By Thomas James Armstrong
Transcribed in its entirety by Carroll Pearsall
Send comments and thanks to: Carroll Pearsall

Following was transcribed in its entirety from a narrative written by Thomas James 
Armstrong in response to a letter from his daughter living at Bogue Swamp, NC, 
Mar. 21/67 asking for same.  This letter or narrative was transcribed in its entirety 
by Stephen Carroll Pearsall, formerly of Rocky Point, North Carolina, from the 
original of a narrative written by Thomas James Armstrong, whom was my great 
great grandfather.  I personally inspected, recorded and transcribed from the original 
narrative on September 29th and 30th, 1977, said narrative then in possession of 
Martha Ann Pearsall of Rocky Point, North Carolina, that the original narrative was 
frayed and well worn, appeared to have been torn out of a binder or ledger.  I 
inserted no punctuation and my recording of the narrative is exactly as written by 
Thomas James Armstrong.


My Dear Children believing that a sketch of my chequeried (illegible) lief might possess 
something to interest and frother (illegible) to show that we are truely creatures of 
circumstances I have determined to devote a few of my leasure hours to the task I was 
born at So Washington the 21st A. D. day of April 1813 (My Father as I have been told 
was the son of John Armstrong and his wife Barbara her maiden name I never heard) 
was born on the voyage from Ireland to Wilmington NC in the year of our Lord AD 1766.  
I never have heard anything in connection of my fathers history from his infancy except 
that they settled in some of the near counties to Wilmington and married my Mother on 
the banks of the NE River about five miles below Hallsville, in or about the year 1793 at 
a place within one mile of the place where uncle Lincoln Sheffield died some time in the 
year 1863 this place once belonged to my grandfather Isham Sheffield.  the father of my 
Mother, my mothers parents were Isham Sheffield and Barbara his wife her maiden 
name was Barbara Boney she was three times married first Isham Sheffield, second to 
Robert Dickson last to DR. Wilkinson who took her property on defensio (illegible) her 
by her first husband she had two children, viz: Mary Sheffield and Lincoln Sheffield I do 
not know which was the oldest but I think my mother was.  by her second husband she 
had three children viz Williams Robert and Susan Williams was twice married first to 
Margaret Sloan near Magnolia the second a Miss Dickson in Charlestown SC by his first
 wife he had several children some of whom are yet living in Florida. Robert was killed in 
a light horse loam in Swansboro NC. Susan was married to Col David Hooks and lived 
many years near Faison Depot Duplin County where she now has one daughter living Ms 
Thomas Wright her name is Eliza they had several children all of whom moved to Alabama 
in or about the year 1833 Since which time several of them have died.  My Grand Pa 
Armstrong was also married some two or three times which I am not correctly informed 
but there are some reason why I think three times as I think I hear my Brother Isham say 
that he found another uncle or uncles in Georgia that he did not recollect.  one of the uncles 
he mentioned was named Andrew Armstrong  Thomas Armstrong was not an own brother 
of my father but was the youngest brothers he married a Miss Cooper of Duplin County 
and many years ago before my day and moved to Alabama and some 20 years ago to Miss
and when I last heard from him he lived near Jasper, Texas with his fifth wife he has many 
children and gran children.  Some of them filling high positions. one son Pres of a college
in Ala another an itenerate preacher one of his Gran daughters husband a member of 
Congress.  The Dicksons ware highly educated one of them a graduate of Yale College The 
Hooks ware not so --liant  (illegible) there opportunities was good but not so much appreciated.  
My father I learn was married in homespun pants and my mother in a Hummings dress.  
as it was termed in that day which was a fine bleached goods.  they first lived where they 
were married and bought the first negro they ever owned old Aunt Hannah the mother of 
Phyllis.  If my memory serves he was to pay for her $500 five hundred dollars. he went to 
work and made a tankiln which runs 100 bbls he got on the raft with another hand and went 
to Wilmington when he was floating along about what is called manhut dock he was hailed
by a Capt of a vessel and ast what he had he answered tar he ast him what he would take 
for it he answered $5 pr bbl.  the Capt threw him a rope or line as they term it to make fast
to his vessel he sprang aboard counted the bbls called Father on board the vessel they took 
him in the cabbin and counted out his five hundred dollars in specia which my father eagerly 
took up and immediately put out for him home just enough money to pay for old Aunt Hannah.  
they did not go through with the notice of landing and inspecting as in this our day - I am not 
informed when or where my Grand Pa and Ma Armstrong died or were buried My Grand Pa 
Sheffield died a prisoner of war Smithfield NC in the year 1774 75 or 76 the exact time is not 
remembered My Grand Ma lived until 1827 (or 4 illegible) April 20th and died at her daughters 
Susan Hooks then living on bear swamp near Faisons depot.  Sister Barbara and myself went 
to see her buried.  Sister Barbara then had one child Mary M Caleb I will now return to my 
father and mother from the N East they moved to a place now owned by Clem Gillespie of 
Duplin near the Grove Academy then called I think the Joe Dickson place.  here they lived
several years.   had at the time several children Viz Isham Hugh and Susan they all went to 
school in the same yard of the present Acadamie to Rev Samuel Stanford this was considered 
a school of high grade and many of the young men of that day finished their course at that 
school.  it was keped up for many years and one time he had what was then termed an 
exebition spoken of as one of the most magnificient affairs that ever took place in all that 
country I have very often since my day heard old people speak of that wonderful affair if I have 
been correctly informed a part of the performance was of a theatrical character Uncle Robert 
Dickson was spoken of as the hero of some great exploit he had stages erected and the affair 
continued for several days he farmed at the place just mentioned from that place my father
Duplin Court House now called Kenansville moved to the place where Wm. Farrior now lives.  
