An NCGenWeb/USGenWeb Project
From the 12 Nov 1903 issue of the Kinston Free Press newspaper of Kinston, Lenoir County, North Carolina
Thinking a rifle was not loaded, Zach Jackson, a clerk in Hamilton, sent a ball crashing through the head of Abe Sherrod, a colored man, of good reputation. The darky may live. The citizens of Hamilton subscribed $300 for Abe’s benefit, which indicates the substantial esteem in which the man is held.
From the 12 Nov 1903 issue of the Kinston Free Press newspaper of Kinston, Lenoir County, NC
Williamston, Dated Nov. 10 – This morning at three o’clock the handsome residence of Hon. Wilson G. Lamb, on Smithwick street, was found to be on fire. The family were sleeping on the second floor and were aroused by the smell of smoke, which was so dense that the stairway was found with difficulty. Miss Mayo Lamb, with rare presence of mind, groped her way through the smoke and heat down the stair and carried her little niece to a place of safety then returned to show the way to others who were still above the stairs. The loss was about $1,500 by damage to the house and furniture.
From the March 30, 1925 issue of the Robesonian, newspaper of Lumberton, NC
A mob, numbering 50 or more, forced their way into the Martin County jail at Williamston,N.C., about 3 o’clock this morning and took therefrom Joseph A. Needleman, traveling salesman for a tobacco company, and carried him to a nearby piece of woods where a serious operation was performed upon him, according to a telephone message received here tonight from Deputy Sheriff Luther Peel, at Williamston. Needleman is now in a Washington, N.C., hospital, and his condition is regarded as serious.
Needleman, according to Deputy Peele, had been lodges in the Martin county jail on charge of making at attack on a 17 year-old girl, whome he had out riding recently. About 2:30 o’clock this morning, the deputy stated, several men went to the house of Sheriff H.T. Robeson and demanded that the keys of the jail be turned over to them. Sheriff Robeson, he said, refused to accede to the demands of the mob. Before he could dress and secure assistance, however, the men had forced the bars of the jail and removed the prisoner.
On leaving the jail the mob took Needleman to a nearby piece of woods, where the operation was performed. A knife, according to Deputy Peele, was used in performing the operation. The members of the mob then left in automobiles, leaving their victim behind. He was found a fwe minutes later by Sheriff Robeson and a posse he had organized to disperse the mob.
Sheriff Robeson, according to the deputy, is making a thorough investigation of the affair, but anticipates no further trouble. Needleman gave his age, when arrested last Friday on the assualt charge, as 21. He makes his headquarters at Kinston, N.C., but claims that his home is in New Jersey.
From the December 30, 1909 issue of the Robesonian, newspaper of Lumberton, NC
Prof. W.C. Chance, colored, principal of Higgs Industrial Institute at Parmele, Martin county, is in Lumberton canvassing for his school. He has a letter from Congressman Jno. H. Small highly recommending him. Prof. Chance got his training at the A. and M. College at Greensboro. His school was started last October, employs three teachers and emphasizes industrial work, especially agriculture. J.G. Goddard, cashier of the Martin County Bank at Williamston, is treasurer of the institution and R.J. Peele, superintendent of public instruction is secretary. Congressman Small says that Prof. Chance is doing a good work and is worthy of any assistance that may be given him.
From the December 22, 1926 issue of the Gastonia Daily Gazette, paper of Gastonia, NC
Reuben Bland Martin county, is figuring on going to the national capital to keep his story straight. Bland is the father of 34 children. He expressed resentment that representative Upshaw and the United States house of representatives made such an ado last week over a Georgia farmer with only 28. Bland claimes he is the father of the largest family in the United States.
Carolina Sentinel
6 Sep 1823
Stop the Felon! Twenty-five dollars reward will be given for apprehending and delivering to me, in this place, James Clements, who escaped from the jail of Martin County, in the town of Williamston on the night of the 25th inst. He is about fourty-eight years old, five-feet eight or ten inches high, face long, thin and rather flushed, very talkative, and fond of ardent sprits; professes to be a physician, and when walking, his toes turn up very much. — Said Clements was taken by virtue of capins issued from the county of Currituck, charged with the stealing of slaves, etc. — Edward Griffin, Sheriff.
-Williamston, July 31, 1823
Source: GenealogyBank.com
Charlotte Observer
14 Apr 1893
Williamston, NC was visited by fire this morning, which broke out in the building occupied by G. Goddard, general merchant. It quickly spread, consuming the building occupied by B.B. Watts, general merchant. The loss is about $12,000, partly covered by insurance.
Source: GenealogyBank.com