Saturday, August 20, 2011

 

2011 Petteway Family Reunion



The direct descendents of George Washington and Cecilia Ann White Petteway, both Former Slaves, held their family reunion recently on the grounds of the Edney Primative Baptist Church School house.

The Primative Baptist Church and school was established ca. 1872, by George W. Petteway, fellow Former Slaves and local White citizens of Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina. Since 1872, a Petteway family member has cared for the land and buildings.



In early 1960s, the Edney church was destroyed along with a portion of the school house. Dalton Odell Petteway, Grandson of G.W. and Cecilia Petteway, has cared for the church and school house since returning from his WWII era tour of duty in the U.S. Army.

There are scant "official" records for the Edney Primative Baptist Church and school house. By chance, if a reader has material dealing with this subject, please contact me. The School house was in continuous operation from ca.1872 to late 1950, when National education policies were changed.


Some of the Petteway family members who once attended the Edney Primative Baptist Church School house. Framed photograph depicts the school house prior to 1960 Hurricane damage.


Today, the remaining portion of the Edney School house still stands on the grounds where it was built. Due to severe damage caused by the 1960 era Hurricane, the church was evetually torn down and replaced, by Odell Petteway, with a new cinder-block style building. This new church is still being used for church, education and family gatherings.


Dalton Odell Petteway, Grandson of G.W. & Cecilia Ann Petteway, received the Petteway family "Hero Award," for his life-long dedication in protecting the Edney Primative Baptist church and School house.


Framed picture, being held by Ms. Shelia Blue, is a re-discovered image of the original Endney School house, ca. 1935.



Someone, somewhere, may have material dealing with the Edney Primative Baptist Church and school. Before the Petteway's next family reunion, hopefully, more of their Heritage can be rediscovered and presented to them--for their continued dedication in preserving our local & family histories.




Wednesday, July 13, 2011

 

Cemetery vandalized in southeastern North Carolina



Another Onslow County cemetery (southeastern North Carolina) has been vadilized. No information is available at this time.

I will post updates as news develop and I am able to this newest endangered cemetery.



In the meantime, here is a link my primary Internet site:

http://www.resurrection-mission.com

Saturday, April 23, 2011

 

Endangered cemetery dirt storms

----

Recently, I was asked by a land developer to attempt to locate an old cemetery that may have been located within a plot of land that is currently a crop field. Currently, no physical evidence of the late 19th cemetery exists. No headstones, markers or, even the slightest ground depressions.

The developer was extremely concerned that, if there was a cemetery, somewhere on the plot of land, he wanted to ensure it was not only protected but, more importantly, respected.

When dealing with pre-1900, misplaced cemeteries, it is not uncommon to have no evidence of a grave yard. There are numerous reasons for this: over-growth of foliage; headstones being "disasembled" to use land for other purposes; never had headstones, as in the common practice when dealing with old African American cemeteries. These graves were often identified by wooden stakes, stones, pottery--eventually destroyed by the environment.

When dealing with an old cemetery that is adjacent to a crop field, another often not thought of reason for "misplacing" a cemetery occurs. The catalys for the disappearing cemetery begins just before planting season and ends during harvesting.





(above & below images)
Airborn dirt, flowing over road, caused by plowing of the cropfield







Imagine the above dirt storm flowing not over a road but instead, onto an adjacent small family cemetery located within the neighboring tree line of the crop field. Now, add ten; twenty-five; one hundred or, even two hundred years of this flowing dirt, coming to rest on that same cemetery.


The cemetery that was located "at one time" within the crop field area has been re-discovered. I had to spend some detailed time researching the grounds. The image below, is from this specific cemetery and represents, clearly, how plowed crop fields can, over time, encrouch a cemetery:




















(Left; A) Grave head stone located nearly twenty inches under "visible" surface.













(Left; B) Actual headstone from the crop field cemetery---After washing stone, with only clear water & soft brush, information was re-discovered.



First name is hard to decifer.