The house I suppose has long since been removed and replaced by another at Kenansville he 
keped a boarding house for the Sawyers Travelers also a Livary stable and I suppose a farm & 
store.  from this place he moved to So Washington where he engaged in a very large 
merchandise business at Wilmington So Washington and Kenansville under the name and 
style of Armstrong Mc Intire & Mc Gowan they did a very extensive business so I have been 
told Mc Intire was the father of James and David McIntire of this section and Mc Gowen was 
the father of Mrs Thomas Hall at Hallsville NC.  In the midst of this heavy business a very 
sad event happened to my father he was suddenly stricken with prelaxises lay for days and 
nights like one that was dead I was then some two years old but can faintly remember the 
bustle & confusion and well remember the Dr in attendance Dr Albert Guthrie the husband 
of Mrs Ann Guthrie yet in Wilmington Oh how sad was all around the house and how my 
dear mother weaped and watched around him.  this was the first downfall of our family My
father never recovered again he lived a helpless invalid until his death.  This affliction of my 
father and the death of Mr A McIntire forced a speedy close up of their business and I have 
no doubt a very great sacrifice which is generally the case under such circumstances 
from this date I do not remember any thing of interest for about Two years when I can 
remember as a dream another sad time the death of my oldest sister Susan Oh --how 
many tears were shed.  how many seemed to be deeply affected I can remember as a 
dream how Uncle David Hooks took on also Brother Hugh and a negro man named Issac 
she was just from school a few days before her 16th year  She was buried over a little 
branch just over the hill under a holly tree in the rear of the house but requested My 
Father not to move away and leave her their.  I suppose she knew he expected to move.  
when my mother died just 10 years after the remains of Sister Susan Aunt Eva Boney 
and the last child of my mother was disinterred and buried by the side of my mother.  
here I will relate a strange thing.  in a short time after they were entered by the side of 
Mother which was the same week in a short time their graves were covered with grass 
whilst that of My Mother remained without one sprig My Father frequently visited the 
graves and noticed this circumstance and remarked that no grass would grow their until 
he was placed beside her which proved to be true.  See the next eight page.

I will return to So Washington at the date mentioned it was quite a thriving business place.  
There ware several stores on our side of the creek and several on the other Mr. James Usher 
the father of the present Wm Usher, he had 4 sons viz:  William Patrick James & Holland 
(illegible) and two interesting daughters Miss Eliza and Miss Franceria  They were very 
wealthy and lived in Much style They ware also a Dr Laroch and family that made a big show.  
The place at the time was all fun and frolic- horse raceing gambling & I rember a race that 
came off Christmas day in an old field now opposite Mrs Lewis Thomas It was what was then 
linned a course race a track laid off all around and  a large stage erected for the spectators 
at the starting and stopping point.  Bryant Newkirk owned one of the horses and I think Black 
head Wm Usher another I do not recollect how many ware entered but I think the purse was 
taken by Timothy W. Bludworth the father of Robert in the second race there ware many 
horses entered my father was there on a bony mair just purchased in very hard plight as he 
was fond of sport he was not hard to persaude Mose was called up the mane fixed up and 
Mose was mounted everyone laughing at the old bony mair.  the drum was struck to make 
ready your horses the tracks ware thrown up for, the parties all knowing their places the 
judges called out all reddy the drums struck again for the move and away they bounded.  
the old mair walked up she soon found she was on a race track the first was soon passed 
then the second third fourth on the starting time she left every thing behind as soon as 
Moses got the tack and was sure he had the speed he bent back in his sadle and held his 
mair with all his might hollowering to the others to come on.  I can now in my immagenation 
see Moses teeth as they shined when he passed the winning point some one or Two 
hundred yards ahead of all, such shouting and hollowing as they had over the old bony 
mair she was truely a fast animal but I never knew to be run afterwards. robing hen roosts 
was also one of the sports of that day they had one of their number a very good hearted 
soul TB that was all ways put forward on such occasions on one occasion he caught a very 
large turkey rooster and got him to a very high fence. just as he got on the fence the old 
rooster fluttered and T fell on one side of the fence and the roster on the other the others 
would call out hold him Tim Tim would hold and the rooster flutters and then they continued 
for some time much to the amusement of his comrades, and did really have all his skin torn 
from his arms by the fluttering of the turkey I have forgotten how the matter ended but I 
believe the owner of the turkey came to his rescue.  the robbing of the hen houses most 
of them flat roof then because so many people provided very heavy logs and put on them - 
on one occasion they got up a large party and good time foremost as usual they went to 
the hen house raised up the logs and sent in Tim to hand out the chickings which he did
 just as they got as many as they wanted they pretinded to get desperately scared droped 
the logs on the hen and decamped leaving poor Tim shut up good and fast in the hen house 
A good old lady Ms Brightman living on the opposite side of the creek had an old horse she 
called Buck which she keeped her  buck was often on our side of the creek picking up fodder 
& corn & whare persons would feed their teams whilst trading, on one occasion the young 
men got a bundle of fodder and sprinked it with spirits Turpt and tied it fast to his tail of poor 
old Buck and set fire to it.  if you ever saw running and kicking it was then it burn the old 
fellow a little but not so much as might be imagined the old Lady kicked up quite a muss but 
the matter was settled by the payment of some small sum of money.  such was some of the 
sport at So Washington in that day they also had many dancing parties. some few of the 
ladies that participated are still on the shores of time but the most of them have passed away 
Mr. Michael Boney Bryant Newkirk Timothy Newkirk Joseph Newkirk Henry Newkirk Jacob 
Newkirk and Berry Newkirk ware all young men just on their first feet I have been highly 
entertained by Joseph Newkirk and Bryant Newkirk relating the incidence of them days they 
have all passed except Berry he still lives.

