Mysterious-Where is the History of Blacks in Edenton, NC?

7/10/2014

Did African Americans have any contribution to Edenton’s development and history?

I've spent countless hours searching online for information about African Americans in this township. If Harriet Jacobs did not write her story, the only inferences to a black presence would be the words, plantation, cotton and peanuts.

Golden Frinks, who was the National Field Secretary for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), RESIDED in Edenton, did he organize any protests there? Why did Martin Luther King come to Edenton, NC? Was it to learn about Edenton’s integration practices long before the Civil Rights Movement began? (I don't think so) The main PROTEST highlighted in Edenton’s history appears to be the Tea Party of 1774.

African Americans have been living in Edenton since 1712; did they contribute anything to Edenton's culture and history?

“Roots of Edenton” what’s your thought on this matter?

62 Comments

Deborah

7/19/2014 05:40:22 pm

I am SO disgusted by the lack of information regarding this... it is WORSE than white-washing our history, this is ERASING our history outright!

Bob Hopkins

9/14/2015 01:59:41 am

Folks, I am the new Historic Edenton, State Historic Site Manager here in Edenton. I hear your call to better recognize and interpret Black history here in Edenton and Chowan County.

Other than the Harriet Jacobs story, little is interpreted on the significant contributions made by African-Americans like Jonathan Overton (1752-1833), Allen Parker (1838-1906), the Rev. Simeon Griffith (1885-1983), the Bedham families and so many others. I want to change this, but need your help.

New to the area, I need to learn more about these histories and how best to incorporate them in our daily interpretation. Please come visit me at the Visitor Center so that we can discuss options to best correct this and perform an accurate, informative, educational on-gong program on the local historical contributions by African Americans..

Bob Hopkins

9/14/2015 02:07:12 am

Historic Edenton, State Historic Site
108 N. Broad St.
Edenton, NC
252-482-2637

Bob Hopkins

9/14/2015 02:07:56 am

Please contact me at:
Historic Edenton, State Historic Site, 108 N. Broad St., Edenton, NC 252-482-2637

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10/14/2015 04:13:54 pm

Edenton has a very deep culture. Their passion towards the preservation of history and promoting the region's heritage is really visible. I would love to see the Edenton Cotton Mill Village. Base from what I've heard and read, the village has various of good architectural buildings and fascinating old houses.

Michele

7/21/2014 05:59:37 am

We have gained many opportunities to educate ourselves and improve our economic standing from the struggles and hopes of our Edenton ancestral community.

It would be a shame for us to allow our family's legacy to be "gone with the wind" and no one ever learning about the historical contribution they made to Edenton, NC.

Jean Childs

9/20/2014 01:45:22 pm

FINALLY! Someone who feels the same way I do! My roots are in Edenton. I am a descendant of Provey(Providence) and Betty Cox, who were owned by John Cox from@ 1832 until 1856 when Cox died. He was a merchant in Edenton. I have spent years researching him, and like you, I was disappointed at the minimal amount of information about African American contributions to the bjuilding of Edenton. It was on the backs of our ancestors that the town was built! Our ancestors were blacksmiths, carpenters, brickmasons, and fisherman, to say the least. They worked in the peanut mill. They were farmers, and maids. I have been working on a book that will document them from 1870 through 1940. I want someone to contact me about this project as soon as possible. I believe I have a lot to contribute to this ROE effort!

Michele

12/25/2014 04:17:46 am

Thanks for your comment Jean. My goal is for this website to be a hub for people doing genealogy research and for those who just want to connect with family members.

There are a lot of elders from Edenton, NC who check this website regularly and are contributing historical information. I will be updating and activating the pages over the next several weeks so folks can find information useful to their research or family history.

Thanks again.

