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. "

Article: "Nathan Eason Killed by Lightning"--August 20, 1910

"NATHAN EASON KILLED BY LIGHTNING"

Daily Reflector, August 20, 1910

"Mr. Nathan Eason, a farmer of Greene county, was killed by lightning Friday afternoon. Mr. Matt Hardee, a brother-in-law of Mr. Eason, had been visiting him, and they were on their way to Farmville where Mr. Hardee was to take the train for Greenville. On the road they were caught in a storm and stopped in a house for shelter. Mr. Eason was standing just inside the door holding on to the buggy reins, when a bolt of lightning struck and killed the mule. The lightning also run up the reins and killed Mr. Eason, and Mr. Hardee was slightly shocked. About two years ago Mr. Eason married Miss Florence Hardee, of Greenville."

Article: "Plowed Up Bones"--June 20, 1907

"PLOWED UP BONES"

Snow Hill Laconic, June 20, 1907

"Last week a farmer near Sharpsburg, on Antietam Creek in Maryland, while plowing in his field, plowed up human bones. Upon further investigation the entire skeleton of a man was unearthed and with it a sword bearing the inscription "Arch W. Speight, Co. A, 3d N. C. C. S. A." This find was on the battle-field known as Sharpsburg, or Antietam, where Lee and McClellan fought one of the great battles of the Civil War, September 17th, 1862. Lieutenant Arch W. Speight, a son of Abner Speight, of Speights Bridge township, this county, was killed in this battle and buried upon the battlefield, receiving a soldier;s burial, being rolled in a blanket with his sword and thrown in a hole. He was a member of Company A, Third North Carolina regiment, which holds its reunion here every 10th of April. We understand that some of his relatives are talking of having his remains removed to some cemetery. His request when he left for the war, if slain on the battlefield, was that his remains be allowed to remain where first interred."

 

Last Will and Testament: Seth SPEIGHT Sr. (1773-1857)

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN

I, SETH SPEIGHT, SR. being weak in body, but thank God enjoying the full use of my mental faculties, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner and form following, to wit:

Item.

I give and bequeath unto my son SETH SPEIGHT the following tract of land, viz: beginning at the mouth of Watry Branch on the North side of Great Contentnea Creek and running with WILLIAM SPEIGHT's line to his corner a post oak, then with his other line to his corner a hickory, then with LANGSTON'S line to his corner a post oak, then with his said LANGSTON 's other line to JOHN GAINY's beginning corner, a pine then WILLIAM SPEIGHT's line to his corner, then with his other line to a point opposite the head of Pig Pen Branch, then down the various courses of said branch to the place where said branch, Swift's Branch, and a small branch making into dry swamp part, then down the various courses of the said small branch to the dry swamp then down the various courses of dry swamp to the Polly Causy Branch, then along the various courses of said branch to the head of Dry Marsh, then down the various courses of the Dry Marsh to SAMUEL VINE's Line, then with the several courses and distances of said VINE 's line to Contentnea Creek at a place called the Old hedge, then down the various courses of said creek to the beginning, containing 600 acres more or less in two plantations.

I also give unto my son SETH one negro man, Peter, a yellow sorrell mare called Blaze, one half of the stock of cattle now on the aforesaid two plantations, one gun, one bed and furniture to him the said SETH, his heirs and assigns forever.

I give and bequeath unto my son HENRY SPEIGHT that tract of land lying on the north side of the 600 acres more or less bequeathed to my son SETH bounded by THOS. HALL's, JOSEPH WINSLOW's, DELIJAH DANIELS and WILLIAM SPEIGHT's lands containing two plantations and also containing 600 acres more or less. I also give unto my said son HENRY one negro girl named Sarah, one bay mare had of DAVID PEAL, the remaining half of my stock of cattle on my upper plantations not given to my son SETH, one gun and bed and furniture to him, the said HENRY, his heirs and assigns forever .

Item.

I give and bequeath to my son THOMAS SPEIGHT 600 acres, more or less, of land on the South side of THOMPSON's swamp, including the plantation where ISAAC HAYES formerly lived, one negro boy named Ben, one small horse called Mark, one small gun, two cows and calves out of my stock at home, one bed and furniture, to him the said THOMAS SPEIGHT his heirs and assigns forever.

I give and bequeath unto my son LEMON SPEIGHT the plantation whereon I now live and all the lands and several tracts of land to me belonging adjoining thereto, only reserve to my brother WILLIAM SPEIGHT that part which he lives on and has occupied during the term of his natural life.
I also give to my said son LEMON a negro boy named Simon, two cows and calves, one gray horse called Traveller, one bed and furniture, to him my said son LEMON SPEIGHT his heirs and assigns forever.

Furthermore, my will and desire is that if either of my three sons, SETH, HENRY or LEMON before they come to full age should die, the tract of land given to each of them shall be the property of my son THOMAS, his heirs and assigns forever and the tract of land before given to the said THOMAS be the property of my three daughters POLLY VINES SPEIGHT, NANCY HOWE SPEIGHT and FANNY SPEIGHT.

Item.

I give unto my daughter POLLY VINES SPEIGHT one negro girl named Peggy, one negro child named Nelly with their increase, one bed and furniture, two cows and calves, one mare colt, to her my said daughter POLLY VINES and her heirs forever.

