Going Back to Caswell

"Remember, in Caswell County the dark comes all the way up to the windows!"
Author of the Foregoing: Anonymous

(Click on Poem for a Larger Image)

Black Slave Owners

Transcript of Program about Black Slave Owners

2004-2005 Broadcast Season
Broadcast Program Transcripts
Episode #2014
Black Slave Owners - Free Slaves

Brown: Natalie Bullock Brown, host
Schweninger: Dr. Loren Schweninger, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Speller: Dr. Ben Speller, President, Historic Hope Foundation
Wood: Peter Wood, Duke University
Marshall: Patricia Phillips Marshall, North Carolina Museum of History

Brown: During the 300 year period of slavery in America, was there such a thing as an empowered slave? We’ll talk about free blacks, artisans, and black slave owners, next on Black Issues Forum.

Funding for this program was made possible in part by UNC-TV members.

Brown: Good evening and welcome to Black Issues Forum. I’m Natalie Bullock Brown. From time to time, within conversations about slavery in America, the issue of free blacks and those who actually owned slaves themselves comes up. And the very existence of free blacks and black slave owners calls into question the idea of empowerment, a concept that is rarely used to identify blacks who lived during the oppression of slavery. Yet there were a small handful of those who were free; those who owned slaves, and those who may have been otherwise empowered through their own enterprise and skill.

Obituary of Curtis "Wayne" Pickeral (1941-2007)

Obituary of Curtis "Wayne" Pickeral (1941-2007)
Feb 21, 2007 - 08:53:22 am CST

McLeansville, N.C. - Mr. Curtis "Wayne" Pickeral, age 65, of Hines Chapel Road, passed away Friday Evening February 16th, at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. Funeral Services will be held at 3:30 PM Monday February 19, 2007 at Forbis & Dick North Elm Street Funeral Chapel. Entombment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park Mausoleum. Wayne was born August 7, 1941 in Danville, VA. He was the son of George Curtis & Bealah Mae Pickeral. He had lived in the Providence Community of Caswell County, NC prior to moving to Greensboro in 1959.Wayne was a self employed professional photographer for 48 years. He was a member of the Wildwood Hunting Club and was also an avid fisherman, & golfer. He enjoyed family poker night, family get-togethers, taking his family to the beach, and spending time with his grandchildren. Wayne was also a member of Monticello United Church of Christ.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Peggy Greeson Pickeral of the home,
His mother, Bealah Mae Elliott Pickeral of Greensboro. Daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda P. & Rick Joyce and Kim P. & Jeff Berg, all of Stoney Creek. Sisters and brothers-in-law, Brenda & Terry Burnette of Greensboro and Nancy & Bob Lewis of McLeansville. His beloved grandchildren Tiffany Deabenderfer , Zac Garrison, Seth Garrison and Bethann Berg & J.P. Berg who all knew him as Papa.

The family received friends Sunday Evening February 18th at Forbis & Dick North Elm Chapel. The family would like to send out a heart felt thanks to all the Doctors at Carolina Kidney Associates, Dr. Phillip Nahse of Greensboro Cardiology, Carla Porter & Ashley Young , and the nurses in the 2100 ICU. On line condolences may be sent to: www. forbisanddick.com

Source: The Caswell Messenger, 21 February 2007.

Obituary of Lincoln Dare Loftis (c.1932-2007)

Lincoln Dare Loftis
Feb 21, 2007 - 08:53:22 am CST

Reidsville, N.C. - Lincoln Dare Loftis, 75, formerly of 1206 Loftis Road, died Friday, February 6, 2007 at Alamance Health Care Center. Graveside services will be held at 2:00PM, Sunday, February 18, 2007 at Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Loftis was born in Caswell County to the late Andrew Carlyle Loftis, Sr. and Myrtle Garrison Loftis. He was of the Baptist Faith. In addition to his parents, her was preceded in death by brothers, Bradford Loftis, A.C. Loftis, Jr., George Loftis and Carlyle Loftis; sisters, Adele Loftis Marlowe, Lois Loftis Gooch and Louise Loftis Walker. He is survived by his brother, Wayland Loftis and wife, Doris of Burlington; sisters, Carol Loftis Wetzler of Richmond, Margorie Loftis Dix and husband, Floyd of Burlington and Wynell Loftis Gooch of Thomasville. The family will receive friends at Wilkerson Funeral Home on Saturday, February 18, 2007, from 6-8 PM. Condolences may be sent to www.wilkersonfuneral.com.

Source: The Caswell Messenger, 21 February 2007.

Obituary of Margaret Lee Blalock King (1920-2007)

Margaret Lee Blalock King (1920-2007)
Feb 21, 2007 - 08:53:21 am CST

Burlington, NC - Mrs. Margaret Blalock King, 86, of 100 Wade Coble Drive, Burlington, NC, died Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 5:15 am at The Twin Lakes Center. A native of Caswell County, she was retired from Koury Hosiery, Inc. and a member of the Bush Arbor Primitive Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvis Franklin King, Sr; parents J. Weldon Blalock and Mary Oakley Blalock; sisters, Lizzie Pritchette, Sally Aldridge and Frances King; and brother, W. H. Blalock.