Jean Childs

12/31/2014 07:10:43 am

Wow, Michele! I'm on Christmas ("holiday/winter") break from school. I'm a teacher. The holidays have been busy with friends and family, and just today, New Year's eve, I sat down at my computer to kill some time. I was trying to work on some research for a book I'm writing that has to do with our history in Edenton. You saw in my first post how disgusted I was with the lack of anything printed, about us. Were it not for Harriet Jacobs... Anyway, I was thinking "I never heard from anybody", but life gets in the way, and sure enough, here you are with a reply! I will stay more vigilant on the website from now on. I was in a slump with the book, but hearing this very recent response from you during the holidays, has fired me up again! If anyone comes up with any information about my family, and the Cox name, please let me know. The most recent ancestors I had there was the family of William Ed (Bubba) Cox, and his wife "CC". They lived on East Carteret Street-I think the house number is 108. The house is no longer in family hands, and I"m sad about that. Some of the most senior residents might remember a cousin, Bea Jones ("Bob Shorty"). She died in about 1994, and she was a member of Providence Baptist Church. I'm also in touch from time to time with Mr. Norman Brinkley. I had someone there to help me distribute a questionnaire-it was a big personal project that I had created-Ms. Delois Hall. She said she gave it to various churches, but only she and Mr. Brinkley ever responded. Please keep me informed!

Michele

12/31/2014 08:14:04 am

Jean,

If you want to learn about your family's history, you need to attend the 2015 ROE Family Reunion in NC. Trust me, there are plenty of elders who attend the reunion who should have information about your family. You have to GO TO THE PEOPLE to get our history.

I hope you saw the "Historical Documents" webpage. There are some Cox names listed on the wall. I look forward to collaborating with you.

Rev. Barbara Williams

12/31/2014 09:42:21 am

Dear Julia,

If they lived on 108 East Carteret St. That would be between N Oakum ST and Broad St.The funeral Director at that time 1930's and 1950's had a house also on East Carteret St. His Funeral Home was behind his house but on Albemarle St.

His name was Mr. Knobby Charlton he's deceased now. Since that time,a new Funeral Director opened another Funeral home on the corner of E. Carteret St.and the Corner of N. Oakum St. Could that be the Funeral Home she had her services?

You also need to write Providence Baptist Church for more information. Please send Michele some pictures or the funeral obituary. I am 83 years old and need pictures to awaken my longtime memories.

I am not sure of Delois Hall but I remember Mr. Norman Brinkley he would be older than me.I think he was in my sisters' class Van Dora Murdough. Ask him to inquire from Bessie Burke,she used to live there.

You will see and find out more about your family when you come to the 40th Roots of Edenton July 2015.

Rev.Barbara Y. Williams

Alonzo Slade

10/30/2018 12:31:18 am

I would like to buy your book when it is published. It was mention by family that my grandfather James Norfleet was fishman. I will admit I know very little about the history. But am old enough to withness some of their contribution.

Alvah Whealton

11/11/2014 02:29:24 am

I am Caucasian. Whites, too, are cheated by the lack of attention to African-Americans in our history. African-American history is often spoken of as a footnote, when in reality, it is integral and essential. It's exclusion has left our overall knowledge an anemic and pitiable intellectual exercise. Edenton would be a fine place to begin redirecting our emphasis on African-Americans, so as to begin correcting our understanding of American history as a whole.

Michele

12/25/2014 04:33:47 am

Thanks for your comment Alvah, and I agree with your comment. America is one of the most unique countries today because of the close interactions and blending of ethnicity, cultures and views by the people who live here. It is time for us to acknowledge our legacy and all who have contributed to it. This will make us stronger and more unified as a nation.

My goal is to begin telling the stories of these families so Edenton's rich history represents more than one view.

Thanks again for sharing.

jean childs

2/23/2015 04:11:16 am

Agreed, Alvah. Thank you for your comment!

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12/25/2014 03:15:04 am

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Michele

12/25/2014 04:35:19 am

Thanks for checking in. I will be adding content to the other pages soon.

