In Memory of Agnes Ireland Mayo

Agnes Ireland Mayo, 97, of Hobucken, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at Grantsbrook Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

 

She attended Hobucken United Methodist Church. She was a member of Goose Creek Island Quilters and was always giving of her time to her family and others in her community. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Mayo and granddaughter, Alisa Debra Lee.
She is survived by one daughter, Dorothy Lee and husband, Nelson, of Hobucken; four grandchildren, Nelson Lee Jr. of Hobucken, Gregory Lee of Paradise Shores, Kristia Anderson and Andrea Bell, both of Grantsboro; seven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 29, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Roach officiating. Interment will follow immediately in Barnett Cemetery, Hobucken.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.Online condolences to the family may be made at bryantfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.Arrangements are by Bryant Funeral Home & Crematory, Alliance.

Lizzie Chadwick Williamson 1851-1918

In May of 1918, J.M. Carawan submitted to the Primitive Baptist Association's semi-monthly newsletter about the death of Elizabeth "Lizzie" Williamson. Lizzie is great grandmother of Shirley Williamson Ireland and great great great grandmother of my daughter Alison Beacham.  She, along with her husband Lewis Tull Williamson are buried in the McGowan Cemetery in Lowland.  Below are J.M. Carawan's remarks concerning her death.

     Upon request of the bereaved husband, in my weak way, I will attempt to write a few words in memory of our dear sister in Christ, Mrs. Lizzie WILLIAMSON. She was born on March 6, 1851 and departed this life March 4, 1918, making her stay on earth two days less than 67 years. Her childhood days were spent during the cruel civil war, when opportunities did not visit every one's door. But while very young she married Greene Caraway [Carawan] who was a school teacher, and she went to school to him and obtained some learning.
      After the birth of two children her husband died leaving her to live a widow's life for a few years. She was then married on January 2, 1879 to L.T. Williamson, with whom she lived until her death. He also had two children which she helped to raise to her credit. To this union seven children were born who are all living and mourning the loss of their mother. About the date 1898, she united with the Primitive Baptist church at Goose Creek Island. She lived a faithful member until death, always filling her place and answering to her name unless providentially hindered, also visiting the homes and inquiring after the welfare of the members, and never being any more happy than when talking of the goodness and mercies of the Lord or singing songs in His praise. How she did enjoy to hear Jesus proclaimed from the pulpit and the communion of the Saints!     
     There was never any trouble brought against her in the church. She was a peacemaker, rather than a peace breaker. Her words of counsel were always laden with love and tenderness rather than reproach. To know her was to love her as a Christian. She bore her suffering in a Christian manner, never complaining at, nor doubting the justice of her God, confident He would put no more on her than she was able to bear. She saw much trouble all her days and did much suffering during her last few years on earth. But we were led to believe that all her suffering ended at the grave and that it is now her happy lot to rejoice around the throne of the Lord. "Oh, death, where is thy sting? Oh, grave where is thy victory?"
     All was done for her that skilled physicians and loving hands of relatives and friends could do, but the Lord needed her and he called her away to Himself. It is our part to submit and say, "His will be done." No earthly power can stay the scythe of the grim reaper--death. She was conscious of her condition through to the last moment, asking her children and friends not to mourn over her. While we know it is all well with her, in our weakness we have to yield to the flesh. She passed away without a struggle, the cold icy hand having gradually closed its clutches about her body. But we triumph in the fact that he cannot reach the immortal soul. 
     The writer visited her a few days before her death. Her testimony was clear, convincing and undaunted.
"She knew in whom she believed and was persuaded that He was able to keep her against that day." The testimony of all who knew her confirm the belief that she lived a true Christian life and died a triumphant death in the faith of her Lord. Truly, it may be said of her, "She wrought well and died in the hope of a blissful immortality." At the grave our loss was mourned by a host of relatives and friends. After a few words of comfort to the bereaved and mourning ones by our beloved Brother, James Potter, we gently laid her in the little grave, there to await the resurrection, when God will call her forth, clothed in that queenly robe and in that triumphant state, to sing praises around His great white throne forever and forever. 
    To all who ministered to her comfort, loaned a helping hand, or inquired for her welfare during her sickness, death and burial, the relatives wish to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation. May the Lord direct us in the right way and enable us to walk therein. May He enable us to put our trust in Him and submit to His will and carry us safely home with our loved ones and all the redeemed.

[signed] Your brother in hope, J. M. Carawan

(Zion's Landmark - Primitive Baptist semi-monthly published in Wilson, N.C) - May 1, 1918) [Kindly submitted by Kathryn B. "Kitty" Humphries.]