She is survived by daughters, Patricia Wilkins and husband Owen, of Burlington, Mary Butler and husband Melvin of Reidsville, and Barbara Gregory of Burlington; son, Alvis F. King, Jr. and wife JoAnn of Burlington; sisters, Allie Clayton and Lou Blackard, of Burlington; brothers, Joseph Blalock of Burlington and G.F. Blalock of Prospect Hill, seven grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, February 16, 2007 at Bush Arbor Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Ray King and Pastor Chuck Perkins officiating. The family will receive friends at the McClure Funeral Home in Graham, Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 pm, and at other times at the home of her son at 10620 Highway 62 South, Burlington, NC. The body will be taken to the church to lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Bush Arbor Primitive Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 900 Oakview Loop Road, Yanceyville, NC 27379. Condolences may be made to www.mcclurefuneralservice.com.

Source: The Caswell Messenger, 21 February 2007.

Obituary of Ann Daniel Jones (c.1925-2007)

Ann Daniel Jones (c.1925-2007)
Feb 21, 2007 - 08:53:21 am CST

Yanceyville, N.C. - Ann Daniel Jones, 82, of 7307 US Hwy 158 West Yanceyville, NC died Sunday February 18, 2007 at Brian Nursing Center Yanceyville, NC. Graveside services will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Tuesday Feb. 20, 2007 at Locust Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery. A native of Caswell Co. she was a daughter of the late Martin and Loucile Daniel and had lived in Caswell County her entire life. A member of Locust Hill United Methodist Church, she was a member of the Methodist Women at the church and was also a member of the Locust Hill Home Demonstration Club. She was preceded in death by her husband: Billy W. Jones.Surviving: two daughters: Mary Jo Jones Henderson and husband Roger, Yanceyville, NC, Billie Jean Jones Hodges and husband Alton Ruffin, N.C., two brothers: Lacy Daniel - - - Pelham, N.C., Nelson Daniel - - - Ringgold, Va., one sister: Laura D. Bailey - - - Danville, Va., three grandchildren: Van Alton Hodges, Billy Thomas Henderson, and Susan Henderson EastmanThe family will see friends at the home of her daughter May Jo Henderson 7307 US Hwy 158 West Yanceyville, N.C. Memorials may be made to: Locust Hill United Methodist Church C/O Ralph Dail, 8488 NC Hwy 150 Reidsville, N.C. 27320. Citty Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to: cittyfuneralhome@bellsouth.net.

Source: The Caswell Messenger, 21 February 2007.

Obituary of James Henry "Jimmy" Graves (1919-2007)

James Henry (Jimmy) Graves
Feb 21, 2007 - 08:53:21 am CST

Yanceyville, NC- James Henry "Jimmy" Graves. It is with profound sorrow we announce the death of Mr. James Henry "Jimmy" Graves of 239 North Ave., who died Sunday, February 18, 2007 in the Brian Center Nursing Home in Yanceyville, NC.

He was a native of Caswell County, the son of the late Peter Graves and Harriet Watkins Graves, born July 16, 1919. He was a member of Pearson Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he served on the Steward Board, Trustee Board, and Grave Yard Committee and former treasure of the church. He also was a member of the Allen's Chapel Masonic Lodge #676 and was Past Master of the Lodge.

He was a graduate of Caswell County Training School. He was an employee of Carolina Steel in Greensboro, NC, Hooper General Store, Red & White General Store and a staff member at Fulton Funeral Home before retirement.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in World War II and received an honorable discharge. He also received several decorations and citations such as: Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Philippine Liberation Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal and a World War 11 Victory Medal.

He was preceded in death by six brothers, George, Jerry Lenzy, Peter Steven, Ruffus, William Douglas, and Richard; four sisters, Mattie Williamson, Julia Graves, Mamie Price, and Louise Gales.

His survivors are wife, Mrs. Willie Mae Totten Graves of the home; 1 daughter, Mrs. Barbara Ann Graves Garner of Yanceyville, NC; 1 son, Jimmy Lea Graves of Blanch, NC; 4 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. James Henry "Jimmy" Graves will be Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 2:00 pm at Pearson Chapel A.M.E. Church with Reverend Herbert S. Williams delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Military Rites performed by American Legion Post 29 Honor Guard.

The family visitation will be Wednesday evening from 7 to 8 pm at Fulton Funeral Home Chapel. The family may be contacted at his residence, 239 North Avenue, Yanceyville, NC. All arrangements for Mr. James Henry Graves are entrusted to Fulton Funeral Home 219 Dillard School Dr. Yanceyville, NC.

Source: The Caswell Messenger, 21 February 2007.

