Glenwood Sadler of Hobucken

Glenwood Sadler

     Glenwood Sadler of Hobucken loved his home on Goose Creek Island.  His life's journey went full circle on his beloved Island.  Born in 1922 to Benjamin Brinson and Sally Elizabeth Sadler, Glenwood grew up in Hobucken. He attended Hobucken School until 1938 when he decided to go to work as a commercial fisherman in the surrounding waters of Pamlico Sound with Roland Styron.
     In January 1943, Glenwood enlisted in the US Army and was sent to Mississippi for basic training.  After completing basic training, Glenwood eventually was sent to serve in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Operations, where the U.S. was in war with Japan.  Glenwood was assigned to the 5307th Composite Unit.  This army unit was known as "Merrill's Marauders" and was known for being stationed in the Burma area of China and India.  In June 1945, Glenwood returned stateside from the Pacific and it wasn't long before he came home and married Lillian Hopkins.
     When Glenwood returned to Hobucken, he went back to work as a commercial fisherman.  He worked the tributaries of Pamlico Sound until 1953 and then moved down to Marathon, Florida where the shrimping business was starting to take off.  There he built a boat and named it the "Marauder". One can speculate that he named the boat from the name of his Army unit in the Pacific.  He and his family lived and worked in the Florida Keys for 16 years until 1969, when Glenwood decided it was time to return home to Hobucken.
     Back at Hobucken, Glenwood continued to work as a fisherman and also as a caretaker with Bert Robinson at one of the local hunting lodges.  He and Lillian became active members of the newly formed Goose Creek Island Ruritan Club and remained so for many years.  He also sang in the choir at the Hobucken United Methodist Church.  Glenwood Sadler passed away on August 18, 1998 and was buried in the Barnett Cemetery at Hobucken.
     Glenwood's life had gone full circle.  He began his life in his beloved village of Hobucken, traveled the far corners of the world as a infantry soldier with the US Army, sailed the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys, only to return to the briny, salty marshland of Hobucken where he always called home.  Glenwood was a servent of God and also to his community.  He never forgot his roots and he always exemplified the humbleness of a Goose Creek Islander. 

A Visit to the Old Cemetery

     I've been for a walk in the cemetery.  Yep, you may call me "freaky" but there is something about visiting a cemetery, especially if it is one on the Island. I find it entertaining and enlightening to visit such a sacred place where I can find spiritual enrichment to be among those who have gone before us.  We all know that God is found everywhere, while driving, at work, or at a ballgame, but I can not escape the feeling knowing that he is totally with me when I visit a cemetery.

     I was on Goose Creek Island Sunday morning and while out driving around, I decided to stop by the Watson Cemetery in Lowland.  As a child, I remember it was a small cemetery but I could visibly tell that it had grown since my youth.  Looking around at the monuments to our former residents, I saw folks who made Goose Creek Island what it is.  A fisherman, a store owner, a Civil War soldier, mothers and fathers, babies, and churchgoers.

     The first grave I came upon was Wright and Martha Goodwin.  It was ironic that I came across their grave since publishing a story about Mr. Wright.  The epitaph of their marker truly showed how much they were loved:

"You are not dead to us, but as a bright star unseen"

     I came across Bryan Rice who was born in 1841 and died in 1914.  Bryan Rice has been recorded in the 1900 census as a brick maker near the River Shore area of Lowland.  He was also the father-in-law of my great grandmother Melissa Howerin Rice Lewis.  It is hard to imagine that Bryan Rice died almost 100 years ago, and that his remains rest under a crepe myrtle on the edge of this cemetery. His marker reveals a Charitable Brotherhood Lodge emblem and identifies that he served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War as a Private, Co.B, First Regiment, N.C. Infantry.  

Born July 22, 1841 - Died September 17, 1914

     And right next to Bryan, rests his son Fred Rice who was born in 1884 and died in 1917.  He left behind a wife and three very young children, Hertford who was only 5 years old, Wera 3, and Roscoe was only 1 years old.  His marker expresses the anguish of leaving behind such small children.

"God Bless the Children's Dear Loving Father"

           And of course there were the babies who were born to several of our Island residents.  One must understand that maternal care has improved drastically in the last century and it reflects in all the Island cemeteries. When standing their looking at the babies markers, I could picture parents, relatives, friends and a preacher standing there providing words of comfort to all.  I can see the tears rolling down their faces as they commit to the earth the babe that a mother carried for almost a year, only to be taken due to the ravages of disease or health problems. 

"God Bless Our Little Babies"

 

                                   The infant daughter and son born to Henry & Minerva Lupton in 1917 and 1912

     Near the back of the cemetery, I came across Miss Mollie Gibbs.  I never knew her husband Milton, but in my mind I can visibly see Miss Mollie.  I can recall seeing her helping with vacation bible school at the Lowland Church of Christ.  And in retrospect, almost every memory I have of her, I see her at her church, whether inside singing, vacation bible school or even standing in it's parking lot talking with her neighbors and friends.  The epitaph on this marker certainly embodies her spirit and that of her husband.

"The Rose Still Grows Beyond the Wall"

      Many of the old white stones have succumbed to weather and are unreadable.  Some of the old cedar and metal markers have fallen victim to the ravages of weather and hurricanes.  If you are ever on the Island, I urge you take a few minutes and visit one of the cemeteries.  It's not morbid, it's getting in touch with your spiritual roots.  They all have wonderful historical and genealogical information.  It's these small, quaint family plots that reveal who are ancestors were.  Each person buried in our Island cemeteries had a purpose in life.  They remind me that they were like I am. They lived, breathed, laughed, cried, and worshiped as a community.  They all received countless blessings from which this Island has most graciously been given.  

