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| July 2013 |
We may never know what these improvements included. However, lot 124 belonged to the Hellen family for forty-four years. Bryan Hellen most likely built the original story-and-a-jump house on the western corner (601) circa 1830-1850 (Ruth Little Survey).
Considering contemporary photographs taken in the crawl space under the house at 603 Broad (See photos below.), could the crude construction be part of an earlier house possibly built after the 1857 map? (See map below.)
The "Davis-Everett Cottage," on the eastern portion of the western half of lot 124, may be part of an earlier structure, rebuilt using the same foundation, or built new between 1874 and 1880 by one of the Davis brothers (grandsons of Beaufort builder James Davis). It was Joel Henry Davis II, however, who deeded the cottage to Obed Richardson in February 1885. For 48 years - from 1874 until 1922 - the Davis family owned all or part of lot 124.
On "Gray's New Map of Beaufort" circa 1880, drafted by Jacob Chace for O.W. Gray & Son, lot 124 had been divided into three portions. Dwellings in the same locations are also noted on the 1913 Sanborn map.
Jacob Chace also noted the "Atlantic Hotel Lot" at the corner of Front and Pollock; the hotel was destroyed by the August 1879 hurricane. "Sea Side House - Chas. Lowenberg" is also noted on the map; the 1880 census was the first to note Lowenberg as a "hotel proprietor."
In Beaufort's African-American History, Peter Sandbeck described the house as including a fine Italianate-bracketed cornice and embellished porch - turned drops added at the portico, the entrance flanked by sidelights and topped by a transom.
Although extensively remodeled in the early 1950s, the house has remained largely in its present form as indicated by the 1913, 1924 and 1941 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. During remodeling, a long rear addition replaced a short one-room deep rear extension. Paired three-over-one windows were added as well as low brick portico pillars topped by square posts.
The house was owned by members of the Everett family from 1945 to 2002, or 57 years.
Owners, Occupants and Transfer of Property
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| Found under the house... |
▪ 3 Feb 1885 Joel Henry Davis II to Obed Richardson; registered 5 June 1886. Bk NN:289-90. See deed below.
▪ 19 Feb 1885 Joel Henry Davis II to children: J.H. Davis III (17), Sarah “Sallie” Davis (14), Frances Reiger Davis (12), Laura Carson Davis (9) and Elizabeth R. “Bettie” Davis (6). Bk NN:60. Joel Henry II died 1913; his motivation for equally dividing the property, when he chose, may have been influenced by the early death of his wife at age 38. See deed below.
▪ 10 Aug 1886 Obed Richardson to Joel Henry Davis II (registered). Bk NN:414 – J.H. Davis II had a mortgage deed on a house; perhaps Richardson defaulted on the loan.
▪ 20 Oct 1922 J.B. Killingsworth purchased the lot and house, now 603 Broad, from Sallie Davis Shelton. Bk 36:187.
▪ 18 Aug 1980 Clyde R. Everett Jr. and Mary T. Everett from Blanche Everett. Bk 442:165.
▪ 10 Oct 1985 Clyde R. and Mary Everett, Roy Dowty, Eugene Garner. Bk 526:68.
▪ 17 Oct 1996 Henry T. and Valerie H. Everett purchased. Bk 786:120.
▪ 4 Oct 2002 William T. and Susan E. Martin purchased. Bk 956:545.
▪ 19 Aug 2005 Frank T. and Sarah Hassinger purchased. Bk 1128:122.
▪ 12 Apr 2012 Elizabeth P. and Don E. Gould purchased. Bk 1405:399.
Deeds
▪ 18 May 1830 – Joshua D. VanTassell to Brian Hellen – Lots 124, 131, 132, 140, 148 Old Town, and Lots 58, 63, 64, 67, 72, 75, 83 and 84 New Town, each containing one half acre. Bk AA:324-325.
▪ 2 March 1874 – Hellen Family to Davis Brothers – Bk NN:459.State of North Carolina Carteret CountyKnow all perious by these presents that we Emeline G. Hellen, Sarah C. Wade, Mary E. Hellen, John S. Hellen and Ernest B. Hellen all of the County of Carteret and State aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars to us in hand paid by James C. Davis and J. Henry Davis of the same county and State the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained and by these presents do grant bargain and sell to the said James C. Davis and J. Henry Davis and their heirs, lot of ground number One hundred and twenty four (124) Old Town in the Town of Beaufort with all the improvements thereon; and five and 57/100 (5.57) acres of land being an undivided interest in the western part of a tract near Beaufort known as the Fulford place. The said western part being allotted to Keziah Hellen in the division made in 1837 And adjoining the lands of James Ward. To have and to hold the same to them the said James C. Davis and J. Henry Davis and their heirs forever.
