George Washington Petteway Family Reunion (African American-North Carolina)

 

{Parts of this text were created with the assistance of AI technology.} 

After a pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the southeastern North Carolina George Washington Petteway family reunion will resume this year from June 21-23. The gathering will take place on the grounds of the Edney Free Will Primitive Baptist Church and schoolhouse. Shelia Blue, a direct descendant of G.W. Petteway, will host the event. A family picnic is scheduled to follow the morning church service at the former Rhodestown Road Volunteer Fire Department site.

Historical accounts show that in 1870, G.W. Petteway, shortly after being emancipated from slavery, brought together white and black citizens of Onslow County, North Carolina, to build a church and schoolhouse for the African American community. Supported by his wife Celia, the land needed for these structures was provided by Durant H. Rhodes, a prominent local white farmer.

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I have composed a modest brief to honor the legacy of the Edney Schoolhouse and church, which has surpassed one hundred and fifty years, to be featured in the forthcoming family reunion ceremonies in June 2024.

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Edney Chapel Schoolhouse

Established ca.1870

 

Edney Schoolhouse {prior to 2007 renovation}

Today, we celebrate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Edney Chapel schoolhouse and Free Will Primitive Baptist Church. The exact dates of the origin of the schoolhouse have become lost within the annals of local history. Few official records remain of the founding of the schoolhouse. What is known, prior to 1870, officials from the North Carolina Free Will Primitive Baptist Church (F.W.P.B.) approached George Washington Petteway, a Minister of the Gospel. Reverend Petteway was called to take his small congregation and form a school and church for local children of freed slaves who lived within the Briarneck and Catherine Lake region of Onslow County—known as the Edney Free Will Primitive Baptist schoolhouse and church. By 1872, Reverend Petteway initiated a committee consisting of: Benjamin Giles, John Munford, along with other Edney F.W.P.B. Church members and local supportive white citizens.

 

Under the tutelage of Reverend Petteway local citizens of all races came together to develop the schoolhouse. There is no known official written record of its earliest years.  There are, however, oral histories handed down from teacher to student then passed onto their future generations. Family history has shown Celia Ann [White] Petteway, the wife of Reverend Petteway, was one of the earliest teachers and cooks within the school. As with future teachers, one can imagine Celia, standing on the small steps of the door to the wooden schoolhouse.

 

Numerous families recite their oral histories of attending school.  Reports confirm during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century children walked to the Edney school as far away as the Briarneck and Catherine Lake communities.  Members of the Jarman and Cox families of Hines Farm district had a longer distance to walk. Over five generations of local families made their way down dirt roads, through deep woods or walked railroad tracks to and from school since the 1870s.

 

The Edney school served as part of a newly formed system to educate black children of Richlands, North Carolina. It was not the first of its kind, but it is the only nineteenth century African American schoolhouse still standing within Onslow County. Official records, however, of all other African American schools of this period are sparse. For over fifty-five years, Odell Petteway preserved the history of Edney school.  When a hurricane damaged portions of the school Odell brought local whites and blacks together, just as his grandfather had done, to repair the damage.  Family oral history tells us Odell rebuilt the Edney church after the original one was destroyed during the same hurricane in the early 1960s. Since 2013, Shelia Blue, a direct descendant of George Washington and Celia Petteway has maintained primary and secondary material regarding the Edney schoolhouse and in promoting the significance of the Petteway rich heritage.

 

Gary A. Franks, Great Grandson of George Washington Petteway and three-term U.S. Representative for Connecticut’s 5^th District, over the years has given thanks to his Ancestor:

 

“… [George Washington Petteway] made education such a vital part of his life, as he was allowed to read and write when reading was against the law for most Blacks. He shared the word of the Bible with the community and founded [one of the] first school[s] in the area for newly freed slaves.” …

 

…“G.W. Petteway instilled in his children the importance of education and how education could help change your life and improve your community and country.” (CT Mirror; February 2012)

 

The Edney schoolhouse was designated the 18^th trail marker for the Onslow County African American Heritage Trail system, on October 14, 2016. Many mid-twentieth century students attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. Each shared their stories to the next generation of local citizens. Norman E. Brown told a local reporter, “We had no school buses. No car transportation, so we had to walk five miles.”

