Franklin County NC

Slave Narrative of Mary Anderson

Mary Anderson, born May 10, 1851, on a plantation in Wake County, North Carolina, recounts her life as a slave. Belonging to Sam Brodie, she describes a relatively mild life, with adequate food, care, and schooling for children. Sundays were special, with fruit and gatherings. She reflects on the end of the Civil War, the moment she and others learned of their freedom, and how many former slaves later returned to their former owners. Anderson expresses positive sentiments about her experiences, stating that slavery benefited her family.

Slave Narrative of Mattie Curtis

In an interview with Mattie Curtis, a 98-year-old former slave from Raleigh, North Carolina, she recounts her life experiences from her birth on a plantation to her struggle for freedom. She describes the harsh treatment by various slave owners, including severe whippings and neglect. Mattie discusses the chaos during the Civil War and how she eventually gained freedom. Despite hardships, she managed to buy land and support her family while reflecting on the challenges faced by the younger generation compared to her own.

Slave Narrative of Frank Freeman

Frank Freeman, born on December 24, 1857, in Wake County, North Carolina, recounts his experiences as a slave under Jim Wiggins. He describes a relatively benevolent upbringing, receiving good food, clothing, and care. Freeman highlights the absence of formal education during slavery but later pursued learning independently, saving money for his education at Shaw University. He taught in public schools for 43 years. Freeman reflects on his family’s legacy, including his father’s escape from slavery, and expresses admiration for Abraham Lincoln’s efforts toward freedom.

Slave Narrative of Charles W. Dickens

Charles W. Dickens, born on August 16, 1861, in Raleigh, North Carolina, recounts his life as a child of enslaved parents, Ferebee and John Dickens. Raised in a log house, he recalls the care provided by his mistress and the struggles faced by his father, a carpenter who was sometimes protected from punishment. Dickens describes the arrival of Union soldiers during the Civil War, the theft of food, and his family’s relocation post-war. He reflects on Abraham Lincoln’s role in their emancipation and expresses admiration for Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Shakori Indians

The Shakori Tribe, possibly linked to the term Sugari meaning “stingy,” belonged to the Siouan linguistic family, closely related to the Sissipahaw. Their historical presence is tied to Shocco and Big Shocco Creeks in present-day North Carolina. They may have named the province of Chicora, documented by Spanish explorers in the early 16th century. The Shakori’s fortunes were intertwined with the Eno tribe, and their legacy is reflected in local geographical names, with Mooney estimating their population at 1,500 in 1600.

Abram Rencher Winston

Lt. Col. Abram Rencher Winston, born in Franklin County in 1878, served in the Medical Corps of the 30th Division. He entered military service in 1917, training at Camp Sevier before deploying to France in May 1918. Winston achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel by April 1919 and participated in significant battles such as those at the Somme and Ypres. He also served on the Mexican border. He returned to the U.S. in August 1919 and received both British and American military honors.

Robert R. Speed

2nd Lt. Robert R. Speed, born June 27, 1896, in Franklin County, enlisted in the military on September 27, 1916, and served in the 30th Division, 120th Regiment. He underwent training at various camps before deploying to France on May 7, 1918. Speed achieved several promotions, culminating in 2nd Lieutenant on October 30, 1918. He participated in key battles including Ypres-Lys and Meuse-Argonne, where he was wounded and gassed. He was mustered out at Camp Jackson on May 7, 1919.

John D. Morris

Sergt. John D. Morris, born June 19, 1895, in Franklin County, served in Company F of the 30th Division, 120th Regiment. He enlisted on June 3, 1915, and was stationed at Camp Sevier in July 1917 before deploying to France on May 12, 1918. Morris was promoted to Corporal in 1916 and to Sergeant in 1917, participating in the Battle of Ypres, where he was wounded by shrapnel on July 18, 1918. After recovery, he returned to the U.S. on December 26.

L. Leonadus Preddy

Private 1st Class F. A. Preddy, of Battery B, 113th Regiment, 30th Division, was born in Franklin County, the son of Robert and Ettie Preddy. He entered military service on April 25, 1918, in Franklinton, North Carolina, and underwent training at several camps before departing for France on May 25, 1918. Promoted to Private 1st Class in December 1918, he participated in key battles including Meuse-Argonne and St. Mihiel. Preddy returned to the United States on March 5, 1919, and was mustered out on March 28, 1919.