And we for ourselves and our heirs do hereby Covenant with the said James C. Davis and J. Henry Davis and their heirs that we are lawfully seized in fee of the aforegranted property and have a good right to sell and convey the same to them as aforesaid. And that we will. An our heirs shall warrant and defend the same to the said James C. & J. Henry Davis and their heirs forever.
In testimony where of we have hereon to Set Our hands and Seals this 2nd day of March 1874.
Signed Sealed & delivered in presence of Eugene J. Bell, John W. Hellen
Seals: Emeline G. Hellen, Sarah C. Wade, Mary E. Hellen, John S.W. Hellen, Emma B. Hellen.
▪ 3 Feb 1885 – Richardson and Davis Bk NN:289.
State of North Carolina Carteret County
This Indenture made this 3rd day of February 1885 by and between Obed Richardson and of Carteret County and State of North Carolina party of the first part and J.H. Davis [II] of Carteret County and State of North Carolina party of the Second part, Witnesseth: That Whereas, said party of the first part is justly indebted to said parties of the Second part in the sum of Two Hundred Dollars as evidenced by books? of even date herewith bearing interest from date at 6 per cent per annum, and due and payable on the 3rd day of February 1886, 1887, 1888 & 1889 and whereas…
▪ 3 Feb 1885 Joel Henry Davis to Obed Richardson Bk NN 289-90State of North Carolina – Carteret County
Know all men by these presents that I J.H. Davis of the County and State aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars to me in hand paid the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge having bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain sell and convey to Obed Richardson and his heirs and assigns part of Lot Number One hundred and twenty four (124) in Beaufort Old Town, beginning at a point 106 feet from the South West corner of said Lot running thence with Broad Street 40 feet thence a North Course 110 feet to the North line of said Lot thence with said line. Westwardly Course 40 feet. Thence a Southwardly Course to the beginning. To have and to hold of the same to him the said Obed Richardson and his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the third day of February 1885.
J.H. Davis (seal)
State of North Carolina – Carteret County
January 20th 1886
The execution of the foregoing deed is acknowledged before J.H. Davis the bargainor.
Let the instrument with this Certificate be registered. Jno D. Davis CSC
Recd for Registration Jan 20th 1886
Registered June 5th 1886
▪ 19 Feb 1885 – Joel Henry Davis II gifted property to children. Bk NN:60. It appears J.H. Davis bought out his brother’s interest in the property.State of North Carolina - Carteret County
This Deed made this nineteenth day of February 1885 by J. Henry Davis [II] of Carteret County and State of North Carolina of the first part to [children] J. Henry Davis Jr. [III], Sallie Davis, Frances R., Laura Davis & E.R. Davis of the same County and State of the Second part, [?] That Said J.H. Davis in Consideration of Natural love & affection & five Dollars to have paid by Said parties of the Second part. The receipt of which is to hereby acknowledged ‘hath bargained and Sold and by these presents do bargain Sell and Convey to Said J.H. Davis Jr., Sarah Davis, Frances R. Davis and Laura Davis and Elizabeth R. Davis and their heirs all the rights, lette, interest and estate of the party of the first part in and to tracts and lots or parcels of land in Carteret County State of North Carolina to [?] lots or parts of lots numbers ninety, eighty, seventy & seventy one [?] with the dwelling house & other improvements thereon (excepting and reserving my homestead). Also lots or parts of lots numbers fourteen, fifteen, fifty two, one hundred, and one hundred & eighty, [?] lot. One hundred and six, one hundred & thirty two & one hundred & twenty four & sixty [?] seventy nine & eighty seven [?] and lots or parts of lots sixty ?. Seventy four, ninety seven, 20 acres of land and town lots known as Lenoxville several tracts of land on E Side of North River known as Jumping [?] containing fifteen hundred acres more or less. Also, one hundred and twenty six and one half acres on the South Side of Newport River known as the Canaday [?] & Shepard land. See Book EE Page 403. A tract of land on Taylor’s Creek known as ? & J.J. [?] Davis land. Also one land [?] On North River known as the Gibbs farm containing eighty seven acres. See books FF page 52 CC438 [?]. Also a tract of six hundred & sixty four acres of land more or less on the West? Side of North River & North of Russells Creek about eight miles from Beaufort known as ? upper farm adjoining the lands of Felton? heirs JR Sprugle [?] & others.
To have and to hold the aforesaid tracts or lots of land and all privileges and appurtenances thereto [?] to the said J.H. Davis Jr. [III], Sarah, Frances R, Laura & Elizabeth Davis their heirs and assigns in fee simple forever.? the said J.H. Davis ‘hath hereinto set his hand and Seal this day and [?].