 

There have been many stories of attending the Edney school. Hauling firewood and water into the school before class started are two. A consistent thread—teachers taught more than education. Each inspired their students the sense of pride in where they had been and to prepare them for their future as a person and as a race. Contributions made by teachers of the Edney schoolhouse over the past one hundred and fifty years have been remembered with fond appreciation.

                       

First official Edney school committee (ca. 1879):

G.W. Petteway; Samuel Stephens and John Brooks.

 

Early official list of teachers associated with Edney School [partial list]

 

Name:                         Grade:                        Name:                         Grade:

N. N. Humphrey                     1                      Ginger Green                          1                     

H. H. Parker                            2                      Olive Hicks                             1

B. H. White                             2                      S. J. Henderson                       2

N. P. Bell                                2                       Ella Thompson                       2

Belinda Sanders                      1                      Jennie Whitefield                   1

J. J. Robinson                          1                      Ida Taylor                               2

Annie R. Graham                    ?                      Phylis J. Parker                       ?

 

 

Please visit your family oral histories, scrapbooks, and Bibles, as part of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Edney schoolhouse.  If you find a document, photograph, or other material in reference to the Edney schoolhouse it is requested that you contact Shelia Blue and provide a copy of your family heirloom. The Petteway family and local historians will appreciate your efforts.

 

To quote Reverand Doris Petteway as she described the importance of the Edney school and its founders:

                        “A legacy from God that still lives on.”

 

                        “We will never forget the stories of our foreparents and students…today the torch

continues to burn.”

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Click on the link below to read more about the rich history of the Petteway family and to purchase books I have developed and self-published.

Jack Robinson Books

"Simbar...A Black Union Soldier" rewrite

 A short note to let you know I am in the process of a rewrite for my latest book, "Simbar...A Black Union Soldier."  This will be the third of three books in the series.

Union soldier pauses before battle. 

"...It is 1938, Simbar, now a Centurian, is still in search for information of his lost mother. She was sold at auction seventy-five years earlier." 

"...Simbar, spends time on his front porch in his favorite rocking chair and reflects on his long life. Memories of turmoil and happiness mixed together as he watches his squirrels run in his yard and an eagle fly over the crop field across from his home." 

I plan to have "Simbar...A Black Union Soldier," published by the fall of 2024.  A long process, but well worth the wait.

Here is a link to my Simbar series and other books I have written:

Books by Jack Robinson

Thank you for stopping by.  Post a comment.  It will be appreciated.

Confirmed African American Spanish American War Veteran from Onslow County, North Carolina.

I have researched dozens of Onslow County African American cemeteries, dating back to late 19th century.  Many have been abandoned: an old African American tradition--do not disturb in order to have Ancestors rest in peace.  And their descendants live for a better tomorrow--for the next generation.  

I purged 1,500 names, plus or minus (more plus than minus), of my genealogy research in regard to local African American families, from pre-freedom to ca. 2010, only one, one, was a confirmed Spanish American War Veteran.  

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James M. Blackwell, a distant relative of the Onslow County (N.C.) Petteway family (founders of the 1872 African American Edney Freewill Primitive Baptist Church and School) lived in the Bear Creek area of Onslow County, North Carolina. His parents were Grace and Thomas Blackwell.  Both, at an early age, were former slaves.   James had a younger sister--Caria--born January 1877; died May 1903.

Private James M. Blackwell, U.S. Army, served with honor during the Spanish American War.  Family oral history records he fought in battle.  Few African American veterans, from Onslow County saw military action.  The majority remained stateside, serving primarily as security guardsmen. 

James enlisted at Fort Macon, North Carolina (Morehead City).  For the African American troops who did serve in Cuba there was more death from disease, than from the enemy bullet.

North Carolina Third Regiment troops (all African American) faced two enemies during the Spanish American War: The Cubans and the hatred towards the black race, back at home.  

Racial tensions were at an all-time high.  Black troops, especially in the south, were not allowed to socialize with white counterparts while out of the confines of their base camp.  The Black servicemen who enlisted at Fort Macon were first reassigned to Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Throughout this time period racial tensions caused the deaths of numerous black soldiers.  The anger was so harsh against the black troop, the Army transferred the command from Tennesse to Macon, Georgia.  Life and service at their new post was a continuation of severe negative actions.    

