Swansboro, North Carolina - History

Hawkins-Glover Family Cemetery

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John Rolph 1745-1771

Buried in the small Hawkins-Glover family cemetery were:

John J. Farr 1818-1839

Catherine Jane Glover 1833-1868

Cyrus B. Glover 1821-1867

John D. Hawkins 1830-1921

William H. Hawkins 1845-1926

and John Rolph 1745-1771.

Two of the grave markers that remain visible on Elm Street, those of John Rolph (perhaps a descendant of Rolph and Pocahontas) and John J. Farr.

John J. Farr was perhaps the son of Titus Farr and Levisey Ambrose, who married in Onslow County in 1796. Levisey, born about 1775, was the daughter of 1747 Daniel Ambrose. Titus Farr was listed on the 1810 Onslow County census.

John Rolph 1745-1771

John J. Farr 1818-1839

In 1975 town workers discovered the grave of Cyrus B. Glover during road repair. The exhumed iron coffin is currently stored in the Onslow County Museum.

Copy of the Original 48-Lot Town Grid

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This copy of the original 48-lot town grid was found in the circa 1770 Jonathan Green House. The description, though difficult to read, seems to indicate the copy was created in 1913.

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

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Aerial View 1940s . Image Courtesy North Carolina State Archives

This page is a transcription from the application to nominate
Swansboro to the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Prepared and written in 1989 by architectural historian Daniel Pezzoni

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Swansboro, a tiny port established in 1770 on Bogue Sound at the mouth of the White Oak River in Onslow County, is a remarkably unaltered waterfront village of approximately 150 densely-clustered houses and commercial buildings. The historic district includes the town’s surviving antebellum building stock of five houses and two store buildings as well as several virtually intact blocks of frame houses dating to the period of the town’s lumber boom, between the years 1880 and 1925. These lumber boom houses display a distinctive local variation of typical late Victorian exterior and interior milled ornament.

Swansboro’s major commercial and industrial role as Onslow County’s foremost port from the eighteenth through the early twentieth centuries is documented in the Onslow County Multiple Property Documentation Form: Naval Stores and Lumber Production in Onslow County, 1754-1938. The town served as a center for fishing, boatbuilding, and naval stores processing and shipment before the Civil War. After the war, the town hosted a succession of large lumber mills. Unlike the coastal towns of Beaufort and Morehead City in adjacent Carteret County, which grew large owing to fine harborage and rail connections, Swansboro remained isolated and tied to its immediate hinterland. Consequently, Swansboro represents one of the smallest and most traditional maritime communities surviving on the North Carolina coast. MUCH MORE. . .

WILLIAM GIBSON HOUSE circa 1775

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GIBSON HOUSE (Holland Family*) - 1920

Demolished in the late 1970s, the Gibson House was located at 302 Main Street on the northeast corner of Main and Elm Streets--now site of First Citizens Bank. The house, unique with its flushed chimney, was built about the same time and similar to the Ringware House , diagonally across the street on the southwest corner. Built between 1771 and 1778 by John McCullough or Ezekiel Hunter, both of whom had owned the lot, the two-story, four-bay structure was home to members of the Gibson family for over 150 years.

GIBSON HOUSE - Photo circa 1940s

Family album photographs included in this post are courtesy of Arizona resident Ora Smith. Ora descended from Susan "Caroline" Gibson who married the Reverend John F. Mattocks; Ora Smith was named after their first child Ora DeVaine Mattocks born in Swansboro 27 April 1861.

A 1920 photo from Mel Guss shows Holland family renters on the front porch. *(photo above) Left to right: Alonza 1871-1952, Lina (Canady)1885-1947 holding Iva, Clarence, Beatrice , Marie, Lila Mae and Haywood. Alonza Deene (Riggs) Holland was born in Swansboro, son of Everette Riggs and Caroline Watson.

The old Gibson family land near Maysville was first acquired by a 1751 land grant to William Gibson 1720-1788, husband of Mary Barclift. On this land, near the Jones County line, where the White Oak River Road meets Gibson Branch Road and Gibson Bridge Road, Gibson built what was called the "White Oak Plantation." He was a carpenter and built the first Onslow County courthouse.

At some point the Gibson family had to sell their property. However, the land was brought back into Gibson hands when William J. Gibson purchased it between 1835-1837.

The "White Oak Plantation" home no longer exists. The Gibson cemetery, on private property off Gibson Branch Road, has only one readable headstone--that of Susannah, wife of William J. Gibson.

Julia Ann Gibson Harget Stephens

Susannah Simmons Gibson

William J. Gibson 1805-1860 was the son of Daniel Y.Gibson 1772-1852 and Ann Morton 1776-1850. William J. Gibson owned ships and traded between the West Indies and New England. As mentioned, he owned the "White Oak Plantation," but also owned the Main Street house, perhaps initially using it as a "town house" base for his trading business.

William J. Gibson married Susannah Simmons 1814-1890 on May 29, 1832. Susannah Simmons was born in Onslow County to Obedira Isler Simmons and Julia McDaniel. Both families had been in Onslow County for many generations.

The 1860 Swansboro Census recorded William J. Gibson 55, wife Susan 46 and 9-year-old Benjamin. The value of his real estate was noted as $5200 with a personal estate of $25,000. At that time, Gibson was the owner of many slaves occupying six slave houses.

Ben Gibson and Cousin Dollie

Hester & daughter Minnie Ward

Children of William and Susannah Simmons Gibson included: Julia Ann 1833-1907 who first married Daniel Ambrose Harget and secondly Christopher "Kit" Stephens; William Simeon Gibson born 26 March 1836 and died 23 September 1843; Mary Elizabeth 1837-1918 married Edward Ward “Ned” Mattocks; Susan “Caroline” 1840-1923 married the Reverend John Frederick Mattocks 1838-1868, brother of E.W. Mattocks; Hester Rebecca Gibson 1843-1901 married George Washington Ward 1835-1860; Sarah Frances Gibson born October 1849 and died October 1859; and Benjamin Sanders Gibson born 17 November 1851 and died 17 January 1903, married Narcissa Fonville Hurst 1858-1952 about 1882. Interestingly, David Ward Sanders 1800-1860 included Benjamin Sanders Gibson in his 1859 will: ITEM the second, I give to Benjamin S. Gibson, son of Wm. J. Gibson, one negro girl by name of Sarah, the daughter of Fanny Scott, to him and his heirs forever.


Noma Mattocks Harget

Edgar Harget

Children of Julia Ann Gibson and Daniel Harget: William Davis Harget 1853-1932 married Mamie Meadows, Edgar B. Harget 1856-1928 married Noma Mattocks (daughter of James Allen Mattocks and Sarah Hatchell), Ida Dolly Harget 1859-1916 first married Francis Joseph Fulford in 1875 and secondly Edward H. Barnum (born 1855) in 1887, Walter Lee Harget 1862-1865, Daniel Harget born about 1865, and Etta Dollner Harget 1869-1914 married Julian Adolphus Mattocks son of James Allen Mattocks and Sarah Hatchell. Julia Ann Gibson Harget married Christopher "Kit" Stephens after the death of Daniel Harget. They lived in Richlands and had two children: Julia Gibson Stephens 1875-1946 married Wayne Brinson Venters in 1894; Christopher Caroline Stephens 1878-1960 married Wayne Venters' brother Roland Vance Venters in 1896.

Susan Caroline Gibson

Julia Mattocks Hardison

Of the above children of William J. Gibson and Susannah Simmons, Susan “Caroline” Gibson married the Reverend John Frederick Mattocks 19 January 1860. They had the following children: Ora DeVaine Mattocks, born in Swansboro 27 April 1861, married Gabriel Lee Hardison of Craven County, and died 26 June 1886 in Thurman, Craven County; Lorena Bryan Mattocks born 8 September 1863 and died 13 October 1865; Mary Elizabeth Mattocks born 25 June 1867 and died 8 August 1888; and Julia Frances Mattocks born 29 March 1869 and died 14 October 1939. Julia Mattocks married Ora's widowed husband Gabriel Hardison of Craven County.

The Reverend John Mattocks was in charge of the Swansboro Male and Female Academy which opened in 1857 but closed at the time of his death in 1868. Another academy used the building until the early 1900s, when it was replace by the Methodist Parsonage.

"Julia with Lila"

The tintype* photograph, left, is most likely Julia Ann Gibson Harget 1833-1907 and daughter "Lila"--perhaps Ida Dolly 1859-1916. This and other photographs were all tintypes, except for the one of elderly Julia Ann Gibson Harget Stephens.

*Tintype, also melainotype and ferrotype, were photographs made by creating a direct positive on a sheet of iron metal that had been blackened by painting, lacquering or enameling and was used as a support for a collodion photographic emulsion. Photographers usually worked outside at fairs and carnivals. Since the support of the tintype was resilient and did not need drying, photographs were produced in only a few minutes.

1860 Swansboro Census

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1860 Swansboro District Census

111 Heads of Households

RE=Real Estate Value; PE=Personal Estate

Click to Enlarge

SWANSBORO METHODIST CHURCH circa 1880s

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Late 1960s Photo . Courtesy Ora Smith

In the 1880s the trustees of the Swansboro Male and Female Academy sold part of the academy lot (# 28) to the Methodist Church - corner of Church and Elm Streets The building remained on the site until it was razed in the 1960s.

According to Jack Dudley, Swansboro, A Pictorial Tribute, "In 1918 a hurricane blew the steeple off and it was replaced with a smaller one.The second story was used as a lookout tower during World War II. In 1931 the congregation moved to the Unitarian brick school, and the building was used as a motion picture theater. Later it was used as a warehouse."

MALE AND FEMALE ACADEMY

Ratified 2, February 1857

An Act to Incorporate the Male and Female Academy of the town of Swansboro and County of Onslow:

Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That Phillip Koonce, C.B. Glover, J.N. Sanders, R.S. McLean, E.W. Sanders, D.W. Sanders, T.B. Holland, D.A. Humphrey, D.A. Harget, C.H. Barnum, R. Canady, be and they are hereby declared to be a body politic and corporate, to be known and designated by the name of "Trustees of the Male and Female Academy of the town of Swansboro," and by that name shall have succession and a common seal, and shall be invested with power and authority to sue and be sured, plead and be impleaded in any court of law in this State, and to hold such lands and tenements, goods and chattels, and moneys sufficient for all the purposes of the academy. [Public Laws of the State of North-Carolina, passed by the General Assembly at its Session of 1856-'57. Raleigh: Holden & Wilson, Printers to the State 1857.]

The Reverend John Frederick Mattocks was in charge of the Swansboro Male and Female Academy which opened in 1857 but closed at the time of his death in 1868. Another academy used the building until the early 1900s, when it was replace by the Methodist Parsonage.

HISTORY OF SWANSBORO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

As early as 1760 the movement of Methodism had reached America, brought from England by the pioneer preacher, Joseph Pilmore, who had been converted by John Wesley. Pilmore began organizing classes in the southern states, following the pattern of John and Charles Wesley. This movement reached North Carolina in 1772. On May 21, 1776, the first North Carolina Circuit was established.

Francis Asbury, the first bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, visited Swansboro at least three times. This is an excerpt from his journal: “Wednesday, April 6, 1785-Preached at Swansbury in sight of the sea. Here are a wicked people indeed; nevertheless a few have joined society. Saturday and Sunday, December 24 and 25 (Christmas), 1785 we held quarterly meeting at Swansbury, many people—little religion. Thursday, January 27, 1791—I had many to hear at Swansbury—the people were attentive—O that God may bless His word to them.”

Little is known about the church during the period until 1871. There was a church which was attended by all denominations in the vicinity of the present Waterway Realty. There was a Northern Methodist Church in the same area which was sold to the Unitarians in 1907. This group came from the North and organized the Emmerton School.

The present church was organized on March 1, 1871. There were about 15 families in the village and a few from the adjacent area who were members. This group worshiped in the Old Brick Store and in a school building located about where First Citizens Bank building is currently. The preachers served all the surrounding churches, living for a time in Belgrade and later in Maysville. About 1880 the Methodists built a church on the corner of Church and Elm streets where everyone worshiped until the Baptists built their church.

The Swansboro Circuit was organized in 1908 and consisted of five and sometimes six churches. The parsonage was the house on the lot adjoining the church. About 1930 the congregation sold the church and the parsonage and purchased from the Unitarians the Emmerton School property. This was a U-shaped building and would house the sanctuary, the Sunday school area and the living quarters for the parsonage family. This building is now Swansboro Town Hall.

Revolutionary War Times

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An 1876 print representing the "Declaration Committee," chaired by Thomas Jefferson, which was charged in June 1776 with drafting a declaration of independence for action by the Continental Congress. The "Declaration Committee," which included Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York, and John Adams of Massachusetts, was appointed by Congress on June 11, 1776, to draft a declaration in anticipation of an expected vote in favor of American independence, which occurred on July 2. Currier and Ives prepared this imagined scene of the writing of the Declaration for the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Library of Congress

_____________________________
In Swansboro

Shortly before the Revolution—January 1, 1772—Theophilus and Grace Weeks signed a deed to Archibald Gillespie for half an acre of land. That was the last deed Theophilus ever signed. When the Onslow Court met just a few days later, one of the actions taken by the court was to appoint Archibald Gillespie inspector for Bogue Inlet "in the room of Theophilus Weeks, deceased."
During the American Revolution, a warehouse was established at the mouth of the White Oak River to supply the Continental armed forces. Here, beef and pork were salted and barreled. A British blockade of the coast greatly reduced the importation of salt, making its production of critical importance. In response to the crisis, several salt works were established in the Swansboro area to produce salt from sea water. Jeremiah Hote operated a salt works on Deer Island during these years. Throughout the war, vessels from the port of Swansboro engaged in privateering, including that of Captain Peter Ringware. A military company from the town (then called “Bogue”) patrolled the coastal area.
In Lucy Greene’ history, she wrote, “After the outbreak of the Revolution, White Oak River men did their part in the armies of the Revolution. There were no active Tories on the river and an effort was made to keep the exports and imports moving from the wharves at Swansboro. Beef and pork were salted near the mouth of the river for the American armies.
Deed Book K, February 1776, “Thomas Hewitt and John Hewitt witness deed from Benjamin Weeks & Silas Weeks to Sarah, Mary, Francis and Margret Wallice ... land on Whiteoak River, being part known as The Wharf, formerly occupied by Theophilus Weeks, containing 76-1/2 ac. in Arcibald Gillespie's line.”
Ordinances of Convention, 1776. North Carolina. Provincial Congress. November 22, 1776 - December 23, 1776: Be it ordained and declared by the Representatives of the Freemen of the State of North Carolina in Congress assembled, and it is ordained by the authority of the same … that William Gray, James Howard, Henry Rhodes, Lewis Williams, Thomas Johnston, Seth Ward, Benajah Doty, John Spicer, John Starkey, John Brinson, Stephen Grant, Edward Starkey, Robert Nixon, Archibald Gillespie, Stephen Williams, Richard Jerrat, Jacob Charleraft, Shadwick Hall, Reuben Grant, Esquires for the County of Onslow shall be Justices for keeping the peace and the Governor is hereby impowered to issue commissions to proper persons in each County and the said District to qualify the said Justices, and that they shall have power to hold Sessions of the Peace in their respective Counties…
A last will and testament from 1776 - that of Archibald Gillespie:

...I will and bequeath unto my wife Lydia Gillespie one third of all my

moveable estate during her natural life with the peaceable possession of

the plantation whereon I now live, till my son James Gillespie comes to

the full age of twenty years. Then said plantations and all lands

together with two thirds of my moveable estate to be sold at Public

vandue and to be equally divided betwixt my four children now living,

viz: Catherine, David, James & Borthwick Gillespie and in case my

wife Lydia Gillespie be pregnant with child, male or female at this time

or at the time of my death, to have an equal proportion with any of my

four above mentioned children, and be it understood that I will and

bequeath the above proportions unto said children and their heirs and

assigns forever. And it further my will that the above third of my

moveable estate bequeathed to my wife Lydia Gillespie be equally divided

amongst my above-mentioned children at her death.  It is further my

twill and desire that my two sons David & James Gillespie may be

sent to some of the Northern Provinces in America and there bound to

some trade at the discretion of my executors hereafter mentioned.  And

I hereby nominate and appoint my wife Lydia Gillespie my executrix

and my brother Brattick Gillespie my Executor...

