Hyde Co., NC Newspaper Abstracts (1821-1942)

On Sunday last as six of the Ocracoke pilots were attempting to board a vessel, the boat in which they were unfortunately upset and four of the number found a watery grave. The names of the unfortunate men are as follows: Cornelius AUSTIN, Pillintine AUSTIN, Francis BURRUS, and Wilson NEIL. One of them, Cornelius AUSTIN, has left a wife and several children who are, by this sad stroke, deprived of their best friend. (American Recorder - Friday, April 27, 1821; pg. 2; column 1) [Posted here with kind permission from John H. Oden, III]

RUNAWAY SLAVE
Edenton Gazette (Edenton, NC) - Monday, July 29, 1822; pg. 4
Submitted by Linda Lau

Washington, N. C- Oct. 10.
We learn from creditable sources that on Wednesday night in Hyde county, three men, who were at work in a brick yard at Foscue's creek were struck by lightning and immediately expired, viz: John Silverthorn, Esq. Senator of Hyde; his cousin, Mr. Joshua Silverthorn, and a negro man. Three others were stunned - one of them severely burnt. (The Torch Light and Public Advertiser [Hagerstown, MD] – Oct. 22, 1829; pg. 2)

The bark Astoria Mitchel, which sailed hence on the 16th of January for New York with a cargo of molasses, flour, whiskey, etc., struck on the Round shoal of Cape Hatteras on Saturday night, January 27th, at 9 o'clock and soon after beat over the breakers and at 10 sunk. The captain, crew and passengers were all saved. (The Republican (Carthage, TN) - Friday, March 4, 1842; pg. 2; column 1)

The following is copied from the Raleigh (N.C.) Register, a secular journal of May 17th. It is a horrible transaction. Letters were received here last week- from Hyde. Tyrell, and Beaufort counties, stating that Washington Carroway, a citizen of Hyde county, some fifty years of age and many years a preacher lately, on some frivolous pretext, knocked his wife down with a chair, and then seized a large stick and continued to beat her until a man named Lassiter, who was boarding in the house, interfered to prevent her from being murdered. Whereupon Carroway took his gun to shoot Lassiter but he disarmed him and left the house. A few days afterwards, Lassiter chanced to go by the house, which stood near the public road, when Carroway seeing him pass took his gun and ran through his field to cut him off and overtaking him in the Savannah, shot him dead: he then took his victim and carried him some half mile into a swamp, threw him face down into the mud and stamped him below the surface of the mud, covered him over with brush- then ran off, made his escape from the county, and eluded pursuit. He had been married three times and had children by each marriage. And horrible to tell, circumstances have now come out which strongly indicate that both of his deceased wives came to their deaths by his hands. (The Republican Compiler [Gettsyburg, PA] – June 6, 1853, pg. 3)

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY) - Saturday, Dec. 3, 1853; pg. 3

Semi-Weekly Standard (Raleigh, NC) - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 1853; pg.

The Spirit of the Age (Raleigh, NC) - Wed., Dec. 7, 1853; pg. 3

Rev. G.W. Carawan, a Baptist minister, on trial in Hyde County, North Carolina, for the murder of C.H. Lassiter in November last, was found guilty on the 30th ult., when he fired at a Mr. Warren, making but a slight wound, and then shot himself through the heart and fell dead in the prisoner's box. (Daily Free Democrat [Milwaukee, Wisconsin] – December 9, 1853; pg. 2)

A Clergyman by the name of Carawan has been convicted of murdering a schoolmaster by the name of Fassilten in Hyde Co. North Carolina, and as soon as the jury had brought in a verdict of guilty and as the people were going out of the Court House, drew two pistols, and shot the attorney for the State with one and himself with the other. (Daily Morning Advocate [Racine, Wisconsin] – December 16, 1853)

HOOPER & SANDERSON MARRIAGES
Raleigh Christian Advocate - July 4, 1856
Submitted by Linda Lau

ISRAEL B. WATSON MARRIAGE & LYDIA GIBBS DEATH
New Bern Daily Progress - April 4, 1859
Submitted by Linda Lau

DEATH OF JOHN BRUCE SMITH
Wilmington Journal (Wilmington, NC) - Thursday, July 26, 1860; pg. 3

The Washington (N. C.) Dispatch, states that the barn of Mr. Bernard CARROWAN, in which the common school was kept, was struck by lightning on the 28th ult. There were about 50 pupils in school. Two boys, Joseph, son of Hardy LEARY, and William, son of Christopher CARROWAN, were killed, and two others were knocked down. The rest were unhurt. (The Albemarle Southron and Union Advocate (Elizabeth City) - October 19, 1860, page 3, column 4.) Submitted by Leah Sims.

Wilson CREDLE of Hyde County married Martha A. WILLIAMS, daughter of John G. WILLIAMS, Esq., in Wilson County on February 12, 1861, by William D. FARMER, Esq. (Deaths & Marriages from Tarboro, NC Newspapers 1824-1865 by Hugh Buckner Johnston; Wilson, NC; copyright 1983)

(New York Daily Tribune, Wednesday, September 4, 1861) Kindly submitted by Terry Foenander of Queensland, Australia who is researching the U.S. Civil War Navies. View his website here http://www.tfoenander.com/csnindex.htm.

HYDE - On last Sunday, Mr. D. WAHAB, while returning to his home in Sladesville from church at Swan Quarter, met with a serious accident. While driving along the road the top of a tree blew off and fell across his phaeton in which he was riding, crushing it in, badly injuring him and Mrs. Bettie WARREN, who was riding with him, and slightly injuring his wife. An infant, in its mother's arms, escaped unhurt. (The Economist - Tuesday, July 5, 1881; pg. 3)

HYDE - On the 21st of Feb. by the Rev. J.J. CORDEN, Mr. W.H. CARTER and Miss Jennie W. SIMMONS were united in matrimony at 7 p.m. in the M.E. Church. 1st Groomsman & Bridesmaid were Mr. E.N. SPENCER & Miss Annie BLACKWELL of Raleigh; 2nd, Mr. J.B. SADLER & Miss Minnie L. SPENCER; 3rd, Mr. J.L. MANN & Miss Lidia BURGESS; 4th Mr. Chas. E. FARROW & Miss Maggie J. MURRAY; 5th, Mr. Allen BURRUS & Miss Mary SIMMONS; 6th, Mr. L.L. RUE & Miss Julia SPENCER; 7th, Mr. D.C. BURRUS & Miss Lessie ARRINGTON of Henderson. At the end of the ceremony the bridal party with numerous friends in attendance repaired to Mrs. Maggie MIDYETT's, mother of the bride. The bridal party was in attendance at a reception given the following day by Col. W.S. CARTER, father of the groom. (The Economist - Tuesday, April 17, 1883; pg. 3)

HYDE - Robert BALLANCE, an estimatable citizen, father of Dr. William Pell BALLANCE and others, has passed away. So also Mrs. Dr. LONG after a trying illness borne with patient resignation. As might be expected from our climate, each was over 70. (The Economist - Tuesday, July 17, 1883 pg. 3)