Attest C.R. Thomas
JH Davis (Seal)
State of North Carolina - Carteret County
I Jno D. Davis Clerk of the Superior Court, do hereby certify that J.H. Davis appeared before me this day and acknowledged the due execution of the within Deed of Conveyance. Let the same with ? certificates be registered. Witnessed my hand this 17th day of December 1885.
Jno D Davis
Recd for Registration Dec. 17th 1885 Clerk Superior Court
▪ 29 Jan 1886 Fannie Adams and Obed Richardson - Bk NN:415
I, D.[?] Quinn a Justice of the Peace do certify that Fannie Adams who signed the above deed [for another property] personally said party of the first part is anxious to secure payment of said bonds at maturity. Now, therefore, in consideration and for the purposes aforesaid and for the sum of ten dollars to the party of the first part paid by party of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged said party of the first part have given granted bargained sold, aliened, conveyed and confirmed. And by these presents does hereby give grant bargain sell, alien convey and confirm with said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns forever a certain piece of land lying and being in Carteret County State aforesaid in Beaufort Township and described and defined as follows:
Part of lot number one hundred and twenty four (124) in Beaufort Old Town. Beginning at a point one hundred six (106) feet from the Southwest Corner of said Lot running thence with Broad Street forty (40) feet. Thence a Northwardly Course one hundred and ten (110) feet to the North line of said lot. Thence Westwardly with said line forty (40) feet. Thence Southwardly to the beginning, being the lot where the Said Obed Richardson now lives.
To have and to hold said land and premises to the said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns forever. And said party of the first part does covenant to and with said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns; That he is the owner, and seized of said premises in fee simple; That he has the right to convey the same; That the same is free from any incumbrance whatever. And that he will forever warrant and defend the title to the same from the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever. But this deed is made on the Special trust:
That if said party of the first part shall well [?] And truly pay to said parties of the second part or their legal representation the bonds herein before described at their maturity then this deed to be Null and Void.
But if default shall be made in payment of said bonds or the interest on the same or any part of either at maturity, then and in that event it shall be lawful for and the duty of said parties of the second part to sell said land hereinbefore described to the highest bidder for cash at the Court house door in Beaufort Carteret County first advertising the same for thirty days in some newspaper published in Carteret County and convey the same to the purchaser in fee simple and out of the moneys coming from said sale to pay said bonds and interest on the same together or with costs of sale and pay surplus (if any) to said party of the first part or his legal representatives. In testimony whereof said party of the first part hereto subscribe his name and affix his seal.
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of } Obed Richardson (seal)
North Carolina Carteret County
The execution of the foregoing instrements was this day acknowledged before me by Obed Richardson the grantor for the purposes therein expressed Lot the same with this certificate be registered this 29 day of January 1886.
Jno D. Davis CSC
Witness [written in margin] N.L. Carrow
Recd for Registration Jan 29. 1886
Registered August 10th 1886
Satisfied this March 13, 1896 J.H. Davis [written in the margin]
▪ 27 Jun 1913 Sallie Davis Shelton purchased from Frances “Fannie” Davis Rhodes, Emma L. Davis (wife of J.H. Davis III), H.H. Hamlin and Laura Davis Hamlin. Bk 16:495. At that time, the house mentioned in the deed was occupied by John Stanley.
▪ 20 Oct 1922 J.B. Killingsworth purchased the lot and house, now 603 Broad, from Sallie Davis Shelton. Bk 36:187. Shelton states this to be "the same part of lot which I purchased from the heirs of J.H. Davis deceased bearing date June 27th 1913."
Joshua D. VanTassell and Mary Hellen
In May of 1830, Joshua VanTassel sold lot 124, and others, to Brian Hellen. Hellen's name is noted as Brian on the deed but he most likely spelled his name Bryan; his grandfather spelled his name Brian, as noted below.
Joshua D. VanTassel was born 18 Oct 1800 in Dolsentown, New York and died in 1849 in Beaufort. He was the son of William VanTassel, a blacksmith born in Montague NJ in 1777. Cornelius Jensen VanTexel was the immigrant, born in Isle Texel, Netherlands in 1600; he died in Long, NY—one of his descendants married an Indian princess.
Joshua D. VanTassel first married Caroline Elizabeth Pheland, born about 1804 in Dolsentown; they had a son William born 19 Apr 1823 in Minisink, Orange County, New York. Joshua moved to Beaufort sometime after Caroline’s death, where he married Mary Hellen 3 Dec 1829. Mary (born March1808 and died 29 March 1850) was most likely the daughter of Brian Hellen and Abigail Easton.
Brian Hellen Family
Brian Hellen was born about 1770 and died sometime after 1830. He married Abigail Easton about 1795. On July
1, 1800, Brian Hellen became Beaufort’s second postmaster. Abigail was the daughter of Col. John Easton, who led the Beaufort militia during the 1782 British invasion of Beaufort. - Sale of Land: Benj. Stanton, by Bryant Hellen Atty., to J.W. Davis, on east side of Newport river, 1/2 the plantation on which father last lived, & my interest in North river farm willed to the unborn child, 2-5-1816.