More Info on the 3rd Regiment: 

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I must point out this was a period of time in North Carolina racial tensions.  On November 10, 1898, the Wilmington (N.C.) race riots (some refer to it as a coup d’état) occurred.  

I have my own personal beliefs and have done extensive research on this issue.

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My initial research indicates Jame M. Blackwell, served in the “I” Company, 3^rd (N.C.) Infantry, with honor, during the Spanish American War.  I know he served with honor because he has a “Veteran’s” headstone (Visualize Arlington National Cemetery) that marks his grave.  Only honorable discharged veterans can obtain this headstone.  

To my knowledge, James M. Blackwell is the only confirmed African American veteran of the Spanish-American War who lived and is buried within Onslow County. 

I have visited, with direct descendants, the abandoned Blackwell family cemetery.  James M. Blackwell is buried alongside his family, deep in a thick wooden area of Bear Creek, North Carolina.

They are resting in peace, undisturbed.  Their descendants searching for their dreams of a better life, for their next generation.

Interior Blackwell Family Cemetery

Trees and Foliage encroaching Blackwell Family Cemetery

Books I have self-published:

Source material:
1) Personal notes.

2) 1898 Wilmington Race Riots

3) N.C. 3rd Regiment

There Will Be Unanswered Questions

My research about the military service of William Monford (sic. Montford) highlighted challenges of genealogy research.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of eighteen.  

He has two known birth dates listed on his military death record report and his family headstone.  

William's family lived in Onslow County, North Carolina.  For unknown reasons he took his military enlistment oath in Wilson County, North Carolina.

Military Death record

William Munford
Induction into service location: Wilson County North Carolina

Date of induction: July 19, 1918

Date of death: September 26, 1918

Location of death:  France

 

I uncovered other family information relating to William's father, Handy Montford.  He was married twice.  The first marriage was to Dilcy—there are two spelling variations.  Three months after her death in 1925, Handy, at the age of sixty-five, remarried.  His new bride was Rena (Levins).  Handy passed away three months later in August 1925.  Cause of death was Apoplexy.

William died while in the military.  The death of his mother Dilcy occurred seven years later.  That same year, William's father remarried but passed away ninety days into his second marriage.  Normally, this could be the end of this family's genealogy research. 

 

Now, a final question: 

Is the first question--the name of William Montford parents—answered?  

Is this part of the genealogy research for the Montford family tree completed? 

 

I note completed, however, the homemade hand-etched headstone of Handy Montford revealed a new mystery of the Montford family.  

Handy was married to Rena when he died.  Why was he buried with his first wife--Dilcy?  

 

Handy and Dilcy {Diley} Montford Joint Headstone

Death year: 1925

An added aspect of William Munford's life was the discovery of his grandparents.  If, the official documents are correct.  Handy Montford's Onslow County (N.C.) death certificate lists his parents as Ceasar and Dilcy Montford.  

Note:  "Mother" on the death certificate is also name of Handy's first wife--Dilcy.

 

Handy Montford Death Certificate

Dated: August 25, 1925

 

The parents of Handy Montford were also Wright and Mary Montford.  

Their names appear on Handy’s North Carolina July 1925, marriage certificate. 

 

Handy and Rena (Levine) North Carolina Marriage License

                                                                        Date of marriage: July 12, 1925

 

                          Groom:                     Handy Montford                  Bride:                       Rena (Lavine) Montford

                           Father of Groom:    Wright Montford                  Father of bride:       Ned Dove

                            Mother of Groom:   Mary Montford                    Mother of Bride:     Mariah Dove

 {Surname of the parents different from bride.}

Note: 

Did Handy have two sets of parents?

Different surnames of Rena (Levine) and her parents suggest Rena was in an earlier marriage, or her mother Mariah.

 

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These are only few examples where family histories can conflict with official documents.

Handy Monford gave firsthand accounts for his second marriage certificate.  A family member, friend or neighbor supplied secondhand information, for his death certificate.  

Which document is correct; both are official. 

