sub- sidiary if that road, or the voter could vote against both proposi- tions. The vote was as follows: For Onslow Branch of the W & W Railroad For Planters Railroad For no issue of Bonds A question which created much concern among the people of Onslow and one which they voted against consistently, was the “Stock-Law,” providing that livestock be confined to pastures. It was finally brought about by act of the Legislature. Previously the stock had roamed at large, necessitating fenc- ing of the entire farm. In 1952 a Bond issue of $1,100,000.00 was voted for schools in a county-wide improvement program. The vote was as follows: In 1960 a Bond issue of $1,600,000.00 for schools improvement was submitted to the voters for their approval. The vote was: ONSLOW REPRESENTATION IN THE ASSEMBLY 1734 John Starkey J. Williams 1734/5 James Foyle Charles Harrison 1736 Journal for this ses- sion has been lost 1738/9 John Starkey Samuel Swann 1739/40 Samuel Swann John Starkey 1742/43 Samuel Swann John Starkey 1744-45 Samuel Swann John Starkey 1746 Samuel Swann John Starkey 1746/54 Samuel Swann John Starkey 1754-60 Samuel Swann John Starkey 1760 Samuel Swann John Starkey 1761 Samuel Swann John Starkey 1762 (April) Samuel Swann John Starkey 1762 (Nov.) Samuel Swann John Starkey 1764-65 John Starkey (Died during the session) William Cray 1766-68 William Cray Richard Ward Edward Vail 1769 William Cray Richard Ward 1770/71 William Cray Richard Ward 1773 (Jan.) Ezekiel Hunter Edward Starkey 1773-74 William Cray John Spicer 1775 William Cray Henry Rhodes PROVINCIAL CONGRESSES August 1774 William Cray John Harvey April 1775 Edward Starkey Henry Rhodes William Cray August 1775 Isaac Guion Henry Rhodes Edward Starkey John Spicer John King April 1776 George Mitchell Benajah Doty John Spicer John King John Norman November 1776 John Spicer Thomas Johnston Benajah Doty Edward Starkey Henry Rhodes MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Senators 1777 William Gray John Spicer 1778 Henry Rhodes 1779 Henry Rhodes 1780 Henry Rhodes 1781 John Spicer 1782 Isaac Guion 1783 John Spicer 1784 (Apr.) Thomas Johnston 1784 (Oct.) Thomas Johnston 1785 John Spicer 1786 George Mitchell 1787 George Mitchell 1788 Thomas Johnston 1789 David Yates 1790 Robert W. Sneed 1791 Robert W. Sneed 1792 Reuben Grant 1793 Robert W. Sneed 1794 John Spicer 1795 John Spicer 1796 John Spicer 1797 Christopher Dudley Representatives John King Benajah Doty George Mitchell James Howard Edward Starkey Edward Starkey George Mitchell Edward Starkey Lewis Williams Thomas Johnston George Mitchell Edward Starkey James Howard Edward Starkey Edward Starkey Reuben Grant Daniel Yates Reuben Grant Daniel Yates Edward Starkey Daniel Yates Reuben Grant Robert W. Sneed John Spicer John Spicer Christopher Dudley Reuben Grant Christopher Dudley John Spicer Joseph S. Cray Joseph S. Cray Christopher Dudley Zachariah Barrow Joseph S. Cray Zachariah Barrow Joseph S. Cray Zachariah Barrow Nathaniel Loomis Nathaniel Loomis Joseph 8. Cray 426 1798 1799 1800 1801 1802 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 1816 1817 1818 1819 1820 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Christopher