Edmund Richardson (1818-1886)

Richardson, Edmund, merchant, born in Caswell county, North Carolina, 28 June, 1818; died in Jackson, Mississippi, 11 June, 1886. He attended a common school for several terms, became a clerk in a store in Danville, Virginia, and at sixteen years of age settled in Jackson, Mississippi, where he gradually engaged in cotton-planting, shipping, and manufacturing to a large extent. At the close of the civil war he was bankrupt, but he successfully engaged in business again, and became the largest cotton-planter in the world. His fortune was estimated at from $10,000,000 to $12,000,000, and he was the owner of forty cotton-plantations in Louisiana. He was chairman of the board of management of the New Orleans centennial exposition in 1884-85, and gave $25,000 toward paying its expenses.
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Musings of a Depression-Era Southern Farm Boy

Book Description: In Musings of a Depression-Era Southern Farm Boy (2010), John Wade Fuquay shares his reflections on his life and offers his views on several issues confronting our nation today. In it, the author describes growing up as a Quaker in rural North Carolina during the Great Depression and World War II, and how he felt coming home after graduate school. The author then offers reflections "on various sundry topics" from his life experience both on the farm and as a university professor. Finally, the author explores universal themes that he finds relevant as both a churchgoer and as a scientist.

Edward D. Winstead (1852-1925)

The house in Milton often referred to as the Winstead House was built by John Wilson and is on the north side of Broad Street. It is a two-story gabled brick structure of around 1830. Edward D. Winstead (1852-1925) and wife Annie M. (1861-1945) owned this home for a number of years and later their son, Colin Neblett Winstead (1885-1956) lived in the home. Edward D. Winstead owned a tobacco factory, roller mill, and cotton gin, all in Milton, North Carolina. The large size of the four-story tobacco factory building gave some indication as to the economic robustness of Milton at the time. Sanborn’s 1893 Fire Insurance Map shows this structure and provides: “No Watchman, Heat Steam, Work Rms 1st and 2nd, Storage 3rd and 4th.” By 1908 the building was vacant. Edward D. Winstead is buried in Cedars Cemetery, Milton, North Carolina.

Death Notice. Source: The Washington Post, 19 January 1925.
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Bessie Harrison Barnett Rone

Mrs. Bessie Harrison Barnett Rone was honored on her birthday, October 10, 2010, with a banquet in celebration of 100 years of life. The banquet was held at the Caswell Pines Golf Club, and was hosted by her children and grandchildren. A plaque and certificates of recognition from the state and Yanceyville were presented by Mayor Curtis Davis. Great entertainment of song and dance was provided by a family of six generations, which was enjoyed by an audience of 150 people. The honoree enjoyed the cards, gifts, entertainment and the printed message from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, but the biggest enjoyment came from having so many family members and friends in attendance.

Source: The Caswell Messenger (Yanceyville, North Carolina), 27 October 2010.
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Lena Saunders Page (1916-2010)

Elon – Lena Saunders Page, 94, of 1884 Pagetown Road, died Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at her home. Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Friday, October 22, 2010 at Gilliam Primitive Baptist Church with Elder David Underwood officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. Page was born in Caswell County and was the daughter of the late George Lee and Minnie Gwynn Saunders. She was a homemaker and attended the Gilliam Primitive Baptist Church. She was a member of the Cherry Grove Senior Citizens Club. She loved her family and especially enjoyed the grandchildren. Even though arthritis plagued her over the last few years, she never complained. Mrs. Page was the picture of strength and courage. She loved her flowers and people always noticed the beautiful display around her home. Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Loften Page and her brother, Scott Saunders.

Virgie Mariah Adams Smith

Pelham (26 October 2010) - Mrs. Virgie Mariah Adams Smith of 3851 Chandler Mill Road died Sunday, October 24, 2010. As a native and resident of Pelham for the majority of her life, she attended the local public schools and was a retiree of the Unifi Corporation. She was a retired beautician for Pearl's Beauty Salon and was a member of the James Rudd Post No. 199, American Legion Women's Auxiliary. Spiritually, she was a member of Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church and attended the Temple Community Church.

The Sonarman's War

The Sonarman's War: A Memoir of Submarine Chasing and Mine Sweeping in World II, H. G. Jones (2010).