Jean

2/23/2015 04:08:53 am

Hello Rev. Williams,
Thanks for your response. My mistake- The address was actually 118 W. Carteret. The house had blue awnings over the porch. I was down there a couple of summers ago, and found that it was begin renovated to be sold. I tried to contact the phone number on the sign, but never got a response. My sister and cousin and I went around to the back yard. We wanted to look into the shed, but didn't want to be found trespassing. We weren't dressed for an adventure either, and could've been bitten by any creature who decided it didn't like us! It was owned at one time by William Ed ("Bubba") Cox, and his wife, Eva. Bubba was my great grandfather's first cousin. Rowsome Funeral Home-Mr. George Rowsome, took care of cousin Bea's remains. She is buried in Beaver Hill. I know that William Ed and CC are buried in Vine Oak. I think my earlier ancestors Harry, Tattie, Will and Eden are buried in the African American cemetery. Of course, there are no markers there, or they've been lost to time. I did contact Providence Baptist Church a while back, but they weren't able to give me any deeper information than I already had. I have some pictures of Cousin Bea, and a few older others I found among her belongings. I don't know if they were her parents or not. If I come to the reunion, maybe someone can identify them. I realize that even the most senior residents now-older than you, might not even be living now, but I'm willing to try! My mother will give me a little snippet of the summer times she spent in Edenton. She is 91. I look forward to continuing to hear from folks on this blog. I'm really working hard on the book! I hope I can get to the reunion!

Latoya Collins-Brownstein

3/29/2015 10:15:41 am

I actually just stumbled upon this site after many, many hours scouring any record of African American ancestry, accomplishment, and/or contribution in Edenton. My aunt Alice Collins-Paxton and her family actually lived at 118 E. Carteret Street since the 1920s Before buying the home there, they rented on Albermale where her mother and father owned a home.

I too, like other commenters here, was astounded at the lack of information regarding the African American legacy and experience in Edenton.I am also doing genealogical research of my Collins, Bond, Bell, and Whitford roots in the, "South's prettiest small town." I look forward to finding out as much information about my Edenton ascendants as possible.

Hoby Cook

3/7/2015 01:15:03 pm

Michelle, Please forgive me in advance for an off-topic inquiry. I am a white man of 70 (and a Damned Yankee at that), married to the love of my life, an African-American woman of 64. We have lived on both coasts, and currently live in a small town on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, where we have been for the past 18 years. As I am retiring at the end of June, my wife and I have been considering where we might go for our next "adventure" (said with tongue firmly placed in cheek). I have been to Edenton only once in my life, but fell in love with it. I have been doing my best to find out more about life there, not from a historical angle, at least for the moment (interracial couples tend to learn about "history" through experience), but to understand hpw an older interracial couple would be received in contemporary Edenton. My sense of things is that, probably not unlike Cape Cod, people do come around in time. However, like the other contributors here on your blog, I am finding a paucity of information about race relations in Edenton, so there is not much to go on to confirm or reject the notion.
My wife and I are gentle people, with predictable liberal views, who have learned to live and thrive alongside and in partnership with extremely conservative white neighbors.
So, not to run on, but when I came across your blog, I felt it could not hurt to ask if there is anywhere you or your contributors could point me for an unvarnished perspective on contemporary life in Edenton with a focus on issues of race and interracial unions. We are realists and do not expect Edenton to be Eden!
Any help and advice gratefully received.
Hoby Cook

Michele

4/5/2015 06:54:44 am

Hi Hoby,

Sorry to get back to you so late, but I needed look for answers to your question- could I point you to "an unvarnished perspective on contemporary life" in Edenton? No. Right now is APPEARS black and white; and I, along with others, are searching for Edenton's unvarnished perspectives of Blacks in the township.

I have not seen any interracial couples when I have visited, but that does not mean there are not any or that it is frowned upon. I believe a visit by you and your wife would shed some light on this issue.

My hope is that Edenton would welcome both of you warmly.

Latoya Collins-Brownstein

3/31/2015 03:09:27 am

I was wondering if there had been any initiative to record the elders' accounts of Edenton history and lore. I've been doing genealogical research, and because my maternal grandfather passed in 2002, recollections, memories, and tales of his family's roots in NC were all buried with him. We are estranged from his brother's family in NY, who I've tried to contact unsuccessfully via social media, but my point is that if these accounts are not documented they go into the ground with those who experienced them. Ancestry.com and my grandmother's fading memory of the few times she met his relatives (once in NC in the 50s, and those who moved to NY) have been my only resources in researching his side of the family,

Michele

3/31/2015 11:13:50 am

Thanks Latoya for your response. To answer your question, yes, I have been collecting the stories of elders from Edenton about their experiences growing up there. Many of them grew up during segregation but speak more often about the enriched experiences they had interacting with family and friends. I do intend to dedicate a page that tells the history of Edenton from the African American perspective.