Dudley Christopher Dudley Christopher Dudley George Ward Christopher Dudley John Fullwood John Fullwood William French William French Stephen Williams Christopher Dudley John E. Spicer Edward Ward, Jr. Edward Williams Brice Bender Edward B. Dudley Edward Ward Christopher Dudley Christopher Dudley Christopher Dudley Eli W. Ward Christopher Dudley Jesse Williams Nathaniel Loomis Jessie Williams Nathaniel Loomis Jessie Williams William Russell George W. Mitchell George Ward Stephen Williams George W. Mitchell George W. Mitchell John Fullwood Stephen Williams William French William French Stephen Williams Lemuel Doty Edward Ward Edward Williams Benjamin Farnell Edward Williams John E. Spicer Edward Williams William Jones Edward Ward Edward Williams Edward B. Dudley George W. Noble Lott Humphrey William Jones Edward B. Dudley James Thompson Jason Gregory Solomon E. Grant William Mitchell Jason Gregory Eli W. Ward Solomon E. Grant Eli W. Ward Basil R. Smith Eli W. Ward Basil R. Smith Basil R. Smith Edward Williams Daniel M. Dulaney ONSLOW REPRESENTATION IN THE ASSEMBLY Basil R. Smith Edward Ward Edward Ward Edward Ward Edward Ward Edward Ward Edward Ward Edward Ward Edward Ward Lewis Dishongh Lewis Dishongh Thomas Foy Thomas Ennett David W. Simmons Daniel S. Sanders Joshua Foy John B. Pollock Thomas Ennett W. Ennett William Ferrand John F. Spicer George H. McMillan George H. McMillan Edward W. Fonveille Edward W. Fonveille Lott W. Humphrey Lott W. Humphrey A. J. Murell Isaac N. Sanders Isaac N. Sanders Daniel M. Dulaney W. D. Humphrey Eli W. Ward Daniel M. Dulaney Lewis T. Oliver Eli W. Ward Frederick Foy Lewis T. Oliver Edward Williams Frederick Foy John Giles William P. Ferrand Edward Williams Frederick Foy Edward Williams Frederick Foy Frederick Foy James Rowe John B. Thompson George A. Thompson George A. Thompson Joseph D. Ward Daniel Thompson Thomas Ennett Nathaniel L. Mitchell Daniel S. Sanders Daniel S. Sanders Daniel Thompson John A. Averitt John B. Pollock Thomas Ennett Timothy Haskins Edward W. Sanders Harvey Cox Christopher D. Foy Edward W. Fonville Edward W. Fonville Lott W. Humphrey Lott W. Humphrey James H. Foy James H. Foy James H. Foy A. J. Murell A. J. Murell 428 1866 1868 1870 1872 1874 1876 1879 1881 1883 1885 1887 1889 1891 1893 1895 1897 1899 1901 1903 1905 1907 1909 1911 1913 1915 1917. 1919 1921 1922 1923 1925 1927 1929 1931 1933 1935 1937 1938 1939 1941 1943 1945 THE COMMONWEALTH OF ONSLOW Jasper Ethridge See Duplin See Duplin James G. Scott (See Carteret) (See Jones) John W. Shackelford (See Carteret) (See Jones) Cyrus Thompson (See Carteret) (See Jones) T. E. Gilman (See Lenoir-Carteret) E. L. Franck, Jr. (See Craven) (See Craven & Lenoir) (See Greene & Jones) (See Jones & Lenoir) (See Craven & Carteret) John W. Burton John W. Burton (See Craven & Carteret) (See Craven & Carteret) Special Session Edward W. Summersill Edward W. Summersill A. J. Murell Franklin Thompson James G. Scott John W. Shackelford John W. Shackelford John W. Shackelford C. S. Hewitt William P. Ward Cyrus Thompson Hill E. King Hill E. King T. E. Gilman S. W. Venters E. L. Franck, Jr. Rodolph Duffy Rodolph Duffy Frank