HYDE - Mrs. Henry COLE of this county gave birth a few days ago to 3 children, all of which exhibit the vitality of healthy babies. (The Economist - Tuesday, August 14, 1883; pg. 3)

BOARD OF MAGISTRATES -
    The Board of Magistrates met June 2nd in regular session, W.S. COX, H.S. GIBBS, A.B. TUNNELL, A.L. CREDLE, S.L. SNELL, L.S. ROSS, T.R. JARVIS, R.D. HARRIS, A.T. PAUL, W.R. CARAWAN, J.M. WATSON, N.C. WILLIAMS, S.B. HARRIS, Jas. ADAMS, S.B. SADLER, D.H. CARTER, D.C. BURRUS, J.G. HARRIS, B.F. GARRISH, Justices, and Alex BERRY, Clerk ex ofiscio, present.
    In accordance with section 716 of the Code, the Board proceeded to the election of a Board of Commissioners. The following were put in nomination: O.T. CREDLE, Currituck Township; N.C. WILLIAMS, Swan Quarter Township; J.C. SIMMONS, Fairfield Township; G.I. WATSON, Lake Landing Township; W.H. TOLSON, Ocracoke Township. There being no other nominations made, they were voted for separately and declared elected.
    Ordered, that S.L. SNELL, T.H.B. GIBBS and Israel B. WATSON be appointed and elected Finance Committee for Hyde county. On motion the Board adjourned.

BOARD OF EDUCATION -
The Board of Education and Magistrates met in joint session June 2^nd, J.M. WATSON acting Chairman.
The business in order was to elect County Superintendent of Public Instruction. Joseph M. WATSON and Rev. S.S. BARBER were placed in nomination; on taking the vote Joseph M. WATSON received 13 votes and his opponent 7, and Mr. WATSON was declared duly elected for the ensuing two years.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS -
    The Board met in regular session on June 2nd; all present. W.T. ALLEN was exempted from poll tax for the year 1884.
    The Board of Commissioners and Justices of the Peace met in joint session and levied the following tax for the year 1884: On $100 valuation of real and personal property, 41½ cents to be applied to several funds as follows, viz: County General Fund, 29 cents; County Parish Fund, 7½ cents; Bridge Fund, 5 cts; 12½ cents added for schools (levied by State) making in all 54 cents. The Board levies on the poll $1.24½ , and the State $1.12½ , making $2.37 poll tax.
    Ordered that notice be posted at the Court House that a Superintendent of County Poor House will be elected on Monday. Mr. TOOLY, resigned.
    County Claims were audited and allowed to the amount of $281.04. The Board then adjourned.

WEDDING FIGHT
National Republican (Washington, DC) - Thursday, Nov. 22, 1883; pg. 4

(The Washington Gazette (Washington, Beaufort Co. NC) - Thursday, June 12, 1884; pg. 3; column 4) [Kindly submitted by Robert Henderson]

Miss Annie L. BLACKWELL of New Bern and Dr. CARTWRIGHT of Hyde County are to be married on June 8th in New Berne. (Washington Progress - Tuesday, May 31, 1887; pg. 5)

On Sunday morning, the 5th inst., at the residence of Mr. Quincy SAWYER, Rev. S.S. DAVENPORT united Mr. S.S. SAWYER and Mrs. Fannie WARD. The groom is 35 years of age and the bride 30 and each of has been married twice previous to this. They live near Sladesville. (Washington Progress - Tuesday, June 28, 1887; pg. 4)

SWAN QUARTER, Hyde Co. N.C. - Miss Jennie WHITLEY one of the principals of the Misses WHITLEY and BROWN High School, at Washington, now teaching a public school at Otales Chapel, in Hyde county, had one of her pupils bitten by a ground rattlesnake. There being no physician near by and the little boy two or three miles from home, Miss WHITLEY sent to a near neighbor’s house, procured a pint or more of Holland gin and gave her little patient a sufficient quantity, as in her good judgment would have the desired effect, first having bandaged the boy’s leg above the wound remembering the old adage that “the hair of the hound would cure the wound.” But seeking no further friendship for the snakeship, took a toad frog, cut it open and bound the bleeding side to the wound; she then sent her little patient to his home. Dr. William O. WHITFIELD was called at once, but upon examination of the case found that Miss WHITLEY had so treated in the outset that the patient need not fear for the safety of the child. The little boy is well and out again declaring his intentions to bruise the serpent’s head. (The Washington Gazette (Washington, Beaufort Co. N.C.) - Thursday, August 14, 1889; pg. 3; column 2) [Kindly submitted by Robert Henderson]

As peaceful as they look to be there is something about oysters that engender strife. A case, originating in oysters, occurred in New Bern on Wednesday in which an oyster patrolman named J.C. THOMAS whose headquarters were at Coinjock, Currituck County, was shot, but not mortally wounded, by Jones SPENCER of Hyde County who recently published an article in the Washington Gazette reflecting upon the character of THOMAS and charging that he was bribed while at his official business at Coinjock [portion torn] used harsh terms about him, when SPENCER pulled out a pistol and told THOMAS he would shoot him if he came nearer. THOMAS continued to advance when SPENCER fired and a ball struck his abdomen and lodged in his hip. THOMAS was badly wounded and SPENCER was arrested, bought before Mayor WILLIAMS, waived examination and was placed under a bond of $400 with Messrs. SIMMONS and MOORE as sureties. THOMAS was a patrolman at the oyster grounds, SPENCER was also a patrolman appointed by Hyde County and was ordered to Coinjock. SPENCER published the results of his investigations and charged corruption upon THOMAS and bribery by non-resident oyster pirates. This led to the difficulty between the two. (The Economist - Tuesday, May 6, 1890; pg. 3)

HAPPENINGS AT ENGELHARD
The Daily Journal (New Bern, NC) - March 13, 1891
Submitted by Linda Lau

ENGELHARD - There was a terrific battle fought on Capt. S.H. SPENCER's wharf on Monday between some Far Creek fishermen. Rinaldo MYDGETT had one of his fingers nearly severed by the teeth of DeRosett SELBY and a piece of ear cut off by a blow from a tiller in the hands of Josh V. SWINDELL. MIDGETT had to hold SELBY's head under the water to make him relax his clinched teeth so that he, MIDGETT, could extricate his finger. MIDGETT says that by holding a crab under water he will release his hold, and it occurred to him to treat Selby along that line and it worked like a charm. Strange to say there was no whiskey in this fight but it was the outgrowth of an old feud which is as mean as good whiskey.

Mr. Robt. J. THOMPSON, who had his arm amputated some weeks ago, says that he can feel the arm as plainly as he ever could before the arm was cut off; and the other day he had the buried arm exhumed and turned over and reinterred so as to give his arm rest.

Mr. Edward SADLER and Miss Lillian Wells ROPER were married on the 4th inst. (The Economist & Falcon - Tuesday, March 18, 1891)

HYDE COUNTY - Near Fairfield, on December 27, '93, at the residence of Mr. W.A. WILLIAMS, Rev. H.S. DAVENPORT of the Disciples officiating, Mr. George SMITH was married to Miss Mamie BRINN.

CURRITUCK TWP. - Mr. Rufus SAWYER and Miss Mollie LUPTON were united in the holy bonds of matrimony December 27, 1893.