From So Washington which was then quite a thriving village we moved to a place at present 
owned if living by the widow of Rev Samuel Stanford.  this place was owned by My Grand Ma 
second husband whare she lived many years after my recollection, when she moved up near 
Faisons Depot My Father moved to the place, it was owned by Uncle Robert Dickson after his 
death I suppose it was thought best to sell it for a division, at that place we lived for some 3 or 
4 years as near as my memory serves me, where I went to the first regular school at So 
Washington they would some times get me to go to school with them to WW Rivenbark and 
DR G H Mc Millan but this was only for pastime the (then the first regular school I ever went 
to was taught by Rev Samuel Stanford where his son A T Stanford now lives in about 3 miles 
of Magnolia Mr S was a very cruel teacher whiped most unmercifully and his own children 
worse than any others He had a tame deer which was a great terror to me he would meet us 
in the field and if you did not immediately divide your dinner with him he would back his reins 
and jump right on you and take a way your basket and eat all the bread stuffs in it Mr S was 
kind to me but I was as much afraid of him as if he had been a deamon.  This school did not 
last long we then went to school to the grove Academy to Micajah Autry. Bro Ed Br John 
sister Barbara and myself this school continued for some two three years a number of young 
men finished their Education with this school Mr Autry bought to the school two grown Brothers 
Sterling and John neither of them knew their letters.  this was the second year of the school.  
we young chaps felt quite large when Sterling and John would ask us to tel them their lessons 
which we were permitted to do in that school.  in a very short time those young men made 
such fine progress as to be reading Latin and both made finely Educated young men they 
both soon followed teaching school  Sterling when last hear of him was a Methodist Iterate 
Preacher Micajah was killed in Texas War of 1836 John was teaching school From near 
Kenansville we moved to a place some three miles below Limestone here my Father built 2 
log cabins some 20 feet each and a ten foot passage between them with a long piza all the 
way across the passage was finaly closed up which made room for T(illegible) beds The 
house has also two shed rooms by the side off one of the cabins with a three or four feet 
passage between them.  the property is now owned by some of the heirs of Mr Drew Hall 
at this place my father farmed on quite a large scale raising considerable cotton corn &.  
Sometimes would have a very large white help employed we would have a long table such 
as Mrs Mc Caleb and when they all got to the table it took something to satisfy them.  at 
this place we had much trouble My Father Joseph McGowan and Hogan Hunter became 
security for Mr James Hall for some Thousand Dollars borrowed from the bank to buy 
negroes with to speculate on.  He bought the negroes and took them to Georgia to 
speculate on Mr Hall was an honest man and though every person the same. he met 
with a stranger I suppose a regular such.  sold him all his negroes for a large price 
delivered the negroes and the man was to meet him at some town and pay him the 
gold in a few days Mr Hall went but no man met nor did he ever see the man or 
negores again he owed considerable money besides the amount mentioned he was 
compelled to give right up all his affects ware sweped away I well rember the morning 
he came to my Fathers it was very early I think before my father was up he soon up 
and assisted to the fire after a short conversation the sad news was related to my 
father the blow was to heavy and unexpected for he fainted and fell on his face to the 
floor for some minutes we thought he was dead he was rubed and baithed and finally 
revived again only however to pross (illegible) though much more trouble and sorrow  
My father owed considerable money besides this every one pushed for the last dime 
he called a vandue and all the negroes ware sold Oh how heart rending to see those 
that he had owned through lief many that he had raised all sold away Uncle David 
Hooks who was very kind to us bought old Man Friday Phyllis and a boy named Bill 
he got those negores at low figures people know why and for what reason they were 
sold he also bought part of the lands which he let My father and family keep just before 
this date my sister was married to Thomas Davis. he bought part of the lands and 
Brother John who married his sister part also Wm Sandlin part, at first every negro 
was taken away old Mr John Whitehead a true friend of my father sent negroes to do 
for us until some arrangements could be made Mr Whitehaead is the father of the 
present Col Whitehead, you know this must have been terrible indeed from one of the 
wealthest families in that section all at once we ware the poorest I however did not 
regard it much as it seemed to me I could work more cheerful than before I suppose 
you would like to know what the other securities did one of them took prison bounds 
the other ran his negroes to tenessce until a compromise was made I think he paid 
part of the debt.  our troubles did not stop here in a year or so after the sale of the 
negroes my father was easid (illegible) now in this case every earthly thing has to be 
surrendered So that a man can swear that he is not worth 40 shilings in the world a 
vandue was called. and every item of every sort even the old Family Bible was put up, 
and sold as young as I was I could not see that dear old Book which I had seen my 
mother read so often on Sunday sold  I stepped up and ran it up and it was finaly 
knocked down to me. it is now at Mr Davises I do not know how it was arranged 
but I suppose some of them paid for it as I had not one cent in this wide wide world.  
In the horse lott with the cattle there were two little motherless heifers that I had taken 
when little helpless things and by close attention raised they were given to me by my 
father on one of them I had a bell and when I was absent or neglected them she would 
shake it often they wandered from the house and fallen down in their feeble condition 
when I would have to take them in a wheelbarrow and roll them home they finaly came 
to them when selling I had no idea they would sell my calves.  I protested but there was 
no use they must be sold. I had keped up my spirits very well until now but I cried as 
though my heart would break.  My Mother tryed to console me my father also. he said 
he could not help it all must be sold.   and my calves went.  with the rest.  I thought it 
very hard then I do not know who bought the calves but they passed in to other hands.  
