Article: "More Developments in the Walstonburg Murder" -- September 6, 1921

"MORE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WALSTONBURG MURDER"

The New Bern Sun Journal, September 6, 1921

"Developments in the confession case of Mrs. Sarah Whitley, of Walstonburg, who admitted she and Tom Hayes hired Wright Rouse, an old colored man with one arm, to killed her husband, Will Whitley on August 3, 1921, for $500, began to come thick and fast yesterday, the most startling fact being that Wright might have been the murderer of who white men, whose bodies were found on the right of way of the Norfolk Southern near Walstonburg, Greene county, in past years, one man being killed some twenty odd years ago and the other more recently. The other big developments of the day in Snow Hill where the three were in jail yesterday was the admission by Wright that the other two in the plot to kill Will Whitley had also planned to have him kill Mrs. Hayes thereby giving the a free hand to live together with Mrs. Whitley and even marry.

Mrs. Whitley Admits It

Wright's admission was also admitted by Mrs. Whitley and Hayes when officers of the law had gotten the confession out of Wright. Mrs. Whitley stated that Wright had told her of the plan to put Mrs. Hayes out of her way so that she could have Tom Hayes all to herself. This development was not expected, and in fact, may have questioned all three of the prisoners in reference to the possibility last Saturday, following Mrs. Whitley's confession to the planning of her husband's death. At that time, she and the others would admit nothing along this line, answering no such plan had been thought of. The latest development has astonished many but has also only been what many had considered to be the truth of the matter. The charge against the three has become all the more damaging and serious with the latest admission of a second murder. Hayes was to get the same amount for this second murder, it is understood.

Still Not Sure

The development that Hayes had probably killed two men in the past astonished the officers in Snow Hill. Hayes has so far kept from a direct admission but it is expected that he will come "across" with the "whole business" today or tomorrow as she will be quizzed and shown no pity in this matter. The confession, placing the killing of Will Whitley, led officers to place the blame for the other two unexplained and yet shadowy deaths at his doors. With this suspicion, talk began to go the rounds and the officers began to get busy. Wright would not admit the charges but said he had been hired to kill Mrs. Hayes, intimating that he had killed other before. 

Officers believe that something definite will be found out today or tomorrow. Mrs. Whitley will be moved today to the Greenville jail to await the criminal term of superior court, criminal section, the second week in December."

Article: "Three Charged With Murder Talk Freely" -- September 5, 1921

"THREE CHARGED WITH MURDER TALK FREELY"

The Daily Free Press, September 5, 1921

"Mrs. William Whitley, 37; Thomas Hayes, white farmer, and Wright Rouse, negro farmhand, will make a clean breast of the murder of the woman's husband in the Walstonburg section when they go to trial at Snow Hill, Greene county officials believe, and leave their fates in the hands of the jury. Reports today stated that the prisoners had talked freely of the crime to additional interviewers, their separate accounts corroborating one another. The trial will not be held before December.

The trio, apparently overwhelmed by the detection of the guilt they are alleged to have confessed, have talked with a number of officials, newspapermen and others.

Will Whitley fell asleep while curing tobacco at a barn on his farm on the night of August 3. Rouse, a one-armed neighborhood character, crept up and shot him dead. The reported confessions say Rouse was in the employ of Mrs. Whitley and Hayes, who desired to get Whitley out of the way. The price of the murder was $500. Rouse was never paid, he declares."

Article: "Mrs. Whitley and Two Others Held on Murder Charge" -- September 5, 1921

"A DEPLORABLE AFFAIR"

The News and Observer, September 5, 1921

"The mystery surrounding the death of W. H. Whitley, prominent Walstonburg farmer, who was killed at a tobacco barn on his farm on the night of August 6, was cleared up this afternoon when Greene County authorities held Mrs. Sarah Whitley, wife of the deceased, Thomas Hayes, a neighbor, and Wright Rouse, one-armed negro, on charges of murder following their confession that they conspired to kill Mr. Whitley. All three were lodged in the Greene county jail without bail.

Offered Negro $500.

According to their statement Mrs. Whitley and Hayes, with whom the woman is said to have been infatuated, induced the negro to commit the crime in consideration of $500, which has never been paid by them. All are being held without bail. A statement implicating herself and Hayes and Rouse was made by Mrs. Whitley to the authorities after a twelve-hour session of the coroner's jury which has been investigating the case during the past several weeks. no threats of violence against the prisoners have been reported so far. Mrs. Whitley, who is 37 years old, apparently does not realize the seriousness of the charge against her, it was said.

Resumes Investigation.

On Friday afternoon the coroner's jury investigating the murder of the late W. H. Whitley, of the Walstonburg section, in Greene county, resumed its session at Snow Hill, which was adjourned from August 7 at the home of the deceased. After a hearing lasting from 2 o'clock in the afternoon until 2 o'clock Saturday morning, the coroner's jury held without bail Mrs. Sarah Whitley, wife of the deceased, but again took an adjournment. The jail at Snow Hill being full of prisoners Mrs. Whitley was held under guard until she can be carried to a neighboring jail, where accommodations better than those of the Greene county jail can be secured.

Mrs. Whitley's Confession.