Dr. CARTWRIGHT is putting up a fine residence at Fairfield. (The Economist & Falcon - Friday, January 19, 1894; pg. 3)

HYDE COUNTY - At the M.E. Church at Fairfield on Wednesday, May 1, 1895, Mr. A.L. CUTHRELL and Miss Carrie SWINDELL, oldest daughter of Mr. Lewis SWINDELL, were married in the presence of a large company including guests from various parts of the county. [A lengthy description of the wedding party accompanied this article] (The Economist & Falcon - Friday, May 10, 1895; pg. 3)

Our dear friends Col. William S. CARTER and Mrs. Florence MURRAY, both of Fairfield. were united in holy matrimony at the Methodist church in Fairfield on Monday evening, August 5th. On Tuesday they came from Fairfield to this town [Elizabeth City] to take the steamer Neuse for a prolonged Southern bridal tour. The steamer Burrus that bought them from Fairfield came arrayed in flags and bunting in commeration of the happy event. It was a graceful and becoming act in the commander of the Burrus in paying honor to the distinguished President of the Fairfield Canal Company. (The Economist & Falcon - Friday, August 9, 1895; pg. 3)

Cards are out for the marriage in Fairfield on Wednesday morning, December 4th at 7:30 o'clock of Mr. Goerge P. CARTER and Miss Maggie G. MIDYETTE. (The Economist - Friday, November 8, 1895; pg. 3)

There was a boiler explosion at a mill in Gum Neck, Tyrrell County, that killed one white and two colored men. The white man was Richard DANIELS from near Fairfield, Hyde County. The mill was the property of Mr. F.N. HUSSEY and was run by W.B. COOPER, leasee. The loss is about $5000. (The Economist - Friday, May 22, 1896; pg. 4)

New Berne Special, 16th, to Raleigh Post. There was a double killing Saturday afternoon at Swan Quarter, Hyde county. The trouble began between a negro and Captain McKinney, aboard a schooner. The negro fired at McKinney five times, but McKinney was protected by the mast. The negro then reloaded the revolver and attacked Capt. John Flowers. Flowers shot the negro through the breast, near the heart. The negro then seized Flowers, got his head under his arm and shot him through the brain, killing Flowers instantly. As Flowers fell to the deck the negro also fell across him dead. Captain Flowers lived at Aurora. (The Landmark [Statesville, NC] – Tuesday, April 24, 1900; pg. 1)

At Elizabeth City, N.C. on Dec. 31st, 1902, Mr. Thos. R. CREEF of Manteo, and Miss Mollie MANN of Middletown, were united in matrimony. Rev. S.T. MOYLE of Manteo Station officiated. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, January 10, 1902; pg. 3)

In another column will be seen a notice to the effect that Swindell Hotel at Swan Quarter is for sale. This is an exceptional good opportunity for some one. The hotel is the only one at the county seat of the most fertile county in Eastern North Carolina, and is on Swan Quarter Bay where there are more wild fowl in season than at any other point on the sounds. The locality promises to be important in the oyster industry. There are two or more packing houses there already and the natural faculties make room for more. The Tar Heel regrets that the health of Mr. W.B. SWINDELL will not permit him to conduct the hotel business longer. It is a favorite place for traveling men and justly so, since no more pleasant people could be found than Mr. SWINDELL and his charming wife who always provides well for the accommodation of their guests. It is hoped that they will continue their residence at Swan Quarter. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, January 17, 1902; pg. 1)

Swan Quarter, the county seat of Hyde, which has no telephone or telegraphic communication, was the scene of a foul murder Sunday evening last. The facts as best we could gather them from the coroner, Dr. N.M. GIBBS, are that a white man named Henry WILLIAMS from Elizabeth City, who was mate on Capt. Frank CARTER's oyster boat, and some three negroes, had some trouble at Elizabeth City recently. On Sunday they were all ashore at the oyster factory at Swan Quarter. The quarrel was renewed. WILLIAMS and the negroes removed their coats and some little fighting took place. This blew over. Later the fuss was renewed. The three negroes, Cliff MULLIN, Zion BAKER, and Garland SPENCER, and WILLIAMS removed their coats, secured clubs and for a time trouble was rife. Again the trouble was about to end when one of the negroes said he would fight him and started to WILLIAMS, striking him with the club. WILLIAMS returned the blow with a club. The other two then joined in the fight. One of them struck WILLIAMS with a club from behind and knocked him senseless. The club was about six feet long and weighed eleven pounds. This occurred between 5 and 6 o'clock Sunday afternoon and at 8 o'clock Monday morning WILLIAMS died. BAKER and MULLIN were arrested and put in jail. SPENCER made his escape. He is a coal black negro, about 35 years old, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high and weighs 170 pounds. There is a small reward offered for his capture. At one time lynching was feared but at last accounts all was quiet. Dr. E.H. JONES was called to WILLIAMS but he was unable to save his life. The skull was crushed. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, March 7, 1902; pg. 1)

Capt. B.F. SIMMONS of the U.S. Army, with headquarters at San Antonio, Texas, was in the city enroute to Fairfield, his native home. He graduated at West Point with the class of '95 and since that time has won distinction as a military officer. He was appointed to the cadetship by Hon. T.G. SKINNER, then member of Congress from this district. Mr. SIMMONS is the son of Dr. SIMMONS of Fairfield who is the recipient of many compliments occasioned by the achievements of his distinguished son. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, November 21, 1902; pg. 3)

Mr. Geo. W. SWINDELL, grandfather of Mr. Preston SWINDELL of your city, died last Thursday at his home in Swan Quarter. He was about 75 years old and his demise marks the passing of another of Hyde's old landmarks. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, December 19, 1902; pg. 2)

Perhaps never in the history of this county has there been a more beautiful June wedding than on the 17th inst. when Miss Laura Elizabeth CARTER, the charming and accomplished daughter of Mr. H. Clay CARTER, became the wife of Rev. Rufus Rhodes GRANT of the North Carolina Conference. The impressive ceremony was performed by Rev. Joseph E. HOLDEN, pastor to the bride, assisted by rev. Mr. EVERTON, pastor of the M.E. Church at Swan Quarter. The bride was handsomely attired, as was her maids of honor. The attendants were Miss Isabel CARTER, sister of the bride, with Rev. Mr. BLACK as best man; Miss Minnie SPENCER with Mr. T. Delman MIDGETT; Miss Sallie WATSON with Mr. Preston SWINDELL; Miss Jennie CARTER with Mr. James WATSON; Miss Lydia WESTON with Mr. Charles O'NEAL. The ushers were Messrs. I.S. CARTER and Walter JONES. After the ceremony the Rev. and Mrs. GRANT left immediately for their future home at Ocracoke, N.C. where Mr. GRANT is the pastor of the M.E. Church of that place.
Miss Lillie CREDLE became the wife of Mr. David GRIFFIN on the 24th. Miss CREDLE is the popular daughter of Mr. David CREDLE at Swan Quarter. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, July 3, 1903; pg. 5)