Just after this sale court came up and my Father fixed up for court he weped and my 
mother weped and I believe Bro Isham I did not then know why he had often gone to 
court without weeping and why ware they weeping. Bro Isham Hugh and John went 
with him. Some of them returned that evening with the sad announcement that My 
Dear old helpless Father was in Jail Oh how my dear old Mother weped how we all 
weped it seemed that Mother and sister Barbara would break their hearts O how sad 
every thing given up sold and gone and father in Jail this I believe was the 4th week in 
March 1826 and April My Father was permitted to take the benefit of the insolvents oath 
and return home We ware all some glad to see him now than ever before I do not believe 
any of use loved as we did when we knew he was a poor helpless prisoner.  My Mother 
was at this time in very feeble health her feeble constitution would stand the shock no 
longer she took her bed and lingered until the next Thursday morning about 10 Oclock 
when she breathed her last.  This was truely a sad day to me I loved my Mother as dearly 
as ever a Mother was loved Oh how I thought then it would be pleasant to be laid in the cold 
cold grave with her I well remember my Dear old Father would call me to him and tel me we 
had lost the best friend we had in this wide wide world and weep as though his heart would 
break My Dear Mother was buried the next day the 21st day of April 1826 the very day I was 
13 years old we then sent for and old Miss Polly Jones that lived about rockfish to come 
and keep house for us which she did until the next year April 1827 when Brother Isham 
was married after his marriage she remained a few months when I was sent to carry her 
to old miss Aly Staling near where Thomas Pigford now lives.  My Father after the death of 
my Mother seemed to linger out a miserable existence he felt lonely and neglected and weped 
and lamented a great deal would speak of the grass not growing on My Mothers grave and 
say she was weighting for him about the 1st of October 1827 he was taken sick. I was sent 
for Brother Hughs family at So Washington Brother Hugh was below Wilmington working on 
what was termed a dredgering boat building what is called the Jetus (illegible) for the purpose 
of changeing the course of the water so as to make it deeper.  Sister Julia and children went 
up with me and remained until after the death of my father which was in a few days.  after 
we moved to Limestone as we then called that section previous to the death of my father and 
mother some 4 or 5 years I occasionally went to a 3 month school the first that I rember to 
have gone to after moveing to that place to a man by the name of Jinkins (illegible) at the forks 
of Onslow and Wilmington road where A Newkirk lives or did a few years since he was very 
kind to his student let them all do as they preferred which rendered him very popular our 
parents ware as they thought all doing their duty sending us to school without any regard as 
to the qualification of the teacher.  We then went to an old fashioned teacher Daniel Love 
long teaching from place to place he was a large tall man with very short neck he to was kind 
to his charge and let every one do as he thought best.  He was fond of the over Joyful and 
would occasionally ramble off from the school house at play time and sometimes be on 
a burst for a week.  he taught on the opposite side of the road from where the present Babtist 
church now stands to such teaching of course no progress was made  We then went to school 
to Thomas Brickle (illegible) a perfect demon not fit to have charge of any living thing. a perfect 
tryant and whipped and cuffed us about dayly and all most hourly. He was rather over the 
common sise, dark complection and black eyes If of the proper disposition would have made 
an excellent teacher he was well educated.  he once delivered a 4th of July oration at Limestone 
which did him much credit I think it was printed I also went to a man by the name of Hugh 
Maxwell. he was an old fashioned teacher very kind to his children we all loved him because 
he was so kind but as to learning that was a mater he left entirely to our choice as a matter 
of course we preferred to play rather than books which suited him just as well.  after the death 
of my Mother in April in June I was sent to Wilmington with Brother Isham where he fited me 
up with a new hat and a suit Black Bumbaset the suit was made by miss Patsy Bludworth 
who lived near where Mr Black now lives.   on our way home I was left at Uncle Williams 
Dicksons then living on the place now owned by J P Bannerman but on the opposite side of 
the mill where I went to school to James Mc Intire to a house called Duncing Meeting House 
near the main road and within 300 yds of where J P B now lives  I than first formed his 
acquaintance and soon formed the strongest attachment for him which has continued through
lief.  I also formed to acquantance of the Mr. Players Mr H Williams and family and many 
others all of whom have been strongly attached to and have often thought that I had as live 
be in that section as any I ever knew.  I remained at this school about three months without 
once hearing from home, we had no mail routes, and it was seldom a traveler of any sort 
passed that way, we had preaching once during my stay at the old Duncing Meeting 
House by a Universilest Preacher Jacob H. Fereeze (illegible) some time the last of 
August Brother Edward came for me. Oh how over joyed I was to see him once more.  
I was very kindly treated where I was but home sweet home still had some charms for me.  
he came on Saturday and early on Sunday morning we were off for home again.  we were 
driving a young visious horse in and old stick chair.  when we had traveled some 10 or 12 
miles and had just passed a Mr Rochells near by the road, I looked at Bro Ed and he was 
fast asleep just at that instant the wheel struck a stump and over went the chair on one 
wheel and away ran the horse.  he soon got loose from the chair and went bounding towards 
home.  we followed on his track as luck would have it a man by the name of Deal met the horse 
and brought him back until he met us.  we went back hitched up and ware soon on our way 
again, and reached home in safety. I was over Joyed to see My Dear old Father again, and 
all seemed as glad to see me, but yet when I look around and saw My Mothers chair and 
bed and remembered that she was not more I was sad sad indeed.  I came home to go to 
school to L W James near the Mr Farrors Wm & John they both had some 6 or 7 children 
each to send to school at this school I first formed the acquaintace of Miss E F she was 
some 11 years old I about 13 what young folks we ware to have a love sorasse (illegible)
 but with our acquaintance and attachment was formed which neither of us attempted to 
hide or deny it grew with our growth and matured with our years until we reaily believed 
that we were destined to be man and wife this continued some three of four yes five years 
when another mater occured to me how and in what way we would possibly make 
a living provide we should marry poverty with all its horrors stood out in full view before us 
oh how terrible to be miserable now and no way to remedy the case such was truely 
my unhappy condition no house no horse not one cent in this whole world nothing to do 
by which I could earn one dime, she did not look on the dark side but wrote on my slate 
T J Armstrong is his name and single is his lief happy will be maiden be that he doth 
make his wife.  how could I make anyone happy without any thing on the earth I now 16 
years old we had a short of a childish agreement that is no change in our minds, and 
circumstances seemed to favor our plan at the expiration of 5 years that date we would 
be one, but in about 3 years she made other arrangement and I was left to do the best 
I could I will probably refer to this part of my naritive again as it comes in another place.  