1790 ONSLOW COUNTY CENSUS

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Double-click image for largest view.

The 1790 Onslow County Census included Mary Pitts, of whom Tucker Littleton wrote, “That the establishment of a town on his property was the idea of Theophilus Weeks is further supported by the deed to Mrs. Mary Pitts for lot number 11. Mrs. Pitts received the deed for what was called ‘lot number 11 in the plan of a town laid out by Theophilus Weeks.’ It is, therefore, clear that the town that became Swansboro was the idea of Theophilus Weeks, who thereby earned the title of Founder of the Town of Swansboro.

The first enumeration began on Monday, August 2, 1790, little more than a year after the inauguration of President Washington and shortly before the second session of the first Congress ended. The Congress assigned responsibility for the 1790 census to the marshals of the U.S. judicial districts under an act that, with minor modifications and extensions, governed census-taking through1840. The law required that every household be visited and that completed census schedules be posted in ‘‘two of the most public places within [each jurisdiction], there to remain for the inspection of all concerned...’’ and that ‘‘the aggregate amount of each description of persons’’ for every district be transmitted to the President. The six inquiries in 1790 called for the name of the head of the family and the number of persons in each household of the following descriptions: Free White males of 16 years and upward (to assess the country’s industrial and military potential), free White males under 16 years, free White females, all other free persons (by sex and color), and slaves.

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Sanders Plantation .1863 . Valentine

Isaac Newton Sanders 1777-1821

Last Will and Testament 6 Sept 1821

State of North Carolina

County of Onslow County

Will Book A

In the name of God, Amen: I, Isaac Sanders of the County of Onslow and State of North Carolina, Planter, being sick of body but of sound mind and memory thanks to God for the same knowing that death is inevitable to all men do think proper to dispose of the worldly goods with which it hath pleased God to bless me in the manner and form following after recommending my soul to God who gave it and my body to be buried at the descretion of my executors hereafter to be mentioned (VIZ):

ITEM: 1st, I loan to my beloved wife Ruth Sanders during her natural life the land I bought of John Sanders joining where I live with the house and salt works on the same and after my wife's death, my youngest son Isaac Newton Sanders to have the same land. I give to my wife Negro man Tom, Negro girl Iris, to dispose of as she may think proper, and Negro boy Antony until my son Isaac N. Sanders shall arrive at the age of twenty one years, then he is to have said Negro Antony also give to my wife my home republican and Jenney wagon four cows and calves two beds and furniture fifty barrels of corn and two thousand pounds of pork.

ITEM: 2nd, I give to my son David N. Sanders five Negroes (VIZ) Dick, Dash, Charles, Suck & Cate, also three hundred acres of land lying on the south west prong of New River one bed and furniture two cows and calves.

ITEM: 3rd, I give to my two sons Daniel S. Sanders and Benjamine W. Sanders equally all my lands east of the lands I bought of John Sanders including the house and salt works on the same also one hundred acres of land adjoining the wood place together with my Inland lands near Bear Inlet also my Negro fellow Charles my son Daniel S. Sanders is to have on the first day of next January all the property in his possession until Benjamin arrives at the age of twenty then my son Benjamin is to take the one half of all that I have bequeathed to him and son Daniel together with one half of the profits arising from said
lands salt works and Charles.

ITEM: 4th, I give to my three sons John A. Sanders, Edwrad W. Sanders & Isaac Newton Sanders the following negros (VIZ) Grasous, Bryan, Rose, Jane, Eli, Rachel and Elleck, black Mariah, Hester and Jack with their increase I bequeath unto my two sons John A. & Edward W. Sanders all my land not otherwise disposed of including my piny lands.

ITEM: 5th, I give to my daughter Nancy Sanders five Negroes (VIZ) Sarah, Marish, Jacob, Linkfield, and Mose, it is my will that my wife shall during her widowhood support and school my sons John A. Sanders, Edwrad W. Sanders, & Isaac N. Sanders and my daughter Nancy Sanders free and clear from all expenses to my estate and my wife shall in compensation for the same have all the profits arising from the lands and Negroes which I have given to my sons John A. Sanders, Edward W. Sanders and Isaac N. Sanders and daughter Nancy Sanders.

ITEM: 6th, All the stock and crop which is not therewise disposed of I wish it should be sold to pay my debts and also what debts is now due me is to be appropriated to the use of discharging my debts and after they are paid if anything is remaining, I wish it should be equally divided between all my children.

ITEM: 7th, I make and ordain my executors my worthy friend Daniel M. Dulany my son David N. Sanders and my son Daniel S. Sanders is to be qualified to this my last will at the age of eighteen this the sixth day of September eighteen hundred and twenty-one (six day of September 1821).

Isaac Sanders (Sr) (seal)

Signed and sealed in presence of
J. Ward
Benjamin Ward Sr

ONSLOW COUNTY: In court November term 1821, this will was proved in open court by the oath of Benjamin Ward & David W. Sanders one of the executors therein named qualified thereto.

Bannister Lester, clerk
by Robert C. Lester

__________________________________

USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing
         free information on the Internet, data may be used by
         non-commercial entities, as long as this message
         remains on all copied material. These electronic
         pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit
         or for presentation by other persons or organizations.

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         This file was contributed for use in the North Carolina USGenWeb
         Archives by: Beverly Cole

2010-12-15T08:44:00.004-05:00

Sanders Plantation .1863 . Valentine

David Ward Sanders 1800-1860

Last Will and Testament 1860
State of North Carolina
County of Onslow
Will Book 2

In the name of God, Amen: I, David W. Sanders, of the County of Onslow and State of North Carolina, being in perfect health of body and mind, but knowing it is appointed unto all men to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the following manner.

ITEM the first, I give to David, son of Docr. Philip Koonce one thousand dollars to be paid to his father Docr. P. Koonce, if alive, if not to his guardian.

ITEM the second, I give to Benjamin S. Gibson, son of Wm. J. Gibson, one negro girl by name of Sarah, the daughter of Fanny Scott, to him and his heirs forever.

ITEM 3rd, I give to David W. Sanders, son (of) Bro. Benjamin W. Sanders, five thousand dollars in money or good notes at the expiration of two years after my death, to him his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM 4th, I direct my Executor to deliver of Bro. Isaac N. Sanders two notes I hold of his for fifteen hundred dollars each, with interest from 7th December 1854 or thereabouts, they being in part payment for the land sold him by me as Exr. of Edward W. Sanders, decd.

ITEM 5th, I give to David the son of Bro. Isaac N. Sanders, the lands whereon mymother last lived and died and the further sum of four hundred dollars for each year, beginning the 1st January 1862 and ending 1st January 1872, a term of ten years, to be expended in his education and support, to be under the direction of his father, if alive, if not then under the direction of my Exr., if or either of them if not alive, then by his guardian.

ITEM 6th, I give to my dearly beloved wife one half of all my slaves, her choice, in families, all my household & kitchen furniture, my carriage & horses, one years support for herself and family, absolutely together with the land I purchased of Edwd. S. Jones & W. T. Hill during her natural life. This property given her to be delivered at the expiration of two years after my death. Also, the further sum of two thousand dollars in money whenever she may wish it.

ITEM 7th, I give to my grandson Danl. L. Russell, son of my daughter (now dead) Caroline & her husband Danl. L. Russell, all the balance of my estate of every description, both real and personal but should he die with(out) leaving issue, then all his share of my property, I wish equally divided, between Bro. John A. Sanders, Isaac N. Sanders, David W. Sanders, son of Bro. Benjm W. Sanders & David, son of Bro. Isaac N. Sanders, to them their heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM 8th, I wish my Exr. to let Jno. A. Sanders, my esteem bro. have the use of ten thousand dollars free from interest, untill my grandson Danl. L. Russell arrives at the age of twenty one years, at that time to be accounted for, to my said grandson or to my Exr. if Daniel L. Russell, Jr., should die before that time.

ITEM 9th, I authorise Danl. S. Russell, one of my executors to sell my Jones County plantation if in his discretion he should deem it best for the interest of his son Danl. L. Russell.

ITEM 9th, (number repeated apparently in error) I give Bro. Newton my gold watch.

ITEM 10th, I wish my plantation & Negroes to be kept together under the direction and control of Danl. L. Russell, one of my Exr. for two years at least, after that he to act with them at his pleasure either to farm or rent out the lands & hire out the Negroes.

ITEM 11th, I appoint Danl. L. Russell, my Exr., as his son is the principal legatee, but should he die before his son Danl. arrives at age, then I appoint my beloved Bro. John A. Sanders, my Exr. to this my last will & testament, this the 17th day of July AD 1859.

(signed) D. W. Sanders

The word interlined in Item the 8th & second line "thousand" was interlined by me.

(signed) D. W. Sanders

State of North Carolina}
Onslow County}
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions December Term 1860

A paper writing without subscribing witnesses, purporting to be the last will and testament of David W. Sanders, deceased, was exhibited for probate in open court by Daniel L. Russell, one of the executors therein named, and it is thereupon proved by the oath and examination of James L. Shivar and William E. Shivar that the said will was found among the valuable papers of the said David W. Sanders after his death and it is further proved by the oath and examination of three competent and credible witnesses, to wit James S. Shivar, Williams E. Shivar & Jasper Etheridge, that they are acquainted with the handwriting of the said David W. Sanders, having often seen him write, and verily believe that the name of the said David W. Sanders subscribed to the said will, and the said will itself and every part thereof, are in the handwriting of the said David W. Sanders, and it is further proved by the evidence of the three last mentioned witnesses, that the said handwriting is generally known to the acquaintances of the said David W. Sanders.It is therefore considered by the court that the said paper writing is the last will and testament of the said David W. Sanders and the same is ordered to be recorded and filed. Whereupon the executor appeared in open court and was qualified in due form of law.
Jasper Etheridge, CCC (clerk of county court)

___________________________________________

USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing
         free information on the Internet, data may be used by
         non-commercial entities, as long as this message
         remains on all copied material. These electronic
         pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit
         or for presentation by other persons or organizations.

         Persons or organizations desiring to use this material
         for purposes other than stated above must obtain the
         written consent of the file contributor.
  
  The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives
  to store the file permanently for free access.

         This file was contributed for use in the North Carolina USGenWeb
         Archives by: Beverly Cole

CHARLES HICKOK BARNUM

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AMBROSE-HARGETT CEMETERY - ONSLOW COUNTY

Thomas Barnum, the fourth great grandfather of Charles Hickok Barnum, was the first Barnum to come to the new world.

Born in County Kent, England, Thomas Barnum (1625-1695) left England in 1640, settled in what would become Bethel, Connecticut and married Hannah Hurd of Norwalk, Connecticut. Several generations of the family were born in Connecticut including Charles Hickok Barnum. Thomas (1663-1730) married Sarah Beardsley. Ephraim Sr. (1710-1775) married Mehetabel Starr. Their grandson Philo (1779-1828), son of Ephraim Jr., was the father of Phineas Taylor “P.T.” Barnum (1810-1891) who founded what became Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

David Barnum (1739-1795), brother of Ephraim Barnum Jr., married Rachel Benedict. Their son Thomas (1775-1847) married Lucy Hickok. Their son Charles Hickok Barnum (1816-1865), born in Danbury, moved to Onslow County, North Carolina and married Alice Harget (1823-1867) on May 11, 1845. As noted above, Charles was a kinsman of P. T. Barnum—their great grandfathers were brothers.

During the first half of the nineteenth century, Charles H. Barnum, William P. Ferrand, Cyrus Glover and Robert Spence McLean were the town’s chief exporters of naval stores; Barnum and Glover also operated a saltworks facility. In 1846 Charles H. Barnum became Swansboro’s second postmaster.

In the records of the US Southern Claims Commission, Disallowed and Barred Claims, 1871-1880 appears the case of C. H. Barnum, as follows:

Case of Estate of Charles H. Barnum. The County of Onslow, North Carolina. The above claimant owned two schooners which were sunk in the Inlets of North Carolina to obstruct the Channels. Barnum filed a claim in the Confederate Treasury Department for pay for the above vessels. House of Representatives US Feby/21/88. Received of Clerk, House of Reps. sundry papers in above named case. /ss/ J. Randolph, sec.

Charles and Alice Barnum had three known children. Mary Amelia Barnum, born in 1846, married Major Russell; their daughter Lina Russell (1870-1967) married Swansboro builder Robert Lee Smith.

Edward Hargett Barnum, the second child of Charles and Alice Barnum, was born in 1849. In 1887 Edward married Ida Dolly Harget Fulford, widow of Francis Joseph Fulford. In the 1900 census Edward and Ida Dolly were living in New Bern with stepson Joseph C. Fulford 19, stepdaughter Julia May Fulford 16, Charles Harget Barnum 10, and 8-year-old Robert Barnum.

In the 1850 Swansboro census, in the household were: Charles H. 33, merchant; Alice 28; Amelia 3; Edward H. 1; Z.B. Barnum 28, merchant and brother; Daniel A. Hargett 25, clerk; and E.H. Remick 32, teacher.

The third child of Edward and Ida Barnum, Charles Hickok Barnum Jr., was born in 1855.

In the 1860 Swansboro census, in the household were: C.H. 43, merchant; Alice 37, seamstress; Amelia 13; Edward 10; Charles 5; William H. Hawkins 16, domestic; Arabella Sanders 12. The value of Barnum’s real estate was noted as $15,000, with a personal estate of $30,000. At that time, Charles H. Barnum owned twelve slaves.

Both Edward and Ida Barnum were buried in the Ward-Jones Cemetery in Swansboro.

Charles Hickok Barnum and Alice Hargett Barnum were buried in the Ambrose-Hargett Cemetery on Hammock Beach Road in Onslow County. Others interred there include Daniel Ambrose (1781-1850), Daniel Ambrose Hargett (1825-1872) and Rosamond Ambrose Hargett (1795-1859).


1860 SWANSBORO CENSUS

PHINEAS TAYLOR "P.T." BARNUM

Swansboro Historical Association Map

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See Swansboro Historical Association's Walking Tour for descriptions of numbered sites.

DAVID WARD SANDERS and Family

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This ink-wash drawing of Sander's Plantation at Hatchell's Point was done during the Civil War by H.E. Valentine - July 13, 1863. Valentine noted the site was on route to Swansboro, NC.
Image courtesy Virginia Tech Imagebase - H.E. Valentine Sketchbook
____________________________________________________

PALO ALTO PLANTATION

In her 1959 paper on the early history of Onslow County published in The Commonwealth of Onslow by Joseph P. Brown, Lucy Green wrote, “At the outbreak of the Civil War one of the show-places of the area was Palo Alto Plantation*, owned by David W. Sanders, and the entire plantation was given over to the raising of cotton. During a raid by Federal troops the place was overrun by soldiers, the house and barns plundered and the slaves driven off. Today the house stands as a memorial to the cotton era in this area.” Is this house H.E. Valentine sketched during the Civil War and was perhaps remodeled after the war? If not, it is on the same land owned by D.W. Sanders.

Map Showing Site of Palo Alto Plantation - Sander's 1840-1860 Farm and Distillery

David Ward Sanders' Lineage:

Isaac Sanders 1777-1821 Sanders Family Cemetery

John Sanders 1645-1712 born in Wasmond, Virginia married Sarah Davis.

Francis Sanders 1676-1744 born Isle of Wight, Virginia married Mary ____.

John Sanders 1690-1751 born in Onslow County married Mary Neal.

John Sanders 1725-1796 born in Chowan County married Rebecca Shepherd.

Isaac Newton Sanders 1777-1821 born in Onslow County married Ruth Ward.

David Ward Sanders 1800-1860 born in Onslow County married Alice Mitchell.

Children of Isaac Newton Sanders and Ruth Ward: David Ward Sanders 1800-1860, Daniel S. Sanders 1800-1854, Benjamin W. Sanders 1807-1880, John A. Sanders 1809-1880, Edward Ward Sanders 1811-1854, Nancy Sanders 1813-1846 and Isaac Newton Sanders 1817-1866. (Jones Family Tree on Ancestry.com)

In his 1821 Will, Isaac Sanders "loaned to his wife land he had purchased from John Sanders including house and salt works; after her death to Isaac. To son David, three hundred acres lying on the southwest prong of the New River. To Daniel and Benjamin lands bought from John Sanders including house, salt works and one hundred acres of land adjoining the wood place together with my Inland lands near Bear Inlet. To John A., Edward all my land not otherwise disposed of including my piney lands.”