Notes from John McGowan: The husband of Lizzie (Chadwick) Carawan Williamson was James Green Carawan (1840-1875), son of Mannan Carawan and 2^nd wife Rebecca McGowan. He was a brother of William Alpheus Carawan.  James Green Carawan married Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Chadwick (1851-1918), d/o Southey Chadwick and Ellen Thomas. Ellen was married 2^nd to Sylvester McGowan and she is buried in the McGowan Cemetery in Lowlands.  James G. & Lizzie Carawan had a daughter, Green Annah "Greenie" Carawan who married Robinson "Babe" Ireland.  After James G. died c. 1875, Lizzie married Lewis Tull Williamson (1851-1932). His first wife had been Martha Spencer, d/o John Spencer and Caroline McGowan (d/o Isaac McGowan & Dorcas Carawan).

Reprinted from the Hyde County GenWeb Project
http://www.ncgenweb.us/hyde/HYDE.HTM

In Memory of Shirley Richardson

Mrs. Shirley Ann Gaskins Richardson, wife of the late Rev. Charles L. Richardson Sr. who was pastor at Wardens Grove FWB Church, Lowland in the 1980's and 1990's, departed this world and peacefully entered into the arms of her heavenly Father on March 20, 2013. She was born on May 15, 1937, to the late Thomas Whitford Gaskins Sr. and Sallie Carthine Ireland Gaskins.


Mrs. Shirley had a great love for children which inspired the opening of "Little Dudes Daycare" that she operated for more than 20 years. She completed her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education with honors from Craven Community College at age 70 along with her daughter and granddaughter. Additionally, she was a loving and devoted supporter of her husband's ministries. Her life's joy were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013, at New Bern Memorial Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Rev. Charles L. Richardson Sr.; grandson, Richard Lee Evans II; and sister, Mary Elizabeth Gaskins Phillips. She is survived by daughter, Jean Hadder and her husband, Jeff, of New Bern; daughter, Lynn R. Jansen and her husband, Richard, of Greenville; daughter, Charlene Goodwin and her husband, Ronnie, of Reelsboro; son, Charles L. Richardson Jr. and wife Mary of New Bern; two brothers, Thomas Whitford Gaskins Jr. and wife Linda of Reelsboro and Ray Earl Gaskins Sr. and wife Nelda of New Bern; brother-in-law, Joseph Zaukus of Antioch, Tenn.; ten grandchildren; six great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home and at other times at the family residence located in the Saint's Delight community. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.  Friends may sign the online guest book or leave a message of condolence for the family by visiting www.pollockbest.com.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations.
Paid Obituary

The 1910 Census

Ollie Carawan Lewis, James Denard Carawan, Clinton Carawan. Photo taken in early 1910's

The year was 1910.  America was already into it's first decade of the new century.  Williiam Howard Taft was president, William Walton Kitchin of Scotland Neck was North Carolina's Governor and America was coming of age during the Progressive Era.  Goose Creek Island was coming of age also.  According to the 1910 census of Township 4, Goose Creek Island was making progress.  Although farming was the main economic engine in our community, the census indicated that more sailors, freight boat operators, and fishermen were gaining importance on the Island as well.

I have listed below some interesting tidbits from the 1910 Census of Goose Creek Island.

• Colton Green Carawan, a schoolteacher was the enumerator of Goose Creek Island's census in 1910. He was the son of Jesse Monroe Carawan of Middle Prong Rd.
• Wright Goodwin, Benjamin Thomas were listed as merchants in the Lowland district.
•  Garfield Alcock, Benjamin A. Sadler, William Gaskill, James Bateman, and John D. Sadler were listed as merchants in the Jones Bay (Hobucken) district.
• Some wives and daughters were listed as having the occupation of "washer woman".  (This was most likely what the women were doing when the census taker made his rounds on the Island)
• The Roanoke Lumber Company was operating at Springs Creek.  Many "off-island" names are found in the census such as William Selby, Nathanial Buttery, and William Flynn.  Several occupations were listed as swamp timber worker, log tram operator or labor on timber farm.  Nathanial Buttery was listed as manager of the timber farm.
• Five African American families are listed as living on the Island.  Those families were Church Ollison, Columbus Jones, Noah Moore, Sanders Jones and a Wilson family.  They primarly worked on the Jacobs Farm with the Roanoke Lumber Company.  It would be interesting to know if the Ollison family in the community of Mesic are connected to Church Ollison.
• Joella Mayo, Colton Green Carawan and Henry Carawan are listed as school teachers.
• Captain Mumford Gwynn (born in Virginia) was Lighthouse Keeper at Pamlico Point Lighthouse.  
• Devaney Farrow Jennette of Hatteras was Assistant Lighthouse Keeper.  
• 45 men are listed as either fisherman, sailors, captains of merchant vessel or work on freight boat. These occupations had increased since the 1900 census. 
• Cora Leary was listed as a dressmaker.
• Molsie Ireland is the postmaster at Hobucken.
• Issac Swindell was mail carrier.
• William Alpheus Carawan was a surveyor of real estate.
• Rufus Alcock was a speculator.
• William Spain and his son Herman Spain operated a steam mill in Hobucken
• Joseph Carawan with sons Thaxton and Charlie operated a steam mill in Lowland. 
• Augustus M. Sadler was a fish merchant operating his business "on the water."
• A preacher with the last name Yarbrough was listed in Lowland.  Possibly Primitive Baptist preacher.
• The majority of residents continued to run family farms or worked as farm labor.