You should come to the 2015 Roots of Edenton Family Reunion. I'm sure there will be many people there who may have known your grandfather or his side of the family.

Richard link

4/4/2015 11:23:38 pm

When and where is the 2015 Edenton Reunion. Love to get more information on the history of Edenton. As a child I can recall attending the Amory when Dr. King spoke. There were so many peoplepeople they were standing all around the outside of building as he spoke

Felton

3/31/2015 07:46:41 am

Michele

7/5/2015 09:05:32 am

Hi Richard,

Just checking to see if you will be attending the 2015 Roots of Edenton Family Reunion. I hope you are able to come. Saturday night, beginning at 7pm, we will begin our workshops.

Michele

4/5/2015 07:00:10 am

Hi Richard,

The 2015 Roots of Edenton Reunion will be July 11-13, in Elizabeth City, NC. Check out the TAB at the top of the page for more detailed information.

Also, I would love to hear more about your experience at the armory when Dr. King spoke in Edenton. Could you write a little more of this memory on the survey link or on this page.

Thanks again for sharing

Richard link

5/3/2015 12:23:15 am

Laytoa
I'm sorry but I couldn't decipher if you were raised in Edenton
If you were did you attend any of
the schools and churches there.Many years have passed and cobwebs may be setting on the brain. If I recall correctly Alice Paxton lived on N Granville St in the 300 block next door tto Evelina Hawkins Knight

Latoya Collins - Brownstein

5/3/2015 06:10:38 am

No Richard I am descended from those who once lived in Edenton but I'm actually from New Jersey. Alice Collins - Paxton was my maternal grandfather's aunt. She was married to a Frank Paxton who died and she migrated to NY in the 1930s and lived with her sister Mary Collins - Diggs in NYC. Her brother, Noah "Lewis" Collins is my grandfather Joseph Collins' father. My grandfather was born in NY in 1924 but his father returned to Edenton and died there in 1934. Alice Paxton had a daughter Lucy who also eventually migrated to NY after graduating from the teachers college in Elizabeth City in the 1940s. They owned a home on Cartetet but I know Alice also came back to Edenton where she lived until her death. On her death certificate Mattie Grammy is listed as the informant. She was very old, in her 90s I think.

Did you know her other family members? Also, my grand father's grand parents. Joe Collins and Laura Bond - Collins moved to Edenton from Bertie Co. In the teens and lives there until their deaths. Did you know them?

I appreciate your reply Richard, and thank you for the information about aunt Alice.

audrey j childs

6/7/2015 11:12:50 am

Hello all,
Just wanted to let you know that I am continuing with the book! I do a little every evening, and have the general layout. I have even contacted a genealogy publisher who has visited the site, and she is very interested in what I've done so far. I need your feedback. My goal was to work right on up to the latest census, the 1940, in the same manner I am now. That is, extracting names of heads of household (which I've already done-last summer); putting them into categories as to occupation, and giving a little bit of history about that occupation, based on the few resources I have. My hope is that folks will see their ancestors' names, and do further research on their own; but mostly, to validate that we were the workers, the laborers, the fishermen, the carpenters, etc., that were the backbone of Edenton. I am thinking about doing this in two volumes, because it is a lot. I'm working on 1900 now. If I try to go all the way to 1940, it will take a lot longer. 1900 was 115 years ago, and I wonder if anyone would recognize their ancestors in this span of time. There are many surnames that I have extracted, that I see on the family tree of this post. I'm still trying to send pictures of my Cox ancestors, so they can be included, but my technology hasnt' worked. So, please give me your feedback!