- Correspondence between Benjamin Stanton and Brian Hellen. A small group of letters from Brian Hellen, a Quaker of Carteret County, discussing a dispute over family inheritance, which included slaves. To obtain records, contact: Huntington Library.
- Samuel Leffers letter to his brother, after 1811, “I received yours together with several other friendly letters last fall and as nothing new had happened I have delayed writing till now when I have to inform you that I have sold my possessions here to Mr. Henry M. Cooke who is appointed Collector for the Port of Beaufort in the room of Mr. Brian Hellen who resigned…”
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| Isaac Hellen 1795-1847 |
- Children of Brian Hellen and Abigail Easton:
- Isaac (1795-1847) married Sarah Fulford in 1816 and had seven children: Bryan (1818-1854), Hannah W. (born 1821), Mary E. (1826-1852), Gulielma Alexandria Eliason (1830-1854), Orpha (born 1838), Joseph F. (born 1841) and Susan L. (born 1844).
- Elizabeth Hellen (1798-1846) – possible child.
- Caroline Hellen (1802-1865) married Gayer Chadwick 6 Nov 1821. Gayer was the son of Barnabas Chadwick and Mary Walpoole. Of the six children of Caroline and Gayer, Robert Withers Chadwick married Mary Elizabeth Potter and built the Chadwick House on the west end of Ann Street.
- Mary Hellen (1808-1850) – probable child.
Children of Bryan Hellen and Emeline Rumley mentioned in the 1874 sale to James Chadwick and Joel Henry Davis II:
- Sarah C. Hellen (1845-1905) married James B. Wade 11 Jan 1867; after Wade’s death, Sarah married David Franklin Arthur 28 Dec 1879. Sarah was buried at Woodville Baptist Church Garden Cemetery in Bettie.
- Mary E. Hellen (b.1850) married Anson G. Davis 25 May 1884 in Straits. They lived in Smyrna. In 1910, Mary E. Hellen Davis was living in Smyrna with the family of her son-in-law Adolphus.
- John Spence West Hellen (1852-1918) married Mary Evelyn Bell (1858-1896) 28 Nov 1878 in Straits. On 17 Mar 1898, he married Sarah J. Chadwick of Straits. John Spence West Hellen died 13 Sep 1918 and was buried at Ocean View Cemetery in Beaufort.
- Emeline Bryan Hellen (1854-1940) married Edwin Warren Taylor 10 Dec 1874. She died 1 Feb 1940 from a diabetic coma and was buried at Ocean View Cemetery.
- Other children were Jacob Rumley Hellen (1844-1859) and Isaac C. Hellen born 1848; both died young.
A “suitable character” was found, in fact, the Hellen family was to provide postmasters for Beaufort for more than a quarter century. Their names and tenures of office were: Bryan Hellen, July 1, 1800 – June 30, 1813; Bryan Hellen, November 26, 1816 – December 5, 1822; John Spence West Hellen, December 6, 1822 – September 9, 1825; and, Isaac Hellen, September 10, 1825 – June 25, 1840.
Bryan (Brian, Briant) Hellen had married Abigail, the daughter of John Easton. They were received into the Quaker community in 1811. In the Census of 1800, Bryan and Abigail were a household with three sons, sixteen years of age or less, and one daughter, also under ten years of age.
Were the other Hellens postmasters sons of this Bryan? If so there were rather young men at the time of their postmasterships, although this would not have been unusual. We do know that they were brothers. Isaac Hellen, who married Sarah Fulford, was the father of five sons and ten daughters. One of those sons was named John Spence West who lived but six months. In the Hellen Bible record, it was noted that this child was “named after my brother.”
Whatever the case, we have not information on the occupation of these postmasters before or after their tenures. As residents of Beaufort, were they merchants or mariners, farmer or professional men? By 1850 Isaac was dead (July 12, 1847) and his wife Sarah was living in Beaufort with two daughters and two sons (ages 19-5). Brian Hellen, son of Isaac and Sarah, was a thirty-one year old school teacher with a wife and four children. John Spence West Hellen died on June 21, 1819.
The Hellen family name continued to be recorded in the census records as least until 1910. In that census, one John Spence West Hellen, age 58 and a “Captain” (he had been a farmer in 1900), is recorded with his wife Sarah Chadwick, age 58, and are listed living in Beaufort.
Joel Henry Davis I
(His descendants became owners of lot 124.)