Thompson Elijah M. Koonce Walter M. Thompson Elijah M. Koonce Elijah M. Koonce Elijah M. Koonce Elijah M. Koonce Elijah M. Koonce Horace V. Grant Horace V. Grant Edward W. Summersill E. H. Walton E. H. Walton Horace V. Grant I. M. Bailey Fred W. Hargett, Jr. Fred W. Hargett, Jr. Nere E. Day John D. Warlick Nere E. Day R. Nobe Summersill R. Nobe Summersill George W. Phillips Isaac J. Kellum W. J. (Billy) Arthur W. J. (Billy) Arthur ONSLOW REPRESENTATION IN THE ASSEMBLY E. W. Summersill C. Bruce Hunter Carl V. Venters Carl V. Venters Carl V. Venters Carl V. Venters Carl V. Venters Carl V. Venters Zennie Riggs ONSLOW PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY THE ONSLOW COUNTY BAR DENTISTS S ece Sateen ciey 0. OE a Walle ee L. Reid Gilreath James R. Strickland Jacksonville, N. C. , N.C. i i i i Hogan R. Gaskins, Thomas R. Reid, i are phn Se ae Jadiscuvilles NC. Jacksonville, N. C. J. T. Gresham Paul G. Sylvester Charles B. Johnson, L. R. Turner, Roper Lack Tg Gace Jacksonville, N. C. Jacksonville, N. C. Joseph Olschner Alex Warlick, Jr. William S. Ketchum, L. J. Dupree, Zennie Riggs Nere HE. Day Jacksonville, N. C. Swansboro, N. C. PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OPTOMETRISTS M. R. Barnes James D. Piver, M. Katzin, Stratton C. Murrell, Jacksonville, N. C. Jacksonville, N. C. Jacksonville, N. C. Jacksonville, N. C. S. C. Cox, C. T. Streeter, Jacksonville, N. C. Jacksonville, N. C. Philip Dixon, Wm. T. Turlington, Jacksonville, N. C. Jacksonville, N. C. William A. Futch, Willis E. Mease, Jacksonville, N. C. Richlands, N. C. Lonis D. Hayman, J. P. Corbett, Jacksonville, N. C. Swansboro, N. C. John P. Henderson, Jr. Harry B. Sherrill, Jacksonville, N. C. Swansboro, N. C. John P. Henderson, Sr. (Ret.), Jacksonville, N. C. EYE, EAR, NOSE, THROAT SPECIALIST Dr. George E. Gurganus PEDIATRICIAN Dr. Elizabeth Gurganus CHIROPRACTOR Dr. R. E. Dudley he aa! Dr. Charles F. Carroll at the dedication of the Clyde A. Erwin School. J. Parsons Brown Markers such as these were placed by the government at nine sites of his- torical significance on the base. Office of Dr. James L. Nicholson dur- ing his long practice in Richlands. INDEX A Academy, The Richlands, 147 Agents, Extension, 213 Apprentice, The, 62 Asbury’s Journal, 273 Avirette, James B., 362 B Baptist Renaissance, 255 Baptists in Onslow, 43 Baptist Statistics, 269 Barry, Claude, 83 Bond Issue for Schools, 423 Burns, Otway, 43 Browning, Lucile, 369 Burrington, Governor, 5, 6 Business as usual, 374 Cc Caswell, William, 27 Cavanaugh’s Feat, 74 Churches: Richlands of New River, 233 Episcopal, 239 Free Will Baptist, 240 Primitive Baptist, 245 Missionary Baptist, 255 Methodist, 271 Christian-Disciples, 285 Presbyterian, 293 Lutheran, 295 Pentecostal Holiness, 296 Catholic, 297 Hebrew, 299 Baptist (Colored), 303 Statistics, 308 Primitive, 308 A.M.E.Z., 309 A.M.E., 312 Community and Place Names, 10 Courthouse Bay, 15 Courthouse, Present Dedicated, 18 Court of Pleas and Quarter Ses- sions, 19 Cray, William, 30; Receives News Battle Lexington, 32; Dead, 47 Cray, Mme. William, 361 Cox, Cador G., 141 County Home, 196 Courier, The, 136 D Davis, Camp, 184 Day, Nere