Publisher's description: This memoir is an intimate and sometimes irreverent account of one man’s coming of age during World War II. Born a North Carolina farmboy, Jones served as a U.S. Navy sonarman aboard a wooden submarine chaser operating from Africa and Sicily during the Allied invasions at Anzio and Southern France. He also served as sonarman and yeoman on two fleet mine sweepers in the Okinawa, Formosa and China operations. This memoir is drawn not only from memory, but from the author’s surviving diaries from the conflicts, daily logs of the three ships upon which he served, and the secret reports of military commanders and other official records.

Ralph Talmadge Talley (1939-2010)

Ralph Talmadge Talley, age 71, of S. Sellars Mill Road went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at Moses Cone Hospital. He was a native of Caswell County and the husband of 52 years to Jearline Webster Talley who survives. Ralph retired after 30 years with Pepsico (Frito Lay) and was the owner of Talley's Carwash in Prospect Hill. Ralph was also a former employee of Coca-Cola. He was a veteran serving in the US Army during the Vietnam War at Fort Gordon. Ralph was a longtime member of Northside Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and Chairman of the Deacons over the years. He loved the Lord and served in many areas of the church. He was an avid gardener enjoying working with his hands and watching things grow. Ralph was a loving and devoted Christian husband, father and grandfather who was always faithful to his family and Lord.

Vivian Bunn Graves (1935-2010)

It is with profound sorrow we announce the death of Mrs. Vivian Bunn Graves of 235 Melvin Wrenn Rd. Yanceyville, NC, who died Sunday, October 17, 2010 at her residence. She was a native of Zebulon, NC, the daughter of the late Julius Bunn and Mable Allen Bunn, born September 5, 1935. She was a member of Yanceyville Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member of the senior choir. She was an employee of the Caswell County School System as a teacher's aid before retirement. She was married to Fred Thomas Graves who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by one son, Fred Duane Graves.

Blackwell Missionary Baptist Church (Caswell County, North Carolina)

The Blackwell Missionary Baptist Church is located on US 158 a few miles southwest of Yanceyville, Caswell County, North Carolina. The address is: 4777 US Highway 158W, Yanceyville, NC.

The following is from The Heritage of Caswell County, North Carolina, Jeannine D. Whitlow, Editor (1985) at 4 ("Blackwell Baptist Church" by Mary G. Paylor, Assistant Secretary):

The Blackwell Baptist Church had its humble beginning in 1888 when a deed for a plot of land 36 ft. long and 26 ft. wide was given by Henry Blackwell. The trustees who witnessed this gift were Henry Madden, Sonny Blackwell, and Lyndsy Kew. It was also noted that additional land was donated at this time by Mrs. Jenny Blackwell Kernoldly and her sister Mary Blackwell Palmer. At first a small log building was built on this property. This building served as the church and school until a frame building was built for the main purpose of worship.

Ruby Garner Rudd (c.1924-2010)

Oct 12, 2010 - 06:52:31 pm CDT: Yanceyville - Ruby Garner Rudd, 86, went home to be with the Lord Friday October 8, 2010 at the Village of Brookwood, Burlington, N.C. following a lengthy illness. She was born to the late Edgar Garner and Lena Brown Garner. She was a native of Davidson County educated in the county schools, devoted homemaker for her husband and children, and for several years was a preschool teacher after her children were educated. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Yanceyville.

Bettie Underwood Page (c.1911-2010)

Oct 12, 2010 - 06:52:31 pm CDT: ELON - Bettie Underwood Page, 99, of 1279 Underwood Rd. peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior with her daughter at her side Friday Oct. 8, 2010 at Alamance Health Care in Burlington. Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, 2010 at Camp Springs United Methodist Church and burial followed in the church cemetery.

Jessie Pruitt Lunsford (c.1918-2010)

Oct 12, 2010 - 06:52:31 pm CDT: Reidsville - Jessie Pruitt Lunsford, 92, of 1840 S. Park Dr. died Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at Moses Cone Memorial Hospital. Funeral Services were conducted at 2 PM Sunday, October 10, 2010 at Citty Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ralph Clayton officiating. Burial followed in Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. A native of Rockingham Co., she was a daughter of the late Walter Allen and Mattie Chandler Pruitt and had lived in Reidsville most of her life. She was retired from Creighton Shirt Makers and was preceded in death by her husband, Willie T. Lunsford, a daughter, Kay Laughlin, five sisters and one brother.