His marker in the Sanders Family Cemetery in Hubert reads: "In Memory of ISSAC SANDERS who was born the 19th day of May 1777, and died the 8th day of Sep. 1821, & was the Father of 11 Children." This cemetery is on private property off Bear Creek Road.

DAVID WARD SANDERS
August 20, 1800 – August 26, 1860

David’s wife Alice Mitchell was the daughter of George Warren Mitchell 1770-1830 and Phoebe Ogden Starkey 1790-1857 of Onslow County.

Children of David W. and Alice Mitchell Sanders: Caroline Elizabeth Sanders 1825-1845 (mother of Governor Daniel Russell), Isaac B. Sanders 1829-1851, twin of George Edward Sanders 1829-1836, J.B. Sanders born 1829 and Benjamin Sanders born 1831.

1820 Census, Onslow County, North Carolina:: 4 Persons in Household

1830 Census: 31 Persons in Household including 23 Slaves

1840 Census: 87 Persons – 82 Slaves – 57 Engaged in Agriculture

Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1

Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1

Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1

Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1

Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: 1

1850 Census, White Oak, Onslow County, North Carolina:

Farmer D.W. Sanders, 49, Alice 44, Phoebe O. Mitchell 70, J.B. Sanders 21 “sawyer,” Oden Taylor 20 overseer. Value of real estate owned was $28,000.

1850 Slave Schedule, White Oak Township: D.W. Sanders - 134 slaves including children of slaves. The 1860 Slave Schedule noted D.W. Sanders with 188 slaves and 32 slave houses.

1850 Manufacturing Schedule – Turpentine Distillery: $4000 Capital invested; Raw Materials – Quantity 30,000, Value $37,500; Steam Power; 6 hands employed; Wages $72 per month; Annual – Quantities 25,000, Rosin and Turpentine, Value $35,800.

1860 Census, White Oak, Onslow County, North Carolina – Post Office Palo Alto:

Farmer David W. 64, Alice 54 and M.W. Draughn 26 overseer.

Part of D.W. Sanders 1859 Will

In his 1859 will, David Ward Sanders left a great deal of money, for that time, to his wife and children along with “my plantation & Negroes to be kept together under the direction and control of Danl. L. Russell, one of my Exr. for two years at least, after that he to act with them at his pleasure either to farm or rent out the lands and hire out the Negroes.”

The following were buried in Hickory Hill (D.W. Sanders Cemetery) located adjacent to 3210 Belgrade-Swansboro Road, Maysville, Onslow County, NC:

D.W.Sanders 1800-1860

Alice Mitchell Sanders and David W. Sanders
1) Isaac B. Sanders son of David W. and Alice Sanders, age 22 yrs 5 mos 6 days 2) George E. 1836 twin brother of Isaac B. Sanders age 6yrs 11 mos 5 days 3) Carolina E. 1842 wife of Daniel L. Russell and daughter of David W. and Alice Sanders, age 20 yrs 3 mos 9 days
1) Daniel Lindsay Russell* 1845-1908 son of Daniel Lindsay Russell and Elizabeth Caroline Sanders—Statesman – Jurist – Soldier. Gov of NC 1897-1901. CAPT CO. G 2NC ARTILLERY CSA 2) Sarah Amanda Sanders Russell, 1844- 1913 daughter of I.N. and S.C. Burns Sanders, wife of D. L. Russell - Inspirer of educators, temperance advocate, woman suffrage pioneer

Caroline E. Sanders Russell 1825-1845

Many of the above details were found on the Jones Family Tree at Ancestry.com.

Governor of North Carolina 1897-1901

*Daniel Lindsay Russell, Jr. (1845-1908) was elected to office by the uneasy Fusion alliance of Republicans and Populists in the bitter and racially charged election of 1896. The "Maverick Republican" was born in Brunswick County. At age six, he went to live at the Onslow County home of his grandfather. Russell studied at the Bingham School and the University of North Carolina; the Civil War cut short his education.

Daniel L. Russell 1845-1908 - Sanders-Hickory Hill Cemetery

Russell was nineteen when he was elected in 1864 to the state House. He won election as a Superior Court judge, remaining in that position for six years. In 1878 he ran for the U.S. House and served a single term. Out of political office, he castigated the Democrats for their use of the racial issue, charging that blacks had been innocent victims of white barbarity.

By the early 1890s agrarian unrest and economic depression split the Democratic Party. An alliance with Populists resulted in victories in 1896 that removed control of the legislature from the Democrats and placed Republican Russell in the governor's office. During Russell's administration, the Railroad Commission gave way to a Corporate Commission and a new law provided for popular election of the Commissioner of Agriculture. Some of the greatest gains came in education.

One of Russell's disappointments was his inability to recover the North Carolina Railroad from its lease to the Southern Railway. In the last two years of his term, the Democratic Party resurrected the racial issue and staged the "Red Shirt" campaign, capturing the legislature and many state offices. The Democrats virtually negated any gubernatorial powers, witness Russell's ineffectiveness in using state troops to quell the 1898 Wilmington race riot. Further insult followed when Russell was forced to accept the "grandfather clause" effectively prohibiting blacks from voting.

After leaving office, Russell returned to Brunswick County to try to recoup financial losses due to agricultural failures. At his death in May 1908, his estate cleared only $1,000. Russell is buried in a family plot at Belgrade in Onslow County. Source

PALO ALTO PLANTATION

Side Porch - PALO ALTO

MORE HISTORY NOTES:

In 1874 (Bk. HH, p. 49), James and William Hatsel bought from D. W. Sanders land known as Hatchell’s Point lying at mouth of Hadnot’s creek. This land included the mill site and the Dudley Cemetery.
PALO ALTO PLANTATION was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The house at 1706 Belgrade Swansboro Road, Maysville, is noted as having Federal and Greek Revival elements. Periods of historic significance 1825-1849 and 1850-1874.

DANIEL AMBROSE HARGET

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D.A. Hargett courtesy Swansboro, A Pictorial Tribute

Daniel Ambrose Harget was born in 1825 to Daniel Harget 1790-1849 and Rosamond Ambrose 1795-1859. Daniel’s great grandfather Johan Henich Harget was born in 1728 Harmstadt, Hessen, Germany. According to family trees, the name was originally spelled Horgadt. Daniel’s mother Rosamond was the daughter of Daniel and Sarah Ambrose of Onslow County, North Carolina.

Daniel married Julia Ann Gibson on February 24, 1853. Julia Ann was the daughter of William Gibson 1805-1860 and Susannah Simmons 1814-1890; William Gibson’s family was from Onslow County. Susannah Simmons was born in Onslow County to Obedira Isler Simmons and Julia McDaniel, who had been in Onslow County for many generations.

Children of Daniel and Julia Ann Harget: William Davis 1853-1932 married Mamie Meadows, Edgar B. 1856-1928 married Noma Mattocks (daughter of James Allen Mattocks and Sarah Hatchell), Ida Dolly 1859-1916 first married Francis Joseph Fulford* in 1875 and secondly Edward H. Barnum (born 1855) in 1887, Walter Lee 1862-1865, Daniel born about 1865 and Etta Dollner 1869-1914 married Julian Adolphus Mattocks son of James Allen Mattocks and Sarah Hatchell.

F.J.Fulford, husband of Ida

*Francis Joseph Fulford 1850-1880 married Ida Hargett of Silverdale, NC, and they had two children - Joseph Clarence and Julia Maye. He was an apothecary in New Bern, NC.” Contributed by Florence Fulford Moore.

1850 census: clerk Daniel A. Harget 25, in household of merchant Charles H. Barnum. Others in the household were Alcy Barnum 28, Amelia Barnum 3, Edward H. Barnum 1, merchant Z.B. Barnum 28 and teacher E.H. Remick 32.

1860 Slave Schedule

1860 census: D.A. Harget 35 farmer, wife Julia 25 seamstress, William D. 6, Edgar 4 and one-year-old Ida Hargett. Value of real estate noted as $17,100 and personal property estate valued at $33,100.

1870 census: Daniel 42 wholesale and retail grocer, Julia 31, William 16, Edgar 13, Ida 11, Daniel 3, Etta 6mo., Edward Barnum 21 clerk in store, Sophia Marshall 50 domestic servant, and Hiram Graham 21 still yard laborer.

1870 Products of Industry, Swansboro: Daniel Harget – Turpentine Distilling. Capital invested $3600. Two stills with eight laborers. Total wages for year $1500. Materials and production including kinds, quantities and values, see image.

As noted in Old Brick Store 1839, in 1847 William P. Ferrand died and the store was deeded to Cyrus Glover and Daniel Ambrose Harget. An 1875 deed shows that Ida D. Harget inherited the property from the estate of her father, Daniel Ambrose Harget.

According to Mrs. Daisy Moore, as quoted in Commonwealth of Onslow 1960, the old brick store “served as the post office during the early 1900s. Daniel A. Harget, brother of Ida Harget, operated a drugstore beginning about 1912.”

Daniel Harget once owned Ringware House.

CYRUS B. GLOVER - Navel Stores Merchant, Postmaster and Maker of Salt

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HAWKINS-GLOVER HOUSE

Bazel Hawkins probably built what is known as the Hawkins-Glover House at 224 Elm Street; merchant and turpentine trader Cyrus Glover acquired and probably renovated it in the 1840s. The house originally stood on the waterfront to the west of town and was moved to its present location around 1900.

Cyrus B. Glover 1821-1867, born in Connecticut, came to Swansboro before 1847.* He married Catherine Jane Hawkins 1833-1868 on December 19, 1849 in Onslow County. Catharine was the daughter Bazel Hawkins.

OLD BRICK STORE

*In 1847 William Ferrand died and the “old brick store” was deeded to Cyrus Glover and Daniel Ambrose Harget.

The 1850 Swansboro Census recorded mother-in-law Catherine Hawkins 55, merchant C.B. Glover 29 (value of real estate $7900), wife Catherine Jane Glover 17 and boarders Caroline Fuller 25, Julia Ann Fuller 24, Isaac Eaves 40 physician, Elijah Taylor 36 distiller, Sylvester Shearman 26 merchant.

By the 1860 Swansboro Census, in the household were C.B. Glover 39, Catherine J. 27, Charles B. 8, William H. 3, Caroline Fuller 39 domestic and Julia Fuller 30 domestic.

Children of Cyrus and Catherine Glover: Charles Bazel 1851-1933, William H. 1857-1860, Theodore S. 1861-1927 and William B. Glover 1868-1908. Charles and William made their way to Houston, Texas. Theodore returned to Connecticut.

By the second quarter of the nineteenth century New Englanders Charles H. Barnum and Cyrus Glover had joined others in Swansboro to produce and market resin and turpentine. Barnum and Glover also operated saltworks and were postmasters.

In Selected US Federal Census Non-population Schedules 1850-1888 – Manufacturing – Enumerated June 1, 1850 C.B. Glover – Onslow County.

Capital invested in real and personal estate in the business: $10,000.

Raw Materials: Quantity 15,000, Turpentine, Values $21,500.

Average number of people employed: 9 at wages of $81 month.

Annual product: Quantity 25,000 resin, 2000 turpentine; Values $25,000.

1850 Manufacturing in Onslow County, North Carolina

1850 Slaves - C.B. Glover

1860 Slaves - C.B. Glover

1850 and 1860 Slave Schedules – Swansboro, Onslow County, North Carolina - entries for C.B. Glover

1866 Pardon

Confederate Application for Presidential Pardons, 1865-1867 – Year 1866: Included fact that he was a Rebel postmaster.

The Swansboro Historical Association’s tour guide noted: Hawkins-Glover Cemetery circa 1771—Two grave markers, one with especially elaborate carvings with perhaps New England influences, are visible from [NW] Elm Street. In 1975 town workers discovered the grave of Cyrus Glover during road repair. The exhumed iron coffin is currently stored in the Onslow County Museum.

WILLIAM LAWRENCE KIRKMAN HOUSE circa 1920

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 212 Elm Street – Aluminum-sided house with shed-roofed front porch, dormer with clipped gable. NR

William Lawrence Kirkman 1882-1959 was the son of Calvin Kirkman 1849-1917 and Eveline Merrell. His siblings were: John Edward 1870-1948, George Calvin born 1873, Annie born 1874, Elizabeth born 1876 and Herman B. Kirkman 1879-1920.

William Lawrence Kirkman married Sadie Lee Dennis 1885-1965 about 1905. Like his older brother John Edward Kirkman, he was a surfman at the Bogue Inlet Lifesaving Station.

Children: Louise Kirkman 1906-1983, Margaret Paul Kirkman 1908-1920 and Doris Frances Kirkman 1911-1999. Louise married Andrew Mason, who worked at the Coast Guard Station.

In the 1900 Swansboro Census, Swansboro Village, Willie L. 17 was at home with his parents sailor Calvin and Eveline Kirkman and brother George C. 23 sailor. They were next door to Thomas Merritt and John Kirkman.

By the 1910 census Lawrence and Sadie had been married five years and were in their own home in Swansboro with two daughters, Louise 4 and one-year-old Margaret. Lawrence was noted as a fisherman.

The 1920 Swansboro Village census located Kirkman, his wife and three daughters on Walnut Street, between Abram Bell and Cicero Davis, perhaps before he moved to the Church Street home. On this census Kirkman’s occupation was noted as “Coast Guard Station”—as a member of the Bogue Inlet Lifesavers.

Bogue Inlet Lifesaving Service

MILSTEAD HOUSE 1930

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 408 Church Street – Gable-fronted bungalow with hip-roofed front porch. NR

Edgar L. Milstead and Ruby Ward

Carl Milstead

Carl Stephen Milstead 1934-2010 was born in Onslow County, the son of Edgar Leneve Milstead 1907-2005 and Ruby Ward 1914-2005. He married Mary Ann McKeon. "Carl Milstead was one of the most accomplished lawyers and finest gentlemen I have ever
known. It was always a pleasure to have him in my court and to work with him. He will be
greatly missed." -Giles Clark

PETER BRYANT SMITH HOUSE circa 1916

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 115 Main Street – Hip-roofed four-square plan house with one-story front porch, aluminum siding. This was the second Onslow County house of Smith, who was associated with sawmills at Swansboro and Silverdale. NR

Peter Bryant Smith 1872-1949 was the son of George Washington Smith and Missouri Ann Haskins. G.W. Smith, possibly the son of George S. Smith 1806-1880, married Missouri Ann Haskins 1853-1926 in 1868. Missouri was the daughter of Timothy Haskins and Theresa Hewitt of Onslow County.

Children of George and Missouri: Georgia 1870-1961 married James Thomas Bartley; Edgar W. 1871-1934; Edward W., born 1871; Peter Bryant, born 1872; Etta E. 1878-1881; and Ramon B., born 1880.

G.W. Smith was born in 1850 and died before 1910. Missouri Haskin Smith’s 1926 death certificate recorded the fact that she was widowed, a resident of Swansboro and buried in Silverdale, North Carolina.

In the 1880 White Oak Township Census, recorded in the George W. Smith household were George W. 30 retail grocer, Missouri 28, Georgiana 12, Edgar 10, Peter Bryant 7 and one-year-old Etta Smith. Twenty years later, the 1900 Swansboro Census recorded George W. Smith 50, Missouri 47, Edward W. 28 and Ramon B. 19—foreman at fish company.

WWII REGISTRATION CARD

The 1910 Swansboro Township Census recorded the fact that farmer Peter Bryant Smith owned his home on Swansboro Road. In the household were Peter B. 37, Annie M. 34 and Missouri 58. The census noted Missouri as having given birth to six children, four of whom were living.

By 1920, Pete is noted as owning his home. His mother Missouri 67 was still in the household as well as wife Annie M. Smith.

Peter Bryant Smith - Death Certificate

By 1930 in Swansboro Village, Peter and Annie Smith owned their own home, valued at $2000. At that time, Peter was noted as a superintendent of a farm.