    Since I last wrote, this community has lost one of its best citizens. Mr. Willie COHOON, a young man widely esteemed, departed this life at his home near here. He leaves a young wife and two infant children to mourn the loss. He was a good citizen and his death is a loss to this community in which he had begun to exert an influence for good.
    Mr. AMBROSE, an aged and highly respected citizen of Swan Quarter township, departed this life. He was a Confederate soldier and as brave a man as ever breasted federal bullets.
    Another death occurred recently in the Engelhard section. This time the messenger claimed Mr. John PEDRICK, a highly respected citizen, ripe with more than 75 years experience.
    This is by no means a sickly county. On the other hand, we have never had a case of typhoid fever. Most of our people are of old age. We have more citizens over 60 years of age than any county in North Carolina in proportion to our population. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, September 11, 1903; pg. 11)

I remember having heard "Tom" SPENCER say on one occasion that "if the Garden of Eden was not located east of the Chowan River, it should have been". And these words of Eastern North Carolina's great commoner came forcibly to my mind as I looked over the broad and fertile fields of Hyde County unprecedentedly rich with magnificent crops. From an agricultural point of view Hyde is by far the richest of the 97 counties in North Carolina.
This year the crops are the biggest since the Civil War. It can truthfully be called the corn crib of the State. It's vast acres of corn stalks bowing under the weight of this staple food product is truly an inspiration.

A few years ago the Hyde County farmer was in debt. A disease fatal to horses had swept over the county; unfavorable seasons had brought poor crops and he was discouraged. But today conditions are different. Providence has smiled upon him and his rich fields are free of encumbrance. Today the farmer of Hyde, more than any other of my knowledge, approaches that ideal agriculturalist of which the poets have sung and the novelists have dreamed.
It is no uncommon sight to see a college diploma hanging from the wall of the home of the farmer of Hyde. He is educated. For generations it has been the ambition of the youth to graduate at the State University and return to the farm of his boyhood. It is therefore safe to say that there is a larger percent of intelligence here than in any other county in the State. In not a few instances there is a piano in the parlor and a rubber-tired buggy in the barn. On the center table are magazines and newspapers, and in the bookcase are books which give evidence of culture. In addition to this, he has a bank account and is able to lend money to his neighbor.

I was elated to witness such conditions for upon such conditions rest the safety of the republic. As the farmer prospers so we all prosper. The farm are the real foundation of the nation's wealth. On the prosperity of the farm is built the prosperity of the factory, the railroad and the tradesmen. The speculator is only on the surface and Wall Street is powerless to dictate financial conditions so long as the farmer's barns are full. The present wave of prosperity is due not to Wall Street financiers nor to any political administration, but solely to a general confidence stimulated by the large crops of both the Western and Southern farmer. He has in reality been responsible for the prosperity of the whole county, for when the farmer has no crops to exchange for the product of the factory, the noise of the factory is hushed, the railroads must sidetrack their rolling stock for want of traffic, and commercial activity is generally impeded.

But I started out to write about Hyde County. There are vast acres of farm lands here that have been in cultivation for more than 100 consecutive years and which will easily produce forty to fifty bushels of corn to the acre. Many acres of farm lands that are tilled only for the cultivation of cotton and corn will sell for $100 per acre. In fact I have been told of a farmer in Fairfield township who made a loan of $500 on a mortgage of 5 acres of bare farm land in that township.

Among those most successful farmers of Hyde, I mean those operating on a large scale are: H.C. CARTER, T.H.B. GIBBS, A.L. CUTHRELL, D.H. CARTER, T.B. JONES, W.D. MURRY, J.A. MANN, and R.N. CARTWRIGHT of Fairfield. J.S. NORTHERN, Jno. MANN, C.E.P. GIBBS, A.S. GIBBS, E.L. GIBBS and T.J. MANN of Engelhard. T.E. SAUNDERSON, H.B. CREDLE, T.H. JENNETT, J.C. McCLOUD, and Robt. JENNETT of Lake Landing. E.O. SPENCER, M.S. CREDLE, I.R. CREDLE, C.E. CAHOON, T.W. HARRIS, JR., J.M. WATSON, L.H. SWINDELL, B.F. MIDGETT, Edgar O'NEAL and G.V. CREDLE of Swan Quarter. D. WAHAB, C.M. WATSON, Z.T. FORTESCUE, T.E. WARREN and Walter JARVIS of Sladesville. Mr. D.H. CARTER of Fairfield is the largest rice grower in this county and one of the largest in the state. He has modern machinery for flooding his rice lands and for the cultivation of this product.

My host, Greely BRINN, is the authority for a singular incident which occurred here several years ago. It was in the year 1876. The Methodist folk were about to build a house of worship. There was division in the membership on the question of locating the edifice. The ladies were a unit in favor of locating it on Pamlico Avenue, while the male members were united in their determination to have it on a site about 400 yards from the one desired by the ladies. The men won out and the building was in course of erection when the memorable storm of '76 swept this vicinity. The singular feature of the story is that the unfinished church structure was floated and carried by the storm to a point within twenty feet of where the ladies had desired that it be erected. The men believed this to be the work of a divine hand and it is needless to say that this house of worship remained where the storm had driven it. And to this day the men of this community let the women have their way in church matters as well as in many other respects.

It was my pleasure to eat Thanksgiving dinner with my friend, Mr. W.B. SWINDELL, for many years the leading merchant of this county. He is a close observer of men and events. No one is better posted on the conditions of this county than this man whose every heart throb is in kindness for his fellow creature. Our conversation drifted on the temperance question. He says that it is a mistaken idea for men to believe that the sale of whiskey helps a town. Hyde is a dry county and Elizabeth City will not lose one dollar's worth of trade by abolishing its bar rooms. "The captains of our sailing vessels are disgusted with the idea of transporting jugs and they prefer to trade with a dry town", said my host. He said that the people of Hyde County preferred to trade with Elizabeth City and as a trading point it was superior to either Washington of Newberne. "Your merchants need not entertain fear that the Hyde County trade will be diminished after the first of January. Instead of bringing refilled whiskey jugs, our captains will bring more provisions from your town", thus continued my friend.

I find that the people of this county are anxious to trade with Elizabeth City. It has only been in very recent years that Elizabeth City has been getting any trade from Hyde. The bulk of trade went to Washington and Newberne. Our merchants have been slowly but surely making a conquest of this territory by a marked superiority of goods and prices as compared with the merchants of Newberne and Washington. The people of Hyde have been quick to recognize the superior advantages our town offers the trading public and it may reasonably be expected that with the proper transportation facilities, Elizabeth City will get practically all of this Hyde County trade.

I find the people practically unanimous in a desire for proper transportation with Elizabeth City. In this connection I was talking with Mr. E.L. GIBBS, a prominent merchant and planter of Middleton. He says that the people here would meet the businessmen of Elizabeth City more than half way in any movement looking to steamboat communication. "Some years ago," said Mr. GIBBS, "our people raised $5000 with which to build suitable wharves for a steamboat line. This was done at the instigation of Mr. M.K. KING of Norfolk & Southern Railroad. He promised to give us steamboat transportation and afterwards attributed his failure to do so to an unsettled state of political sentiment. This was when BRYAN and free silver seemed so popular. But we must have transportation. The same fertile lands which brings cotton and corn in such abundance will produce peas, potatoes and other truck. We are 10 days in advance of Elizabeth City. We can grow truck cheaper and in greater abundance than the farmers on the north of the Sound, but these advantages are of no value to us if we haven't the transportation facilities to get our produce to marker. We have despaired of any aid or encouragement from Mr. KING and his railroad. We are entertaining hopes that the Suffolk & Carolina railroad will help us, together with the businessmen of your city. If your businessmen are the wide-awake men I believe them to be, they will spare no time in helping us to establish a steamboat line between Elizabeth City and swan Quarter, making stops at intermediate points."