In Memory of Jerry Wayne Lupton

Jerry Wayne Lupton, 60, of Hobucken, died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, in Greenville.
He is survived by his father, Clifton Lupton of Hobucken; one brother, Clifton Paul Lupton, Jr. of Lowland; and one sister, Patricia Armstrong of Alliance.
The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Joyce Swimm officiating. Interment will be in Flowers Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family suggested memorial contributions are made to The Meeting Place Church or one's favorite charity.
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home & Crematory, Alliance.

What a Year Can Bring. My Hurricane Story.

     It's amazing what a year can bring.  It was only a year ago, when all of us in Eastern North Carolina were making preparations to "ride out" another hurricane.  Folks on the Island were getting crab pots out of the water, securing boats, making plans to get cars to higher ground, putting lawn mowers and other equipment up out of harm's way and watching and waiting.
     Nobody in their wildest dreams could have imagined the destruction and despair this "minimal" category one hurricane would do to Goose Creek Island and the surrounding communities.  I was up in Wanchese, doing the same thing the Islanders were doing.  Getting yard furniture put up, stocking up on water, helping neighbors get their belongings ready, and making sure re-entry permits were up to date. 
     I didn't evacuate from Wanchese when the evacuation notices started coming, just like those from the Island. We've all weathered many storms and know what they bring.  We all take our chances but yet we all feel compelled to stay at our homes for sake of security and the safety we feel surrounded by those things that are part of our lives.
     I can recall that morning when the storm started to roll ashore.  I have a second home "On the Straits"  near Harkers Island.  A dear friend in Marshallberg had let us know via Facebook that "the eye" had just come ashore at around 7:30am at Cape Lookout (only a seagull flight from my Down East home).  It wasn't long, Hurricane Irene was barrelling on up the Sound.  Reports from the nearby community of Stacy indicated major flooding.
     Sitting at my home in Wanchese, all was well up on my end of the beach.  The rain bands were coming through and the wind had stiffened much of the morning.  My power was still on and we were keeping close eye of it's track.  It is common knowledge that any time a storm rolls through Pamlico Sound, flooding along the Outer Banks and Pamlico Sound was going to be a concern.  The Wancheser's were keeping their eyes toward the south and preparing for possible flooding.
     Then the reports starting coming in from Goose Creek Island.  The first indication I got that Eastern North Carolina was in trouble was when my best friend Shirley Mayo Ireland of Lowland posted a picture of her husband's truck almost completely flooded at around 11:30am.  I grew up on the Horne Road in Lowland and I was used to seeing storm surge, even from a northeaster'.  But I had never seen anything like this.  I called right away and Shirley said it was the worst flooding in ages.  Nobody was spared.  Even those few who didn't get flooding in their homes, still suffered damages.

Early morning August 27, 2011. Water starting to fill the ditches in Lowland.

By 11:30am.  Hurricane Irene has come to Lowland.

     As all sound side fisher folks know, all of Pamlico Sound's communities are twined with salt and lore.  Everybody is always concerned with how other fisher folk are fairing in other maritime villages.  Immediately, I went next door to my neighbor in Wanchese to report damages from "down the sound".  My neighbor Will Daniels jumped in the truck to head "to the Landing".  When he got there, all was secure.  The tide was down and the wind was coming around, but nothing to be overly alarmed about.  Fellow fishermen who were out checking boats were concerned with Oregon Inlet and prayed that it would be spared. He returned home to continue to monitor the weather, only to return to the harbor within an hour.
     As if a drain plug had been removed, the water was leaving Roanoke Sound and the sound side of the Outer Banks, and it was leaving fast.  The vast movement of water was alarming and most of the fishermen in Wanchese were at the harbor working on boat lines. Many boats were sitting on the bottom.  All of this work was going on while battling rain and a heavy wind, yet "down the sound", our coastal neighbors were scrambling to save anything and everything. 

No water on the Roanoke Island sound side as Irene was making her push to the North. 

     The word was out that the fishing villages of Rodanthe and Avon were experiencing heavy flooding and Hwy. 12 at Pea Island was breached.  The Weather Channel had shifted their focus to the Northeast in their attempts to prepare those folks, all the while the foothold of destruction was evident that Eastern North Carolina "had not been spared".
     And then, the water came.  A neighbor who lives a quarter mile from us on the sound, drove up to the house.  She wanted to park her car because water was starting to come up.  And up it came.   Will decided to run down to the horse pen and check on the horses.  It was a good thing he did.  The water was rising so fast, that the water was chest high on the horses.  All Will could do was open the gate and turn them out.  
     Within those few minutes, the water had risen so high that Will barely made it back to the house, which sits on one of the highest ridges in Wanchese.  Word was coming from the Landing that homes  were flooding, especially the westside of the island including downtown Manteo, Stumpy Point and Manns Harbor.  All I could do was watch.  I watched it come all the way unto the driveway and then it stopped just as quickly as it came in.  I recall looking around at my home and the homes of my neighbors on each side. Everything around us was surrounded by water, except for us few.  Just two houses down, 80 year old Capt. Moon Tillett was astonished at the amount of water.  He said in all his years living on that plot of land, water had never come so high.
     The news of destruction never let up the rest of the evening and through the night.  The wind was still howling and the water was slowly receding.  When daybreak came, the water was gone, but it's vivid reminder of what it brought was left behind.  Fishermen were venturing out to check damages to boats.  Others were starting to get the flooded items out of their homes.  The horses were found eating grass in someone's yard as if there was not a care in the world.
     The same activities were taking place on Goose Creek Island.  Lives were never going to be the same. Within a couple of days, I made my way to Lowland knowing that friends and family needed help.  I remember seeing the cars and trucks still parked at the bridge. Once I got closer to the Hobucken Marina, it was evident that the face of the Island had changed.  Personal belongings, furniture, toys, people's lives were throwed to the side of the road.  It was heartbreaking.
      But the scene that I saw later that day at the Fire Department will be with me forever.  Never before had I witnessed a most humbling people who stood in line to get a hot meal.  It hurt me know that it was these very same Islanders who have ALWAYS lent a hand and GAVE to help their neighbors....now had to be the recipients.  And yes, I couldn't but help to cry when I saw this.  To me, that despair was worse than the physical damage itself.
      But like true Islanders, they went to work.  They went to work helping themselves, helping their neighbors, helping the churches, helping the elderly, doing whatever needed to be done.  You see there is something about people who have spent a lifetime on the water.  These people are hardy people and they know how to work and work HARD!  There's determination in their veins....they will overcome.  They know how to work through the hardships and rejoice in the triumphs.  Just as their forefathers before them, this was just a bump in the road.  They never gave up.  Their determination to rebuild and regroup is what makes real Islanders obsolete.
     And the Islanders are still persevering today.  After a challenging year of rebuilding, life is starting to get back to normal. Sure, there is still plenty of work to be done but the Island IS coming back to life.  The annual Goose Creek Island Homecoming is coming up and what a homecoming it's going to be. This is why I have started this Journal.  Hurricane's will come but they can't destroy who we are.  It is my prayer that Goose Creek Island as well as our neighboring sound side communities will keep the faith and continue to live in a place we can all be proud to say we are from.