In both investigations before the coroner's jury Mrs. Whitley had shown a strong bearing. However, after her friends and the crowd had left, she wavered and under sharp questioning by deputies E. H. Suggs, E. E. Potter and C. E. Jones, later assisted by Sheriff J. E. Herring, she broke down and confessed, telling that her husband was killed by Wright Rouse, a one-armed negro freak doctor and fortune teller, in consideration of $500, which has not been paid, however. She also said that Wright Rouse was induced to commit the crime by herself and a neighbor, Tom Hayes, with whom she is said to have been infatuated and with whom se was indicted, but acquitted on a statutory charge in the Greene county court about a year ago. Hayes was said to have taken the negro to the place where Mr. Whitley was killed on the night of Aug. 6.

Hayes Interested.

All during the investigation at Snow Hill, Hayes was a most interested spectator and was often in the company of Mrs. Whitley and remained in the town an hour or more after the adjournment of the inquest.

The crime, the killing of W. H. Whitley, a wealthy and highly respected citizen, while asleep at his tobacco barn at or near the hour of 11 o'clock on the night of August 8, has considerably aroused the people of Greene county, especially the residents of the Walstonburg section. 

The first real light of the recent developments was furnished by J. B. Croom, Jr., since his arrest and confinement in the county jail on a forgery charge brought from De Soto county, Florida.

Following the confession of Mrs. Whitley, Hayes, and Rouse were placed in custody and both later made confessions, it is said."

Article: "Three Confess to Murder of Man at Tobacco Packhouse" -- September 3, 1921

"THREE CONFESS TO MURDER OF MAN AT TOBACCO PACKHOUSE"

The Daily Free Press, September 3, 1921

"The Sheriff's office at Snow Hill Saturday announced that three prisoners in the Greene County jail there had confessed to conspiring to murder Will Whitley, a Walstonburg farmer, Whitley was shot and killed while asleep at a tobacco barn early in August. 

Those held are Mrs. Whitley, widow of the man slain; Thomas Hayes, a farmer neighbor, and Wright Rouse, a negro. Rouse's alleged confession was to the effect that the woman and Hayes offered him $500 to commit the crime. He was not paid, he stated.

The Sheriff's office said Mrs. Whitley would be removed from Snow Hill to a prison elsewhere because of lack of accommodations for women prisoners. There had been no threats of violence, it was stated. Mrs. Whitley, who is 37 years of age, apparently does not realize the seriousness of the charge against her, it was said. The Sheriff's office stated that the confessions indicated an illicit love affair between the woman and Hayes led to the murder.

Rouse is a one-armed negro, something of a character in the Walstonburg section. The murder of Whitley was a particularly brutal crime. Mrs. Whitley's indifference has impressed officers, who believe she is incapable of appreciating the gravity of the crime."

Article: "Whitley Killing at Walstonburg Remains Mystery" -- August 10, 1921

"WHITLEY KILLING AT WALSTONBURG REMAINS MYSTERY"

The Raleigh News and Observer, August 10, 1921

"The killing of William Whitley, prominent Walstonburg farmer and merchant, remains apparently as much a mystery as on last Wednesday night when he was shot dead as he lay asleep in a wagon at his tobacco barn near his home. Dr. J. H. Harper, county coroner, summoned a jury and the dead man's wife and the three sons testified, but no other evidence has been taken. The verdict is awaited with keen interest in this section.

Sheriff J. E. Herring secured bloodhounds and hurried to the scene of the mysterious killing, but they did not take up any trail. Whitley was killed with a pistol, but no weapon of any kind has been found on the premises. Various rumors have been in circulation regarding sensational developments which have been in the air but they have so far proved to be unfounded. 

Contrary to report, there have been no steps taken to drain the well on the premises to find if there had been a weapon thrown in it. 

Testimony of Widow

Mrs. Whitley was placed on the stand to testify at the coroner's hearing. She told the jury that she had been with her husband at the tobacco curing barn as late as 11:30 o'clock and that shortly after midnight she heard a pistol shot. Her testimony was corroborated by her 16-year-old son.

An automobile, which she had purchased in June, had been the cause of family discord, she explained, as her husband had opposed its purchase. He refused to sign the note with her and she went ahead and bought it anyway, stating that she had told him that he should never ride in it.

Husband Jealous of Man

Tom Hayes a tenant on her husband's place until about two months ago when he moved to another farm, had gone riding with her in the car on several occasions, she admitted, and this had made her husband jealous of the man. She told of having been out with Hayes in the automobile at night and said they had been on friendly terms. 

She told of her husband having made threats against her and her sixteen-year old son, and that about a month ago he had attempted to strike her with a plank. She told him then, she said, that there would be no more to the plank business. 

None But Family There

On the evening of the death there had been no on on the premises, so far as she knew, except members of the family. It was the first night that her husband had stayed at the barn. She had been with him until late in the evening. She did not have a watch but she thought it was about 11:30 o'clock when she went into the house to go to bed. 

The boys were placed on the stand and told substantially the same story as the mother, according to those present at the hearing.

Whitley was a wealthy man and besides owning a large farm was associated with his brother in the mercantile business at Walstonburg. He was about 40 years old and his wife gives her age as 38.

Tom Hayes, who is now living about a mild from the Whitley home, is said to be about 30 years old, and is a married man."

Article: "Prominent Farmer and Merchant of Greene County Shot" -- August 5, 1921

"PROMINENT FARMER AND MERCHANT OF GREEN COUNTY SHOT"

The Daily Times, August 5, 1921

"Last night about midnight, while at his barn curing tobacco, Mr. Willie Whitley, a farmer and merchant who resides about a quarter of a mile from Walstonburg, a small town on the Norfolk and Southern railroad, some 18 miles east of Wilson was shot to death.