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One final thought:
Based on provided dates of birth, a new "piece of the puzzle" has been realized:

Handy, Dilcy, Wright, Mary, Ned and Mariah had one thing in common--they were born into slavery.  Rena, however, was born in 1872.

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A genealogist must gather firsthand and secondhand material, decipher them, and come to a realistic conclusion.  There will be times that you will have more questions than answers.

The search is ever expanding . . .

My next article will be a possible Ancestor of William Munford/Montford.  

I may have found his Paternal Great Grandmother--Charity Cunningham?  She was ninety years old in 1925, the year of her death.

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Books I have written can be purchased at my online bookstore:

Jack Robinson Books

When is enough is enough? Is there an end?

 

Hello,

I mentioned in my previous post (16 December 2023) there are missing "pieces to the puzzle," in regard to William Montford/Munford's genealogy research project.  Mistakes are often made while interpreting official and unofficial records.  Oral histories are another challenge to genealogists.  They often contain "false memories" and not actual facts.  Research projects dealing with Pre-20th century African American genealogy are not immune from errors.  

Building the family tree of William Montford, African American WW I soldier, can be used as an example to help identify various challenges of genealogy research.  Even when done with respect and good intentions, a genealogist can make mistakes which will develop into incorrect assumptions and results . . . .  and a false family tree.  

Handwritten Deed: Edney Free Will Primitive Baptist Church

Est. 1872 from land donated by local white landowner to Freed Slaves.

Identified names:

1) Washington Peteway {George Washington PETTEWAY}
2) Berry Giles {Possible given name--BENJAMIN} 
3) John Mumford {MUNFORD}

{Source: Author's private files}

For example: There are two official spellings of William's surname (Munford/Montford).  And a possible third surname--Mumford.  Which surname will you follow when conducting research?

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When to stop a research project or, should you?

A genealogist, if conducting research project on the Montford family, may stop when they locate where William Montford is buried within Onslow County, North Carolina.  This may be the only aspect of his life the genealogist wanted to discover.  

We established William Munford died in France, during WW I, and his body returned to Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina.  What else can be discovered to extend the research on William's family tree?

A military report of his death has been found, however, there would not be a death certificate on file within the county of burial.  If a person lives within a given county but, dies in another county or state, the county or state where the death occurred, will maintain the official death certificate.

Question #1:  

Since William's current burial site ("Diggs Cemetery") was not established until the late 1950s early 1960s . . . We know he died in 1918 so . . . where was William buried before Diggs Cemetery? 

Possible locations -- 

1)    France, in a National Cemetery?

2)    Marine Corps Base, Camp LeJeune?  

    By the 1940s, African American families owned a vast amount of land throughout Onslow County that was "purchased" by the U.S. Government, to develop the largest U.S. Marine Corps Base on the east coast.  Private homes, farms and crop fields disappeared overnight.            

3)    On an abandoned private homestead?

    Over the past five decades, land developers systematically purchased farms and other individual properties to make way for "urban sprawl."  What was once large and fertile crop fields and acres of untouched woodlands, are now thousands of individual homes.  Before the private lands were purchased, many maintained their own private graveyards. 

4)    Died in another county or, state?

    We know William was inducted into the U.S. Army in the summer of 1918, in Wilson County (N.C.) and he died in September of 1918, of pneumonia.  Perhaps, when brought first back from France, he may have been buried in Wilson County.  At some later date, Willaim was brought to the Diggs cemetery for burial.

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I became interested in Handy Montford's headstone while researching William's life.  Handy, father of William Montford, has a modest, handmade headstone covered with river rocks, a sign of respect by family and friends.  Another headstone, within the all African American "Old Georgetown" cemetery located in Jacksonville, (N. C.) has a similar design.  That individual, Henry Ward, died as a Centurian and was a confirmed African American Civil War Veteran.  He served with honor within the 14th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery.  

I felt, at a first, based on the two headstones being similar, the two men had someone or, something in common.  I could not find any evidence they were acquaintances but, with extended research it is possible they did know each other.  

Although there was no known African American Civil War Veteran from Onslow County with a Montford or Munford surnames . . . there were three with the surname "Mumford."  