Joel Henry Davis I (1804-1868) was born September 12, 1804 in Core Creek. His father James Davis (1780-1861), builder of many Beaufort homes, was born in the Quaker colony, north of Beaufort; in 1802 he married Elizabeth Adams, daughter of Nathan Adams and Mary Canaday. Joel Henry Davis was about eleven years old when his father built the house at 105 Front Street, known today as the Duncan House. They lived in the house a few years, perhaps until James sold the house to Benjamin Tucker Howland in 1820.
On March 4, 1829, Joel Henry Davis I married Sarah Chadwick (1799-1869), daughter of James Chadwick (1761-1826) and Mary Ann Bell (1767-1838). James Chadwick was son of Thomas Martin Chadwick (1730-1802), who was son of whaler Samuel Chadwick (1695-1749).
Joel Henry Davis I and Sarah Chadwick had four known children:
- Frances J. Davis born in 1829 married Henry Rieger about 1845; they had 9 children. Henry was a merchant and immigrant from Baden, Germany. Sometime before 1880 he moved his family from Beaufort to Kansas City, MO.
- Laura Davis (1833-1913) married William J. Carson about 1873.
- James Chadwick Davis (1837-1904), noted below, married twice.
- Joel Henry Davis II (1843-1913) married Sarah Chadwick Gibbs. See below.
►Son James Chadwick Davis (1837-1904) first married Sallie Pasteur in 1861; they had three known daughters:
- Laura born in 1868
- Carolina P. born in 1872
- Mary Ann born in 1865. Mary Ann (1865-1936) changed her name to Nannie Pasteur Davis sometime after her mother’s death and before her 1885 marriage to Malachi Geffroy. From about 1900 until her death in 1936, Nannie Pasteur Geffroy used the 1817 James Davis House at 201 Ann Street as an office, infirmary and home as she dedicated herself as headmistress of St. Paul’s School.
- Sally Gertrude Davis (1878-1944) married Sterling Price Hancock (in the Leecraft House on the northeast corner of Ann and Orange); their daughter Mattie King Hancock married Ernest J. Davis—the Mattie King Davis Gallery was named for her.
- Etta Perry Davis, born in 1879, married Halbert Lloyd Potter about 1899 (their house is on the southeast corner of Ann and Orange).
- Ella Duncan Davis (1881-1957)
- Minnie R. Davis born 1887, married George W. Huntley.
Joel Henry Davis II
Children of Joel Henry Davis II and Sarah Chadwick Gibbs:
- Joel Henry “Harry” Davis III (1868-1943) married Emma Lizette Bell 28 Jan 1896; they were in Harlowe Township by 1920. Both buried at Harlowe United Methodist Church Cemetery.
- Mary Gibbs Davis born about 1870 and died before 1885; she predeceased her father and wasn’t an heir.
- Sarah “Sallie” Davis - (9 Nov 1871-3 Jul 1944) was wife of William H. Shelton. “Sallie” was living on Turner St. at the time of her death. She was buried in St. Paul’s
Cemetery.
Frances Davis Rhodes - Frances Reiger Davis (abt 1873-7 Aug 1945) married Paul Rufus Rhodes; they had moved to Charlotte by 1910.
- Laura Carson Davis, born Dec 1876; at age 34 she married H.H. Hamlin 24 Jan 1911.
- Elizabeth R. “Bettie” Davis born about 1879; died before 1913 predeceasing her father.
- 1860 Census: Joel H. I 56, Sarah 60, Laura 26, James 22 and [Joel] Henry 18.
- 1870 Census: Joel H. II 25 merchant, Sarah 21, Joel H. 2, Mary 6mo., servant Charlotte 30 with her children Ellis 8 and Silva 3 (noted with last name Davis)
- 1880 Census: Joel H. II 35 farmer, Sarah 34, Harry 12, Mary 10, Sarah 8, Fannie 7, Dollie 3 and Bettie 7mo. He owned the house at the corner of Craven and Ann (one block from 603 Broad) across from the Old Burying Ground and Methodist Church (house originally built by Dr. James Manney about 1812-13; now plaqued Dr. James Manney House; i.e., the Manney-French love story).
- 1900 Census: Joel H. II widower, 57 railroad agent, daughter Sallie 27 single, daughter Laura 23 single.
- 1910 Census: Joel H. Davis II, 67 general farmer, daughter Laura 32 single, and sister Laura D. Carson 72 widow.
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| Manney House Detail from Warshaw painting |
According to deed research done on the Craven Street house, J.H. Davis I purchased this lot along with three others in 1851 for $1500. He sold part of the lots to Henry Reiger. In 1873, lots were transferred from Henry Reiger to J.H. Davis II and brother James C. Davis. It appears J.H. Davis II lived there from about 1880 until his death in 1913; heirs Sallie Davis Shelton and Fannie Rhodes deeded their ¾ interest in one-half of the lot to Laura C. Davis Hamlin, who had already fallen heir to the other ¼ interest.
