Cumberland County NC

Biography of William J. Yates

William J. Yates, born in Fayetteville, N.C., in 1827, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent printer and journalist. Apprenticed at the North Carolinian, he later purchased the paper and published it for over three decades. Yates was known for his unwavering dedication to education, his integrity in journalism, and his deep love for North Carolina. He held various public service roles, including director of the Insane Asylum in Morganton. Yates passed away in 1888, leaving a legacy of moral character and commitment to his community.

Slave Narrative of Uncle Willis Williams

Willis Williams, interviewed in Conway, South Carolina, recounts his experiences from slavery to freedom. He reflects on his childhood, the arrival of Union soldiers during the Civil War, and the harsh realities of life as a freedman. Williams describes his former owner, John A. Williams, and his interactions with Yankees, including receiving $35 after the war. He shares memories of working with cattle and the transition to freedom, highlighting the struggles faced afterward. He also touches on his relationships and personal hardships, revealing the complexities of his life.

Slave Narrative of John C. Bectom

John C. Bectom, born in 1862 in North Carolina, recalls his life as a slave and the experiences of his family. His father and mother were owned by different families, and he shares stories of harsh labor and limited freedoms, such as attending dances secretly and receiving meager provisions. Bectom also recounts the arrival of Union soldiers during the Civil War, which eventually led to his family’s freedom. He reflects on the injustices of slavery and expresses admiration for Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing the importance of living righteously.

Slave Narrative of Sarah Louise Augustus

Sarah Louise Augustus, born into slavery on a North Carolina plantation, recounts her early life and experiences. Owned by J.B. Smith, she describes the harsh realities of slave life, including corporal punishment and the slave auction system. She recalls her family’s lineage, her hard work milking cows, and interactions with local whites. After the Civil War, Augustus remained with her former owners, navigating post-war life while maintaining relationships with them. Married twice, she shares her dedication to earning respect and her involvement with community organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Waddell Chestnutt

Charles Waddell Chestnutt, born on June 20, 1858, in Cleveland, was a prominent lawyer and author. He began his career as a teacher at age 16 and later became principal of the State Normal School in Fayetteville, N.C. After a stint in newspaper writing in New York, he returned to Cleveland as a shorthand reporter and pursued law, being admitted to the bar in 1887. Chestnutt is noted for works such as The Conjure Woman and The Marrow of Tradition.

John R. Garrason

Sergt. John R. Garrason served in the Medical Corps at Hospital No. 6 in Cumberland County. He was the son of John and Joanna Garrason. He entered military service in May 1918 in Fayetteville and was stationed at Fort McPherson, where he was mustered out on February 14, 1919.

Biography of Paul Phillip MacCaskill

Paul Phillip MacCaskill, born July 7, 1890, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a notable member of the Kansas bar practicing in Parsons. Educated in various locations, he engaged in public affairs, serving as secretary to Senator Baille P. Waggener in 1915 and later as a committee clerk. A descendant of Scottish ancestry, his family has a rich heritage, including a chaplain in the Confederate army. Admitted to the bar in 1913, he has actively participated in local politics and is a family man, married with one son.

Henry Elliot Williams

Capt. Henry Elliot Williams, born in Cumberland County, was the son of W. L. and Mary Eliza Elliot Williams, and husband to Minnie P. Williams. He joined the Quartermaster Corps on July 9, 1917, in Charleston, S.C., and served overseas in France from December 5, 1917. Williams held various logistical roles, including managing camp resources and serving as a Regulating Officer on the front lines. He returned to the U.S. on July 11, 1919, and was mustered out the following day in Hoboken.

John Vann Thornton

John Vann Thornton served as a 1st Class Private in the 13th Company of the Field Artillery. A native of Cumberland County, he was the son of T. A. Thornton and his wife. He entered military service in June 1918 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and was subsequently stationed at Fort Thomas in Kentucky before being transferred to Camp Sherman in Ohio, where he was mustered out on December 20, 1918.

James M. Tomlinson

Ordinary Sergeant James M. Tomlinson, born in Cumberland County to Jas. W. and Eva Tomlinson, enlisted in July 1917 and served with the 30th Division, 119th Regiment. He trained at Camp Sevier and Camp Merritt before deploying to France on May 11, 1918. Tomlinson was promoted to his rank in October 1918 and participated in key battles such as Ypres, Cambrai, and Bellicourt. He returned to the U.S. on April 2, 1919, after also serving on the Mexican border earlier that year.