Roberta Katherine Everett Coley (c.1921-2010)

Roberta Katherine Coley, 89, of 2634 U. S. Highway 158 East, in Caswell County, North Carolina, died Thursday October 7, 2010, after a period of declining health. She was born February 13, 1921, in Caswell County to the late George Calm and Lillian Lee Everett. She attended Caswell County Schools, was a member of Beulah Baptist Church for most of her life, and worked as a cloth inspector in textiles. A funeral service was held Sunday at 3 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church, conducted by Reverend Buddy Hall and assisted by Reverend Clyde Everett. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Edward Lee Oakes (c.1953-2010)

Oct 05, 2010 - 09:09:53 pm CDT: Roxboro - Edward "Ed" Lee Oakes, age 57, of the Brian Center died Monday, October 4, 2010 at the Person Memorial Hospital. He was born in Caswell County and was the son of the late Cecil Aubrey Oakes and Beulah Mae Persinger Oakes. He was preceded in death by one brother, Cecil Lewis Oakes and one sister, Mary Ann Oakes Thaxton. Surviving are five brothers, Richard Oakes and Robert Oakes, both of Roxboro; Harvey Oakes and Bill Oakes, both of Leasburg; Archie Oakes of Burlington; one sister, Frances O. Wrenn of Leasburg.

Clayton Lincoln Miles, Jr. (c.1936-2010)

Oct 05, 2010 - 09:09:51 pm CDT: Burlington - The Miles family is saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Clayton Lincoln Miles Jr., on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at the age of 74, of 614 Tucker Street, at the Hospice & Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell. A native of Caswell County, he was the husband of Mrs. Delacy Thompson Miles, who survives, and the son of Mr. Clayton Lincoln Miles Sr. and Mrs. Lila Belle Love Miles, both deceased. He was a food processor at Rockingham Poultry and a member of Providence Baptist Church, Yanceyville.

Inez Graves Madden (c.1935-2010)

Oct 05, 2010 - 09:09:49 pm CDT: Burlington - Mrs. Inez Graves Madden, of 737 Sharpe Road, Burlington, passed away on October 3, 2010 at Alamance Regional Medical Center. She was 75. Mrs. Madden was born in Person County and was the daughter of the late Moses Graves and the late Nannie Elizabeth Williams.

Harold Wilson Gray (c.1935-2010)

Oct 05, 2010 - 09:09:48 pm CDT: Leasburg - Harold Wilson Gray, age 75, of 92 CE Murphy Road, Leasburg, NC died Saturday afternoon, October 2, 2010 at Alamance Regional Medical Center. Mr. Gray was a native of Person County, NC, son of the late Herman Wilson and Leona Oakley Gray and husband of the late Connie Lee Briggs Gray. He was a supervisor retired from the NCDOT after 33 years of service and was of the Methodist faith. Mr. Gray helped start and manage the Leasburg semi pro baseball team in the late 1950s, was president of the Leasburg Hunting Club for many years and was awarded Citizen of the Year for 2010 by the Leasburg Ruritan Club.

Viola Weadon Bryant (1929-2010)

Oct 05, 2010 - 09:09:46 pm CDT. Blanch - Viola Weadon Bryant, 81, of 7433 N.C. Highway 62 N., died Monday October 4, 2010 at her residence following a period of declining health. She was born in Caswell County February 4, 1929 to the late Eddie Field Weadon and Fannie Hall Weadon. She worked for seventeen years in textiles, attended Caswell County Schools and was a member of Welcome Baptist Church.

Judith Ann Horton Coleman (1946-2010)

Judith Horton Coleman, 64, of 6563 Hwy 158 East, Leasburg, died Friday, September 24, 2010 at Person Memorial Hospital. Born in Person County, Mrs. Coleman was the daughter of the late Ira Douglas and Verna Chandler Horton. Mrs. Coleman retired from G.E. and was a member of Leasburg United Methodist Church. Mrs. Coleman is survived by her Husband, Robert W. Coleman of Leasburg; two Sons, Berkley J. Coleman of Yanceyville and Michael Ray Coleman of Leasburg; two brothers, Douglas Chandler "DC" Horton, of Roxboro and Randy Horton, of Greenville; four grandchildren, Tyler Coleman, Anna Coleman, Zachary Coleman and Ethan Coleman. A memorial service will be held 3PM, Sunday, Leasburg United Methodist Church by the Rev. Steve Hall. A private burial will be held at a later date at the Leasburg Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Health & Hospice of Person County, 355 A S. Madison Blvd., Roxboro, NC 27573 or Leasburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 98, Leasburg, NC, 27291.
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Janie Lee Thompson Mitchell (1933-2010)

Ahoskie - Janie Lee Thompson Mitchell, age 77, of Church St., died Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at Vintage Inn of Williamston. Mrs. Mitchell was born on August 14, 1933, in Lumberton, NC, a daughter of the late Edwin Wilson Thompson and Lucile Margaret Gentry Thompson. She was a member of the Red House Presbyterian Church, Semora, NC. Janie was active in the Gallery Theater, the Masters Garden Club, the Railroad Gang and was a Girl Scout Leader for many years.