There is no clue to the perpetrator of the crime and the community is greatly aroused over the tragic and dastardly deed, especially in the view of the fact that Mr. Whitley was quiet and unassuming, and was not known to have enemy in the world. 

Bloodhounds were brought from Washington early this morning and are on the trail at noon as we go to press with the first edition of the Times. The coroners jury is also holding an inquest at this house. It was thought this morning that the funeral would be held this afternoon, but it is now thought unlikely since other evidence may be procured bearing on the situation.

Mr. Whitley was shot through the check while he was lying presumably asleep on a tobacco truck. He leaves a wife and six children. He was the son of Mr. John Henry Whitley, and the brother of Mr. John Whitley who runs a store in Walstonburg in which the dead man is interested. He is also related to parties in Wilson being the nephew of Mrs. J. H. Garris of this city. Tracks were found around the barn, and the dogs are now on this..."

Article: "Killed While Asleep At His Tobacco Barn" -- August 5, 1921

"KILLED WHILE ASLEEP AT HIS TOBACCO BARN"

The Raleigh News and Observer, August 5, 1921

"William Whitley, prominent merchant and farmer of Walstonburg, 18 miles from Wilson, was shot and killed while asleep at his tobacco barn late last night. No clue to the identity of his slayer has been found. A sheriff's posse with bloodhounds are scouring the country in an effort to apprehend his assailant. Whitley leaves a wife and six children.

The coroner's jury took a recess at noon to await further developments. It is said that domestic trouble was the cause of the tragedy and a man in the neighborhood is suspected.

This is the second assassination to take place in this section in the past few days. Rev. Ennis Pearson was shot from ambush in Taylor's township in this county last week."

Article: "Wilson County Man Is Assassinated" -- August 4, 1921

"WILSON COUNTY MAN IS ASSASSINATED"

Goldsboro Daily Argus, August 4, 1921

"Wilson, N.C., Aug. 4--William Whitley, a prominent farmer and merchant of Walstonburg, this county, was shot and killed last night while asleep at his tobacco barn, where he was curing tobacco. 

There is no clue to the guilty party, and today the sheriff and posses with blood hounds are scouring the whole neighborhood in an effort to trace the murderer.

Mr. Whitley leaves a wife and six children."

Article: "Farmer Killed While Asleep In His Barn" -- August 4, 1921

"FARMER KILLED WHILE ASLEEP IN HIS BARN"

The High Point Enterprise, August 4, 1921

"WILSON, N.C., Aug. 4.--William Whitley, age 40, a prominent merchant and farmer of Walstonburg Greene County, 18 miles from Wilson was shot and killed while asleep in his tobacco barn late last night. No clue has been found to the identity of the assassins. A sheriff's Posse with bloodhounds is surrounding the country in search of the slayers. Whitley leaves a wife and six children."

Tornado: 11 August 1928

On August 11, 1928, a tornado touched down in Greene County, destroying homes and livestock. 

Memory from Edward Thomas: "My Grandfather remembered that tornado. His family heard the roar as it passed over his house and struck 'across the creek'. Said there were dead hogs in the trees."

Photo from Bible of Mrs. Creech, wife of Heber Creech Sr.

In the above photograph, shared by Melissa Creech Paderick, David (Dave) SPEIGHT is on the left, and Heber CREECH Sr. is on the right.

Article: "A Deplorable Affair" -- December 16, 1891

"A DEPLORABLE AFFAIR"

The Goldsboro Headlight, December 16, 1891

"Full details of a deplorable affair which occurred in Greene county, three miles north of Snow

Hill, last Wednesday, in which it is stated that Rev. J. T. Abernathy, the Methodist pastor of the

Snow Hill circuit, overstepped the bounds of propriety by kissing Mrs. Will E. Grimsley while

paying her a pastoral call, is furnished to us by our Snow Hill correspondent, but owing to the

prominence of the parties involved in that unfortunate affair, we refrain from giving full publicity

until the proper investigation is made, which is to be held by five Elders of the Methodist Church

at Snow Hill tomorrow. As we learn, Mr. Abernathy has handed in his resignation, and the jealous

husband, Mr. Grimsley who came out from his hiding place and shot the preacher full in the face,

entirely disfiguring its left side, was duly arrested and bound over to court in the sum of  $500.

Later: Just as we go to press, we learn that the shooting between Mr. Grimsley and Mr.

Abernathy was renewed at their meeting on the streets of Snow Hill Monday evening at 4 o'clock.

Mr. Grimsley, without warning, fired a pistol hall into the left cheek of the preacher, it coming out

from the back of his neck. Mr. Abernathy, in return shot Mr. Grimsley in his left leg, inflicting a

painful wound. Since the last shooting, public sympathy is with the preacher."

Rodgers-Mercer Cemetery, Saratoga, NC

 Rodgers-Mercer Cemetery, also known as the Everette Graveyard or Everette Hill.

[Arranged by death date.]