Born: December 1825


Died: July16, 1908






I hope these images help to explain how some old & endangered cemeteries can become "mis-placed." Urban sprawling has dominated the once plentiful farm land. There are, however, land developers out there, who insist on taking the most extreme steps and care to protect the final resting places of people who once lived in their communities.


Take just a moment and think of all of the "forgotten" military Veterans who are laid to rest in the endangered cemeteries within your neighborhood.



To make a contribution to Resurrection Mission--protecting endangered cemeteries and search for our "forgotten" military Veterans please visit the Resurrection Mission Website.




Happy Easter & say thanks to our military troops and Veterans when you see them.



Sunday, March 13, 2011

 

Brick Mill Cemetery Burial roster

Richlands, North Carolina:

I have finalized the Brick Mill Cemetery burial roster for section "A," only. There are 107 confirmed graves, some unmarked, within this area of the cemetery. There are more but, due to the harsh treatment of the cemetery over the past fifty years, these graves may never be re-discovered.

There are another seven sections to re-confirm the marked, unmarked and possible grave locations.

There will be numerous family reunions being held in the summer of 2011. I hope to have the burial roster complete by June. This will give me time to publish my findings and present a copy to some of the direct descendents of their Ancestors who were laid to rest within the Brick Mill Cemetery.

I have worked for five years on the Brick Mill Cemetery. Nearly all costs, labor and required equipment and supplies were at my own expense.

Thank you all for your support,

Jack

To make a modest donation:


To learn more about Resurrection Mission:

Thursday, March 03, 2011

 

Time to let off some steam about gas prices

Tired of the rising, by the hour, of gas prices? Do you have an opinion as to what can be done to lower the need of oil dependency?

Visit the Gas Out Day group page on Face Book and express your thoughts to people all over the Nation who are upset about the price of gas.


Tuesday, October 05, 2010

 

Tombstone Tuesday--Possible Civil War Vet?


One of the most recent cemeteries that I have been documenting through Resurrection Mission, the Langley/Burton cemetery; Cauc., ca.1848, contain numerous graves of Civil War Veterans. All appear to be related.

Another individual, John L. Langley, is also buried within this small family cemetery. What is interesting in regards to his grave, is the date of his death; 1863.

Why is this an interesting date? At the age of 28, John died during the Civil war. John's siblings and cousins, are laid to rest beside him. Each have their personalized Veterans' commemorative grave marker.

Grave marker for John L. Langley

Born: 1835 Died:1863

Was John L. Langley a Civil War Vet?

Additional research needs to be done to confirm this possibility.

"I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith"

"...fight; course; kept the faith" Could these be clues to his military service?

One of the goals of Resurrection Mission is to locate our "forgotten" military Veterans. In time, hopefully, we will learn if John was or was not a veteran of the American Civil war. And, if he was, he too must be properly recognized for his commitment and duty to his military service.


Friday, October 01, 2010

 

Rising waters along my house! 1 Oct 2010




For view images:




I am safe, dry and well.

Jack

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

 

Wordless Wednesday~~Recognizing our military K.I.A.


New K.I.A. "Challenge" coins.

I am proud to announce a new joint effort, in recognition to our military K.I.A and the work being done through Resurrection Mission--searching for our "forgotten" veterans; laid to rest in endangered cemeteries.


The designer, owner and distributor of the new "K.I.A. remembrance Coin," has donated some of these coins to be used as a fundraiser for Resurrection Mission.


When purchasing coins directly through Resurrection Mission, 100% of all profits from the sales of these coins, will go directly towards this group's increasing debts.


Options to purchase a coin through Resurrection Mission:

1) Through PayPal--using jackrobinson@hotmail.com for business address.

2) Check or money order to:


Jack Robinson/Resurrection Mission
P.O. Box 1501
Richlands, N.C. 28574

Donation price: $23.95/per coin (USD); which includes U.S.P.S. basic mailing service.