Mamie Barts Fuqua (1913-2010)

Leasburg – Mamie Barts Fuqua, 96, of 468 Fuqua Road, passed away Saturday September 25, 2010 at her residence. She was born October 13, 1913, in Caswell County to John Anderson Barts and Mary Bell Cobb Barts. She attended Caswell County Schools, and was married to the late John Arch Fuqua. She was a housewife, farmer and gardener. She loved to take trips with her family and friends and loved to cook for everyone. She loved to visit people and listen to music. She was a member of Ridge Bethel Methodist Church. Funeral services are Tuesday 2 pm at Harrelson Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Charles Briggs and assisted by Chaplain Laurell Strom-Jewson. Interment will be at Kerr Chapel Church Cemetery.

John Lance Bradner (1920-2010)

John Lance Bradner (1920-2010)

Greenville, S.C. – Mr. Bradner, a native of Yanceyville, North Carolina, was decorated for meritorious service in WWII in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation. A long-time resident of Greensboro, NC and more recently a resident of Greenville, SC, and Atria Merry Wood Senior Living community in Charlotte, he died at Presbyterian Hospital’s Harris Hospice Unit on September 19, 2010 following a brief illness. He was 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Anne Evans Bradner of the home; son Charles Barry Bradner and wife Janice Bray Bradner of Charlotte, NC; son Kenneth Lee Bradner and wife, Susan Bruner Bradner of Dunlap, TN; and daughter, Jo Anne Bradner Hennigan and husband James Joseph Hennigan of Clermont-Ferrand, France. He is also survived by six grandchildren, John Joseph Bradner and Matthew Lee Bradner of Atlanta, GA; Elisabeth Anne Bradner of New Orleans, LA; Abigail Lee Bradner of Rock Hill, SC; and Timothy Xavier Hennigan and Marjorie Claire Hennigan of Clermont-Ferrand, France; and a sister, Mabel Bradner Pleasant and her husband, John Pleasant of Yanceyville, NC, and a brother, Dorsey Bradner and his wife Mary of Yanceyville, NC.

Philadelphia Medical Society Eulogy 1802: Dr. Charles Caldwell, M.D.

Norman Dean Robertson (1941-2010)

High Point, North Carolina — Mr. Norman Dean Robertson Sr., 69, a resident of High Point died Thursday September 30, 2010 at his residence. Mr. Robertson was born August 4, 1941 in Guilford Co., a son of Sidney Lee and Bessie Flynn Robertson. He was an electrician and a former employee with Guilford Mills. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Autry Robertson. Surviving are his daughter, Pam R. Poucher and husband Chris of Atlanta; his son, Norman Dean Robertson Jr., of High Point; three sisters, Martha Ann Cruickshank and husband Barry of Oxford, Marie Robertson and husband Daniel of Julian, Beverly Marsh and husband J. B. of Stokesdale and one grandson, Cody Phillip Robertson. Graveside services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery conducted by Reverend Don Clement.

Mr. Robertson will remain at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home Sedgefield Chapel, 6000 High Point Rd., Greensboro, NC 27407 where the family will receive friends on Monday from 1 until 1:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to be directed to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405. Online condolences can be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Published in News Record from October 2 to October 3, 2010.
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Autrey Lee Robertson (1940-2010)

(click on photograph for larger image)