Everette, William (1817-1882)
Page, King Joseph (1881-1882)
Rodgers, George G. (1880-1882)
Rodgers, Jack Ann Owens (1853-1882) *childbirth
Rodgers, Mary J. (1820-1886)
Rodgers, Marvin R. (1889-1891)
Webb, Walter (1888-1892)
Ellis, Rev. Alfred Jackson (1818-1893)
Mercer, Infant Son (1894-1894)
Carter, Mary (1896-1896)
Webb, Magnolia (1879-1897)
Webb, Cora (1892-1898)
Mercer, Appie (1897-1899)
Mercer, Eliza Wooten (1818-1900)
Thigpen, Nannie E. (1899-1900)
Skinner, Carrie (1898-1901)
Carter, Alexander (1902-1902)
Page, Walter Gray (1894-1902)
Barfield, Infant Son (1904-1904)
Mercer, Levi (1820-1904)
Rodgers, Minnie Clyde (1898-1904)
Mercer, Dennis (1862-1905)
Barfield, Infant Son (1906-1906)
Price, Mary Peoples (1854-1908)
Skinner, Queen Etta Webb (1828-1908)
Thigpen, Joseph Henry (1906-1908)
Amerson, Infant Son (1911-1911)
Amerson, Banner Webb (1880-1911)
Skinner, Susie Walston (1873-1912)
Page, Martha Ann Skinner (1855-1913)
Price, William Wright (1849-1913)
Barfield, James (1876-1914)
Page, Mary (1911-1915)
Rodgers, Mary T. “Mollie” Johnston (1853-1916)
Taylor, Sudie R. (1915-1916)
Rodgers, Franklin Gray (1853-1917)
Taylor, Mary B. (1918-1918)
Taylor, Minnie Blanch (1893-1918) *childbirth
Duke, Luther G. (1918-1920)
Page, Ollie May (1917-1920)
Duke, Infant Son (1921-1921)
Duke, Infant Daughter (1922-1922)
Everette, Jackey Ann Della Ellis (1838-1922)
Rodgers, Virginia F. (1923-1924)
Owens, Amanda (1857-1925)
Page, George Guy (1885-1928)
White, Sadie Mercer (1885-1928)
Amerson, James Everett (1928-1929)
Rodgers, Robert Alfred “Bob” (1850-1929)
Everett, Alva M. (1861-1930)
Perkins, Drucilla F. Ellis (1847-1931)
Mercer, Weltha Skinner (1868-1932)
Page, Thomas (1857-1932)
White, Betty Lee (1916-1932)
Mercer, Infant Son (1933-1933)
Bailey, Douglas Lee (1931-1934)
Denton, Bettie McLean (1933-1934)
Mercer, Levi W. (1889-1935)
Duke, Nora Agnes Mercer (1894-1936)
Skinner, Hardy Washington (1869-1936)
Denton, Hattie Ruth (1938-1938)
Howell, Adell Taylor (1912-1938)
Duke, George (1890-1939)
Rodgers, Calvin Dow (1886-1941)
Howell, Henry Cornelius (1899-1942)
Price, John Wright (1883-1942)
Bailey, Lonnie (1937-1943)
Webb, Willis (1880-1943)
Amerson, Lee (1877-1944)
Mercer, Lonnie (1883-1944)
Page, Willie Thomas (1883-1945)
White, Jim (1882-1953)
Page, Alice Jones (1890-1958)
Price, Meta Rodgers (1882-1959)
Webb, Viella Thigpen (1891-1959)
Mercer, Mary Jane Ellis (1899-1963)
Mercer, Luther Marvin (1900-1971)
Amerson, Ada Moore (1898-1973)
Amerson, Sula Gray (1927-1998)
Amerson, Nellie Lee (1922-1999)
Galloway, Sudie Adeline Price (1916-1999)

Duke, Infant Son (unknown dates)

"The White House", built in 1735

The White House, also known as the Best House, is possibly the oldest historic home in Greene County. 

Henry Best was born in 1702 in Isle of Wight, Virginia. He made his way to North Carolina and settled in the area now known as Greene County. He built his first home in 1733 near Bull Head. He also built another home, known as the White House, which took 5 years to build and was completed in 1735. This home still stands today.

From the Wayne County Heritage Book, page 149, article #352:

"Henry Best was born 1702 and moved from Isle of Wight, Virginia in 1732 and eventually owned over 2325 acres in eastern North Carolina. He built a house in 1733 near Bullhead in present day Greene County, North Carolina. He started another house which took 5 years to build and the home was referred to as the White House, and still exists today. It is located in the Jerusalem section of Greene County, North Carolina.

The land that Henry Best owned was located north of Nahunta Swamp in present day eastern Wayne County and western Greene County, North Carolina. This land was located in Craven County prior to 1746. In 1746 Johnston County was formed from Craven County."

“The Best Old House”

At one time it was the most pretentious mansion in eastern Carolina, where guests were entertained royally. It is still in a fine state of repair. 

By Mrs. W. B. Murphy

The most interesting old house in Greene County and one of the most interesting in the state is the old Best House, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Z. B. Carlisle, located six miles from Snow Hill—two miles off the Snow Hill-Goldsboro Highway.

It was built by Henry Best I around 1735 by workmen brought from England. Its construction probably covered a period of five or six years—the exquisitely carved mahogany stairway in entrance hall alone requiring six months to build. The original house is 18½x44 feet and contained four rooms, 17½ feet square, separated by halls with kitchen detached in the rear. Small porches ten feet wide supported by four beautifully fluted columns featured the house originally, front and back. But Henry Best III, a grandson of the builder had the whole house lowered 28 inches, because his wife sustained a fall from the high narrow front porch which caused her death. He also added double six-columned porches across entire front and placed the small front porch at the south end of the house. The original blinds were taken off and burned for fuel by tenants who occupied the house a few years ago while Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle were in residence in Snow Hill. 