Peter Bryant Smith’s 1949 death certificate noted his address as Swansboro, occupation fisherman with a surviving spouse. He was buried in Jacksonville, North Carolina cemetery.

ANDREW MASON HOUSE circa 1910

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 204 Elm Street – Three-bay I-house with one-story front porch and ell. NR

Designated as the Andrew Mason home on the National Register nomination, the house is now plaqued as the Methodist Parsonage.

The ancestry of the Mason family of Carteret County can be traced back to two brothers, William and Thomas Mason, who left England for the new world. They came ashore in Norfolk, Virginia on Good Ship Assurance in January 1652. Their descendants eventually moved to an area between the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, now Hyde County, North Carolina.

Born in Hyde County in 1745, Joshua Mason relocated to Hunting Quarters, now the town of Atlantic. He was the only Mason listed on the 1790 Carteret County census.

Joshua Mason 1745-1811, the father of 1802 Caleb Mason and grandfather of James Hill Mason 1822-1908, was Andrew Jackson Mason's 3rd great grandfather.

Alvin and Amelia Newton Mason

Alvin and FDR circa 1918

In 1927 Andrew Jackson Mason 1902-1982 married Louise Kirkman 1906-1983, daughter of William Lawrence Kirkman 1882-1959 and Sadie Lee Dennis 1885-1965.

Andrew was the son of Alvin Thomas Mason Sr. 1879-1933 and Amelia Jane Newton 1883-1967 of Hunting Quarter, Carteret County, North Carolina. Alvin was the keeper of the Pilantary Hunting Club, near Portsmouth Island, who assisted then Secretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt. This photograph appeared in a 1949 issue of Life Magazine--part of a collection of photographs from the life of F.D.R.

George Delaware Mason

Sarah Nelson Mason

Andrew’s Mason grandparents were George Delaware Mason 1850-1927 and Sarah A. Nelson 1856-1900, also of Hunting Quarter, Carteret County, North Carolina.

Jim Hill Mason

His great grandparents were James “Jim” Hill Mason 1822-1908 and Belinda Salter 1833-1908. Jim Hill Mason was born in North Nelson Bay, Carteret County, to 1802 Caleb Mason and 1804 Louisa Lewis.

Jesse Jarvis Newton

Andrew’s Newton grandparents were Portsmouth-born Jessie Jarvis Newton 1851-1936 and Writa Ann Robertson 1851-1929. Jesse was a member of the crew at the Portsmouth Island Lifesaving Station circa 1910.

Andrew’s Newton great grandparents were James S. Newton 1827-1905 and Jadia Simpson of Portsmouth and South River.

James S. Newton

At the time of the 1910 and 1920 censuses, Andrew, his parents and siblings were in Hunting Quarter.

Andrew Mason 1902-1982

The 1930 Swansboro census recorded Andrew Mason 29; his occupation was noted as, “Coast Guard – U.S. Service.” In the rented house on Elm Street were his wife Louise 24 and 8-month-old daughter Margaret L. Mason.

Andrew Mason died on December 8, 1982 at N.C. Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Family images are from the Mason Family Tree on Ancestry.com posted by Novem M. Mason.

EMMERTON SCHOOL 1910/1928

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Emmerton School circa 1912 - Image Courtesy Jack Dudley - Swansboro, A Pictorial Tribute

Salem Cottage & Emmerton circa 1908-1910

NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 502 Church Street – Brick building in the form of a “U” with decorative brickwork, belfry, auditorium and added front porches. Emmerton School replaced an earlier frame schoolhouse. The building served as the Methodist Church in the 1930s and the auditorium served as the town’s first cinema. Currently the building serves as the town hall. NR

From the American Unitarian Association: Unitarian Word and Work - 1910:

The Emmerton School at Swansboro opened with a large number in charge of Miss Sara H. Johnson and Mrs. Martha B. Cary. But within two weeks Mrs. Cary found her health unequal to the work, and most unfortunately, Miss Johnson was taken ill with malarial fever, so the school had to be closed for a time. Miss Johnson is making rapid recovery, and the school will doubtless reopen after Christmas.

Excerpts from Swansboro, A Pictorial Tribute, by Jack Dudley:

The Unitarian Woman’s Alliance began educational work in Swansboro in 1905 under the leadership of Miss Lucy Fessenden. In addition to graded school, the school offered kindergarten, a 1500 volume library, vocational training in carpentry and mechanics, music, business and home economics. There were plays, celebrations at holidays, and even the planting of a tree on Arbor Day.

There was much social welfare; a school nurse provided much needed services, and families received aid and assistance in many ways. A few students were roomed and boarded by the school, and the needy were given scholarships.

Barrels of clothing, household items and books were shipped from Alliance sources in the North by train to Maysville, and then by vehicle to Swansboro.

The school term in 1925 was seven months, October through April. In 1928, out-of-town students boarded in the Alex Moore house and the Tom Pritchard house on Walnut Street.

Emmerton School circa 1928 - Image Courtesy Jack Dudley - Swansboro, A Pictorial Tribute

Swansboro Town Hall 2010

The newly completed Emmerton School (circa 1928). No one knows the origin of the name Emmerton. In 1930, the church and Salem Cottage were burned by arsonists. In 1931, the brick building was purchased by the Methodists and it was their church until 1968. Also, in 1968, it became the Swansboro City Hall. --Jack Dudley

WEETOCK RIVER SIGN

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This sign was found in a Swansboro home. With the old Swansboro Historical Association logo, perhaps it was created for and used at an event sponsored by SHA.

AMELIA SMITH CANADY HOUSE circa 1935

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 114 Water Street – Aluminum-sided cottage with front porch. This is one of the last houses built by local carpenter [father] Robert Lee Smith. NR

Amelia Smith Canady was born in Swansboro on October 22, 1900. She died in a nursing home in Jacksonville on January 5, 2001—just over 100 years old! (Amelia’s sister Daisy Lee Smith Moore 1897-1995 lived to be 98 years old.)

Amelia B. Smith was the daughter of Robert Lee Smith and Lina H. Russell. In 1917, before her sixteenth birthday, Amelia married 21-year-old Everett Canady. Everett’s June 1918 WWI draft registration noted Everett with wife and child; he was “dredge boating” for Norfolk Dredging Company in Norfolk, Virginia.

In the 1920 census, Everett Canady 23 was a “laborer – sawmill, ” with wife Amelia 19, Edward 2 ¼ and 6-month-old Alton. By 1930, Everett was a laborer on a dredge boat; the couple had added another child—one-year-old Rosemary.

Children: Edward Fair Canady 1917-2004, James Alton Canady 1919-2004 and Rosemary Canady 1929-.

Everett Edward Canady 1896-1967, son of John Henry Canady and Mary Jane Riggs, died in Onslow Memorial Hospital on January 5, 1967; cause of death “probable myocardial infarction.” Amelia S. Canady was the informant, stating their address as 32 Water Street [old street number]. His occupation was noted as a “painter-civil service.” Everett and Amelia Canady were buried in Piney Grove Cemetery in Swansboro.

Early Bloodgood Family – Carteret and Onslow Counties

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The earliest North Carolina Bloodgoods may have found their way to Swansboro from Shackleford Banks or the Core Banks area of Carteret County.

1800 Carteret County Census

ISAAC BLOODGOOD, perhaps the father of 1798 John Bloodgood, was included in the 1790 and 1800 Carteret County censuses.

Land Deed: August Court Carteret County 1793. Deed of sale from John Fulford to Isaac Bloodgood for one hundred acres of land on Core Banks between the Middle Camps and William Thomson west most line acknowledged by said John Fulford and ordered to be registered.

Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants: Isaac Bloodgood. N.C. Private. 2 Feb. 1786. 274 acres.

1850 Swansboro, Onslow County Census

Jane Bloodgood 1800-1875

JOHN BLOODGOOD 1798-1860. John married Jane Lamb 1815-1870 in Carteret County on November 9, 1829. (Documented NC marriage collection) and/or Jane Lovett 1800-1875 born in Charleston, SC.

John Bloodgood children: James 1830-1880, Clarissa 1832-, Mary 1836-, Nancy 1839-, Joseph 1840-1907, Euphemia Fannie 1846-1915, Charity 1847-, Edward 1850-.

New Orleans Passenger List 1820-1945: John Bloodgood, age 40, steamship Natoka that arrived from Havana, Cuba on April 19, 1841.

1850 Census Swansboro: John 52 sailor, Jane 35, James 19 sailor, Clarissa 18, Mary 13, Nancy 11, Joseph 8, Euphema 5 and 3-year-old Charity.

In 1853 Mary Bloodgood married 1830 Tyre Moore, son of 1807 Samuel J. Moore of Shackleford Banks, Carteret County.

JOSEPH BLOODGOOD: 1840-1907

Joseph P. Bloodgood 1840-1907

Mary Bloodgood 1849-1912

1860 Beaufort Census: Joseph 19, Euphema 16 and Edward Bloodgood 10 (father, John Bloodgood, was then deceased) were living in Beaufort, Carteret County with Bowen and Jane Horton.

1865 Marriage: Joseph Bloodgood and Mary E. Bell 1849-1912 were married in Carteret County on June 5, 1865. Mary was the daughter of 1795-1860 Samuel Bell and Sabra Piner of Carteret County.

1870 Swansboro Census (August): mariner Joseph Bloodgood 28, wife Mary with 3-month-old twins Lucy and Isaac.

1880 Swansboro Census: Sailor (Capt.) Joseph Bloodgood 40, wife Mary E. 33, Lucy 11, William Charles 7, Albert 4, and 2-year-old Kanelium A.

1900 Swansboro Census: “Piloting” Joseph Bloodgood 60, wife Mary E. 52, Charles 27, Kanelium 22 and 20-year-old wife Elma.

Joseph Bloodgood children: Isaac 1870-, Lucy 1870-1949, William Charles 1872-1948, Albert Burgess 1896-1955, Kanelium 1878-1938 and Elma 1880-.

Capt. Bloodgood and his schooner Packet were mentioned in the text of Joshua Slocum's 1890 book Voyage of the Liberdade:

It was our good fortune to fall in with an old and able pilot at Corn-cake Inlet, one Capt. Bloodgood, who led the way through the channel in his schooner, the "Packet," a Carolina pitch and cotton droger of forty tons register, which was manned solely by the captain and his two sons, one twelve and the other ten years old. It was in the crew that I became most interested, and not the schooner. Bloodgood gave the order when the tide served for us to put to sea. “Come, children," said he, "let's try it." Then we all tried it together, the Packet leading the way. The shaky west wind that filled our sails as we skimmed along the beach with the breakers close aboard, carried us but a few leagues when it flew suddenly round to nor' east and began to pipe.

The gale increasing rapidly inclined me to bear up for New River Inlet, then close under our lee; with a treacherous bar lying in front, which to cross safely, would require great care.

But the gale was threatening, and the harbor inside, we could see, was smooth, then, too, cried my people: “Any port in a storm." I decided prompt; put the helm up and squared away. Flying thence, before it, the tempest-tossed canoe came sweeping in from sea over the rollers in a delightfully thrilling way. One breaker only coming over us, and even that did no harm more than to give us all the climax soaking of the voyage. This was the last sea that broke over the canoe on the memorable voyage.

The harbor inside the bar of New River was good. Adding much to our comfort too, was fish and game in abundance.

The “Packet," which had parted from us, made her destined port some three leagues farther on. The last we saw of the children, they were at the main sheets hauling aft, and their father was at the helm, and all were flying through the mist like fearless sailors.

DAVID JAMES MOORE HOUSE circa 1887

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 105 Church Street – Simple rectangular three-bay house with decorative barge boards, reworked interior. Moore was a merchant. NR

David James Moore 1856-1931, was born in Morehead City, North Carolina, son of mariner Nicolas Moore 1828-1903 and Rosa Hatsell 1826-1882. David James Moore married Henrietta R____.

1860 Census: David James Moore 3, was at home in Swansboro with his mother, father and siblings.

1870 Census: David James Moore 14 at home with parents and siblings Virginia 17, Rosa 5, Hiram 12 and boarder Samuel Wiley, a ship carpenter.

David J. Moore - Death Certificate

1880 Census: David 23, clerk in store, with parents and Rosa 15, Hiram 20, Virginia Davis 27, son-in-law Cicero W. Davis 30, and grandsons Willie J. Davis 2 and 5-month-old Benjamin P. Davis.

1900 Census: Merchant David J. Moore and Henrietta had been married 18 years—alone in the house.

1920 Census: David J. Moore was a merchant on Arendell Street in Morehead City, North Carolina.

1930 Census: 74-year-old David was manager of a grocery store in Swansboro with wife Henrietta and roomer Frazelle Claude 31, grocery store salesman.

CALVIN W. BUCKMASTER HOUSE circa 1890s

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 204 Church Street – Three-bay two-room plan house with shed-roofed front porch, ell with side porch. Buckmaster was a painter. NR

Calvin Buckmaster - Death Certificate

Calvin W. Buckmaster 1859-1916 was born in Freedom, Lafayette County, Missouri, son of James Buckmaster and Sarah Boone. Calvin married Lucy Bloodgood (1868-1949) in June 1882. Lucy was the daughter of Joseph Bloodgood 1840-1907 and Mary E. Bell.

In the 1900 Swansboro census, in the household was painter Calvin 42, Lucy 30 and 3-year-old Joseph S. Buckmaster.

The 1910 Swansboro census noted 52-year-old Calvin as a saw mill worker; in the household were Lucy A. 40, Joseph S. 14 and 8-year-old Charles Buckmaster.

By 1920, in the household were widow Lucy Buckmaster, sons Joe 24, fireman on a tugboat, and 18-year-old Charlie Buckmaster, who was working at the Coast Guard Station on Bogue Inlet. Charlie married Beatrice Holland about 23. In their household in 1930 were Charles 28, Beatrice "Betty" 26, Mary 7, Charles 5 and 3-year-old Joseph T. Buckmaster.

LEON ANDREW SEWELL HOUSE circa 1904

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 206 Moore Street – Three-bay presumably originally two-room plan house with two-story rear wing, front gable, modern front porch and alterations. NR (House images to follow)

Leon Andrew Sewell 1881-1955, was the son of Elijah Andrew Sewell 1856-1930 (son of 1834 Henry Sewell) and Emma R. Webb 1865-1925. Elijah and Emma married in 1879. Emma was the daughter of Thomas B. Webb and Elizabeth Hart Moore.

HENRY SEWELL born in 1834: 1870 Census - Stump Sound, Onslow County, North Carolina – Henry Sewell 35 (Elijah’s father), Nancy 34, Elijah 13, Amelia 11, John 11.

ELIJAH SEWELL 1856-1930: 1880 Census - Swansboro – Elizabeth Webb 42, Willie Webb 20, Charlie Webb 7, Elijah Sewell 22, Emma Sewell 16.

Infants Bessie M. and Myrtle F. Sewell

1900 Census: Elijah A. Sewell 42 (captain of schooner), Emma R. 35, with children Leon Andrew Sewell 20 day laborer, George Floyd 15 deck hand, Oscar Thomas 14 deck hand, Minnie L. 11, Lizzie M. 8, Charles R. 6, John Henry 3 and William P. Sewell 8 months.

Two other children were born between censuses—Bessie M. Sewell 1904-1906 and Myrtle F. Sewell 1906-1907.

Leon Perry Sewell 1915-1989

LEON SEWELL: About 1900, Leon married Etta Monfort, born in 1883. Their children – Guion Linwood born in 1901, Donald L. born in 1909 and Leon Perry Sewell 1915-1989

1910 Census - Leon A. 29 was working on freight boat. In the household were Etta M. 27, Guion L. 5, Donald L. 1, dressmaker Mother-in-law Rosa A. Monfort 45 and William E. Montfort 10 - noted as "cousin-in-law."

WWI Registration Certificate

Leon Andrew Sewell - Death Certificate

1920 Census - Kinston, NC – Leon Sewell 38 (saw filer in lumber mill) with children Guion 15, Donald 11, Edna E. 7 and Leon 4.