Please note: Donations are tax-deductable.
________________________________________________



To order direct from exclusive owner/developer of the K.I.A. Remembrance coin:

Contact Terry Peters: gunsmith116@yahoo.com (type "K.I.A. coins," in subject line)

Or,
through Facebook (using above same address)
Or,
Check or, money order (USA) mailed to:
Mr. Terry Peters
642 Deppe Rd.
Maysville Nc 28555

Please note: Pricing remains the same ($23.95 USD), however, purchase price is not tax-deductable.

Other shipping are optional but, additional fees will be required.
Payment in full before shipping.


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

 

Langley cemetery update; Richlands, N.C.

Blog post update for: Tuesday, September 07, 2010, --Langley family cemetery; ca.1848


Recently, Annie Bishop, direct descendent of individuals laid to rest within the Langley family cemetery; est. ca.1850, was kind enough to visit and spend time with me telling stories of her Ancestors who are laid to rest within this cemetery.

Annie provided much needed genealogy information in regards to the cemetery. She also corrected information that had been provided by a non-family Elder of the community.


First, this cemetery, although dominated by the Langely surname, is known by local Elders of the community as the Burton cemetery. Over decades other nearby residents have come to know it as the former name, based on the number of Langley family graves.

Annie Bishop stands behind her G-G-grandparents: Lorenzo & Clara Bryan


Second, something Annie confirmed and was elighted to hear, is that not-less-then eight Ancestors in this small family cemetery; served in the War Between the States (American Civil War). She had known that Lorenzo was a C/W Veteran and also believed that there were one; maybe two, additional C/W Veterans.


Carol Bryan-ca.1900, Onslow County, Richlands, N.C.;

Standing in front of family homestead.


Tuesday, September 07, 2010

 

Langley family cemetery; ca.1848


The Langley family cemetery (caucasian) was established ca.1850. The exact size of the cemetery is not known but, through family oral history, there are at least six American Civil War Veterans, from the same family.

James & Susan Langley

Notice the birth and death dates.

Images depicted are initial photographs taken when I first went to the graveyard. During the rest of 2010, and through 2011, I will be stabilizing this cemetery, along with the other graveyards; under the care through Resurrection Mission.

In addition to the preservation of this cemetery, a detailed research will be conducted in regards to the individuals laid to rest in this graveyard. Special attention will be during the research to confirm all Veterans of the Langely cemetery.

Very old and tall tree stands over the cemetery


Tall grass hides not-less-then thirty grave sites.


Fallen headstones lay in or, are encrusted by wild foliage.


Three headstones are stacked against one of the older trees.
The graves to these headstones are now "unmarked" and covered with generations of debris.

Updates on the progress of this project, through Resurrection Mission, will be provided over the next eighteen months. Donations will be appreciated but, not required, expected or, demanded.

Friday, September 03, 2010

 

September 3, 2010--day after Hurricane Earl

I wanted to let people know that I had little problems due to Hurricane Earl. Wind & rain for a few hours. Sun is up now and there seems to be no major property or tree damage around my house. I live on part of the New River waterway so, I will be seeing raising water over the next few days.

I would believe since there is little damage in the area; most of the endangered cemeteries that I care for should be safe and not too damaged.

Best wishes to all, have fun and be safe.

Jack

Thursday, September 02, 2010

 

Reason for not using scotch tape in photo albums

I have been, for the past two weeks, scanning old photographs, many one-of-a-kind, of the Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina Rhodes family; Caucasian. These images date from ca.1900 to 1960. When I was given these precious jewels; many were simply piled in a small box while most were in an old family photo album.

The old photo album was very brittle and had seen it's better days generations ago. Carefully I scanned the images into my computer to make digital copies. With this "Master" digital file; family members can place the original images into a safe, dry and away from direct sunlight. They are now able to use the computer files to make as many "newer versions" of the images as they want to share among them.


The below series of images were scanned as a whole due to the fragile photo album paper. Notice the use of scotch tape to hold the pictures in place. Today, we have special "acid-free" scotch tape that will adhere to paper without cause the "yellowing" of photos.

Members of the Rhodes family of Richlands, N.C. Date: ca.1910-20.