Obituary of Anna Watlington Odell (1923-2007)

Obituary of Anna Watlington Odell (1923-2007)
Feb 14, 2007 - 09:32:13 am CST

Yanceyville, NC - Anna Watlington Odell 84 of 2671 U.S. Highway 158 West died Thursday, February 8, 2007 at Duke Hospital following several years of declining health. She was born January 16, 1923 to the late Oscar Bryan (O.B.) Watlington, Sr. and Fannie Roberts Watlington. She was educated in Caswell county Schools, a member of Prospect United Methodist Church and a homemaker.

She is survived by a daughter Dianne O. Murphy and husband Frank of Prospect Hill, NC, sisters Doris W. Allen and Wilma White of Yanceyville, brother Earl Watlington, Sr. of Yanceyville, Son-in-Law Jim Shirkey, Granddaughter Janet M. Owen, Grandson Patrick Shirkey and great granddaughter Murphy LeAnne Owen and great grandson Bennet Field Owen.

She was predeceased by her husband Thomas F. Odell, parents, one daughter Sandra Shirkey, one granddaughter Robin E. Shirkey, three brothers O.B. Jr., William Penn and G. Irvin Watlington.

Funeral services will be Saturday 2:30 p.m. at Prospect United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. David Grissom, pastor. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the church and at other times will be at the home of Dianne and Frank Murphy 1795 Corbett Ridge Road, Prospect Hill, NC. Harrelson Funeral Service is serving the Odell Family.

Source: Obituary of Anna E. Watlington Odell (1923-2007) (The Caswell Messenger, 14 February 2007)

Obituary of Lorenzo "Bud" Stokes (1930-2007)

Lorenzo "Bud" Stokes
Feb 14, 2007 - 09:32:13 am CST

Ruffin, NC - It is with profound sorrow we announce the death of Mr. Lorenzo "Bud" Stokes of 3834 Quick Rd., Ruffin, NC, who died Tuesday, February 6, 2007 in the Avante Nursing Facility, Reidsville, NC.

He was a native of Caswell County, NC the son of the late Flossie Holloway Stokes and Franck Stokes, born November 14, 1930. He was a member of Spirit Filled Holiness Church in Danville, VA, and was an employee of IM Plastics before retirement.

His survivors are beloved sister, Mrs. Lossie Pearl Stokes Lea and nephew William "Tim" Lea of the residence; wife, Mrs. Cleo Watlington Stokes; 4 daughters, Mrs. Eva Mae Coleman (Reginald), Mrs. Loretta Hodnett (Michael), Ms. Patricia Stokes all of Yanceyville, NC and Mrs. Martha Miles of Burlington, NC, 2 sons, Kendall Stokes and Rodney Stokes both of Yanceyville, NC; sisters, Mrs. Deola Stokes Chandler of Greensboro, NC, Mrs. Mattie Stokes Farrish and Mrs. Mary "Eva" Stokes Graves both of Yanceyville, NC; 2 brothers, Gilbert Stokes (Elizabeth) of Reidsville, NC, and Yancey Stokes of Fayetteville, NC; aunt, Mrs. Lucy "Sis" Stokes Wimple of Yanceyville, NC; 7 grandchildren, Tiemba Slade, Michael Hodnett, Melissa, Jessica, Catina, Preston, and Jamie Stokes; 1 great-grandchild, Zelotis Stokes; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Lorenzo Stokes will be Saturday, February 10, 2007, 2:00 p.m. at Spirit Filled Holiness Church, 1372 Goodyear Boulevard, Danville, VA with interment in the church cemetery; Minister Reginald Coleman will deliver the eulogy. The family visitation will be Friday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at Fulton Funeral Home Chapel. The family at other times may be contacted at his residence 3834 Quick Rd., Ruffin, NC. All arrangements for Mr. Lorenzo Stokes are entrusted to Fulton Funeral Home, 219 Dillard School Dr., Yanceyville, NC.

Source: Obituary of Lorenzo (Bud) Stokes (1930-2007) (The Caswell Messenger, 14 February 2007)

Obituary of William G. Stephens (c.1930-2007)

William G. Stephens (c.1930-2007)
Feb 14, 2007 - 09:32:12 am CST

Bel Air - William "Bill" G. Stephens of Bel Air died Jan. 23 at Bel Air Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was 77. Born in Caswell County, NC, he was the son of the late John A. and Lura Senate Stephens. He was a salesman of beauty shop supplies. He also worked at the Super 8 Motel, formerly the Lakeside Motel, in Joppa. He enjoyed wildlife, politics and following the Ravens.

