Durham County NC
Slave Narrative of Sarah Anne Green
In an interview with Sarah Anne Green, she recounts her childhood as a slave on the plantation of Marse Billy and Mis Roby Watson in North Carolina. She describes her early life, including her family background, the role of her mother as the head seamstress, and their experiences during the Civil War. Green shares personal anecdotes, highlighting moments of kindness from Marse Billy, such as holiday treats and care for the sick. Notably, she recounts Mis Roby’s bravery in helping an injured Union soldier, reflecting the complexities of human relationships during this tumultuous period.
Slave Narrative of Lindsey Faucette
Lindsey Faucette, born on November 16, 1851, at Occoneechee Plantation, reflects on his life as a slave under the kind care of Marse John and Mis Annie Norwood. He recalls their humane treatment, including education and Sunday rest. After the Civil War, he and his family thrived on land granted by Marse John. Faucette emphasizes strong family values, education, and moral upbringing, crediting his faith for his successes and the well-being of his children, whom he raised with love and guidance.
Slave Narrative of Fanny Cannady
Fanny Cannady, interviewed at 79, recalls her childhood as a slave in Durham County, North Carolina, under Marse Jordan Moss. She describes the harsh conditions and mistreatment of enslaved people, including the infamous incident where Jordan shot Leonard Allen, a fellow slave. Fanny remembers her parents, the scarcity of food, and the fear instilled by Jordan’s cruelty. Despite her liberation after the war, she chose to remain with Mis Sally, who showed kindness amidst the brutality. Their bond endured until Mis Sally’s death.
Slave Narrative of Lucy Brown
In a 1937 interview, Lucy Brown from Durham, North Carolina, reflects on her childhood experiences as a slave under John Neal. Although she was very young when slavery ended, she shares memories relayed by her mother, Rosseta. Lucy describes their careful attempts to hold secret gatherings and notes the absence of harsh treatment, with good clothes and food provided. She recounts her mother’s stories of past hardships, the community’s church attendance, and her large family, revealing a narrative of resilience amidst oppression.
Slave Narrative of Cy Hart
Cy Hart recounts his family history, detailing the sale of his father, Ephram Hart, by Marse Ephram Hart to Marse Paul Cameron. Cy describes life on the plantation, including chores and the processing of wheat into flour. During the Civil War, Yankee soldiers came to their home seeking food, and Cy’s mother provided them with a meal. After the war, they remained with Marse Paul until his death, honoring him by carrying his coffin, which reflects the complicated relationships between enslaved individuals and their owners.
Slave Narrative of Milly Henry
Milly Henry, an 82-year-old former slave, recounts her life beginning in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where she was born into slavery under Mr. Buck Boylan. Fearing the arrival of Union troops, they journeyed to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she later worked for various employers. Her experiences included harsh treatment and witnessing significant events during the Civil War, such as the hanging of a Confederate soldier. Despite the hardships, Milly expresses gratitude for the end of slavery and reflects on her life and family.
Slave Narrative of Mary Wallace Bowe
Mary Wallace Bowe, at 81, recalls her childhood during the Civil War in Durham, North Carolina. Sold with her family from one plantation to another, she describes interactions with her owners, particularly Mis Fanny and Mis Virginia. As Union soldiers approached, they hid valuables, showcasing resilience and defiance against threats. Bowe recounts a visit from a peddler who later revealed he was Abraham Lincoln in disguise, eliciting a furious reaction from Mis Virginia. This narrative captures the complexities of slavery and the Civil War’s impact on personal lives.
Slave Narrative of Tempie Herndon Durham
Tempie Herndon Durham, age 103, reflects on her life as a slave on the Herndon plantation in Chatham County. She recounts her experiences with the Herndons, detailing the agricultural activities and the community of enslaved individuals who worked there, including weaving and dyeing. Durham shares personal memories of her wedding to Exter Durham and the eventual birth of their children. After the Civil War, she notes the challenges of freedom, suggesting life was more stable under slavery, with care provided by their masters.