Of exceptional beauty are the hand-carved mantels, paneling, cornices, doors, and windows. Many of the original panes in windows, brought from England, are still in use but worn so thin they may easily be broken. Brick for the handsome four-tiered chimneys and basement were made in kilns on the plantation. The sills of the house are dressed, beaded and painted. 

The house today is surrounded by magnificent oak trees more than forty inches in diameter which were planted by the present owners, the original oak grove having been destroyed by a tornado in 1886.

Called the “White House”, this house was in colonial days one of the show places of eastern Carolina. Mr. Best kept open house to his friends from England and also to the Colonists within a radius of 100 miles. He was a land owner of princely proportions being said to have owned all the land from Snow Hill to the Wayne County line, and from Contentnea Creek to La Grange – an area covering 14 square miles. 

The unique things of note about this famous old house are many. It was a guest house where Henry Best I entertained his friends, the servants who waited on the guests living in the basement – the real home where Henry Best I lived with his wife and eight children being three miles north. This latter house also is in fine state of preservation and is now owned by Mr. Dick Mewborn. So sturdily was this house built that there was never even a crack in the plaster until the earthquake of August 31, 1886. The place has never been out of the hands of Best descendants. No children have been born in this house during the more than 200 years since it was built, though several have been reared in it. 

The descendants of Henry Best I and the Colonel Alexander McAllister D.A.R. Chapter of Snow Hill in 1926 erected a bronze tablet on marble marker at the grave of this colonial builder on which was inscribed: “Henry Best I, Revolutionary Patriot of Greene County.”

Source: The State, A Weekly Survey of North Carolina, Vol. 7, Issue 48, April 27, 1940, p. 8

The home was renovated again in 1970 and remains in good condition. It is 4,644 square feet with four bedrooms, located off Hamtown Road. 

Rodgers Family Cemetery - Stantonsburg, NC

This cemetery is located just over the Wilson County line on Bar Tee Bridge Road, on the left after you pass Tyson Farm Road. It is directly on the side of the road, but hidden in the trees. While technically in Wilson County, I am including it here because many of the people buried here have Greene County roots. 

It is commonly known in the area as the Rodgers Family Cemetery. The Rodgers Family had homesites along Bar Tee Bridge Road. 

[Arranged by death date.]


Rodgers, Ohroa (1889-1902)

Howell, Minnie Mae (1903-1905)

Rodgers, Jedidah (1857-1912)

Howell, Lucy Ella Craft (1865-1915)

Barnes, William (1885-1918)
Beaman, Walter G. (1884-1918)

Webb, Infant (1920-1920)

Webb, Ollie (1921-1921)

Howell, John Robert (1858-1924)

Rodgers, John William (1853-1928)

Beaman, Martha (1916-1928)

Barnes, Leona (1912-1930)

Beamon, Ora (1909-1931)

Howell, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Rodgers (1877-1933)

Beaman, Lucretia Jane Carraway (1857-1945)

Howell, Parot H. (1867-1950)

Rogers, Margaret Adline "Addie" Price (1879-1950)

Beaman, George Harvey (1854-1951)

Rogers, Isaac Lee (1878-1962)

Beaman, Ebbie Rodgers (1887-1964)
Webb, Clifton (1928-1967)

Barnes, Billie Mae (1917-1969)

Webb, Bennie (1884-1969)

Webb, Lonnie Baker (1890-1974)

Webb, Russell Jr. (1923-2011)

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Article: "Mr. Rufus E. Best Killed"--July 18, 1895

"MR. RUFUS E. BEST KILLED."

The North Carolinian, July 18, 1895

"Mr. Jesse A. Jones received a letter Monday from Snow Hill conveying the sad news that Mr. Rufus E. Bets fell from his road cart near his home (Shine) Sunday afternoon. He was killed instantly, the fall breaking his neck. Mr. Best was an influential citizen and his death is greatly deplored. He was about fifty years old."

 

Slave Narrative: Nathan Best, b. 1845

This is the slave narrative of Nathan Best of Harrison County, Mississippi. He was born in North Carolina and served the Best Family of Greene County. 

Age 92,  Inmate of Beauvoir, Confederate Soldiers' Home, on Beach between Biloxi and Gulfport. About 5 ft. 5 in. tall, weight 115. Dark chocolate color, white mustache and hair, sight and hearing fairly good, medium intelligence, solemn in disposition. 

"I was borned May 19, 1845 in North Carolina. My ole marster's name was Henry Bes' but I was in the service wid his younges' son, Rufus Bes'. My father's name was Nathan Bes', I was named atter him, an' my mother's name was Maria, we was all Bes'es. I had a sister named Sairy Ann, an' a brother named Snovine, dere was so many of 'em, I don' guess I kin name 'em now, dey was 15 in all. I mah'ied in 1867, my wife was named Hester, she didn' belong to my ole marster, but to Dr. Seer, his plantation was about 7 miles from ours. She died - I had a secon' wife name Nancy. She had been dead about ten years – dat was 'fore I come here, I has been here 6 years. 

My ole marster's house didn' have no name, but de servants called it de "Great House". It had a long hall clean acrost it, an' rooms on each side of de hall. De dinin' room was about 30 feet long, it was built off separate. De house was painted white, it was a two story house wid big postes in front - a big, fine house. De Quarters was about a quarter of a mile long, de cabins was on each side of a street. My marster had 101 slaves. We was 3 miles from Snow Hill de county seat. We wa'nt on no railroad, we was way back in de country, 12 miles was de nearest railroad dey was. 