Mr. Stephens is survived by his wife, Emma Lou Burleson-Stephens of Bel Air; one son, Mark Stephens of Atlanta, GA; one daughter, Marilyn Stephens of Stanton, VA; two stepsons, Jerry B. Williams and his wife, Donna of Bel Air and Roscoe E. Williams III and his wife, Patricia, of Sparta, NC; one sister, Lucille Durham and her husband, Bernard, of Yanceyville, NC; and one granddaughter, Crystal R. Williams of Bel Air.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Stephens was predeceased by a daughter, Carolyn Stephens, and four brothers. Service was held Jan. 26 with Rev. Kenneth E. Tipton officiating. Interment was at Highview Memorial Gardens in Fallston. Memory tributes may be sent to the family at www.mccomasfuneralhome.com.

Source: The Caswell Messenger, 14 February 2007.

Alex's Cafe

Yanceyville Café

Located on the Square in Yanceyville beside the Bank of Yanceyville was a cafe. It was a small building, longer than it was wide. In the front was a typical cafe arrangement -- a counter with stools on one side, boothes on the other. Half way back was the kitchen with a window that opened to the counter area. It was cozy, smelled good, and was somewhat of a social center.

In the back was a pool room -- three old tables, an oil heater, and a mens' room. The benches were just split logs with bark still on the bottom.

Owners/operators of the café included Jacob Carlyle (Alex) Alexander (1904-1963), Joe Powell, a Mr. Crumpton, and Jack Arnold. There may have been other owners, the determination of which is one reason for this article (also the order of ownership).

Photograph Identification Project Entry #10

(Click the Photograph for a Larger Image)

Here is the tenth entry in the Caswell County Historical Association's Photograph Identification Project.

These are students at Cobb Memorial School (Caswell County, North Carolina), probably of a class born around 1924. Going up the right side of the picture to the 5th girl up, move one in to the left and there is my Charlie/Charles Douglas Smith. It appears he would be 5th in from the left of the picture on the 5th row. On the first row, first on the left is Bill Huskey. Buck Page is directly behind Bill. The picture has a tear, so there may be someone missing.

Can you identify more of these delightful young people? If so, please share by leaving a comment here or sending your information to the CCHA.

Don't forget the other photographs in this series:

1. Kids on a Rock

2. Old Tractors

3. Lady and Barefoot Boy

4. Little Rascals of Cobb School

5. Girl Scouts on Square in Yanceyville

6. Girl Scouts at Bartlett Yancey Elementary School

7. Three Girls at Esso Pump

8. Cobb Elementary School Marching Band

9. Carolyn Daniel's Cobb Memorial Elementary School Class
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As with respect to all the images that have been posted as part of the CCHA Photograph Identification Project, the owner of the photograph, through the Caswell County Historical Association, retains all rights. Accordingly, copying, posting, publishing, and any other manner of distribution or use is prohibited without first obtaining the express written authorization of the copyright holder. Contact the CCHA if you have questions.

Photograph Identification Project Entry #9

(Click Photograph for Larger Image)

Above is the ninth entry in the Caswell County Historical Association's popular Photograph Identification Project. These are students at Cobb Memorial School (Caswell County, North Carolina). The adult in the middle of the second row is teacher Carolyn Daniel. Is this an eighth grade class? The girl standing to the far right with the striped blouse is Carrie Lee Walker.

Can you identify more of these delightful young people? If so, please share by leaving a comment here or sending your information to the CCHA.

Don't forget the other photographs in this series:

1. Kids on a Rock

2. Old Tractors

3. Lady and Barefoot Boy

4. Little Rascals of Cobb School

5. Girl Scouts on Square in Yanceyville

6. Girl Scouts at Bartlett Yancey Elementary School

7. Three Girls at Esso Pump

8. Cobb Elementary School Marching Band

_______________

As with respect to all the images that have been posted as part of the CCHA Photograph Identification Project, the owner of the photograph, through the Caswell County Historical Association, retains all rights. Accordingly, copying, posting, publishing, and any other manner of distribution or use is prohibited without first obtaining the express written authorization of the copyright holder. Contact the CCHA if you have questions.

Photograph Identification Project Entry #8

Above is a photograph of Cobb Memorial Elementary School students, most of whom were born around 1934. This would date the photograph in the early 1940's. The first drummer from the left on the front row is Ashley Walker. The last girl on the front row may be Barbara Ann Millner.

Can you identify more of these children? If so, please share here or with the CCHA.

Don't forget the other photographs in this series:

1. Kids on a Rock

2. Old Tractors

3. Lady and Barefoot Boy

4. Little Rascals of Cobb School

5. Girl Scouts on Square in Yanceyville

6. Girl Scouts at Bartlett Yancey Elementary School

7. Three Girls at Esso Pump

_______________

As with respect to all the images that have been posted as part of the CCHA Photograph Identification Project, the owner of the photograph, through the Caswell County Historical Association, retains all rights. Accordingly, copying, posting, publishing, and any other manner of distribution or use is prohibited without first obtaining the express written authorization of the copyright holder. Contact the CCHA if you have questions.

Cobb Baseball Team

Below are three photographs of the Cobb Memorial High School (Caswell County, North Carolina) baseball team. As most of these players are believed born in the early-to-mid-1920's, the date of the photographs probably is 1935-1940.