E., 370 Demonstration, Home Work, 217 Dover & Southbound Railroad, 199 Dudley, Edward B., 50 Duffy, Dr. Charles, Jr., 83 Duffy, George T., 84 Duffy, Lawrence E., 85 Duffy, Rodolph, 129 E Ennett, William T., 86 Enterprize, The, 136 Extension Services, 215 F Farm Products, 228 Familiar Names, 9 Farmers Organize, 105 Fifth Courthouse, 17 Finer Carolina, 201 Forest Products, 228 Fund, Equalization, 155 G Gazette, Onslow, 101 Geology Paper, 313 Georgetown, 167 Gillette, Col. George, 367 Gornto, Solomon, 87 Government Changed, 193 Gurganus, John R., 372 H Health Department, 191, 219 Henderson for Congress, 373 Highway Progress, 204 Historian Named, 208 Historical Society Organized, 208 Hofmann, Dr. Julian V., 364 Hudson Reports, 223 Hudson, Sketch of, 365 Humphrey, Henry W., 87 Humphrey, Lott, 88 Humphrey-Walser Bill, 65 J Jacksonville Township Laid Off, 194 Jacksonville Incorporated, 339 Johnston, Samuel, 38 Johnston, Town Laid Off, 16 Johnston Destroyed, 17 K King, Hill E., 127 Koonce, Alex H., 368 Koonce, Elijah M., 371 Koonce, Francis D., 89 L Lejeune, Camp, 184 Light and Power, Carolina, 200 Library Fund and Service, 146, 225, 155 434 INDEX—Continued Lincoln Calls for Troops, 67 Lillington, A., 27, 28 M Messenger, The, 136 Morris, Fitz Lee, 368 Murrell, A. J., 67 N Negro, The Free, 62 New River, Battle of, 80 New River Herald, 136 New River News, 137 News and Views, 137 (@) Onslow Blade, 133 Onslow, Contemporary, 227 Onslow Invaded, 79 Onslow in 1860, 102 Onslow, Sir Arthur, 11 Onslow formed into a County, 4; Confirmed, 7 18) Panic, The, 177 Populist, The, 108 Q Queens Creek Methodist Church, 335 R Railroads Come, 196 REA, 201 Revolution, Civil, 25; in the field, 26 Redd, Marquis L. F., 91 Reconstruction Period, 97, 150 Regiments, Civil War— Third, 69 Twenty-Fourth, 71 Thirty-Fifth, 73 Forty-Fifth, 75 Sixty-First, 76 Rhodes Henry, 33 Richlands township laid off, 194 Richlands First High School, 159 Richlands votes special tax, 157 Royal Oak, 29 Russell, Daniel L., 113 Ss Scott, James G., 363 Seafood taken, 2 Servants Indentured, 62 Settlement Begun, 3 Shackleford, John W., 139 Slave, The, 59 Smith, Neil M., 212 Snapdragon, 43 Spicer, John, 35 Southerland, Bryant, 92 Sports and Recreation, 229 Stumpsound Township, 193 Swansboro Township laid off, 194 Summersill, Edward W., 369 ay Thompson, Cyrus— In the Alliance, 121 Daniels’ opinion of, 122 On Selective Service, 123 On State Board of Health, 124 Fights for true label on medicine, 124 On Aycock Statue Commission, 124 Thompson, Frank, 131 Thompson, Walter M.— Elected, 156 County-wide Plan, 162 Superintendent Emeritus, 164 Sketch of, 171 Taylor, Simon B., 93 Times, The Jacksonville, 134 Townships laid off, 193 Ww Warren, Henry, 3 Wantlands Ferry, 17 Washington visits Onslow, 41 Ward, Edward W., 95 Welfare in the Civil War, 68 White Oak River, 329 White Oak Township laid off, 195 Woodward, Leonard G., 148 World War I casualties, 175 World War II— Onslow’s Part, 183 Casualties, 186 Waterways, Commercial, 199 Y Yeomen, 61 For Reference Not to be taken from this room wanna 310372 F262.05 B7 Commonwealth of Onslow; ah REO Important: Do not remove this date ; Ue Acusth Ea due reminder