Item.

I give to my daughter NANCY HOWE SPEIGHT a negro girl named Cherry, one half of a negro woman named Cressy, one bed and furniture, two cows and calves, to her, my said daughter NANCY HOWE SPEIGHT her heirs and assigns fore ver.

Item.

I give unto my daughter FANNY SPEIGHT the other half of the young negro woman named Cressy and also one other negro girl named Patience, one bed and furniture, if it can be made out of the house and if not the value thereof out of what may be sold of my personal property, two cows and calves to her, my said daughter FANNY her heirs and assigns forever.

Further my will and desire is that deceased wife's clothes be divided among my three above named daughters, also that six barrels of brandy and one riding mare be sold, my money in hand and what is due me either by note or otherwise and all said moneys be applied to the schooling of my children.
I give and bequeath unto my son THOMAS SPEIGHT that tract of land called the Cross Rock Neck to him and his heirs forever.

I furthermore will and desire that all my stock of hogs, sheep and remaining cattle my blacksmith tools, coopers and carpenters tools all my plantation utensils and what of my house hold and kitchen furniture is not before willed away may remain on my home plantation and be for the joint use of my two sons SETH and HENRY whom I wish both also jointly to live on and occupy for their use my said plantation provided they take care of and raise my two youngest sons during the space of seven years or longer, if my executors think fit.

Item.

I also give to my daughter FANNY SPEIGHT one negro woman named Hanna with her increase to her my said daughter and her heirs forever.

It is further my will and desire that my part or share of all the negroes not before willed away shall be equally divided among my four sons. It likewise is my will and desire that my half of the still and all my casks and my apple mill be the property of my son LEMON SPEIGHT reserving to my son SETH SPEIGHT the apple mill and casks at the upper plantation.

I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my brother WILLIAM SPEIGHT and my two sons WILLIAM VINES SPEIGHT and SETH SPEIGHT executors of this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 12th day of March in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred.

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of

WILLIAM CLEMENTS

W.V. SPEIGHT, ABSALOM PRICE SETH SPEIGHT, SEN'R (seal)



[Note: A codicil was made 8 June 1800 which revokes the appointment of his brother, WILLIAM SPEIGHT, as an executor, and "my friend" BENJAMIN MAY JUNIOR of Pitt County, N.C., substituted. Also, a legacy was given to N ANNIE MAGEE "in consideration of her kindness to me during my illness..." Witnesses to the codicil: SAMUEL SPEIGHT Sr., WILLIAM CLEMENTS, SILAS WALSTON.]

Jeremiah BEAMAN (1757-1836)

Jeremiah BEAMAN was born 17 May 1757 in Nansemond County, VA to John Cotton BEAMAN and Sarah THOMPSON.

He enlisted in the Revolutionary War as a private in Captain Martin's Company, 2nd North Carolina Regiment, and in 1778 served in Captain John Ingles company, Col. John Patten's regiment. While in service, he was involved in two known battles:
28 Jun 1778 - Monmouth (New Jersey)
28 Mar 1780 to 12 May 1780 - Siege of Charleston (South Carolina)

On 13 Sep 1779, Jeremiah BEAMAN was sentenced for treason by General George Washington, in Charlestown, SC.

"Jeremiah Beaman, of the 2d North Carolina, was tried for desertion and using seditious language, and was sentenced to suffer death. 

Desertions occurred from the British to the continental army, and orders were issued against the purchase of arms they brought with them." 

He married Ruth BARROW in 1786 in Dobbs County, NC.


Jeremiah and Ruth had the following children:

1. John BEAMAN
2. Miles BEAMAN
3. Edmond (Edmund) BEAMAN
4. James BEAMAN
5. Noah BEAMAN
6. Jesse BEAMAN
7. Emanuel Parker BEAMAN
8. Marmaduke BEAMAN
9. Sarah BEAMAN
10. Temperance BEAMAN
11. Margaret BEAMAN
12. Rhoda BEAMAN
13. Hulda BEAMAN


Jeremiah died on 12 Oct 1836 in Greene County, NC.

Dildy-Beamon Cemetery, Greene County, NC

This cemetery is located off a dirt path, about a mile from Contentnea Creek.

According to a Mr. Bundy, who looks after this cemetery, there used to be several sunken places indicating that there were additional unmarked graves. He had them filled in and covered over. He said there were more unmarked ones than marked ones.


[Arranged by death date.]


Dildy, Teresa Walston (1859-1888)
Dildy, Ann Eliza Wooten (1866-1895)
Dildy, John Franklin (1853-1901)
Dildy, Joseph (1891-1908)
Beaman, William E. (1912-1913)
Dildy, Thresa Evora (1891-1908)
Dildy, Charley E. (1910-1913)
Bundy, Mary Frances Dildy (1884-1915)
Bundy, Rev. Joseph Thomas (1873-1923)
Dildy, Elisha (1855-1926)
May, Ollie Susan (1928-1928)
Beaman, W. J. (1873-1931)
Dildy, Sarah Jane Beaman (1866-1941)
Ellis, Calma Jean (1944-1944)
Beamon, Ida Dildy (1881-1950)
Dildy, Lilly Jane (1880-1957)
May, Ollie Bertha Beamon (1909-1961)
May, Henry Hope (1907-1962)