(Click on Photograph for Larger Image)

Left to Right:

1st Row: Miller Walker, Oren Walker, Billy Cobb, Melvin McKinney, Stedman McKinney

2nd Row: Daniel Jeffress, R. L. Apple, Charlie Smith, George D. Caraway

3rd Row: Frank Saunders, Alonzo Walker, Unidentified, Perry Walker

(Click on Photograph for Larger Image)

Left to Right:

1st Row: R. L. Apple, Daniel Jeffress

2nd Row: Edward Neighbors, Stedman McKinney, Kodell Loftis, Perry Walker, Elree Loftis

3rd Row: J.P. Wilkins, Alonzo Walker, James Strader, Charlie Smith

Mr. Horton, Coach

(Click on Photograph for Larger Image)

Left to Right:

1st Row: Irvin Jeffries, Billy Dove, Lawrence Dowdy, Swanson Carroll, Robert Scott, Stamey Gunn
3rd Row: Second player in on the right side with cap on is James Isaac "Ike" Smith; one in from left is Herbert McDowell

Top Row: On the far right is Elvin Carter

Believed to be in this photograph are Thomas Gentry and Miller Wrenn.

Thanks to Allison Doyle and Ramona Smith Supensky for sharing these images and identifying many of the baseball players.

Bank of Yanceyville Notes

(Click on Photograph for Larger Image)

This Bank of Yanceyville demand note (now called a check) contains the image of Bartlett Yancey, Jr. (1785-1828), and the signatures of teller Joseph J. Lawson and president Samuel Hill. The date of the note is not clear, but may be 1853. The following is from When the Past Refused to Die: A History of Caswell County North Carolina 1777-1977, William S. Powell (1977) at 345 (paragraph breaks added):

Thomas D. Johnston in 1844 drew up an affidavit saying that he had been a merchant in Yanceyville for sixteen years. In 1852 he was one of the superintendents accepting subscriptions for stock in the new Bank of Yanceyville, of which he soon became president. In 1860 Johnston owned property valued at $161,000 and was the wealthiest man in town; as a matter of fact, only one planter in the county was richer.

The Bank of Yanceyville was chartered by the General Assembly in December, 1852, under the guidance of N. M. Roan, Allen Gunn, Thomas A. [sic] Johnston, S. P. Hill, George Williamson, and Wm. Long, of Yanceyville; Samuel Watkins, M. McGehee, Nicholas M. Lewis, and N. J. Palmer, of Milton; Solomon Lea, Nicholas Thompson, and James S. Thompson, of Leasburg; and R. [sic] J. Lawson, Q. P. Watt, William D. Bethell, and Joseph D. Neal, of Lawson's Store.

Among other things which the bank might do, it was authorized to issue bank notes. During the Civil War the Bank of Yanceyville made a series of "temporary loans" to the State of North Carolina "to meet liabilities of the State." A portion of the total was repaid, but it is not known whether the full debt was ever cleared. In 1871 a new bank was chartered, the Bank of Caswell, under the direction of commissioners John B. Blackwell, George Williamson, James Poteat, Thomas D. Johnston, and Thomas Bigelow.

At some point either a new bank was chartered as the Bank of Yanceyville or the Bank of Caswell changed its name to Bank of Yanceyville.

Based upon the 1906 date seen in the above photograph of the Bank of Yanceyville building in the 1960's, it is possible that what became the modern Bank of Yanceyville was chartered in 1906. Does the 1922 date represent the year in which the building was constructed?

By 1870 Joseph J. Lawson, his wife Abigail, and daughter Elizabeth J. (Bettie) had moved to Danville, Pittsylvania County, Virginia, where Joseph was occupied as a tobacco trader. He apparently had survived the Civil War fairly well as he showed in the 1870 US Census real property valued at $9,000 and personal property valued at $2,000. The Lawsons apparently had a large house or operated a small hotel because the 1870 census shows a number of boarders. Of interest is twenty-year-old Thomas D. Johnston, occupation clerk, and born in North Carolina. This is believed to be the son of Thomas Donoho Johnston, Sr., one of the founders of the Bank of Yanceyville mentioned above.

Thomas Donoho Johnston is well-known in Yanceyville today as the builder of Clarendon Hall:

The Samuel Hill who signed the above Bank of Yanceyville note most likely is Samuel P. Hill, a Yanceyville lawyer.

Here is another Bank of Yanceyville note:
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Grassroots Garveyism

Here is a message from Amazon about a book that might be of interest:

We've noticed that customers who have expressed interest in Their Highest Potential: An African American School Community in the Segregated South by Vanessa Siddle Walker have also ordered Grassroots Garveyism: The Universal Negro Improvement Association in the Rural South, 1920-1927 (The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture) by Mary G. Rolinson. For this reason, you might like to know that Mary G. Rolinson's Grassroots Garveyism: The Universal Negro Improvement Association in the Rural South, 1920-1927 (The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture) will be released on February 26, 2007. You can pre-order your copy by following the link below.