Brantley S. Vann

F. A. Vann served in Battery E of the 9th Regiment, having been born in Cumberland County on June 17, 1896. He was the son of J. R. and Ida L. Vann. He entered military service on July 28, 1918, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and underwent training at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, before being transferred to Camp Hill, Virginia. Vann was mustered out of service at Camp Jackson on June 28, 1919.

Junius Richardson Vann, Jr.

Junius Richardson Vann, Jr. was born on September 9, 1889, in Cumberland County. He served as a Captain in the Medical Corps of the 160th Infantry, 40th Division, enlisting in July 1917. After training at various camps, he sailed to France in August 1918. Vann achieved the rank of Lieutenant in August 1917 and was promoted to Captain in March 1918. He returned to the United States on July 29, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, on August 15, 1919.

Thomas W. Rankin

2nd Lt. F. A. Rankin, from Cumberland County and son of A. E. and Zula Rankin, entered military service on April 6, 1918. He was initially stationed at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, before being transferred to Camp Taylor, Kentucky, and back to Camp Jackson. He achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant on August 31, 1918, and later attended the School of Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Rankin was mustered out on December 13, 1918, at Fort Sill.

John A. Pappas

Private 1st Class John A. Pappas served in Battery C of the 306th Regiment, Field Artillery, within the 77th Division during World War I. A native of Cumberland County and the son of A. J. and G. A. Pappas, he enlisted on March 28, 1918, in Boston, and underwent training at Camp Devens and Camp Upton. He sailed for France on April 24, participating in the battles of Alsace-Lorraine, Vail Sector, Argonne, and Meuse, before returning home on May 10, 1919.

B. O. Overby

B.O. Overby, born on July 27, 1900, in Cumberland County, served as a Coxswain in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He entered military service on March 24, 1917, in Fayetteville, N.C., and was initially assigned to St. Helena, Va. Overby was promoted to Coxswain in August 1917 and served on several vessels, including the U.S. transport Mallory and the U.S.S. Scranton. He was mustered out of service on August 12, 1919, at Hampton Roads, Va.

Grover C. Moore

Grover C. Moore, a private in Company C of the 30th Division’s 119th Infantry Regiment, hails from Cumberland County. He enlisted in June 1916, served on the Mexican border, and later engaged in World War I, where he was gassed and shell shocked in France. His military journey included training at Camp Sevier and Camp Merritt before deployment on September 1, 1918. Moore was discharged at Fort McPherson on June 30, 1919. His father also served in the military during the Spanish-American War.

B. F. Nance

B. F. Nance, a 2nd Class Baker in the Navy from Cumberland County, was born to J. W. and Mrs. M. A. Nance. He enlisted on July 2, 1916, in Fayetteville, N.C., and was initially stationed in St. Helena, Va., before being transferred to the U.S.S. Arkansas. Nance participated in two overseas deployments and was mustered out in San Francisco, California, on June 27, 1920.

Henry Lewis Myrover

2nd Lieutenant Henry Lewis Myrover, born in Cumberland County to George G. Myrover, enlisted in June 1916 and trained at several camps in North Carolina and South Carolina. He sailed for France in May 1918 and fought in significant battles, including Ypres and the Hindenburg Line, where he was wounded. After recovery in a French hospital, he returned to the U.S. in July 1919 and completed his service with the Military Police. He was mustered out in New York City later that month.

George G. Myrover, Jr.

Sergt. George G. Myrover, Jr., born in Cumberland County to George and Mrs. Myrover, served in Battery A, 76th Regiment of the 3rd Division. He entered the military on June 12, 1917, and was deployed to France on April 23, 1918, after training at Camp Allen and Camp Shelby. Myrover saw action in major offensives including Meuse-Argonne and St. Mihiel and received commendation for his service. He was mustered out on September 1, 1919, after participating in the Army of Occupation.

Glover Charles Marsh

Glover Charles Marsh served as a 1st Class Quartermaster in the Naval Air Service. Hailing from Cumberland County, he was the son of Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Marsh. He volunteered for service on January 9, 1918, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was trained in Pensacola, Florida, and subsequently deployed to France on June 4, 1918. Marsh returned to the United States on November 23, 1918, and was mustered out of service in Charleston, South Carolina, on April 1, 1919.