My mistis name was Maria, too, she had eight chillun, 2 gals an' six boys. All her sons went to de War, 'cept one. 

We raised corn, cotton, peas an' everyting - my ole marster run 16 plows every day, he had 25 or 30 head of horses an' mules. He had a 'ticlar saddle horse an' a 'ticlar buggy horse, dey didn' do nothin' but ca'hy him aroun'. 

My mother worked on de farm, an' my father stayed in de woods an' run turpentine. My marster run a big farm, an' worked turpentine, too. 

My marster was good to me while he lived, but atter he died I kotch it. Dey was jes' talkin' about dey was goin' to be a War when he died. Den his oldes' son, Marse Bob, drawed me from de estate. He was good to me hisself, but dey hired a overseer, he couldn' hear good, so dey 'zempted him from de War. He was mighty mean, I doan know how many times he did whup me. He would come out of a mornin' an' want to whup everyting he seen. Dis overseer wa'nt born rich, he was a poor man, jes' had a house way back in de woods. One time he hung me up in a peach tree an' whupped me. Kase I stuck a knife in a gal's arm – she got mad at me an' slapped me in de mouf, an' I had dat ole knife an' stuck it in her arm. 

Dey put me at service when I was eight years ole. Dey put me to foller'n de stock. Dey run out in de big woods, an' dey had to foller dem to keep 'em from breakin' into folkses fiel's. 

I run away once, (he laughed) I didn' start to go nowhere jes' laid out in de woods, hidin' from de overseer. He come down de street in de Quarters dat mawnin' jes' a beatin' an' a whuppin' an' de niggahs all a cryin' an' a screamin' an' before he got to where I was, I was done lef' an hid in de woods. My ole mistis, thought dat de overseer had kilt me, an' she tole him not to bother me ef I was foun'. Ole mistis was mean too, she would tell de overseer to whup de niggahs, but she didn' low him to kill none of us, 'kase dat would lose her money. Well, dey foun' me an' took me to de Great House, but dey didn' whup me. Dey ship me off from dat place ober to her son's plantation. He was mah'ied off an his place was about 3 miles from ole mistis.

De war had been goin' on 'bout a year an' a half when I went wid my marster's younges' brother, Rufus. I stayed in it den, till it ended. I was in a heap of battles, but I cain' remember none of deir names, 'cept Petersburg an' Richmon'. My marster never did get wounded - one time a bullet went under his arm an' tore a bundle away, but it didn' hurt him. My marster was a Cap'n an' dey didn' rush de riches' folks to de fron' to fight dey rushed de poor folks in firs'. I was in a big battle at Petersburg. I was carryin' a 'spatch for Cap'n Jordan, he was ober our camp, to a Colonel, 'bout 3 miles away, an' my horse fell down, an' broke my arm so bad, dey had to ca'hy me to de horspittle an' have it took off. 

I wa'nt at Richmon'. My marster got a furlough to go see 'bout his mother, jes' a few days before, but he jes' done it to shun dat heavy battle. He kep' bushwackin' along an' we nebber did git to Richmon'. 

Ebbery place de Yankees took, dey tole de cullud folks dey ain' got no more marster an' no more mistis, an' to go 'bout deir business. Dey 'stroyed de stock an' took what money dey could fin' - dey stroyed de stuff too, I seen 'em pull de plug outn a barrel of 'lasses an' pour it out in de road. 

De Yankees tole us to go to a big city, New bern, N. C. De slaves went dere by hunderds an' hunderds, whole train loads, an' when we got dere dey dumped us out, and dey wa'nt no houses for us to stay in. Dey jes' haul us out to a big battle groun' called Fort Totten an' dere dey dump us out on de bare groun' hunderds an' hunderds of niggahs. We got stakes an' driv' down in de groun' an' peeled off bark to make us shelters. 

Atter dey dump us out dey tell us to go down to a place - I has forgot de name of it - an' dere we would draw some grub. Dey was a Yankee dere, dey called him de progo (provost) marshall an' he giv' us out hardtacks and codfish an' ole pink beefs dat was lef' from de army. We stayed dere an' et dat till fall an' den de progo marshall let all dat wanted to go back to deir ole homes an' give us tickets on de train. I went back to my marster an' stayed wid him three years. He paid me $3.50 a month an' he fed us from his table. I worked on farms all my life an' in turpentine, as long as I was able to work. Atter awhile I went to Georgy an' worked mos'ly in turpentine. I stayed dere a long time. De firs' station I lan' at in Georgy was Millwood, the nex' big town to it was Albany. I worked turpentine dere for 12 years, an' den I went to Crawford county an' worked turpentine. 

I come to Mississippi 30 years ago, to Ocean Springs. For a long time I worked for Mr. Harry Woodman, at Vancleave. Den I live in Biloxi. I plowed around dere for people, I had a team of my own, I jes' went around town an' plowed folkses' gardens for 'em. I jes' got a pension for two years before I come here, it was only $40 a year. I went to de Reunion at Montgomery an' dey tole me I better get in de Home, ifn $40 a year was all I was gettin'. 

Yes, I voted for about 5 years atter de War. I voted at Snow hill, dat was in Greene county an' voted once in Georgy. None of my cullud frien's was ever  'lected to office - no more'n county commissioner. I quit votin' kase dey  'franchised us from votin'. I thought dem was good times in de country 'fore  dey 'franchised us. 