    The old Donald farm, one of the finest relics of the antebellum plantations, but which in recent years has been neglected, is to be extensively improved. This I learned from a talk with Mr. M. MAKELY, the owner of the historic plantation.
    The Donald farm comprises 6500 acres of the most fertile lands in Eastern North Carolina. Prior to the war it was operated by Judge DONALD, who resided in Newberne The old judge was a practical farmer, and being the owner of 300 Negroes, he kept these broad acres in an excellent state of cultivation. Since the death of Judge DONALD, the farm has been operated by different parties. As much as 60,000 bushels of corn has been produced on this farm in one season.
    Mr. MAKELY proposes to construct a canal which will give the farm proper drainage. The canal will be 20 feet wide, 4 /12 feet deep and 2 miles long. It will be navigable for small craft. He will erect commodious and modern barns. The erection of 12 comfortable and creditable dwellings will be begun at once. Mr. MAKELY says that these dwellings will be such as any white man will be glad to occupy. He has despaired of Negro labor and will make improvement with a view to employing white labor exclusively.

    Mr. M. MAKLEY is one of the most level-headed and practical men that I ever met. In a conversation with him I received some sensible views of the much discussed Negro problem. He is a native of New York State and came to North Carolina 32 years ago. He came South with the instincts of a Northern man and entertained the theoretical views generally entertained by the Northern citizen with reference to the Negro. But a residence of more than three decades in the South, during which time he has had much practical experience with the colored man, has entirely changed his views regarding the race problem.
    "If the North wants our cotton, said Mr. MAKELY, "it must quit this agitation of the race question. The South is the natural home of the cotton plant, but we must have the Negro with which to raise sufficient cotton to meet the present consumption. The Northern cotton mills are now idle for want of cotton, and much labor is deprived of a means of earning a livelihood, while cotton remains in the fields of the South for want of Negro labor. I know of many farmers in Eastern North Carolina whose fields are perfectly white. They have offered fifty cents per 100 pounds for picking cotton and any able-bodied Negro can pick 200 pounds per day, but at these figures they can't get the Negroes in the field. I attribute this largely to this continual agitation of racial questions. If the Northern agitators, the press included, will close their mouths we will raise cotton for the world, and then the South will become rich. European nations are now looking about for some other country from which to get their cotton supply. England is looking to her colonies and it is a question of time when other countries will vie with our Southland in the production of this great commodity."
    "What do you think of Governor AYCOCK's idea of educating the Negro?", I asked. "I am opposed to any such policy. Of course, everyone should be taught to read and write, but this heavy burden of taxation to educate the negro is being carried to excess and the principal objection is that it thoroughly unfits the negro as an industrial factor. Our cotton fields are yet white with unpicked cotton, while Governor AYCOCK's policy has no other tendency than to separate the Negro and the cotton patch. This policy too, will surely lead to a self-conceived idea on the negroes part, of social equality. I can conceive of nothing more vitally dangerous to our industrial system than such a policy as is being manifested by several of our over-enthusiastic educators. Unless this is checked, I believe that it will, sooner or later, lead to an effort to separate the taxes of the races for purposes of education. This would be an opposite extreme."

"Mr. MAKELY, do you believe that the future holds any inducements for the young men to remain on the farm?" "Yes sir, I know of no occupation which gives more promise than that of farming. The young man who leaves the farm now is making a gross mistake. The price of farm products has risen and there is no reason to expect a decline. The congested centers of population must have food-stuff and the great demand will sustain good prices. The value of farm lands will advance, as we may well expect immigration from the North. The South has cheap lands, health and a mild climate, which enables the farmer to work all the year. These inducements are being recognized very rapidly. There is no more new West, with broad and fertile plains, to attract the people of the North. Their gaze is fixed on the South and we hold the possibilities of the future. Eastern North Carolina is especially well favored. We are within 24 hours of the great centers of population, and with proper transportation facilities, which will come in time, together with our many other advantages, farming here will become a great and paying industry. I pin my faith to the future of Eastern North Carolina." (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, December 4, 1903; pg. 1)

DEATH OF MRS. SIMMONS - Mrs. Lizena SIMMONS, wife of Dr. P.H. SIMMONS and mother of Capt. Benjamin SIMMONS of the U.S. Army, died Saturday, the 28th, after a short illness. She leaves a husband and three children and a host of friends to mourn her loss. She was a most estimable woman in who were embodied the finest attributes of a Christian character.

Mr. Preston CARTER had the misfortune to get a finger badly damaged by the explosion of a shell while trying to load his gun a few days ago. He had the same hand ruined a few years ago by a similar accident. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, December 4, 1903; pg. 1)

I saw a statement in the Tar Heel a few weeks ago saying that there was but one cotton ginnery in the county. Your informant was either ignorant of the situation or thoughtless, I don't know which. There are three, whose owners buy cotton to gin. There is one at Swan Quarter owned by a stock company; one at Engelhard owned by Mr. Anson GIBBS; one at Germanton owned by Mr. Alex SPRING; and one at Fairfield run by Mr. Frank SWINDELL, which however, does not buy cotton. Messrs GIBBS and SPRING are large farmers as well. I do not know how many bales Mr. GIBBS gins in a season, but Mr. SPRING stated that he gins about 400 bales and I suppose Mr. GIBBS gins as much. A great many of our people ship their cotton in the seed to Newbern, Washington and Elizabeth City. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, December 18, 1903; pg. 5)

Cards have been received in the city reading as follows: Rev. & Mrs. John Edmund UNDERWOOD request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Lina Atkins, to Mr. George McNurney MAKELY, on the morning of Tuesday, the 29th of December at 9:00; 3 Road Street, Elizabeth City, N.C. Both the contracting parties are well known in Elizabeth City. Miss UNDERWOOD is the accomplished daughter of Rev. J.E. UNDERWOOD, presiding elder of the Elizabeth City district. Mr. MAKELY is a native of Pennsylvania but now resides in Hyde County. He is the owned and manager of the Donald farm and is one of the most important planters in Hyde. After the marriage Mr. & Mrs. MAKELY will leave over the Norfolk & Southern for an extended tour. They will visit northern cities and Niagara Falls after which they will resides at Lake Comfort, N.C. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, December 25, 1903; pg. 1)

BRIDGMAN-TUTEN MARRIAGE
Washington Progress [Washington, NC] - Feb. 25, 1904
Submitted by Mary E. Baxter

SPELLING OF ENGELHARD
Washington Progress [Washington, NC] - Thursday, April 20, 1905; pg. 3

Elizabeth City, N.C., Dec. 13 - The bodies of Leo JARVIS and Carroll COX were brought here this morning by Capt. P.W. MIDGETT of the schooner Irene, who found them late yesterday afternoon near Long Shoals, Hyde County. They were in a shad boat which was half filled with water. The men met their death in the storm Sunday, which was terrific along the Carolina coast. (The Washington Post - December 14, 1905; pg. 11)

Mrs. Sam SADLER and children left Monday for Greensboro where they will make their future home. Mr. Jim SADLER has tendered his resignation as postmaster and Miss Bessie BURGESS takes charge of it.