My Love for Reading

     As many of you know, I am a voracious reader.  And when I say that, I mean that I love to read anything  of historical value about our state, our coast, our families, our history and traditions.  I have a den full of books.  I liken it to a sort of mini library. 
     The shelves in my den are full of many coastal and historical reference books.  Local and native authors by the names of Bland Simpson, Jack Dudley, Sonny Williamson, and David Cecelski litter the shelves.  Although they are not as famous in comparison to other super literary writers such as James Patterson or Nicholas Sparks, these authors have to be some of my favorites.  The reason I love these coastal historical books written by these gentlemen is because they have a passion for exposing the "real" coast of North Carolina.  It is not the spectacular homes built along the ribbons of sand or the tacky souvenir shops that dot the landscape. They reveal the best kept secrets along our shores and take us back in time to the creation of our communities that we live in today.
     Those secrets that they write about are of the people, the events and the places that make coastal North Carolina such a treasure to live in.  The picturesque voyages of Bland Simpson canoeing along the Pungo River and exposing the natural scenic landscape with photographer Scott Taylor.  David Cecelski's books  take me back to the days of slavery in Eastern North Carolina and he explaining the creation of a bridge on the Harlow Canal.  And Uncle Sonny Williamson, who was nephew to Hobucken's own Sam Williamson, has done extensive research on the old sailing schooners and sharpies that worked the Sounds.  And last but not least, Jack Dudley takes me back to the days of old with his albums of old photographs, showing me "the way things used to be".
     If you were to ask me which one is my favorite I do not believe I could say.  I love them all and they all hold a special importance in reflecting our coastal heritage. If you really want to learn about coastal North Carolina, from Currituck to Kure Beach, I have listed a few that are some of my favorites:

Carolina Preserves by William Mangum.  When Tommy bought me this book in 1999, I thought he was going to have a stroke.  He paid the whooping $110.00 and brought home my most cherished book of all time.  William Mangum is North Carolina's artist.  This book is a tribute from the mountains to the coast within his beautiful paintings.  And with each painting, he also interviewed a prominent individual who lived within that region.  From the boat building shop of James Allan Rose of Harkers Island to Ruth Graham's home in the mountains, his paintings have a way to make you feel that all is right in the world.

Into the Sound Country: A Carolinian's Coastal Plain by Bland Simpson.  A personal portrait of really rediscovering our North Carolina Coast.  Bland travels to those places that are not seen by the every day traveler.  The swamps and tar pitch pines, the fishing shanties along the sounds, the country churchyards and the people who are the true historians of our state are an inviting history of our coastal heritage.

Down East by Jack Dudley.  This book is a photographic journey of Down East from the 1900's and 1960's.  The old photos are of boats, churches, schools, post offices and people.   Photos from before the days of the paved road from Beaufort to Atlantic, this books shows the seclusion of life along Core Sound.

An Island Out of Time by Tom Horton.  Although this book is not about coastal North Carolina, it does remind me so much of our Island communities.  The setting is on Smith Island, Maryland, a secluded island out in the Chesapeake Bay.  The book is an intimate portrait of the lives of the Smith Islanders and how they adapt to the daily challenges of living on an Island 12 miles from the mainland.  It's a traditional community, much like Goose Creek Island, where its people are attuned to the life cycles of the crabs, the oysters, the wildlife and the anchor of the church that keep them grounded in their rich, coastal traditions.



      If you ever wanted to really learn about our coast, I encourage you to seek out those authors I mentioned above.  If you want really detailed information about the grand old days of sailing, try Sonny Williamson's Sailing with Grandpa.  He has collected numerous documentation of the old sailing schooners, many from  Goose Creek Island and nearby Rose Bay. 
     So there you have it.  These are just a few of my collection.  If any of you ever come visit my home on Core Sound, I will proudly show you my Carolina Preserves book.  I will guarantee you will love it!