Grassroots Garveyism: The Universal Negro Improvement Association in the Rural South, 1920-1927 (The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture) Mary G. Rolinson Price: $22.50 Release Date: February 26, 2007

The Vanessa Siddle Walker book, Their Highest Potential, is the story of the struggles of black families and students to achieve educational parity in Caswell County, North Carolina. It is available from the Caswell County Historical Association online at CCHA Publications.

Obituary of Gene Aubram Smith

Gene Aubran Smith
Feb 06, 2007 - 10:25:14 pm CST

Reidsville, NC - Gene Aubran Smith, 69, of 1308 Hwy 150 West, died Saturday, February 3, 2007 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 6, 2007, at Lawsonville Road Baptist Church and the burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Smith was born in Caswell County to the late Elbert Aubram and Mamie Stanley Smith. He was a self employed carpenter and a longtime member of Lawsonville Road Baptist Church. He loved hunting, antiquing and meeting friends for coffee every morning. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann Stewart Smith.

Survivors include his daughter, Beth Hutchens of Reidsville; grandchildren, Jonathan, Michael and Dustin Hutchens; great grandson, Caleb Hutchens; brother, Jimmy Smith of Reidsville; sisters, Kathy Stewart of Reidsville, Nancy Smith of Cary, NC and Julia Pigeon of Oklahoma.

The family will receive friends at Lawsonville Road Baptist Church on Monday, February 5, 2007 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm and other times at the home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lawsonville Road Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1584, Reidsville, NC 27323. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com.

Source: The Caswell Messenger, 6 February 2007.

Obituary of Hallie Oliver Byrd (1918-2007)

Hallie Oliver Byrd
Feb 06, 2007 - 10:25:14 pm CST

Burlington, NC - Hallie Oliver Byrd, 88, formerly of NC 62 South, Yanceyville, passed away on February 5, 2007 at the Hospice Home in Burlington after several years of declining health and three weeks of critical illness.

A lifetime resident of Caswell County, she was the wife of the late Johnnie Preston Byrd and the daughter of the late William Albert Oliver and Cordelia Everette Oliver. She was a homemaker laboring with love along side her husband on the farm until his passing in October 1963. After his death she became employed at the Baptist Home in Yanceyville where she worked for several years before retiring. She was a member of Bush Arbor Primitive Baptist Church and attended church faithfully until her health declined.

She leaves behind precious memories to her three sons and daughters-in-law; Wilson and Shelby Byrd of Burlington, Irvin and Ilene Byrd of Mebane, and Elmer and Joan Byrd of Elon; grandchildren, Ronnie Byrd, Blair Byrd, Lynette B. Hawley, Denean B. Brooks, Jason Byrd, Preston Byrd, and Derrick Byrd; eight great grandchildren; one step great grandchild; a brother, Edgar Oliver of Burlington and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, N. L. "Mike" Oliver and sisters, Annie O. King, Edna Oliver, Josie Oliver and Etta Oliver.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at Bush Arbor Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Ray King and D. O. Chandler, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory in Burlington from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and at other times at the home of Elmer and Joan Byrd, 5398 Kerr Chapel Road, Elon.

Memorials may be made to the Bush Arbor Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o D. O. Chandler, Jr., 900 Oakview Loop Road, Yanceyville, NC 27379 or to the Oakview Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Teresa Dabbs, P O Box 74, Yanceyville, NC 27379 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staffs of Blakey Hall, Liberty Commons, ARMC and the Hospice Home in Burlington for the special care they showed our loved one. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@lowefuneralhome.com

Source: The Caswell Messenger, 6 February 2007

Obituary of Elise Ledbetter Coleman

Elsie Ledbetter Coleman
Feb 06, 2007 - 10:25:13 pm CST

Roxboro, NC - Elsie Ledbetter Coleman age 89 former of Leasburg died Saturday morning February 3, 2007 at the Person Memorial Hospital. She was born in Rockingham County to the late Luther and Dora Collins Ledbetter. She was the wife of the late Robert L. Coleman. Mrs. Coleman was a former resident of the Cambridge Hill and later moved to the Roxboro Nursing Center.

Survivors include her eight children, Charlie W. Coleman, Robert Coleman, Raymond Coleman, James Darrell Coleman, Phillip Coleman and Kenneth Coleman all of Leasburg, Jeanette C. Keith of Willow Springs and Jane Bradsher of Roxboro; 16 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren; and one brother, William Ledbetter of Madison.

The funeral service will be 11 AM Monday, February 5, 2007 at the Leasburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Laura Stern officiating. Burial will be the Leasburg Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Grandsons, Steve Coleman, Jay Coleman, Lee Coleman, Travis Coleman, Blake Coleman, Jamie Coleman, Wade Oakes, and Troy Crowder. Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy Coleman, Mike Coleman, Wayne Coleman, Aubrey Oakes, and Allen Coleman.