audrey j childs

6/7/2015 11:14:28 am

Deloris Nowell Burnett

7/6/2015 03:11:43 pm

Hello,
I came across this site by accident. I was born in Edenton and moved away when I was 14. My mother Rosa Morning Nowell was raised by a lovely lady by the name of Clara Hassell. Mama Clara as we called her was a friend of CC Cox. Her house was on Carteret Street between Broad and N. Granville St. It was a big house for a black person back then. Many times I was sent over by my grandmother to help tidy up by dusting all the downstairs furniture before some gathering of the ladies. At times I was also sent around the corner to take a cake or two that she had baked. If I remember correctly they were in the Eastern Star together. Sorry, I couldn't help responding

Audrey Jean Childs

7/26/2015 05:55:04 pm

Hi Deloris,
CC (Eva C) Cox was married to William Ed "Bubba" Cox. William Ed was the son of Eden Cox and Henrietta Holley. Eden Cox had a brother, Harry. Harry was my gg grandfather. I have visited Edenton several times, and although the house is no longer in family hands, I saw it when it was empty and being worked on a couple of years ago. My sister, cousin and I just stood on the front porch and peered in the windows, and walked around the back. I do understand, from family lore, that CC was quite the proper socialite. My mother remembers playing croquet on her lawn, and the ladies wearing white gloves, so I'm not surprised that she would be an Eastern Star! Glad you responded! Every little bit helps! I'm working on a book to document more of the African American contributions to the growth of the town.

audrey jean childs

4/29/2017 02:06:23 pm

Hello Deloris,
CC Cox (Eva) was married to a cousin, William Ed (Bubba) Cox. William Ed was my great grandfather's (Providence) cousin. William Ed and Providence's fathers were brothers. Providence's father was named Harry Cox, and William Ed's father was Eden Cox. They all died long before I was born, but my mother knew her grandfather (Providence), and went to Edenton a few times when she was little (my mother is 93). She tells me that they were pretty well off, for that time, and rather "high society" among the African American community.

Bob Hopkins

7/13/2015 10:17:05 am

I came across this site by accident while doing some research on Edenton. I too find a lack of information on Edenton's Black histories and heritage. Let's continue this very important discussion and have a forum on it. I invite you to contact me at Historic Edenton, State Historic Sites, in Edenton.

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John Felton

11/21/2015 04:38:00 pm

I just came across this site and I am interested. I graduated from John A Holmes in '78 and lived on Granville Street. My grandmother, Addie Felton was nicknamed "Movement Mama" during the protests/demonstrations in 1973. I bet a lot of people don't know/remember that Ralph Abernathy came to Edenton then and spoke about the movement which was headed by Golden Frinks (2 historical civil rights leaders). I was 13 at that time, but saw what happened everyday since my grandmother was so involved, especially feeding the participants. I think this site is a great idea and hopefully others with some historical insight about Edenton will join in.

Michele

12/22/2015 07:45:47 am

Thanks for your response on John. We knew about MLK coming to Edenton but not Ralph Abernathy! What were your impressions of Abernathy and the Edenton protests?

Can you tell us more about your mother and how she received her nickname? I would love to put her profile on the website so the legacy she left in Edenton is known as part of our U.S. Civil Rights movement.

Michele

12/22/2015 07:46:32 am

John Felton

12/22/2015 06:54:04 am

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audrey j childs

4/29/2017 02:21:12 pm

Hello all,
Just letting you know that my book about the African American contributions to Edenton, is in it's final stages, and I hope to have it ready for you by the reunion this summer in Norfolk!

Lori

7/7/2017 11:08:46 am

I would very much like tonread you're book when it is finished, will it be available for sale somewhere? Thanks

Audrey Childs

7/21/2017 12:03:57 am

Hi Lori, Michele, and all of the Edenton folks! Great news! The publisher doesn't live far from me, so I went to her house TODAY for a consultation, to get feedback. It's a green light! In other words, she said it was formatted perfectly! I am now working on the index, and making sure my references are cited correctly. A couple of weeks and it's done. I get it back to the publisher and they send it to the printer. From that point, it should take only another month. It'll be ready long before Christmas!