Photo's courtesy of Shirley Mayo Ireland and Outer Banks Connection.

The Charitable Brotherhood Lodge

   

C.B.H. Lodge Lowland, NC, photo courtesy O.B. Howerin

     During the late 1800's, there were no social programs available to help the poor, sick or widowed.  Today, government programs such as food stamps, welfare, or social security help folks in their time of need.  Across the river, in the community of Beaver Dam, Major Franklin Congleton formed the Charitable Brotherhood Lodge of North Carolina 1892.  It was his disabling injury in 1882 that compelled him to form the benevolent organization.
     The purpose of the secret, fraternal, benevolent organization was "to elevate the moral, intellectual, and physical condition" and to "visit and provide temporal aid to our sick members, bury our dead, and to give moral and pecuniary aid to widows of deceased brothers, and to assist each other in business."
     In order to be a member of the Charitable Brotherhood Lodge, one had to be a white male between the ages of 18 - 55, be of good moral character, and reasonable sound bodily health.  Candidates were rejected or "blackballed" if they received more than three black balls at the time of consideration.  Personal differences was not to be a sufficient reason for rejection.  Over time, membership qualifications changed to include believing in a supreme being and not to be engaged as a professional gambler.

Photo courtesy of O.B. Howerin

   

Photo courtesy of O.B. Howerin

      Membership grew with the inaugural organization in Beaufort County and citizens of Goose Creek Island asked to form a local lodge on the island.  In 1904, lodges in both Lowland and Hobucken were formed.  Both lodges meet initially at the Farmers Alliance Hall in Hobucken, before building their meeting places respectively.  The Charitable Brotherhood Lodge in Lowland is located where the present day Leary Cemetery is located.  It has fallen into disrepair over the years and has fell victim to time and age. The lodge at Hobucken was located on Hobucken Rd. and has since been  Some of the first members from both communities were Ben Mercer, William Henry Howerin, Harvey McKinnion, Walter Barnett, Joe Sadler, Seth Clark and Jack Lupton.

Goose Creek Island C.B.H. members roster. Photo courtesy of O.B. Howerin

There are several members on the island who have inscribed their affiliation with the Charitable Brotherhood Lodge on their tombstones. 

       With the creation of impersonal government assistance programs, membership decreased at both lodges and meetings became rare.  The Charitable Brotherhood Lodge lost its humanitarian appeal and the modern day development of social security, welfare and medicare contributed to its decline.
      It is these benevolent organizations that remind us that there has always been a need in our communities to look out for each other.  There is a uniqueness about Goose Creek Island folks.  We have all lent a helping hand to our neighbors, whether it is sharing the bounty of our gardens, stopping by a mess of fish, anonymously giving a cash gift to help defray funeral costs, or just being there in someones time of need.  The Charitable Brotherhood Lodges on Goose Creek Island is a reflection into our past of the generosity we all have for one another.  May the kindred spirits of our island ancestors live on in our lives as we continue to "look out for each other" in years to come.

In Memory of Charlie Sawyer

     Charles "Charlie" Drewey Sawyer, Sr., 70, of Bayboro and former resident of Lowland, died Friday, Aug. 18, 2012, at home. Charlie was a former bridge tender of the Hobucken Draw Bridge.
     He is survived by his wife, Carressa Ross Sawyer; two sons, Drew Sawyer of Lowland and Wade Sawyer of Olympia; four brothers, Odell Sawyer of Arapahoe, Freddie Sawyer of New Bern, Bill Sawyer of Hobucken and Pie Sawyer of Oriental; two sisters, Geraldine Sadler of Fayetteville and Mary Smith of Olympia; and four grandchildren.
     A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, at Grantsboro Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Miller and the Rev. Lee Toler officiating.
     The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Bryant Funeral Home.

    In lieu of flowers the family suggested memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Pamlico, P.O. Box 959, Bayboro, NC 28515.  Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home & Crematory, Alliance.