It is common knowledge handwritten letters, reports and official documents are often scribed in poor penmanship.  A genealogist can, at times, mis-interpret letters within a name.  Mumford is a possible third spelling of the surname of William Montford/Munford. 

Here are three confirmed African American Civil War Veterans from Onslow County, North Carolina with the Mumford surname:

                Charles            2nd U.S. Colored Calvary

                Hezekiah         14th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery 

                Napoleon        37th U.S. Colored Troops

Their military unit exploits can be reviewed through: 

Civil War (U.S.A.) African American Troops

There are more interesting topics to discuss on the life of Handy Montford, father of William Montford/Munford which allows, if desired, a genealogist to expand their research for more clues on William's short life.

Handy Montford died 22 August 1925.  He is buried (keep in mind Diggs cemetery was developed after his death) directly in front of Willliam's grave.  There is no record as to where Handy was first buried.  His official North Carolina death certificate does not provide a clue to his 1925 original burial site, which is not an uncommon practice with early death certificates.

Question #2:  Why was Handy buried alongside of his first wife and not his second?  

Dilcey Montford passed away on 23 April 1925.  Nearly four months prior to Handy's death.  He married Rena Limus [sic] on 12 July 1925.  Handy and Dilcey's names and death dates are hand sketched onto their joint headstone, along with their date of deaths.

Handy and Dilcy Montford Joint Headstone

Diggs Cemetery, Onslow County, North Carolina

1) Notice the variation of spelling for Dilcy's name.

2) Note hand sketched writing with "wrap around" words.

Handy died (Due to Apoplexy) less than two months after his marriage to Rena.  Official marriage license indicate Handy was sixty-five years old and Rena was fifty-three, she was a daughter of Ned and Mariah Dove.

A side note on the Dove family:  

    Pre-1865 there were numerous emancipated African American Dove family members living within Onslow County.  Jacksonville had dozens of Dove families living within the city boundaries; the majority of the Dove family lived in the "Rich Lands" communities.  

    Prior to the 20th Century Richlands, North Carolina (N.C.) was referred to as, "Upper and Lower Rich Lands."  State Census of the time period indicate large Dove households were made up of sons, daughter, brothers, sisters, cousins, mothers, fathers and laborers.  Another title often listed within a dwelling was "farmer or farm hired hand."  Some households having ten, or more, family members.  In many cases, Dove families shared connecting farmlands and neighboring property. 

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Research can be quick or conducted at a slow pace.   The proverbial "Brick Wall" will stop genealogy research.  The question is: Do you stop; give up?  When you find a confirmed answer to your primary question but, find new question?  Do you continue, or stop?  

Even with William Montford/Munford/Mumford, there are questions left unanswered.  To be explored in my next post in January 2024.

What do you do when you feel you have reached the end of your genealogy research project? . . . pen down . . . coffee (in my case; your choice may be a different beverage) cup empty . . . book closed . . . all papers ready to be placed into -- the cabinet -- . . . BUT . . . 

. . . THEN . . . With a last instinctive glance, you notice a small entry, on an official document you have examined a hundred times.  You just discovered or, may have discovered a fifth-generation family member . . . Unknown to your research.

Does search continue? . . . 

Here is a link to books that I have written in regard to genealogy research:

Books on Genealogy Research

Happy New Years!  

Have fun with your 2024, various genealogy research projects and sharing what you have found with family and friends.  

William Montford, a forgotten African American U.S. Army WW I Veteran?

 

Rediscovering a lost treasure of North Carolina African American history research

 Hello,

I took a leisure trip down memory lane today by visiting pre-2015 Internet Blog sites where I contributed various southeastern North Carolina African American history.  I noticed as I purged the various Internet sites many of the Blogs are not currently active. 

To my pleasant surprise, however, I came across MY old blog from nearly fifteen years ago.  I thought at the time, since I did not contribute to my Blog on a regular basis, it would be closed and terminated.  

Starting next month, I will begin to update my Blog.  I have to edit a few things in regard to my past and current African American research projects.  

Until then, I have self-published some books on southeastern North Carolina African American history.  Focus is on 19th century cemetery preservation and early African American genealogy techniques.  

My newest project is a series of books titled: Simbar...Freed Slave; Witness to WWII.  