Lori

7/7/2017 11:10:22 am

I would very much like tonread you're book when it is finished, will it be available for sale somewhere? Thanks

Lori avery

7/14/2017 08:42:26 pm

I would very much like to read you're book when it is finished, will it be available for sale somewhere? Thanks

John Felton

5/8/2018 04:41:57 pm

Michelle,
Sorry it took so long. I don't know who gave my grandmother that nickname (Movement Mama) back in 1973. It should be noted that several older African-American residents did not want their kids involved with the movement, including my grandmother. She once pulled me out of a protest march as it passed our house. Eventually she became involved, mostly by preparing lunches and dinners for the protesters where the clothing store used to be on Oakum and Church, across the street from Rowsom's funeral home. As a 13 year-old, I was arrested and incarcerated with adults on 3 occasions...for just standing in the area. If that occurred today, there would be consequences for all involved. It was kept sort of quiet. During those times, I don't think that our people understood the gravity of that occurring, especially to a 13 year-old kid. My memories of those times are still very vivid, including Abernathy's visit. I must note that he spoke at, I believe, Gale Street Church, where he created a committee. I don't remember its purpose, but he called my grandmother's name (Addie Felton) out first. I don't believe she knew what it entailed, but she was proud that everyone shouted and clapped when Abernathy called her name. I would hate for this important moment in our history to be forgotten. Thanks for working to preserve our work, activities, and lives.

Audrey Childs

6/28/2020 05:42:39 pm

Hello fellow Edentonians,
It has been a while since I've posted here. I'm saddened that Covid19 has disrupted all plans that anybody had anywhere, and particularly for the reunion. Our history book has been published, it is now in Shepard-Pruden Library, and is on line for purchase at Amazon.com I sold several copies of it at a luncheon this spring. For all of the Edenton descendants, you could possibly find your ancestors in the book "Trouble So Hard: African American Labor and Life in Edenton Town, NC 1870-1900". I'm kind of saddened that I thought this book would be pretty popular, but there haven't been that many sales! Please get one! It seems like our history there has been erased! I wish there were historical pictures of what the African-American side of town, and ancestors looked like! They are all probably in your attics and trunks and photo albums. Does anyone have any pictures they want to share? I'd like to make a pop-up book!

Tyrin

7/31/2021 07:52:35 pm

Hi I’m trying to do research on my family I wonder do any of you know anything about Mary F Norcum she lived on 109 W carteret street Edenton then moved to albermarle street her children where Eva norcum julia Mattie McClenney Beatrice lamb William McClenney Daniel McClenney Wheeler McClenney Alford McClenney that’s some
She was Married too James Edward norcum who I think was the pastor of locust grove AME Zion methodist church they lived on a road called bolly oak once on a census but they renamed it so I don’t know the name she died in 1953 her mother name was Judy/Julia Blount she came and moved to Edenton after she lived in Washington NC Julia Mattie Lawrence was my great grandmother she died in 1991 do any of you know anything about these people or heard of them please answer back

Roots of Edenton Researcher

7/31/2021 10:18:56 pm

Hello Tyrin,
Here's some data that may help you but we need more information.

McClenny name is associated with the Jean Murdough line. One of the Murdough girls married a McClenny in the mid-1800s but I think the McClenny this person is referencing might be a cousin.

We need more information about the McClenny person in this person’s family line.

As far as Blount goes, Tina “Tiny” Hathaway (Daughter of Tamar Murdough-Hathaway) married Whitmel Blount in 1842. They had 7 children, 6 boys and 1 girl. Perhaps the Julia/Judy Blount referenced below is a daughter or granddaughter of one of Tiny’s sons.

We need more information to help this person out.