- According to Maurice Davis, History of Hammock House, “at 18, Joel joined the Beaufort Harbor Guards [17 men] under the command of Josiah S. Pender to take over Fort Macon on April 15, 1861, at the start of the Civil War. He was one of those taken prisoner when the fort was surrendered to the Yankees. He was paroled and returned to Beaufort...”
- He enlisted 25 May 1861 as a private in Company H, North Carolina Co. A 1st Light Artillery Battery; occupation clerk.
- He bought the Hammock House, including four acres of land, from estate of J.B. Outlaw deceased, 6 Mar 1875.
- He may have been the one to add the 2-story “ell” and porches to the Craven-Ann Street house (added after the Civil War).
- While he owned the Craven Street house, in the late 1880s the Italianate-Queen Anne fancy sawnwork was added to the house.
- According to the Ruth Little Survey, the Craven Street house remained in the Davis family until 1937.
Obed Richardson
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| Lucy Jones Richardson Death Certificate |
- 1870 Beaufort Census: Lucy Jones 11, with parents/siblings.
- 1880 Beaufort Census: Lucy Jones 18, with mother and siblings on Queen; Lucy was a servant.
- Obed and Lucy married about 1885 (1900 census noted married fifteen years).
- 1900 Beaufort Census: mulatto Obied 40, Lucy A. 37. Obed was day laborer and owned home. Lucy was a "wash woman."
- 1910 Beaufort Census: Obed 50, Lucy A. 45. Obed was carriage driver for a private family and owned home on Broad and was living next to John Stanley, who would later rent the rent the house; Stanley was the occupant in 1913 when Sallie Davis Shelton purchased the dwelling from Davis heirs.
Killingsworth Family
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| J.B. Killingsworth Death Certificate |
- 1920 Census: John B. Killingsworth 68 was a retired farmer living on Broad Street between Pollock and Queen. In the household were: wife Mattie 52, John, 29, Mary 23, Naomi 14, Ruth 12 and 9-year-old Alise (Alice).
- 20 Oct 1922, Killingsworth purchased the property from Sallie Davis Shelton.
- 1930 Census: Mattie Killingsworth 62 was living alone in a house she owned at 608 Broad Street. (At this time John R. Stanley was renting 603 Broad.)
- "J.B." Killingsworth's home was at 608 Broad. He died less than two months after he purchased the property from Sallie Shelton.
- It appears that Mattie E. Killingsworth inherited this property when her husband died in 1922. Perhaps she "lost" the property during the Great Depression, thus her daughter Ruth buying it on the courthouse steps.
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| Paul Jones House circa 1913 |
16 Dec 1935, Ruth Killingsworth Jones purchased, on courthouse steps, the house at 603 Broad Street for $1500 from Julius Duncan, Commissioner of Court.
Tenant - John Randolph Stanley
John Randolph Stanley, born 29 March 1879, was the son of Lewis born 1852. Lewis’ father was most likely Wright Stanley born 1839 in North Carolina. In the 1880 census, Wright, 63, was living on Broad Street. Wright Stanley was buried in the Old Burying Ground.
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| John Randolph Stanley Death Certificate |
- 1900 Census: John Stanley was living with mother Enda Bryant and two siblings Billy and Sally. In looking at the census, the Stanley’s house was around the corner from the east side of Queen Street, near residents Rumley, Hatsell and Allen Davis.
- 1913 Sale: Part lot 124 - "house and lot now occupied by one John Stanley."
- 1920 Census: John R. Stanley was a drayman and renting a house. In his household were wife Helen, daughter Catherine H., sister-in-law Annie Madison and brother Billy. The house was on Broad between Pollock and Queen.
- 1930 Census: The census noted John R. Stanley was renting 603 Broad. John was 52 and noted as a "truckman, delivery of goods." In the household was wife Helen, daughter Catherine, servant Annie Madison and brother "delivery helper" William Stanley. Next door at 601 was Frederick L. King, white, who owned his house; in his household was wife Minnie and children John B. 10 and 5-year-old Virginia. The census noted John was 19 and Helen 17, when married in 1898. According to the census, daughter Catherine was born in 1909.
- 1956 Death Certificate: John Stanley died 16 Jan 1956 in Morehead City Hospital; residence was noted as 609 Broad when he died. (The Everettes purchased the house in 1945.) Spouse Helen, Father Louis Stanley, Mother Enda Bryant.
1930 Beaufort Census
Clyde Randolph Everett
The house was owned by members of the Everett family from 1945 to 2002, or 57 years.
In the 1920 Census, Jacksonville Township west of New River, Onslow County, Clyde Everett, 25, was a boarder in the household of N.J. and Lucy Jones. At that time, Clyde was a laborer on the railroad. 20-year-old Preston Parker was also a boarder; perhaps he was Blanche's brother. The 1920 Beaufort Census also recorded Clyde Everett as a roomer working for Carteret Lumber Company.