The family will receive friends 6PM to 7:30 PM Sunday, February 4, 2007 at Brooks & White Funeral Home and other times at the home of her son, Charlie, 6511 Highway 158E, Leasburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to the Leasburg United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Leasburg, NC 27291.

Source: The Caswell Messenger, 6 February 2007

Semora School (Caswell County, North Carolina)

(For Larger Image Click Photograph)

1st Row: Allen ( Alan) Wagstaff, C. J. Owen ( Wayne Owen's Dad), John M. Allen, and Luther Gutherie

2nd Row: John Mansfield, Foster ( Cotton ) Pointer, Jack Pointer Sr., Aubrey Barker, Cecil Pointer, and Billie Chandler ( Mike Chandler's Dad)

Probably 6th and 7th grades.

Caswell County Hookworm Campaign

(Image courtesy of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Caswell County Hookworm Campaign

During the 1909-1914 period, The Rockefeller Sanitary Commission conducted in several southern states, including North Carolina, campaigns against the hookworm parasite. For an interesting description of the 1913 campaign in Caswell County go to Caswell County Hookworm Campaign. This is not a medical treatise, but a fascinating 1913 description of Milton and Yanceyville, with observations about Dr. Stephen Malloy and journalist Tom Henderson. Dr. Warren of Prospect Hill also is mentioned.

The following description of the Rockefeller Hookworm Campaign is from the Rockefeller Archive Center:

The Rockefeller Sanitary Commission for the Eradication of Hookworm Disease was organized on October 26, 1909, as a result of a gift of $1,000,000.00 from John D. Rockefeller, Sr. who hoped that a five-year campaign against the disease would lead to the "adoption of well-considered plans for a cooperative movement of the Medical Profession, Public Health Officials, Board of Trade, Churches, Schools, the Press, and other agencies." The gift was accepted on October 26, 1909, by William Welch, Simon Flexner, Charles W. Stiles, Edwin Alderman, David Houston, P. P. Claxton, J. Y. Joyner, Walter H. Page, H. B. Frissell, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Frederick T. Gates, and Starr Murphy.

The bylaws use the wording of Rockefeller's letter of gift in their objectives towards the cure and prevention of hookworm disease. The eradication effort was to be a joint project between the states and the Sanitary Commission. The Commission was to furnish the initial impetus and to serve as an information agency for the states. It also paid the salaries of the field personnel. Offices were opened in Washington in January, 1910, and the business of organization began. The state was the basic unit of work and the state public health system was the main contact, though medical associations, public school systems, and the press were enlisted. Each state created a Director of Sanitation who was appointed jointly by the Sanitary Commission and the state public health authorities. The Director of Sanitation was a state official, responsible for directing and organizing the campaign in that state. Sanitary inspectors were under the province of the State Director of Sanitation. These, together with the microscopists, were the field staff. They surveyed the state to determine areas and degrees of infection, enlisted the aid of local community members in securing appropriations to add to those of the Sanitary Commission, worked with local physicians, gave treatment to the infected, inspected schools, and gave lectures and demonstrations to instruct people how to prevent reinfection and avoid soil pollution. This last effort of lectures and demonstrations included the press and the local educational systems, as well as all the community groups that could be interested in the project. Particular attention was paid to the instruction of school children. Education was considered as large a part of the campaign as was treatment. In 1910, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana all began hookworm campaigns. By 1914, Kentucky and Texas had established their programs, and preliminary surveys had been taken in several other states. Dispensary work, instruction in medical and public schools, and intensive community work all increased public awareness of hookworm as a disease, and the possibility of its cure and prevention. The campaign ended formally in 1914, though some of the programs carried over until June, 1915.

Links and References

Curing and Preventing Disease and Promoting Public Health

The Hookworm Campaign in North Carolina, J. D. Wody (North Carolina Medical Journal, Volume 4, Number 2, 1992).

Disease and Development: Evidence from Hookworm Eradication in the American South

The North Carolina Campaign Against Hookworm Disease

The Germ of Laziness

John Baptist Smith (1843-1923)

John Baptist Smith (1843-1923)

(50th Wedding Anniversary of John Baptist Smith and Sabra Annie Long)

Guide to 50th Wedding Anniversary Photograph

Field Glasses Used by John Baptist Smith Aboard the Advance

Clicking on some of the above photographs will produce a larger image.