Tyrin

8/20/2021 07:56:18 pm

Ok so Judy Blount was born in Lee’s mill Washington county NC in the 1820s she married Officially Guither Blount in 1867 Judy mother on the record said her name was grace sleight haven’t found anything on that so guither died in 1883 they had up too 21 children but I have no idea if he is the father of some in the early ones the ones I know of is Thomas Blount,Peter Blount,Leonard Blount,Rosetta Blount,Mary Francis Blount,Aaron Blount,Nancy Blount that’s all the main ones I know of is Rosetta/Rosie Mary my g-g grandmother and Leonard Blount and Peter Blount they all moved to Edenton and Leonard moved to Elizabeth city NC so Mary Married Joseph McClenney died so then married James “ned” Norcom Rosetta married Oliver griffin then he died early into marriage then she married Joseph Mitchell I think Rosetta was a midwife she was on all my great grandmothers siblings birth certificate as “Rosie Mitchell” and my grandmother uncle name was percell Davis mother was Lois Mitchell he wasn’t really her uncle but her grandmother raised him next Peter married later in his life Lottie Blount who was Richard Blount and Sarah thach’s daughter which was my g-g grandmother Matilda thatch/Lawrence sister on my great grandfathers side Judy was on the 1900-1910 census on 1900 listed as Judy on 1910 listed as Julia that’s they all moved from Lee’s mill Washington county NC to Edenton in the 1890s that’s some info I know

Tyrin

9/17/2021 07:29:37 pm

Coul you find anything

Lillie Holley

9/26/2021 10:41:05 pm

Would you happen to have any information on Holley/Rankins or the surname or the name Maybane
Thank you

Rhonda Niles

7/17/2023 04:52:04 pm

I am sorry, I do not have any information on Holley/Rankins.

Rhonda (Rucker) Niles

7/17/2023 05:59:26 am

It fills my heart with joy knowing that you are here in this place, in such a time as this, that we find ourselves now. My ancestors were from the Hayes family. I am following Peter Hayes in the Hayes Collection at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. My grandparents were Jacob and Sarah Hayes.

I began this journey with hope and faith. I can be reached at, please text 860-218-7415.

Rhonda Niles

7/17/2023 01:27:19 pm

Mysterious: Where is the History of Blacks in NC?

Roots of Edenton Blog - Roots of Edenton

Did African Americans have any contribution to Edenton’s development and history?

I've spent countless hours searching online for information about African Americans in this township. If Harriet Jacobs did not write her story, the only inferences to a black presence would be the words, plantation, cotton and peanuts.

Golden Frinks, who was the National Field Secretary for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), RESIDED in Edenton, did he organize any protests there? Why did Martin Luther King come to Edenton, NC? Was it to learn about Edenton’s integration practices long before the Civil Rights Movement began? (I don't think so) The main PROTEST highlighted in Edenton’s history on appears to be the Tea Party of 1774.

African Americans have been living in Edenton since 1712; did they contribute anything to Edenton's culture and history?

“Roots of Edenton” what’s your thought on this matter?
*********************************

Reply
It fills my heart with joy knowing that you are here in this place, in such a time as this, that we find ourselves now. My ancestors were from the Hayes family. I am following Peter Hayes in the Hayes Collection at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. My grandparents were Jacob and Sarah Hayes of North Carolina.

I began this journey with hope and faith. I can be reached at, please text 860-218-7415

July 17, 2023

Gail Dixon

8/27/2023 08:35:49 pm

I stumbled accross this wonderful thread to my surprise it has lasted many years. I am looking for Andrew Banks family history and ancestry, which would have been my great grandfather lineage. I plan to visit the area soon and hope to meet some of my ancestors.

S J

8/20/2024 06:53:19 pm

Hello sweethearts, I hope your journeys and searches are turning up fruitful. I have been genealogy searching since I was 12 and I am 33 now lol. It's been screaming at me my whole life. I have been stuck like you all. My ancestors are BENNETT & MEACHUM i gor back to maybe 1790. . I believe they were living on the James C bennett plantation in Sandy Point and also with the Meachum family in the surrounding areas such as lilesville, gulledge,anson, believe too.

It is so hard to never truly find much due to the erasure of us. It saddens me and then to have to pay all this money on ancestry and others to research basically nothing 😢

Lisa A. Bembry

12/11/2024 12:53:22 pm

I am in need of information. My namesake is common in the history of Edenton and Im searching for anything concerning Clarence Javan Bembry whose son was Thomas E.Bembry. I would love to learn how to go about finding roots as I promised the latter(my father born there).
What office should I approach to begin? Clarence's father was a farmer.
Can anyone help?
Thanks.

Mysterious-Where is the History of Blacks in Edenton, NC?

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