ISAIAH WILLIS HOUSE circa 1915

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 220 Water Street – Gable-fronted side-hall plan house with millwork in gable, one-story front porch and aluminum siding. NR (House images to follow)

Boat builder Isaiah Willis 1886-1950 was the son of boat builder Martin Van Buren Willis, born in 1862 and Hattie B. Williams born in 1869—who were married in 1882. In 1909 Isaiah married Rebecca Penelope White of Halifax County, North Carolina.

World War I Registration Card

1900 Census: Van B. Willis 39, Hattie 31, Isaiah 13 and 9-year-old William H. Willis.

Death Certificate

1920 Census: Van B. Willis 58, wife Hettie 51, son Isaiah 33, daughter-in-law Rebecca 30, niece Hattie R. 8 Willis, sister Sabra D. Willis 63, mother-in-law Mary E. Williams 83 and nephew Jim Canady 17.

1930 Census: Isaiah 43, Rebecca 40, daughter Hattie 19 and daughter Ava V. 8—two doors down from Sabra Willis 73 and 63-year-old sister-in-law Hattie.

JAMES ELDRIDGE PARKIN HOUSE circa 1873

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historical Places: 218 Water Street – Three-bay center-hall plan I-house, with decorative one-story front porch, two-story ell, front gable, elaborate interior tongue-and-groove sheathing, mantel and stair detail. Parkin was a steamship pilot, and after 1900 a Swansboro merchant. NR (House images to follow)

Sarah Jane Whitehurst

Thomas Parkin 1833-1906

Thomas Edmund Parkin 1833-1906 arrived in Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina in 1856 from Hull, Yorkshire, England. The next year blacksmith Parkin married Sarah Jane Whitehurst 1842-1917, daughter of Elijah Whitehurst and Lydia Piver of Beaufort. Their children: Lydia, Julia, Edmund, James Eldridge, Mary Catherine (died at birth), Herbert Vernon, Harry Mommoth, Cecil Warren and George Wilbur Parkin.

James Eldridge Parkin 1867-1952 married Maryland Virginia Hill 1873-1945 daughter of Edward Moore Hill and Armecia Willis of New River, Onslow County on December 24, 1890. Their children: Mary, Nellie, James E., Neta, Bessie and Thomas Parkin. Son James E. Parkin 1901-1931 married Olivia Isabel Rouse

In the 1900 census James Eldridge Parkin was noted as a marine engineer. In the 1920 census he was a retail merchant.

Family trees confuse James Eldridge Parkin and James Elijah Parkin, for whom the house is named. James Eldridge Parkin 1867-1952 death certificate, information provided by Neta Parkin Littleton, documented her father’s name. 85-year-old James Eldridge Parkin died from severe burns caused by an accident due to senility where his clothing ignited due to smoking in bed. James Eldridge Parkin was buried in Ward Cemetery, Swansboro.

EDWARD MOORE HILL HOUSE circa 1900

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 214 Water Street – Three-bay double-pile two-room plan house with triple-A roof, ell, reworked front porch, aluminum siding. Hill was a carpenter, boatbuilder, pilot and fisherman. NR (House images to be added)

Edward Wallace Hill (1805-1845) married Charity Moore (1815-1859) in 1832. Children: Edward Moore, Sarah Jane and William Henry.

Edward Moore Hill (1835-1918) married Armecia Gaskins Willis (1846-1929) on December 24, 1862. Armecia Willis was daughter of Kilby F. Willis and Maryland V. Davis of Straits, Carteret County. The Davis roots go back to early 1700s Davis Island. Children of Edward and Armecia: Sarah Ann, William H., Kilby Lewis, Mary Virginia, Edward Wallace, Monte Lue and Laura Clementine.
Edward Wallace Hill (1876-1926) married Olivia Howland (1882-1962) about 1903. Olivia Howland was the daughter of 1842 Benjamin Tucker Howland, son of 1800 Samuel Howland of Beaufort. Children of Edward and Olivia: Ruth A., Vera Edward, Mary E., and twins Dorothy O. and Edward Hill.

1910 Census

During the Civil War, mariner Edward Moore Hill, age 25, enlisted in Company G, North Carolina Co. A 1^st Light Artillery Battery on May 22, 1861. He was mustered out June 13, 1862. In 1870 he and family were in Smyrna, Carteret County. In the 1880 census sailor Edward Moore Hill and family were in Stump Sound, Onslow County. By 1900 the family—sailor Edward, Armecia, house carpenter Edward Wallace 23, boat builder Monte 20 and Laura—was in Swansboro on “2^nd” (Water) Street.

Edward Moore Hill's Death Certificate

By 1910, the census recorded 74-year-old boat carpenter Edward Moore Hill next door to his house-carpenter son Edward Wallace Hill on Water Street—between the Joseph Moore and Van Buren Willis families.

By 1920, son Edward Wallace Hill's family was in New Bern. At 44, Edward Wallace Hill was recorded as a carpenter in a shipyard. Six years later, he died of double pneumonia. At that time he was employed by Norfolk Southern Railroad.

83-year-old fisherman Edward Moore Hill died on September 4, 1918. Cause of death "myocarditis from arteriosclerosis, contributed to by acute malaria." Informant was Monte L. Hill.

Many of the Hill family were buried in Swansboro’s Ward Cemetery.

CAPTAIN ALEXANDER MOORE HOUSE circa 1906

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CLICK IMAGE FOR STORY IN TIDELAND NEWS

NOTICE: After being slatted for demolition, the Swansboro Historical Association is raising funds to purchase the Alex Moore House, make necessary restoration repairs and then resell to someone interested in preserving the historic structure. The association welcomes any other ideas to help save this part of Swansboro history. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution or joining the association, please contact the association. Click image to your left to read story in Tideland News. Scroll down to read more about Alex, his family and their involvement in the first Lifesaving Stations.

NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 218 Walnut Street – Three-bay I-house with wood-shingling in gables, two-story ell, two-tier front and ell side porches. NR

Alexander Moore 1862-1937 was the son of 1830 Tyre Moore and 1833 Mary Bloodgood. Alexander married Geneva Moore (1873-1930) about 1890. Geneva was the daughter of Joseph Francis Moore 1849-1926 (son of 1805 Tyre Moore and 1816 Susan Hatsell) and Martha Ann Bell 1853-1917.

Children of Alexander and Geneva Moore: Josephine 1892-1968, Tyre 1896-1964, William born in 1901, Mattie 1904-1993, Clarence 1905-1955, Harry born in 1908, Mary B. born in 1910, Lillian G. born in 1907 and Ralph 1912-1965.

Core Banks Lifesaving Station

When the Core Banks Lifesaving Station was established in 1896, Alexander Moore was its first keeper. According to John Hairr in Outer Banks, this station stood roughly half way between Ocracoke Inlet and Cape Lookout before it was destroyed by fire. Image Courtesy National Park Service, Cape Lookout National Seashore.

On September 17, 1904, Alexander Moore was appointed the first keeper of the Bogue Inlet Life Saving Station. He served until June 15, 1915.

Bogue Inlet Lifesaving Station

Lifesaving Crew at Bogue Inlet

1870 Census: Straits Township, Carteret County, Beaufort Post Office—fisherman Tyre Moore 41, Mary 37, Samuel 16, Walter 14, Joseph 12, Alexander 8, Willie 4 and John 2.

1880 Census: Straits, Carteret County—huckster Tyre Moore 50, Mary 44, school teacher Samuel 26, sailor Joseph 26, Alexander 18, Willie O. 14, John B. 12, Missouri 9, Walter 3 and servant Henry Jones 60. Tyre Moore became a surfman at Cape Lookout Lifesaving Station.

1910 Census: Alexander Moore was captain at LifeSaving Station at Bogue Inlet. He and Geneva were on Ann Street in Beaufort, Carteret County with children Josephine, Tyre, William O., Mattie, Clarence, and two-year-old Lillian G. Moore. Next door was Alexander’s mother Mary.

1920 Census: Boat carpenter Alex Moore and Geneva were living in Swansboro with children Josie, Willie O., Mattie A., Clarence, Harry, Mary B. and Ralph D. Moore.

1930 Census: Retired Alex Moore and Geneva were in their Walnut Street with children Tyre, a Coast Guard lifesaver; Josie; William, “boater on periauger;” daughter-in-law Daisy; Harry, laborer on dredge boat; Clarence; Mary B., college student and Ralph D. Moore.

JOHN EDWARD KIRKMAN HOUSE circa 1900

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 102 Water Street – Much-altered three-bay house with ell, modern front porch. NR (House images to follow)

John Edward Kirkman Death Certificate

John Edward Kirkman 1870-1948 was born in Maple Cypress, North Carolina, the son of Calvin J. Kirkman 1849-1917 and Eveline Merrell 1851-1910. John Edward Kirkman married Annie Dennis in 1896.

In 1880 census, four-year-old John Edward Kirkman was at home with his family in Township 1, Craven County, North Carolina.

In 1900, sailor John Edward Kirkman was in Swansboro with 22-year-old wife Annie and two-year-old son Edward.

By 1910, 39-year-old John Edward Kirkman was recorded as a surfman at the Lifesaving Station. In the household were wife Annie, 12-year-old John E. Kirkman Jr., seven-year-old Joseph D. Kirkman, father Calvin Kirkman 60, mother Eveline 58 and mother-in-law Lizzie Dennis 57.

In 1920 John Edward Kirkman was working for the Coast Guard Station. His son Joseph was working at a saw mill. They had added son William H. Kirkman, age 2 at the time.

By 1930 the census noted John and Annie with children Travis 17 and eight-year-old Annie B. Kirkman.

John Edward Kirkman died just short of his 78^th birthday. He suffered from arteriosclerotic heart disease. He was buried in Pittman Cemetery, Swansboro.

EDWARD KIRKMAN HOUSE circa 1906

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 217 Walnut Street – Asbestos-sided three-bay house with front porch, ell. This house was built by John Edward Kirkman for his parents Calvin J. Kirkman and Eveline Merrell. NR

Lineage:

1785 James Kirkman
1808-1870 John W. Kirkman, born in Guilford County, NC, married Pamela Gardner, born in Craven County in 1820.
1849-1917 Calvin J. Kirkman, born in Craven County, married Eveline Merrell 1851-1910.

1870-1948 John Edward Kirkman was born in Maple Cypress, North Carolina. He married Annie Dennis in 1896. John Edward was a surfman at the U.S. Lifesaving Station on Bogue Inlet.

Calvin Kirkman moved from Craven County, North Carolina to Swansboro by 1900. In his household at that time were wife Eveline and George Calvin 23 and 17-year-old William Lawrence Kirkman.

By 1910, head of household John Edward, with wife Annie E., son John E. 12, son Joseph D. 7, father Calvin, mother Eveline and mother-in-law Lizzie Dennis.

CHARLES T. RUSSELL HOUSE 1910

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 103 Water Street – Wood-shingle sided gable-fronted side-plan house with one-story front porch, bracketed eaves. Built by carpenter Charles Russell for himself. Russell’s first house stands on Swansboro’s Main Street extension, outside the district. NR (House images to follow)

Charles Taylor “Charlie” Russell 1873-1952, was the son of Major Russell 1837- and Mary Amelia Barnum 1846-. Major Russell was the son of Taylor Russell and Cassandra Dixon of Carteret County, North Carolina. Taylor and Cassandra were married January 19, 1835. Taylor died in July 1844; in the 1850s, Cassandra married Bowen Glancy.

1860 Census: Major Russell was a 23-year-old house carpenter in Swansboro.

1870 Census: House carpenter Major Russell had married Mary Amelia Barnum. In the household one-year-old daughter Alice and 16-year-old Charles Barnum.

1880 Census: Six-year-old Charles T. Russell with farmer Major Russell, Charles' mother Amelia and his siblings Alice W., Lina H. and Edward B. Russell.

1900 Census: 26-year-old house carpenter Charles Russell was at home with parents: Daniel H. 11, Edward B. 24 and 15-year-old Robert M. Russell.

World War II Registration Card - 1918

Sometime between 1905 and 1908, Charles married Amelia Erath, born in Louisiana about 1886, daughter of French father and German mother.

1910 Census: 36-year-old Charles was sawmill foreman in New Madrid, Missouri. In the household were wife Amelia 24 and Charlie’s 21-year-old brother Daniel.

Charles' WWII Registration Card noted him as a ship builder employed by NC Ship Building Co. in Morehead City.

1952 Death Certificate

1920 Census: “Charlie” and Amelia were back in Swansboro. His occupation was noted as “mill foreman – shipyard.”

1930 Census: Charles T. Russell, retired, and Amelia were in the Water Street House; value of real estate was noted as $1000.

Death Certificate noted Charles’ death was due to “carcinoma of esophagus.” He was buried in St. Mildred Cemetery, Swansboro.

BRYAN HATSELL HOUSE circa 1908

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 215 Walnut Street – Three-bay I-house with decorative two-tier porch, double front gables with millwork, one-story ell with side addition, aluminum siding. The ell was built in 1908 before the main house. NR

Bryant Hatsell 1875-1931, son of Bryan Hatchell 1836-1912, was born in Hubert, Onslow County. Bryant married Daisy V. (unknown) about 1905.

1910 Census: Bryant Hatsell 35, a “sawyer at saw mill,” wife Daisy V. 27, Marvin 3, and 10-month-old Thelma P. Hatsell. Next-door neighbors were Morris K. Hatsell 28, Pearl E. 23 and one-year-old Hazel W. Hatsell.

1920 Census: Bryant Hatsell 45, “boatman – towing,” Daisy 37, Marvin 13, Thelma 10, Percy 7, and two-year-old Amy Hatsell.

1930 Census: Bryant Hatsell 55 in Oriental, Pamlico County, North Carolina, “boating – towing,” Daisy 47, Percy W. 18 and 12-year-old Amy G. Hatsell.

Death Certificate: Boat captain Bryant Hatsell died January 8, 1931 in Oriental from “some type of poison-poison and bad whiskey.” Informant, M.G. Hatsell spelled Bryant with a “t.”

Early English Hatchells and Lineage:

Henry Hatchell, Devon, England
William Hatchell 1675-1730, born in County Wexford, Ireland, was first known Colonial American Hatchell.
William Hatchell 1700-1750, born Charles Parish, York County, Virginia, married Ann Chappell; sons William and Henry—Henry was first to settle in Carteret County.
William Hatsell 1715-1770 born Charles Parish, York County, Virginia
William Hatsel 1730-1801 came to White Oak River from Isle of Wight, Virginia.
William Hatchell 1766-1816 married Esther Green 1791-1833 of Carteret County. Children: Morris 1796; Andrew Lee 1803-1841; Archibald Green 1804-1837; Bryan 1816-1855 married Elizabeth Everett; Green B. 1817-1867; Brancy married Bryan Hellen Rumley in 1832; Willis 1809; Nancy married Timothy Meadows.
Morris Hatchell 1796- ?, son of 1766 William, married Sarah Yarborough 1795-1870
Bryan Hatchell 1836-1912, son of 1796 Morris and Nancy G. Hewett 1840-1902
Bryant Hatsell 1875-1931

GEORGE WASHINGTON LITTLETON HOUSE circa 1913

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1913 HOUSE: NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 133/135 Front Street – Gable-fronted house with millwork in gables, one-story front porch, aluminum siding; Littleton worked at the Cedar Point Fishery. NR (House photos to be added later)

George Washington Littleton 1855-1927 was the son of Thomas Sparks Littleton 1819-1895 and Jemima P. Cregg 1813-1877 of Onslow County, North Carolina. George married Nellie Eleanor Smith 1857-1931 about 1874.

In the 1870 census, George W. 14 was noted as a laborer for Swansboro farmer Solomon Gornto.

In the 1880 census, George W. and wife were living with his parents. Also in the household were children Edward F., Mollie and John.

Image courtesy Jack Dudley, Swansboro

By 1900, in the Littleton household (next to James Bartley) were: Mary, John, Harry, Georgie, Thomas, Nellie, Eva and Everett.

Death Certificate

In 1910, only Eva and Everett were still at home with George and Nellie.

The 1920 census recorded seine fisherman George 67, Nellie 64 and Everett 23 at home on Water Street next to James Parkins family.

All children:

Edward Franklin 1874-1967, Mary Amelia born 1876, John W. 1879-1950, Harry Brown born 1882, Georgia born 1885, Thomas S. born 1888, Nellie born 1890, Eva born 1892 and Everett born 1897.