The Story of Wright Goodwin...His Journey to Goose Creek Island

The Wright Goodwin home of Lowland in 1913

The year was 1900 and Wright Goodwin of Cedar Island was a widower.  At the age of 42, he was left with six small children who needed to be tended to.  In need of a wife and companion, Wright met an attractive widow from Goose Creek Island at a Primitive Baptist Church meeting.  His luck was about to change.  Below is the story of Wright Goodwin of Lowland by his grandson Jack Goodwin who lives at Cedar Island.

Wright Goodwin and His Family

by Jack Spencer Goodwin

     Wright Goodwin (1858-1935) was the son of Lewis Goodwin and Mary Simmons.  He was a tall man, but was called “Little Wright’ to distinguish him from his  grandfather, another Wright Goodwin (1773-1855.) He was the great-great-great grandson of Thomas Goodwin (ca 1725-ca 1785), the first Goodwin in Carteret County.
     “Little Wright” married Lenora Ann Daniels (1862-1900), daughter of John D. Daniels and Mary Styron. Lenora Ann was named for her grandmother, Lenora Ann Jones, who had married Brian Daniels. Lenora Ann Jones was descended from Captain Josiah Jones who had come to Bath, NC, from England, in the early 18th century. He prospered greatly there, and built “Kirby Grange”, one of the most beautiful buildings in North Carolina, and now on the National Register of Historic Places. Due to shipping losses to pirates, however, he sold the home to Governor Eden. Bath was then the capital of North Carolina and Kirby Grange provided an impressive residence for the Governor. Captain Josiah then moved to what is now Pamlico County (then Beaufort County), where he had extensive land holdings.
      Lenora Ann and Wright had six children: Joseph Adams, Murray Ross, Leonard Gold, Calvin Pharoah, Burney, and Iva Pearl. The home which Wright built for Lenora Ann still stands and is thought to be the oldest remaining home on Cedar Island. It is now the property of Lois Irene (Mrs. Swindell) Goodwin. Lenora Ann died from complications of measles in 1900. She is buried in the Goodwin Family Cemetery on Cedar Island.
     With six small children, and Pearl was only two years old, Wright faced a dilemma. He badly needed a wife — both for companionship and to take care of the children. Luck was with him when he met an attractive widow from Lowland, Goose Creek Island, Pamlico County, Martha Ann Watson Howerin, at a
Primitive Baptist Church meeting. After a short courtship, he proposed. She accepted, but only if he would agree to move to Lowland, where she was born and raised. “I will not live on Cedar Island,” she stated firmly. It was not so much that she disliked Cedar Island, but rather that she wanted to be with her extended
family, the Watsons, at Lowland and Hobucken.
     It turned out to be a fortunate move. Wright had been making a living at Cedar Island as a fisherman, but he branched out in several directions after he built a new home at Lowland. He built a large country store where he sold everything from horse harnesses, farm implements, feed, to dress goods, china, patent
medicines, etc., etc., and of course groceries. When he became postmaster, a post he held for many years, he established the post office in a comer of the store. He also acquired a farm and part interest in a sawmill.
     He had brought his boat with him from Cedar Island. After some years he was elected county commissioner for his district of Pamlico County. He was a popular figure and was known as “Uncle Wright” by many people throughout the county. It seems to have been a happy marriage although no children were born to the couple. They always addressed each other as “Mister Good’in” (Martha’s pronunciation) and “Miss Marthy” (Wright’s pronunciation.) It seems odd now, but that type of formality was fairly common at the time. The children addressed him as Papa, but called her Miss Marthy, except for Pearl, who called her Mama as she, of course, could not remember her own mother.
     Wright liked to dress well, usually in a frock coat, white shirt, black string tie, and a broad-brimmed Stetson hat. Martha was also well dressed, but always in somber colors. She made all of her own clothes except for her shoes. She even hand-knitted her stockings. She made beautiful clothes for the grandchildren and trimmed them with yards of lace which she tatted. As clothes became worn, she cut them into strips and braided them into rugs.
     They had an automobile, a Model-A Ford, which Wright painted a bright blue and christened it Blue Heaven. They traveled a great deal, chiefly to Primitive Baptist meetings. Even in the hottest weather, Martha always wore, when motoring, a voluminous linen coat, called a duster, and a large hat with a veil that covered her face and tied under her chin. As paved roads were few and far between, such protection was a common-sense precaution as the roads were dusty when dry and muddy when wet.
     When pressed, Martha would tell her grandchildren tales of her girlhood. She was older than Wright and could remember the Civil War and the difficult times that followed that conflict. No battles took place on Goose Creek Island, but sometimes they could hear cannon-fire in the distance. At such times, she said,
they would hide all the farm animals in the swamp.
     After the war, everyone, including the children, would work in the fields from sun-up to sun-rise. They would then have supper lighted only by the light given off by the fireplace. Kerosene lamps and candles were saved for emergencies. Living on a farm, they were never hungry, but did not have the cash to buy many
things. It was a year or so after the war before they could afford to buy flour to make white bread. Eventually they were able to buy enough to have biscuits on Sunday, then later on Wednesdays and Sundays, but cornbread at all other times. She was a great cook and never wasted a drop of anything.
