Category Archives: African American

Pettiford on Republican Ticket (1890)

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We are informed that J.T. PETTIFORD, colored, will be a candidate on the Republican ticket for the office of Register of Deeds.  He informs us that he has canvassed the lower part of the county and thinks his chances are good.
We don’t wish to see that office go into the hands of a Republican, but if the colored men want a candidate, we think PETTIFORD will make the strongest run of any that race could put in the field.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 15 August 1890, page 2. Available online at DigitalNC.org.

Jacob Hunter Arraigned (1890)

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Extracted from the “Our Local Courts” column:

Jacob HUNTER colored was arraigned before Justice Thos. S. ARMISTEAD on Saturday last charged with wife beating, found guilty and fined five dollars and costs.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 1 August 1890, page 3. Available online at DigitalNC.org

Assault and Battery (1890)

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Extracted from the “Our Local Courts” column:

Mack HOLLY and Chas. HASSELL, both colored, were arraigned before the Mayor on Saturday, charged with assault and battery, found guilty and fined. 
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 1 August 1890, page 3. Available online at DigitalNC.org.

Justice Court (1890)

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J.W. PIERCY vs. Festus SHERROD & Dan’l BUXTON

The two colored boys who were arrested on Thursday last for breaking into the residence of Mr. J.E. DAVENPORT were taken before Justice ARMISTEAD at 9 o’clock Thursday night for trial.

Mr. S.B. SPRUILL appeared for BUXTON, SHERROD had no counsel.  After several witnesses were examined, the court could not find sufficient evidence against BUXTON to convict, so he, BUXTON, was discharged.  SHERROD was taken to jail to await the next term of the Superior Court.

From the evidence it seems that SHERROD entered the house and on coming out saw BUXTON watching, and invited him to take part in the bigtime, he, SHERROD, was going to have on the money, giving BUXTON six dollars to start with.  The pair went to a store and purchased shoes, dry goods, &c.  and seemed to be having a good time, when Mr. PIERCY came upon the scene.  The amount of money taken was between thirty-five and forty dollars, the amount recovered after the arrest was about ten dollars, including the goods which they had purchased.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 25 July 1890, pg 3. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Adeline James Improves Dwelling (1890)

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Excerpted from the Beacon Flashes column:

Adeline JAMES, colored, has made quite an improvement in the looks of her dwelling near town, by building it much larger and making other changes.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 25 July 1890, pg 3. Available online at digitalnc.org.

July 4th Observance

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Excerpted from the Roper Letter column (dated July 7, 1890):

The 4th of July was observed by the colored people who went on an excursion to Pantego.  The colored band was in attendance and enlivened the party with good music.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 11 July 1890, pg 2. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Came to Neighborhood (1792)

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Notice is hereby given that about the 8th of this instant, there came to this neighbourhood a negro man, who appears upon examination to be the property of Mr Robert Lowran, twelve miles from Petersburg, in Virginia. The fellow calls himself Charles; he is about five feet five or six inches high, appears to be of the age of 20 years, well made, of a yellow complexion, speaks good English, and saith his former master was one Bradley on black-river, South Carolina.If the fellow be the property of Mr Lowran, this friendly notice is given by the subscriber living in Iredell County, Catawba river, near the Island Ford. – Tho M’Kay, J P, Dec 28, 1790

Source: North Carolina Chronicle or Fayetteville Gazette. 21 February 1792.

Five Pounds Reward (1791)

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Ran away from the subscriber living in Iredell county, North Carolina, on the first day of July last, a negro fellow named Frank; he is of a yellow complexion, shews some marks of the small pox, is about 5 feet 8 inches high, has by running away before and getting frost bitten, lost two of the little toes on his left foot, and part of the third one; I expect he will change his cloaths and name, and pass for a freeman as he has done before, and endeavour to make his way to Fayetteville or Wilmington, and get on board some vessel, as he has often threatened so to do. Captains of vessels and others are cautioned on their peril not to harbour said fellow. Any person who will take up said fellow and bring him to me, or secure him so that I get him again,k shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges. – John Work –– October 18, 1790,
The above mentioned fellow was taken and confined in Robinson County gaol, from which he made his escape on or about the 10th instant. Should he be taken again, it is particularly requested he may be so ironed as to prevent him again getting away.

Source: North Carolina Chronicle or Fayetteville Gazette. 10 January 1791.

Ran Away (Abraham) – (1790)

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Ran away from the subscriber, living in Salisbury, a likely negro fellow, named Abraham, about thirty years old, about five feet six inches high and very lusty; is much pitted with the small pox, and of a yellow complexion; has  a defect in his right hand, occasioned by a burn which is very conspicuous. I will give three pounds to any person who will secure him so that I may get him again. – Conrod Bream, Salisbury, Oct 28, 1790

Source: North Carolina Chronicle or Fayetteville Gazette. 20 December 1790.

Five Pounds Reward (1790)

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Ran away from the subscriber living in Surry county, North-Carolina, near Allen’s iron works, on the 29th July last, a negro fellow by the name of Charles; about thirty years of age, five feet eight or nine inches high, has a down look, and one of his upper foreteeth is out; I am apprehensive he is making for Downing Creek, which lays some distance south of Fayetteville. Whoever will deliver said fellow to me again shall receive the above reward, besides all reasonable expenses paid by
William T Lewis, August 28, 1790

Source: North Carolina Chronicle or Fayetteville Gazette. 4 October 1790.