Of their nine children, their son Edward Franklin Littleton was grandfather of Tucker Littleton.

ABRAM BELL HOUSE circa 1901

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 204 Walnut Street – Three-bay two-room plan house, front porch and ell. NR

Abram Bell 1859-1927 was the son of Francis Culbert Bell 1819-c1860 and Mary Elizabeth “Eliza” Meadows 1827-1882.

In the 1860 Swansboro census, two-year-old Abram Bell was with his siblings and his widowed mother Eliza. At that time Eliza was noted as a seamstress, with four small children.

John A. Bell 1850-1929 and Laura Askew

1870 Census: Abram Bell 13, at home in Swansboro with mother Eliza and his siblings: John A. 19, Alexander 16, Narcissa 14 and George 5. At that time Abram and John were farmer laborers.

1880 Census: Abram Bell was a farm hand, boarding with Rachel and John Simmons in Pollocksville, Jones County, North Carolina.

1900 Census: Abram “Abe” Bell, sailor, 40—In the household were Abe’s sister Narcissus 45 and nephew William B. Privett.

1910 Census: Abram Bell 50, with wife Mollie 40 (married in 1904) and two-year-old Abram C. Bell.

1920 Census: Abram Bell 58 laborer at saw mill, Mollie 51 and son Garland A. Bell 12. Abram Bell died April 24, 1927.

1952 Geological Survey

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The original (whole map) image is too large to save/view here.

Source

WILLIAM EDWARD MATTOCKS HOUSE circa 1901-1910

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Early Image - Courtesy Jack Dudley's Swansboro A Pictorial Tribute

Contemporary Image - Future Home (April 1) of Tidewater Gallery

In 1989 the Mattocks House at 107 Front Street was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Built for William Edward Mattocks by master carpenter Robert Lee Smith, the house was described in the nomination as a three-bay, double pile, center-hall plan Colonial Revival board-and-batten house on full a basement with decorative two-tier back porch and gable dormers. Built 1901-1910s. (NR--Pezzoni) Although the Swansboro Historic District is included on the National Register, the Mattocks house is the only house officially listed.

Infant W. E. Mattock

"Willie" Mattocks

William Edward Mattocks was born September 4, 1858 in Swansboro. He was the son of Edward Ward Mattocks 1833-1911 and Mary Elizabeth Gibson.

William Edward "Will" Mattocks married Mary "Mollie" Jane Findeisen, daughter of Charles A. Findeisen (1825-1877) and Margaret Ann Stephens (1830-1865). Findeisen, born in Sachsen, Saxony, met and married his wife in Onslow County.

Mollie's Father Charles Findeisen

In this photograph of two men in uniform labeled "D.J. Ward and W.E. Mattocks, New Bern Grays," it is believed the young man on the left is W.E. "Will" Mattocks. The New Bern Grays were an independent military company formed around 1831. They were among several military groups that came into being prior to the Civil War. It appears that the New Bern Grays functioned into the 1880s. They performed ceremonial duties after the Civil War--on the 4th of July and Memorial Day or when dignitaries came to town. They frequently marched with the Silver Cornet Band. The uniforms in the photo may have actually been band uniforms. (Information from Pete Meyer)

Flora and Mollie

Children of Will and Mollie Mattocks included: Alma Stevens Mattocks 1880-1886, Floyd Glenn Mattocks 1881-1907, Flora Blanche Mattocks 1884-1956 married Mills Kenneth Eure, Cofoloma Vaughn Mattocks 1886-1887, Ida Barnum "Dollie" Mattocks 1888-1969 married ____Sanders and Jesse T. Williams, Susan Gibson Mattocks* born circa 1890 married Joseph E. Bildstein about 1915, Thomas William Mattocks 1891-1940 married Kathleen _____, Zelma Mattocks 1895-1986 "Aunt Pet" married Ray H. Merrell, and Cleara Venters Mattocks 1897-1901. See headstones below; all in Ward-Jones Cemetery, located off of Main Street extension near Hwy 24 (Corbett Avenue) next to the old Swansboro Elementary School.

In 1910, tugboat engineer William E. and Mary J. Mattocks were recorded in Lowndes, South Carolina with son Thomas William Mattocks 18, a saw filer. At that time, 15-year-old daughter Zelma was living with her sister Flora Mattocks Eure in Holy Grove, North Carolina.

The 1920 census recorded W.E. as an "engineer" in the marine trade. By 1930, at home were W.E. and Mary J. Mattocks with daughter Zelma Humphrey 26.

W.E. Mattocks 1951

W.E. Mattocks died January 20, 1954 in Onslow County Hospital, Jacksonville, North Carolina. According to his death certificate, the 96-year-old fell while walking, which resulted in a collapsed lung and fractured hip.(See death certificate below.)

Newspaper Articles and Letter:

--W.E. Mattocks is putting up some of the fallen houses that blew down in the late storm. (Weekly Record, Sept 16, 1887)

--W.E. Mattocks is teaching at Piney Grove (Weekly Record, Feb. 10, 1888)
-- 1963 Letter Describing Time at Mattocks House about 1900

*W.E. and Mary J. Mattocks' daughter Susan Gibson Mattocks evidently went with them while W.E. was working on a tugboat in South Carolina. Sue G. Mattocks was on the 1910 census as a student at the Confederate Home College in Charleston. She may have met future husband Joseph E. Bildstein while in South Carolina. By 1920 they were in Tinicum, PA; Joseph was a blacksmith in a tank factory and they had two children, ages five and three.

"NED" MATTOCKS

Merchant Edward Ward "Ned" Mattocks, father of William Edward Mattocks, was born July 14, 1833 to John Frazar Mattocks (son of John Matticks and Aplis Frazar) and Cassandra Ward 1815-1833, daughter of Josiah Ward 1780-1849 and Cassandra Dudley. Josiah Ward was son of David Ward 1745-1799, who was son of Benjamin Ward 1715-1767.

Ned lost his 17-year-old mother, perhaps at his birth or a few months later, and his father seven years later. He was raised by a step mother, Eliza Foy Mattocks who married Philip Koonce, a doctor. Philip Koonce made sure the children (step and biological) were very well educated. I also have record of Ned inheriting land and slaves from his father, John Mattocks, but probably Koonce was the "overseer" of the inheritance until he was of age. Mattocks land would have been out by Bellgrade. (information from Ora Smith)

Edward Ward Mattocks married Mary Gibson June 9, 1857 in Onslow County; the marriage was performed by David W. Sanders, justice of the peace.The 1860 census showed Mattocks as the owner of eight slaves.

When son William E. was about four years old, on January 23, 1862, 28-year-old Edward Ward Mattocks enlisted as a private in Swansboro with Company B, 3rd NC Calvary Regiment--later 41st NC State Troops. This unit was initially known as Edward W. Ward's Company or "Gatlin's Dragoons." Mattocks enlisted for twelve month, but on February 28, 1862, for a $50 bounty, he extended his service to two years. Mattocks was promoted to 4th Sergeant on June 8, 1862.

In the 1870 census, Edward Ward Mattocks was head of household with wife Mary and son William Edward Mattocks. Also in the house were servants Charity Dixon and Alexandra Mundine. Edward was noted as a retail grocer. By 1910, 77-year-old Edward was recorded on Front Street with wife Mary.

Mattocks portraits courtesy Ora Hydrick Smith.

W. E. MATTOCKS 1954 DEATH CERTIFICATE

W.E. Mattocks Pulls in Huge Sunfish: In May 1926 a beached 1200-pound Mola Mola was spotted in Bogue Inlet by mariner William Edward Mattocks. Captain Mattocks succeeded in towing the huge fish to Swansboro. After notifying the North Carolina State Museum, curator H.H. Brimley and assistant Harry Davis hurried to Swansboro where they took measurements and made field notes. A paper mâché replica was created; it is still on display at the Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.

"Cousin" George Dennis Mattocks

"Cousin" George Dennis Mattocks 1844-1898, son of Allen B. Mattocks and Kitturah Catherine Dennis, married twice, first to Christiana Foy and secondly to Mary Alexander Dennis. He began building his home on Stella Road in Silverdale when he returned from the Civil War. He lived in the basement until he finished building it in 1880.

DAIRY HOUSE

SMOKE HOUSE

Early Onslow County Post Offices

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from: Commonwealth of Onslow - Compiled by Onslow historian Joseph Parsons Brown .1960

The post office at Onslow Court House, Onslow County, North Carolina, was established April 1, 1814. Eden Bell was the first postmaster. The name of the post office was changed to Jacksonville August 20, 1873, with Rufus K. Pelletier as postmaster.

Richlands, Onslow County, was established June 8, 1826, with John A. Avirett as first postmaster.

Ferrand's "Old Brick Store" - Swansboro

Swansborough, Onslow County, North Carolina, was established April 1, 1799, with A. Carmalt as first postmaster. The name of the office was changed to Swansboro April 16, 1811. The office was discontinued October 31, 1845, William P. Ferrand postmaster. The office was reestablished February 5, 1846, and Charles H. Barnum was appointed postmaster.

Records of the Post Office Department in the National Archives show that a post office was established at Marines, Onslow County, on August 31, 1885, with Wiley N. Marine appointed as the only postmaster. It was discontinued on December 27, 1886.

A post office was established at Pollard, Onslow County, on October 21, 1885. Its name was changed to Marines on April 2, 1890. The Post Office Department has informed us that this office was discontinued on September 30, 1941. Names of the postmasters and dates of their appointment were: Edward S. Smith October 21, 1885; Lewis Marine July 1, 1897; Edward B. Smith June 12, 1914; Frank A. Smith June 14, 1928 .

The post office at Marines was closed when the United States Government took over the area for the Marine Base.

According to records of the Post Office Department now in our custody, a post office was established at Comfort on April 27, 1847, with E. S. F. Giles appointed as postmaster. It was discontinued on June 9, 1851; reestablished on April 23, 1852; discontinued on December 6, 1866; and reestablished on August 1, 1873.

An early mail route including Comfort was No. 2828, from Strickland's Depot (via Kenansville, Hallsville, Richlands, Market Place, and Comfort) to Trenton, let for the period 1847-51, to Joseph Allen of Trenton, North Carolina, 57 miles and back, once a week, for $379 per annum.

Onslow Post Masters: 1833 Onslow Courthouse, John Connor; 1833 Richlands, John Avirette; 1833 Comfort, Jacob Giles; 1833 Trenton, E. S. F. Giles; 1835 Onslow Courthouse, G. C. Marvin; 1845 Richlands, John Avirette; 1835 Comfort, B. Shine; 1839 Trenton, Frances DuVal; 1839 Onslow Courthouse, H. Grant; 1839 Richlands, William H. Murrill.

Gazetteer, United States of America, by Haskel and Smith, published New York, 1845, pp. 567, 496 and 646 gives the following information concerning Onslow County:

Richlands, post office in Onslow County, N. C. It contains a Methodist Church, one store and eight inhabitants.

Onslow Courthouse, post village in Onslow County, N. C.; situated on the east side of New River. It contains a court house and a few dwellings.

Swansborough, post village in Onslow County, N. C. situated on the west side of the estuary of Whittock (White Oak) River, opposite to Bogue Inlet and contains about 50 inhabitants.

Post offices in 1854 as given in John Hayward's Gazeteer of the United States of America: Angola, Catharine Lake, Foys Store, Palo Alto, Piney Green, Richlands, Sneads Ferry, Stump Sound and Swansborough.

1908 Postcard - Salem Cottage and Emmerton School, Swansboro, N. C.

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Durwood Barbour Collection of North Carolina Postcards

North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, Wilson Library, UNC-Chapel Hill

GLIMPSE INTO LIFE IN 1845

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BUSINESS AS USUAL

by Joseph Parsons Brown - Commonwealth of Onslow - A History

Owen G. Dunn Company . New Bern, NC . 1960

Steamer Napoleon, mentioned below, may have been similar to the 1850 Steamship Florida

which was USS Florida during the Civil War. This image was not included in Brown's book.

If you have the mistaken idea that doing historical research is all dry-as-dust searching through musty old records, or if you believe that Granddad spent all of his time in the management of his business, taking Grandma to church in the family coach or entertaining the preacher whenever he came through, you need only to peruse the following letter to learn that Granddad was not averse to a little fun sometimes along with his other employment.

While our search has not yet revealed Grandma's views in the matter, we suspect that underneath her flowing train and murmuring taffetas she loved a good time much as the girls do today.

Granddad operated a store along with his other business. Bills-of-lading made out by the firm of White and Barnes of 201 Pearl Street, New York, for goods shipped via the steamer “Napoleon,” which plied between Swansboro and New York show that Grandpa catered to the best trade and listed such items as “prints,” “chints,” “Kentucky Jean,” “Brown Linen,” “grass cloth,” “drilling.” “plaid,” “cotton cashmere,” “Irish Linen,” “tick,” “bleached shirting,” black cambric,” “Marsaille Vesting,” “cotton flaggs,” “cotton shawls,” “Blue Italian Silk,” “Ladies Persian Thread Hose,” “6 dozen boxes hooks and eyes,” “8 packs pins,” and sundry other articles to the value of $344.09, all of which are shown as a purchase dated April 19, 1845, and shipped direct to the Colonel back in Onslow County. MORE...

FIRST SCHOOL 1783

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An Act Setting Up the Town and Its First School—1783

We give the law, in large part, as follows:

“Whereas, the establishing of public schools at convenient places for the education of youth will be attended with great advantage to the inhabitants of this State;

“Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, and it is hereby enacted by the same, that George Mitchell, Reuben Grant, William Nelms, Joseph Lillibridge and John Pasteur, Esquires, be and they are hereby constituted and appointed trustees with full power and authority to receive into their hands and possession all monies which have been heretofore or may be hereafter subscribed for the purpose of erecting a public school in the village commonly called New-Town, at the mouth of White Oak River in Onslow County, and to ask for and demand of the several subscribers all sums by them respectively subscribed; and in case of refusal by any of them to pay the same, to sue for and recover by action of debt in the name of the trustees, the sum which the person so refusing shall have subscribed . . . and the monies when collected to be applied by the said trustees . . . towards purchasing a lot of ground in the said village and for erecting thereon a suitable and convenient house, to contract with and employ tutors, and to perform every act and thing they or a majority of them shall think necessary for the advancement and promotion of the said school.

“And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the said village of New-Town shall be and is hereby erected into a town by the name of Swannsboro, and that the trustees for the school aforesaid shall be and they are hereby appointed commissioners of the said town.” And should any of the commissioners die or resign, the remaining commissioners were to nominate others in their stead.

The town commissioners were to pass such rules and others “as to them shall seem meet for removing all nuisances within the bounds of the said town, for persons to remove dirt and rubbish from before their doors, to grub and clean their lots, for pulling down all wooden chimneys built in the said town, and prevent the building thereof for the future, in order to prevent danger by fire.” Six months notice was to be given the owners of wooden chimneys already built.
From Commonwealth of Onslow - A History by Joseph Parsons Brown Owen G. Dunn Company . New Bern, NC . 1960

THE WHITE OAK RIVER

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By F. L. Morris

Contemporary Photo by David Sobotta

White Oak River served as a highway of travel and transportation for two hundred years before railroads and the automobile came. It is not a great river—only covering 50 miles from its head in the center of White Oak Pocosin in northern Onslow County to Bogue Inlet, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

Prior to the railroads it had been the camping ground of the Indians, and the deep beds of shells at Cedar Point indicate the Indians had opened oysters there for generations or even centuries. In old permanent homes of the Indians in the mention of old Indian fields, and Indian Creek in lower Jones County and Indian Camp Branch, a prong of Starkey's Creek, in Onslow County must have been their larger settlements.

But these Indians joined the Tuscaroras in the massacre of the settlers along the Neuse and Trent rivers in 1711 and had fled their White Oak homes when the white settlers began to arrive in 1713.

The whites came from further north in this state, from Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Carteret County was set up in 1722, and in 1723 the Carteret Court ordered a bridle road laid out from the court house (where Beaufort is now) to a plantation on White Oak River. Three years later the Carteret Court established a ferry over New River, farther west, for convenience of travelers to the settlements then beginning on the Cape Fear. MORE...