     Joseph Adams Goodwin (1881-1967), Wright’s oldest son, like almost all Goodwins, began his working life on the water. He married Deletta Rice of Pamlico County and fathered two daughters and a son. He began working in real estate in Norfolk, Virginia, in the 1920s and was quite successful at it. He invested heavily in Florida real estate, however, but went “broke” when the great Florida land bubble burst. Like a typical Goodwin he just went back on the water and became a captain in the merchant marine. He was able, however, to hold onto part of his real estate holdings, including, most importantly lake-front property in Orlando, adjacent to what is now Disneyland. When World War Two came along, he went back in the merchant marine until one of the ships he was captain of was torpedoed by a German submarine. Fortunately he and all his crew were rescued. He ended his career as vice president of the Moran Towing
Company. His son, Joseph Jr., died in boyhood. His daughter Hazel married a doctor and moved to Tennessee; his daughter Thelma married several times and was also a successful business woman. She made her home in Florida.
     Calvin Pharoah Goodwin (1884-1931), Wright’s second son, also began as a fisherman and oysterman with his brother Ross (see below) in Oriental. Calvin married Nancy Jane Watson of Lowland; they had no children. Ross preferred active life on the water and was so successful that he became known as “Oyster
King of the Carolinas.” The two brothers established two factories, one for canning oysters and vegetables and one for making lime from oyster shells. Calvin liked the business life and ran the day-to-day operations. Unfortunately, Calvin was struck by lightning and killed. The business was later sold to Garland Fulcher.
     After Calvin’s death, Murray Ross Goodwin (1891-1960) decided to try tug boating. He captained a number of tugs for the Wood Towing Co. of Norfolk, Va. Where he moved his family in 1935. After tug boating for several years he went to work for the Norfolk, Baltimore, and Carolina Line as a captain of a number of their large feight boats. In 1913, Ross married Nancy Margaret Casey (1895-1975), daughter of James Oliver Casey and Cora Lee Spencer. Cap’n Jim, as he was called, was a lighthouse keeper and ended his career as a keeper at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Ross and Margaret had four children: Murray Ross Jr., Burney Hughes, Jack Spencer and Margaret Pharoah. Ross Jr. had two sons (Murray Ross III and Michael); Burney had two daughters (Beth and Edie); Jack has one daughter (Amy Elizabeth), and Margaret had one each (son Robert Lee, and daughter Linda).
     Leonard Gold Goodwin (1895-1954) also began life as a waterman but managed to get into the Naval Academy at Annapolis during World War One. Despite his limited education he managed to graduate and was commissioned as an ensign and later became a lieutenant. He is thought to be the first person from Carteret County to have graduated from the Naval Academy. After the war he resigned from the Navy and became an officer in the merchant marine. He married Glennie Powell from Pamlico County. They had two sons, Leonard Jr. and Clifton. While Leonard Sr. was off on a sea voyage, Glennie abandoned the two boys, then about five and seven years of age, and disappeared. Leonard hired the best detectives available, but she could not be found. Many years later after Leonard had died she contacted her son. She had been living with a lover all those years. The two boys were a handful and were parceled out to various family
members although none of these arrangements was really successful.
     Despite his very irregular upbringing, Leonard Jr. was ambitious. After a period of tug boating he, completely on his own, enrolled in the Merchant Marine Academy at Kingsport, NY, and graduated with honors. He became a captain in the merchant marine and is thought to be the youngest man to lead a convoy
across the Atlantic during World War Two. He later became a vice president and chief of operations for the Moran Towing Corporation.
     Clifton, the younger brother, served in the merchant marine during World War Two, but later became involved in a life of petty crime. He did eventually “reform”, married, and settled down.
     The youngest of Wright’s sons, Burney, was teaching school when he became ill and died at the age of twenty.
     Iva Pearl, the youngest of the children and the only daughter, married Frederick Alfred Lewis of Lowland. Fred’s father died when Fred was only seven and he had to go to work on the Lewis farm to help support his large family. His lack of education caused some of Pearl’s family to feel that she had married “beneath” her, but they were a handsome, hard-working couple, and Pearl regularly taught Fred reading, writing, and arithmetic. In the winter when farming slacked up, Fred would go oystering. After her father died, Pearl operated the store business that Wright had established. She was a successful merchant and continued to operate the store until her age made it impossible to continue. Pearl and Fred were stalwart members of, and generous contributors to, the Wardens Grove Free Will Baptist Church at Lowland and are buried in the churchyard. They had one child, a son named Cecil, who unfortunately died of pneumonia at the age of four. They later adopted a child, Maurice Lewis.
     As a grandson of Wright and Lenora Ann I am proud of the heritage they left to me. Even though the family left Cedar Island in 1902, they have all visited frequently over the years and I think all have been proud of their Cedar Island origins.