More appropertively (illegible) Mr L W James our teacher was very well qualified to teach 
but was entirely to young and a wild a man for such a position. he would sware before 
his schollars and actulay made me go with him to steal Wm Sandlins water melons, 
on one occasion on our way home when we came to the road that turned to Sandlins 
field he told me to turn I refused he said if I did not he would whip me like H I was 
compeled to yield. I had no choice Just as we got to the field and he was sleighing 
the melons all at once there was Mr Sandlin how I rejoiced he did not seemed the least 
daunted but approached Mr S gave him the time of day and remarked that he had a very
fine melons Mr S replied that he would have had a great many fine ones but some 
persons had stolen them very much James replied it was ashamed for him to be treated 
so and all passed off.  Mr James suceeded by an old man by the of Wm Rhodes he 
was very well versed in figures and wrote a good hand but I suppose had very little 
knowledge of grammar geography or any thing of the sort do not suppose he could have 
written a single sentence correctly if his life had been at stake yet he was and old school
teacher for many years He had Rules of his school which are now somewhere among my 
old papers if not destroyed a copy of which he gave me you were required to bid good 
morning to all when you entered the S House to say good evening when you left in the 
evening and required to speak to ever person you met on the road and to speak to all the 
family on your return home and on your departure in the morning with many other such 
requirements all of which we found hard to rember and observe Rhodes was succeeded 
by the late Maj Joseph T. Rhodes a young man just from Chapel Hill and a fine teacher 
rearly ever sitting in the house constantly engaged in hearing recitations and other matters.
if all my school days had been with him I think I should at least had a fair English 
Education His schollars both loved and feared him. He seemed to manifest so much 
interest in their improvement. he was succeeded by a little many by the name of Peter 
Patterson a good scholar but very easy and quite you could study or not as you preferred.  
This now brings up to the death of my Father which occurred the 5 day of October AD 
1827 as before stated  After this sad event I began to feel truely my lonely and dependent 
condition. no home in this wide wide world I could truely repeat those words no foot of 
land did I possess or cottage in this wilderness a poor way favering boy not grown.  I 
remained with Brother Isham that year  and until the next fall I worked as hard as I could 
but did not get any compensation except the priviledge of going to school again to Peter 
Patterson a while in the winter month Bro I was in strengthened circumstances not able 
to do anything for me if disposed I do not remember to have received one single cent for 
my services and was scantly clothed and shod. I had I think some 5 or 6 shoats which 
he let run in the fields to fatten which I carried to Newbern and sold and bought the first 
Bond cloth coat I ever had from a yellow Taylor.  I had left Bro Isham before this and was 
living with T Davis over Muddy Creek he agreed to feed me and cloth me and send me to 
school six months to work 6 mo but the first fall and winter he had a large quantity of Turpt 
to Hall which I had to do first which required near all the winter so that I did not go much 
more than 2 mo and then had to walk 5 miles and cross too very wide swamps. the next 
summer I worked very hard part of the time.  choped turpine time and plowed Mr Davis was 
usually up before day and have every one to their work I have frequently gone in the field to 
plow in the morning and had to weight 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour before I could see the corn oh 
what folly it was to do business in such away poor man such was his idier of doing 
business which has never prospered with him, This was year 1829 In the spring of which 
there came along a Babtist Preacher by the name of Curry (Carry -illegible) and He preached 
at what was then called Stafford or Muddy Creek Meeting House From the Text And they all 
with one accord began to make excuse and had bought a piece of land and he could not go 
another a yoke of oxen and he would not and another had married a wife and he would be 
excused.  This is the first sermon that I ever seemed to understand It make a very deep and
lasting impression on my mind and I was truely awakened on this Great and important 
Subject of religion I for the first time read the scriptures regular and made the study of its 
sacred truth occupying all my leasure hours.  Mr Davis made all sorts of fun of me often 
told persons in my presents that I would be a preacher & I would not let anything he said 
daunt me and was determined to do what I thought to be my duty. about this date one 
Sunday in May brother Ed came over from Brother Isham with the sad news that Bro 
Hugh at So Washington was in a dying condition he Isham was just from their had been 
their several days I had to borrow a horse and a short time Mr D & Sister Barbara Bro 
Ed Bro John and his wife Hannah were on our way we reached Washington about 9 or 
10 Oclock that night just on the hill this side of the house we met Michael Boney he ast 
who was their we told him he told us poor Hugh had just died. we went on to the house 
and found that he had truely passed away Bro Hugh was a favorite Brother with us all he 
left a wife and three children two of his children Susan and Barbara Precilla had 
proceeded to the spirit land. after some hours consulation it was though best that I 
should go immediately back after Bro Isham & family.  I was soon on my way had 
already traveled near 30 miles now right back again the horse became tired and dull but 
Just after day if I recollect rightly I reached Brother Ishams and told the sad news.  he 
however was not taken on surprise it was just what he expected we were soon on our way 
back to Washington and from their we went that evening to Jeremiah Hands who lived 
where John Moore now lives, and remained all night.  early next morning we ware on our 
way to the last resting place of Brother Hugh near where J Hand Jr now lives their we buried 
Brother Hugh we ware all sad sad indeed from their we returned to M Hands eat breakfast 
and in a short time to our homes again just beyond So Washington we me the late Thomas 
Irving (Luvring - illegible) and schollas comeing from school Mr I (L - illegible) Thad John Ed 