Mr. Autrey L. Robertson, 70, of Greensboro, departed from this life on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at Moses Cone Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, August 8, 2010, at Hanes-Lineberry Vanstory Chapel. Born in Greensboro to the late Sidney and Bessie Robertson, Mr. Robertson was of the Baptist faith. He served in the United States National Guard, was an avid bird watcher, enjoyed NASCAR, Western Movies, and watching the Simpsons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Michelle Leigh Robertson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 52 years, Mary Cribb Robertson of the home; children, Dale Lee Robertson of Greensboro, Thomas E. Robertson of Pleasant Garden, and Tammy Rose of Greensboro; sister, Martha Ann Cruickshank her husband, Barry of Oxford, NC; brother, Norman Dean Robertson of High Point; 5 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8pm Saturday evening, at the funeral home and other times at his daughter Tammy's home 2106 Crestridge Rd. in Greensboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation 5819 Park Rd. Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28209 1-877-858-3808. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
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Sidney Wilson's Electric Guitar

William Sidney (Sid) Wilson is credited with inventing the first modern electric guitar. Following is the text of an article that appeared in Our State (Down Home In North Carolina) magazine (January 2009):

Tar Heel Treasures
Almost Famous
By L. A. Jackson

The history books may not reflect it, but a North Carolina State University alumnus is credited with creating the first modern electric guitar.

What do rock 'n' roll, electricity, and North Carolina State University have in common? The cryptic answer is William Sidney Wilson, one of the fathers of the modern electric guitar. Electric stringed instruments have existed since the 1920s, but they were acoustic guitars that relied on microphones or single electromagnetic bars that picked up vibrations collectively from all the strings. Both devices made for poor, uneven sound. In 1940, Wilson, a Yanceyville

Janie Lee Thompson Mitchell (1933-2010)

Sep 28, 2010 - 09:01:59 pm CDT: WILLIAMSTON - Janie Lee Thompson Mitchell, age 77, of Church St., died Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at Vintage Inn of Williamston. Mrs. Mitchell was born on August 14, 1933, in Lumberton, NC, a daughter of the late Edwin Wilson Thompson and Lucile Margaret Gentry Thompson. She was a member of the Red House Presbyterian Church, Semora, NC. Janie was active in the Gallery Theater, the Masters Garden Club, the Railroad Gang and was a Girl Scout Leader for many years. Left to cherish her memory is her daughters, Tracey Range of Richmond, VA, Kelly Callis and husband, Lee of Merry Hill, NC, Caroline Bazemore and husband, Alan of Cofield and Georgia Mitchell and husband, George Schuld of Bayville, NJ; her brothers, Ed Thompson, Jr., and Bill Thompson; and a sister, Margaret Thompson, all of Blanche, NC; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Mamie Barts Fuqua (1913-2010)

Sep 28, 2010 - 09:01:58 pm CDT: LEASBURG - Mamie Barts Fuqua, 96, of 468 Fuqua Road, passed away Saturday September 25, 2010 at her residence. She was born October 13, 1913, in Caswell County to John Anderson Barts and Mary Bell Cobb Barts. She attended Caswell County Schools, and was married to the late John Arch Fuqua. She was a housewife, farmer and gardener. She loved to take trips with her family and friends and loved to cook for everyone. She loved to visit people and listen to music. She was a member of Ridge Bethel Methodist Church. Funeral services are Tuesday 2 pm at Harrelson Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Charles Briggs and assisted by Chaplain Laurell Strom-Jewson. Interment will be at Kerr Chapel Church Cemetery.

John Lance Bradner (c.1921-2010)

Sep 28, 2010 - 09:01:55 pm CDT (GREENVILLE, S.C.) - Mr. Bradner, a native of Yanceyville, North Carolina, was decorated for meritorious service in WWII in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation. A long-time resident of Greensboro, NC and more recently a resident of Greenville, SC, and Atria MerryWood Senior Living community in Charlotte, he died at Presbyterian Hospital's Harris Hospice Unit on September 19, 2010 following a brief illness. He was 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Anne Evans Bradner of the home; son Charles Barry Bradner and wife Janice Bray Bradner of Charlotte, NC; son Kenneth Lee Bradner and wife, Susan Bruner Bradner of Dunlap, TN; and daughter, Jo Anne Bradner Hennigan and husband James Joseph Hennigan of Clermont-Ferrand, France. He is also survived by six grandchildren, John Joseph Bradner and Matthew Lee Bradner of Atlanta, GA; Elisabeth Anne Bradner of New Orleans, LA; Abigail Lee Bradner of Rock Hill, SC; and Timothy Xavier Hennigan and Marjorie Claire Hennigan of Clermont-Ferrand, France; and a sister, Mabel Bradner Pleasant and her husband, John Pleasant of Yanceyville, NC, and a brother, Dorsey Bradner and his wife Mary of Yanceyville, NC.