The second book in the series--Simbar... His Journey Continues...--is being published as I write this brief.  It is now available through my online publisher's bookstore.  

An "E-Book" version of my Simbar books, as with my other books, are listed, too.

Here is my Internet Publisher's online bookstore where my books are being sold:

            

                                                https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/jackrobinson

Until next time, be safe and happy,

Jack Robinson
GySgt., U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

4th of July 2014~~ Remembering our soldiers of the past~~1898 "Buffalo Soldiers" 9th Cavalry

During this 4th of July 2014 weekend celebrations, take a few minutes to remember our Veterans.  In doing so,  however, we must also take a few moments to reflect on those in our own families who were in the military.  What were their lives like.  What experiences did they have; good or, bad?

If possible, find a tape recorder or a pen and paper and ask questions to a Veteran who may be attending your celebrations.  Don't be surprised, however, if they are shocked that someone is interested in they military adventures.  Imagine a Grandfather or, even a Great Grandfather talking for the first time of their time serving this great Nation of ours.  Hopefully, some may even have a few photographs to share.

When dealing with African American Veterans, especially in regards to our Wars prior to 1975, experiences were more negative then positive.  Segregation, abuse, hatred were often experienced by Black military personnel during their time in service.  Can you imagine serving your country, putting your life on the line, when you yourself did not have the open opportunity to enjoy all the freedoms that your country had to offer?   It happened. 

One of the wars where African Americans served in segregated units was during the Spanish American War. Ca.1898.  Many of the Blacks who volunteered to serve who lived in North Carolina, as in many other states as well, joined to show their community and National officials that they can serve with honor, dedication and commitment.   To show African Americans had the right, as of the White population, to have all freedoms that come to a freed man.


Below is an image of a post card given to me by a friend of mine.  Annie Fay knows of my work in preserving old all African American endangered cemeteries and finding "Forgotten " military Veterans.

If your Ancestor was a soldier in the 9th Cavalry in 1898 and served at Camp W. Koff, he may be in this photograph card.  

Post card depicting the 9th Cavalry Ca.1898

Camp W. Koff, Long Island, New York

 

 

 

Close up view of 9th Cavalry troops

 

Notice the trumpet and sword





 

 

There is always a "cool guy" in the crowd

 

Soldier with arm extended appears to have a cigar in his mouth

 

 

[Image is from a postcard that is copyrighted by Leib image archives, York, PA.  {Date unknown}]

 

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Take time this 4th of July and thank a Veteran for their service. 

At the same time, try to learn a little bit of your family's heritage in regards to those in your family who served or, are now serving in the United States Armed Services.

 

 

 

Semper Fi !

 

Jack  Robinson

GySgt., U.S. Marine Corps, Retired/disabled

 

Click here to see what I do now to show respect to our Ancestors.



Ensuring the name is correct is the first step in finding your Ancestors

I wrote a post on Face Book a few months back in regard to a possible African American WW I military Veteran.  The overall point that I was attempting to make at the time was for over five years I attempted to confirm William Montford of Jacksonville, North Carolina, served in the U.S. military ca. 1917, with little results. 

 

 

William Montford

Died in France, September 26, 1918

 

 



I discovered during my search through various WWI war records that there were not only combat deaths but, those caused by disease.  What sparked my interest in regards to the possibility of “rediscovering” and giving long overdue respect for William, as a “forgotten” military veteran, was an inscription on this man’s headstone within the Diggs Cemetery, “Died in France.”  His date of death was in 1918, a period of time when the United States was involved in the War-to-end-all-wars.

As mentioned, I have attempted to use various military, genealogy and individual research techniques to obtain validation if this William Montford was in fact a military soldier during WWI.  A common saying within historical and genealogic research is, “coming to a brick wall.”  Each time a restart of my search was conducted I, too, came to a brick wall.  No military records could be located.  

The fire at the National Archives was a main factor.  To add to this challenge there were no genealogic discoveries.  Local residents could not remember an Ancestor who died in 1918.  An added note to this particular graveyard is that it is made up of multiple family cemeteries that were “relocated” to Diggs cemetery.