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It may well be that the most lasting contribution made by any soldier on either side during the Civil War came from John Baptist Smith born at Hycotee, Caswell County, September 19, 1843. He enlisted as a private with the Milton Blues on April 15, 1861, when he was just 17. By mid-July he was a corporal and on the first of December he was promoted to sergeant. On April 1, 1862, he was transferred to the Signal Corps where he had been serving on detached duty since February. He became a first sergeant and was in charge of a signal station on the south side of the James River opposite Newport News. Here he was witness to the encounter between the Confederate ironclad Virginia or Merrimac when it destroyed the Federal frigates Cumberland and Congress in the James River. When Norfolk was evacuated, Sergeant Smith and his signal corps were ordered to Petersburg and given charge of the signal station on the Appomattox to observe the movement of the enemy fleet and forces. Although occupying an exposed position that was often under siege, he and his men held fast. Smith and his men also rendered valuable service during the seven day's fight around Richmond and the retreat of McLelland's army.

In July of 1862 Smith, by order of the Confederate Secretary of War, was sent to the Cape Fear to assist in organizing the signal service there, and he was placed in charge of the important station at Fort Fisher under Colonel William Lamb. He was concerned with establishing signal communication between forts at the mouth of the river, but he also became concerned about another problem. "I soon observed the great difficulty a vessel encountered in her effort to enter our port, " he later recalled, "and at once began to study how this obstacle might be overcome." The Cape Fear River was used by blockade-running vessels bringing essential supplies to the Confederacy and anything that could be done to speed their entry and ensure their safe arrival would be welcomed.

"One day while in the ordnance department of the Fort, I chanced to spy a pair of ship starboard and port lanterns, and this thought flashed into my mind, 'Why not by the arrangement of a sliding door to each of these lanterns, one being a white, the other a red light, substitute flashes of red and white lights for the wave of torches to the right and left, to form a signal alphabet and thus use the lanterns at sea as well as upon land.' I at once communicated my plans to Col. Wm. Lamb, commandant of the fort. They met his approbation and I was instructed to submit them to Gen. Whiting commanding the department, who most readily gave me an order to the master of the machine shop at Wilmington, to render me aid in fitting up my lanterns. These, under my personal directions, were speedily fixed to my entire satisfaction. The General then referred me to Commodore Lynch, who ordered a commission of Naval Officers to investigate my mode of signaling by flash lights. This commission, after careful investigation, were so highly impressed with the system that upon their recommendation it was adopted and ordered to be operated on all the Confederate Blockade Runners. To this end, a pair of my lanterns and a Signal Officer were placed on each one of them. Signal stations were also established along the coast, so that an incoming vessel, when she made our coast, would run along as close ashore as possible and her Signal Officer, by flashing his light from the shore-side of the ship, could escape observation by the Blockaders, get the attention of the shore stations, and thus ascertain the position of his ship and send a message to the commandant of the fort to set range lights, by which the pilot could steer his vessel across the bar and have the guns of the fort manual to protect the vessel if necessary."

This successful method of signalling at night was most effective and the advantages of it over the old torches was immediately recognized. Smith reported that a British ship captain whom he met shortly afterwards "urged me to go to England with him and take out letters patent from the British and other European Governments; he agreed to bear all expenses in consideration of an interest in the patent. I declined his most liberal offer because it would to my mind, look like deserting my country in her hour of need, although I was certain I might have obtained permission from the Confederate Secretary of Navy to carry out this proposition, which most certainly would have been a source of great profit pecuniarily, as it has formed the basis of the present system now used in the Naval service generally."

In recognition of the valuable contribution that Sergeant Smith had made, the Secretary of War assigned him for special duty with General Whiting at Wilmington. The general gave Smith his choice of vessels upon which to serve as signal officer, and he chose the Advance, a state-owned blockade runner recently purchased at Liverpool and perhaps the fastest ship afloat. Smith served well in this capacity until February, 1864, when he was commissioned lieutenant in the Signal Corps and ordered to report for duty at Petersburg. He was given command of the signal station on the Lower James River with headquarters at Hardy's Bluff, the lowest outpost of the Confederate army. From this vantage point he relayed detailed reports of the number and movement of the enemy gunboats and transports until the line of communication was broken and he was forced to fall back to Petersburg. In that beleaguered city he and his men fought in the trenches as infantry for 48 hours without relief of any kind. Because of his recognized ability and bravery, Lieutenant Smith was given command of the signal lines from General Beauregard's headquarters. A few day later he was ordered to report in person to General Lee who placed him in command of the signal lines running from his own headquarters to the different points around Petersburg. This has been called "perhaps the highest compliment bestowed in the Confederate States Army upon so youthful an officer."

In 1865 Lieutenant Smith's men were the last to leave Petersburg, crossing the last bridge as it burned. They served as a rear guard for General Lee's army, and were present at Appomattox Court House where Smith released some Federal prisoners who had been taken along from Petersburg. Smith secured paroles for his men and returned home to Caswell County, arriving on April 15, 1865, four years to the day after his enlistment.

Source: When the Past Refused to Die: A History of Caswell County North Carolina 1777-1977, William S. Powell (1977) at 210-214.

John Baptist Smith in Confederate Uniform

Sabra Annie Long Smith (1844-1932)

Sabra Annie Long and John Baptist Smith were married 23 April 1872.

Edward Howell Wilson, Jr.