1955 PRIZE

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Tidewater Power Company constructed the Lumina in Wrightsville Beach in 1905.The Tidewater Power Company was merged with the Carolina Power and Light Company in 1952.

The Finer Carolina Program

The Finer Carolina Program was initiated in 1952 in an effort by the company to develop the communities it served. Realizing that the company prospers in direct proportion to the development of the communities and adjacent areas reached by their lines, and “to help the citizens to build a prosperous community that is beautiful, complete with modern services, and full of activities for play and recreation.”

A contest is put on each year in which prizes are given for the community attaining the best rating in its class; also project prizes are offered to groups, clubs and other organizations.

The Finer Carolina Program adds up to the finest thing for boosting Eastern North Carolina ever offered in the area.

A first prize for communities was won by Swansboro in the year 1955.

The slogan suggested was “Let's Make our Town Carolina's Finest.”

Above from: Commonwealth of Onslow - A History by Joseph Parsons Brown
Owen G. Dunn Company . New Bern, NC . 1960

Tidewater Power Company constructed the Lumina in Wrightsville Beach in 1905.

OTWAY BURNS AND HIS SNAPDRAGON

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...from Commonwealth of Onslow by J. P. Brown

Snapdragon Model by Jim Goodwin

Although England had recognized the United States as an independent nation following the Revolution, she regarded America as owing her independence more to circumstance than to powerful armies, so she treated our ships and our representatives with something like contempt.

American ships were searched on the merest pretense and American seamen impressed. Indians were incited to unrest and the American flag insulted. To avenge these wrongs the United States went to war with Great Britain in 1812.

The most spectacular campaigns were carried on on the high seas and peculiar among these were the privateers fitted out to prey on British commerce.

The most famous of these was commanded by Captain Otway Burns, who was born and reared in Onslow County. MORE...

THOMAS H. PRITCHARD HOUSE circa 1905

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 214 Walnut Street - Three-bay triple-A I-house with decorative two-tier front porch, front gable with wood-shingling and millwork, two-story ell with two-tier side porch. Pritchard was manager of the Swansboro Land and Lumber Company.(NR)

Thomas H. Pritchard Sr. 1855-1920 was born in Greenville, Pitt County, North Carolina to George Lafayette Pritchard and Catherine Riddick Congleton.

In the 1900 census, Pritchard Sr. and his wife Charity Hampden "Singie" Anthony were living in Scotland Neck, North Carolina; at that time his son Thomas Henry Pritchard Jr. was 16-years old.

Thomas H. Pritchard Jr. 1883-1945

The 1910 Swansboro census recorded Thomas H. Pritchard Sr. 55, as manager of the saw mill. In the household at that time were: Thomas H. Jr. 26, bookkeeper at the sawmill; William A. 23, salesman at general store; George L. 20, medical student; Sallie A. 17, college; Frank H. 15, college; Peyton 13, salesman at general store; Kate Kess 22, boarder and stenographer at the "mill company."

The 1920 Swansboro census recorded "lumberman" T.H. Pritchard Sr. 64 and T.H. Pritchard Jr. 36, lumber inspector - in the same household. That year T. H. Pritchard Sr. died in Kinston, North Carolina.

By 1930 47-year-old "lumberman" Thomas H. Pritchard Jr. had married Mary W. (Ward?). In the household were Frank Ward 27, George W. Ward 25, Clifton Ward 19 and Mary M. Ward--all most likely children by a previous marriage.

Thomas Henry Pritchard Jr.'s death certificated noted his having been in the community of Swansboro for 40 years. He was noted as bookkeeper in the lumber business. Pritchard was buried in Ward Cemetery.

Prichard Sr. or Jr. built another house at 228 Elm Street.

ALBERT TOLSON HOUSE circa 1906

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 213 Walnut Street - Gable-fronted side-hall plan house with one-story front porch and ell, decorative chimney stacks. Robert Lee Smith built the house for Tolson.

WWI Registration Certificate

Albert Tolson was born in 1883 to Kilby and Mattie Tolson. Albert Tolson and his wife Mildred were married in 1915. The 1900 census noted 17-year-old Bert A. as a farmer laborer. By 1920, in the household were Tolson, his wife, one daughter Janice 3 1/2 and Bert's mother Mattie 68. In 1930 the value of Tolson's real estate was $1500.

CICERO W. DAVIS HOUSE 1908

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 208 Walnut Street - L-shaped house with wrap-around one-story porch and side and back additions, wood-shingling in front gables. Davis was a ship captain and employee of the Swansboro Land and Lumber Company. NR

Cicero W. Davis was born September 25, 1850, the son of Benjamin Perry Davis and Rhoda Willis of Straits, Carteret County, North Carolina.

Cicero married Virginia C. Moore about 1875. In the 1880 census, Davis was a 30-year-old sailor, living in Swansboro with "Jennie," her siblings and her parents, Nicolas S. and Rosa Moore.

The 1900 census noted Davis as captain of a schooner, with wife "Jennie," four children (William 22, Benjamin 20, Etta 17, Rosalie 9) and father-in-law Nicolas Moore.

In 1910 Cicero and "Jennie" were in Swansboro with two children, Benjamin 30 and Rosalie 19. Davis was noted on the census as a "mill hand - saw mill."

By 1920, 71-year-old Davis was still at work--a "laborer - saw mill." Cicero W. Davis died August 27, 1924 and was buried in Ward Cemetery in Swansboro.

Interestingly, Cicero Davis' roots can be traced by to William Davis (1672-1756) and Mary Wicker Davis who inherited Davis Island in 1743. William Davis' great-great grandfather sailed into Jamestown about 1607.

DOROTHY SANDERS CAFE circa 1931

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 105 Front Street - Board-and-batten shop/residence with rear shed room, gabled dormers; built by Sanders as a coffeehouse in likeness of her father W.E. Mattocks' house. NR

Dorothy Barnum "Dollie" Mattocks 1888-1969 first married ______Sanders. Her other spouse was Jesse T. Williams.

The William Edward Mattocks House is next door.

FANNIE B. OGLESBY HOUSE circa 1901

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 206 Walnut Street - Three-bay I-house, former with center-hall plan, with decorative two-tier front porch, one-story ell. NR

Fannie Belle Moore was born November 15, 1883 to William Henry Moore and Leah Carter Whitley, who had moved to Carteret County by 1900.

In the 1900 Swansboro census, 15-year-old Fannie Belle Moore was recorded with her 28-year-old husband E. Oglesby (Alath Elmon Oglesby), who was born in 1873. They were married November 15, 1898. Before his death in Norfolk in 1913, the couple had three children: Ivey, born 1899; Allen H., born 1902 and Charles Elmon, born 1905. In the 1910 census the couple was living with their three children in Norfolk, Virginia - noted as "lodgers" on a tugboat with three other lodgers - Oglesby was noted as "marine engineer." A notation of the "home," or lodging, was made by the census taker as, "Tug D K Neal."

In September 1913, 29-year-old Fannie Belle Moore Oglesby married Terrance B. Eason in Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina. The Cafarelli family tree (Ancestry.com) noted Eason was reportedly Fannie's chauffeur (source: Fannie's granddaughter, Andrea W. Hedgepath.) The couple had one child, Mattie Juanita Eason, born in 1914.

Two family trees note 35-year-old Fannie's third marriage in 1919 to Thomas H. Willis. The marriage took place in Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina.

Fannie's fourth marriage was in 1923 to Howard J. Grimstead (1885-1973) of Virginia.

Fannie Belle Moore Oglesby Eason Willis Grimstead died in Norfolk, February 9, 1978 at the age of 94.

GLEN IRVIN HOUSE circa 1904

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 205 Walnut Street - Three-bay I-house with one-story front porch, ell, rear addition, side carport, modern fenestration and aluminum siding. Robert Lee Smith built the house for Irvin, an employee of the Swansboro Land and Lumber Company. NR

Born about 1876, Clem(n) Irvin(g), married Sudie Butler on September 8, 1909 in Wayne County, North Carolina.

In the 1910 Swansboro census, 34-year old Irvin was noted with his 19-year-old wife Sudie. At that time, he was noted as a "mill hand - saw mill."

By the1920 census, the couple was living in Goldsboro, Wayne County, North Carolina with son Edward Walter, born in 1918.

W.C. Irvin 55 and 12-year-old son Edward were listed in the 1930 White Oak, Carteret County, North Carolina census. W.C. was noted as a farm laborer.

MARTIN E. BLOODGOOD HOUSE 1916

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 116 Water Street - Early bungalow with front porch engaged under hipped roof, novelty siding. Dan Russell owned the house soon after Bloodgood.

Born in Swansboro, Martin "Mart" Edward Bloodgood Jr. 1891-1958 was the son of sailor Martin Edward Bloodgood 1851-1923 and Clara Duffy Moore. Martin Bloodgood Jr. married Elenita Woodhull about 1915.

Martin Bloodgood Sr. 1851-1923

Martin Bloodgood Jr. 1917 WWI

In the 1910 census, "Mart" E. Bloodgood Jr., age 19 was noted as an engineer - gas engine. On his 1917 WWI registration he was noted as married with one child and a machinist.

By 1920 Bloodgood Jr. was renting a house in Morehead City and was noted as "engineer - gov't tug."

1958 Death Certificate

The 1930 census showed Bloodgood and family on Ann Street in Beaufort; at that time he was captain of a dredge boat.

"Mart" E. Bloodgood's 1958 death certificate documented his residence as Wilmington, North Carolina with his occupation noted as "Corp Engr - Inspector." At that time his spouse was Blanche Bennett.

There is also a Bloodgood House circa 1900 at 204 Water Street, described in the National Register as: an aluminum-sided house with one-story side kitchen and front porch:

JOHN P. ROGERS HOUSE circa 1901

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 106 Walnut Street - Three-bay I-house with center-hall plan, one-story ell, reworked two-tier front porch. Rogers was a carpenter. NR

John Patterson Rogers (1861-1938) was the son of Daniel Rogers and Annie Elizabeth Taylor. In 1884 John P. Rogers married Sallie Ann Hatsell (1863-1941), daughter of Bryan Hatsell and Nancy Hewett of Swansboro. In the 1900 census, John and Sallie Ann were living in Swansboro next door to Sallie's parents.

By 1910 there were four children in the household: Frederica 19, Edna M. 15, John P. Jr. 12 and six-year-old Bryan H. Rogers.

The value of real estate was noted as $1500 in 1930; the couple was alone in the house.

John Patterson Rogers - 1938 Death Certificate

In all censuses John P. Rogers was noted as "carpenter - house," but his death certificate stated his occupation as a general contractor. In 1920, 21-year-old son John P. Rogers, Jr., still at home--also noted as "carpenter - house."

John Patterson Rogers and Sallie Ann Hatsell were buried in Queens Creek Cemetery, Hubert, Onslow County, North Carolina.

BAPTIST PARSONAGE circa 1901

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 108 Walnut Street - Triple A three-bay I-house, with two-story ell, modern two-tier front porch, fenestration and vinyl siding.

Early History by Lucy Greene

2010-10-27T09:47:00.007-04:00

This 1959 paper by Lucy Greene was published in

The Commonwealth of Onslow by Joseph Parsons Brown

Owen G. Dunn Company . New Bern, NC . 1960

Detail of Carolina . Moll . 1729 . Showing "Weetock River"

Early History by Lucy Greene

Founded in the early 1700's, it existed under the names of Week's Wharf, Bogue and for several years as New Town before it was named in honor of Samuel Swann, Speaker of the Colonial Assembly and official representative of Onslow in the Assembly.
Its honored citizen “was a surveyor by trade and a lawyer of surpassing ability and eloquence,” it is related. He was the editor of Swann's Revival or “Yellow Jacket” and a nephew of Edward Moseley and an uncle of John Ashe. Read complete article...

OTWAY BURNS - Family Tree and Census

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CRAWLEY/BURNS Family Tree - Ancestry.com
Click to Enlarge

Francis Burns 1716-1791 was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. Otway Burns 1740-1797 was born and died in Carteret County, NC. Otway Burns 1775-1850 was born on Queen Creek, Onslow County, NC and died October 25, 1850 on Portsmouth Island, Carteret County, NC.

Otway Burns 1775-1850 married Joanna Grant (-1814) July 6, 1809. He married Jane Hall (1794-1839) on December 4, 1814 in Carteret County. His third marriage was to Jane Smith on February 22, 1842 in Carteret County.

CENSUS:

1790 Census: Onslow County household 12 in household: 2 males over 16, 1 male under 16, 5 females and 4 slaves.

1810 Onslow County - 10 in household including 4 slaves.

1820, Captain Otway Burns - Beaufort, Carteret County - 20 persons in his household, including 16 slaves.

1830 Currituck, Beaufort County - 18 in household including 14 slaves and 1 free colored person.

1840 Carteret County - 7 in househould including 5 slaves.

CARL WARD HOUSE 1920s

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 226 Elm Street - Gable-fronted bungalow with front porch. NR

This house is two doors down from the 1907 Carl Sanders Ward House at 222 Elm Street. Perhaps Carl lived here after his wife Hepsy died in 1920.

Death Certificate

1918 WWI Registration

Carl Sanders Ward was born December 25, 1885 and died September 7, 1960. He was born to David G. Ward and Henrietta Freeman. Carl S. Ward married Hepsy B. Hatsell about 1909. Hepsy was born September 12, 1888 in Hubert, Onslow County, daughter of Wilbur and Nancy Hatsell.

In 1900 Carl was 15. His siblings included Willie P. 17, Pearl E. 13, Ida P. 10 and Henrietta 7.

In 1910 Carl 25 (foreman - log woods)and wife "Hepsy" 22 with seven-month old Emma B. Ward.

In 1920 Carl 35 (still a logger) with wife Hepsy 32 , Emma 10 and Ruby E. 5.

By 1930 they had added another son David G., then 10; David G. Ward died in 1936 at the age of 16. The 1930 census noted Carl Ward as Superintendant-Farms, with a real estate value of $1000.

Carl Ward's 1960 death certificate noted 75-year old Carl had outlived his parents and spouse Hepsy Hatsell.

The family was buried in Ward Cemetery, Swansboro.

Carl Ward's ancestry in Onslow County:

David Ward 1755-1801 (Abigail Shepard)
Josiah Ward 1780-1849 (Cassandra Dudley)
William P. Ward 1818-1882 (Sarah Nancy Jarman)
David G. Ward 1852- (Henrietta Freeman)
Carl Sanders Ward 1885-1960 (Hepsy Hatsell)

HAWKINS-GLOVER HOUSE circa 1820s-1840s

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 224 Elm Street - The west end of this house was originally a two-story side-hall plan house probably built during the 1820s; the east end was added in the 1840s, giving the house an over-all center-hall plan. The house has Greek Revival interior and exterior detailing, a one-story ell, and a two-story porch probably added when the house was moved circa 1900 (now reworked). Bazel Hawkins probably built the house, which merchant and turpentine trader Cyrus Glover acquired and probably renovated in the 1840s. The house originally stood on the waterfront to the west of town and was moved to its present location around 1900.NR

Bazel Hawkin’s daughter Catherine Jane Hawkins 1833-1868 was born in Swansboro; she married Cyrus B. Glover 1821-1867 in Swansboro, December 19, 1849. 1850 census shows each with five slaves.

Children of Bazel and Catherine Hawkins: Charles Basil Glover 1851-1933, William H. Glover 1857-1860, Theodore S. Glover 1861-1927 and William B. Glover 1868-1908.

Buried in the small Hawkins-Glover family cemetery: John J. Farr, Catherine Jane Glover, Cyrus B. Glover, John D. Hawkins 1830-1921, William H. Hawkins 1845-1926 and John Rolph 1745-1771.

CARL SANDERS WARD HOUSE circa 1907

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 222 Elm Street - Side-hall plan house with one-story side addition, major modern alterations including new two-tier front porch, belvedere [structure added to take advantage of the view]. NR

1918 WWI Draft registration.

Death Certificate

In 1900 Carl was 15. His siblings included Willie P. 17, Pearl E. 13, Ida P. 10 and Henrietta 7.

In 1910 Carl 25 (foreman - log woods)and wife "Hepsy" 22 with seven-month old Emma B. Ward.

In 1920 Carl 35 (still a logger) with wife Hepsy 32 , Emma 10 and Ruby E. 5.