Slave Narrative of Sarah Debro
In an interview conducted by Travis Jordan, Sarah Debro, a 90-year-old former slave from Orange County, recounts her experiences on Marse Doctor Cain’s plantation. She describes her relationships with her owners, particularly Mis Polly, and reflects on plantation life, including her duties as a housemaid. Debro shares her memories during the Civil War, observing the soldiers and the impact of the conflict on her life and family. After emancipation, she faced hardships in a post-war society, revealing her complex feelings about freedom and slavery.
Eno Indians
The Eno Indians, likely of Siouan linguistic stock, inhabited the Eno River region in present-day Orange and Durham Counties, North Carolina. Their notable village, Adshusheer, was shared with the Shakori. First recorded by Governor Yeardley, the Eno resisted Spanish incursions and later migrated towards Virginia settlements around 1714. Their population is estimated to have been 1,500 in 1600, declining to 750 by 1714. They are distinct for adopting a trading lifestyle, with their name associated with local rivers and places.
Lee Z. Watson
Private M. G. Btn., Co. B, of the 6th Division, hailing from Durham County, was the son of C. W. and Mrs. H. W. Watson. He entered military service on May 16, 1917, in Durham, N.C. After training at multiple camps, he sailed for France on July 7, 1918. He participated in battles in the Alsace-Lorraine Sector and the Meuse-Argonne. Private Watson returned to the United States on June 19, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, on July 10, 1919.
Joseph A. White
Corporal F. A. White, from Durham, North Carolina, served in Battery C, 113th Regiment of the 30th Division. He entered the military on June 19, 1917, and underwent training at Camp Sevier before deployment to France on May 26, 1918. White participated in several key offensives, including St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. After the war, he returned to the U.S. on March 19, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Jackson on March 28, 1919.
Robert C. White
Sergt. M. P. White, of the 30th Company, 30th Division, from Durham, North Carolina, enlisted on June 30, 1917. After training at Camp Sevier and Camp Mills, he sailed for France on May 11, 1918. He participated in key battles at the Hindenburg Line and Voormizelle. Serving with Battery C, 113th Field Artillery, he later joined the 105th Military Police, which became the 30th Military Police Company. He returned to the United States on April 11, 1919, and was discharged on April 14.
C. C. Wilkerson
Sergt. 1st Class Wilkerson, of the Medical Corps in the 81st Division, was born to W. A. and Mrs. Mary P. Wilkerson in Durham County. He enlisted on October 5, 1917, and underwent training at Camp Jackson and Camps Mills before deploying to France on August 8, 1918. After his service, he returned to the United States on June 13, 1919, and was officially mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, on June 21, 1919.
Charlie V. Wilkins
Charlie V. Wilkins served as a mechanic in Company M of the 30th Division, 120th Regiment, during World War I. A native of Durham County, he enlisted in 1917 and trained at Camp Sevier, South Carolina. He embarked for France on May 17, 1918, and tragically lost his life at the Battle of Hindenburg Line on September 29, 1918. Wilkins is interred at the American Cemetery in Bony Aisne, marked No. 636.
John A. Teague
Corporal John A. Teague served in Company F of the 4th Motor Ambulance Park Regiment during World War I. Born in Durham County to Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Teague, he was married to Gertrude Lenoir Teague. He enlisted on June 25, 1918, and underwent training at various camps before being deployed to France on September 2, 1918. Teague participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and returned to the United States on June 24, 1919, ultimately mustering out on July 13, 1919, at Camp Lee, Virginia.
George M. Temple
Private George M. Temple served in Company M of the 120th Infantry, 30th Division, during World War I. Born in Durham County to W. B. Temple and his wife, he enlisted on May 15, 1917, and subsequently trained at Camp Sevier and Camp Merritt. He deployed to France on May 17, 1918, where he engaged in the Hindenburg Line battles. He sustained a shrapnel wound on September 29, 1918, and returned home on December 16, 1918, before being mustered out on February 28, 1919.