Alexander A. Holmes

Corporal S.R. Mitchell, born September 15, 1895, in Franklin County, served in Company F of the 30th Division, 120th Regiment. He enlisted on May 20, 1913, and was later promoted to Corporal on June 19, 1916. After training at Camp Sevier, he sailed for France on May 12, 1918. Mitchell fought at Ypres, where he sustained wounds from shrapnel. He was ultimately killed in action at the battle of City of Martin, France, on October 18, 1918.

James B. King

James B. King, a Sergeant in the Medical Corps from Franklin County, was born to J. W. and Mary Gray King. He began his military service on June 1, 1918, in Louisburg, N.C., and was trained at Ft. McPherson, Ga., before being transferred to Camp Upton, N.Y. He sailed to France on August 30, 1918, and was promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant in 1919. He returned to the United States on July 12, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Mills, N.Y., on July 18, 1919.

R. Syrus Holmes

R. Syrus Holmes served as First Sergeant in the Supply Company of the 30th Division, 120th Regiment, originating from Franklin County. He began his military career on May 24, 1900, in Franklinton, N.C., and was stationed at Camp Sevier, S.C. After six months on the Mexican border, he was promoted to First Sergeant on May 1, 1917. He served in the North Carolina National Guard until being mustered into federal service, ultimately being discharged at Camp Greene on January 9, 1919. His two sons also served in the same division.

Ollie G. Holmes

Sergt. Ollie G. Holmes served in Company F of the 30th Division, 120th Regiment, hailing from Franklin County. He enlisted on May 20, 1910, and was trained at Camp Sevier, South Carolina, before deploying to France on May 12, 1918. Holmes rose to the rank of Corporal in July 1916 and Mess Sergeant by July 1917. He participated in major battles, including Ypres-Bellicourt and the Hindenburg Drive, and sustained a machine gun wound at the Battle of City of Martin on October 18, 1918. After recuperating in England, he returned to the U.S. on April 18, 1919, served on the Mexican border, and was mustered out on April 22, 1919.

A. E. Henderson

A. E. Henderson served as a Supply Sergeant in the Artillery of the 81st Division, specifically with the 306th Trench Mortar. Hailing from Franklin County and the son of R. B. and Lilla Henderson, he entered military service on October 22, 1917, in Franklinton, North Carolina. After training at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, he sailed for France on August 31, 1918. He was promoted to Supply Sergeant in May 1918 and returned to the United States on March 20, 1919, before being mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, on April 1, 1919.

T. R. Fogleman

Private T. R. Fogleman, of Co. F, 30th Division, 120th Regiment from Franklin County, entered military service on May 15, 1916. He was stationed at various camps in North Carolina, Texas, and South Carolina before deploying to France on May 12, 1918. He participated in battles at Ypres and Bellicourt, where he was wounded by shrapnel on September 29, 1918. After recuperating, he returned to the U.S. on April 13, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Jackson on April 22, 1919.

James R. Earle, Jr.

Sergt. Am. Train served in Company E of the 81st Division, 306th Regiment, hailing from Franklin County. The son of J. R. and Fannie Earle, he entered military service on April 14, 1918, at Louisburg, N.C., and was trained at Camp Jackson and Camp Mills before being deployed to France on August 9, 1918. He was promoted to Corporal on July 9, 1918, and to Sergeant in January 1919, participating in all battles with his unit. He returned to the U.S. on June 20, 1919, and was mustered out on June 27.

Hugh S. Daniel

Sergt. 1st Class Gordon Daniel, of Franklin County, served in the Medical Detachment of the 30th Division’s 120th Regiment. He entered the military in June 1916 and underwent training at various camps before deploying to France on May 27, 1918. He participated in key battles including Ypres and the Hindenburg Drive, earning an American Citation. After six months on the Mexican border, he returned to the USA in April 1919 and was mustered out at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, later that month.

George L. Cooke

Capt. George L. Cooke, a member of the 30th Division’s 120th Regiment from Franklin County, was born to B. F. and S. F. Cooke and married to Alice Tull. He entered military service on July 27, 1917, initially stationed at Camp Bickett before transferring to Camp Sevier. Cooke sailed for France on May 12, 1918, where he achieved the rank of Captain after serving in key battles. He was previously in the North Carolina National Guard and returned to the U.S. on April 11, 1919, being mustered out in May.

Walter W. Cooke

Walter W. Cooke served as a Private in the Medical Corps of the 80th Division, 305th Sanitary Train, hailing from Franklin County. Born to B. F. and S. F. Cooke, he entered military service on March 3, 1918, in Franklinton, North Carolina. After training at Camp Lee, Virginia, he sailed to France on May 25, 1918, and participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Cooke returned to the United States on May 30, 1919, and was mustered out at Camp Lee on June 15, 1919.