Pearl Goodwin Lewis standing with her grandchildren Mary Lewis and Martha Lewis in 1970.

Pearl Goodwin Lewis and Fred Lewis outside of their Lowland store.

Photos courtesy of Martha Lewis Pegram and O.B. Howerin.  Story courtesy of the Carteret County Historical Society and Jack Goodwin.

The Island Census of 1900

 

The census of 1900 is considered one of the most valuable of all census ever taken in the U.S.  The valuable information of 1900 is the only historical population documentation that exists between 1880 and the beginning of the new century.  The census of 1890 was destroyed in 1921 in a basement fire in the Commerce Building in Washington D.C. This unfortunate event of document damage and destruction led to the creation of a permanent National Archives.  There was some surviving 1890 census documentation, however it was destroyed in 1933 by oversight of a librarian who did not accept the census as historical records and therefore it was destroyed.

1900 was the beginning of a new century.  William McKinley was president. The second modern Olympics was being held in Paris, France.  Hawaii had become an official U.S. territory and Goose Creek Island had  been a part of Pamlico County for only 26 years.     

Here are some Goose Creek Island 'tidbits' from the 1900 Federal Census.

• William A. Carawan was the census taker of the Twelfth Census of the United States.  He gathered all of the information during the month of June 1900.
• Two women were identified as "dressmakers".  
• Twenty six men worked on the water as fishermen, oystermen, and seaman.
• Four women were recorded as being "spinsters".
• Stephen Clark and Joseph Leary were "merchants".  Rufus Alcock's occupation was recorded as "clerk"
• The vast majority of residents made their living as farmers, day laborers and farm hands.
• Most children were listed as "at school".
• Elisha Credle, Lilley V. Potter, and Joella Mayo are recorded as school teachers.
• Rob Ireland born in 1844 is listed as Light House Keeper.
• Robert Hopkins born in 1854 was Assistant Light House Keeper.
• James Spain was a "brick mason".
• Robinson Hopkins and John Lupton were the Postmasters.
• Garfield Alcock who was 19 years old at the time, listed his occupation as the "repairer of bicycles".
• Equelie Jane Spain born in 1834 was the Island "midwife" and John Clark was the Island physician.
• Goose Creek Island had two house carpenters but no boat carpenters are identified.

 All men were listed as Head of their homes and wives were listed as such.

This is just some Goose Creek Island trivia for our readers.

Fried Chicken Dinner for $1....???

From The Pamlico County News, August 8, 1968

     This ad was found in the August 8, 1968 in The Pamlico County News (predecessor of The Pamlico News).  The dinner was to raise money for the Lowland Community Development Committee to build a community center building.  Rev. Billy Twiddy served as President of the organization and the dinner was cooked by Mr. Adrian Watson.  Assisting him were the Lowland Extension Homemakers Club and 4-H members.  Prior to this scheduled event, the group previously held a seafood dinner.  Below are news excerpts from the seafood dinner event.

From The Pamlico County News, August 8, 1968

From The Pamlico County News, August 8, 1968

Another Photo Journey....at Hobucken School in the 1960's

Again, I am sharing some photographs that were shared on the Goose Creek Island Album for my non-Facebook friends.  These photo's are courtesy of Robert Barnett of Hobucken, shared by his daughter April Barnett Smith.  These were taken at Hobucken School in the 1960's.  Enjoy!

 

Steven G Jones That is Bruce Morris standing.  

Steven G Jones ‎3rd row white shirt and tie Eugene Combo. 

Steven G Jones I saw Mrs Austin down at the marina buying oysters from Jack Sadler and she was saying how she remembered Jack. I said I was in your class and told her my name.She said "You Sure Were!!"

April Barnett Smith ‎Steven G Jones you haven't changed a bit. haha! Well, *just* a bit, but I recognized you right away.

 Debbie Roach Love that blessing. Still say it today. 

 Wanda Watson Rhodes The lady with Opal is my Aunt Retha Campen Sadler.

 Cliff Potter It's a shame you can't have writings like the one over their head any more.

 April Barnett Smith Yes, God forbid the children are taught to pray to be ever mindful of the needs of OTHERS these days!

 Sue Gaskill Gilgo Love this beautiful blessing...

Gail Spencer Erskine Wow does this bring back memories. Don't think I've ever seen this picture.  Think I see Mona Sadler and Anna Jones. Fun stuff. Thanks for posting.

Marsha Ireland Mona Sadler, Cathy Jackson, Sheron Jones, Barbara Jarvis, Esther Mason, Laureen Lozica, Sharon Carawan.

The New Generation of Goose Creek Islanders

     Goose Creek Island is an isolated oasis of soundside marshland.  For centuries it has been an island of watermen, farmers and hunters.  Here, everyone knows everyone.  The island is nothing more than one big neighborhood and most folks all seem to share the same half dozen last names.  It's a working community. Some young islanders leave for college, military service, or jobs. Most don't return.  Yet some have followed their fathers into the fishing business while others have gone away for long stretches working on tugboats.
    However, there is a generation of islanders who continue to make Goose Creek Island their home and desire their children to grow up in our close knit community.  With a population of less than 500 within the two island communities, the folks here are devoted to family, religion, hard work and the water.

     Earl Sadler Jr., a native of Lowland, grew up helping his father and mother in their seafood business.  He left for college right after graduation from high school. After completing his studies and graduating from UNC-W with a teaching degree and brief stint in Wilmington, Earl and his wife Merry were able to come home and teach in Pamlico County.  Following in the community dedicated spirit of his late mother, Earl is a central figure in the community.  Not only is he an educator, he is also a minister, the "go-to" guy, and an unofficial disaster relief coordinator (as quoted by his fellow neighbors).
     "I love you honey, but I will NEVER live in Lowland!", proclaimed his wife Merry, when they were dating and going to school in Wilmington.  All Earl could do was pray that her heart would change.   Earl said he never could understand the feelings of young people declaring to move off the island at their first chance.  "Where else would anyone want to live?  We have everything that makes life special. Good friends and neighbors, wonderful church families, the water, abundant wildlife, and most importantly freedom."
     Earl explained that when he was growing up, he didn't admire movie stars or athletes.  It was the men in the community that he most looked up to.  Men like Merritt Watson, Vernell Ballance, Kit Lupton, Reginald Caroon and many others were his role models.  It was these hardworking people who helped develop a hardy class of residents.  They knew how to work in difficult circumstances, how to look out for themselves and their neighbors......people who knew how to serve.
     "We still produce men like this", said Earl,  "they know how to work hard, how to serve God, and help their communities. It is my honor to try to fill the shoes of those that have gone before me and serve beside the residents who continue to make Goose Creek Island special."
    Earl said that it is his prayer that his children are learning some of the same lessons he learned growing up on the island.  When his son helps dig a grave for a community member, volunteers with the fire department or when his daughter helps her mother bake for a community bake sale or participates in the homecoming play, it is these experiences that will help them come to the place that they embody the best of what it means to be a Goose Creek Islander.
    After graduation from college and living in Wilmington for a year, Earl and Merry got positions with the Pamlico County School System.  They lived in the big city of Alliance until the day......the day Earl said he'd never forget.  After his grandmother Rosa Howerin had passed away, Earl and Merry stopped to get gas at the Handy Mart in Alliance.  As he was getting out of the car to pump gas, Merry asked, "Have you ever thought of living in Grandma's house?"  As he stood outside the car, he looked up to heaven and thanked God, then stooped down to look at his wife and said, "You know that's a great idea, we ought to think about it".  Twenty years later, Earl, Merry and his children Trey and Madison are still calling Goose Creek Island home.