I has seen Klukluxes an' I has run from 'em. Dey sot atter me, but dey didn' get me. Dey was atter us, jes' kase we was free. Dey killed up seberal of de cullud folks, dey would get atter 'em in de night. 

I b'long to de Methodis' church, I jined in 1866. We went to our marster's church in slavery time. He was a Methodis' an all his cullud folkses was Methodis', all dem dat b'longed to church. I takes de bus an' goes to church in Biloxi mos' ebery Sunday, I don' go ebery Sunday. 

I raises a garden an' sells de stuff, I used to sell de bigges' part of it right here at de Home. Dey gives us $2.00 a month spendin' money now, I doan know what dey gwine to do, dey talks about quittin' dat. I got three chillum livin' so far as I knows, I got a daughter in Biloxi an' a son in Canton, Ohio. He works in a bank - he has worked dere 15 years. Den I has another son in Loosiana, I forgets de name of de place. 

I likes it pretty well here, but I would like it better ifn dey'd jes' give me 'nough pension, so I could live at home."

Nathan Best Newspaper clipping, THE GUIDE, November 13, 1936 from Box 128J, folder "Racial Groups" - W.P.A. Collection, Mississippi Department of Archives and History" 

Article: "Snow Hill Hanging" -- September 8, 1897

"SNOW HILL HANGING"

The Eastern Reflector, Greenville, NC   September 8, 1897

Doc Black Pays the Penalty of His Crime Amid Scenes of Disorder

"Dock Black, the negro who outraged Miss Janie Stepp, a maiden lady in Greene

county, a few months ago, was hanged in Snow Hill on Wednesday about 1

o'clock. The execution was witnessed by a great crowd, and the evils of having

a hanging in public were very evident. The number of people in Snow Hill was

variously estimated to be from 7,000 to 10,000, and most of them were there

not so much for the purpose of seeing the majesty of the law upheld and the

penalty of a crime paid, as through the morbid curiosity to see a hanging.

Pistols, knives and clubs were largely in evidence, and hundreds of people

present instead of being supporters of the law were themselves violators. All

day long wild disorders prevailed, and it was only through extreme vigilance

that a riot was averted. Before the execution a colored preacher with several

relatives of the condemned man went into the jail to hold services and when

the sounds of their praying, singing and shouting reached the negroes outside

they went almost wild with excitement. When Black was taken to the place of

execution a crowd of negroes tried to rush on the gallows, and were only held

back by the guards thrusting pistols and guns in their faces. Black waved his

hand from the scaffold to the crowd and told them to behave themselves, that

he had committed the crime and had to be punished for it. Even after the

execution the excitement continued so that several negroes had to be driven

across the bridge out of town.

The drop fell about 1 o'clock and Black was dead in a few minutes."

Public execution of Dock Black in Snow Hill, September 1, 1897.
He was executed after confessing to the rape of Miss Janie Stepp.

Article: "A Melon Feast at Hookerton" -- August 31, 1909

 "A MELON FEAST AT HOOKERTON"

Raleigh Newspaper, August 31, 1909

"August 20--The young people of Hookerton enjoyed a melon feast Friday night, which was served on the porch of the school building. The crowd gathered about half past nine o'clock, after services at the Christian Church, and in the beautiful moonlight all joined in one of the most enjoyable feasts of the season. There were lots of melons carved and laid upon the edge of the porch and the merry crowd gathered around and without ceremony engaged in the feast.

Those present were Misses Rosabelle Taylor, Grifton; Julia Taylor, Hookerton; Henrietta Moye, Farmville; Agnes Spain, Greenville; Lanie Hardy, Maury; Maybelle Grimsley, Hookerton; Fannie Moye, Farmville; Alice Taylor, Hookerton; Naomi Vause, Hookerton; Nannie May Vause, Hookerton; Fannie Brown Edwards, Hookerton; Mary Youngblood, Florence S.C.; Lillie Giles, Hookerton; Iola Giles, Hookerton; Sophia Palmer, Hookerton. 

The young men present were: Messrs. M. S. Giles, Stem; Joe Moye, Farmville; and the following from Hookerton: Messrs. Harry Taylor, Joe Giles, Robert Edwards, Milton Grimsley, S. M. Hardy, Luther Kilpatrick, H. C. Hollowell, Hardy Vause, Richard Taylor, Kirby Hart, Guy Taylor, and Norville Palmer.

The chaperones were Mr. and Mrs. R. J .Matlock.

The union meeting at the Christian Church is in progress here also and a number of people are here from other churches as delegated to this meeting .A revival will follow the union meeting."

Article: "Snow Hill Citizen Sends Bullet Through His Head at Wilson" -- July 31, 1914

"SNOW HILL CITIZEN SENDS BULLET THROUGH HIS HEAD AT WILSON"

 The Eastern Reflector, July 31, 1914

"WILSON, July 26—Within 15 minutes after his arrival here of six o' clock tonight Joe Bunn, a white man of Snow Hill, was a suicide in a questionable resort and no cause can be assigned for the deed. Alighting from the train from Snow Hill, Bunn went immediately to the house of Cora Judy, a white woman of bad reputation. He was received into the house and immediately took up his position on the lid of a small trunk. He appeared ill at ease, nervous and excited. In a few moments he requested a room on the second floor, then he asked for a glass of water, and while she was down stairs for the water she heard a pistol shot. Another inmate of the house rushed into the room and found Bunn entirely nude, stretched out on the bed, with his hand tightly clutched a revolver lying across his chest, and a gaping bullet hole in his forehead. Search of his clothes failed to reveal any cause of the rash act. A dozen cigarettes were found in the pockets, four revolver cartridges, seventy cents in cash, and a blank check of Dixon, Hicks & Company, merchants of Snow Hill. The body was at once prepared for burial. His remains were shipped to Snow Hill this afternoon."