Aman and your Aunt Mary. in the crowd was your Ma but I did not know any of them at that 
time I know I thought the L (I - illegible) family big folks. they are wore store goods at that 
date which was uncommon with country folks where we lived I have never visited the grave 
of Brother Hugh I hope yet to do so.  The death of Brother Hugh at this time had a tendency 
to deepen my conviction on the great and important subject of my souls salvation. I seriously 
thought of uniting myself with the church but deferred doing so.  I believe if I knew my 
self I was truely prepared not only for not only the church here below but for that higher and 
howlier church above.  at the time I am writing of there were many Unaveriless (illegible) in 
our section and were anaxious there influence should be felt there were several Univerilest 
papers taken that was sent to me containing Universalis seminars by very able men one I 
remember by a very smart man J hist from the Text and David seeing Larzarus in Abrahmas 
boosome, see the Tex in 22 & 23 and 24 V of the 16th chapter of saint Luke. The sermon 
was ingeniously gotten up and well calculated to miss send a weak mind. in the mean time 
Mr D devised a plan to worry and heckle me he put me to plowing an ox I had much patience 
with the ox and he done very well until about 10 Oclock he became very tired and contary 
would run over the rows get out of the plow and cut up all sorts of rusties Mr D looking on 
and enjoying the sport after a day or so he became so unmanabable that I could control my 
profsin (illegible) no longer and cursed the poor old ox this was just what Mr D wanted he 
was overly rejoiced nothing could have pleased him better he had a plenty to tel and to laugh 
about. I was motrified badly began to doubt my happy state of mind which I had just passed 
through and read Universilist papers a great deal and tryed and really thought I did believe 
Universelist doctrine.  That winter there ware a great many balls and frolicks most of which 
I attended and first completely led astray by such follies. this brings us to year 1830 this 
year I rented some Turpt boxes from D Brown the most of them worn out and thrown away 
I though hopefully I could do something with them so I went to work engaged my board 
from Mr Davis did not have near as many as I would Think I had to walk three of four 
miles morning & night to & from my work after dipping a few weeks I began to think about 
how I could get it halled some 8 or 9 miles I heard of a little mari to sell at 25$ dollars she 
had a jaw that run like berries I went of one day on foot some eight or nine miles & bought 
the little mair had to give Brother John for security I went home well pleased with my money 
on Sunday I could ride all round to church I was delighted except that she was the poorest 
little ugly animal I ever saw I soon began in my mind to cast up what I should make on 
my Turpt the next was to pay bbls to pay for rafting to pay for my board to pay and my mair
 to feed so long that I found it would pay me over the left so I determined to wind up Mr D 
wanted some of the boxes so I told him if he would give me my board while working the 
trees pay the rent I would give him all I had done which offer he excepted  Bro Isham at 
that time was pushed in his crops sent me word if I would come and plow for him he 
would feed me and my mair and give me 50 cts per day I went set in and drove hard until 
we laid by his crops, on settlement he said he did not expect to keep me at 50 cts per 
day more than a week or so but as I had been their so long he could not afford to give me 
over 6 pr (illegible) mo but that he would assist me to go to school to John W Stanley
then teaching at the Golden Grove Acadamie near Kenansville he procurred me board 
at Thomas J Kenans about 2 miles from duplin Court House I sold my mair to Bro John if 
I recollect right for $40 $15 more than I gave he to pay my note.  I went to Mr K and 
commenced school I herghted (illegible) to go very much the most of the boys were much 
further advanced than I was a number them young men viz D Mc Millan in the same yard 
miss Mary Stanley was teaching a female school in all I suppose there were some 70 
schollars in the yard every day we did not make much progres in learning.  Mr Stanley 
was a young man fond of play and we got interested we would forget when play time 
expired on Saturday we frequently went to Kenansville in the stores they would have 
fiddling and dancing it was not unusual to have 15 or 20 men on floor dancing for hours 
some of them cutting up all sorts of rusties other as particular as though they were in
 the presence of a hundred ladies this would last for hours when they would tune down 
and go playing cards this school ended my school days after the school broke I lingered 
about Mr Keniens for a few they had all been very kind and fond of me and I regretted for 
the hour to come when I must take my long adrent (illegible) I loved Mrs K as dearly as 
if she was a sister and miss Mary C more than a sister we were a great deal together 
and became greatly attached to each other I knew a few love songs she would have me 
sing, and she would sing for me, the night before I left we sat up late in the piza talked 
about my leaving what to do I did not know I tel her all my troubles and my destitute 
condition told her I was goining to Wilmington in search of something to do & we both 
weped and I believe she really love me as a brother.  the next morning came and I 
made ready to leave I do not now rember how I carried my scanty ward robe, but 
suppose in a cotton Hkkf If I had one or roled up in a little bundle When I told Mrs K 
good by she weped like a child Miss C was weighting in piza to give me that last 
long farewell I lingered long she held me spell bound the question running across my 
mind is hers a sisters love or could it be any thing more circumstances forbid its being
any thing more. well we must part so the long shake and hold on to the hand was given 
with her well wishes for my prosperity and happiness That long silent but sobing and 
weping farewwell proved our last our long farewell.  She married some few years after
to a Mr Blackwell moved to Alabama and died at an early age peace to her ashes 
she visited Wilmington once after I was their but I did not have the meager amonity 
to call on her I returned to Limestone for a short while and idled around among my 
relatives in a shortime there was an association at what is now called Wells Chapel 
then called Bulltail Meeting house near a creek by that name near Doctors Creek.  