Mr. Walter JONES of Swan Quarter came home Wednesday to be at the bedside of his mother. (The Daily Economist - Monday, January 29, 1906; pg. 4)

Mr. W.T. TWIFORD formerly of Stumpy Point, and Miss Katie WATSON, daughter of Capt. William B. WATSON, were married in Hyde County on the 11th. (The Daily Economist - Tuesday, July 17, 1906)

MARRIED
Frederick Arthur Lupton & Rena Watson Bridgman
From the Anne B. Lupton Collection & submitted by Mary E. Baxter
(unknown 1906 newspaper)

REV. HENRY HOBART BARBER
Source: Detroit Free Press (Detroit, Michigan) - Thursday, October 24, 1907; pg. 12
Submitted by Lillian Masch

News was received here yesterday that Dr. Oscar GIBBS, one of the most prominent physicians of Hyde County, has just died at his home at Middleton at the age of 48 years. He was one of the most highly esteemed citizens in Hyde County and his death is greatly lamented. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, October 9, 1908; pg. 1)

Mr. J.W. McWILLIAMS of Ocracoke, was elected to serve Hyde County in the House in 1909 by a majority of 625. He was born in Hyde County on March 10, 1869 and was educated in the public schools of his native county. He is a member of the Methodist church. On May 20, 1889 he was married to Miss Elizabeth WILLIAMS. He is a leading merchant of Ocracoke and a leading citizen of his district. He served two terms as commissioner of wrecks for Hyde County. Mr. McWILLIAMS was a members of the following committees: Fish & Fisheries, Oyster Interests, Game Laws and Insurance and Institution for the Blind. He was mostly interested in the legislation affecting drainage, game laws and the fish and oyster industries and was prominent in shaping this legislation. Hyde has just cause to be proud of its representative. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, March 26, 1909; pg. 3)

The negro boys on the farm of Mr. W.S. JENNETTE near Lake Landing, Hyde County, who had been stationed on the farm with shot guns to keep the black birds away from the early corn, got into a dispute and one shot and killed the other. The course of the dispute is unknown. The murdered fled but was captured and jailed at Fairfield. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, April 23, 1909; pg. 5)

Captain Tilman GIBBS, one of the most highly respected citizens of Tyrrell County, died at his home on the mouth of the Scuppernong River on Monday, May 16th 1909 after a brief illness of three or four days, He was 78 years old. He is survived by a wife and four sons: Thomas H. GIBBS of Tyrrell County, Daniel B. GIBBS of Washington, N.C., William N. GIBBS of Philadelphia and N.L. GIBBS of Tyrrell County. The funeral services were conducted over the remains from the late home on the 17th instant by Rev. W.B. MORTON, pastor of the Baptist church of Columbia and the interment followed in the family burying ground. Captain GIBBS was born in Hyde County in 1830. He lived all his early life in the county and about 35 years ago he moved to Washington County and from Washington County he moved to Tyrrell County where he has resided for about 25 years. He was well known in the county and was held in the highest esteem. He was kind and considerate and all were his friends. His sudden death was a great shock to a large circle of friends who loved and admired him. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, May 28, 1909; pg. 2)

One of the prettiest marriages of the season was solemnized Sunday evening at 7:30 when Miss Delia HOOPER became the bride of Mr. W.T. MASON of Mount Pleasant, the ceremony being performed by Rev. R.A. BURTON. The waiters were Mr. Warren PAYNE of Hyde County and Miss Etha MASON, sister of the groom; Mr. Richard HOOPER of Cape Lookout and Miss Katie MIDGETT of Engelhard; Mr. Robert COHOON of Wysocking and Miss Cora WISE; Mr. Henry TWIFORD and Miss Minnie MIDGETT; Mr. Milton HOOPER and Miss Maude WISE. The wedding march was beautifully rendered by Mrs. Lillian WISE. (The Tar Heel (Elizabeth City) - Friday, July 23, 1909; pg. 3)

J.M. CLAYTON
Source: The Independent (Elizabeth City) - Friday, February 21, 1919; pg. 1

Aaron B. WALLACE, one time shop foreman of The Independent, is now a benedict according to an announcement received by this newspaper. The bride was Miss Amanda LUPTON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. LUPTON of Sladesville, N.C. and the marriage was on June 24. Mr. and Mrs. WALLACE will make their home in Belhaven, N.C. where Mr. WALLACE is employed as manager of the Belhaven Journal. (The Independent (Elizabeth City) - Friday, July 4, 1919; pg. 3)

    Middletown, N.C., Sept. 1 - When the Reclamation Company got concessions from the State to drain Mattamuskeet Lake, their ultimate object was to use the reclaimed land for farming purposes and colonize it with emigrants from Holland. The post office there is called New Holland. There is a nice hotel with running water, shower baths, lavatories, clean rooms and a good table. It was rumored that a large stock ranch would be made of the recovered land and a 50-mile long fence is being run all around the lake. A gentleman occupying a high position told me the company had several plans in view, but had not definitely settled upon any one, and stated that matters along these lines were in embryo.
    The pumping plant has four 48-inch cylinder engines, each driving two centrifugal pumps which discharge 3,000,000 [the first number was smudged but looked like a 3] gallons of water per minute in a stream 38 feet in diameter. This goes into a 7-mile long canal, 70 feet wide at the bottom, and 7 feet deep. The canal has been dredged out recently. The lake water is so charged with salt that it precipitates when coming in contact with salt water, which necessitated cutting the canal out a second time, particularly where it emptied into Pamlico Sound.
    Mattamuskeet Lake is 20 miles long and from 6-7 miles wide. It is shallow, the mean depth being 2 1/2 to 3 feet. In order to supply the pumps with all the water they could discharge, a canal 50 miles long was cut all around the lake and seven lateral ones across it, besides nine other canals cut from the lake into the swamps in back of the farm lands to drain them, making in all about 150 miles of canals. Opinion seems divided as to the benefits being co-equal with the tax of 50 cents per acre on lands in the drained district. This tax goes to the upkeep of the plant, and the State requires the company to pay a tax of $1.50 per acre on the 50,000 acres of lake bottom to be recovered.
    In 1916 the lake was pumped almost dry, only small bodies of water being left in depressions. The soil consisted of black soil and white grit, almost impalpable, that the winds raised in clouds which covered and made gray every object in their path. This grit when incorporated with the black soil makes a rich, dark loam.
    There is an Indian legend to the effect that the land caught fire and burned for 13 moons, causing what is now the lake I omitted stating in proper connection that the unusual rainfall in 1917 filled the lake again, and the company was unable to pump it out, owing to the scarcity of coal. Sufficient fuel has been obtained, and when the dredges are not at work on the canals in the lake which the rains nearly filled with washed-in banks, the pumps are actively put to work.
    Mr. Julian MANN of Middletown, superintendent of the penitentiary at Raleigh for eight years, is now manager. The crops in Hyde County were never finer at the time of the year than they are now. I have lived in 7 states and 2 territories, yet I never saw a prettier farming country than the greater part of Hyde. Some idea of its isolation may be had when it is stated that there is but one road leading into the county. (The Independent (Elizabeth City) - Friday, September 12, 1919; pg. 3)