Clyde married Blanche Parker in Beaufort 9 Dec 1933. Blanche Parker, born about 1905, was the daughter of farmer Henry Parker and wife Laura. In 1910, the Parker family was listed as mulatto; they were renting a house on Orange Street in Beaufort. At that time Blanche was five years old; there were seven other children in the household.
The house was owned by members of the Everett family from 1945 to 2002, or 57 years.
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| World War I Registration |
Clyde Randolph Everett Sr. (1894-1957) was born in Snead’s Ferry 23 May 1894 to Anderson Everett and Margaret Hicks. During World War I, Clyde registered June 1917 in Tar Landing, near Jacksonville, NC. On the registration, Clyde was noted living in Sneads Ferry, where he was employed by a lumber company. He enlisted 28 July 1918 in 810th Pioneer Infantry. He served as a cook and was discharged 5 June 1919.
In the 1920 Census, Jacksonville Township west of New River, Onslow County, Clyde Everett, 25, was a boarder in the household of N.J. and Lucy Jones. At that time, Clyde was a laborer on the railroad. 20-year-old Preston Parker was also a boarder; perhaps he was Blanche's brother. The 1920 Beaufort Census also recorded Clyde Everett as a roomer working for Carteret Lumber Company.
Clyde married Blanche Parker in Beaufort 9 Dec 1933. Blanche Parker, born about 1905, was the daughter of farmer Henry Parker and wife Laura. In 1910, the Parker family was listed as mulatto; they were renting a house on Orange Street in Beaufort. At that time Blanche was five years old; there were seven other children in the household.
Clyde R. Everett Jr. was born about 1933. He married Mary Louise Tyson 23 Nov 1952 in
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| Clyde R. Everett Sr. |
Morehead City; he was 19, she was only 15 years old.
- In the 1940 Beaufort Census, fisherman Clyde and Blanche owned 615 Cedar Street (value of home $500); in the household were seven-year-old Clyde Jr. and Clyde's 83-year-old father Anderson Everett.
- 12 Jan 1945, Blanche Everett purchased the house at 603 Broad Street. Bk 105:76.
- Clyde Everett Sr. died 9 Nov 1957; his death certificate noted him as a Negro fisherman. He was buried in Ocean View Cemetery. About a month after his death, Blanche applied for and received a military veteran headstone.
- 25 Jul 1959, Blanche Everett, Clyde R. Everett Jr. and Mary T. Everett purchased the house. (In 1958, Clyde Jr. and Mary were living at 605 Broad; city directory.)
Hill's 1960 Morehead City-Beaufort City Directory noted: "Everitt Blanche E (wid Clyde R) cafeteria wkr Beaufort Sch h603 Broad (Bft)."
Headstone application for
WWI Veteran Clyde R. Everett- 18 Aug 1980, Clyde R. Everett Jr. and Mary T. Everett purchased the house at 603 Broad from Blanche Everett. Book 442:165.
- 10 Oct 1985, Clyde R. and Mary Everett, Roy Dowty, Eugene Garner. Book 526:68.
- 1987 Hill's Directory: Henry T. Everett and Diane; Henry carpenter. (Sandbeck)
- 1994 owner Clyde Everett Jr. (Sandbeck)
- 17 Oct 1996 - Henry T. and Valerie H. Everett purchased. Book 786:120. The house was owned by members of the Everett family from 1945 to 2002, or 57 years.
Since Joel Henry Davis II participated in the Civil War, it’s interesting to consider what it was like in Beaufort at the time. While the Union soldiers occupied Beaufort, the town was “a mess,” if you will. Soldiers pillaged homes and gave away furniture and clothing to the Negroes. Freed blacks were drawn to Beaufort’s refugee camp. Many also died of yellow fever.
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| Leslie’s Illustrated - April 1862 Watching the Siege of Fort Macon from Beaufort Waterfront _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Beaufort’s African-American History and Architecture
by Peter Sandbeck
In Beaufort’s African-American History and Architecture, Peter B. Sandbeck noted, “A fine Italianate-bracketed cornice and embellished porch can be seen at 603 Broad Street, built circa 1890-1900.” Peter B. Sandbeck wrote, …The earliest known deed for property ownership by a free black in Beaufort dates to 1820, when Sophia Boyd purchased lot 126 in the “Old Town” from James Gibble. This property was located at the northeast corner of Broad and Craven Street…It is significant that a woman was the first free black to own property in Beaufort. …1861-1900: The tumultuous period of the Civil War and the years immediately following provide us with the first clear view of the lives and roles of blacks in Beaufort’s society. When Fort Macon and the town were taken and Beaufort became headquarters for Union troops, the town attracted escaped slaves or “contrabands” seeking the tenuous freedom offered by Union occupation. Beaufort’s importance as a center for former slaves grew and by 1865 the town was home to 3,245 refugees, making it North Carolina’s second largest center behind New Bern. The refugee camp seems to have been known as “Union Town,” a name which continued to be used to describe the town’s black section until at least the late nineteenth century. Several elderly residents still relate the tradition that there is a Union burying ground located in the heart of the “Union Town” neighborhood, at the southeast corner of Pine and Marsh streets, used as a cemetery for the soldiers who died at Hammond Hospital located in the old Front Street House hotel on Front Street. …Population in Beaufort actually decreased by 17% between 1870 and 1890, a significant decline that severely limited economic growth and job opportunities for both blacks and whites. In 1870 the total population was 2,430—1,242 blacks and 1,188 whites. By 1900, total 2,195—859 blacks and 1,336 whites.