I determined to go to that meeting on Saturday I started but not knowing any one 
that I knew of near their I went down to Michael Boneys near So Washington and 
stayed all night. the next day he went with me to the association, we passed by 
where your Uncle James now lives went round the fence and stoped at the upper ford.  
Little did I think then that place would ever posses such a great attraction for me as it 
did in after years.  At the Association I met with many friends that I knew Mr Newkirk 
Gene Hand & others.  The concourse of people was very large this was the first 
association I ever attended except one at Limestone.  I do not remember that one 
single person ast me home with them.  I do not remember anything about the preaching.  
as evening began to approach I though it best to leave so I mounted my pony and left.  
on the way some whare near Leesburg I over took Jeremiah Hand his sister and others 
on their way home, I had started for their house that night some 7 miles below So 
Washington we reached their a little in the night sister Julia was living with her father 
this was the first time I had since the death of Brother Hugh this was the first time I 
ever saw the present Hugh.  The family all seemed very glad to see me and I enjoyed 
my visit very extensively.  The next morning I proceeded my journey to Wilmington 
I got their about 2 or 3 Oclock did not trouble myself about diner I put up my nag at 
H Nutts stables in front of Mrs Beaches I then walked round from store to store and 
walk in, and without as much convincing ask if they wanted to employ a clerk. no 
was the reply every where, old Mr Calhardy the father Mr Bittencount did not want a 
clerk, but gave raisins crackers and other good things this cheered me up very much 
that night I stayed with our old friend J Wallace I do not rember whether he let me 
pay or not they ware glad to see me being from the neighborhood from which they 
had recently moved I believe I had only three dollars in the world and I expect that 
was borrowed after paying my slattage (illegible) passages & my pile was quite small.  
I left Wilmington rather worse than I went all hope of a situation their was give what to 
do I did not know that night I stayed at T Players I always found a welcome their that 
night he had a corn shucking I went and assisted them until we shucked the corn, the 
next day I reached home or T Davises I do not now remember what I did for the next 
few months but I think I went to shucking and old field that I think Uncle David Saved 
(Sayed - illegible) me of my fathers land after he had sold off enough to get back 
what money he had advanced.  I do not rember any thing of interest that occurred until 
January of February 1831 Bro Isham hired me and Willas - illegible) Newkirk ea to take 
a load of bacon with him to Wilmington he sold I think to James Chambers we delivered 
our loads and left for home to return by So Washington we arrived at So Washington 
Sunday morning from this place we ware to carry up some cattle for Bro Isham we soon 
found the cattle they were almost wild we went running the cattle all over the fields very 
much to the amusement of Mr Loves boys but no doubt greatly to the annoyance of the 
old Gent. After raceing round several hours we finally gave up the chase gave up the 
cattle and left for home or brother Ishams he over took us within one mile of his house 
he was provoked we did not bring the cattle.  after dropping the cattle subject he told me 
that Mr Chambers wanted me for a clerk and he hand engaged me at once at 6 pr mo 
and my board and washing for the first year I was glad to hear that I was wanting any 
where. I believe I could now point out the spot with in ten steps where this news first 
met my ears.  Well I had nothing to do nothing to eat so I had no choice go I must but 
very reluctantly If any one had offered the same amount to plow on any sort of farm 
work I should not have gone but no go I must this was Monday evening on the following 
Saturday morning I was off with T Davis to Wilmington Oh how I hated to leave my native 
place perhaps never to make it my home again no never again on the way A Maxwell 
had a horse race and I was to ride Maxwells when we got their we found quite a crowd 
were gathered to see the race.  the friends of Maxwells horse was rejoiced to see me 
arrive I had quite a reputation as a race rider generally successful. the horses were
leading around the grounds we asured the Judges to their stands we mounted the word 
given and away we went and I had but little trouble in leading the way the race was soon 
over and the money won how much I do not know old man Maxwell supposed that pike 
ran as he never ran before then every wanted to drink with success (illegible) rider and 
they had some miserable whisky I had that morning taken some spannish brandy and 
now mixed it with mean whiskey it took all my wits from me at once Mr Davis sayed 
he tried every way to get me to go but I would not he got out of patience and left me he 
sayed the next he saw of me I came tearing buy him with a great big drunken man 
behind me what became of him I do not know neither do I know any thing about him 
that night late in the night we reached a Mr Taylors near shaken creek we drove up to 
the barns says Mr Davis and hailed the dogs a terrible bad set came tearing out we ast 
to stay all they sayed we could I told I would stay jumped over in the midst of the dogs 
declaring I would stay made they all fly round went to the house they still protesting we 
could not stay and I went says Mr Davis in the house jumped right in the bed and left 
him and them to make the best arrangements they could I know nothing of all this 
occurance  but I do know that ended my liquor days from that day forward I resolved if it 
ever injured me it should be out side of me and not in.  the next night we camped near 
where Praggies (illegible) house now stands then called Smokey Tarvern old Mr Isaac 
Newton and Wm Newton camped with us they ware from near Doctors Creek. they 
went down to meet rafts next morning we arrived at Wilmington and in a shortime I was 
at my new vocation Oh how miserable every boddy strangers to me I as raw as it was 
possible to be my employer Mr James Chambers was a very crabid short crusty kind 
of a man what would I have given could I only been relevied of my embarrasing 
condition Mr Chambers & E J Hall were doing business together under the name 
& style of James Chambers Gr (illegible).  It so happened that Hall bought the Turpt 