Article: "The Reunion in Snow Hill" -- May 21, 1891

 "THE REUNION IN SNOW HILL"
Wilson Advance, May 21, 1891

Patriotic and Thrilling Speeches by Brave and Gallant Gentlemen. 

"Pursuant to custom there was a reunion of the surviving members of Co. A. 3rd Regt. N. C. T. in the Court House in this place today. Capt. H. H. Best, President of the Association called meeting to order. W. P. Ormand, Secretary, was at his post. Orderly Seargt R. A. Edwards called the roll, to which most of the survivors responded. Rev. J. T. Abernathy offered prayer, beautiful and touching, referring to the time when they fought for country, and that as they were valiant soldiers of the Cross. Letters were received and read from Col. W. L. DeRossett, Gen'l. Robert Ransom and Gen'l. Gaston Lewis expressing regret that they could not respond "in propria persona" to the kindly invitation to be present. 

In response to loud calls Capt. Swift Galloway who bears on his manly person the lasting evidence of his valor on the field of battle, arose and made a most capital speech, in which he reviewed the history of this noble company, depicting and describing in graphic and eloquent words the many scenes of carnage and of blood in which they held up the banner of the Southern Cross, and warmly applauded and commended the boys of Greene for keeping in fresh remembrance the days when along the fire-fringed front they battled for Southern rights and homes and firesides. Dr. E. H. Hornaday, Surgeon, was called for and he charmed and delighted the audience with a well timed, eloquent and patriotic speech. Mr. J. P. Heath, who proudly calls himself "one of the boys who never surrendered" came to the front and his effort was loudly applauded. Stonewall Jackson was his model, and in his eulogy of him he said that when he died he would be content to go where Jackson was that would be heaven for him. Old Primus, the faithful old colored man who followed the company through the war, said that he was proud to be here and to join them in remembering soldier days. 

Some fine music by the Greene County Brass Band interspersed the speeches. After the speeches dinner was announced, to which many others were invited. Greene County always famous for her splendid barbecue, tried on this occasion to excel her own reputation. 

Upon re-assembling an election of officers for the ensuing year was held, and the result was as follows: President, Capt. H. H. Best; First Vice-President, Jos. A. Darden; Second President, Capt. Swift Galloway; Secretary, W. P. Ormand ; Treasurer, W. Haywood Dail ; Chaplain, Rev. J. T. Abernathy. 

On motion Dr. E. H. Hornady, Rev. J. T. Abernathy and Capt. Swift Galloway were appointed a committee to prepare a memorial of our late comrade Capt. W. A. Darden who submitted the following: Whereas, Since our last reunion the hand of Death has removed from our Roster our beloved comrade Capt. William A. Darden, therefore be it resolved, that his old comrades in arms who knew his lofty character, his heroism and courage, his irreproachable character and fidelity to principle, desire to record their love for him and their veneration for his many virtues of head and heart. Resolved, that the whole career of William A. Darden was a noble lesson, and a splendid example, teaching and illustrating the value and beauty of a pure and honorable and righteous life. Resolved, that we tender our sincere condolence to the bereaved family of our deceased comrade. Resolved, that these proceedings be spread upon the minutes of our association; that a copy of the same be forwarded to the family of  Capt. Darden, that a copy be furnished to the Wilmington Messenger, the Argus and the Wilson Advance and Mirror for publication. Swift Galloway, E. H. Hornaday,  J. T. Abernathy } Com., The report was unanimously adopted.

 Motion by J. P. Heath that the ladies be invited to attend our reunions in the future-adopted. Motion adopted that the members of the Greene County Brass Band also John Sugg, Esq., be made honorary members of this association. Motion adopted that the Treasurer, upon application, be empowered and instructed to apply any funds in his hands to the relief of any needy brothers. 

The following named gentlemen were elected the committee of arrangements for the next reunion: R. A. Edwards, Joseph Turnage, Jas. W. Taylor, W. H. Dail and B. F. Albritton. The following named gentlemen Eli Darden, of the 43d N. C. T ; O. Frizzelle, 5th N. C. C ; J. B. Murphrey 27th N. C. T ; J. H. Newell 66th N. C. T ; I. C. Edwards 40th N. C. T; Hardy Sugg 66th N. C. T., made application for membership and were received. Motion adopted that the son of any member of this association who is eighteen years old shall be admitted as a member upon application. 

The association in a body headed by the band then proceeded to the grave of Capt. J. H. Albritton and there 'neath the sighing pines communed with the spirit of the brave and gallant brother whose life battle fought, sleeps his everlasting sleep. "In the sweet bye and bye" was here most beautifully, touchingly, and appropriately rendered. Repairing to the Court House the benediction was pronounced by the Chaplain, and during the playing of "God be with you till we meet again" the crowd dispersed to meet again April 23rd, 1892. 

H.H.. Best, Pres. 

W. P. Ormand, Sect'y. "