Earl Sadler, Jr. with son Trey, wife Merry and daughter Madison

    Joy Williams Guidry and her husband Percy say Hobucken is home.  Joy grew up on Hobucken and after high school, decided to travel to Everglades City, Florida to visit with family. While there she gained employment with Billy Potter, son of Hubert Potter, in his restaurant.  Joy met Percy Guidry and after a brief courtship, they were married in Lowland and made their home in Hobucken to begin their family. After 13 years, they have 4 beautiful children that keep them busy with everything from dance lessons to church activities.
     Living in Hobucken was an easy choice for Joy.  No matter the inconviences of living an isolated distance from grocery stores and doctors, Joy and Percy say they live in a peaceful community that loves each other and is willing to watch out for each other.  "I just want to give my kids what I had growing up", said Joy. 

      "It definately has changed alot, but what has stayed the same is why I'm here," said Joy.  "I enjoy knowing my neighbors and not just the ones that are close.  I like the history of this island and the fact that my roots run deep here."
     Joy said that even though there has been some changes on the island, some things remain the same like the slower pace of life.  She enjoys the fact that she can sit on her front porch and feel the breeze coming from Jones Bay. Even the smell of the fish house or the marsh at low tide keeps her grounded to her roots on the island.  "I enjoy taking my children to church, helping plan community events, attending Homecoming in October, planting a garden, even chit chatting at the post office or waving at a passing car. It's those simple things is makes this island special. Sure we have mosquito's and hurricanes, but I feel that's what makes us tough. It's the price you pay to live in God's country."
     Joy explained that she has a feeling of loyalty here.  "I may visit other places, but this will always be home.  And I think I will be here awhile."

Percy and Joy Williams Guidry with their children Josey, Lil Percy, Loni, and Kayley.

    Aimee Leary Rowe of Lowland didn't stray far from her island roots either. She and her husband William Rowe, with their two children, Charles and Aaron live in the house Aimee grew up in.  It is the home that she continues to share with her mother Sharon Leary.  Aimee has also followed in her mother's footsteps working with the U.S. Postal Service.  Aimee is the mail carrier for the island and other mainland communities.  William works as a lineman for Tideland EMC that provides electric service for the island. William's expertise with his job has also enabled him to be the Fire Chief of the Goose Creek Island Volunteer Fire Department. Even their oldest child Charles who is 10 years old is following in the footsteps of his late grandfather, Benny Charles Leary.  Charles is helping his Uncle Scooter this summer crabbing.
     Aimee said, "I can remember the day I graduated high school, my exact words were, if I ever get out of here, I'll never come back."  Boy, did she eat them words.  Her father Benny Charles Leary was dying, and as an only child, she promised him that she'd take care of her mother.  With the support of her husband William, they came home.

Aimee and William Rowe

      "Once you've lived on Goose Creek Island, where everyone knows everyone and cares about each other, it's hard to live in an area where no one knows you", said Aimee. "I had a wonderful childhood on this island. When I talk about it to my new friends and co-workers, they always say, that must be a wonderful place."
     Her childhood memories are becoming reality again. Her two boys are able to experience the freedom she had growing up.  "There's no worries about where the boys are.  If their late, I go to the door and holler, just as my mom did, and they come running."  Aimee said the boys are absorbing the freedoms' that this island gives.  They can jump on their 4-wheelers and ride off for some fishing down the road.  Her 10 year old is already learning to drive a car, just as she did at that age.

Aaron and Charles Rowe

     Aimee said, "My daddy would be proud to know that his grandchildren are learning the life of their ancestors. Those 4-wheeler rides, learning to drive a stick shift and crabbing with their uncle...this is part of their roots...it's part of growing up on this island."  When we all get to experience those freedoms, we can all say that 'our roots run deep'. 

    Like Aimee, at the end of Hobucken Rd., before the pavement ends, you will find Charlie Ireland, Jr. who continues to reside on the property where he grew up. Charlie grew up on Hobucken doing those things that all island boys do, like playing in the woods, swimming at the old draw bridge, or fishing at Doll's Creek at Bert Robinson's net house. After high school, he wasn't planning on leaving the island.  This was home and he already had roots firmly planted here. 
     Luckily for Charlie, he doesn't have to drive far to get to work.  He is caretaker for the James Johnson property that overlooks the Pamlico Sound.  Each day, Charlie gets to ride down the gravel road towards Middle Bay and take in the views of Jones Bay.  It's a quiet ride. A ride that passes through one of the most tranquil places on the island. Passing over the marsh into the secluded pine hammocks, full of wildlife, heading towards the shore of the vast Pamlico Sound.  
     Charlie acknowledged that his wife Carla, who grew up in nearby Aurora, early in their marriage tried vigorously to drag him off elsewhere to live.  It didn't work. "I like the idea of raising my children here.  I want to instill in them the same experiences I had growing up here", said Charlie.  Charlie said there's no where near the number of children that used to be on the island.  "Every time a hurricane hits us, more and more original residents leave.  Many do not return."
         Although Charlie's wife Carla had reservations about living on the island, she did say she has learned that the longer she lives here, the more she finds the endearing qualities that the island possess. "This community is not just friendly, they consider themselves to be family. Whenever tragedy strikes a home, the outpouring of support is guaranteed from all the island folks", said Carla.