Recently, I was introduced to an official report, written ca.1919, of military deaths that occurred during WWI, “Soldiers of the Great War.”  This text was brought to my attention due to the help of some keen genealogy researchers I met through Internet social media.  

The death report, with images of soldiers, is listed by state and each death was recorded.  Not only were combat deaths mentioned but, there were also illness and accidental deaths listed.  This is where I found my first tangible, “possible” connection to my quests.

Reported among the list of names of soldiers who died in France within Volume II of this book were the men who joined from North Carolina.  One surname was discovered who lived in Jacksonville, Onlsow County, North Carolina—William Munford. 

I determined through census reports that there were Munford families living in Onslow County.  Records indicate, however, there were no males that meet the age prerequisites for a William Munford to be serving in WWI.

William Munford

Jacksonville, (North Carolina)

 

 

Having correct information on a subject to conduct genealogy research is extremely vital.  If done haphazardly, a whole family tree may be distorted and contaminated from the roots to top branches.  Confirming and then re-confirming correct spelling of Given and Surnames is vital.

I am now closer to declaring William Munford, listed within the book “Soldiers of the Great War; Vol. II,” is in fact, William Montford buried within Diggs Cemetery with the headstone inscription—Died in France (1918). 

In time, hopefully, we can give this gentleman the recognition that was deserved, but not given in his lifetime, for a multitude of reason, and present to our next generation an opportunity to teach their next generation of our heritages.

Thank you for taking the time to reading this and other posts that I have written.

Here are links that will give you an idea of the work that I conduct in regard to finding our "Forgotten Veterans" and protecting our endangered cemeteries.

  

Books written by Jack Robinson:

Semper Fi !  

Remember our military Veterans.  Say hello and thank to them the next time you see one.


 

Drive through the hog farm to get to the old African American cemetery

I was told seven years ago, last month, to do the following:

         "Drive off the main road; drive through the open field; drive  
          through the crop field; then, avoiding getting stuck on the
          muddy dirt path, drive in between the hog farm; avoiding the
          ruts in the road.  You will then come to a small cemetery on
          the left."

 

A) View of Brick Mill Cemetery January 2007

 

B) Looking from center of cemetery to tree line

 

C)  View of from far side of cemetery

 

 

During January and February of 2014, southeastern North Carolina had received not-less-then three harsh rainstorms along with some unseasonal heavy snow falls.  These weather conditions caused the dirt road to the cemetery to be extremely muddy and nearly impassable.  Sometime during the month of January, in between the bad weather conditions and while the dirt road was muddy, a burial took place within the Brick Mill Cemetery; which has been used continuously since ca.1900. 

 

As the cemetery's caretaker, I was not informed of the burial in January.  Contacting me is not required but, it would have been a courteous gesture of my work at this and other cemeteries. 

 

For instance, since over 40% of graves within this cemetery are unmarked, I could have assisted in "suggesting" where to place the newest grave.  During previous recent burials we were able to place family members with their Ancestors with little disturbance to the older graves. 

Another area where I could have been of assistance was to inform the grave diggers as to where to place any leftover dirt from the grave hole.  As the images below indicate, excess dirt was placed precariously next to an older grave.  In time, due to future weather conditions, this extra dirt, if not removed, will easily cover the older grave marker. 

 

In time, this excess dirt could cover this headstone

 

Newly placed grave with no markers.  I place an American flag near the front of the grave.  Animals have been known to carry flowers away from gravesites, leaving only a flat area with no indication of being a gravesite.

Also, notice how the newest grave is not properly marked; not even with a traditional "temporary" grave marker.  In time, hopefully, a headstone will be placed on this grave.   If not, however, it too will become one of the 40% of unmarked graves within the Brick Mill Cemetery.

I will close this post by showing the entrance to the historic Brick Mill Cemetery as it appears during the first week of February 2014.  Please note that since these images another heavier snow storm left the path with over seven inches of wet snow.  In time, this snow, as it melts, will cause the ground to be even softer and less passable.

 

Path in between the two major hog pens

 

 

Only route to the Brick Mill Cemetery.

 

 

Heavy duty truck that brought casket to newest grave site cause tremendous damage to the dirt path to the cemetery.  In the distance you can see the path continuing through the two primary hog pens.