of Newton Davis and others and they were to buy what ever good Mr Chamber could 
furnish so the memorandums ware handed in badly written and I set to work to filling 
it I did not what the items ware or whether we had them or not and dreaded to ast Mr 
Chambers but I did ask him every thing. I wanted to know sometimes he would answer 
me pleasantly and at others as though he could snap my head off I bore it all patiently 
determaning to do my whole duty as far as I could the Mr Newtons seemed please 
to have me weight on them and remained true customers to me even after Wm Newton 
went to Georgia and died there was a fire place in the store and I got Mr C to let me burn 
old boxes bbls and other trash to make  this soon drew a crowed to the store and I soon 
would ask persons warming if I could do anything in their line and some would hand out 
their memorandums (illegible) and tel me to fill them up such as we did not have get for 
them  In this weigh we soon had a good Mr C changed his manner towards me and in 
a short time would buy wood and have it sawed it for use.  In this way my extensive 
acquaintance began to find me out and Mr C begun to think me indispensable there 
ware part of business I did detest that was selling liquor by the draw to negroes yet 
it was a part of his business and I had it to do it was customary to drink and work until 
satuday night the most of them were brought to pay their grog bills.  in a few I had 
confidence in my self and could plainly see Mr Chamber had entire confidence in me 
we keped a cash account and very soon the entire cash matter was left with me during 
the winter I suffered a great deal with the cold we ware on the shade side of the street 
and some days I would have to stand on the side walk nearly all day and draw.  
molasses with nothing on but a thin round jacke a homespun pants my pants were 
cotton filled with wool and dyed with broom straw a very ugly yellow colour  My company 
formed when I first went to Wilmington was of the worst order, young men of means 
thought me beneath them, as such I was picked up by very hard characters such as 
could not associate white good company they would dress very well but the most 
vulgar black and set state could be mustered they ware hail fellows well met with Mr 
Chambers as such I supposed they were gentlemen  I could mention quite a list of them 
but they have passed away to the spirits I and some reformed but others continued their 
wicked course through lief  I do not remember a single one of the most wicked ones but 
soon died Wilmington a very wicked sickly place at this date diarhea and billions fever was 
very prevelent I was first attached to diarhea which came very near carrying off.  I reduced 
from 168 to 122 lbs I was out all the while.  I rember and old see Capt that then boarded 
at D Thallys where Bailey now keeps. Remarked to me seeing my feeble condition 
My son they will cary you on the Hill in a few days meaning St James Church yard.  Poor 
old man he was attached and in a few days he was gone I met old Hugh Cowan one night 
and he had relieved by drinking burnt french brandy with cloves & spice in it the next morning 
I went to old man Robert Baxters and got the brandy carried it to the store and put in a cup 
put in the spice laid nails over it laid on the loaf sugar and set it afire the sugar soon melted 
and I blew out the fire and drank as warm as I could have it seemed to relieve at once and I 
mended very fast and soon well again.  Monday the 2nd week of September 1831 was one 
of the most exciting times I ever witnessed in Wilmington, the people had all assembled 
from different parts of the country to court.  That morning Ive Thomas arrived as an express 
from So Washington with a letter from William J Love Sr of So Washington announcing 
that Dave Morisy and a large party of negroes had risen and ware on their way to Wilmington 
and that the plot had been revealed by Dave to Levin Armwood at So Washington the week 
before. that the negroes of Wilmington ware to make a remitations move and that they 
were to kill and sleigh all whites as they went.  that this was a general rising all over the 
South.  to arms to arms was the order of the day many negroes that were suspissioned 
were taken up and punished most cruely. some acknowledge and revealed a great deal 
about the move.  the people were perfectly panick stricken to add to the excitement the 
sun had a large black spot over it very perceptable to the eye some of the superstitious 
thought the whites would be bloted out and the negroes be triumphant.the negroes ware 
afraid to put their heads out of doors.  This excitement continued for many days. 
 I suppose there were 50 or 60 or more in Jail.  one afternoon a job met to break in the 
Jail to kill some that were called ring leaders they broke the doors and would soon have 
been in.  the Jailer was on the spot, trying to suppress the mob at last order was in some 
way restored.  At night there was a large meeting at the present City Hall a call was made 
for men to do anything that was ast to be done and nearly every man volunteered  The jail 
was then to be blown up with it contents.  Just as arrangments were about being made 
Doye (illegible) Chambers rode in crowd and informed them that if they would desist that 
the magristrates then in sitting would deliver to them at daylight next morning the ring 
leaders of the plot some 4 or 6 I do not rember which I was on guard that night at 
a late hour I was relieved and went to the store and lay down on the counter to go to sleep 
I slept until day break just as I waked I heard the guns. directly another round then very 
soon another. I ran on with all my might just as I got to the crowed they were leading out 
one they called Prince Fuller he was declaring his innocence.  he was tied to the stake 
and the the drums struck once make ready stop aim third fire.  when the drum struck 
once Prince said twice more and I am gone sure enough as the drum struck the third 
time poor Prince fell I had known him from my youth had always liked him and still think 
he was innocent  the community think that Prince Nichols was the guilty instead of Prince 
Fuller.  Prince was owned by an old Lady Mrs Fuller the Citizans raised money and paid 
for him.

Note on page They were shot Just on top of the hill as to the cemetery on what then called 
Gales Hill.

© Carroll Pearsall 1997-2011



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