Charlie Ireland, Jr., with his wife Carla and children Hunter and Shelby

       Charlie said it's always nice to see the "off-island" folks come home every now and then.  He still enjoys hearing them talk about old times.  So, just like his grandfather Nat Ireland and his great grandfather Tom Goodwin Ireland, Charlie is going to stick with the Island through the good times and the bad. "In the words of my father, Charlie Ireland Sr., this is the best place I've ever been.!" said Charlie. Carla added that, "I guess I could sum up my opinion, of Goose Creek Island to this, while most people would say, "It's such a long drive!" I would say, "It's worth the long drive!"



Earl Sadler Jr., is the son of the late Patsy Howerin Sadler and Earl Sadler, Sr.  Grandson of Rosa and Richard Howerin and  Joe and Ruby Sadler.


Joy Williams Guidry is the daughter of Karen Sadler O'Neal and the late Oswald Williams Sr.  She is granddaughter of Sherwood and Irene Williamson Sadler and Helen B. Williams


Aimee Leary Rowe is the daughter of Sharon Lupton Leary and the late Benny Charles Leary.  She is granddaughter of Cassie and Millard Lupton and Mattie and Roland Leary, Sr.

Charlie Ireland Jr., is the son of the late Charlie Ireland, Sr. and Rhonda Heavner.  He is the grandson of Nat Ireland and great grandson of Tom Goodwin Ireland.

A Photo Journey....

My Goose Creek Island Album on Facebook has been a wonderful success. Many residents and former residents have eagerly shared their family photos. I know many of my journal readers do not participate in the social networking site, so I have included several photos of interest.  I have included the contributor of the photo and the comments that the photo has received.  Hope you enjoy.

Cooledge Ross and Joshua Potter, circa 1920, photo courtesy of Mike Lewis Collection

Tina Foreman Beacham: It was customary "back in the day" to have your picture taken when you went up river to Washington NC to sell oysters. Going to the big town of Washington or New Bern was an adventure in that era.

Jo Mercer LoCicero: One word "Dashing!"

Gladys Henries Shelton: Many of the islanders went over to Washington on the freight boats. The boats carried cotton etc. over to Washington and brought back "store items" and things for the islanders. One such boat was the "MARY B". My mother and dad went on the Mary B up to little Washington to get married. It seems that everyone put a lot of thought into their fancy outfits when getting pictures made!!

Charlie "Lit" Littleton Lewis and Celia Rice Lewis, photo courtesy Nancy Lewis Ross

William Odell Spain: Mrs. Celia tore up my bottom more times than I remember. I think she was my six or seven grade teacher. I deserved every one I got plus my Mama got in the spanking too.

 Joshua 'Muff' Potter: Miss Celia took in Doug Hunter as a border. He was principal of Hobucken Elementary School in the early '60's. He loaned me his Mercury to date in for my junior year prom.

Mrs. Jeanette Carawan's 2nd Grade Class 1952-53, photo courtesy of Joshua 'Muff' Potter
Front Row: Karen Sadler, Lynn Taylor Jones, Buddy Ballance, Rose Watson, Clyde Styron, Roy Carawan, Sammy Swindell, Stella Hopkins, LaRue Cayton; Second Row: Michael Lewis, Cecelia Williamson, Langston Rowe, Danny Watson, Hertford Rice, Jr., William Goodwin, Robert Ireland, Frank Alcock;Third Row: Linda Lupton, Jimmy Hodges, Mitchell Sadler, Jr., Michael Lupton, Thomas Quidley, Douglas Carawan, Elaine Sawyer; Fourth Row: Roy Lupton, Floyd Ireland, Muff Potter, Sylvia Mercer, Karen Ireland, Betty Lou Ireland, Maxine Hill, Sylvia Lewis, Melanie Mason, Phillip Goodwin and Miss Jeanette on the back.

Sandy Carawan: Jeanette was Jack Carawan's wife who was Harold Carawans uncle! Harold was married to Joyce Potter!

Doris Goodwin-Sawyer: Mrs. Janet was such a wonderful teacher & person. My brother William is in this picture.

Barbara Potter Cayton: She was special.

 

Karen Sadler O'Neal: I recognize a lot of people, but some I don't remember. I think I was still here part of the third grade, then we moved to Florida and I never come back to school here. Thanks Muff for showing the picture.

Ronald and Rose Sadler, January 1958, photo courtesy of Helena Williams Mayo

Rita Sadler Olmsted: Sure do miss them folks

Karen Sadler O'Neal I miss them too, I remember when they took a walk in Hobucken they were always were holding hands!! They loved each other so much. They were two special people.

Mollie Rowe Gibbs, photo courtesy of Gladys Henries Shelton

 Lana Gail Ballance Zechner: Wow, Mrs Mollie was a stunner also, love these photos!!!

 Feta Rowe Webb: Between her, Aunt Hope and Dad they could work you almost to death. Nancy, remember going to Alabama for vacation and the first day there she had us up at 5am to pick up potatoes?

Kimberly O'Neal Sadler: That was Grandma, up with the chickens but you didn't go to bed until everything was done!

 Nancy Reeder Johnson: I do remember going to dig potatoes...

 Nancy Reeder Johnson: Feta, did you ever go to Fulford's Pt. to swim with grandmother and end up playing the game of "who could find the most clams?" We were working then but thought we were playing games in the water...haha.

 Feta Rowe Webb: Yep, and she was good at "play while you work". Don't guess it hurt any of us.