________________________________

There are now thousands of "photo or image editing" programs on the market today that even the novice of photo restoration student can develop a quality enhancement of a photograph. The images below depict members of the Rhodes & Bryan family in front of their new home; just outside of Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina. The structure is long gone due to a multitude of reasons and in it's place--a crop field.

Rhodes & Bryan family standing outside their newly built home.

The date of this image is uncertain but, is beleived to be ca.1905.

Please leave a note if you can help define the actual date.




This is a "cropped" version of the family group photo from above.

Notice the various attire being worn.



Mah, was the Elder of the Rhodes' family

_________________________________

Best wishes to all and I hope you return to this site again soon.



Tuesday, July 20, 2010

 

Tombstone Tuesday- WWI Navy Vet


I was recently informed of two "very old" cemeteries within Onslow County. Family members asked me to visit them and was welcome to document the Veterans who were laid to rest in the two grave yards.
The Edens family have taken great pride in protecting their Ancestors. We should all commend them and other families who do the same hard work in protecting cemeteries.

One of the many Veterans within the oldest of the two family cemeteries served during
World War I.


Frank Namon Edens; U.S. Navy; WWI

Born: November 14, 1896

Died: Novemeber 17, 1918

Frank Namon Edens' headstone is not a Veteran's headstone although numerous other graves indicate military with such grave markers. This headstone appears to have been provided by the family of this young Veteran.


Take special notice of the markings at the top of the headstone--an anchor. A second interesting and as of this posting, is yet unresearched, is that this Navy veteran died in 1918-possibly a KIA or, soon after returning home from the war. In either case, a sad time for his family.

Do you notice a third fact pertaining to the date he died compared to the date of his birth?



If anyone has information on this Navy veteran who served with honor, please leave a note.
Thank you for taking the time to review this post.
Jack
http://www.resurrection-mission.com/


Saturday, July 17, 2010

 

Great new Tattoo shop in Jacksonville, N.C. Mall

I received my first tattoo today, to commemorate my fifteen years of research in regards to the little known histories of Onslow County, North Carolina

Gyspy Rose-tattoo and body piercing studio has a strong following of clientele of all ages, since they opened their doors within the Jacksonville, North Carolina shopping mall, located on Western Blvd.

Gypsy Rose studio is located to the left, just outside the "Sears" mall entrance.

David, owner of Gypsy Rose studio, begins the process of etching my tattoo.


Finished tattoo
Why a Tall Wind- sail vessel?
My first book, and first serious research project, was about the life of
Captain Otway Burns, War of 1812 Privateer
Captain Burns' adventures and battles, on the High Seas, and against British Tall wind-sail vessels are still being talked about to this day.

To make an appointment for a new tattoo, touch up or, body piercing call David or, his staff, at Gypsy Rose 1-910-938-1200.

You can visit the studio each day during the week and weekends.

Custom tattoo art is welcomed.

Give them a call and tell them the Old Marine who writes about War of 1812 Privateers and Naval battles sent you.

Currently, my research projects consist of locating "endangered " cemeteries and caring for them In addition, I attempt to locate our "forgotten" military Veterans who were laid to rest decades ago with no one to give them their due respect and recognition.

Semper Fi !

Jack


Thursday, July 01, 2010

 

Twitter T.C. Thursday- A misplaced family herloom

You can find them in most "antique" or, "consignment' shops. Vintage photographs rediscovered through various means; not significant to the shop owner but, in the end, suitable to make a small profit.

Making money, sadly, is one of the final goals of a shop keeper.

The young lady in the photograph below, possibly from the late 1800s and from New York State, is somebody's Ancestor.

This image is a missing piece of a family's past. Someday, hopefully, she will be reunited with her family and be set on a fireplace mantel or, hung on a wall in a prominent section of a house.

I do not know the lady in this photograph. Printed on the back of the image are clues as to where she lived or, vacationed.

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look at this site. Come again, I will be posting more interesting images.
My resent blog posting for June 24, 2010, is a photograph taken by the same photographer. There is no evidence but, these two images may be related in some way.

Jack

Unknown lady in white dress


Reverse side of photograph


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