E.L. SILVERTHORNE of this city is in charge of a curiosity 90 years old. The curiosity is a pair of hose worn by Mrs. Martha ADAMS of Hyde County on her wedding day 90 years ago. The lady, who was the grandmother of Mr. SILVERTHORNE, wore a shoe not larger than a number 2. The hose are said to have been knitted in England and the feet are made of silk while the tops are cotton, it being the custom then as now to put the silk only where it could be seen. (The Independent (Elizabeth City, NC) - Friday, October 13, 1922; pg. 6

Mrs. Willie CREDLE of Fairfield is the owner of a large silver watch said to have belonged to the pirate Edward TEACH, better know as BLACKBEARD. It is a double case watch with a very think convex crystal. It can be taken entirely out of its outer case. The makers were a London firm, and most people insist they can see a pirate face on the inside of the watch where the trade mark is. A small piece of white silk printed with a wreath of flowers is between the outer case and the inner one. Possible forty-five years ago an old man in Bath gave the time piece to the late Poley SPENCER of Raleigh and Hyde County and Mrs. CREDLE is Mr. SPENCER's sister. No more of its history than this is known.
Mr. S.T. GASKINS of Lake Landing is probably the oldest man in the county. He is 90 years old and said "I'd be glad to see a piece about good old Hyde." Mr. GASKINS said the house he lived in on Lake Landing road was built by David S. GIBBS about 80 years ago. The oldest house he thought in the county must be where Misses Betty and Janie MANN live on the Lake Landing road. "I boarded there with Uncle Dixon SWINDELL. I used to teach school at Fairfield," he said. The reporter found that Mr. GASKINS had taught about 20 schools as the short terms of the public school used to be called. When questioned about the drainage of the Lake he said, "God put that lake there for to stay there," but when he found that Mr. SANDFORD of New Holland was in the party he was talking to, he seemed much chagrined that he had adversely criticized the project. "When they talked about draining it 25 or 30 years ago I wrote two or three pieces about it." But when he was told about the wonderful hay growing on the former lake bottom and shown some of it, he said, "Dog, if I don't hope they can save it." Asked about his religion, Mr. GASKINS said, "I'm Episcopalian. I'm orthodox. Milton BARBER's father was the father of Episcopalians in Hyde County and to all of Hyde County Rev. Milton BARBER, rector of Christ Church in Raleigh, is "Milton BARBER". (The Independent - Friday, July 20, 1923; pg. 5)

The funeral of Joseph Warren GASKINS, who died here at his home on Broad Street Saturday at the age of 84, was conducted Sunday afternoon by Rev. H.E. MYERS. Captain GASKINS had followed the sea most of his life. He was a veteran of the Civil War and a member of Company I, North Carolina Infantry. He was a native of Hatteras but had been living here for the past 45 years. He is survived by a widow, a brother, George GASKINS of Black Mountain, N.C., and a number of nephews and nieces in eastern North Carolina. (The Independent - Friday, July 27, 1923; pg. 5)

The young daughter, Mary Ward, of Mr. and Mrs. Ephram SPENCER of Swan Quarter, was carried to Fairfield a few days ago for treatment by Dr. HARRIS of that community. Both the physician and friends of the family were hopeful for a recovery but the little girl proved to be too weak for the struggle and passed away at one o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The remains were carried home where the funeral services will be head. The interment will take place Wednesday in the cemetery at Lake Comfort.
The people of Piney Oak section are sympathizing with the relatives of Mr. Heber JARVIS who has become insane. It became necessary to put him under restraint owing to his very serious condition. He drove his whole family from the home and struck terror in the hearts of the neighbors by his violence. At present he is in the county jail until the authorities can obtain admission for him into the State Asylum. Mr. JARVIS is known as a man of good report, served his country overseas during the war and came back apparently the same kind of young man, only a little more sober-minded. It is thought that he was affected by the experience of army life. (The Independent - Friday, January 11, 1924; pg. 6)

Miss Mildred MANN of Swan Quarter spent the week-end here with friends. (Belhaven Journal - Thursday, July 10, 1924)

H.W. CAHOON was instantly killed and Thomas LEE had his arm broken and several ribs broken besides bruises on his face as a result of their Ford touring car turning turtle Tuesday night on the main road between Washington and Yeatesville. Both victims are white men and are said to be from near Swan Quarter, Hyde County. CAHOON's head was crushed in striking a stump near the road where the car turned over. Death was instantaneous. The two men were on their way to Hyde County from Washington. Going at a high rate of speed the car was unable to turn a curve without going over. CAHOON was thrown out, his head striking a stump. LEE was taken by officers to the Washington Hospital where it is said that in all probability he will recover. The body of CAHOON was taken to Belhaven and shipped from that town this morning to Swan Quarter for interment. CAHOON is said to be between forty and fortu-five years and married. LEE is about thirty-five and is also married. (The Independent - Friday, September 26, 1924; pg. 2)

ELIZABETH CITY, Nov. 8 - Trapped by heavy seas in a roaring gale off Ocracoke last Saturday, three fisherman lost their lives, and a fourth, able to withstand the buffeting waters, managed to swim ashore to safety. First definite details of the tragedy were received at the coast guard station here today from James H. GARRISH, keeper of the Ocracoke life guard station. The sinking of the craft, the motor boat 2021-T, was witnessed by M.P. GUTHRIE, member of the Ocracoke coast guard crew patrolling the beach Saturday morning. The lone survivor, Joseph GASKINS, was observed wading in the surf near the shore a short time later. He was taken to the coast guard station and the crew set out in a motor boat in an effort to save the others. The body of John P. SPENCER was found floating and by use of a seine, the bodies of William and Ivy O'NEIL were recovered. (The Gastonia Daily Gazette - Friday afternoon, Nov. 8, 1927; pg. 4)

