Engine Man 2nd Class, Navy, Engrs. Div. Born in Edgecombe County Sept. 5, 1895; the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ruffin. Entered the service at Norfolk, Va., April 25, 1917. Was sent to St. Helena Tr. Station, from there to Atlantic Fleet May 5, 1917. On transport service from July 1, 1917, until Oct. 2, 1919. Chased by submarine on July trip, 1918. Mustered out at Naval Base, Norfolk, Va., Oct. 2, 1919.
Interviewer: T. Pat Matthews Person Interviewed: Addy Gill Location: 1614 “B” St., Lincoln Park, Raleigh, North Carolina Place of Birth: Millburnie, Wake County, NC Date of Birth: Jan. 6, 1863 Age: 74 Occupation: Butler I am seventy four years of age. I wus born a slave Jan. 6, 1863 on a plantation near Millburnie, Wake County, owned by Major Wilder, who hired my father’s time. His wife wus named Sarah Wilder. I don’t know anything ’bout slavery ‘cept what wus tole me by father and mother but I do know that if it had not been for what de southern … Read more