By 1930 they had added another son David G., then 10; David G. Ward died in 1936 at the age of 16. The 1930 census noted Carl Ward as Superintendant-Farms, with a real estate value of $1000.

Carl Ward's 1960 death certificate noted 75-year old Carl had outlived his parents and spouse Hepsy Hatsell. At that time farmer Carl Ward's street address in Swanboro was noted as 46 Elm Street (As with other houses in town, numbers were changed to three-digits, i.e., 222 Elm Street).

The family was buried in Ward Cemetery, Swansboro.

Carl Ward's Descendancy in Onslow County:

David Ward 1755-1801 (Abigail Shepard)
Josiah Ward 1780-1849 (Cassandra Dudley)
William P. Ward 1818-1882 (Sarah Nancy Jarman)
David G. Ward 1852- (Henrietta Freeman)
Carl Sanders Ward 1885-1960 (Hepsy Hatsell)

KANELIUM BLOODGOOD HOUSE circa 1907

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 220 Elm Street - Three-bay I-house with one-story porch and rear wing; asbestos siding.

Living his whole life in Swansboro, Kanelium "Kay" A. Bloodgood was born March 10, 1878 and died July 17, 1938. He was the son of Joseph Bloodgood 1840-1907 and Mary E. Bell, born in 1848. In 1899 Kay Bloodgood married Elma T. Howland 1879-1962. Elma was the daughter of Benjamin Tucker Howland 1842-1903 and Joseph Ann Willis (born in Williston, Carteret County in 1851 to Daniel Chadwick Willis and Lydia Ann Dixon.)

The 1900 census recorded Kanelium 22 and Mary E. Bell Bloodgood 20, living with Kanelium's parents Joseph 60, Mary E. 52 and his 27-year-old brother Charles W. Bloodgood. Joseph's occupation was noted as "piloting." Both Kanelium and Charles were sailors.

The 1910 census noted Kay 34, wife Elma and 7-year old Walter A. Bloodgood. At that time Bloodgood was listed as a tugboat boatman. By 1920 he was listed as a seine fisherman. In 1930, their son Walter 27 was still at home and a "boatman-freight fish." At that time his father was noted as "boating-towing freight."

Kay Bloodgood registered for the WWI draft in September 1918.

MOORE-PRITCHARD HOUSE circa 1910

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 218 Elm Street - Three-bay center-hall plan house with hipped roof, two-tier porch and two-story rear wing.

Though this house is plaqued as the Thomas Pritchard House, the National Register noted it as Moore-Pritchard House circa 1910, meaning Moore owned or built it before it was owned by Pritchard.

ROBERT AMAN HOUSE 1916

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 101 Walnut Street - Five-bay I-house with center-hall plan, one-story side wing, one-story wrap-around porch. Aman moved to Swansboro from the Belgrade area of Onslow County.

Robert Murray Aman 1849-1918 was the son of Andrew Jackson Aman 1827-1897, born in Half Moon, Onslow County, to James Aman 1808-1854. Andrew Jackson Aman married Elizabeth Ellis in 1848. Robert and the Amans of Onslow County descended from early North Carolina settlers.

Amans were among the religious refugees who settled New Bern with Baron de Graffenried in 1709-1710. According to family tree information, Phillip Aman 1685-1765 was born in Zurich, Switzerland to Jacob Aman 1654-1725. Phillip died in Onslow County. His son Phillip Nathan Aman was born in 1710 in then Bath (now Craven) County, North Carolina. About 1742, Phillip Nathan Aman married Ann Shubridge of Onslow County. Their son Phillip was the father of William, the father of David Franklin Aman, an Aman of note, below, who was related to all the Onslow Amans including Robert.

David Franklin Aman 1827-1930

DAVID FRANKLIN AMAN 1827-1930

Son of William Aman and Elizabeth Garrett of Onslow County, David was a minister for 67 years; retired 20 years before his death. He died at 103 from myocarditis; contributing cause senility. He was buried in the Topsail Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Hampstead, Pender County, North Carolina.

A CONFEDERATE CENTENARIAN
Confederate Veteran Magazine - September 1930, page 339:

The story of David Franklin Aman, aged 103, as compiled by Mary Heyer, Historian, Cape Fear Chapter, U.D.C., Wilmington, N.C.

The words of David Franklin Aman:

“Many years ago, after a great storm on the coast, beachcombers found a little boy among the wreckage washed ashore. One exclaimed “It’s a man!" He was cared for and called Philip Aman from that day. He was my grandfather and became a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His son William was my father; he married Elizabeth Garret, whose mother lived to be 107 years old, all of Onslow County, North Carolina.

“I was born in the same county, August 4, 1827. My father died when I was 14 years old, leaving mother with 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls. Four boys served in the Confederate Army; two were killed, Jesse and Henry. Gerry and I got home. One was mortally wounded at Manassas, another killed after a year in prison at Point Lookout. I volunteered and enlisted April, 1861, at the age of 34, at Jacksonville, North Carolina, serving in Co. A, 35th N.C. Regiment of Infantry, the command of Major Petway and Col. James Sinclair, Ramson’s Brigade.
Taken prisoner, sent to Point Lookout....paroled at the end, without a cent, weak, and starving, barefooted, bareheaded, and in rags. In this condition, I walked home. It was a long journey, but I survived it. On August 4, 1930, I completed my one-hundred- and -third- year. I can walk 5 miles a day, before breakfast. I am in full possession of my faculties, with slight hearing unimpaired.
I have lived to see our bruised and broken south arise in a new glory and again give a peerless army to the world.”

W.G. HOLLOWAY HOUSE circa 1900

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 207 Elm Street -Three-bay formerly center-hall plan house with carefully reworked front porch, ell and back porch. Holloway was a laborer at the Swansboro Land and Lumber Company. NR

William G. Holloway was born in 1861 to George Washington Holloway (1838-1918) and Mary Collett (1843-1893).

In the 1880 census William 20 was still at home with his parents in Patterson, Caldwell County, North Carolina. Four years later, on January 30, 1884, William married Sarah M. Butler (1866-1955) in Craven County, North Carolina.

In 1900 the Holloways were recorded in Swansboro. 39-year-old William was a "day laborer" at the Swansboro Land and Lumber Company. In their household were children: Mary V. Holloway 9, Sarah Cordelia Holloway 7 (1893-1966), Samuel Calvin Holloway 4 (1895-1968) and Ruth M. Holloway 2 (1897-1982). Two other sons were born: Zebulon Holloway in 1901 and J. H. Holloway 1905.

William Holloway died in April of 1907. He and others were buried in Swansboro's Wade Cemetery: wife and mother Sarah M. Butler (1866-1955), Mary V. Holloway (1890-1900), Zebulon Holloway (1901-1920) and J.H. Holloway (1905-1906).

CHARLES R. WEBB HOUSE circa 1898

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 211 Elm Street - The original L-shaped section of this house faces east, formerly with a center-hall plan, so that the ell is parallel to Elm Street; to the rear are additions and a porch, across the front is a porch, gables have [imbricated] wood shingling and millwork.

See CHARLES WEBB HOUSE 1911 for history and headstones.

METHODIST PARSONAGE 1905-1906

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The Methodist Parsonage 1905-1906, 204 Elm Street, sits on the site of the Swansboro Male and Female Academy, chartered 1857, and next to the site of the original Methodist Church building.

WILLIAM R. PRIVETT HOUSE 1912

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According to Jack Dudley, in Swansboro - A Pictorial Tribute, Will Privett, was a lifesaver at Bogue Inlet Lifesaving Station/Coast Guard Station. In January of 1915, the U.S. Lifesaving Service merged with the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service to form the Coast Guard. Privett photo, in an early Coast Guard uniform, courtesy Jack Dudley.

NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 116 Elm Street - Three-bay, I-house with two-room plan, with one-story front porch and ell.

William R. "Will" Privett (1878-) married Nancy L. in 1905. The 1910 census noted Privett as a surfman at the Life Saving Station at Bogue Inlet, near Swansboro. At this time, he and Nancy had two daughters, Mary L. 2 and four-month old Jannita.

By 1920 Will Privett was noted as working with the Coast Guard Station; by that time the couple had three more children, Mattie, James and David.

ERRINGTON B. LITTLETON HOUSE circa 1932

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 117 Elm Street - Three-bay house with front porch and rear addition. Littleton was a fisherman and a net mender. NR

Errington Blount Littleton (October 4, 1905-January 13, 1995) was the son of net fisherman John Washington Littleton and wife Eureka W. Littleton.

The 1920 Swansboro Census recorded seine fisherman John W. Littleton 41, wife Retta 40, with children Errington 14, Catherine 11, Lena 9, Fitzhugh 6, Willard 3+, infant son Neil and mother-in-law Katie Young 59.

1928: Errington Littleton married Irene E.____.

The 1930 noted net fisherman John W. 52, wife Eureka W. 50, dredge boat laborer Errington 24, daughter-in-law Irene E. 24, daughter Kathleen 22, Carlton 15, Willard 13, Neil C. 10 and mother-in-law Katherine Young 69. John W. Littleton owned the home valued at $1000.

JAMES BARTLEY STORE 1913

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JAMES THOMAS BARTLEY STORE: Gable-fronted, commercial structure with modern shop front, vinyl siding, original decorative shelving, slightly later one-story side addition. This is the second store in Swansboro associated with Bartley, who sold hardware and general mechandise.

HARRY MOORE STORE 1934

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 110 Front Street - A brick commercial building with stepped front and side parapets, and tin ceiling. Moore had a general store here in the 1930s.

ROBERT S. McLEAN STORE circa 1839

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NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 116 Front Street - The structure was probably originally one-and-a-half-story gable-fronted commercial building with mid-nineteenth century rear addition, circa 1900 second story, much original interior architecture fabric survives including beaded ceiling joists and mid-nineteenth century wallpaper, half of a one-story twentieth century shop added to east side.

Robert Spence McLean was a Scotsman involved in the turpentine trade. He occupied the building when it was partially burned by Union forces in 1864. By the 1870 Swansboro census, Robert McLean, born about 1822, was a 48-year-old hotel keeper. Along with his wife Margaret and two children, in the “hotel” were five guests, including physician William Smith, steam mill operator Frank Thomas and teamster Benjamin Shepard.

According to historian Jack Dudley, in Swansboro-A Pictorial Tribute, ..."McLean was the Swansboro postmaster during the Civil War, and his store was ransacked by the Yankees. It has been ravaged by fire several times. It is located at 116 Front Street on Lot No. 5 in the original layout of the town. Swansboro's first drugstore was in the McLean Building around 1904. Jesse Canady opened a drugstore, and his son Will was the druggist."

BARTLEY-PITTMAN STORE circa 1890

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Bartley-Pittman Store - Image courtesy Jack Dudley - Swansboro-A Pictorial Tribute

NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 120 Front Street (north side) - False-fronted commercial structure with original display windows, second story removed in 1918. Merchants James Thomas Bartley and John A. Pittman were early occupants of the building.

According to Jack Dudley's book, "the store was built circa 1893 since his deed states he purchased the lot from W.D. Hargett the same year. Bartley sold the store to John Pittman in 1896 and Pittman operated the store for several years, and was known as The Pittman Store. In photographs before 1930, the building had two stories. Swansboro's first "central" or telephone operator's office was on the second floor. The building has had many uses including serving as the post office."

DAVID G. WARD HOUSE 1902

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Early photograph found in Jack Dudley's book.

NATIONAL REGISTER of Historic Places: 114 Main Street - Three-bay center-hall plan house with decorative front porch, triple-A roof with wood shingling and millwork in front gable, one-story ell. NR

David G. Ward was born March 4, 1853 in Jones County, North Carolina, the son of William P. Ward (1818-1882) and Sarah Nancy Jarman (1820-1910).

David G. Ward married Henrietta B. Freeman (1856-1931) before 1880. In the 1880 Swansboro census, in the household were William P. Ward 61 , wife Sarah N. 60, son David G. (farmer) 27 and his wife Henrietta 23.

By the 1900 census, in the household were farmer David G. Ward, his wife Henrietta and children Willie P. 17, Carl S, 15, Pearl E. 13, Ida P. 10 and seven-year old Henrietta.

On January 24, 1925, David G. Ward died of stomach cancer and was buried in Swansboro's Ward Cemetery.

Death Certificate

Swansboro, North Carolina - History

Hawkins-Glover Family Cemetery

Copy of the Original 48-Lot Town Grid

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Aerial View 1940s . Image Courtesy North Carolina State ArchivesThis page is a transcription from the application to nominate Swansboro to the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACESPrepared and written in 1989 by architectural historian Daniel Pezzoni

WILLIAM GIBSON HOUSE circa 1775

1860 Swansboro Census

SWANSBORO METHODIST CHURCH circa 1880s

Revolutionary War Times

1790 ONSLOW COUNTY CENSUS

CHARLES HICKOK BARNUM

Swansboro Historical Association Map

DAVID WARD SANDERS and Family

DANIEL AMBROSE HARGET

CYRUS B. GLOVER - Navel Stores Merchant, Postmaster and Maker of Salt

WILLIAM LAWRENCE KIRKMAN HOUSE circa 1920

MILSTEAD HOUSE 1930

PETER BRYANT SMITH HOUSE circa 1916

ANDREW MASON HOUSE circa 1910

EMMERTON SCHOOL 1910/1928

WEETOCK RIVER SIGN

AMELIA SMITH CANADY HOUSE circa 1935

Early Bloodgood Family – Carteret and Onslow Counties

DAVID JAMES MOORE HOUSE circa 1887

CALVIN W. BUCKMASTER HOUSE circa 1890s

LEON ANDREW SEWELL HOUSE circa 1904

ISAIAH WILLIS HOUSE circa 1915

JAMES ELDRIDGE PARKIN HOUSE circa 1873

EDWARD MOORE HILL HOUSE circa 1900

CAPTAIN ALEXANDER MOORE HOUSE circa 1906

JOHN EDWARD KIRKMAN HOUSE circa 1900

EDWARD KIRKMAN HOUSE circa 1906

CHARLES T. RUSSELL HOUSE 1910

BRYAN HATSELL HOUSE circa 1908

GEORGE WASHINGTON LITTLETON HOUSE circa 1913

ABRAM BELL HOUSE circa 1901

1952 Geological Survey

WILLIAM EDWARD MATTOCKS HOUSE circa 1901-1910

Early Onslow County Post Offices

1908 Postcard - Salem Cottage and Emmerton School, Swansboro, N. C.

GLIMPSE INTO LIFE IN 1845

FIRST SCHOOL 1783

THE WHITE OAK RIVER

1955 PRIZE

OTWAY BURNS AND HIS SNAPDRAGON

THOMAS H. PRITCHARD HOUSE circa 1905

ALBERT TOLSON HOUSE circa 1906

CICERO W. DAVIS HOUSE 1908

DOROTHY SANDERS CAFE circa 1931

FANNIE B. OGLESBY HOUSE circa 1901

GLEN IRVIN HOUSE circa 1904

MARTIN E. BLOODGOOD HOUSE 1916

JOHN P. ROGERS HOUSE circa 1901

BAPTIST PARSONAGE circa 1901

Early History by Lucy Greene

OTWAY BURNS - Family Tree and Census

CARL WARD HOUSE 1920s

HAWKINS-GLOVER HOUSE circa 1820s-1840s

CARL SANDERS WARD HOUSE circa 1907

KANELIUM BLOODGOOD HOUSE circa 1907

MOORE-PRITCHARD HOUSE circa 1910

ROBERT AMAN HOUSE 1916

W.G. HOLLOWAY HOUSE circa 1900

CHARLES R. WEBB HOUSE circa 1898

METHODIST PARSONAGE 1905-1906

WILLIAM R. PRIVETT HOUSE 1912

ERRINGTON B. LITTLETON HOUSE circa 1932

JAMES BARTLEY STORE 1913

HARRY MOORE STORE 1934

ROBERT S. McLEAN STORE circa 1839

BARTLEY-PITTMAN STORE circa 1890

DAVID G. WARD HOUSE 1902

Aerial View 1940s . Image Courtesy North Carolina State Archives

This page is a transcription from the application to nominate
Swansboro to the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Prepared and written in 1989 by architectural historian Daniel Pezzoni