Captain Walter Hawks SPENCER has returned to Hyde County, avowing it it his intention to spend his last days at Engelhard. He is, no doubt, the oldest man in the Engelhard section, having been born at Washington, N.C. November 15, 1854. His father was Frederick SPENCER who was at that time a ship carpenter, and his mother was Delphin DAILY who came from Cape Hatteras, When Mr. SPENCER was two years old his parents moved back to Hyde County and lived in the Sladesville community until Mr. SPENCER was 18 years of age. On the loss of both his parents, he found himself thrown on the mercies of the world and obliged to support himself, and help, if possible, a number of orphaned brothers. Starting out in the world along, he worked his way to Philadelphia where he obtained work on a Quaker farm. Mr. SPENCER's recital of his experiences during the long years of his life and an account of the great contrast between the methodical Pennsylvania Dutch and the "happy-go-lucky" Southern offers a striking lesson. After a time he left the farm and devoted himself to learning the carpenter trade, rising in a few years to the top of his profession. At one time he superintended the construction of the state buildings of Pennsylvania. One cannot find a more charming manner in which to spend a short hour than to sit beside Mr. SPENCER, where he has comfortably situated himself on the porch of the Watson Hotel at Engelhard to enjoy his sense of ready humor, to marvel at his good memory and keen appreciation of good literature. He is a self-educated man and a great reader. He married Miss Odessa JONES of Hyde County on November 23, 1887, who died July 23, 1902, leaving one son, Walter Junior of Norfolk. Walter Hawks SPENCER was a brother to the late Captain F.F. SPENCER, prominent citizen of Fairfield, whose influence and business connections extended over all eastern North Carolina. Captain Walter Hawks SPENCER left Hyde County during the great depression following the Civil War, dead broke, and came back to Hyde at the height of the present depression, having again lost all his possession under the stress of the times. He says that the depression following the Civil War was far harder and the people suffered more deprivation than now, because medical science had not found a check for typhoid fever or malaria. Mr. SPENCER liver through a cholera epidemic, his sister having died from that disease. He believes in letting the other fellow do the work. By sticking closely to that rule, he has saved himself many hours of trouble. He believes in not crossing your bridges until you get to them and then burn them behind you. (Dare County Times - Friday, August 23, 1935; pg. 8)

SIX PERSONS ADDED TO DEATH TOLL
Source: The News & Observer [Raleigh, NC] - Saturday, December 26, 1936; pg. 1

Hon. W.W. WATSON, has served for a matter of terms and years as commissioner of Hyde County and is again Chairman of the Board. He is a successful farmer of Lake Landing and a forward looking citizen who long ago recognized the value of highway connections between Dare, Hyde and Tyrrell. He is quite a political power in Hyde County and is the type of man who remains strong in politics.

Hon. O.L. WILLIAMS of Swan Quarter is an able lawyer, one of the few lawyers in the state licensed before the Supreme Court of the United states. He is a tireless worker, does an immense amount of work, and is a former member of the General Assembly. He has passed several measures of much interest in Hyde County and among his legislative acts was the facilitation of the faster liquidation of defunct banks, which helped to turn thousands of tied-up dollars loose in his section and he also passed an enabling act whereby the bank of Engelhard spread its progressive activities to other communities of this section. (Dare County Times - Friday, April 2, 1937; pg. 1)

Mr. John Henry Clay BERRY (photo) of Soule Church, Swan Quarter-Fairfield charge, recently observed his 90th birthday. For 61 years he has been a continuous subscriber to the Advocate. This has been a part of his religious program. For 51 years he has been a loyal and consistent member of the Methodist Church, South. He quit the use of tobacco when he joined the church and has not touched it since. Neither does he drink coffee. He is today a very active member of the church and takes a deep and abiding interest in all its affairs. Very seldom does he ever absent himself from a religious service conducted at his church, or any other program of interest to the community. His long life has been most exemplary and an inspiration to all with whom he has come in contact. Someone has said he will live to be one hundred unless he falls out of a treetop and hurts himself. Methodism needs more lives thus consecrated to the services of Christ and the church. [signed] R.Z. NEWTON, P.C. (North Carolina Advocate - March 10, 1938) [Submitted by Merlin S. BERRY of Gambrills, Md.]

    Closs GIBBS, well-known 58-year old Engelhard merchant and landowner, endorsed the notes of Ed GIBBS in the amount of $1000. He took a second mortgage on a farm owned by Ed GIBBS, 72. Ed GIBBS didn't pay the money so Closs GIBBS had it to pay. He also had to take up the property from the Federal Land Bank of Columbia, holders of the first mortgage, or lose his own investment and was preparing to do so when Ed GIBBS came to see him. Ed GIBBS is considered a fiery old man. He had been aggravated a lot by losing various pieces of property which he had mortgaged at different times. When the Federal Land Bank of Columbia notified him that they were selling the farm he formerly owned to Closs GIBBS, he met the merchant in the road at Engelhard one day about a month ago and said "I want to talk to you on business." "I thought he wanted to make some arrangements about buying back the property and I was quite willing for him to do so. I invited him to get in my car and he did." said Closs GIBBS at Swan Quarter last week. "Ed GIBBS said: 'I hear you are going to buy my farm,' and I told him yes, I was getting it for about what he had borrowed on it from the bank added to what I had paid out. At that he backed out of the car and said 'alright'. Before I knew what had happened he drew a pistol and pointed it at my head. I threw back my head and threw up my right arm, a bullet entering it and going through it between the bones. I began to back out of the car and he shot again, striking me in the thumb. I managed to get to him and pin his arms before he could shoot again." Closs GIBBS, weak from the loss of blood, testified in Hyde county court this week. The defendant charge with assault with intent to kill, offered no evidence. His attorneys, C.L. BELL, H.S. WARD, and J.C. MEEKINS did a good job at getting him off with the simple conviction of assault with a deadly weapon and a light sentence of 18 months on the roads, probably because of his advanced age. Ed GIBBS has no children. He and his wife lived alone. No doubt, the thought of having lost his last bit of property as a result of his heavy borrowings amounting to over $4000 during the Depression, had preyed on his mind. Following the shooting, several other people began to be apprehensive where it was rumored that Ed GIBBS had said he was going to kill 4 others, among them being the attorney for the Land Bank and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners
    Hyde County court was still underway Thursday afternoon, at that time being engaged in hearing the case of former Sheriff T.C. SWINDELL against T.L. SAWYER over some mules. The case of Mrs. Sally W. BLACK, against her brother, W.W. WATSON, over rights in an estate had been settled out of court. The will of Catherine DAVENPORT, largely involving 75 acres of land, contested by Geo. HODGES, was sustained.
    On motion of defense counsel, Judge THOMPSON granted a "directed verdict of not guilty" in the second degree murder trial of Billy PUGH, formerly of the New Lake section of Hyde County and now a resident of Belhaven on a charge of having shot his 16-year old son last February. Judge THOMPSON granted WILKINSON's motion when the prosecution admitted insufficient evidence to leave with the jury. (The Dare County Times - Friday, May 27, 1938; pg. 1)

On Thursday evening, December 8, Miss Juanita CAHOON was married to Joe MEDLIN of the CCC Camp, New Holland, at the home of J.C. GROCE. (The Dare County Times - Friday, December 23, 1938; pg. 7)

The marriage of Miss Kathryn B. SWINDELL of New Holland and Leslie Craig SPENCER of Swan Quarter was performed on Tuesday evening, June 18. Rev. E.G. COWAN performed the ceremony which took place at the Methodist parsonage at Swan Quarter. Mrs. SPENCER is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Cecil B. SWINDELL of New Holland. The bridegroom is the son of Mrs. Anna Spencer WILLIAMSON of Swan Quarter. (The Dare County Times - Friday, June 28, 1940; Section 3; pg. 7)

MOTOR TRIP TO OCRACOKE
Source: Hyde County Herald - Thursday, June 16, 1949; pg. 1