…Within the black
neighborhood there is a noticeable lack of elaborate late Victorian
sawn ornament like that seen on the houses built in the white section
during the same period, reflecting the limited wealth of the owners.
Several black have been identified to have been active during the late
19th and early 20th century period and are said to have built houses in
both black and white sections of town. However, only two survivors of
the houses they built exhibit the Italianate-influenced bracketed
cornices and sawnwork ornament that one usually associates with this
era. This is perhaps best illustrated by the front porch of the house
built circa 1880-90 by Henry Clay Matthewson as his own residence,
located at 414 Craven Street. Matthewson’s exceptional porch is
complemented by distinctive diamond-shaped panels and hoods above each
window. A fine Italianate-bracketed cornice and embellished porch can be
seen at 603 Broad Street, built circa 1890-1900. Many other examples
were remodeled in less obvious ways during the prosperous years of the
1940s and 1950s, largely through the use of replacement Bungalow-style
windows featuring characteristic three-light or four-light upper sashes
over a single-paned lower sash; often, the new windows on the façades
were larger paired units, such as those used to modernize the house at
603 Broad.
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1994 Photos
Gray's New Map of Beaufort circa 1880
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- This map was created by Jacob Chace, C.E. or George Chace, Assistant Engineer - for Ormando Wyllis Gray (O.W. Gray & Son)
- The copy at the Register of Deeds Office notes circa 1870, written in by hand.
- Copy included here, notes circa 1877; the date appears to be applied with a rubber stamp.
- Mamre Marsh Wilson's book cites 1880 as date of map.
- Peter Sandbeck and the Ruth Little Survey both cite 1882, most likely based on Gray's North Carolina Atlas, published 1882.
- Note structure on Gray's map, Front Street near the corner of Pollock: "Sea Side House - Chas. Lowenberg." Lowenberg converted his private home into a boarding house or hotel before the 1880 census, where he was noted as a "hotel proprietor."
- Gray's Map of Beaufort noted "Atlantic Hotel Lot;" the map was most likely done after the hotel was destroyed during the August 1879 hurricane.
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| Lot 124 highlighted |
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| Gray's Map of Louisburg |
- Gray was in partnership with a Prof. F.H. Walling from 1857 until 1875
- "O.W. Gray & Son" was formed in 1875 when Gray's partner Prof. Walling retired.
- "O.W. Gray & Son" operated from 1875 until 1890.
- Gray's maps of a few North Carolina towns, available online, are all UNDATED and include "O.W. Gray & Son" on the maps. Sources date these maps circa 1882, most likely due to the date published as a set, part of Gray's NC Atlas. (Peter Sandbeck)
- Gray's map of Louisburg is an example.
- All of these maps (online) also include "Jacob Chace, C.E., George Chace, Assistant Engineer" on the face of each map.
- The Beaufort map does not include "O.W. Gray & Son" but does include the Jacob Chace stamp.
- Therefore, it is believed that the Beaufort map was most likely a draft by Jacob Chace, perhaps sold in town but never registered or published.
- Neither Gray nor Chace dated maps.
*Ormando Wyllis Gray was born in Townshend, Vermont in 1829. In 1835, his parents moved to Bernardsville, Mass. He entered Norwich University in 1847, where he received degrees of B.S. and C.E.
He taught school for two years, then engaged in civil engineering and local land surveying, but soon turned his attention to the preparation of maps, where he gained distinction. In 1857, Gray formed a partnership with Prof. F.H. Walling, later of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, with offices in Boston and New York. In 1871, the firm moved to Philadelphia and became more engaged in general map making and publishing. In 1875, Prof. Walling retired and Mr. Gray conducted the business. His son Frank A. Gray, born in 1853, became a member of the firm, under the name O.W. Gray & Son. Frank died in 1886 at 33 years. O.W. Gray retired in 1890 and died sometime after 1900.
MAPS AND OLD PHOTOS ARE INCLUDED BELOW
